USA > Ohio > Ohio early state and local history > Part 10
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In looking over a little book containing a list of the chartered banks of eleven States, and a list of notes receivable at the banks in Cincinnati, I find that Ohio had twenty-one chartered banks in 1817.
When the Revolutionary War ended the General Govern- ment and the Colonies were badly in debt. Virginia and Con- necticut, owning the entire Northwestern Territory, paid nearly all their Colonial debts by land script, which secured the first titles to land north-west of the Ohio River. The General Government struggled along for many years with an empty treasury, until the duties on imports and proceeds from the sales of Public lands troubled the statesmen with surplus revenue. There was no National debt. The recommendation of General Jackson that the surplus revenue, $20,000,000, be distributed among the different States, was especially gratifying to the Western States. Ohio's portion was $1,423,000, and Seneca county received $31,756.73. The act passed Congress and was approved by the President, March 26, 1837.
The panic of 1857 was very severe. Currency conditions in the West were such as to produce almost a complete dead- lock there. They had good crops, but with poor currency and credit, the houses unfortunate enough to be owing the East, were in bad shape. If they retained the bank notes which they were daily receiving, there was great danger of loss from bank failures; if they tried to remit to their creditors,
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they were met by a ruinous rate of exchange for Eastern drafts, in some instances 20 per cent to 30 per cent- a serious loss in either case. The years from 1846 to 1857 had been prosperous. The West was clamoring for railroads, and as it had very little available capital, it looked to the East to supply it. Thus, a vast amount of capital, largely obtained by the free use of credit, was locked up in investments not at once remunerative. The Western banks, as yet always weak, extended their loans and became weaker; the Eastern banks became more and more extended. The panic was precipitated by the failure of the Ohio Life Insurance & Trust Company of Cincinnati, in Sep- tember.
Quotations on gold, during the last year of the Civil War, ranged above two hundred. The extreme limit was reached July 11, 1864, when gold sold for 2851/2, making the value of the Greenback 25 cents. (The first bank in Seneca county stood on Perry street, where is now the Knights of Columbus Club).
But to return:
Mosquitoes and other nauseous insects, and reptiles were legion and intolerably annoying. They were at night-fall expelled and kept off only by a suffocating smudge placed wind- ward for that purpose. The squirrel and raccoon, the black- bird and the crow, would ruthlessly despoil their corn fields. The hawk would seize and plunder their domestic fowls. The bear and the ferocious panther were oftentimes more familiar than courteous or desirable. The howl of the prowling wolf would not infrequently chill the gaiety of the terror- stricken pioneer ensconsed in their isolated cabin for the chit- chat of the evening. Chills and fever were not uncommon, and now and then the shaking ague, like some saucy prude, would stir up the bile of its quivering victim, jerking and tossing and torturing him for hours without respite or mercy. Then would the thoughts of a former sweet home and its sur- roundings inevitably return, requiring a mighty mental effort to divest them of the forms of reality. But such thoughts were transitory, for nature was beautiful and her assurances visible and convincing. She whispered in their ears, "Patience.
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My resources, crude as they are, when developed by your skill and industry, will convert these solitudes into the abode of a moral and intellectual community, beset with churches and schools, all sustanied by the munificent products of my soil." This maternal voice, the instinctive promptings of stern neces- sity, were cheerfully heeded, and the stately forest melted like dew, before the ax of the stalwart pioneer and his sons. The goodly wife and her cheery daughters meantime did the honors of the kitchen; superintended household affairs; chanted their songs and hymns amid the prattle of children, the thump of the loom, the clatter of the shuttle, and the hum of the spinning wheel.
Now let us contemplate this interesting group ministering to the demands of pressing hunger. Behold the purity of its domestic enjoyments! A skillet, a bake-kettle, frying pan, and a coffee-pot and a tea-pot, constitute the principal utensils for cooking. It was my pleasure not long since to visit at the home of Mr. Morgan Ink, and be shown many of the kitchen utensils, as well as other necessaries, used in those early days. He is the possessor of much which should have an honored place in a historic room that I know this Chapter is looking forward to possess.
Supper being prepared, is spread often times without a table cloth, upon a table of boards or puncheon. The house- hold gather around it, seated in chairs of modest manufacture, or upon stools or benches, provided for the occasion. The head of the family, in mien careworn and benign, pronounces an appropriate benediction. The plain yet nutritious meal, bespeaking most perfect cookery and neatness, is despatched with a will. Supper over, the table and dishes carefully disposed of, the family assembles for the social chit chat and comforts of eve, around the big fire crackling in the wide and open fire-place. The faithful watch-dog sleeps at the door and puss in the corner. The evening is devoted to reading and instructive conversation, alternated with the gleeful amusements to which the busy housewife now and then super- adds darning and knitting.
In the family of John Gibson, near Melmore, many inter- esting debates were heard. The parents early learned of the
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aptitude of their children in this direction, and encouraged it. The subject chosen, the children were divided into two sections, with the parents, or any neighbors coming in-and there grew to be many such-acting as judges. Much fun and laughter ensued, yet the interest was keen, and the entire proceedings carried on with pains-taking dignity. John K. Gibson, a brother of Ohio's Silver Tongued Orator, was a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, won the honors of his class- 1839-and was accounted one of the most brilliant men ever sent forth from that far-famed classical institution. His death in 1841, closed the career of one who would undoubtedly have proven to be a great lawyer and statemsan. His crown- ing and last effort-"The Stability of our Republican Form of Government," was given at Fort Meigs, on the 27th anniversary of the siege, when General Harrison was the hero.
Of General William H. Gibson, it is unnecessary to speak, being so well known and loved by us all, yet I beg your indul- gence as I quote from the pen of Dr. D. D. Bigger, in "The Life and Speeches of General Gibson."
"It was at a Fourth of July celebration held in Melmore, in 1843. William Gibson had been chosen orator of the day. The aged men had been given seats of honor on the platform, and among them was a Revolutionary veteran, habited in the identical uniform he wore when a soldier in the Continental Army. His long hair, hanging in a queue down his back, was as white as the snow in which his Commander-in-Chief knelt on that memorable night in Valley Forge, when the guidance of the God of battles was invoked for protection and victory. As Mr. Gibson approached the closing words of his address, his spirit flamed brilliantly, and turning to the flag, he reviewed the cost of that emblem of liberty. Like the rushing of a mighty Niagara came his well worded thoughts, potent with the im- pact of truth, and whilst the burning periods of an exalted patriotism sprang from his quivering lips, the young orator moved forward and backward on the platform, punctuating every step with a patriotic utterance. Then, moving slowly back and behind the chair on which the veteran sat, with thrill- ing dramatic effect, he gathered the folds of the flag and with both hands grasping the banner, he rested them on the snowy
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crown of the aged soldier. Then, with fervant utterance, he exclaimed: 'This flag is ours! It is kissed by the sunshine of God, floats over a free and independent people, and is honored throughout the world. But, they who gave it are passing
away. Reverently I place this flag on the brow of my friend Arnold, for it was he and his compatriots that gave it to us. These white stripes tell of the purity of their devotion. These red stripes speak of blood shed by patri- ots falling at his side. Those stars shining through that field of blue, herald to all principalities what they won; and all this is ours! His race is nearly run. He will soon go to meet the brave spirits with whom he bivouaced in the paths of mountains, and in the storm-swept valleys. But sacred will be his dust."
At bed-time, closing the departing day with devotional ser- vice, these pioneers retire for the night, reposing sometimes on straw, upon roughest bunks or bedsteads of domestic man- ufacture, with heavenly innocence playing upon the counten- ances of all, they sleep soundly and sweetly until the dawn of another day. Such was the routine of pioneer life. Their hearts, overflowing with gratitude, pulsated warmly with love for one another, and with still greater love to Him who unseen had conducted them safely, without guile, through the day, and crowned their labors with success.
Those good old days of cabin raisins, loggins, huskins, flax-pullins, and apple-parins, when people walked, rode on horse back-the beau often escorting his lady-love on a pleasure ride perched behind him on his prancing steed-or in staunch wagons drawn by oxen, with the simple hospitality of the pioneer, have passed into history. No distinction in society, no aristocratic lines! If worthy and industrious, it was im- material whether or not they had capital other than labor and moral habits, which were then indispensable.
The social amusements proceeded from matters of neces- sity. A log-rolling, or a cabin raising, was often accompanied with a quilting, or some-thing of that sort, and this brought together a whole neighborhood of both sexes; and after the labors of the day were ended they spent the larger part of the night in dancing. If they had no fiddler, some one would
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supply the deficiency by singing. Visits, for the most part, would culminate in a supper of wild game, hot biscuit, pumpkin pie, and preserved wild fruits.
A wedding would call all together for fifteen or twenty miles. After the wedding at the home of the bride, where the nuptuals were celebrated, they enjoyed all manner of hilar- ity. In some localities dancing formed a part, unless the old folks had some religious scruples as to its propriety. The next day the party repaired to the home of the groom to enjoy the infair. When arriving within a mile or two of the house, a part of the company would run for the bottle, and whoever had the fleetest horse, succeeded in getting it. Among some families, this was a usual custom and the bottle was always ready at the home of the groom. The successful racer, then turned to meet the rest of the company and treated them, always careful to treat the bride and groom first. The suc- cessful racer then became the hero of the occasion.
When the youth were educated in log school houses, with puncheon floors and backless seats-old and young all in the same room-a great fireplace with two sets of andirons, few books were thought to be necessary, and older and younger fared much alike in what they were taught. The reading book was the New Testament. Geography was thought to be too high a study for a summer school; if parents wanted their children taught Geography, they should send them to Milan or Norwalk, to an academy.
Backs to the seats were regarded as injurious to the growing youth, and made them lazy; and split oak slabs supplied the approved benches. A broader, well adzed slab along the wall, facing the low horizontal greased windows, furnished ample accommodation for writing lessons. The generous cracks, from the shrinking of green timber, afforded a safe retreat for the green and black lizards which were privileged to start out from their hiding places, and scamper up the walls of the rude structure, greatly to the diversion of the children. In the roll call the parents name was the one called, and the eldest child of a family would answer as to how many brothers and sisters were present.
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1826 saw the first cabin raised in Seneca county for school purposes, which was near Melmore, and called Craw's Hill School, Mr. James Latham, teacher. It was typical of all pioneer schools, which grew to be the very center of attraction in the life of a community. The school houses were used as churches, and general meeting places. The school teacher boarded around among the scholars.
Mrs. W. H. Gibson tells of starting to school in Tiffin, at the age of eight years, she having learned to read at home. The teacher was Gabriel J. Keen, who was quite prominent in the early history of Tiffin.
Her studies were reading in the English reader, writing by making J, J, J, O, O, O, and M, M's, and spelling. At the close of school, both noon and evening, all pupils took their places in line on a crack in the floor for the purpose of having their spelling lesson. When a word was misspelled, it was passed on to the next until spelled correctly, when that fortunate scholar passed above all who had misspelled that word. When the lesson was finished, the one at the head had to pass to the foot. Then each spoke out his number from the head, so it
could not be disputed at the next spelling class as to his or her place or number. Great efforts were made to go from foot to head at the next spelling. The reading class, as all used the same book, would take their stand in the open space of the floor and read verse about, and occasionally be drilled on one verse, the teacher giving the sample. Those studying arith- metic only asked the advice of the teacher when they could not get an answer to their sum, as it was given in the book, and they could not always tell why they got it right or vice versa. Some of the older pupils kept a blank book in which they wrote their sums for future reference.
One crabbed old teacher who taught a select school during the summer, would remain at his desk all the time, and when asked for any help, would take the slate, work out the sum, and return it, without any explanation whatsoever. He would get on sprees, and once fell in a vat of the refinery nearby. His name was Dodge, and he was said to be a very good scholar himself.
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The next teacher was Mr. Nolan. Much time with him was spent on writing books and coarse hand. He was not a very inspiring teacher, being too fond of twirling his "cat-o- nine tails,"-a stick with leather thongs like shoe-strings, fastened to it-as he passed about the room, and not being averse to using it. Mr. S. B. Sneath remembers seeing him throw an open knife at, and put fish-hooks in the ears of the scholars. He became so severe in his punishments that two of the Steiner boys gave him a whipping. Dick (Richard M.) Boyer was noted for his tricks at school. One was what was called the dunce ring. This was made by drawing a circle with chalk upon a wide board or upon the floor, in the center of which was concealed the point of a needle. Some game would then be proposed which would require sitting down in the circle. When the uninitiated boy would sit down, he would come in contact with the point of the needle and suddenly rise, to the great amusement of all who knew the trick. When this teacher learned of this trick, Dick suddenly left school.
Mr. Sneath said the next teacher would use no rod at all, and the people laughed at him, as the boys had been going from bad to worse; but he reserved the right to send any pupil who misbehaved, away from school.
Of Mr. Benjamin Crockett, Mrs. William H. Gibson says, he thought the pupils ought to study Geography; and so they got such books as they could procure, and would recite at their seats as the teacher came along. He inspired the pupils with an ambition to excel in penmanship, and gave a reward of merit to those who improved the most at the end of the term. Mrs. Gibson was fortunate enough to receive the first prize, "History of Greece," in two volumes; Miss Maria Cronise the second "A Young Ladies Own Book," and Miss Jane Drake, the third, a book on Philosophy.
Every winter a different teacher would be on hand, there not being public money enough to hire for more than one term, which would be in the winter. If one taught in summer, they were paid by the parents of the pupils, and called a select school. The small children went to such schools during the summer, which were taught by ladies. Mrs. Gibson, or Miss
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Creeger as she was then, taught such terms before going to Granville, Ohio, to the Female Seminary.
The first school house erected in Tiffin was at the north- west corner of Market and Monroe streets, on land donated in 1828 by Josiah Hedges. A brick structure was completed in 1832, with Mr. Benjamin Crockett the first teacher in this building.
One little incident which I have heard related has to do with two of the older brothers of General Gibson. The chil- dren of the pioneer were accustomed to seeing Indians, yet there was the lurking fear of meeting them far from home, which the Indians came to know, and not infrequently would enjoy frightening the little pale faces. At that time the Indian mill near Upper Sandusky, built for the Wyandottes by the Government, was the only mill in this section of the country, and settlers for many miles around were obliged to go there to have their grinding done. It being necessary to have their meal barrel replenished, Mr. Gibson put a bag, containing possibly two bushels of shelled corn, on a horse and placed Robert on top of the bag, and Ben behind him on the horse. He then started them off to the mill with the injunction not to become frightened at the Indians, to stay until the corn was ground and come straight home with the grist. All went well, until upon entering Wyandot county, the great abundance of hickory nuts on the ground attracted their attention, and they dismounted to fill their pockets. While doing so a noise caused them to glance up, when to their terror, they beheld an Indian with his gun and dog near by; in an instant they were on their horse dashing through the woods. Thereupon the Indian gave a wild whoop, and letting loose his dog started in pursuit. This frightened the boys still more, and the bag of corn rolling off, they were not long in leaving the Indian far behind. However they did not relax their speed until they reached the only white man's residence on the Sandusky River throughout the whole distance. This man, confident the Indian did it only for sport, pursuaded the boys to return with him for the corn, which they found near the trail, the Indian having blazed two trees that it might easily be found.
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Returning from the mill, the boys could not be induced to take the same route, but sought their home by the circuitous way of Tymochtee, feeling that only "Old Barney's" fleet gait saved their scalps. Relating the incident, the Indian would chuckle saying, "Heap fun! Scare pale face young-uns!"
Lacking time to go to mill, or on account of bad roads, the pioneer would grind the corn in a hand mill, or mortar, not such an iron mortar as physicians used, however, but one also called a hominy block. This was made by burning a hole into the end of a block of wood. The corn was pounded in this mortar with a pestle, made by driving an iron wedge into a stick of suitable size. After the corn was sufficiently pounded, it was sieved, the finer portion used to make bread and mush, and the coarser for hominy. Their meat was bear, vension, and wild turkey. It was difficult to raise hogs or sheep, owing particularly to the wolves. The lard then used was pure leaf lard, taken from hogs which had been largely raised in the woods, and fattened on hickory nuts, beech nuts, and acorns-mast.
Many hunters, the better to elude the watchful eye of the wild turkey and deer, would color their hunting shirts to suit the season. In the fall they tried to resemble the fallen leaves; in winter, a brown or near the color of the trees; if there was snow on the ground, they would draw a white shirt over other clothes; and in summer, would color the outer clothing green.
For many years while deer was plenty in these and adjoin- ing woods, a company of men went camping each autumn for the joint purpose of pleasure and the supply of venison so greatly enjoyed. At one time one of their number, at the earnest solicitation of the family, took with him a pair of slip- pers. The first evening when all had gathered about the glowing camp fire, some one desired a drink of water. "Nate bring me a drink, will you? You have your slippers on." Soon the fire needed replenishing. "Nate, bring in some more wood, will you? You have your slippers on." Unsuspecting, for some three or four requests, Nate obligingly did as requested. Soon, however, he got tired of it, and going a short distance from the camp, threw one slipper one way, and the other another, with forceful expression.
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Several of these indomitable pioneers built up princely fortunes by their energy and strict attention to their legitimate business, and all succeeded beyond their most sanguine antici- pations, excepting, perhaps, now and then a solitary indi- vidual.
They made roads and farms; created wealth and constructed houses and edifices alike tasteful and commodious. They surrounded themselves and their families with all the append- ages and appliances of domestic ease and comfort. They laid the foundations of religious culture and social life. They mean- time cared for the sick and needy; enforced laws against vice and immorality fearlessly without looking back for the shadow of popular opinion; and they now constitute, in the aggregate, a community which compares favorably, in the elements of an advanced civilization, with that of the pioneers of any other northern county in Ohio. The had emigrated freely from choice, each seeking his own individual profit and advance- ment; and they had consecrated themselves and were contribut- ing powerfully in the hands of Providence, to the amelioration of their own condition, and in preparing a way for the diffusion of religion, morality, intelligence and refinement. Yet with yearning these first settlers must have looked back upon the land of their childhood, where churches, schools, and all the appliances that minister to our better nature, captivated and delighted the imagination! Everything that revived associa- tions of the past and its surroundings, must have been wonder- fully endeared by time and distance. Those whom they had passed indifferently on the street or highway, were then to enter their cabins to make some inquiry on the way onward, or for drink or refreshment, were greeted as friends, and interro- gated with intense inquisitiveness as to their residence, local incidents, acquaintances or destination. Although there might have been but little to communicate, yet that little had its precious reminiscences, and served to renew and strengthen the bond of union with those from whom they were remotely separated. It sweetened their musing return to the rustic scenes of life, giving at nightfall a freshness of delight to the meditations of evening, and enchantment in listening to the songsters of the air saluting the dawn. None but the pioneer
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can appreciate the longings, the inspirations that nestled in hearts of these tenants of the wilderness. The future was big with promise, and its redeeming rewards were self-assured. A sober second thought would convert this contrast into an element of increased contentment and satisfaction. The temporary privations and sufferings of pioneer life became the fundamental source of domestic gratification and comfort. Anticipation operated as an antidote to counteract all impending perils and misfortunes incidental or apparently unavoidable, whereby, in the language of the poet, they were enabled-
"In these deep solitudes and awful cells where heavenly, pensive contemplation dwells," to struggle, for years, with superhuman fortitude, toil, self-denial and endurance amidst miasmatic influence peculiarly deleterious in the early settle- ment of the county, to improve their condition and secure the higher enjoyments of social life. No wonder that every thing meeting the eye of these devoted pioneers, and giving prestige of success, should have invoked, as it did, the Divine benedic- tion, testifying their gratitude for the sleepless care and par- ticular providence of the Superior Being in their behalf, and recalling His many promises of loving kindness to dutiful humanity.
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