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 2
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 2
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).
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Prepared by H. SABINE,
Commissioner of Nail Lintels & Telegraphs
- Published :
EXPLANATIONS
R.SUTTON,
860 RT
CCC &I.RY.
WAPAKONETA.O.
Greenup ( 11
REEN 1
4. Si Su Sich Ni Had
Horara Kim
1882.
.... ..
-
Berte
CARROLL
640 13Z.
S. ... 20.775 Millersburg
---
Gilead
JMERCERA
Wapakonela
25443-
20/564
19 073
A''Verunt
-
ZANOX
/20.455
Kerar
COSHOCTON
- -
Cidiy"
26 640 Koshoelang">>)
AWARE
ماوالم ٦١٢٢٠/١٠٠
. 27 380-
--
---
Kaslunoton
40.451
Apr 27 197
Him. hester
-
Moundsville
49 638
MUSKEN GUM -
MADISON
I WAKE
S l'am
41 947
LAalon
31 24 9
273
Steubenville
6
1
Piraten
HARRISON
24 136 1
Steiner
the Roth
Ashland
Luuntariffe
fallon ,amierq
RoMandaNew Lisbon
Woostry
S AAR KY
COLUMBIAYA
40 075/
-48.603
RICHLAND
1-
Sammunlie
:36 305
RIVIN
Marion
IZE
PITTSBURGAS
------
536 955
MAHONING
·Nørsermi
probiere
Ottawa
23 718
27 788
-
in Wer
MIE VRY
.27.500 *****
PORTAGE
F Mercer
Junk Grunner
Medina
31 609 ufirjan
Akroı
-37.139
16 320
Chardon
WILLIAMS
ISTEUBEN
ILight Faire
Vinana
I'MLE, EbarTmnt
ERI
romania
K E
Butmust Paint
Torytimton
... Sandusky
TRUMBUTD
196 937
I NUMBER OF MILES OF RAIL ROADS |# OHTO.
Flemingsburg
86816 /'Alanına
33 504
SI S
- --
BROW -
-4132.726
24 004
S
28 124
Right I'nion
Portsmouth
-
vville
"39 068
IWilliamstown
Nanceburgh
. .. 1.1. .
LAUREN
M pom co Af
CLERMONT!
W
١١٠٤٢ ٠ برجوالس
NJ:
-
1
Wilmninglet
INTO.
940307/ ...
- 32,325
-
Si Clairsville
Kenton
MORROW
1450 JulesKurt
Stemple
Findlay
Decatur;
-
POPULATION OF OHIO
Counties, Cities, Towns, and Villages, According to the Official Census for the year 1880.
Madison Co. 20,199
London
3.08,
Port Clinton . 1,600
Masaulon CHy 6,837
West Ooity 900
Eigerion.
790
Mount Starting
Genoa .
9.30
Loa!sw !! la .. 1,050 Canal Folion 1,195
Stryker
Bdr.n. ..
Montpeller
410
Williams Centre
Wood Co. 34,020
Bowling Green
1.150
Perrysburg
1,909
Lowellvlile
Canfeld
650
Poland
400
New Straitsville
Sbawcea.
2,770
Potersburg ..
362
Morsbala
375
Kast Alliance
334
North Lima ...
255
New Epringfield
#34
Straitsville
100
Coraing .
270
Green
How Middleton
Pickaway Co. 27,353
Cireleviile Cuy.
6,046
Marion Co. 20,564
Merloa .
3,599
Caledonia
La Rcs,
634
Prospect 600
Darbyville
262
Green Calap.
New Bloomington
Waldo
Medine Co. 21,456
Medias . 1.454
Wadsworth
$,319
Barilla.
989
Lodi
437
Liverpool.
300
Meigs Co. 32,325
Pomeroy ..
5.360
Middleport
3.00
Syracuse.
1,545
Mineraville 1,315
Recias ...
453
Long Bottom .
300
Bend ville .
200
Mercer Co. 21,808
Celius.
1,346
Fort Recovery . 850
Ebane's Crossing
404
Mandou . 242
Cold water 337
Mismi Co. 36,178
Troy
3,80}
Piqua
6,031
Covington
7,458
TIPPACADOS 1,40€
Bradford.
1,373
Columbus Grov
Glascow
37%
Pleasant Hill
461
Fletobar
38
Casatow a
33
B-Andt
741
Honterzwille 226
Leipsid.
243
Dupont
200
Risbland Co. 30,908
Maasdeld City 9.8cg
6balby
Plymouth 1,145
Rich wocd.
Millora Ceniee.
495
Unionvillo
200
Venwort Co. 33,030
Fanwert.
4,08z
Delphos ...
2.8:4
Wir!stirs
Mildlepoint .. 449
Convoy
120
Farmersville
794
Brook ville
574
Vsodalis 365
West Minmi City 31.
Sslom ..
Coutravltte.
South Balam
fiailsville. ..
Warren Co. 29,392
Lebanon
Franklin
Morrow
946
Waynesville
Birla.borough. 553
Harveyshark .... 539
...
43
Valnaville ...
334
Stock port
335
Deovertown
Morrow Co. 19,073
Hoant Gilead
1,216
Bafoto Co. 33,511
Mar:etta City ... 5.444
Harmet
1.47
Be!pre ..
.....
Beverly
Welstroras
Rnous Vista .. 354
Lucasville
Webster
Muskingum Co. 49.790
.14
Seneca Co. 36,955
Tima Chy
Kimatar Cky ..
Orrrille. .
Grees Springs
Repabite
Attica ...
Batteville
Norwich
Fist Hork.
FreJarichburg
Arpin frank .
Marsha'le:lle
Me. BRIva
......
Caldwell ,.
Witllamaharg Míg
Bast l'alog
Paralartos
L ..........
Lingasochorg
Stark Co. 64,037
Williams Co. 23,821
Bryan .. 3.954
Plata City
Etmore
West Jefferson
Oak Harbor
Midway ..
Comerford
$7
343
Waynesburg
Xibarva ...
SỐ5
North Lawrence
500
Wilmot.
412
GrømatoWE 330
Mount Union
327
Weston ..
Petr-berville. 614
Killbars
485
Uasklos
35g
TOOLORNEY
345
Rising Son.
344
Grand Rapids
334
Akr.n \'1By
16,512
Peninsula
438 Caster
241
West Hill Grove
Braduer.
Freeport.
216
Hay tsville
217
Portage
Wyandct Co. 32,401 Upper Bandasky .....
3.545
Cary ..
1,149
Nevada
1,015
Wharton
392
KJrby
300
Maracities. 275
Sycamore
MeCatchensville
330
Little Sandusky.
200
Hablard. 1,51 x
Girard ... 1,385
Mineral Ridge
1,150
Cortinad
616
Fewton Falls
575
Leavitiburg
339
Brook deld
300
Orangefeld 213
Went Farmington. 160
. Fiammaa .
257
Mesopuremim
Borgh Hill
oEE
Bloom feld
Tascarawss Co. 40
Low Philadelphia .... 3.070
Urichaville ....
3,790
Newcomers. 926
M.oerst Folgt . 643
Pors Washington 6:4
Bollvar ... 564
New Curaberland
473
Dover ..
43]
Milton .. 68
Letpale Station 66 1
Bellmore 446
Kalide
Trentos 314
Zoar 300
Saod ville
Winchester.
116
Rossville
Monroa Co. 20.497
Clariogtog
915
Baalleville
39%
Bares ville
348
Pardis
26
Cameron.
200
Lexington 503
Independence
394
Laoss.
335
Rome
Rosa Co. 40,307
Chillicothe City. 10,934
Balobridge
Frankfurd.
Vinton Co. 17,256
Wearthat ..
Zalerki
1,175
Wilkaville.
Uploa.
Liberty 330
Philip harg 215
Harshosoyville 300
South Arlingtun 300
Morgan Co. 20.074
Bandusky Co. 32,003
MeConnellsville
7.471
Fremont City 8,45L
Clyde, 2.160
Chesterfield
445
Green Springs
Lindsey Gibeonb ATg.
499
Wood ville
Washington Co. 43,244
Cardiax 400. 96
Chesterfield, 266
Spurte
Iker's
Jobsaville
Levering 200
Ma-baharK
Cedarville
Wayne Co. 37,152
.Tosto?'s.
Maw Concord
Taylorerrile
Noble Co. 81,137
Shelby Co. 21,130
Pidory .... 4. 691
415
Barlaak
...
Barton Lily .....
510
Mahoning Co. 42,807
Youngstown City ... .. 15,438
Washlactonville
Junction
200
Perry Co. 28,218
Now Lexington.
1.157
Booth Ridge
391
Nastuam .. 285
749
Pigeon Baa
347
Sumunit Co. 43.788
Thornville.
360
Tallmadge Center. 375
Thou aston 350
Manchester. 381
Want Rich deld
327
Cuota
173
Creeubi:z
240
Macedonia
.....
319
Twiaaberg
201
Piko Co. 17,927
Mozgadore
100
Waverly
1,:85
Piketon
Jasper
200
Portage Co. 27,500
Kent ..
3.309
3,:34
Garrettsville
900
Windham
335
Mogadore
300
Randolph.
330
Atwater
220
Maatos.
215
Freble Co. 24,534
Ex:on
1,143
Now Paris 835
Camden .
West Alex sadda.
Winchester
Lewisharg 400
EI Dorado .. 3.35
Fair Baren.
181
Eupbemia
26g
Wast Elkton
$47
Went Manchester.
Verona
Putnam Co. 23,718
3,177
Rowville ..
Union Co. 23,374
2.05€
Bellville 97
ebilob.
Adelphi .. 409
Kingston 442 %
Clarksburg
500
Riebmondale
Rozabel
324
Bourneville
Mannlevillo.
Rolleyna 2, 160
Portsmouth City ..
Sclatuville
Wheelersburg
Dre.Jan 1,204
Duncan Falls
Ottawa Co. 19,763
PoLin-Bey
NaTerra ..
Booth Bolon
Paulding Co. 18,490
Pauldiog.
Aatworp
3,275
New Holland ..
475
Tart!on
425
Willian. sport ..
Bouth Bioumfeld
301
Johnson's Corners.
100
Trumbull Co. 44.882 Warren City 4.425
Nilos ..
3,880
Church Bull. 2,200
North. Baltimore .
New Berlin 300
Brach City 385
Boxerset .. 1, 207
Rendville .. 340
North Jackson
Beardstown
1,520
168
336
Gilbos
Wundnfeld
Montgomery Co. 78,545 Dayton City. 38,677 Nallocal Military Home 3,455
1.035 Germantown 1,618
Foster's Cromalag
Corwia
312
basta villo ...
1,049
Navyatt
Aliianc+ 4,636
Plocrer 760
1
02-13-14
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1
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Range 3 East
Banog 1 haet
Range 1 East
..
2
1
4
Creek
co 0
11
12
-
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9
10
11
12
7
17
18
U" N" I
JACKSON
Twp I South,
10
77
2A
29
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P U
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34
15
14
15
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31
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15
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( sin)
N WERT COUNTY
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CHICAG
MERCER CO.
Range
Ranpo
Range 3
---
PETER LIBADIE
BLACK
CHARI
7
9
10
11
1
CAPACENT
R
Town ..
.5.+ BLACK CREEK
Crossing
23
19
20 Mendongy
DUBIN
30
29
20
25
30
29
28
27
23
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Job
31
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23
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30
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Liberty I'Muspel
6
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LuchiA
12
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Oregon Na
1. 3
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15 Septunos
13
--
LIBERTY
18
HOPEWEL
Town 5
13
20
21
$2
24
30
57
50
l'ho of that
5.9
b+ Skeels & Roads
Tas
31
36
Blenheim
CELINA
1
1C
GRAND RESERVOIR Average depth 10 feet ... 1700 Acres-
Town 6
WASHINGTON
Noi
17
.3
30
26
25
Macedon
1
Cold Water
R
VYKLIN
3º
34
56
+
33
6
St
Sters
Philoteha
7
RECOVERY
Town 7
17
16
:4
GRAN
ILLE
R
MaDTST
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22
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Town 8
-
13
7
12
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12
UNION
Shadow 2
N
4
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Montezuma
BUTLER
Cam
30
1
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35
36
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2
5
15-16
HISTORY
OF
VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
INTRODUCTION.
LESS than nine centuries since, the historic period of the Western Continent-the new world-was ushered in. Let us pause a moment and recall the achievements of the actors in the great drama of dis- covery, settlement, colonization, and nationality. With our own terri- tory extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the great cool lakes to the broad warm gulf, it also embraces a separate territory bor- dering the Frozen Ocean and clasping hands with the great Asiatic Continent, almost linking that continent with British North America. With an area of more than three and a half million square miles, it em- braces a population of more than 50,000,000 human beings, which num- ber is annually augmented by accessions from all quarters of the globe. This domain comprises all varieties of climate, soil, productions, rivers, lakes, and natural scentry, and forms the material for many States yet to form, which under the indissoluble bond of union now existing will make of all a Nation, under a government the best the world has ever seen, with institutions of which the race may be proud, and in the enjoy- ment of liberties of which the old workl has never even dared to dream. "A government of the people, for the people, and by the people," it has
---
.-
. become the model to which all governments are slowly but steadily fashioning themselves. " Westward the star of empire took its way," until in the new world was solved the great problems of government, of liberty and equality, for these institutions have been found equal to any test, and able to resist every strain. Resting upon intelligence, its superiority has been demonstrated, its adaptation to the wants of man attested until it gives promise of a solution of the great problem of the social, political, and civil destiny of man.
-
But all this is the growth and development of less than three centu- ries, and a review of that period, extending from savagery to enlighten- ment is the task we undertake. What is the story of the years?
DISCOVERY.
Nearly nine centuries ago, Eric the Red, a Norwegian sailor,* settled in Jeeland, from which he navigated the seas, until discovering Green- land, he concluded to make it his home. His son Lief, fired by ambi- tion, purchased a vessel, and undertook a voyage of discovery. With a stout little craft, sometimes moved by wind and again by oars, just such A vessel as the sea-kings of Europe used, he prepared with twenty-five men to make a voyage of the unknown sea. He had prevailed upon his father to become the commander of the expedition, but on the way to the vessel the animal ridden by Eric stumbled, and the old navigator thinking it an ill omen said, " I do not believe it is given to me to dis- cover any more lands, and here I will abide."
In the summer of 10027 Lief and his companions sailed south westerly, until they saw land, flat along the shore, with snow-capped mountains at a distance from the sea. Farther south they found another country of heavy timber and no mountains. Here they rested a few hours, and
. Something of the wayward life of those old sea-kings may be obtained from the following verse, taken from one of their old ballads :- 1
"He scorns to rest 'neath the smoky rafter, Hle plows with his boat the roaring deep ; The billows boil and the storm howis after- But the tempest is only a thing of laughter- The sea king loves it better than sleep ?''
t & Norse navigator, Herjuifson, sailing from Iceland to Greenland in the year Po; was driven by a storm to Newfoundland or Labrador, but after being driven SE at length reached Greenland, without having landed in the new country of
when h he reinted marvellous stories. 3
again sailed southward. The next land was gently hilly and mostly wooded, with a northern shore sheltered by an island. Here small but delicious fruits were found in abundance, and some burnt wood and bones of fishes were the only traces of human beings. Finding a harbor at the mouth of a river, their vessel was carried by the tide into a bay. where they landed, and finding a delightful climate, the woods abound- ing with deer and the waters with fish, they concluded to spend the winter. A German of the company discovered an abundance of de- licious grapes, and the country was then named Vineland by Lief.
On returning to Greenland in the spring they found Eric had recently died, and Lief being the eldest son came in possession of the estate and patriarchal office. His younger brother, Thorwald, then obtained the vessel, and with thirty companions visited Vineland, and passed the winter in the huts built by his brother. In the spring part of the com- pany explored the coasts, but repaired to the old quarters in Vineland to pass the winter. Explorations were made the following summer, until on the high land bordering an inlet Thorwald determined to make his abode. Natives were discovered here of dusky color and small stature, resembling the Esquimaux of Greenland. Some of those found in canoes were made prisoners, and cruelly murdered by the Northmen. One escaped, who fled to his people and aroused them against the Northmen. The savages approached in canoes, and, surprising the company of Thorwald, a fight ensued, in which Thorwald was mortally wounded, while his companions escaped. The chief was buried on the promontory which he had chosen for a home. His survivors passed the winter in fear of the savages, and in the spring returned to Greenland.
Erie's. third son, Thorstein, hearing of the death of his brother, sailed for Vineland with twenty-five companions and his young wife Gudrida. to whom he had been married only a few weeks. They were driven upon the desolate shore of Greenland, where they suffered dreadfully until spring. Thorstein and many of his companions perished by contagion, and the young wife with a few of the company remained to carry home the body of her husband.
During the next summer a rich young Norwegian, named Thorfin, visited Greenland, wedded Gudrida, and in company with five other young men and their wives sailed for Vineland to plant a colony. They landed near the spot where Lief had passed the winter, and founded a colony, with which Thorfin and Gudrida remained about three years. when they sailed for Norway. After several voyages they settled in Iceland, living in unrivalled style until the death of Thorfin. Gudrida then went with her son, who was born in Vineland, on a pilgrimage to Rome, where she related her adventures to Pope Benedict, and returned to enter a convent. Her son Snorre became master of his father's estate and the ancestor of a long line of descendants, one of whom was Albert Thorwaldsen the great Danish sculptor. Thorfin's colouy was joined by two brothers, Helgi and Fiombogi, with thirty followers. They were Icelandic chieftains who fitted out the expedition in Greenland, and per- mitted Freydisa, the daughter of Eric, to accompany and share the profits of the voyage. As she was deceitful and of a fiery temper. it was hoped by Lief and his family she would permanentiy remain in Vineland, but she soon became such a firebrand in the colony, that find- ing her life in peril she returned to Greenland.
Such is the story of the Icelandic chronicles. Where was Vineland? The stony land with snow-capped mountains was doubtless Labrador, while the flat, wooded land was as undoubtedly Newfoundland. The time given of the rising and setting of the sun at the winter solstice, indicates a point between Boston harbor and Narragansett Bay as the site of Vineland. The best informed students believe Thorfin and Gud- rida landed and lived on Rhode Island, amd that the mysterious stone tower at Newport was built by these Norwegian colonists. No positive ( 17)
18
HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
traces of the colony are found after the departure of Freydisa. The sagas and eddas of Iceland give glimpses of it for a few years, but even these allow it to fade away. They do tell us that Gudlief traded be- tween Jecland and Ireland about the year 1030; that while sailing west- ward a strong wind swept his ship to the southwest; that after many days. he and his erew saw land, and on entering a harbor were made prisoners by a dark-colored people who came from the woods in great numbers. Taken to the forest they were met by a white chieftain, who addressed them in Icelandic, procured their release, and advised them to depart at once as the dark natives were cruel to strangers. He refused to tell his name, but inquired about Snorre and other persons of Iceland. He then took a gold ring from his finger, and requested Gudlief to present it to Thurida, the sister of Suorre. Gudlief did as requested, and it was believed the white chief was Bjorn, a famous Iec- landic bard, who had been a lover of Gudrida, and left his country in 998 .* Tradition speaks of other voyages to the new world; one by Prince Madoc of Wales, which lays claim to the chronicles of that country for its foundation. It has been believed by some students that Madoc, a son of Owen Gwynneth, became disgusted with domestic con- tentions about the rightful successor to his father, and went on a voy- age of discovery during the reign of Henry the Second of England, and going westward from Ireland discovered a fruitful country in 1170. After his return he sailed for the same land with ten ships and a colony of men, women, and children, and was never heard of afterward. It has been observed by travellers that light-colored Indians were met by them who had many Welsh words in their language. Humboldt gave the tradi- tion a hearing, and Southey made it the theme of a poem. The Norsemen found the land peopled by a race of savage dwarfs or Esquimaux, and here America passed from view, and lay hidden from the gaze of Euro- peans for a period of nearly three hundred years. During that period mighty changes had occurred in Europe. Wonderful intellectual. moral, and physical activity manifested itself about the middle of the fifteenth century. Trade was linking Europe in bonds of mutual sympathy and interest, when the printing press appeared to revolutionize society and inaugurate the era of scientific research and maritime discovery.
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Lief Erickson came to the American continent at the midnight of the world; Columbus came at the first faint gleam of the dawn. With the revival of learning, which the crusades were chiefly instrumental in producing, a knowledge of the theories and demonstrations of the Arabian astronomers concerning the globular form of the earth came to Europeans. Intelligent mariners convinced the Genoese merchants of the truth of this theory, but the clergy opposed it with vehemence, until the clash of Reason and Faith produced two hostile parties arrayed in bitter controversy. Reason triumphed, and the Genoese merchants fur- nished ships for the navigators to go westward in search of India.
It was at this period that Christopher Columbus, by birth a Genoese, appealed to Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain for sufficient patronage to enable him to fit out an expedition to make a westward search for India. He was successful through the sympathy of Isabella, and on Friday, August 3, 1492, set sail from l'alos with three vessels, the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Nina, carrying with him letters from the Spanish sovereigns to the Grand Khan of Tartary. Days and weeks passed by until the discovery of land on the night of October 11. On the next day the vessels were laid to, awaiting the dawn. Wooded shores were in view; the perfume of flowers was wafted by the land breeze, and birds of gorgeous plumage hovered about the vessels. It was the triumph of Columbus, for as Mr. Irving has said, "The great mystery of the ocean was revealed." At sunrise Columbus and his companions landed from small boats, and found a number of men and one woman, with skins of
* Touching the reality of these Norse discoveries, we cite the following passages from Humboldt's Cosmos, vol. ii. pp. 269-272 :-
" We are here on historical ground. By the critical and highly praiseworthy efforts of Prof. Rafn and the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Copenhagen, the sagas and documents in regard to the expeditions of the Norsemen to Newfound- Lind, Nova Scotia, and Vineland, have been published and satisfactorily commented upon. . . . . The discovery of the northern part of America by the Norse. men cannot be disputed. The length of the voyage, the direction in which they mailed, the time of the sun's rising and setting are accurately given. . While the Caliphate ef Bagdad was still flourishing, America was discovered about the year 1000 by Lief, the son of Eric the Red, at a latitude of 41;º north. "'
dark copper color, watch their movements for a time, and then flee in alarm to the deeper shades of the forest. These inhabitants had watched the approaching ships from dawn with awe and apprehension, believing them to be monsters of the sea. When they saw the white men come ashore, in dress of gaudy colors, with shining lace and glittering armor, they supposed them to be superior beings whose abode was the skies. The Europeans, too, were astonished at the naked people with dusky skins, painted in a variety of colors and devices. The men were with- out beards, and both sexes wore long black hair falling about the shoul- ders and bosoms in profusion. By degrees the alarm of the savages gave way, and they approached the Europeans, giving signs of amity and good will. They were the natives of San Salvador, but Columbus, believing he had reached an island of Farther India, called the inhabi- tants Indians, a name since applied to all the natives of America.
The purpose of this review is accomplished, as it is only to serve as an introduction to the history of the savages or American Indians.
THE INDIANS.
We have already adverted to great changes having occurred in Europe during the period intervening between the discoveries of Lief and Columbus, the Cabots, and Vespuccius. As great changes had evi- dently occurred among the nations of North America. The weak bands of dwarfed Esquimaux found by the Norsemen had evidently given way before the stronger, hardier, and nobler race encountered by the Euro- peans. The weak Esquimaux were either annihilated or driven to the frozen regions of the north, and abundant evidence existed showing great migrations had occurred from part to part of the continent, in which half civilized barbarians were expelled from fertile districts by savages, while savage regions had in turn been colonized by sun wor- shippers from Central and South America, whose art remains tell of a rude civilization. It is certain that in South America native empires flourished which would compare favorably with those of the Eastern world. From the Rio Grande to the Isthmus of Panama an empire flourished whose people and rulers displayed many of the nobler virtues, some of the civilized arts and sciences, and whose laws evinced as pro- found respect for the great principles of morality as those of the most civilized nations of Europe. That empire was exerting a softening indu- ence among the rude tribes of the north, when the civilized murderers and robbers from Spain, under Cortez, made their appearance, over- turned the empire, and extinguished the light whose glimmerings were visible in the darker regions of the north. Professedly Christian them- selves, they barred the advance of a civilization which was more practi- cally Christian than that of the conquering robbers.
Such were some of the changes, some of the advances made by the savages of the western world before their contact with Europeans. Traced from the civilization to which they were capable of rising back to barbarism, their origin fades away until it is lost in the long night of human ignorance. On numerous facts and discoveries, as numerous theories of their origin have been founded. Remains of fortifications, idols composed of clay and gypsum, and a Roman coin have been dis- covered. Again, a Persian coin was found in Ohio; a piece of silver. dated in the year 600, in New York, and split wood and ashes thirty feet below the surface in the same State. A finely-gilded silver cup in . an Ohio mound, and two ancient swords, a helmet and shichl bearing Greck inscriptions carrying them back to the time of Alexander the Great in a tomb of South America, are some of the facts on which stand different theories of the origin of the western nations. One theory claims they came from Phenicia, another from Egypt, another from Hindoostan, and again from China. Then comes another theorist, who insists and demands that we believe them the descendants of the "Lost Tribes of Israel," without pausing to show us that any of those tribes were lost instead of being amalgamated by merging with other nations."
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