USA > Ohio > Wayne County > History of Wayne county, Ohio, from the days of the pioneers and the first settlers to the present time > Part 7
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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
Lodi and Bridgeport, and separating the waters of the St. Law- rence and the Mississippi rivers. This state of things having existed, at least some of the physical features of this valley can be accounted for, even subsequent to the carboniferous period, but not the deposit of sand, gravel, clay and boulders now existing and constituting a large portion of the deposits of the plateaus skirt- ing the valley cliffs. However, one important fact clearly proved is, that the streams of water and such agencies have largely contrib- uted in the excavation of the valleys, elevating mounds and ter- races, and in removing pre-existing surface and strata, such as sandstone, shale, and limestone rocks.
The city of Wooster is located upon a terrace drift deposit. Its site is within a mile of the Killbuck river, though its extended corporate limits reach within half a mile of the stream. The drift upon which the city is built is from forty to eighty feet in vertical thickness, that underlying its central portion not being over fifty feet in thickness, and the surface only being about twenty-five feet above the Killbuck river. It is very evident that where the city is located, if there ever was any of the coal measure, it must have long since been removed, as no such strata now exists, though small portions of coal and pulverized limestone appear in the drift. Other agencies have also contributed to produce the present phys- cal features of this valley, as well, also, as the face of the country throughout the county, which will be noticed in another place.
The valley of the Chippewa creek is very similar to that of the Killbuck, though its physical features are more marked, and, in a geological sense, much more important and interesting, as it ex- tends through the most extensive coal fields of the county. The Chippewa creek, the main stream of the valley, is overlooked by high hills, its bed seeming to be in the channel of a pre-glacial river, as it is quite evident the Chippewa creek never wrought out its present bed, or cut its way through the numerous mounds in its course.
The evident marks of the pre-glacial channel, as remarked by Hon. M. C. Reed (geologist) in the geological survey of this
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county, as we learn from his manuscript report, by the kindness of Professor Edward Orton and Mr .- - Bond, Superintendent of Public Printing, are found in that locality, the course of which he states as follows: " A deep pre-glacial channel enters the county from the north, in the western part of Milton township, and ex- tends southward, extending, as it approaches Orrville into a broad swamp, the site of an ancient lake ; from thence it passes eastward into Stark county, a branch from Milton township extending di- rectly east in the valley now occupied by Chippewa creek, and an- other southward through Canaan and Wayne townships, passing east of Wooster and striking the line of the C., Mt. V. & C. R. R., near Apple creek. Another channel from the north enters the county near the east line of Congress township, and constitutes the valley through which the Killbuck flows through the whole extent of the county. A branch bearing southward from Wooster is fol- lowed substantially by the railroad until it unites with the ancient channel from Ashland and Richland in the Valley of the Mohican."
These ancient channels at least tend to show the course of drainage before the glacial era, and indicate that the water from the north flowed in channels which cut their course in the under- lying strata before the precipitation of the drift; and, from their course, we can logically conclude that highlands existed then, as now, between the streams, and, as now, overlooked these channels. As a general rule the land in all the townships is high above the main streams, and the present drainage of the county clearly indi- cates the character of the surface of the ground, pointing out its highlands and lowlands, plains and water-sheds ; the whole surface of the highlands, plateaus and terraces being covered with clay, sand and gravel, with bowlders scattered here and there; and on some of the elevations in the coal measure districts, as in Saltcreek, Paint, Chippewa and Franklin, large and small sand rocks are de- posited.
THE LAKES.
There are at present several existing bodies of water of this denomination, and numerous sites and remains of others formerly existing in this county.
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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
Fox Lake,
Of Baughman township, is the largest of the existing group. Its location is in a marshy district, known as the "Tamarack Swamp," in the south-east corner of section 2, the south west corner of sec- tion 1, the north-east corner of section II, and the north-west cor- ner of section 12, its larger portion being in section I, on the lands of Mr. George Bigler, the greater portion of its western side being on the lands of James B. Taylor, Esq., of Orrville, the portion situated in sections II and 12 being upon the lands of T. Little and S. C. Clapper. Its outward supply of water is from two small streams, one flowing into it from the north-west, the other from the south-east, the latter being the outlet stream from Patton's lake. The outlet of Fox lake is from its north-western side, the body of the lake lying north-east and south-west. The outlet stream is known as Red run, one of the southern branches of Newman's creek, of Chippewa township. It is supposed there is an interior source of water supply to this lake, as the amount discharged seems equal, if not, in fact, greater than that flowing in, from the two small streams mentioned. The water of the lake is clear, cold and pure, and of the character of spring water in the interior. About one-third in from its northern shore there seems to be a constant movement of the water, of the character of an almost invisible whirlpool, the water of the surface for some dis- tance moving very slowly in a small circle, in the center of which, it is said, floating objects disappear, though the writer has never witnessed this. It is claimed by some that this whirling of the water is caused by the escapement of the water through a subter- ranean passage. This is only theory, the fact of its escape having never been established; and, if it be so, then about an equal supply must come into the lake from some quarter beneath its surface, as the lake's level ever remains the same, except in cases of extraordinary floods, when a slight increase of water appears. Its actual depth in its deepest part has not been measured, though several efforts have been made to sound it. Its depth, about one- third way in from the shore, was ascertained in the recovering of
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TOPOGRAPHY.
the body of Mr. McClellan, drowned there, and mentioned on an- other page. To reach the body, at the bottom of the lake, it required three bed-cords, each averaging thirty-six feet in length, tied together, which were carried down by a heavy grapple, the body, by which means, was brought to the surface and rescued.
This lake, before the advent of the white settlers, was the resort of Indians, who gathered there for the purpose of fishing, the lake being then, as now, supplied with fishes of excellent quality, large quantities of which are caught every year by the people of the neighborhood. For many years, it has been a pleasure resort of "fishing parties " from Wayne, Stark and Medina counties.
Patton's Lake.
This is a small body of clear, pure, cold water, of oblong shape, about one-fourth as large as Fox lake, and situated only about one- third of a mile south-east of it, near the center of section 12, in Baughman township, in the Tamarack Swamp. Three small streams flow into this lake, one from the south, one from the north-east, and one from the west. Its outlet is on its north-west side, near its northern extremity, from where a small stream issues and flows north-west and empties into Fox lake at its south-west- erly end. This body of water rests in a basin, and is shallow com- pared with Fox lake, and also abounds in the different kinds of fish. The crystal character of the water justifies the belief that it contains an interior fountain, as some observers claim, though none such has been proven to exist. Its outside supply. of water, however, issues from the springs of the highlands.
These lakes, though located in a swamp district and in what would seem depressed ground, are, as well as the entire swamp, in fact upon high lands, and with small expense compared with the benefits to be derived from the undertaking, can be drained to the north. The swamp lands, covering about two sections, to a great extent retain their wild, native character, being literally cov- ered with tamarack trees, whortleberry bushes (some of which are eight feet in hight), underbrush, flags, and tall prairie grass. 6
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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
In the marshes, cranberries grow in great abundance, and in no other part of the county is there produced such quantities of whortleberries as in this swamp.
In the early history of the country this swamp was noted as a place of resort for bears, wolves, panthers, wild cats, which often made night hideous with their screams, growls and howls. Deer also took shelter in this almost impenetrable wilderness from the pursuit of the hunter. Smaller animals, such as otters, beavers, raccoons, opossums and minks also resorted here in search of food and for shelter. This whole swamp, in many ages past, no doubt was a lake, and is one of the evident land marks of a pre-glacial channel. Some of the land owners have made encroachments upon the outskirts of this swamp, cleared and converted the ground into farming land, which has proven to be very productive.
Doner's Lake.
This lake is located in Chippewa township, in a depression in what may be termed a champlain or terrace, and is of a circular form, and seems to be supplied by an interior fountain, as no stream flows into it, yet a constant stream issues from it.
Brown's Lake,
Situated in Clinton township, is similar in character to Doner's lake, appearing to have an interior source and a constantly flow- ing outlet, and is on higher ground and much less depressed, the lands upon its borders being but a few feet above the level of its surface.
Manley's Lake.
This is a small body of clear and cool water, located on the eastern side of the south-east quarter of section 16, in Clinton township. Its supply of water issues from an interior fountain, it having no other source. It is situated upon slightly elevated ground. From its eastern side issues a small stream of pure, sparkling water which constitutes one of the branches of the brook flowing through the lowlands in the vicinity of Shreve.
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TOPOGRAPHY.
Remains of Lakes.
Besides the remains of the lakes already described, located in Baughman township, there are others in the county, some of which are more extensive.
Newman's creek Swamp.
The lowlands in the valley of Newman's creek, extending from the vicinity of Orrville eastward to beyond the east line of Baugh- man township, known as the Newman's creek Swamp when the first settlement was made in the county, was the wildest, most ' inaccessible and dismal district within its boundaries. At first it was called the " Dismal Swamp " and "Shades of Death," and for a long time none but the fearless backwoodsman in the pursuit of game and fish, entered it. It was then literally covered with trees, alder, willow, and low brushwood, but in places along the stream were small, low marshy spots, where the choicest cran- berries grew in great abundance. The stream itself was alive with fishes of the most delicious quality. Wild potatoes grew there in large quantities, sufficient to supply the settlers for miles around who sought them for food.
Before the advent of the settlers of Baughman township, this swamp was a place of safe retreat of wild animals from the Indians, who made it a lurking place, and a fishing and hunting resort. Even after the township was settled it was infested with bears, panthers, wild cats and wolves, and elk and deer browsed and took shelter within its protecting wilds. Beavers made this swamp their home ; otters frequented it for food; and raccoons and foxes ever found it supplied with their choicest provisions ; cranes and fishhawks took their meals from the brook; and the bald eagles and hawks made prey of the smaller birds that congre- gated there. Such was the condition of this swamp fifty years ago, and, indeed, but forty-two years ago, when the writer visited it, its condition had not been much improved. It was a wilderness and
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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
dismal swamp then, the scream of the panther, the howl of the wolf and the barking of the fox echoing within its borders.
The upper end of this swamp extended a short distance into Greene township. At the west line of Baughman township it reached north and south, over sections 18, 19 and 30, for the dis- tance of about two and one-half miles. Then it extended east- wardly down the Newman's creek valley to the Stark county line, through the following sections in Baughman township: It ex- tended north and south in sections 20 and 29, north half way over the former, and south about two-thirds over the latter; grew nar- rower in sections 21 and 28, but widened out in section 22, bend- ing to the north into section 15, covering about one-fourth of the south side of that section, and extending south near the south line of section 22, being at this point originally over a mile in width. It diminished in width nearly one-half at the east line of section 22, passing diagonally across section 23, covering about three-fifths of this section, passing the section line on the east about the cen- ter of the section, its southern line crossing the south line of the section and the north-east corner of section 26, and continuing in a circular form one-third over the north side of section 25, and its northern boundary line passing in an angular direction south-east- ward over the south side of section 24, the north and south bound- aries forming a junction a short distance east of the county line, at the west line of sections 24 and 25, and eastward for about half a mile in width; but from there it assumes a wedge shape, the point being east of Baughman township.
A very marked change has taken place in this swamp district within the last forty years. The woodman's ax has felled and cleared away the trees, and the ditcher's spade has drained and reclaimed the lands. The husbandman's industry and skill have garnished and beautified and converted the " dismal swamp " into fruitful fields, yielding abundant harvests. There is here a com- plete metamorphosis, one of those exhibitions of which, in truth, it may be said the "wilderness has been made to blossom as the rose."
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TOPOGRAPHY.
The soil of the lands is a black sandy loam, with sufficient clay and pulverized lime interspersed, and the usual chemical ingredi- ents to make it of the most productive quality.
No districts of lands in the county are more beautifully or advan- tageously located than those of the Newman's creek swamp. Smooth and even of surface, as if a gentle river had flowed over them from hill to hill throughout the extent of the valley, viewed from the highlands on either side, it presents a prospect seldom witnessed. For six miles is a landscape of unbroken plain, divided into culti- vated fields, broad meadows, with here and there clumps of the native wood, skirted by gentle elevations on either side, upon which the early settlers erected their dwellings and opened up their farms. And the prospect is equally inviting when observed from the plain, and, as far as vision extends, are seen elevated farms and gardens, large and convenient barns and elegant houses. It seems almost a miracle that this once inhospitable "desert wild " in so short a period has been changed into such a valuable farming district. 1
This swamp, it is now conceded, is the remains of a pre-glacial lake, and before the drift period was an open lake, perhaps even wider than its present boundaries, and may have been a pre- glacial channel, conducting a large, deep stream from beyond the summit, before the formation of the northern lakes. At all events, in earlier ages a much larger stream flowed through this valley than Newman's creek, after the carboniferous period.
KILLBUCK SWAMP.
This term may be properly applied to the low, marshy lands lying between Wooster and Shreve, as, at the time the first set- tlers visited the county, a continuous swamp existed between these two places, which is, doubtless, the remains of a pre-glacial lake in the bed of the pre-glacial channel of the valley of the Killbuck. The first visible remains of this ancient lake are the broad, low, meadow lands south of Wooster, the northern edge of which extends into the city. Fifty years ago nearly all the low lands
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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
south and west of the city were covered by water the year round, until boatmen saw proper to remove some of the upper driftwood lodged in the Killbuck river. These lands were then valueless, and shunned by the early settlers. Gradually, however, the river, by the removal of the drift, receded within its banks, and soon the formerly flooded meadows became covered with herbage; but it was long before they became of value, even for grazing purposes, on account of the surface ground seeming to be resting upon water, as it could be shaken from almost any point for several rods around. The whole surface rested upon a stratum of vegetable mould, sand and mud, through which percolated small streams of water.
The banks of the Killbuck are composed mostly of clay brought from some other locality, and are generally higher than the lands some distance away, which has been occasioned by the river overflowing its banks. The Killbuck river is not in its native bed, it, doubtless, having flowed much farther east, and formed a junction with the Apple creek at or near the north end of Prairie lane, if not even above the railroad bridge, as the land in that locality shows clearly that a large body of water, in pre-historic ages, flowed down the valley on the east side of the railroad. The Apple creek may have passed in that direction, and joined the Killbuck above the Beaver Dam. Many years ago, during a high flood, the Apple creek flowed down Prairie lane, and formed for itself a new channel; and at considerable cost to the township and county it was kept in the old channel. Only by the construction of the embankment and filling up the new channel was it kept within its former boundaries.
The Killbuck was driven to its present location, not many cen- turies ago, by the Apple creek, which, by the vast amount of sedi- ment and debris carried down into the plain, filled up the channel of the sluggish Killbuck, somewhere in the "Big Meadow," as this body of lowlands was termed, driving it westward to the base of the hill, its present location. About forty years ago there was an extraordinary flood which raised the water higher in the Apple
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TOPOGRAPHY.
creek than ever known before, and seemed to sweep everything before it. Near the center of section 9 it widened and deepened its channel, filled up almost the entire width of the Killbuck, and poured its flood south over the Columbus road, making deep gul- leys through it, rendering it impassible. The Big Meadow (Sloan's) was soon submerged, and covered with sand and gravel. The only way the mails could be got through to the Killbuck bridge was by crossing the stream at the upper bridge, at Robi- son's mill, passing through the cemetery grounds, through Lar- will's and Sloan's meadows, the water entering the coach and extend- ing half way up the horses' sides. The writer, in company with quite a number of persons, among whom were Colonel John Sloan and William Larwill, after the water abated, visited the scenes of the disaster. On examining the channel where it was widened and deepened in section 9, it was discovered that several large logs had been unearthed extending across the bed in a direction a little east of south, two of which were near together, one above the other, about three feet apart. The lower and smaller of the two was bedded in the banks in a blue clay, which extended below it to the bottom of the channel, the one above being imbedded in fine sand and clay. At a short distance from the logs, up the stream, an ancient channel, much wider than that of the present Killbuck river, was discovered in the newly washed banks, the fresh chan- nel having been cut down several feet in the blue clay, the evidences being visible in both banks of the Apple creek, and in the direc- tion of the logs. The depth of this channel was considerably be- low the bottom of the Killbuck, the upper log spoken of being about on a level with it. The observations taken then very forci- bly impressed the idea that this was an ancient course of the Kill- buck. It was very manifest that this deep bed of the Apple creek had not reached the bottom of the drift, or the pre-glacial channel, and it seems to be conclusively proved that a large stream, wider and deeper than the Killbuck river, flowed almost at right angles across the present channel of the Apple creek. The surface of the ground above this ancient bed gave no evidence of it whatever ;
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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
nor do the shiftings and changings of the Apple creek give any surface signs. A striking illustration of this character was pre- sented by this stream several years ago, at Robinson's mill dam, near Wooster. A rise in the stream changed its channel and washed its right bank, by which five or six feet of earth were car- ried away, and the protruding trunks of two large trees, much de- cayed, were uncovered. These trees were buried in the ancient channel of the stream about seven feet beneath the surface, and were covered with sand, clay and gravel. On the top of the ground under which they were buried grew large oak trees, one of which having been felled, proved to be, from counting the rings of its growth, many centuries old. No evidence, whatever, was visible on the surface of the ancient channel.
The next evidence of remains of this lake is in the character and topography of the ground along the line of the railroad south of the Apple creek to and along both sides of the Wooster and Franklin township ditch. One important feature is the open swamp called the Beaver dam, which, fifty years ago, was a curi- osity. This dam was in the midst of a pre-glacial channel, pos- sibly from the valley of the Apple creek, as the one descending that valley may have sent off a branch in this direction; at all events such a channel existed here.
South of the Beaver dam, on the lands of W. N. Smith and Edward Daniels, other important evidences of this ancient lake appear in the marshes, highlands and islands which there appeared, though since the construction of the ditch the swamp lands have been converted into fruitful fields; and such to a very great extent is the condition of the low marshes of the bed of this pre-glacial lake nearly throughout, not by this ditch alone, but others which have greatly reclaimed the land. The system of drainage is not only conveying off the surplus water from the low swamp lands, but converting the less depressed into elegant farms, with a sur- prisingly rich soil, inexhaustible in productiveness.
The contrast now compared with the condition of this portion of the county seventy years ago, when the first settlers visited it
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TOPOGRAPHY.
in 1807, is remarkable. At that time from near Wooster to the vicinity of Shreve, the whole plain from the base of the high lands on either side was under water, except the ancient islands of the lake, which stood prominent above the waves, as in the era when the lake waters settled round them. Much of the lowlands were then an impenetrable swamp, always under water, in which grew small brushwood whose widely extended roots seemed to hold them upright with very little earth support. The other lowlands, called "second bottom," were tolerably well wooded with soft maple and elm. The islands and terraced portions of the plain were heavily wooded with oak, sugar, hickory, ash and cherry, that on the islands being of the same order as those on the high- lands of the valley. There were then in several places quite exten- sive prairies in this ancient lake bed, among the prominent of which was the one south and south-west of Wooster. The early settlers so far as they were able to judge, concluded that one-half of the plains constituting this lake bed was prairie, though this was only a guess, as they were not then measured or counted by acres. Some of them were wet, others dry, and some remain wet, especi- ally south of Millbrook, which, to some extent, is owing to the em- bankment of the railroad which passes through the ancient lake bed from Wooster to about a mile north of the village of Shreve. On the east side of the lake basin below Moreland, was an exten- sive cranberry marsh on the farm of Samuel Moore, which, for fifty years, supplied the Wooster market with this fruit.
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