History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 66

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 66
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 66

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).

Richard Gatos.

30. Daniel Stetler.

72. Henry Reichard. 73. Cornelius Johnson.

33. Cyrus H. Blussom.

75 Noth Long,

Godtrey Brusn, James Moltepmit. Frank Halulay.

1-10

27 JJacob Fish. John Lake.

37. Abal Casto.

1-37

54. Peter Bolenbaugh, Jr. 89. Jeffrey Stetler.

Hem. bofinger. Jaun . W. Major.

18.7 tivorge Icons, 40

It is hereby certified that the number of votes cast at this election was eighty-three (3).

1>17 Richard Pring. William Major, and Solomon Hartzog, Judges; Ansel Blossom and Henry Spillman, Clerk ..

In September, 1820, Capt. James Riley purchased at the Piqua Faite States Land Office seven tracts of land at a . Rapid in the St. Mais River, called the Desit's Race Ground." He immediately erected a dam fin milling purposes, and built a double log cabin, to which he moved his family in January. 1-21. The nearest habitation was twelve miles distant, with it was four miles to the nearest path.

L'inter a contract with the government he, in company with his soul, James Watson Riley, protected in the ardaon- task of surveying and laying out in counties, townships, etc , all the northwestern portion of

Abraham Poutines,

129 Th

16 Thoma - Mix. 17 John Granville, Henry Shuey. 120 150

1 - 19

110

Henry D. Williams. 132

1-37

David Inher, Poter Bolabaugh, Poter Sunderland. Abeer Haris. 10 Joshua Walking. Peter Bojenbangh, 10

1-31

19 Calvin Deni -on.

j-10

John Glennville, Somnel Myers,

15.36

1-33 1437 Michael Fry, Bahn Bayer, Elias May,

.. 7. George Major. 8. Aaron More. 9. Samuel Poster. 51. William Lynch. 10. Anthony MeQueen. 52. Matthew Heller.

17. David Wright.

59. Peter Sivey.

Noah Ling,

9 Adam Kramer. Samuel Myers, John Wagers. John Huston

27. Solomon Hartzog.

Che-hey D. Young. Janw- faraway,

: 26 Daniel Tazne, Abraham Pinny, John Tague.

1-37

34. John Andrew Laflock.

74. Joshua M. Chilcote.

Hugh M Borough.

160

1-36

1-51

Peter W. Varanda,

1-37

1-19

Welam Riley,

1-21

.. .. 31 Wathaum Major,

160 18.17

100

30,0 1-37

Joel Johnson.

John Anderson.

A. M. James.

65. William Sen.

77. George W. Purdy. 7%. Joel Johnson. 79. Henry Lutz. 30. William Major. st. John Bowen. $2. David Bolenbaugh. J. Peter Bolenbangh.

1-20

Year.

Johna Chilente, Jr., Jodma Chilcate.

Daniel Lular.

210

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

Ohio. Here it was he early commenced the system of internal improve- monte, by surveying and mapping the town of Whichire, with its public square, church lots, cemetery, what, etc., the St. Marys River having been by an act of Congress declared navigable for water crafts of every and all descriptions. The captain having a cash capital of some eight or ten thousand dollars. he was the better able to brook the difficulties of a pioneer life. The first thing he did was to put maler cultivation a small island of some sis actes on the northeast bank of the river. so romantically spoken of in his narrative.

He next proceeded to dain the river, preparatory to constructing a mill. The remains of the self-same dam is to be seen at the present the imbedded in the bottom of the river about one hundred yard above the City Mill. Here be constructed his first dam and miff about the year 1-24. In the year 1-29 it fell into diate, in consequence of the dom having washed out. It was soon replaced, however, and the mill was sold to William Major. Sr., about the year 1>32.

By this time, in consequence of his great literally, the cape in had In come bankrupt. and shortly, with his family. but for New Yo .. where he took command of a sailing vessel for the East Indies, and died at av. The Major family conducted the milling interests till ISET. when Chas. Mount bought them out, and the old mill still stands as a monument of hi- enterprise.

But little advancement had been made in the way of agricultural im- provements in this part of the county until shout the year 1510. Up to that period the people bad largely depended upon the natural products of the earth, more particularly the forest wilds, as game of every kind was abundant. Hogs ranged at large and were ever ready for the knife. Wild honey could be found in superabundance. The forests up to this time swarmed with the choicest furs, such as soon. etter, mink, and in- k- rat. These were the staple articles of commerce, and were constituted a legaltender. In fine, the people's wants were few and easily supplied. No burdensome taxation, with but one road in Wilshire Township that required public labor. No church nor school-botte tax had been asked up to this time. Universal friendship and liberal kindness were every- where dominant. A species of communism was in forced, and lived up to by all. Nevertheless there was a rod lying in pickle that abuon 1-12 began to menace the infant settlement. The sparions admis. dention of John Tyler began threatening the people with a financial crash. And as "trouble seldom comes single-handed," the years 1st2-43 were years of rain which left the country in a state of famine or destitution for nearly three years. This state of affairs had a disastrous effort upon the young and growing interests of the country. Many, very many, of the most industrious new beginners were compelled, in order to avoid a worse fate, to sell their homes. . tien at a great sacrifice, and seek the akl of hospita- ble friends in the interior of the State. Many. indeed too many, failed to return. But in time the people, many at least. returned to their deserted homes. All forgot the past, and went to work again with new zeal, and from this memorable epoch dates a new era in the history of Van Wert County.

Up to this time (1449). the people had made but little progress in agricultural pursuits. A few acres of corn, with the all-important potato crop, was the alpha and omega of their farming products, while the coon, dog, and the rifle served to supply their finances. These were now given in exchange for the flow and the sevthe, and man sou' ht solace fromn in- action and sedentary habits of life by engaging in active agricultural pursuits, and thereby eating "his bread by the sweat of his face." Men who had been driven away by prospective famine, were now returning, and with them many new adventurers who sought new fields of labor, so we find waste places were soon filled up by strong and willing hands. We find new impetus given to industry. The almost unbroken forest began " to fade and disappear as the morning dew before the rising sun."

Thus we find Van Wert County in 1843 with her diminutive popula- tion of less than 2000, taking her place in the line of progress. Here the industrial element of her rapidly-increasing population has given her place aud prestige, certainly not surpassed by any county in North- western Ohio.

In 1943 Will-hire was without a church edifice or school-house, and now boasts of a fine school house and two churches. As to mercantile business then and now, the contrast could only be hinted. C. Mount was the leading merchant from 1:37 to 1:52. Thomas MeKim, from 1852 to 1566. W. Major. from Isde to 1875. D. Casto and H. Banta, from 1875 to the present time.

-- -

cantile house opened in the spring of Jest by J. Zimmerman; also, a stock of dry goods, clothing, and boots and shoes by Koople and back- art. Two grocery establishments by Weeks and Avery; two bakeries, two hotels, three saloons, three wagon and carriage shops, three black- smith shops, two merchant mills, two saw-mills, one stave and heading factory, Que harness, and two shoe shops, two marble shops, and two chinches.

The first school was taught by Ansel Blossom in a one-story log-hattse used for post-office (afterward used for a count-house and jail), gable-end fronting the street ; it was foult of round logs except in front which was built of hewes logs. It stood where Amos W. Chilcote's house now stands. School opened January 1. 1-36, with six pupils, two of Major's, two of MeMannis, and two of Reichard's.

The first day goods and grocery store was opened by Henry Reichard in 1:36 in a one and one-half story for house, which stood on the corner where Foreman's saloon now stands, In the spring of JEST Charles Mount came to Willshire with a small stock of goods and became the badener an reliant for men tous

The first hotel was built by Wm. Case in 1896, and kept by himself till Is33. Then rented to a man by the name of Asap. a Winebrennatian preacher. He was every way consistent, for he did love wine, and when not too full he would, it is said, expound the gospel pretty well.

In IS50.Dr. J. W. Pearce built the second tavern, at that time the best house in Van Wert County, which still stands an enduring monu- ment to the enterprise of its proprietor.

The first Methodist Episcopal Society was organized 1839 by Elder Day. Their stated meetings were held in the post-office. First M. F. Church edifice was built in 1947. The Baptists built about the same time.

The first frame school-house was built on the public square in 1848. The first teacher who visited the town was a bachelor by the name of Patrick who came in Is 17: he contracted to teach a threemonths' torm.

The first temperance organization was instituted by the Sons of Tem- perance in 1>45. They held their stated meetings weekly ; it proved a great success and to many a great blessing. There is at the present time a lodge of the Sons of Temperance in town, which was organized in the spring of Iss0, it has a membership of some thirty-five, is in a flourishing condition, and has been the means of doing much good. by reclaiming some of the fallen young men of the town, who are now ornaments to society.

Willshire Lodge, No. 402, of F. and 1. M.

was organized October 21, 1\68. The charter members were Israel D. Clark, Henry Banta, Jesse Hartzog, Robert MeMannis. Wm. Ferel, David Casto. David Dillinger and Wm. Dillinger. The first officers were: Israel D. Clark, W. M .; Henry Banta. S. W .: Jesse Hartzog. J. W. The present number of members is thirty-eight. The present officers are: J. F. Shaffner, W. M .; Wm. Dillinger, S. W .; Henry Banta, J. W .; A. W. Chileote, J. D .; S. C. Flyun, Secretary; C. C. Nichols, Treasurer; James D. Banta, S.

Early Physicians.

In the spring of 1993 Dr. Williams came from one of the populous counties of Indiana to Willshire, where he engaged for a time in the practice of medicine. Willshire at that time was the most populous portion of Van Wert County. The doctor, being possessed of anas tere, unsocial disposition, he soon found he could not readily affiliate with the jovial, good-natured backwoodsman, so he luft for more genial climes. In 1836 came Dr. Marshall from Eastern Ohio. The doctor was well versed in the rudiments of his profession, but owing to declining yours and physical disability he was inadequate to the hardships incident to pioneer life; so the doctor left for other parts. In the spring of 199 Dr. Spillman came to Will-hire from the Western Reserve. The doctor was thoroughly read, and withal a gentleman, scholar, and physician, but he could not endure the hardships incident to backwood's life, and at length, with a shattered constitution, he was forced to leave the town and county.

In the spring of 1840 Dr. J. W. Pearce, from Champaign County, Ohio, rode into Wiltshire on his way West in search of a location for the practice of medicine. While obtaining breakfast at Willshire he learned that aboutt forty feet of the north end of the bridge across the St. Marys River had fallen into the stream, and was carried away by the current.

The doctor, being a young man of good address, casy manners, and possessed of a full share of common sense, together with an iron con- stitution, was every way the right man for a pioneer life. When. ....... ing to his own words, the waters fell he had to come to engage with the sick and afflicted that it was two years before he could find a respite to visit his aged mother, only one hundred miles distant. He then held the entire practice for some fifteen years, associating himself' with part- ner's as occasion required. His practice extended east and west twenty miles, and north and south thirty miles.

The doctor made a great deal of money in his profession, but by great

---- --

Then the town had only two small stores; in ISSI it can houst of six large mercantile houses, carrying respectively from $30,000 to $50.000, with an additional s200,000 paid out for gtain.

Since the completion of the milroad to Will-hire, the business of the town has grown very rapidly. It contains some of the best business men of the county. Among these we tuel David Casto and Heury Banta the leading dry goods and grocery merchants, who each does a business annualiy of $10,000 to $50,000, with an additional $100,000 annually paid out by vach for grain.

There are two large hardware establishments manipulated by Win. Pontius and --- Ation. Two drug stores by Charles Vance and S. Brock. Cabinet furnishing goods by Il. Patterson & Co. A third mer-

241

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

liberality and bad financiering he has saved but little. He is now old and broken down, having nearly quit the practice of his profession, but strives to enjoy life as best he can, without an enemy in the world. We have inserted in this work some of the writings of the doctor, which we have gathered from different sources.

1 About the year 1×53 Dr. Melchiemer came in as a partner of Dr. Pearce. Jest came Dr. Crouniger, a noble gentleman, who practised with great success natil his death, which occurred in 1875.

In 1867 Dr. JJ. F. Shatter came to Willshire from Seneca County, Ohio. He has been highly successful, and has the leading practice in the community. He has associated with him the past year Dr. Christy, a young man of ability, who will make his mark in his profession if he continues as he has commencent. After Dr. Shaffiner came the two Rosses and Dr. Hankins, who are now located here, and receive a due share of public favor.

Abanala Station,

on the T. D. and B. R. B. was laid out in 1979 by John Brown. The first house was built by Samuel Bellon, who also started the first store.

Farmers' Mutual Aid Association of Willshire, Ohio.

There had been for a long time a feeling in the minds of some of the citizens of Willshire that an association for the mutual protection of the lives of her citizens should be organized. Therefore about the Ist of October, 1550, at a meeting of a number of the citizens of the town. it was agreed that the necessary steps be taken to organize a Mutual Life Insurance Company.

On the 13th day of October, 1850. a charter was granted by the See- retary of State, and the association was duly incorporated and chartered as the Farmers' Mutual Aid Association of Willshire, Ohio.

The citizens of Will-hire and of this State, Indiana, and West Virginia, have regarded the association with contidoure, and it has prospered beyond the expectation of its most sanguine friends.

The officers of the association are David Casto, President: Lewis Edwards, Vice-President ; Henry Alhoen, Treasurer; J. F. Shatner, Secretary and Medical Director ; A. W. Chileote, General Agent ; David Casto, J. F. Shaffner, Henry Althoen, A. W. Chileote, Jesse Marks, Lewis Edwards, and Isaac Weaver, Trustees.

CHURCHES. The U. B. Church,

in Willshire Township, known as the Bethel, was organized in 1947 by the Rev. - Shindtedecker. The first members were William Walters and wife, Joseph Heller and wife, Alex. Morehead and wife, Winton Morehead and wife. James Walters, and Susan Dull. Meetings for a number of years were held in private residences, then in school-houses till Isno, when they occupied the Wesleyan Church, located on section 13, and continued to occupy it in connection with the Wesleyans till 1865, when the Wesleyan Society was abandoned, and the U. B. Church Look a lease of the building for a period of twenty-five years.

The ministers who have officiated since its organization are as follows: -- Shindledecker, James Lay. Josian MeConnehay. - Antrin. David Davis, George Davis, -- Burch, Lewis la Faber. J. W. Hall, from ISST to 1859; Win. Mckee, from 1:59 to 1561; Wm. E. Bey, from INGI to 1863; John b. Luttrell, 1863 to 1>64; A. Douglas, Isit to Is65; Eman- tel Hurless and George Miller, from Less to ING8; Samuel Walls, Isty to 1849; William Komde. 1869 to JaTO; - Bieber. ISTO Lo 1871; Jonas Heaston, from Isit to INIS; William Ogle, from IST to 1875; George Weintz, from 1815 to 177; William Bey, from 1877 to INT9; G. H. Bonnel, 1979 to Isso; C. Bodey, from Isso to the present time.

The African MI. E. Church,

known as the St. Mary's Chapel, was organized in 1843 by the Rev. Wm. Herron. The class consisted of six members, viz., Heury Taylor and wife, Jordan Loans and wife. Eli Wilkins, and David Reese. They built a log church in 1850, which they occupied till 1872. when they built a franc church, which they now occupy. It cost about sson. The present membership is 32. The ministers who have been stationed here are Win. Herron, Samuel Rathif, Walkins Lee. Samuel Wells, Jacob Palmer, Edward Epps, Gratton H. Graham. Richard Hogan. --- Andrews, John Gibbons, John A. Miller, Wann Turner, Win. West. David Mitchell, Alfred March, John W. Riley, M. White, and H. J. Lewis.

The German Evangelical Lutheran Church,

of Will-hire Township, was organized in 1810 by the Rev. F Wyneken. The society consisted of sixteen members, viz. Fred. Schumm and wife. G. W. Schon mal wife, Jacob Schonsn and wife. Lewis Schumm and wife, darob Porterich and wife, John Brenner and wife. Michael Shuler and wife, Cloules schmidt and wife, and Andrew Milch and wile. Tory built the same year a fewed log church on the land of George Schumm.

This they weenpied till the year 1856, when they built a very neat frame church on the land of Fred. Schumm, at a cost of $2990. The society at the present time consists of 175 person. The pastors who have been over the congregation were in 1516 and 1517. John G. Burger: 1317 to 1×56, John G. Street.miss; 1856 to Isep, John H. Werfelmann; 1949 to 1872, James G. W. Keyl: 1872 to 1879. G. M. Schumm ; from 1879 to the present time, Gottlieb F. C. Seemeyer.

Old Time Reminiscence, by Dr. J. W. Pearce.

In the early saitling of this county it was customary for those settling remote from towns or villages to construct their hen-houses of hollow sycamore logs, about six to ten feet long, boards mailed over the top, with a slab sawed out of the bottom, ten or twelve inches square, for the door. This kind of chicken house served the double purpose of pro- Leeting the poultry from stormy weather, as also the board of forest denizens- the fox, coon, opossum, mink, weasel, owl, etc., that proved both day and night upon the poultry-yard.

In the winter of 1840 I was called to attend the lady of Mr. D. Daniels, twelve miles west of town, in the then almost unbroken forest. About midnight we were disturbed by an unusual racket among the chicken -. For Daniels and myself it was but the work of a moment to slip around and " chug" the slab in the door. After securing the same, we returned to the house to await further developments.

On returning the next morning to capture our game, expecting to find one of the small fry above named, to our great surprise we had seenred within an old timber wolf of the largest size. Mr. Daniels, having a rifle, the wolf was soon dispatched. The sealp drew five dollars bounty. with which the doctor-bill was paid. The wolf skin was left for Daniels, the carehss for the chickens, and a line daughter for Mrs. Daniels.

A Pioneer Burial, as Related by Dr. J. W. Pearre.

Away back in years there lived a poor fellow by the name of Jacob D -. He was noted for idleness and want of punctuality. His wants were few and easily supplied. He supported himself and wife from the proceeds of his pan and dog, game being plenty in his day. In the winter of 1941 I was called upon to visit him, when he was reported to be dying with lang lover. I found him as reported in the last throes of that full destroyer, pneumonia. After advising him to make due propa- ration for that change which so soon awaited him. I returned to my office. Next day the order came for the coffin and shrondling, when. hy Jake's bad chatacter as paymaster, they were unable to procure either. Here was a dilemma, as the sequel will show. We were consulted as to the next best thing to be done. We recommended as a substitute for . the shroud a clean shirt (if one could be found in that part of the county) and white drawers or clean Huen breeches. As a substitute for the coffin. in absence of planks, we ordered them to fell a white oak or ash tree, cut off six or seven feet. split in the centre, dig out each half. trough fashion, put Jake in, and bury bim. Our suggestions were deemed good. and Hastily complied with, ou condition that ne superit- tend the burial. This we consented to do, and upon repairing to the house of mourning next day we found the funeral procession in waiting. It consisted of fear gentlemen, including the superintendent, two ladies. a yoke of oxen, and a sled. After Jake had been dressed with a clean shirt and linen breeches, he was duly coffined by being laid in the trough, when, by the united efforts of the procession, he was placed upon the sled and hauled to the grave at the head waters of Blue ('rock, where poor Jake was reverently slid down feet foremost into his last resting place, and after being placed " right side up with care," his grave was daly filed.

And now, whilst we admit that this rude burial would shock the finer sensibilities of an enlightened Christian community of the present day, permit us to say that no king from a throne ever had a better one; for. with a collin impervious to both air and water, though forty years have rolled their ample round, we would expect to find but little change in Jake or his old oaken coffin.

JAMES RILEY. Patents from the United States to James Riley.

No. 1. The southwest corner fraction of the southwest quarter of ere- tion 29, in township 3, south range I cast, in Ohio; containing 2,". acres, dated August 1. 1:21.

No. 2. The south fraction of the northeast quarter of section 20, in townships, south of range I cast ; containing 60, 9 acres. August 1. 1×21.

No. 3. The northeast corner fraction of the southeast quarter of see. tion :0, in township 3, south of range I east; containing 20", actes.

No, I. The south fraction of the southeast quarter of section 30, in township 3, south of range I east ; containing TX, 0 acres, August 1,

2.12

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

No. 5. The north fraction of the southeast quarter of section 30, in township 3, south of range I east; containing 56,3, acres, August 1, 1821.

No. 6. The south fraction of the northwest quarter of section 20, in township 3, south of range I cast; containing 87;y aeres, August 1, Is21.

No. 7. The north fraction of the northwest quarter of section 30, in township 3. south of range ! cast; containing 4> acres. Angust 1, 1921. Recorded in the General Land Office of the United States. Vol. - , p. 9.

WILLSHIRE.

Capt. James Riley, the world-renowned sea navigator. made the first survey of United States found in the Maumee Valley, and entered the band Aug. 1, 1-21, where the town of Willshire is located. This was the first patent given for any government land sold within Van Wert County. Capt. Riley selected this beautiful site on the west bank of the St. Mary's River as an appropriate place to found a great in' n city.

In the same year be laid off the original plat of his projected town, and named in honor of a gentleman called Willshire, who saved his life when he was shipwrecked on the eastern coast of Abiva. He built a cabin on the town site, and settled there with his wife Phobe and their children, who were the first and only inhabitants of this new and only town in the county.

Capt. Riley built a grist- and saw mill near the town site, and gave every encouragement to induce people at a distance to settle in the new town and the surrounding country ; but. unfortunately, it proved a failure. Jo Seja. 25, 1-30, Sheriff Isaac Applegate, of Mercer County, levied on his mills with twenty acres of land and sold them. The prop- erty was sold to Mr. Youst for $533.67. Mr. Youst sold them to Mr. David Major for $500, and the balance of his property was bought by his son, James Watson Riley.

When Willshire was laid ont it was supposed that the St. Marys River could by a lockage system be rendered navigable from Lake Erie to Wiltshire. But it was discovered to be impracticable, not withstand- ing many species of goods were shipped in canoes and flat-boats. Saml. Engleright, ex-sheriff of the county, when a young man was engaged in the navigation of these waters in bringing up supplies for the trading posts, and taking back such commodities as the Indians and early set- tlers had for sale or barter.

In 1937 there was but one post-office in the county, and that was at Will Mire, so far distant were the population, and no roads, that they had to travel with a pocket compass.

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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 66

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