History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 6

Author: Thaddeus S. Gilliland
Publication date: 1906
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 870

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George Girty was at this time a lieutenant in the Continental Army. A year later in 1779 he deserted to the British.

Reports are conflicting as to the death of Simon Girty. One has it that he met his death at Proctor's defeat, and was killed by Colonel Johnson's men; the other, that he re- tired to his farm near Malden, where he spent the last few years in great suffering, being en- tirely blind and crippled with rheumatism, and that he died there. and was buried on his farm, the British sokliers from Maken firing a salute over his grave.

Daniel M. Workman, a resident of Logan County, gave the following account of Simon Girty. He said: "I went to Malden and put up at a hotel kept by a Frenchman. I noticed in the bar room a grey-headed and blind old man. The landlady, who was his daughter. a woman of about thirty years of age, inquired of me. "Do you know who that is?' pointing to the old man. On my replying. 'No', she rejoined, 'It is Simon Girty.' He had then been blind alout four years. He died about two years later."

Henry County has the following cities and villages with their population, according to the census of 1900:

Florida 276

Malinta 357

I amler 574

Liberty inter 606

MeChuire 660

Holgate

1.237

Deshle: 1.628

Napoleon 3.639

Henry County in 1830 had 262 population and in 1900. 27.282.

LUCAS COUNTY.

This county was formed in 1835 and was named for Robert Lucas, Governor of Ohio from 1832 to 1836. A large portion was form- erly included in the Black Swamp. That part of the county bordering on Lake Erie has a sandy soil. The most important event that transpired in the Indian wars took place near the site of Maumee City. General Wayne had planned to take the Indians by surprise and for that purpose had two roads cut-one by way of Fort Wayne and the other by way of St. Marys. While the British and Indians were watching these, he took a middle route by way of Fort Adams on the St. Mary's River near where the Van Wert and Celina road crosses that stream. passing through Van Wert, and on what was known to the early settlers as the Defiance trail. He would have taken the Indians by surprise had not a deserter notified them of the approach of the army. He then establish- ed and erected Fort Defiance at the junction of the Auglaize and Maumee.

On the 13th of August. 1794. Wayne sent one, Christopher Miller, who had lived among the Shawnees, as a special messenger to offer terms of friendship. Becoming impatient at the delay. he moved forward on the 16th and met Miller on his return with the message that if the Americans would wait 10 days at Grand Glaize (Fort Defiance) the Indians would de- cide for peace or war. On the 18th the army arrived at Rock de Boeuf, just south of the site of Waterville, where they erected some slight works as a place of deposit for their heavy baggage, which was named "Fort De- posit." During the 19th the army labored at their works and about 8 o'clock on the morning of the 20th moved forward to attack the In- dians, who were encamped on the bank of the

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HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

Maumee at and around a hill called "Presque Island," about two miles south of the site of Maumee City, and four south of the British fort, Miami.

General Wayne, in his report of the battle says : "The Legion was on the right flank cov- ered by the Maumee, one brigade of mounted volunteers on the left under Brigadier General Todd, and the other in the rear under Brigadier General Barbee. A select battalion of mounted volunteers moved in front of the Legion, com- manded by Major Price, who was directed to keep sufficiently advanced so as to give timely notice for the troops to form in case of action, it being yet undertermined whether the Indians would decide for peace or war.

"After advancing about five miles, Major Price's corps received so severe a fire from the enemy, who were secreted in the wood and high grass, as to compel them to retreat. The Le- gion was immediately formed in two lines, principally in close thick woods, which extended for miles on our left and for a very considerable distance in front, the ground being covered with old fallen timber. probably occasioned by a tor- nado, which rendered it impracticable for caval- ry to act with effect, and afforded the enemy the most favorable covert for their mode of war- fare. The savages were formed in three lines within supporting distance of each other and extending for near two miles at right angles with the river.

"I soon discovered from the weight of the fire and extent of their lines, that the enemy were in full force in front, in possession of their favorite grounds and endeavoring to turn our left flank. I therefore gave orders for the sec- ond line to advance and support the first, and directed General Scott to gain and turn the right flank of the savages with the whole force of the mounted voluneers by a circuitous route ; at the same time I ordered the front line to ad-

vance and charge with trailed arms, and rouse the Indians from their coverts at the point of the bayonet and, when up, to deliver a close and well-directed fire on their backs and follow with a brisk charge, so as not to give them time to load again. I also ordered Cap- tain Campbell, who commands the legionary. cavalry, to turn the left flank of the enemy next to the river and which afforded a favorable field for that corps to act in. All of these or- ders were obeyed with spirit and promptitude, but such was the impetuosity of the charge by the first line of infantry. that the Indians and Canadian militia and volunteers were driven from all their coverts in so short a time that although every possible exertion was used by the officers of the second line of the Legion, and by Generals Scott, Todd, and Barbee of the mounted volunteers to gain their proper positions, but part of each could get up in sea- son to participate in the action, the enemy be- ing driven in the course of one hour more than two miles through the thick woods already men- tioned, by less than half their numbers. From every account the enemy amounted to two thousand combatants. The troops actually en- gaged against them were less than nine hun- dre.1. This horde of savages with their allies abandoned themselves to flight. and dispersed with dismay and terror, leaving our victorious army in full, quiet possession of the field of battle, which terminated under the influence of the guns of the British garrison.

"The bravery and conduct of every officer belonging to the army, from generals down to ensigns, merits my highest approbation. There were some whose rank and situation plice 1 their conduct in a very conspicuous point of view, and which I observed with pleasure and most lively gratitude, among whom I must beg leave to mention Brigadier General Wilkin- son and Colonel Hamtramck, the commandiers

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of the right and left wings of the Legion, whose brave example inspired the troops. To those I must add the names of my faithful and gal- lant aides-de-camp, Captain DeButt and T. Lewis, and Lieutenant Harrison, who with Ad- jutant General Major Mills rendered the most essential service by communicating my orders in every direction and by their conduct and bravery inciting the troops to press for victory.

"The loss of the enemy was more than that of the federal army. The woods were strewed for a considerable distance with the cicad bodies of Indians and their white auxil- iaries, the latter armed with British muskets and bayonets. We remained three days and nights on the banks of the Maumee, in front of the field of battle, during which time all the houses and corn fields were consumed and destroyed for a considerable distance, both above and below Fort Miami, as well as within pistol shot of the garrison, who were compelled to remain tacit spectators to this general de- vastation and conflagration, among which were the houses and stores and property of Colonel McKee. the British Indian agent and principal in stimulating the Indians in the war now ex- isting between the United States and the In- dians .*

The loss of the Americans in this battle was 33 killed and 100 wounded. One of the Can- adians captured stated that there were 1,400 In- dians and 70 Canadians, and that Captain Mc- Kee. Captain Elliott and Simon Girty were on the field but at a safe distance in the rear. . \ soldier that had become detached from the main body met a single Indian in the woods when they attacked cach other. A few days later they were found with the soldier's bay- onet in the body of the Indian and the In- dian's tomahawk in the brain of the soldier.

Several months after the battle of the Fallen Timber. a number of Pottawattamie In- 3

dians came to Fort Wayne, where they ex- presse.l a desire to see "The Wind" as they styled General Wayne. It is said that when the attack on the Indians, who were concealed behind the fallen timber, was commenced by ordering the regulars up, the late General Harrison, then being lieutenant with the title of major, addressed his superior: "General Wayne, I am afraid you will get into the fight yourself and forget to give me the necessary field orders," "Perhaps I may." replied Wayne, "and if I do, recollect the standing order for the day is 'charge the d-d rascals with the bayonets.'"

It is not necessary to follow closely the progress of internal improvements in Toledo. After the northern boundary line of Ohio was permanently located, there were no doubts as to the future of one or the other of the town sites of Vistula or Port Lawrence. Three lots. 60 by 120 feet at the corners of Monroe and Summit streets were offered for $50 each in 1833. but the opening of the canal in 1845 and the subsequent centering of so many railroads has made Toledo develop into a city almost in a night. In 1833 the two rival towns Vistula and Port Lawrence were united under the name "Toledo."

Lucas County has the following cities and villages within her borders, with population ac- cording to the census of 1900:

Sylvania 617

White House

621

Waterville

700

Maumee 1.856

Toledo 131,822

Lucas County had a population of 9.382 in 1840, and 153.559 in 1900.

MERCER COUNTY

Was formed out of the Indian lands, April 1, 1820. The soil is wet and swampy in its

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HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

native state, but easily drained and very fer- tile. The county was named for Gen. Hugh Mercer, who fell at the battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777.

This county was the scene of one of the most important events in the history of the West-St. Clair's defeat. It took place in the southwest corner of the county within two miles of the State line. The great object of St. Clair's campaign was to establish a military post at the Miami village at the junction of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph rivers at what is now Fort Wayne, Indiana, with intermediate posts betwween it and Fort Washington ( Cincinnati) to awe and curb the Indians in that quarter, as the only preventative of future hostilities.

Acting under instructions, St. Clair organ- ized his army and at the close of April. 1791, he was at Pittsburg, to which point troops and munitions of war were being forwarded. On the 15th of May he reached Fort Washington, but owing to various hindrances, among which was mismanagement of the quartermaster's de- partment. the troops instead of being ready to start upon the expedition by the first of Au- gust, as was anticipated, were not prepared for many weeks later. From Fort Washington the troops were advanced to Ludlow Station, six miles distant. Here the army continued until September 17th, when, being 2.300 strong ex- clusive of militia, it moved forward to a point on the great Miami, where was built Fort Hamilton. Thence they moved 44 miles far- ther and built Fort Jefferson, which they left on the 24th of October and began their toil- some march through the wilderness.

During this time a body of militia amount- ing to 300 deserted and returned to their homes. The supplies for the army being still in the rear. General St. Clair, entertaining fears that the deserters might meet and seize them for their own use, determined to send back the First

Regiment for the double purpose of bringing up the provisions and if possible of overtaking the deserters. This arrangement having been made, the army resumed its march, and on the 3rd of November arrived at a creek running to the southwest, which was supposed to be the St. Mary's, one of the principal branches of the Maumee, but was afterward ascertained to be a branch of the Wabash. It being then late in the afternoon, and the army much fatigued by a laborious march. they were encamped on a comanding piece of ground, having the creek in front. It was the intention of the General to occupy that position until the First Regiment with the provisions should come up. He pro- posed on the next day to commence a work of ciefense agreeable to a plan agreed upon be- tween himself and Major Ferguson, but he was not permitted to do either. for. on the next morning, November 4th. half an hour before sun up, the men having just been dismissed from parade, an attack was made on the militi posted in front, who gave way and rushed back into camp, throwing the army into a state of disorder from which it could not be recovered, as the Indians followed close at their heels. The redskins were. however, checked a short time by the first line. Lut immediately a very heavy fire was commenced on that line and in a few minutes it was extended to the secona. in each case the great weight of the fire was di- rected to the center. where the artillery was placed. from which the men were frequently driven with great slaughter. In that emerg- ency resort was had to the bayonet. Colonel Darke was ordered to make the charge with a part of the second line. which order was exe- cuted with great spirit. The Indians immed- iately gave way, and were driven back several hundred yards. but. for want of a sufficient number of riflemen to preserve the advantage gained. the enemy soon renewed the attack and

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the American troops in turn were forced to give way. At that instant the Indians en- tered the American camp on the left, having forced back the troops stationed at that point. Another charge was ordered and made by the battalions of Majors Butler and Clark with great success.

Several other charges were afterward made and always with equal success. These at- tacks, however, were attended with heavy loss of men and particularly of officers. In the charge made by the Second Regiment, Major Butler was dangerously wounded and every officer of that regiment fell except three, one of whom was shot through the body. The ar- tillery being silenced and all the officers belong- ing to it killed but Captain Ford, who was dangerously wounded, and half the army hav- ing fallen, it became necessary to gain the road if possible and make a retreat.

For that purpose a successful charge was made on the enemy as if to turn his right, but in reality to gain the road, which was effected. The militia then commenced a retreat followed by the United State troops, Major Clark with his battalion covering the rear. The retreat as might be expected became a flight. The camp was abandoned and so was the artillery for want of horses to move it. The men threw away their arms and accouterments even after the pursuit was abandoned, which was not con- tinued more than four miles. The road was al- most covered with these articles for a great dis- tance. All the horses of the General were kill- ed and he was mounted on a broken-down pack horse, that could be scarcely forced out of a walk and it was impossible for him to get for- ward in person to command a halt till regularity could be restored, and the orders which he dis- patched by others for that purpose were wholly unattended to. The rout continued to Fort Jef- ferson, where they arrived about dark, 27 miles

from the battle-ground. The retreat com- menced at half-past 9 and as the battle began at half an hour before sunrise it must have lasted three hours, during which time with one ex- ception the troops behaved with great bravery. This fact accounts for the immense slaughter that took place.

The only charge alleged by the general against his army was want of discipline, which could not be acquired during the short time they had been in the service. But at this late day the general public has reason to lay serious charges against a general that would send half his army back for provisions without en- trenching the small remainder while in the enemy's country. And worse yet, to place raw militia a quarter of a mile in front of regular troops. Either one was enough to lose the bat- tle. Had he placed the militia where they would have had the example and assistance of the regular troops. instead of being the cause of throwing the army into confusion, no doubt the result would have been different; or. if he had retained the First Regiment until the army was entrenched the result would have been altogether different.

It is plain at this day that this was a bat:le lost by the commanding officer.

And a part of the responsibility lays still farther back than the General. It is said that General St. Clair was suffering with a painful disease, so that he could not mount or dismount his horse alone. Such an officer should never been put in command of an army in the enemy's country.

Place the blame where the blame properly belengs-on those in authority and an incom- petent officer-and not on the brave troops that gave their lives, a sacrifice to some one's blunders.

Two years later Gen. Anthony Wayne sent a detachment to the battle-ground of St. Clair's

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HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

defeat, where they arrived on Christmas Day. 1793. The next day they gathered what bones they could find above ground and buried them. 600 skulls being found amoung them. After the bones of the brave men had been buried. a fort was built and named "Fort Recovery." in commemoration of the battle-field being re- covered from the Indians, who had possession of it in 1791. On the completion of the fort. one company of artillery and one of infantry were left, while the rest returned to Green- ville.

Two years later the site of St. Clair's de- feat, now Fort Recovery. was again the scene of strife and bloodshed. On the 30th of June. 1794, a very severe and bloody battle was fought under the walls of the fort between a detachment of American troops, consisting of 90 riflemen and 50 dragoons, commanded by Major McMahan, and a very numerous body of Indians and British, who at the same instant rushed on the detachment and assailed the fort on every side with great fury. They were re- pulsed with heavy loss but again rallied and renewed the attack. keeping up during the whole day a heavy and constant fire, which was returned with spirit and effect by the garrison. The succeeding night was foggy and dark and gave the Indians an opportunity of carrying off their dead by torchlight, which occasionally drew fire from the garrison. They, however, succeeded so well that there were only eight or ten bodies left on the ground, which were too near the garrison to be approached.

On the next morning McMahan's detach- ment having entered the fort, the enemy re- newed the attack and continued it with great desperation during the day but were ultimately compelled to retreat from the same field on which they had been proudly victorious on the 4th of November, 1791.

The expectation of the assailants must have

been to surprise the fort and carry it by storm. for they could not possibly have received in- tilligence of the movement under the escort of Major McMahan, which only marched from Greenville on the morning previous, and on the same evening deposited in Fort Recovery the supplies it had conveyed. Thu. occurrence could not therefore have led to the movement of the savages.

Judging from the extent of their encamp- ment and their line of march-in 17 columns forming a wide and extended front-and from other circumstances, it was believed that their numbers could not have been less than 1.500 to 2.000 warriors. It was also believed that they were in want of provisions as they had killed and caten a number of pack-horses in their encampment on their return seven miles from Fort Recovery, where they remained two nights, having been much encumbered with their dead and wounded.

It was afterward ascertained that there were a considerable number of British soldiers and Detroit militia engaged with the savages on this occasion.

In making his preparations for an advance on the site of Fort Defiance, General Wayne caused two roads to be cut-one by way of Fort Wayne and the other by way of St. Marys-so that the Indians might be kept watching and guessing.

He started on the march July 28th. and halted at Girty's town at the crossing of the St. Mary's River and there erected Fort Adams at a point less than a mile cast of the Van Wert and Celina road. He then by rapid marches. avoiding both the roads that had been cut as blinds, moved his army by a middle route through Van Wert County. What was known as Wayne's trail was visible from Van Wert north for many years after the settling of the county.

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The Grand Reservoir in Mercer County is said to be the largest artificial lake in the world. It is situated on the summit between the Ohio River and the lakes, and is about nine miles long and from two to four miles wide. It was constructed by raising two walls of earth from 10 to 25 feet high, one at the east and the other at the west end of the reservoir. The east one is about two miles and the other about four miles long. These walls with the high ground at the north and south sides form the basin of this large body of water. About one half of the land was a level prairie, the remainder timber. The timber was cut down and the action of the water has preserved it and it lies there to-day as solid as the day the water first covered it.

The reservoir, was commenced in 1837, completed in 1845 and cost $600.000. It cov- ers an area of 17.600 acres, and has an average depth of 10 feet of water.

Before the construction of the reservoir, several persons had purchased and improved land within the boundary. Before the comple- tion of the reservoir a resolution was introduced in the Legislature of Ohio, and passed by a unanimous vote declaring that no water should be let into the reservoir before the same was cleared of timber and the parties paid for this land. . An appropriation of $20.000 was made for this purpose, but this was squandered by the officers and land speculators. When the banks were completed and the water let in. it submerged most of the land within the boun- dary of the reservoir.

On May 3. 1843, a meeting was held in Celina with Samuel Buckman. Esq .. county commissioner. acting as president. It was unanimously resolved that Benjamin Linzee. Esq .. should go to Piqua, the headquarters of the Board of Public Works, and lay their grievances with an address before the members

of that body. Mr. Linzee having performed his duty, Messrs. Spencer and Ramsey returned the sneering answer, "Help yourselves if you can."

On May 12th the meeting requested Mr. Linzee to return to Piqua with the answer that if the board did not pay for the land or let off the water, the citizens would cut the bank on the 15th. The reply came back, "The 'Piqua Guards' will be with you and rout on that day." When this response was heard by the people, the muttering thunder around the reservoir was not only loud but deep-every person was excited.

On the morning of the 15th at 7 o'clock, more than 100 citizens with shovels, spades and wheel-barrows were on the spot ready for work. The place selected was the strongest on the bank in the old Beaver channel. The object of the people was not to damage the State. and the dirt was wheeled back on the Lank on each side.

It employed the men a day and a half be- fore the cutting was complete. It was dug six feet below the level of the water, and a flimsy breastwork was made to hold back the water when the tools were taken out. When all was ready. Samuel Buckman said. "Who will start the water?" "1." said John Sunday, "I." said Henry Linzee, and in a moment the meander- ing waters were hurling down 50 yards below the bank. It was six weeks before the water subsided.

As soon as this was known at headquarters. warrants were sworn out for all who were en- gaged in the work. Thirty-four of the leaders, comprising all the county officers-judges. sheriff. clerk. auditor, treasurer. deputy treas- urer. recorder and surveyor-with merchants. farmers and private citizens, were all arrested and bound over to the next term of court. The grand jury refused to find a bill for misde-

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History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 6

Author: Thaddeus S. Gilliland Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Number of Pages: 870

Author: Thaddeus S. Gilliland
Publication date: 1906
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 870