History of Sandusky County Ohio with Illustrations 1882, Part 72

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Mr. Birchard having deceased in January, 1874, his executors at sundry times transferred money and property to the possession of the treasurer of the board to the amount of the bequest. The library was opened June 2, 1874, with one thousand six hundred and eighty-three volumes. By June 2, 1875, there were four thousand two hundred and five volumes.

In order to secure a permanent site for a library building, and also to aid the city of Fremont in securing the historic site of Fort Stephenson as a park, the library board paid nine thousand dollars towards the purchase of the square now occupied by the Library Building and the City Hall, and known as Fort Stephenson Park. The board became part owners of the same, and have erected their building on a portion mutually agreed upon.

In January, 1878, a communication was received from the president of the board (at that time President of the United, States), suggesting the propriety of erecting a library building during the ensuing summer. After full consideration of the matter at several meetings, on the 14th of April, 1878, a building committee was appointed, consisting of E. Bushnell, R. P. Buckland and William E. Haynes. Under their direction the building was erected during the summer and autumn, at a cost of six thousand three hundred and sixty-nine dollars and thirty-one cents. Early in the year 1879 the library was re-moved from Birchard Hall to the new building.

The building is provided with a spacious gallery, which is used as a museum, and now contains many articles of interest secured through the kindness of ex-President Hayes, Hon. Mahlon Chance, Rev. A. Phelps, of Painesville, Mrs. Judge Ferris, of Washington, District of Columbia, and others. Room is devoted to

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such articles as may belong to the Pioneer Association of Sandusky county.

To the present writing (October, 1881) no changes have taken place in the board of directors, except such as have resulted from changes in the mayoralty of the city. The position has been occupied by J. S. Van Ness, Charles H. Bell and E. Loudensleger. The librarians have been Jessie E. McCulloch, Miss F. G. McCulloch, and Mrs. Hattie Ross, the present incumbent (October, 1881).

The number of books in the library in June, 1880, including public documents, was six thousand and seventy-five. The number drawn during the year preceding June 1, 1880, was sixteen thousand four hundred and eighty-five.

The whole square of Fort Stephenson Park is in process of improvement under the direction of the city's board of park commissioners. The library building is heated by steam conveyed through under- ground pipes from the boiler of the city Hall building.

The financial condition of the library is such that current expenses can hereafter be met, and additions of from three to five hundred volumes can be annually made.

CITY PARKS.

Towns, like individuals, during the period of early growth, should prepare for the contingencies of full maturity. Villages, surrounded by or rather scattered over spacious commons, do not need places of outdoor resort and amusement. But far different is it with a city whose inhabitants are compelled to spend the day in close rooms or dusty shops. It is highly important that for such attractive resorts should be provided where an occasional hour can be spent in health-giving exercise and the indulgence of aesthetic appetite.

Fort Stephenson, the most finely situa-

ted and most interesting of Fremont's four parks, occupies the ground included in the old stockade. The history of its purchase has been given in a previous chapter. The site is naturally elevated, and the improvement of surrounding streets has made it necessary to construct an abutting wall on all four sides. This improvement was completed in 1881 at a large outlay of money. The library building stands near the western side, the city hall at the northeast corner, and heavy stone stairways at each of the other corners leading to circling walks. In the centre stands mounted "Old Bess," an enduring monument of an heroic day. This old cannon has often spoken

What bloody carnage then befell The foes of great Ohio.

She was returned to Fremont in 1852, through the efforts of B. J. Bartlett. At the 2d of August celebration of that year a local poet apostrophised as follows:

Perhaps like Hamlet's ghost you've come This day, to celebrate the fame Of Croghan's honored, worthy name- The hero of Ohio.

Court-House Park occupies the square opposite the court-house. This space was set apart for a park mainly by Platt Brush, and is so recorded in the Brush addition to the town of Lower Sandusky, made in 1840. Two small or fractional lots have since been added to the original reservation, making the park co-extensive with the square. The tract is enclosed by a substantial fence, and is well shaded by thrifty maples. A band stand and speakers' stand for public meetings have been placed near the centre.

Two other parks are the gifts of Sardis Birchard. One is a small three-cornered tract at the corner of Buckland and Birchard avenues, and named Diamond Park. The other is an important addition to the public property of the city. The tract is large enough for any public gathering, and is highly favored

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in respect to topography. It is well shaded by native forest trees, and already possesses many of the elements of an attractive, quiet resort. Its location is in the extreme western part of the city, far removed from the annoying bustle of business, but within easy walking distance from any of the upper avenues.

These parks are annually growing in value as the city grows up around them. All except one have been donations of liberal spirited citizens for the public good. The other was fortunately purchased at a low sum, considering its commanding location and proximity to the business centre of the city.

STREETS AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS.

The city in general is laid out in squares, with streets of convenient width. It was, of course, impossible to adhere to rigid regularity in this particular, on account of the turnpike angling through the center in one direction, and the river in another. Few of the streets are numbered. Nearly all bear historic names. The names of the two chief commanders on Fort Stephenson day are perpetuated in the names of the streets passing the two points of attack, Croghan on the north and Garrison on the south. The most beautiful avenue leading westward bears the name of a man who spent fifty years of his life here, and who proved his town love by bequeathing to the city's interests, and for the use of her citizens, more than seventy thousand dollars' worth of property. One of the branches of Birchard avenue is Buckland avenue, named in honor of a man yet living, the story of whose life is told elsewhere.

On the opposite side of the city are Justice street and Rawson avenue. Many other streets and avenues are named in honor of historical characters or honored citizens.

Nothing gives a town so much freshness

and beauty as well shaded streets. A fertile soil has contributed to the rapid growth of trees in all parts of the city. Almost every street and avenue is fringed with an unbroken line of maples on both sides. Much credit is due in this connection to General R. P. Buckland, who set a worthy example and followed it with influential' precept.

Croghan street is travelled more by heavy vehicles than any other highway in the city. It was found necessary, a few years ago, to substitute for ordinary lime-stone macadamizing more substantial paving material. In 1874 the council resolved to pave this street with Medina (New York) stone, and provide for effectual sewerage. The paving was completed at a cost of twenty-four thousand dollars.

FIRE DEPARTMENT .*

The first effort in this direction was an ordinance passed by the town council May 12, 1843, when R. P. Buckland was mayor, and David E. Field recorder. It was en-titled "An ordinance relating to fire buckets." By this ordinance owners and occupants were required to procure for each house a leather bucket, holding not less than two and a half gallons; and to keep it at or near the front door of the house, for the use of the inhabitants in case of fire, and to be used for no other purpose. The initials of the owner's name were required to be painted on the outside of the bucket, in plain letters. This ordinance was promptly obeyed, and for a time these black leather buckets formed a conspicuous appendage to every house.

March 13, 1844, under the administration of the same mayor and recorder, an ordinance was passed "To organize the fire department;" that is, a hook and ladder company.

On the 26th of the same month, the same mayor, recorder, and trustees ap-

* Written by Hon. Homer Everett.

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pointed Stephen C. Smith chief engineer, Robert Caldwell first assistant, Michael Huffman second assistant.

Under this ordinance a hook and ladder company was organized, which did service until 1853, a period of about ten years.

An engine to be worked by hand was contracted for in January, 1851, and on the 3d of March, 1853, an ordinance was passed to organize engine company number one, and hook and ladder company number one.

The old organization gave place to the new.

During the time of this purchase and the organization of these companies, Brice J. Bartlett was mayor, and T. P. Finefrock was recorder of the village, and Mayor Bartlett was zealous and efficient in bringing about the organization.

After the great fire of 1835 in New York, premiums were offered by insurance com- panies for plans of steam fire engines. In 1841 one was built from plans by Mr. Hodges, but it was too heavy and was finally abandoned. The honor of a successful invention was reserved (as many other great affairs are) for an Ohio man.

Early in 1853, and probably about the time we purchased our hand engine, A. B. Latta, of Cincinnati, introduced his steam fire engine into successful operation in the Queen City.

July 5, 1865, the city council, namely, A. J. Harris, George Williams, Oscar Ball, Charles Thompson, and Frederick Fabing; D. W. Krebs, recorder; H: Everett, mayor, passed an ordinance authorizing F. I. Norton to buy a steam fire engine, subject to the approval of the council.

This movement resulted in the purchase of the steamer which was named McPherson, and a quantity of hose which was de-livered, tested, and accepted about the 1st of October following. The cost of engine and hose amounted to about six thousand

dollars. This engine was almost destroyed when the engine house burned, but was repaired or made over and is now in service.

January 6, 1874, the city council bought what is now known as steam fire engine number one, manufactured by Clapp & Jones, for four thousand dollars.

The council, at this time, consisted of Jacob Bauman, Fred Fabing, George Greiner, James Kridler, Joseph Stuber, and F. J. Geibel; E. F. Dickinson, mayor. ' The hand engine has for several years been on the east side of the river. Until 1870 each engine was managed by a separate company, and all were volunteers.

In the year 1870 the department was reorganized and all the engines and com- panies were placed in the charge of a chief engineer, E. H. Underhill, who has since remained in charge, except a short time when Peter Stine was chief, and an-other when Captain M. E. Tyler was chief engineer.

In 1872 the east side company was merged. It consisted of about thirty men who had been paid one dollar and a-half each, for every fire they attended.

The present organization consists of twenty men, including officers-one chief, and one first, and one second assistant chief. The men are paid five dollars per month, and the chief one hundred dollars a year.

The total cost to the city .for maintaining the fire department now, after deducting earnings of the horses at outside service, is about one thousand five hundred dollars a year.

The steam engines are kept together, well stored and cared for in the basement of the City Hall building.

Insurance agents and firemen from abroad say this is the cheapest and most efficient organization in the State. These excellencies are largely to be accredited to

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the tact, steadiness, and energy of the present worthy chief, E. H. Underhill.

This brief outline enables us at once to see the progress made in means to resist the destroying element, and prevent the destruction of life and property. We have progressed from the leather bucket to-the steam fire engine in thirty-five years. Though we may be so fortunate as to have no fires, still it will be wise to maintain the organization, for no one can tell how soon it may be needed. Again, the expense is fully compensated in easier and cheaper insurance on our property, resulting from our ability to cope with fire if it does occur.

The duties of a fireman are akin to those of the soldier. He encounters privation, hard labor, and danger, for the benefit of others for little pay. His service is in a degree patriotic, and he seeks his reward in the sense of doing good and hoping to be honored by those he serves.

The foregoing is a brief history of the fire department as it stood in 1879. On the 25th day of October, 1881, we find many improvements and additions which greatly facilitate the working of the department, and improve its promptness on call. There are now two steam fire engines in the town, one manufactured by Clapp & Jones, and the other made by Button & Son. Two thousand feet of hose are constantly kept dry and in good order. Four hose carts are always ready, as is also a fine hook and ladder truck, well furnished with excellent extension ladders. There are four sets of swinging harness, so arranged and hung on each side of the tongue of the carriages and engines to be moved, that when the horse takes his place the harness drops upon him, and he is buckled in and hitched in a moment.

The steam fire engines are constantly, day and night, kept heated with steam up

to a pressure of from five to ten pounds to the square inch. There is no hose-tower in which to dry the hose of this department, and for a long time, especially in winter and rainy weather, much difficulty was encountered in keeping the hose in order and preserving the sections ready at all times for use.

Dr. Charles F. Reiff, the present efficient chief of the department, has obviated the difficulty in drying and preserving the hose by an ingenious invention of his own. The apparatus consists of a small boiler, which generates steam, heats an air chamber, and forces the hot air through the hose when it is screwed on to an attachment tube the size of the hose. With this contrivance, the hose are kept in good order, and are well preserved, ready for use at all times. The same chief has invented an ingenious method of kindling fire under the boiler the moment it moves, without the aid of a hand to look after it. This is done by two small vials of chemicals inserted in an auger-hole in a block of wood and placed under the kindling and coal. The vials are surrounded by a cord, which is attached to a chain fastened to the floor by a staple or rivet in the rear of the steamer. The moment the steamer is moved forward the cord breaks the vials, and a powerful combustion is caused by the mingling of the chemicals within them, and the fire is strongly burning in an instant. These inventions, with many conveniences introduced by Chief Reiff, have greatly improved the fire department of Fremont.

The department now keeps and uses four black horses, which are well kept in a room adjoining that in which the engines are stored, and always ready.

At the present time the force of men engaged in the fire department of the city, and their pay, is as follows: Charles F. Rieff, chief of department, salary one hun-

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dred. dollars per year; A. M. June, engineer, salary one hundred dollars per year; John Fend (who is also assistant chief), William Lang (stoker), George Fend, Robert F. Hidber, Frank Myers, George Grable, Stephen Cook, Ed Schwartz, Charles Miller, John Donaho, William Burgess, Charles Bump, and Philip Dutt, the whole force consisting of seventeen men. These minute- men are paid one dollar and fifty cents for each fire they attend, and thus far have proved

prompt and efficient under the present or- ganization.

The alarm bell over the city hall is so arranged that it can be rung by cords on both the inside and outside of the engine-room. The engine-room has also connection by telephone with every part of the city. These, with a published and posted signal for alarms, enables the people and the department to act with great promptness and efficiency whenever the devouring element makes its appearance.

CHAPTER XXIX.

FREMONT-PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Village Schools and Teachers-Graded Schools and School Officers.

THE first school-house in Fremont was I erected about the year 1816, on the site of the present High School building, a few rods west of Fort Stephenson (then standing) and within three years after the heroic defence of that fort by Colonel Croghan.

It was constructed of rough, unhewn logs, cut from the surrounding trees and hastily put together by the joint efforts of the early settlers. Oiled paper took the place of glass in the windows, and the seats were of the most primitive construction. It was replaced in 1817 by a more substantial structure, erected on the same site, fronting east, and built of hewn logs, with some such improvements as glass windows, a row of desks around the walls, and a blazing fire- place at the eastern extremity.

TEACHERS .*

In recording the names of such of the early teachers of our common schools as we have been able to find, we may mention Mr. Jocelyn, Dr. Gooding, Miss Beebe, Mr. Bradley, Dr. Brainard, and Ezra and Justus Williams; but we cannot name them in regular order from 1819 to 1828, except E. B. Johnson and Mr. Simms, who taught in 1824 and 1825.

During the winter of 1818-19 a select school was taught by Mrs. Lysander C. Ball, in one of the rooms of old Fort Stephenson, and she says that one of her pupils was an Indian boy, whose capacity for learning was quite equal to that of her brightest scholars, and he was so considered by the rest, and respected accordingly. Mrs. Ball was born February 15, 1800, and is still living (1881) in her

*Contributed to the Centennial Educational Volume published by the State authorities.

* What is said under this head is the contribution of Dr. Thomas McCune.

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old home near Fremont; a well-preserved old lady, cheerful, kind-hearted, and highly respected by the whole community.

Samuel Crowell, from Virginia, was engaged in the common schools in 1828 and 1829; he was a fine teacher and a very worthy man. He was afterwards twice elected sheriff of Sandusky county.

Edson Goit came next, who taught in 1830 and 1831; he then studied law, was admitted to the Bar in 1833, and died at Bowling Green in 1879. He was a man of superior ability and leaves an honorable record.

Wilson M. Stark was engaged in teaching from 1836 to 1839 inclusive; he was then appointed postmaster, and afterwards elected county treasurer for four years, and then county superintendent of schools; he was highly respected as a fine scholar and teacher, a thorough business man, a gentleman of strict integrity, and thoroughly qualified for every position he was called to fill; he died, in 1864, honored and loved by all.

Horace E. Clark, after teaching a number of years, was elected county surveyor seven years, and county auditor four years; he died at Lower Sandusky, and is remembered as a very worthy citizen.

One of the most prominent and efficient pioneer teachers of Sandusky county was John W. Case, who came to Lower Sandusky about the year 1834, and served the people as teacher for about ten years with eminent success, and he has always stood so high in the estimation of this community, as a scholar, teacher, and Christian gentleman, that we feel assured our readers will justify us in presenting to them an epitome of his history, which we clip from a report of the proceedings of the Muskingum Methodist Protestant conference in 1877.

The committee on obituaries reported

touching the life and death of Rev. John W. Case as follows:

WHEREAS, Death has visited our conference during the past year and removed from our midst one of our pioneers, as well as a revered father of the church; and

WHEREAS, We believe that the name and services of such a minister of Christ should not be forgotten, therefore,

Resolved, That we, as a conference, join in recording the following facts in regard to the deceased: Rev. John W. Case was born in October, 18o8, in Orange county, New York. He was converted and united with the Baptist church in his sixteenth year. He was married in August, 1829, to Miss Rachel M. Bylia of New York city. He taught school in Georgia, New York city, Rochester, Adams' Basin, and Lower Sandusky. When he moved to Ohio, he united with the Methodist Protestant church. In 1839 he was licensed to preach; and in 1841 he was admitted into the itineracy. He preached and labored on the following circuits and stations: Bellevue, Bucyrus, Coshocton, Pleasant Hill, Steubenville, Vienna, Mount Pleasant, Belmont, Zanesville, Pennsville, Wellsville, Cambridge, Pisgah, Otsego, Huntingdon, Richwood, and Lewistown. On all these fields of labor Brother Case was highly esteemed, and he still lives in the memories and hearts of these people. His dear companion was a true wife, a loving mother, and a sympathizing co- laborer; she died August 24, 1874, in great peace. He was again married to Mrs. Mary Conning, of York, Medina county, Ohio, June, 1876, with whom he lived in harmony until March, 1899, the day of his death. He was buried at Hartwood, Tuscarawas county, by the side of his first wife. Thus rests a veteran of the cross.

To which we append the following poetic address delivered by Dr. Thomas McCune, of Fremont, Ohio, at the r& union of the John W. Case association held at the court- house during the annual pioneer meeting, September 6, 1881.

REMINISCENCES OF LOWER SANDUSKY.

Dear schoolmates, do I dream once more, Or am I as in the days of yore,

Again in Lower Sandusky?

It's now past forty years, you know, Since 'round these streets we used to go With youthful feelings all aglow, In that old Lower Sandusky.

Those times were grand, those girls and boys Were happy in their youthful joys, In good old Lower Sandusky.

Our minds were free from anxious care,

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Our sports and pastimes all might share, And roguish mischief was not rare, In that old Lower Sandusky.

That old brick school-house where we met Is sacred in our memories yet,

In good old Lower Sandusky.

The log, and stone-house on the hill, Come back in memory sacred still To all our hearts with vivid thrill, From that old Lower Sandusky,

There we were wont from day to day To con our lessons, laugh and play, In that old Lower Sandusky;

And when at last our school was out We bounded homeward with a shout,

And people knew we were about That good old Lower Sandusky.

John W. Case, upon the hill, Our youthful memories tried to fill In that old Lower Sandusky,

With Webster, Daboll, Kirkham's rules,

To wisely shun the fate of fools, And learn the truths then taught in schools, In good old Lower Sandusky.

A generation's passed away, Since we were happy in our play In that old Lower Sandusky;

But we are spared to meet once more, And greet each other as before,

E're we go hence forever more, From dear old Lower Sandusky.

Then let us now recall once more, The names and friends we knew of yore In that old Lower Sandusky,

Miranda, Orrin, Joe and Sam, Miss Emily Hunt and Sally Ann, And Casper Smith, the furniture man, All lived in Lower Sandusky.

Miss Nancy Justice, Minerva, too, With Chauncey Roberts, a jolly crew, Lived then in Lower Sandusky. Miss Sarah Bell and Williams Joe, With Mary Case and Catharine-O., And Kridler Jim, now white as snow, Belonged to Lower Sandusky.

George Momenne and Tristam Hull, With Capper Tom, of mischief full, In that old Lower Sandusky.

George Loveland, always on the wing, Ed. Hawkins, of the genuine ring, And Leppelman the jewelry king, All boys of Lower Sandusky.

Pierre Beaugrand and Betsey Brainard; Nancy, too, and Washington Maynard, Were here in Lower Sandusky;

Miss Sylvia Roberts, Shannon Jim, The boys and girls respected him; And Mary Hafford, neat and trim, All there in Lower Sandusky.

Miss Hannah Bates and Delia Ann,

Nett Shepardson and Hafford Sam,

Were there in Lower Sandusky;

Orland Smith and Thomas Nyce, With Eveline and William Rice, With other girls and boys as nice, Were here in Lower Sandusky.

Almira Hafford, Frances Case

Were often foremost in the race

To spell in Lower Sandusky;

But Charles B. Tyler, Herbster Bill, Would manage with consummate skill To come out best and beat them still, In jolly old Sandusky.

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History of Sandusky County Ohio with Illustrations 1882, Part 72

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