USA > Ohio > Ohio early state and local history > Part 13
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Mr. Morgan Ink is the happy possessor of a volume, I might say, of these songs, which is entitled "The Harrison Medal Minstrel, illustrative of the enthusiastic feelings of a grateful but power ridden people toward the gallant defender of their country."-"The Hero, the Farmer, the Statesman and the Philanthropist"-oft weighed in the balance and never found wanting." It was published in Philadelphia in 1840 by Grigg & Elliott. This little book contains over a hundred and twenty songs.
Harrison was elected, but lived only one month-Tyler, as Vice-President, succeeding him. Gen. Harrison's election was probably brought about by the panic of 1837.
During the campaign of 1842, Tom Corwin-"Tom, the wagon boy," as he was familiarly called by the people of Fort Seneca-made a speech by the side of the Sneath warehouse on Miami street, and a barbecue was had. Wilson Shannon was the Democratic candidate for Governor, and spoke in the woods on Market street.
The Democrats were in control and the Whigs had no place in which to hold their meetings, so word went about that each
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Whig who could should bring to town a log toward a building. There being but few horses in the county, the town was filled with oxen on the day of the cabin building. It was located just back of where the Commercial National Bank now stands, and by the cabin door stood a barrel of hard cider.
At the time of General Harrison's celebrated speech at Fort Meigs-the 27th anniversary of the raising of the siege- one of the notable features planned for the great occasion, was the erection of a log cabin, and Seneca county donated some large buckeye logs. Eight yokes of oxen were hitched to a stout wagon, and logs of the approved dimensions were lashed to the axle, and Seneca county boys, headed by Josiah Hedges, started for the Maumee. Logs were hauled there from all parts of the State. After the defeat of Gen. Scott and the Whig party in 1852, there were rumors of the formation of a new party. It was reported to be a secret organization, and little could be learned of their plans until in 1854, when it swept the country and was called the "Know Nothing Party." In Seneca county it was claimed there were 1600 "Know Nothings" to 1000 Democrats. Dr. Russell was sworn in as the leader of the "Know Nothings." They kept so quiet, that persistent as the Democrats might be, they were unable to learn much of their meetings; they had no regular place of meeting, but at a call, bits of colored paper would be scattered, which when noticed, would cause one member to inquire of another.
In 1855 the "Know Nothing Society" assumed the title of the "American Party," but died a natural death a year or so later.
In 1854, Judge Cooper K. Watson was sent to Congress from this district. He was the grandfather of Mr. John C. Loomis.
1860 was a memorable year, being the year of the Lincoln campaign for President, and many are yet living who can tell many of the happenings of that campaign.
Mr. James Yerk, who had attended the convention when Lincoln was nominated, brought home a fence rail which was claimed to be one that Lincoln had split in his youth when he was a poor man, and worked on a farm.
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Mr. S. B. Sneath tells a story of the home coming from the convention at Chicago. As they neared Forest, the engine became disabled, and while waiting, the boys decided to go to Upper Sandusky. On the way they picked up a rail; upon entering the Pearson House, they left the rail in the office while they proceeded to leave behind them some of the dust of travel. As Mr. Sneath was about to enter the dining room, the head of the house, with whom he was acquainted, asked if there would be any harm in his "taking a splinter off this rail." Mr. Sneath told him, "No, but don't let any one see you." The rail was brought to Tiffin the next day, and as a souvenir, was placed by the speaker's desk, where it remained all during the campaign.
A large wigwam was erected on Washington street just north of the Court House Square for the holding of meetings.
After the election, this wigwam remained standing for some time, and was used for holding Firemen's Fairs, shows, and various sorts of amusements.
During the Civil War which followed, this wigwam, and buildings near, were torn down and National Hall block erected, and the large room on the third floor used for the fairs, dances, plays, etc. This is where the soldiers of the 49th Regiment were received when they came home to veteran. A sumptuous dinner was served, a reception speech was made in the evening, and dancing followed, and was freely indulged in by those who could not get to their homes that night. Be- sides, the town girls thought it a great treat to dance with a heroic soldier who had braved the battle field and death for his country.
About 1849 the slavery question was agitated in politics. The State of Kansas was the bone of contention between those who wanted slavery and those opposed to it. John Brown, a zealous fanatic and anti-slavery man, conceived the idea of freeing the slaves by inciting an insurrection among them. He, with a few followers, captured the armory at Harper's Ferry, expecting the slaves to rise against their masters and free themselves. He was captured, imprisoned, and convicted, and sentenced to death by a Virginia court, and hanged. This, perhaps, brought on the crisis which resulted in the Rebellion
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of States. The South, ignoring the Constitution, decided to secede, but did their work secretly until they demanded the surrender of Fort Sumpter. President Lincoln called for troops, and William H. Gibson helped to raise companies. July 31, 1861, he entered the service, and was commissioned Colonel of the 49th Regiment, to serve three years. A camp was opened August 12th, to receive the companies which flocked in, and was called Camp Noble, in honor of our then Congressmen, Hon. Warren P. Noble. The companies were made up of men who were neighbors and from adjoining coun- ties who desired to serve under him. The camp was a resort of much interest to the citizens.
In a little over a month, the shortest time in which a regi- ment was known to mobilize, they were ready to march, and on the 10th of September the regiment started on the cars for Camp Chase, and arms and orders. They were ordered to Kentucky, and were the first troops to enter that State from the North. The loyal people of Louisville hailed them as their deliverers.
When General Gibson returned from the army he brought with him a colored man, Jackson Brook (that was his master's name, slaves frequently taking the name of their master). The children tried to teach him the letters of the alphabet and to spell words; but while he studied hard, he was too old, almost fifty. He used to tell marvelous stories of his experi- ences "in the wah." When he first came and the family would go driving, he would sit by the barn-yard gate until their re- turn, but soon learned that the "black people" as he called them, were not so humble here. After a time he married a nice colored woman, and with the money earned while living at the home of the General, bought himself a comfortable home. He survived his wife by several years. When he passed away, his funeral was attended by soldiers and some of the best citizens.
He came to the 49th Regiment at Murfreesboro before the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln. Having been in Tiffin some years, he thought he would like to see his old home and friends and his master's
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family. After being there a few days, a daughter of his old master cautioned him that if he had any money not to let any one know it. He took the advice as a hint, and fearing his life, made straight for his home here, not letting any one know of his leaving. His own brothers had left the country and gone to Texas, and his master's boys were very rough. He was assistant cook for General Gibson, and servant, and was so honest that the officers would not infrequently give him their watches to keep, before an engagement in battle. After some time, Jack would appear with the property all right. During a battle he would some times make a hole and creep into it. One time Sim Crawford pulled him out, and crawled in himself, and Jack had to look for another place. He never resented, but always remembered it. Crawford was a cook for the Colonel. Jack always attended the reunions, was taken there by the boys. Every Decoration Day his grave is honored with a flag and a bouquet of flowers by the gallant members of the G. A. R. Post.
An interesting incident, as told to the Misses Maria and Jennie Dresbach, is worthy of preservation.
When Gen. Henry Brish brought his bride to Fort Ball in 1828, they stopped for a short time with his parents, on Sandusky street. Outside of the tavern kept by Elisha Smith on the same street, near Adams, there was no place for young clerks to board, so Mrs. Brish had opened her home to three or four. A very fine dance had been given at Lower Sandusky which these young men had attended, and they were desirous of having as nice a one here, and asked Mrs. Brish if she were willing to let them have it at her home. She consented, and then began the preparations for the big supper, etc. The young bride became interested and assisted. In decorating the huge pyramid cake for the center of the table all went well until the decoration for the top cake, when Mrs. Brish exclaimed, "I have it," and going to her room returned with three beautiful white plumes which had decorated her wedding bonnet. The other separately iced cakes forming the pyramid, were decorated by the use of quills four or five inches in length split to form four points, and placed at equal distances on the cakes. Upon each point was a shelled almond previously wrapped in tin foil.
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With the motion of the dancers, or any jars of the building, the effect of the waving quills in the light of numerous candles, was very pretty.
The dance was a great success, but a storm arising of much severity, it was impossible for the merry makers to leave for three days.
Gen. Brish was the Indian Agent succeeding the Rev. James Montgomery. Their first home was in a double log cabin on the west side of Jackson street, just south of Miami. Later, they built a house, which is still standing, north of town. They entertained often and Auntie Brish, as she was called, was very fond of flowers and children. Her little piano, the only one about for many years, was a great attraction. Dr. Cary, partner of Dr. Dresbach, was a brother, and George and Fannie Ritchie (Mrs. Knupp) were half brother and sister, of Mrs. Brish.
In the thirties, calicoes were very fine and of beautiful fast colors. The price averaged sixty cents a yard, as in war times, and they were worn for best dresses, and were mill made- quite a luxury when so much cloth must be made in the home.
A singular bonnet was then worn. It consisted of a straight piece of silk, with a narrow shirr about six inches apart, in which a rattan was drawn. The material was then drawn in the back to fit a flat piece shaped like a horse shoe, for the crown. It was like a Chinese lantern with one end cut out for the face, and then cut lengthwise to fit the neck, as it would fold up. A silk ribbon was attached to each side of the face like a bridle, to hold it forward. This was called a "clash." The winter wraps, by those who could afford them, were merino shawls, bright red center, with rough border similar to the broche shawls worn later. Another wrap, and worn by younger women, was made with a tight waist and sleeves, and rather full skirt, which came half way below the knees, all thickly wadded and lined. These were usually made of black alpaca or silk and were called "Jim-along-Josie."
Gentlemen wore long cloaks of broadcloth or camel's hair. They were fulled into a high stiff collar with a showy heavy clasp at the neck, were worn gracefully wrapped around with the corner thrown over one arm as we see pictures of Roman
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Senators of old. Few men wore the so called overcoat, but would have very heavy suits for winter, or large double woolen shawls thrown over their shoulders. (Mr. Harry Cromwell is well remembered as wearing a gray one, and the writer has in her possession a green one worn by the Hon. Abel Rawson.)
Elisha Smith kept tavern near where now stands the old Holt House-so called. This was the place for July celebra- tions and dances.
From 1850 on, for many years, evening parties were fre- quent, and ladies dressed almost as decollette as at the present time. Less formality, however, was observed. Every hostess was supposed to be her own caterer, and there was but one course, but that abundant. Not less than six kinds of cake were served, so that every guest might have his choice. Usually the matrons would sample each kind to judge if the hostess were an expert cake baker, which was considered a necessary accomplishment toward being a good house-keeper. Ice cream was unknown. Rich preserved fruits, and later canned fruits, were criticised, as were the cakes. Refreshments were served standing, and there was no bustling or crowding of chairs and tables hired for the occasion, or napkins to launder for several days afterward.
Promenading and dancing for those so inclined and a social visit for those who did not indulge, was the order of the evening, and all went home well pleased, and the host and hostess were happy in the thought that they had done their part for the pleasure of society for that year.
A surprise sleighing party perpetrated upon William Lang and wife at their country home was a pleasant affair. The Judge being of a nervous temperament, went about jingling keys in his pocket, possibly thinking "what would he do with the crowd," but was equal to the occasion. He had the dancing room, which was up stairs, warmed, and would not al- low any to go until they had furnished a fine supper, which was at two o'clock in the morning.
In the winter of 1857 the new State House at Columbus was completed, and an Inaugural Ball given in the Senate Chamber. A number went from Tiffin. People from all over the State were there in large companies. The ladies were all in full
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evening dress. Mrs. R. G. Pennington wore a low necked dress of white gros grain silk, with pink roses woven into it, and handsome adornments. Mrs. W. H. Gibson's dress was of blue gros grain silk, made with two wide flounces which came to the hips, each trimmed with bronze braid, head-dress of white uncut velvet in folds on wire, on one side a white satin ribbon edged with silver lace, reaching to the shoulder on the other, and sprays of silver tinsel. This was wired to be worn over the low coil of the back hair; and she carried a hand- some scarf. The handkerchiefs were of lace and carried in a gold clasp which was attached to a ring worn on the third finger of the left hand.
Refreshments were served in the lower rooms and rotunda. The jam was so great that many could not get near the tables, as there were hundreds not able to get into the building. How- ever, it was an event ever remembered by the generation who participated in the occasion. All the State officers have passed away, and few of the entire crowd remain to describe the event.
The dam over which Mr. Spencer and Mr. Hedges had so much trouble, was made of brush laid across the river, with the points up stream. On the top of each layer of brush, other brush were laid cross-wise, then another layer like the first and so on. The whole string of brush was held down by boulders and dirt put on top of the brush. Mr. Spencer built this dam from his crude saw mill in Fort Ball, near the foot of Lafayette street, across to Mr. Hedges of Tiffin, and midway between Washington and Monroe streets. One night Mr. Hedges procured a number of men with picks and shovels, and had a ditch dug in a half moon shape around the east end of the dam. The next morning the new dam and saw mill were high and dry.
This was the first dam erected across this river, and the water raised by it ran the first saw mill. It caused numerous contentions between the rival proprietors of Tiffin and Fort Ball; its destruction became the cause of action in the first law suit, and the occasion for the first jury trial in the Court of Common Pleas of this county, and brought about the pur- chase by Mr. Hedges, of all of Fort Ball still remaining in the name of Mr. Spencer.
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Mr. Hedges becoming the owner of much of Fort Ball, sold to Mr. Rufus Reid, the south-west corner of Sandusky and Miami streets, which Mr. Spencer had given for a Court House and known as the Public Square. On this Mr. Reid had erected a store room. Not being willing to vacate peace- ably, a contract was drawn with Lane, Buckland & Hayes, of Lower Sandusky, and William A. Montgomery, Maria McNeal, and William Johnson of Fort Ball, said Lane, Buck- land & Hayes agreeing to commence suit to compel Mr. Reid to remove his building from said premises, and prosecute the same to final hearing in the Supreme Court, if necessary, for the said Montgomery, McNeal, and Johnson, in consideration of $200.00 in case of the successful termination of said suit. If said suit failed, said Lane, Buckland & Hayes were to loan their services. The suit was successful, and the contract shows the amount to have been paid by Maria McNeal, Wm. N. Montgomery, R. W. Shawhan, W. Johnson, and J. B. Flaugher; and the Public Square has not since been encroached upon. (William N. Montgomery was the eldest son of Rev. James Montgomery.)
Within the life of Seneca's first jail, a couple of men were arrested for making counterfeit dollars. One proved to be a ventriloquist and the other a singer, and during their sojourn in this prison, were a source of great entertainment to the boys. Thinking they had stayed as long as they wished, they ar- ranged to bore one of the logs of the roof full of auger holes and while the family living in the front of the building was at church, forced the log out of place by the use of a part of their bedstead, and by the means of this log made their escape through the family rooms.
William Spicer, who played so conspicuous a part in the history of the Seneca Indians while living in this valley, was captured by them when a child. When the first white settlers came to this valley, Spicer had been on the Sandusky for forty years. The Wyandots used him as a decoy to bring boatmen on the Ohio nearer to the shore. They would tie him to a tree, and compel him to call to the boatmen for help, and while they lay in ambush, any persons approaching Spicer were an easy prey. Of the robbery, we have been told more or less.
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William Spicer was uneducated, but had acquired considerable money from the sale of his hogs, cattle, horses, and corn- amounting to possibly $6,000.00 or $7,000.00. It was the com- mon belief of the early settlers that Spicer obtained a con- siderable portion of this money from persons who came to the country to purchase land. Being a white man, these strangers felt safe in stopping at his cabin; and he, knowing that they generally had money with them, would invite them to stay with him. Some of the men who stopped with him mysterious- ly disappeared and were never heard of afterwards, and it was the common belief that Spicer had murdered them for their money. He afterwards admitted having killed, near his cabin, a mail carrier-a young man named Drake, the son of the then postmaster at Marion, Ohio-for the purpose of robbing the mail.
Alone in his cabin one afternoon in the early spring, several men rode up to it and one of them, a man named Rollins, en- tered, and demanded his money and the key to his chest. His demand being refused, Rollins struck Spicer on the head with some weapon, which stunned him. After tying and blind-folding Spicer, Rollins and those with him proceeded to search the cabin. After they had secured his money, and just as they were mounting their horses to ride away, Spicer regained consciousness, succeeded in removing the handkerchief from his eyes, and recognized some of the robbers. Within a very short time after they had gone, Spicer's sons, of whom he had several, who had been across the river making maple sugar, returned home. Upon learning what had occurred, they im- mediately set out after the robbers in an effort to overtake them. Failing in this, a search warrant was issued, and the constable with a posse proceeded to search the cabins of those suspected of the crime. Proceeding towards Tiffin, they reach- ed the cabin of a man named Downing, suspected of having been one of the robbers. They searched his cabin, but found nothing. As they were about to start on, Downing's little girl, filled with pride because of their new found wealth, became talkative, and said to one of the searching party that "Dad has a fat hearth-stone." With this statement as a cue, the party raised one of the large hearth-stones, and under it found
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$500. in silver. At another cabin $600. was recovered, and at other places more, until most of the money was recovered. After committing the robbery, the robbers becoming scared and fearing the wrath of Spicer's grown sons, proceeded to hide it. One, more scared than the rest, threw his share of the silver money into the spring near what was known as the Smith house which stood just west of the river at the south-east corner of the Henry Abbott farm, where it was found. Another, whose share seems to have been paper money, hid it in a night- cap in a chicken house where it was found.
A considerable portion of the money taken was paper money, which had been issued by banks that had failed, and therefore was worthless.
This was probably the first robbery by white men in Seneca county. Several men were arrested, supposed to have been implicated. Downing escaped, and was never heard from. Rollins was tried and convicted, and sentenced to the peni- tentiary for eleven years, but was pardoned before his term expired, Spicer himself signing the petition.
The first general muster of the militia took place in the autumn of 1824 at Fort Seneca; the regiment numbered about 400 men. The military trainings were on the Culver farm, then known as the Spicer place. The general muster was held near the stockade of the Fort. The system and laws regulating the militia of Ohio grew out of the conditions surrounding the early settlers. A standing army was a thing of the future.
The early statesmen laid down the doctrine that a well regulated militia was the safety of the State, and, the Revolu- tion and the War of 1812 were fought by militiamen. The musterings were held in August and September of each year, and were regarded as days of great fun and frolic. The men were ordered out on parade, "uniformed, armed, and equipped as the law directs," but the State furnished no arms, and the men had no uniforms, save perhaps some of the officers who could stand the expense.
In lieu of guns the men would use sticks or corn-stalks as substitutes.
Sidney (Smith) See was captain of one of the companies, and later made Brigadier General. He was a lawyer and had
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been in the legislature; was a very proud man, loved a fine horse, and made an imposing appearance when on horseback and in his uniform. However, a very strange character, and his head-strong ways brought him into trouble. On one of the Sep- tember muster days, the "grand army" was drawn up in line on Washington street, between Madison and the river. Gen- eral See was in his glory. While he was up street a man slipped out of the ranks, went into a nearby shop and securing a section of ginger cake, stepped into line again. Now came the Gen- eral in full gallop, feathers flying in air and the yellow cuffs of his gloves up to his elbows, and noticing the man with his big ginger cake, stopped short, wheeled his horse facing the men and shouted, "Attention! Great God! Look at this! A free born American citizen soldier, in the service of his coun- try, eating ginger bread in the ranks!"
People took great pride in military affairs, and it was no small matter to be elected an officer. This pride and the desire for the uniform led to the forming of Independent Companies. The "Osceolas," organized in 1842, with John Poorman, Captain, had neat green uniforms, and flint lock rifles. "The Washington Guards," a German company, was organized in 1850, William Lang, Captain. "The Fort Ball Artillery," in 1851, with T. H. Bagby, Captain. This was the only Inde- pendent artillery company ever organized in the county; they were all well uniformed and drilled.
After the War of the Rebellion, there were two companies organized in Tiffin:
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