History of Seneca County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, school, churches, industries, etc., portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of the Northwest territory; history of Ohio; statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc, Part 15

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1088

USA > Ohio > Seneca County > History of Seneca County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, school, churches, industries, etc., portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of the Northwest territory; history of Ohio; statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 15

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Logan County was settled about the year 1806. During the war of 1812, it was a rendezvous for friendly Indians. Bellefontaine, the county seat, was laid out March 18, 1820, on land owned by John Tulles and William Powell. Joseph Gordon built a cabin, and Anthony Ballard erected the first frame dwelling.

Gen. Simon Kenton is buried at the head of Mad River, five miles from Bellefontaine. He died April 29, 1836, aged eighty-one years and twenty-six days. This remarkable man came West, to Kentucky, in 1771. He probably encountered more thrilling escapes than any other man of his time. In 1778, he was captured and suffered extreme cruelties, and was ransomed by the British. He soon recovered his robust health, and escaped from Detroit the following spring. He settled in Urbana in 1802. He was elected Brigadier General of the militia, and in the war of 1812, joined Gen. Harrison's army. In the year 1820, he removed to Mad River. Gen. Vance and Judge Burnet secured him a pension, of $20 per month

Licking County was formed from Fairfield March 1, 1808. The surface is generally level, diversified by slight hills in the eastern portion. The soil is fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and grass. Coal and iron ore of good quality add to the wealth of the county. Wool and dairy productions are also staples. Newark is the county seat, and is situated at the confluence of the three principal branches of the Licking. It was laid out by Gen. William C. Schenk, George W. Burnet and John M. Cummings, who owned this military section of 4,000 acres, in 1801. In 1802, Samuel Elliott and Samuel Parr built hewed-log houses. The picturesque "Narrows of the Licking " are in the eastern part of the county, which have elicited general praise from scenic hunters.

Lawrence County was organized March 1, 1816. There are many high and abrupt hills in this section, which abound in sand or freestone. It is rich in minerals, and the most important section of Ohio for iron manufacture.

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Coal is abundant, and white clay exists in the western part suitable for pot- tery purposes. Agricultural productions are not extensive.

The county was settled in 1797 by the Dutch and Irish. The iron region extends through the west part of this county. Lawrence County produces a superior quality of iron, highly esteemed for castings, and is equal to Scotch pig for furnace purposes. Burlington is the county seat.

Lake County was formed from Geauga and Cuyahoga March 6, 1840. The soil is good and the surface rolling. It produces wheat, corn, oats, buckwheat, barley, hay and potatoes. Dairy products, cattle and wool are also staples. Its fruits-apples, peaches, pears, plums and grapes are highly prized. As early as 1799, a settlement was formed at Mentor. Painesville, the county seat, is situated on Grand River, in a beautiful valley. The Painesville Acad- emy is a classical institution for the education of both sexes. Near the town is the Geauga furnace. Painesville was laid out by Henry Champion in 1805. At Fairport, the first warehouse in this section, and probably the first on the lake, was built by Abraham Skinner in 1803. This town has a fine harbor, and has a light-house and beacon. Kirtland, southwest from Painesville, was, in 1834, the headquarters of the Mormons. At that time, they numbered about three thousand. The old Mormon temple is of rough stone, plastered over, colored blue, and marked to imitate regular courses of masonry. As is well known, the Mormons derive their name from the book of Mormon, said to have been translated from gold plates found in a hill in Palmyra, N. Y.

Madison County was organized in March, 1810. The surface is generally level. It produces grass, corn, oats and cattle-the latter forming a chief staple, while wool and pork add to the general wealth.

Jonathan Alder was much interested in the settlement of the county. He, like some other whites, had lived with the Indians many years, and had formed a lasting affection for them, and had married a squaw, with whom he became dissatisfied, which caused him to desire finding his own family. He suc- ceeded in this through the assistance of John Moore. He left his wife and joined his people.

This county was first settled in 1795. Benjamin Springer made a clearing and built a cabin. He settled near Alder, and taught him the English lan- guage. Mr. Joshua Ewing brought four sheep to this place, and the Indians exhibited great astonishment over these strange animals. When the hostilities of 1812 began, the British offered inducements to the Indians to join them, and they consulted Alder regarding the best policy to adopt. He advised them to preserve neutrality until a later period, which they did, and eventually became firm friends of the Americans.

London is the county seat, and was laid out in 1810-11, by Patrick McLene.

Marion County was organized March 1, 1824. The soil is fertile, and pro- duces extensive farm crops. The Delaware Indians once held a reservation here, and conceded their claims in 1829, August 3, and removed west of the

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Mississippi. Marion, the county seat, was laid out in 1821, by Eber Baker and Alexander Holmes. Gen. Harrison marched through this section during his campaign.

Mahoning County was formed in 1846, from Trumbull and Columbiana. The surface is rolling and the soil generally fertile. The finer qualities of wood are produced here. Bituminous coal and iron are found in large quantities. Col. James Hillman came to the Western Reserve in 1786. The settlement of the county went forward. Canfield is the county seat.

Medina County was formed from the Western Reserve February 12, 1812. The surface is rolling and the soil is fertile, producing fine agricultural prod- ucts. The first trail made through the county was made by George Poe, Joseph H. Larwell and Roswell M. Mason. The first settlement was made by Joseph Harris in 1811. He was soon joined by the Burr brothers. Me- dina is the county seat.

Meigs County was formed from Gallia and Athens April 1, 1819. The general character of the soil is clayey, producing large quantities of wheat, oats, corn, hay and potatoes. Vast quantities of salt are made and exported. Pom- eroy, the county seat, is situated under a lofty hill, surrounded by picturesque scenery. Mr. Nathaniel Clark was the first settler of the county. He arrived in 1816. The first coal mine opened in Pomeroy was in 1819, by David Bradshaw.

Mercer County was formed from the Indian Territory in 1820. The sur- face is generally flat, and while covered with forests, inclined to be wet; but, being cleared, it is very fertile, and adapted to producing farm crops. St. Clair's Battle was fought on the boundary line between this and Darke County. The Hon. Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur made a treaty at St. Mary's with the Wyandots, Shawnees and Ottawas, in 1818. The odious Simon Girty lived at one time at St. Mary's. Wayne built St. Mary's Fort, on the west bank of the river. John Whistler was the last commander of the fort. The largest artificial lake in the world, so it is asserted, is formed by the reservoir sup- plying the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Extension Canal. It is about nine miles long, and from two to four broad. Celina is the county seat.

Miami County was formed January 16, 1807, from Montgomery. It abounds in excellent limestone, and possesses remarkable water-power facilities. Its agri- cultural products rank highly in quality and quantity. John Knoop came into this section about the year 1797, and its first settlement began about this time. Troy, the county seat, is situated upon the Great Miami. Piqua is another lovely town. The Miami River affords delightful scenery at this point.

Monroe County was formed January 29, 1813, from Belmont, Washington, and Guernsey. A portion of its surface is abrupt and hilly. Large quantities of tobacco are raised, and much pork is exported. Wheat and corn grow well in the western portion. Iron ore and coal abound. The valleys of the streams are very narrow, bounded by rough hills. In some places are natural rock grottoes. The first settlement was made in 1799, near the mouth of the Sunfish.

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At this time, wolves were numerous, and caused much alarm. Volney entered this county, but was not prepossessed in its favor. One township is settled by the Swiss, who are educated and refined. Woodsfield is the county seat.

Montgomery County was formed from Ross and Hamilton May 1, 1803. The soil is fertile, and its agricultural products are most excellent. Quarries of grayish-white limestone are found east of the Miami.

Dayton is the county seat, situated on the Great Miami, at the mouth of Mad River. A company was formed in 1788, but Indian wars prevented settlement. After Wayne's treaty, in 1795, a new company was formed. It advanced rapidly between the years 1812 and 1820. The beginning of the Miami Canal renewed its prosperity, in 1827. The first canal-boat from Cincinnati arrived at Dayton on the 25th of January, 1829. The first one arrived from Lake Erie in June, 1845. Col. Robert Patterson came to. Dayton in 1804. At one time, he owned Lexington, Ky., and about one third of Cincinnati.

Morgan County was organized in 1818, March 1. The surface is hilly and the soil strong and fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and tobacco. Pork is a prolific product, and considerable salt is made. The first settlement was made in 1790, on the Muskingum. McConnelsville is the county seat. . Mr. Ayres made the first attempt to produce salt, in 1817. This has developed into a large industry.

Morrow County was organized in 1848. It is drained by the Vernon River, which rises in it, by the East Branch of the Olontangy or Whetstone River, and by Walnut Creek. The surface is undulating, the soil fertile. The staple products are corn, wheat, oats, hay, wool and butter. The sugar maple abounds in the forests, and sandstone or freestone in the quarries. Mount Gilead, the county seat, is situated on the East Branch of the Olen- tangy River.

Muskingum County was formed from Washington and Fairfield. The sur- face is rolling or hilly. It produces wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, tobacco, wool and pork. Large quantities of bituminous coal are found. Pipe clay, buhr- stone or cellular quartz are also in some portions of the State. Salt is made in large quantities-the fine being obtained from a stratum of whitish sandstone. The Wyandots, Delawares, Senecas and Shawanoese Indians once inhabited this section. An Indian town occupied the site of Duncan's Falls. A large Shawan- oese town was located near Dresden.

Zanesville is the county seat, situated opposite the mouth of the Licking. It was laid out in 1799, by Mr. Zane and Mr. McIntire. This is one of the principal towns in the State, and is surrounded by charming scenery.

Noble County, organized in 1851, is drained by Seneca, Duck and Wills Creeks. The surface is undulating, and a large part of it is covered with for- ests. The soil is fertile. Its staples are corn, tobacco, wheat, hay, oats and wool. Among its mineral resources are limestone, coal and petroleum. Near Caldwell, the county seat, are found iron ore, coal and salt.

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Ottawa County was formed from Erie, Sandusky and Lucas, March 6, 1840, It is mostly within the Black Swamp, and considerable of its land is prairie and marsh. It was very thinly settled befere 1830. Extensive plaster beds exist on the peninsula, which extends into Lake Erie. It has also large limestone quarries, which are extensively worked. The very first trial at arms upon the soil of Ohio, during the war of 1812, occurred upon this peninsula. Port Clin- ton, the county seat, was laid out in 1827.

Perry County was formed from Washington, Fairfield and Muskingum, March 1, 1817. Fine tobacco is raised in large quantities. Wheat, corn, oats, hay, cattle, pork and wool add to the general wealth. This county was first set- tled in 1801. First settler was Christian Binckley, who built the first cabin in the county, about five miles west of Somerset, near the present county line. New Lexington is now the county seat.

Paulding County was formed from old Indian territory August 1, 1820. It produces corn, wheat and oats. Paulding is the county seat.

Pickaway County was formed from Fairfield, Ross and Franklin, January 12, 1810. The county has woodland, barren, plain and prairie. The barrens were covered by shrub oaks, and when cleared are adapted to the raising of corn and oats. The Pickaway plains are three and a half miles west of Circleville, and this tract is said to contain the richest land in Ohio. Here, in the olden times, burned the great council fires of the red man. Here the allied tribes met Gen. Lewis, who fought the battle of Point Pleasant. Dunmore's campaign was terminated on these plains. It was at the Chillicothe towns, after Dun- more's treaty, that Logan delivered his famous speech. Circleville, the county seat, is situated on the Scioto River and the Ohio Canal. It was laid out in 1810, by Daniel Dresbach. It is situated on the site of ancient fortifications.

Portage County was formed June 7, 1807, from Trumbull. It is a wealthy, thriving section. Over a thousand tons of cheese are annually produced. It also produces wheat, corn, oats, barley, buckwheat, rye, butter and wool. Ravenna is the county seat, and was originally settled by the Hon. Benjamin Tappen in June, 1799. In 1806, an unpleasant difficulty arose between the settlers and a camp of Indians in Deerfield, caused by a horse trade between a white man and an Indian. David Daniels settled on the site of Palmyra in 1799.

Pike County was organized in 1815. The surface is generally hilly, which abound with freestone, which is exported in large quantities for building pur- poses. Rich bottom lands extend along the Scioto and its tributaries. John Noland and the three Chenoweth brothers settled on the Pee Pee prairie about 1796. Piketown, the former county seat, was laid out about 1814. Waverly, the present county seat, is situated on the Scioto River.

Preble County was formed March 1, 1808, from Montgomery and Butler. The soil is varied. Excellent water-power facilities are furnished.

Eaton, the county seat, was laid out in 1806, by William Bruce, who owned the land. An overflowing well of strong sulphur water is near the town, while directly beside it is a limestone quarry. Holderman's quarry is about two

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miles distant, from which is obtained a beautifully clouded gray stone. Fort St. Clair was built near Eaton, in the winter of 1791-92. Gen. Harrison was an En- sign at the time, and commanded a guard every other night for three weeks, during the building. The severe battle of November 6, 1792, was fought under its very guns. Little Turtle, a distinguished chief of the Miamis, roamed over this county for a time. He was witty, brave and earnest, and, although engaged in several severe contests with the whites, he was inclined toward peace. But when his warriors cried for war he led them bravely.

Putnam County was formed April 1, 1820, from old Indian territory. The soil is fertile, its principal productions being wheat, corn, potatoes and oats. Large quantities of pork are exported. Kalida, once the county seat, was laid out in 1834. Ottawa is the county seat.

Ross County was formed August 20, 1798, by the proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, and was the sixth county formed in the Northwestern Territory. The Scioto River and Paint Creek run through it, bordered with fertile lands. Much water-power is obtained from the many streams watering it. The main crops are wheat, corn and oats. It exports cattle and hogs.

The Rev. Robert W. Finley, in 1794, addressed a letter of inquiry to Col. Nathaniel Massie, as many of his associates had designed settling in the new State. This resulted in packing their several effects and setting out. A triv- ial Indian encounter was the only interruption they met with on their way. After Wayne's treaty, Col. Massie and many of these early explorers met again and formed a settlement-in 1796-at the mouth of Paint Creek. In August of this year, Chillicothe was laid out by Col. Massie, in a dense forest. He donated lots to the early settlers. A ferry was established over the Scioto, and the opening of Zane's trace assisted the progress of settlement.

Chillicothe, the county seat, is situated on the Scioto. Its site is thirty feet above the river. In 1800, it was the seat of the Northwestern Territorial Government. It was incorporated as a city in January, 1802. During the war of 1812, the city was a rendezvous for the United States troops. A large num- ber of British were at one time guarded here. Adena is a beautiful place, and the seat of Gov. Worthington's mansion, which was built in 1806. Near this is Fruit Hill, the residence of the late Gen. McArthur, and latterly the home of his son-in-law, the Hon. William Allen. Eleven miles from Chillicothe, on the road to Portsmouth, is the home of the hermit of the Scioto.

Richland was organized March 1, 1813. It produces wheat, corn, oats, hay, potatoes, rye, hemp and barley. It was settled about 1809, on branches of the Mohican. Two block-houses were built in 1812. Mansfield, the county seat, is charmingly situated, and was laid out in 1808, by Jacob Newman, James Hedges and Joseph H. Larwell. The county was at that period a vast wilder- ness, destitute of roads. From this year, the settlement progressed rapidly.

Sandusky County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. The soil is fertile, and country generally level. It mainly produces corn, wheat,

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oats, potatoes and pork. The Indians were especially delighted with this tract. Near Lower Sandusky lived a band of Wyandots, called the Neutral Nation. These two cities never failed to render refuge to any who sought their protec- tion. They preserved their peacemaking attributes through the Iroquois conflicts. Fremont, formerly called Lower Sandusky, the county seat, is situated at the head of navigation, on the Sandusky, on the site of the old reservation grant to the Indians, at the Greenville treaty council. Fort Stephenson was erected in August, 1813, and was gallantly defended by Col. Croghan.

Summit County was formed March 3, 1840, from Medina, Portage and Stark. The soil is fertile and produces excellent fruit, besides large crops of corn, wheat, hay, oats and potatoes. Cheese and butter may be added as products.

The first settlement made in the county was at Hudson, in 1800. The old Indian portage-path, extending through this county, between the Cuyahoga, and Tuscarawas Branch of the Muskingum. This was a part of the ancient boundary between the Six Nations and the Western Indians. Akron, the county seat, is situated on the portage summit. It was laid out in 1825. In 1811, Paul Williams and Amos and Minor Spicer settled in this vicinity. Middlebury was laid out in 1818, by Norton & Hart.

Stark County was formed February 13, 1808. It is a rich agricultural county. It has large quantities of mineral coal, iron ore, flocks of the finest sheep and great water-power. Limestone and extensive beds of lime-marl exist. The manufacture of silk has been extensively carried on. Frederick Post, the first Moravian missionary in Ohio, settled here in 1761.

Canton is the county seat, situated in the forks of the Nimishillen, a tribu- tary of the Muskingum. It was laid out in 1806, by Bezaleel Wells, who owned the land. Massillon was laid out in March, 1826, by John Duncan.

Shelby County was formed in 1819, from Miami. The southern portion is undulating, arising in some places to hills. Through the north, it is a flat table- land. It produces wheat, corn, oats and grass. The first point of English set- tlement in Ohio was at the mouth of Laramie's Creek, in this county, as early as 1752. Fort Laramie was built in 1794, by Wayne. The first white family that settled in this county was that of James Thatcher, in 1804. Sidney, the county seat, was laid out in 1819, on the farm of Charles Starrett.

Seneca County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. Its principal products are corn, wheat, grass, oats, potatoes and pork.

Fort Seneca was built during the war of 1812. The Senecas owned 40,000 acres of land on the Sandusky River, mostly in Seneca County. Thirty thousand acres of this land was granted to them in 1817, at the treaty held at the foot of the Maumee Rapids. The remaining 10,000 was granted the following year. These Indians ceded this tract, however, to the Govern- ment in 1831. It was asserted by an old chief, that this band was the remnant

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of Logan's tribe. Tiffin, the county seat, was laid out by Josiah Hedges in the year 1821.

Scioto County was formed May 1, 1803. It is a good agricultural section, besides producing iron ore, coal and freestone. It is said that a French fort stood at the mouth of the old Scioto, as early as 1740. In 1785, four families settled where Portsmouth now stands. Thomas McDonald built the first cabin in the county. The "French grant" was located in this section-a tract com- prising 24,000 acres. The grant was made in March, 1795. Portsmouth, the county seat, is located upon the Ohio.

Trumbull County was formed in 1800. The original Connecticut Western Reserve was within its limits. The county is well cultivated and very wealthy. Coal is found in its northern portion. We have, in our previous outline, given a history of this section, and it is not, therefore, necessary to repeat its details. Warren, the county seat, is situated on the Mahoning River. It was laid out by Ephraim Quinby in 1801. Mr. Quinby owned the soil. His cabin was built here in 1799. In August, 1800, while Mr. McMahon was away from home, a party of drunken Indians called at the house, abused the family, struck a child a severe blow with a tomahawk and threatened to kill the family. Mrs. McMahon could not send tidings which could reach her husband before noon the following day. The following Sunday morning, fourteen men and two boys armed themselves and went to the Indian camp to settle the difficulty. Quinby advanced alone, leaving the remainder in concealment, as he was better acquainted with these people, to make inquiries and ascertain their intentions. He did not return at once, and the party set out, marched into camp, and found Quinby arguing with Capt. George, the chief. Capt. George snatched his tomahawk and declared war, rushing forward to kill McMahon. But a bullet from the frontierman's gun killed him instantly, while Storey shot "Spotted John" at the same time. The Indians then fled. They joined the council at Sandusky. Quinby garrisoned his house. Fourteen days thereafter, the Indians returned with overtures of peace, which were, that McMahon and Storey be taken to Sandusky, tried by Indian laws, and if found guilty, pun- ished by them. This could not be done. McMahon was tried by Gen. St. Clair, and the matter was settled. The first missionary on the Reserve was the Rev. Joseph Badger.

Tuscarawas County was formed February 15, 1808, from Muskingum. It is well cultivated with abundant supplies of coal and iron.

The first white settlers were Moravian missionaries, their first visits dating back to 1761. The first permanent settlement was made in 1798. Miss Mary Heckewelder, the daughter of a missionary, was born in this county April 16, 1781. Fort Laurens was built during the Revolution. It was the scene of a fearful carnage. It was established in the fall of 1778, and placed under the . command of Gen. McIntosh. New Philadelphia is the county seat, situated on the Tuscarawas. It was laid out in 1804 by John Knisely. A German

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colony settled in this county in 1817, driven from their native land by religious dictation they could not espouse. They called themselves Separatists. They are a simple-minded people, strictly moral and honest.

Union County was formed from Franklin, Delaware, Logan and Madison in 1820. It produces corn, grass, wheat, oats, potatoes, butter and cheese. Extensive limestone quarries are also valuable. The Ewing brothers made the first white settlement in 1798. Col. James Curry, a member of the State Leg- islature, was the chief instigator in the progress of this section. He located within its limits and remained until his death, which occurred in 1834. Marys- ville is the county seat.

Van Wert County was formed from the old Indian territory April 1, 1820. A great deal of timber is within the limits of this county, but the soil is so tenacious that water will not sink through it, and crops are poor during wet seasons. The main product is corn. Van Wert, the county seat, was founded by James W. Riley in 1837. An Indian town had formerly occupied its site. Capt. Riley was the first white man who settled in the county, arriving in 1821. He founded Willshire in 1822.

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Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1088

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1088