History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 114

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878

USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 114
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 114

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

A stone has been planted at southwest corner of lot 7; and the north- east corner of Main Street is witnessed by an elm Is inches, north +1, cast 5, and an ein 11 south. 91 west, 3 links.

All of which is certified to be correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief. Done this 9th day of July, 1336, at Recovery, Ohio, JUSTIN HAMILTON, County Rec.

Personally appeared before Martin Burris, justice of the peace, July 19, 1836, David Beardslee, and acknowledged his satisfaction with fore- going description.

J. W. RILEY, Rec.

Recorded July 30, 1836.

Fort Recovery, Ohio, October 28, 1881.

To-day there is nothing visible here to show to the visitor that this spot is the site of that battle which culminated in the defeat of General St. Clair, a defeat which finds but one parallel in American history. There is nothing in the quiet little winding Wabash to indicate that it flowed gently by. a witness to that bloody carnage which swept an army from the field in utter, wild dismay. There is nothing in the appearance of things to indicate that massacre which knew no distinction-, but sought the blood of man and woman and child alike. Today it is a busy, enterprising little village of about eight hundred inhabitants, sit- uated in a fertile agricultural section which will yield to no locality for productiveness, after a little more the has been granted for improve- ment. The people are energetic; and the stranger who comes here to do business will not fail to appreciate the sociability and kindness of the people. It is historie ground and the village stands at once a month- ment to the defeat of St. Clair and the victory of Wayne. Small though it is, it occupies a prominent place in American history, for with its name is associated the memory of that terrible, crushing defeat which endangered the whole frontier, but rendered sacred the ground baptized in patriotic blood. It marks also the site of Fort Recovery, built by the army of General Wayne as a waymark along that trail which led to crowning victory. It was after the half victory and half defeat of G .ne- ral Harmar in 1991, that Congress conceived the idea of planting forts in the Indian country between The present sites of Cincimettant Fort Wayne. In accordance with this idea, thenerals Butter and St. Clair marched from Fort Washington, now Cincinnati, in September. 1791. having in command about two thousand troops. The army moved : : th- ward and built Fort Hamilton, after which the march continued until a point about sixty-five miles from Fort Washington was reached. Here Fort Jefferson was erreted, and again the army moved northward until late in October, when Indian scouts were found to hover about the Blanks of the army. About one hundred miles from Fort Washington the army reached the Little Wabash, where a camp was formed. Weary with the long march the troops sought rest at an early hour, and the sentinel' shot throughout the night, as they fired upon prowling Inius, did not create any grave apprelosions of immediate danger. On the morning of November 4, while breakfast was preparing, the troops were startied by the horrid yell of the savages as they burst upon the camp with desperate fury. In that terribile moment the troops stool like soldiers, and tought with the courage of Spartans. It was a gallant defense, but it was a de- fense against fearful odds and in the face of prodigious slaughter. Gen- eral Butler and most of his officers lay dead upon the field, and yet the carnage had not ended. General St. Clair took command, but the troops became panie-stricken and ted in utter confusion. St. Clair himself had three horses shot under him, and finally escaped with great diffienity after mounting for the fourth time. The rout of the ones gallant little army of St. Clair was so complete and attended by such dismay, that the troops did not stop until they reached Fort Washington. The savages showed no mercy for the wounded or prisoners, but mass med den . without regard to age or sex. It was a defeat attended by such h :. 1 details and barbarity that the whole land was horrified for a moment. Emboldened by this success, the Indians were preparing for greater ag- gressiveness, when General Anthony Wayne was appointed to the com- mand of the American troops. He had been a bolt and intrepid sobtier of the Revolution, and apprehendting hostilities against the frontier set- tlers, he marehed into the Indian country late in 1793. The winter was spent in this locality, and here was built Fort Recovery, a naine at once suggestive and significant. The following summer he marched north- ward, building Fort Defiance, and Fort Adams, and in August, with about three thousand men, forme la campclose to a British military post. The world knows the result of this expedition, which culminated in the battle of The Fallen Trubers, at the head of the Maumee Rapi is, on August 20, 1994. The savages were defeated and crushed, their vil's burned, and their corn-crops destroyed. The result of this expe dition was the celebrated Treaty of Greenville, by which about twenty-five thousand square miles of land. besides sixteen separate tracts including lands and forts. Were ceded to the United States. In consideration for. these lands the holians were granted s20,009 worth of goods and an an- nual allowance of about Sto,non, to be divided among the tribes which were parties to the treaty. These expeditions have made this town a point of historie interest, and long since the advent of the pioneer evi- dences have been discovered of those perilous times and that till of death. The muskets, bayonets, and other arms including one brass field-piece, were found here a half century after they had fallen from the nerveless grasp of their heroic owners. The old base of the der stadt planted over Fort Recovery by General Wayne in the winter of 1745-1, was just exhumed about six months ago in the presence of a large assem-

Jas. Bisher,

10 Perry Squire,

160

11 Win. Downs,

160

J. Heichelman.

D. Amerson,

John and James Gepson,

1.2.11

O. Beardslee,

1832

Peter Swartz,

John Ranckle.

Joseph C. Nickerson,

1-31

8 Jacob Runchle.

160

Win. MeDowell,

HI. Kramer,

160

Joel W. Slaughter,

D. Beardshop.

Adney and Butler,

Daniel Scott,

160

6 Wmn. Murray, Sol. Pavy, Richard Scott,

30 A. J. Parrish,

160

3 John Brook walter,

18$1

Bradley Squares, D. Kramer,

160

1837

19 JJohn Miller

1833

15 John Doll.

160

120

17 Nehemiah Grover, 80

MIAMI CANAL LAND.

1833

Exum Hahn,

442

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

blage of citizens. The battle marks are now obliterated, but Recovery must stand a historia monument while American history endures .- Cor- respondence Auglaize Republican.

Officers who fell in St. Clair's defeat.

Major General Richard Butler. Lieutenant-Colonel --- Oldham, Majors Ferguson, Clarke, and Hart. Captains Bradford, Philen, Kirk- wood, Price, Van Swearingen, Tipton. Smith, Pardy, Pratt. Guthrie, Cribbe, and Newman, Lieutenants Warren. Boyd, MeMath. Beaud. Bur- gross, Kelso, Little, Hooper, and Liekens, Ensigns Balch. Cobb, Chase, Turner, Wilson, Brooks, Beatty, and Purdy. Quartermasters Reynobis, and Ward. Adjutant Anderson. Surgeon Grayson.

Officers wounded : Lieutenant Colonels Gibson. Drake, and Sargeant. Major Butler. Captains Doyle, Frieman, Ford, Buchanan, Parke, and Hough. Lieutenants Greatou, Davidson, De Butts, Price. Morgan, McCree, Lysle, and Thompson. Ensign Blues. Adjutants Whi-ler and Crawford. Aid-de-camp to the Commander-in-chief, Viscount Matortie.

Burial of the Remains of the Heroes of Fort Recovery.

A mass meeting of the citizens of Mereer and adjoining counties, who felt disposed to participate in the solemnities of the reinterment of the remains of that unfortunate band of our countrymen recently discovered on the battle-ground of Fort Recovery, was held at the court-house in Celina, on Saturday, August 30, 1851, to make suitable arrangements to join their fellow-citizens of Recovery on that occasion.

In accordance with a notice of this nature, the people of Celina and vicinity assembled at the court-honse on August 30th. and organized by appointing Benjamin Linzee chairman, and A. P. J. Snyder, secretary. The chairman stated the object of the meeting ; and, on motion, F. C. Le Blond, Wm. L. Blocher, and John S. Brown were appointed a com- mittee of three to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of this meet- ing. In a short time they reported-

That the recent discovery of the remains of those brave worthies who fell in defense of their country at Fort Recovery, on the Ist of Novem- ber, 1791, call loudly for some act of gratitude on the part of American citizens that will perpetuate their memory in the hearts of the present and future generations ; therefore

Resolved, That we highly approve the course parsued by our fellow -. citizens of Fort Recovery in the prompt arrangements they have com- menced to reinter those remains.

Resolved, That all of us who can possibly go will attend and partici- pate in the ceremonies of that occasion.

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this meeting, it would not ouly be . an act of justice to the departed, but an act of daty on the part of the American Congress, to appropriate a sum of money sufficient to erect a suitable monument in honor of the heroes of that memorable battle.

Resolved, That. for the purpose of carrying out the above resolutions, we hereby earnestly regnest our senators and members of Congress from this State to use their best exertions in procuring such an appropriation.

On motion, the following persons were appointed to make suitable arrangements for the conveyance of all those who wished to go to Fort Recovery and participate in the ceremonies of that day: C. E. Riley, J. Ferrell, C. Williams, T. Trenary. F. Markley, L. Dibble, E. Miller, V. Mead. D. Ross, Il. Simmons, and J. Conor.

The 10th of September. I851, will long be remembered by those who participated in paying the sad tribute to the memory of the slain of St. Clair's army. The morning was clear, bright, and warm, and, as the sun arose and cast his beams over the plain, made saered by the blood of that brave band, every avenue leading to the village was so crowded that by ten o'clock the immense concourse numbered not less than five thousand.

It may be proper to state that, on the morning of the 7th July last, a buman skull was discovered, partly covered, in one of the streets of Recovery, and adjacent to the ground upon which was erected the fort bearing that name. Recent heavy rains had washed of the earth. The discovery induced a search, and the result was the skeletons of some sixty persons were exhumed in a good state of preservation. The citi- zens of Recovery held a meeting the next day, and resolved to reinter the bones, and appointed a committee to make suitable arrangements for the occasion.

The forepart of the day was occupied in placing the bones in coffing,- thirteen having been provided by the committee. The reason why thir- tren was selected was that. at the time the battle was fought, there were thirteen States, and in all human probability every State in the Union was represented in that battle. While the collins were being filled the people were permitted to examine the bones, many of which bore marks of the bullet and tomahawk. It was evident that a number had been perforated by a bullet, and also had a gash smoothly ent by the tonta- hawk, and in different parts marks brule by a sharp instrument were discernible, said by old soldiers present to have been produced by the

The committee ou arrangements appointed officers of the day, and a

procession was formed under the direction of Gen. James Watson Riley, assisted by several ails. One hundred and four pall bearers, selected from the different counties represented, headed the procession in charge of the collins, and were followed by the soldiers present, ladies, and viti- zens, forming a column a mile long, while marching to the statul erected on the south side of the village, in full view of the battle ground, where at oration was pronounced by Hon. Bellamy Storrs, who was invited for the occasion.

The speaker reviewed the situation of the Northwest up to the Indian troubles, which wrought such woe and devastation. He then, recalled the relation of the several tribes of Indians and their advantages in an unbroken wilderness,-contrasting the face of nature of that day with the face of man to-day. He turned to the army of St. Clair, and re- viewed its organization, its history and courage, and the splendid revo- lutionary record of its General. A glowing tribute was rendered the heroes who, in that mortal conflict. on that licht of death, heard the wild, demoniacal shout of the bloodthirsty savages, and in the terror of overpowering odds, and unutterable barbarity, went down in sad, but glorious death. But they died for their country, for their country's institutions, and for the homes of its people. The remains were not those of Pennsylvanians, Kentuckians, Carolinians, nor Georgian- alone; neither were they of any one State or section, but of the whole original nation which had so recently fought out its independence of the mother country. They were the sous of the young mother, and for that mother they dared the wilderness and the savage for, fighting to the death, dying on the field of glory. That field was rendered sacred by baptism in tears and blood.

" Unloose the shoe's latehet, The blood-sprinkled sod Is pure as the temple, The altar of God.

Then remember their valor ; Keep holy the sod, For honor to heroes Is glory to God !''

It is our supreme duty to preserve the liberties and institutions for which these heroes laid down their lives,-the liberties we enjoy from the inheritance transmitted us by the heroic fathers ; and it devolves upon us to transmit these same privileges unimpaired to posterity. The government of our land is superior to that of any other nation in the world ; and fidelity to those who established this nation demands that we prove true to our sacred trust by defending the honor and liberty we now enjoy.' The thirteen coffins used for the interment of these remains are beautifully emblematic of the unity we enjoy. The thirteen original colonies made common cause, and so the Union was yet in its original state when this great battle was tought. In those thirteen collins it is probable the remains of citizens of each of the original States are en- cased. Let us so believe, for harmony and unity prevailed; the cause of each was the cause of afl ; and in this thought is crystallized all the poetry and beauty, not only of nationality, but also of social unity and personal brotherhood. Let the youth of to day be taught a proper appreciation of the privileges we enjoy : let them be impressed with a proper realization of the sacrifices. these institutions have cost : and. above all, let them be taught the true principles of government, and their duty as citizens, and the future of our land, so dearly loved, will be assured.

Mr. Storrs was followed by Gen. Bell, President of the day, in a short and patriotic speech.

Gen. Haines, from the Committee on Resolutions, reported a series of resolutions urging Congress to appropriate money to erect a monument at Fort Recovery, and one at Fort Greenville.

Committees composed of citizens of the different counties represented were appointed to solicit contributions for the furtherance of that ob- jeet. Messrs. Benjamin Linzce, J. W. Riley, H. F. Juneman, and two others were appointed on the part of Mercer County.

The procession was then reformed in the order it came to the stand, and moved to the burying-ground on the south side of the village, and the collins were deposited in one grave, divided off with boards, each division or vault containing two collins,

The last act being performed, the people left the graveyard, each sal- isfied that he had done nothing more than duty, willing to do mare if possible. It is true they could not benefit those dry bones, but their history is the foundation of our history ; their destruction kin.ledd afresh the patriotic fire that burned in the bosoms of our fathers, and invited a WAYSE to decks of noble daring in the Northwest. St. Clair's defeat was an entering-ridge to the present prosperous appearance of our county. Let us remember those patriots with grateful hearts, and by doing honor to their memory " instil into the masses of the Oll World the principles of liberty."

General Lewis Cass, General Butler, and George E. Pugh, E. p., hal been invited to speak on the occasion. The two latter had not been heard froms, but General Cass sent the following letter to W. L. Hocher. Esq., which fully explains itself :-

443-444

FREURICK SCH

MRS AAN L S.ANCILLA

RES. OF FREDRICK SCHNEIDER , WAYNE ST. FORT RECOVERY OHIO.

"ORCHARD GROVE" RES. OF. J. DUMBAULD, WASHINGTON TWP. MERCER CO. OHIO

415

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

DEAR SIR :-

I have received your letter, and assure you it would give me great pleasure to attend the interesting ceremony of the interment of the remains of the soldiers who fell at the battle of fort Recovery, if it were in my power. But other engagement- will not perunt me to be there, and I must content myself with thanking you for the invitation, and expressing my gratification at this patriotic tribute to the gallant men who sacrificed their lives for theh country in the days of her weakness, and are now honorably remembered in the days of her power.

I am, dear sir, with much regard, yours truly,

LEW. CASS.

Proceedings at Recovery on the Reinterment of the Remains of the Soldiers of St. Clair's Army.

The committee of arrangements, appointed by the citizens of Fort Recovery, at a meeting held after the discovery of the bones of the stain of the ever memorable battle fought at that place. having selected Wed- nesday, September In, 1851, as a suitable time, and given public notice thereof, a large number of citizens of the counties of Mercer, Parke, Preble, and other counties in Ohio, and Jay, Adams, Wells, and Ran- dolph in Indiana, assembled on the battle-ground and participated in the solemnities of the occasion.

The committee of arrangements consisted of Mesers. William Me- Dowell, Heury Lepps, Benjamin Cummins, Thomas Roop, and David Beardslee.

The committee made the following appointments of officers of the day : President : Gen. Hiram Bell, of Darke Co., O. Vice-Presidents : J. S. Fair, of Mercer Co., O .; N. B. Hawkins, of Jay Co., Ind. ; Geo. McDowell, of Wells. Co., Ind .; David Hays, of Mereer Co., O .; Abner Haines, of Preble Co .. O .; James Wilson, of Auglaize Co., O .; S. S. Mickle, of Adams Co., Ind. ; S. P. Colgrove, of Randolph Co., Ind. Secretaries : W. L. Blocher, of Mercer Co., O .; J. G. Rees, of Darke Co., O .: E. K. Bascom, of Wells Co., Ind. ; James Bromegan, of Ran- dolph Co., Ind .; V. Mitchel, of Preble Co., O .: Y. A. Smith, of Logan Co., O .; J. M. Haynes, of Jay Co., Ind. Marshal : James Watson Riley, of Mercer Co., O. Assistants : J. D. Farrer. of Darke Co., O .; John MeClure, of Darke Co., O .; W. B. Clarke, of Darke ('o., O .; D. McDonald, of Adams Co., Ind. : A. O Neff, of Randolph Co., Ind .; James Buckley, of Champaign Co., Ohio.

One hundred and four pall-bearers were selected from the different counties represented.

Messrs. Abner Haines, of Proble ; A. O. Lyman, of Darke; and N. B. Hawkins, of Jay, were appointed a committee to report resolutions in reference to the erection of a monument.

At ten o'clock the procession formed under the direction of the mar- shal as follows :-

1. Martial music.'

II. Soldiers of the Revolutionary and subsequent wars.

III. One hundred and four pall bearers, in charge of the THIRTEEN COFFINS containing the bones of the deceased of St. Clair's army. IV. The ladies,

V. The orator of the day.

VI. President, vice-president, and secretaries.

VII. Citizens and visitors who were willing to join the procession.

The procession thus formed passed through the streets of the village to a grave southeast of the battle ground, where an oration was pro- nonneed by Hon. Bellamy Storer. of Cincinnati, who had been invited for the occasion, which was listened to with profound interest.

At the conclusion of the address, General Bell spoke, and Mr. Haines, from the committee on resolutions, introduced the following resolutions, and advocated their adoption in a stirring and animated speech :-

Your committee, to whom was referred the subject of suggesting suit- able provisions for the erection of proper monuments to the memory of the brave men who fell in defense of their country at the battle ground of St. Clair and at Fort Greenville, having had the same under con- sideration, now ask leave to report.

Your committee believe it is due on the part as well of the general government as individuals, to manifest a proper respect for the memory of those who have fallen in the service of the country. This regard, in the opinion of your committee, can and should be exhibited on all national occasions by something more striking, substantial, and lasting than mere declarations of respect. Your committee therefore recom- mend that immediate measures be taken to provide means for the selec- tion of proper sites at the battle ground of St. Clair and Fort Green- ville, and for the erection of suitable monuments, with proper inscrip- tions, indicating the very spot where there brave men fell and where relies now repos.

In connection with this subject your committee present for the ratifi- cation of this meeting the following memorial to Congress and resolu- tions, to wit :~~

Resolerd, That individual subscriptions be solicited for the purpose

of raising means for selecting proper sites and buikling the momments aforesaid, under the direction and superintendence of William Me- Daniel, of Recovery, and Hon. Hiram Bell, of Greenville, and such other persons as they may appoint, who are hereby appointed a com- mittee on the part of this meeting to we that proper memorials to Con- gress are circulated, and that suitable subscriptions are solicited as aforesaid.

Resolved, That the Legislatures of the different States be requested to urge the general government to make such appropriations.

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States.

The undersigned, citizens of the United States, respectfully ask Con- gress to make an appropriation for the purpose of securing proper sites and of erecting suitable monuments at the battle-ground of St. Clair and at Fort Greenville, in commemoration of the brave men who fell in defense of their country.

The report was received and unanimously adopted.

The procession was then reformed and repaired to the village burial- ground, and the remains were returned to their mother earth with proper ceremonies.

The ceremonies being concluded, the assembly was dismissed; each returned home with the consciousness that the small tribute paid to the memory of the brave departed was not what justice demands at the bands of our now prosperous and happy country.

W. L. BLOCHER, Secretary.

HIRAM BELL, President.

Schools.

In 1852 the school-district was composed of Recovery and Gibson Townships. Gibson had 27 male and 30 female scholars. Recovery, 28 males and 31 females : Total. 119.

In 1859 Robert G. Blake built the first school-house. Gibson had 47 males and 48 females. Recovery, 59 males and 49 females; Total, 196. The directors as far as can be ascertained were in 1:56, Messrs. Dixon. Milligan, and J. M. Campbell. 1857, John G. Johnston and T. M. Low- rey. 185%, Dixon Milligan and Robert G. Blake. 1859. David Steel and Thomas Roop. (Building of an addition to the school-house twenty-five feet square.) 1960, Isaac Foster and A. A. Knapp. 15GI, a change was made-three directors elected as follows : . Walling ford for three years, Edward Jones two years, and Sanford Warnock one year.

May 28, 1868. the citizens of Recovery voted an appropriation of $5000 for building a school-house, a tax to be levied for six years, cach year $$33.33 of the debt to be paid. The building is located on Broad- way and Elm Streets, and cost $8000. Directors were J. S. Rhodes, J. P. Denworth, and J. S. Fox.

The following persons have been teachers: John W. De Ford, S. S. Scranton, and William Rood.

Fort Recovery Lodge, No. 458, I. O. O. F.

was established at Fort Recovery, Mercer County. The charter is signed by H. G. Beeny, R. W. G. M ; James A. Armstrong. R. W. D. G. M .; A. Kesler. R. W. G. Worten ; W. C. Earl, R. W. G. Secretary, and George D. Winelo I. R. W. G. Treasurer.

Past Grands: James Smith, J. S. Chun, J. W. Blizzard, D. J. Roop. J. S. Rhodes, J. W. Hanna, John Hestrick, John Mc Farlane. P. Hedrick. D. H. Richardson, George Hedrick, James Hedrick. W. W. Collins, Win. Krenning, Jr., Lewis Thompson, Elias Golder, Eli Trasker, J. P. Peareuth, John E. MeDaniel, and John S. Fox.

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History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 114

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton Number of Pages: 878

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878