USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. I > Part 24
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"In the Blackfork valley-especially the part taken from Richland and given to Ashland county-there are numerous mounds and other earth- works, only a few can be considered in the limit of this paper.
"On the southwest quarter of section 17, Green township, half a mile northwest of Greentown, there was in the years agone a circular embankment embracing about half an acre of ground. The embankment was about five feet in height in the days of old Greentown. There was a 'gate-way' to the west, about twelve feet wide. In the center of the enclosure there was a mound into which excavations were made about fifty years ago to the depth of nine feet, which appeared to be the depth of the artificial work. Coal, wood and feathers were found in the lower strata.
"Within a mile east of Greentown there was a similar embankment, embracing an acre of ground, but there was no mound within this enclosure.
"The Parr 'fort' was a circular earth-work, about seven feet high and twelve to fourteen feet in diameter at the base. It enclosed an area of about three acres. Very near it on the east side stood a large mound, from which copper beads and stone implements have been taken. About seventy years ago the late Dr. Henderson had these mounds opened, and in them were found human bones, decayed wood, charcoal, a stone pipe and a copper wedge. The wedge created quite a sensation at the time as it was supposed to be gold.
"The Darling 'fort,' in the Clearfork valley, below St. Johns, was an- other earth-work containing nearly three acres. When first discovered by Judge Peter Kinney, in 1810, its embankment was about three feet high, covered with forest trees centuries old. In this 'fort' stone axes and other implements were found.
"There is a small mound at the northern limit of the city of Mansfield near the 'Medicine Spring.' It is about fifteen rods in length and five in breadth. This mound or knoll is, perhaps, a natural elevation, although
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some think it is an artificial mound on account of its geometrical proportions and its geographical alignment, and its 'eastern position' suggests that it might have been built for an altar upon which to offer religious rites. It is not known that any exhumation has ever been made, and the origin of the knoll, whether natural or artificial, is a matter of conjecture.
"The Lafferty mound, about which there is so much speculative query as to whether its formation was of geological or archaeological origin, with about an equal division of opinion, is situate four miles east of Bellville, on Uriah Lafferty's farm.
"The mound is one hundred feet in height and its base covers an area of six acres. It is oblong in shape. extending east and west, and is as sym- metrical as though it had been planned by an architect and rounded with a mason's trowel.
"The size of the mound does not preclude the probability that it is an artificial earth-work for Nebuchadnezzar built a mound four times as high within the walls of the city of Babylon to please a caprice of his wife.
"As the Lafferty mound has never been opened nor scientifically exam- ined, theories as to its origin and formation are largely speculative.
"The valley in which the Lafferty mound stands has been called the garden spot of Richland county, and is as beautiful in its scenic landscapes as it is rich and productive in its soil.
"From the summit of the mound, the view to the west is one of enhanc- ing beauty. In the distance, hill-tops notch the horizon and lift their green crowns in a summer day, through the clear, soft atmosphere, into the azure sky, making a landscape view of surpassing loveliness.
There is an ancient earth-work two miles east of Mansfield that is but little known by our people of today, although it was surveyed and mapped by the county surveyor in October, 1878. It is situate on the Balliett farm, and is approached by the road leading east from the top of the Sherman hill, and is the most noted of its kind within the present limit of Richland county.
"These works are upon an elevation at the east side of the head of Spook Hollow, and consist of an opal-shaped embankment or fort five hun- dred and ninety-four feet long, by two hundred and thirty-eight feet wide in the center, and contains two and two-third acres. Southwest of the fort. seven hundred and ten feet, there is a spring at the side of the ravine from which a copious flow of water issues in all seasons of the year.
"Directly south of the 'fort,' upon the side of the hill leading to the old stage road, is the furnace which is an excavation walled with stone like a well and is called a 'furnace,' as charcoal, charred bones and evidences that fire had been used there were found at the bottom of the drift with which the place was filled. This 'furnace' is about five feet across, is cir- cular in form and its uses and purposes must be conjectured.
"At the east side of the fort there were a number of depressions, vary- ing from four to twenty feet, but they have been so filled up in the tilling of the land as to be nearly obliterated. In excavating one of these depressions at the time of the survey. at a depth of eight feet, a drift was struck leading
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toward the fort. Geographically, the 'fort' was platted upon longitudinal lines and upon geometrical measurements, and the depressions were vari- ously located with relative mathematical distances, all giving evidences that the people who planned and made and occupied these works were well ad- vanced in mathematics.
"Since their day and occupancy large forest trees have grown upon these earth-works-trees of at least six centuries' growth. These works are relics of that pre-historic age of which much has been written and but little is known. The perspective view of the fort in the outline is still discernible from the road, and the location was well chosen, as it commands a fine view of the valley opening to the south. Looking over and beyond Spook Hollow, which with its weird traditions, lies at the base of the hill, a valley of garden- like loveliness is presented and the landscape picture extends for miles, embracing the hills in the far distance, amid which the spire upon the church steeple at Cesarea can be seen.
"What connection, if any, existed between the Mound Builders and the Indians is yet unsettled. But it appears certain that many years before Columbus discovered America, the Mound Builders had settlements here in Richland county, as these ancient earthworks attest. That the people were not unacquainted with war is shown by their numerous fortified enclosures. These mounds and other antiquities give us some knowledge of a people that lived here when civilization was but in the dawn in Europe. The history of our own country is at least as interesting as that of the land of Pharaohs, or of storied Greece, for here we see evidence of an ancient culture, as well as the footprints of a vanished people.
"It is claimed by writers that the Mound Builders were of Asiastic origin and were, as a people, immense in numbers and well advanced in many of the arts. Similarity in certain things indicates that they were of Phoenician descent. Of the Mound Builders we have speculated much and know but little.
"A local writer claimed that the Richland-Ashland mounds do not belong to the pre-historic class-that they were made at a more recent period, that they were built in the Seventeenth century by the Eries to protect their people from the invasions of the Iroquois tribe.
"When Judge Kinney and party felled trees that had grown upon the earth-works at the Darling 'fort' the 'growths' showed that the trees had been growing there several centuries before the war between the Eries and the Six Nations. The same is true of the 'fort' near Spook Hollow, and at other places.
"When looking at the past, let us recognize the fact that nations as well as individuals pass away and are forgotten.
"Some of our mounds were used as sepulchers for the dead, and should not be desecrated-even in the interest of historical research and investigation
DEDICATION OF THE MANSFIELD BLOCKHOUSE, 1907
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"An old-time poet wrote :
'Oh, Mound ! consecrated before The white man's foot e'er trod our shore, To battle's strife and valour's grave, Spare! oh, spare, the buried brave!
'A thousand winters passed away, And yet demolished not the clay, Which on yon hillock held in trust The quiet of the warrior's dust.
'The Indian came and went again; Hle hunted through the lengthened plain ; And from the mound he oft behield The present silent battlefield.
'But did the Indian e'er presume, To violate that ancient tomb? Ah, no! he had the soldier grace Which spares the soldier's resting place.
'It is alone for Christian hand To sever that sepulchral band, Whichever to the view is -pread, To bind the living to the dead."
"Some may say why attempt to roll back the flight of years to learn of a pre-historic people, for the searchlight of investigation makes but little impression on the night of time. We have no data on which to base an estimate as to the antiquity of man, but we can contemplate the great period of geological times, and the infinite greatne-s of the works of creation. as disclosed by astronomy with man's primeval condition, as made evident by archaeology, and exclaim: 'What is man that Thou art mindful of him!
THE DEDICATION OF THE MANSFIELD BLOCKHOUSE.
On the afternoon of Thursday. November 15, 1906. the Mansfield block- house, then recently rebuilt on the courthouse lawn. in memory of the pioneers of Richland county and the soldiers of the war of 1812, was for- mally dedicated with great ceremony, in the presence of a large concourse of people. General R. Brinkerhoff, president of the Richland County His- torical society, called the meeting to order, and in an interesting way spoke of the early history of the county, its first white settlers, the first settler of Mansfield and the laying out of the city. He told of the creation of the two blockhouses on the public square of Mansfield, as a protection against the Indians, and how one of these later became the courthouse, the upper floor for the court, and the lower as a jail. Bids were received for the alterations necessary in converting the blockhouse into a courthouse, and the bid on which the contract was awarded was $46, with an additional $2 for a hand- rail for the outside stairway. Later requirements demanded a more
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commodious courthouse, and the old blockhouse was sold at public auction and removed to Virgin alley, now known as Center street, where it remained until recently purchased by the Centennial commission. The second Rich- land county courthouse was also built of hewn logs. and in addition to answering the purposes of a courthouse and jail, was used for religious meet- ings. In 1827 a third courthouse was built at a cost of about $3,000, and this, with occasional improvements, lasted nearly fifty years, when the pres- ent courthouse was built.
Following the address of General Brinkerhoff came the formal dedica- tion of the blockhouse, by the Hon. Huntington Brown, president of the Cen- tennial commission.
A detachment of soldiers from Company M was present at the dedication and lent a military touch to the exercises.
The people then formed into line and marched to the opera house, where further exercises were held. The opera house was crowded to its utmost capacity, and many were unable to gain admittance to the hall.
There was also a large attendance of school children at the exercises, particularly from the classes engaged in the study of United States history, seats at the opera house having been reserved for the delegation of school children and for the ladies of Mansfield Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, which organization attended in a body. The program was a very entertaining and instructive one, being of particular interest to those who had given any time to the study of the history of Mansfield and Rich- and county.
During the course of the programme several fine selections were ren- dered by a chorus of fifty voices under the direction of Professor Bellingham, and made up of pupils of the public and parochial schools. Solos were also sung by Miss Irene Carroll and Miss Minnie Martin, all of the musical numbers for the occasion being along patriotic lines.
After the invocation, which was by the Rev. F. A. Schreiber, the city's greeting was extended by Mayor W. F. Voegele, Jr.
ADDRESS OF MAYOR VOEGELE.
In speaking of the purpose of the Centennial commission in bringing about the rebuilding of the blockhouse, Mayor Voegele said that it was simply preparatory to the centennial celebration of next year and went on to say: "This old blockhouse is the visible monument erected to the respect, honor and glory of those who first laid the broad foundation for this beauti- ful city, and whose frugality and enterprise has been felt in each succeeding generation through, lo, these many years. It is, therefore, especially fitting that we should assemble on an occasion of this sort to pay tribute to the pio- neers of this county; to show our sympathy for their sufferings incurred through the violence of savages and from the devastation of disease and famine, incident to those days in the wilderness; and to record our gratitude for their labors, for they builded better than they knew. It gives me pleas- ure to publicly express my sincere appreciation to the Hon. Huntington Brown, president, and the members of the Centennial commission, who have
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LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE BLOCKHOUSE
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given so largely of their time in order that the one hundredth anniversary of the foundation of our city might be properly celebrated, and that these exercises might go down in the history of this county as a fitting tribute. This service is proof to the generations which are to follow, that we hold the blessings and privileges transmitted from our fathers in just estimation. I wish also to thank the committee for the pleasant duty assigned to me on this occasion, that of extending the city's greetings to our distinguished guests, for I assure you that I deem it most pleasant and a high honor. We appre- ciate, kind friends from abroad, the interest manifested by you in these ceremonies.
"Therefore, as chief executive of the city of Mansfield, and in behalf of its citizens generally, I extend to each one of you a most happy greeting and a city's gratitude."
The address of greeting was briefly responded to by the Hon. Hunting- ton Brown, who spoke in behalf of the Centennial commission.
The next address on the program was that of A. J. Baughman, secre- tary of the Centennial commission, who spoke in part as follows:
ADDRESS OF SECRETARY.
Our meeting today is commemoratory of the founding of Mansfield and inauguratory of the proposed celebration to be held on the centennial anniversary of that event which will be held on June 11, 1908.
In this great westward march of civilization people came to Ohio and to Richland county as early as 1807, and a little settlement was formed at what was later known as Beam's Mills. It was known that a new county would soon be formed and land owners were looking around to locate a county seat. At first it was thought that the Beam's Mills location would be chosen, but later the Mansfield site was selected, and in 1808. a plat was surveyed and the prospective town was named Mansfield, in honor of Colonel Jarad Mansfield. the surveyor. Four years after its founding. and while the town only had a few families living in log cabin buildings. the United States engaged in its second war with Great Britain, known in history as the war of 1812. During the war, forts and blockhouses were necessary to protect the settlers from the assaults of the Indians. The Indians in this war were the allies of the British. as they had been during the War of the Revolution. At first the pioneers got along as peaceably as could be expected with the Indians, and it was not until after Hull's surrender, August 16. 1812. that the settlers began the erection of blockhouses, into which they could retreat for safety when outbreaks were impending. The militia of the state was called out and the first companies that came to Mansfield built two block- houses, one of which we have ro-erected and dedicated today.
After the battle of the Thames. October 5. 1813, blockhouses, as a rule. went out of commission. A few months prior to this Richland county had been formally organized under the legislative act of January 7. 1813. Ou the 24th of July the commissioners made certain alterations in the block- house to make it suitable for a courthouse and jail. and as such it was used until 1815. when another courthouse was built.
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At the last meeting of the Richland County Historical Society a centen- nial commission was created, of which the Hon. Huntington Brown is president, and the first work of the commission inauguratory of the celebra- tion of the centennial anniversary of Mansfield, June, 1908, was to purchase the hewed log blockhouse which had stood on Center avenue ever since its re- moval from the public square, ninety-two years ago, and had the same taken down and removed to the courthouse lawn where it was re-erected last October.
Ohio was the battle ground where the savages tried to stop the tide of civilization in its onward course across the American continent, and Richland county was the stage on which some of the bloody tragedies of that strife were enacted. It was a conflict between civilization and barbarism. The former conquered and the latter receded in obedience to the plan by which people have ever moved westward in the way of destiny and in the paths of which have arisen the splendid monuments of civilization.
It has been said that the ear held close to the dead earth in winter hears the million wheels on which spring is coming. By faith the pioneers heard the wheels on which a new era of civilization was coming-the civilization that has made Mansfield the city it is today.
The early history of Rome is shrouded in myth and fable, but the pioneer history of Richland county is an open book. It is interesting to trace a country's history from its beginning and follow society in its formative state and note its material developments and scientific achievements.
The pioneers of Richland county have passed away and we today enjoy many utilities that have been brought about since their day and generation. We are benefited by the fruits of their labor and seek to commemorate their great work by celebrating the centennial anniversary of the city they founded. And also to commemorate their services and brave deeds of the soldiers of the war of 1812, who won victory over their dual foe in the British over the Indians.
"The Soldiers of the War of 1812" was the subject of an excellent address delivered by the Rev. Father Mulhane, of Mount Vernon, an orator who has won recognition all over the country by his lectures on war subjects.
In an address on the subject of "The Old Blockhouse," the Hon. M. B. Bushnell spoke of a number of interesting things in connection with the history of the ancient building.
The part that the woman of pioneer days played in the great drama of American history has in many instances been touched on but lightly. The subject, "Pioneer Women," was treated interestingly in the address of Mrs. Lyman A. Strong, of which the following is a part :
ADDRESS BY MRS. STRONG.
What of the women of pioneer days-they seem to have been forgotten, so little is written now of their noble deeds and dreadful sacrifices for their loved ones. A few, perhaps, have received the notice due, but what is that in comparison with the pages devoted to the men of pioneer days?
DELIVERING MATERIAL FOR THE MANSFIELD BLOCKHOUSE, AUGUST, 1907
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Shall we let the blockhouse, as being the only surviving witness of the horrors of those times, tell us a little story of personal experience and observation ?
And this is what it says to us: "In this peaceful spot I trust to have come to rest until the end of my days, and as it is ever with the old, comes back to me the memory of other days."
My first recollections are of opening my eyes on a vast forest surrounded by lurking dangers, seen and unseen. Many friends flocked about me, and together we braved the frightful dangers we knew were in store for us. Days and nights there were when was heard the growl of the bear, the snarling cry of the wolf and the screech of the wild cat; but sure of safety from all these fierce creatures, we slept in peace until high over all sounded the blood- curdling war whoop of the dreaded Indian. Then wild confusion reigned. Did these pioneer women sit down and weep, or were they up and doing? Busy hands, with incredible speed. loaded heavy guns and many times. with steady aim, sighted and killed the invader. Wounds were dressed with gentle hands and breaking hearts, for, perhaps, mangled and dead by her side lay her dearest, and in her heart the fear of her own dreadful fate. If, in the providence of God, she was spared to see the breaking of day end the horrors of the night and returned to her cabin what comfort had she there to rest her tired frame and anxious mind? There was the breakfast to prepare for famished men and children ; a dead log in a cold fireplace to coax with infinite patience into flame-not the quick heat of the gas jet at her instant con- venience. Water must be had only by a rush to the spring, with danger at every step-not had as now in steady stream by the turn of the hand. Corn must be sent on the back of a horse to the rude, little mill and quickly re- turned in meal, for the great Dutch oven will be heated and ready for the unbaked staff of life, for no cart with tinkling bell will stop before her door to hand out the brown loaf; and when the dreaded night appears, no dazzling light illumes her home with the magic touch of a button, but only a little pan with a lump of grease and a rag for a wiek, giving about as much light as a lightning bug, must suffice for her work on the spinning wheel. Her "club" was composed of a distaff and flax and her "prize" a fine hank of yarn which, when knitted with tired fingers, furnished the family with necessary footwear for the hard winter season. Every article of clothing was spun. woven and made by the mother's own hand.
Nowadays, with fashion's changing styles, almost in pace with the moon. there, perhaps, would be some criticism on the hang of the skirt. the fit of the waist and the absence of the crease on the unmentionable worn by the men. but when "ignorance is bliss," etc., and the garments were accepted. the pioneer woman tailor was never "held up," except for "repairs." Later came. the sewing machine and then the "father of all evils" gave to suffering humanity his masterpiece-the "sweat-shop."
What would have been her delight if. at the ring of a bell, the voice of her dearest friend and nearest neighbor a mile away in the howling wilder- ness should have sounded in her ear for a few moments of gossip on family
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or social affairs. But all this was reserved with the germ of the telephone in the brain of her boy for her sister of a later day.
Bad Indians there were in those days and some good ones, it was said, but this is a matter of considerable doubt.
We may find many, many instances illustrating the bravery of the pioneer women and their resourceful character in bold act- of heroism equal to that displayed by the bravest men of any time.
The blockhouse says there were many lives lost before its door, and within its friendly walls three babes opened their eyes on the sorrows and troubles of those times, descendants of whom are citizens of Mansfield now.
More adventurous souls came to the little settlement; more cabins were built ; more clearings made and the fields cultivated, and gradually there grew around me a larger band of brave and true men and women. Soon the little schoolhouse was built, and the merchant came with his wares and goods, but the blockhouse was still the refuge and protector of the feeble settlement, and when in later times the necessity of using my shelter passed away and I was called upon for assistance in dispensing justice, I gave the best accom- modations I had, which, in comparison with my towering green and red neighbor of today, were limited and very humble, but I can in good faith affirm that the learned justices of my day never misread the law, juries never disagreed and the law and order leagues were unknown.
We have tried to picture the life of the pioneer woman and what she accomplished unassisted in her fight with her surroundings, but, after all, little do we realize her sacrifices and the bitter struggles she endured. The various accomplishments of the very much emancipated woman of this age are so well written up that further comment seems out of place, but we can dream of the women of the years to come. for we who are now here will, without doubt, be with them in some shape, not revealed to mortal eyes, and rejoice over their grand achievements and sorrow over failures. What a blessing it will seem to housekeepers to know that the dear man has his dinner in his vest pocket-or, perhaps, in a small tin box just at present. but when Christmas comes he is to have a beautiful gift of silver or gold with his monogram. The day of washing will have lost all its terrors, now that it is only to open a door and place the garment in the chamber of compressed air. This same current will with noiseless, unseen brooms obliterate all particles of dust from carpets and furniture. All will share alike in the bounty of heaven. There will be no vaults filled from floor to ceiling with gold which the owners never see or need. A universal style in all things will be adopted, therefore no incentive for competition in owning fine outfits of any description. The atmosphere will be so highly impregnated with the elements of knowledge, wisdom and experience that the child will absorb from the mother and come into the world with a mind full-fledged, so no school- houses will be needed, and the funds which in this day are required for their erection and maintenance can be used, we will say, to build hospitals (for by that time the world will be fully supplied with Carnegie libraries). If the hospitals should still be needed, which might be a question, as with other
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