USA > Ohio > Ohio early state and local history > Part 9
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To the memory of the soldiers of 1812 and those of 1861- 1865, the monument on the site of Old Fort Ball has been erected.
Although no brick-yards were started until 1830, in 1827 Thomas Chadwick burnt a kiln of brick to build a chimney in the old log jail.
The great fire of 1872 started at McNeal's Corner, in Fort Ball, and took nearly everything in a north-easterly path until it reached the river. Five companies from neighboring towns assisted. A strong south-west wind was blowing. The loss was $95,000.00.
The first orchard in the county was set out by John Keller in 1824. In the fall of the year he drove up from Fairfield county with a team and a lot of apple trees. He planted the trees on a four acre tract which he had hired cleared. When he came back the following spring the apple trees were all gone. Some one had stolen them. This orchard was planted on the Keller farm two and one-half miles north of Tiffin, on the River road.
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Two oil booms have excited the community. The first, during the 1890's, followed the great oil find in and about Findlay. The largest producing well at that time was in the neighborhood of St. Francis Orphan's Home. Since 1905, the principal oil center has been in the neighborhood of High Banks, six miles north of Tiffin, the largest well in the county having developed on the Tomb and Shannon farms. This excitement, at the present writing, is dying out again.
Besides Heidelberg University, two Academies have flourish- ed and died in the county. About the time of the Civil War, the Academy at Republic was in its prime. The building is still standing and used as a residence. After the War, the Academy at Fostoria developed into quite an institution, but its glory has also departed, and a few years since, the building burned.
Reminiscences of Pioneer Days
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By LUCY McNEAL (MRS. DON R. GIBSON)
ORTH-WESTERN Ohio, as originally out-spread and robed by the power of an all-wise Creator, and while in the possession of the natives, who for ages had roamed over it, was a dense wilderness. Trees of all kinds abounded, and many, especially the oak, hickory, and sycamore, grew very large. The cherry, maple, and beech, although large, were comparatively of secondary size. The sycamore trees were hollow of trunk twenty or more feet above the ground, and were used by our forefathers as "smoke-houses" in which to smoke their meats. The trees would be cut off about twelve feet from the ground, the openings covered with slabs, or anything available, a door constructed, and soon the "smoke- house" was complete. Not so many years ago one such could be seen on a farm owned by a Mr. Elder, near Bascom.
Owing to the dense underbrush, the trunks of the trees were free from limbs from sixty to eighty, and occasionally ninety feet. Wild pea-vines, cowslips, browse, and native grapes grew abundantly, and supplied plenteous forage to the deer and other herbivorous animals roaming and abiding in this dark and uncultivated wild. The grassy prairies, decked in Summer with gorgeous flowers of all hues, were renovated by annual Autumnal fires kindled by the Indians. Game of all kinds was superabundant, including diverse species of squirrels, many flocks of wild turkeys, and other fowls highly
Note-The substance of this paper has been made possible through the possession of certain papers, and the kindness of the following persons, to whom due acknowledgment is made: Mr. Samuel B. Sneath, Mrs. Truman H. Bagby, Hon. John Seitz, Misses Marie and Jennie Dresbach, Mrs. Samuel Ink, Mr. Morgan Ink, Mr. C. C. Park, Mr. Austin McNeal, History of Seneca County, by William Lang; Reminiscences of Mrs. William H. Gibson, Life of Abel Rawson, compiled from notes written by himself, and Mrs. J. W. Bayard.
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3825CAR
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esteemed for food. Delicious fish, such as the princely muske- lunge, the pike, bass, perch, and others, sportively darted and rollicked along the streams.
The furs of various animals were especially attractive for domestic use and their commercial value.
The cranberry thrived luxuriantly in the marshes; and the strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and huckleberry grew exuberently here and in the "oak-openings," upon the prairies, and along the borders of Indian improvements. The plum, crab-apple, and grape flourished on the fertile declivities and bottoms along the streams. The lobelia, gentian, boneset, and various herbs less potent, grew spontaneously, and were deemed invaluable by the natives, and afterward highly ap- preciated, in unprofessional hands, for their medicinal quali- ties. A variety of indigenous fruits, among the most promi- nent of which were the hazel-nut, beech-nut, and shag-bark (hickory-nut), contributed bounteously, not only to the sup- port of wild game, but in the beginning of settlements, like manna to the Isrealites, toward the sustenance of domestic fowls and the swine of the settlers.
The surface of the country was rolling, inclined to level, with much sameness of contour and general appearance. A considerable portion of it, although high, was so uniform and, in its primeval state, so covered with water most of the time, intercepted in its egress by fallen timber, as to obtain the name of "Black Swamp." (The Sandusky river being the eastern boundary of the "Black Swamp.")
Nevertheless, the lofty forest, which grew and flourished even there, stamped conviction on the mind of every adventurer penetrating it, that these level and apparently swampy lands, were susceptible of easy drainage; also that the ridges of out- cropping limestone intersecting them and not infrequently covered with butter-nut, poplar, black-walnut, and cherry, demonstrated their natural dryness and adaptation, in an eminent degree, to the most profitable agricultural purposes. For the soil, consisting of a deep friable loam or black mould, was underlaid with a sub-stratum of yellow clay, imbued with large quantities of fertilizing ingredients; and must, it could not be doubted when subjected to cultivation, become exceedingly
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productive. Limestone prevailed almost everywhere; and sandstone, slate, and gypsum, in certain localities. Good water was abundant, and along the streams in general, and the Sandusky in particular, there was a sufficiency of waterpower for mills and manufacturing purposes. Springs were not infrequent; and where insufficient, an ample supply of pure and wholesome water was easily obtainable by the digging of wells.
The climate was more genial and temperate than in the same latitude east of the Alleghany mountains. This may perhaps have been caused, partially at least, by the proximity of Lake Erie, and the diffusiveness of its vast evaporations, and in part, prior to the drainage and improvement of the country, by the constant and wide-spread exhalations from the exten- sive forests covering it, if not in a measure by its remoteness and protection from the northwestern gales of the Atlantic. Be this, however, as it may, the atmosphere was more humid and the climate more temperate, although less healthful than afterwards, when deprived by drainage of its surface waters, and exposed to the influence of the wind and solar heat. Every- thing, soil, climate, locality, timber, game, water, stone, and the assurance of prospective products in profusion, combined to make the country attractive to civilization.
The Indians, after the memorable victory of General An- thony Wayne over them at the Foot of the Rapids of the Maumee River, August 20, 1794, punctilliously continued the observance of good faith toward the government and people of the United States, until stimulated, about 1809 or 1810 to renewed aggressions upon the border pioneers by the emissaries of Great Britain.
These and other National wrongs became so provocative and insolent that the United States resolved to submit all differences between her and her rival to the arbitrament of arms, and on the 18th day of June 1812, she accordingly de- clared war against Great Britain-in which many of these disaffected Indians participated, and contributed their ser- vices in her behalf. And, the country around and adjacent to the western end of Lake Erie became the theatre of many battles and the scene of many military maneuvers and opera-
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tions. The army was consequently compelled, during the three years of war, again and again, to traverse this region of country, bivouac upon it, and become familiar with its adap- tation to agricultural purposes. Its vast superiority in these respects over the Eastern and Southern States did not escape their observation. Its convenient access, by way of the Lakes especially, attracted their attention, and by some connecting link between these lakes and the Hudson River, which had been then already agitated, an outlet for the future products of the soil was assured. By reference to the map it could reasonably be anticipated that the time was not far distant when another outlet to the Ohio River would open up a southern market and so create an active and healthy competition for the products of the country whose fertility of soil, timber, and climate were so highly appreciated. These fascinating allurements were enhanced and fortified by the fact that the State of Ohio, which was not only consecrated to freedom by its own organic law, but also protected by aegis of the Ordi- nance of 1787, could never be expected to recede from the practical enforcement of the principles it ordained. The soldier on returning from the war to his family and friends among the rocky declivities and rugged hills of New England, New York, and Pennsylvania, or the everglades of the South, would naturally recount these many advantages. With a knowledge of such a country as this acquired, and with the assurance that it could be occupied without interference and depredations from the Indians, it is not singular that the tide of emigration should have flowed rapidly toward it, commencing at once, even prior to its survey and sub-division by the Na- tional Government.
Seneca county, both from its superior natural advantages, and its accessibility to the "Firelands" and other portions of the State already partially settled, attracted the first attention of those emigrant adventurers who sought localities, as squat- ters, wherever directed by inclination or judgment. These settlements continued during the surveys by the United States, and at the time of the creation of the county by an act of the General Assembly of Ohio, passed February 20, 1820, to take effect from and after the first day of April next thereafter,
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the forest here and there was studded with cabins. The gleeful notes of civilization succeeded the war-whoop of sava- ges; and the exercise of christian faith and love, noiselessly, without palatial palaces or pretentious ceremonials, illumined and cheered the hearts of self-denying pioneers. The surveys being completed, municipal organizations became indispens- able, and embryo villages gradually arose to meet the require- ments and convenience of the sparsely settled communities. Can the present generation, nurtured in the lap of plenty, comprehend the multifarious self-denials unavoidable in set- tling and sub-dividing a new and wilderness country? Perhaps it may not be amiss to state that Seneca county became the first wheat growing county in this great State of Ohio. Good present histories we have of Seneca county. Would that we had the past of Seneca county, which is full of eventful inci- dents worthy of preservation. We know what Tiffin now is, and has been for some years past, and it would be interesting to know under what adverse circumstances and by what skill and patient self-sacrifice of its proprietor, the city successfully resisted the hydra of unscrupulous efforts to strangle it in its infancy; and also by what means it has been transformed from the haunts of wild beasts and savages into its present magnifi- cence !
The pioneers of Seneca county having sought their homes in the wilderness with singleness of heart to subdue it, and im- prove their own conditions and prospects in life, were alike indifferent to the fastidiousness of aristocratic conventionalities, and the allurements of wealth. With them it was a season of social equality without rivalry-"to do unto others as they would that others should do unto them." They therefore not only encouraged and fostered each other, but especially new- comers among them. If worthy and industrious, it was im- material whether or not they had any capital other than labor and moral habits. Every legitimate enterprise was stimulated by private exertions and public encouragement. All, as if by instinct, spoke encouragingly of the town and county; of the prospects before them; of their progress, of the simplicity- yet unalloyed happiness of their lives-of their goodly neigh- bors; and everything tending to advance their common weal.
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It was these little things that gave vivacity and energy to the infant settlements of Seneca county. It was these that in- fused the patient pioneer with hope and courage; that gave cheer to the lowly cabin home. When a cabin was to be built, every white man in the region was present to help "raise the cabin." Trees were felled, timbers hoisted to position, the roofing placed, the chimney constructed with hickory withes, and, with "chinkin" and "daubin," the family was at home. When people began to hew the logs for homes, schools, and churches, they were called proud. Mr. David Leitner was called the best hewer in these parts, as Mr. Hiram Hart the most rapid and best wood chopper. Well can this wirey active little man be remembered driving his team of oxen, to which he clung as long as any one in this section.
Is our imagination strong enough to picture life in these homely cabins, so roughly constructed of logs, with puncheon floors, one great chimney cemented and plastered with mortar of clay, and dimly lighted with but a window or two? The whole region shadowed with deep tangled forests, only oc- casional path-ways along which the sly Indian crept in pursuit of game, and the pioneer guided by blazes on trees made with an axe?
When Mr. Erastus Bowe, our first settler, built his home on what is now West Market street, he cut the letters B-O-W-E in rotation, on the smooth bark of beech trees, as a guide for his friends through the dense forest, beginning at the corner of Clay and Wentz streets.
Mr. Bowe's orchard is remembered as producing very fine apples, and he it was, who was instrumental in the village showing so many fine cedar trees. He went to Cleveland, and returning with many young trees, supplied the residents. He was a large fine speciman of manhood.
Perhaps it may not be uninteresting to know more of these cabins and the life therein. The floors, doors, stools, and tables were made of puncheons, which were oak planks made by splitting logs three or more inches in thickness, and hewing them on one or both sides with a broadaxe. Later, the punch- eons were cut or "spotted" to fit evenly the sleepers placed upon the ground, and as they were more carefully hewed, made
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a very substantial floor, and more level-white and clean, because scoured with sand. The window was formed by cutting out a log or two, sometimes a frame inserted containing glass, but far more frequently was paper pasted over the hole, and some lard or bear's oil applied, which formed a sort of glazing that shed a beautiful and mellow light across the cabin when the sun shone upon it. A single door, hung with wooden hinges and fastened with a wood latch operated by a latch- string of political notoriety, furnished a passage for ingress and egress. The roofs and ceilings were formed of clap- boards, such lumber as the pioneer split with a frow, and re- sembled barrel staves before they were shaved, but split longer, wider, and thicker.
Now follow me into this cabin: In one corner, a short lad- der on which to climb to the upper floor, should there be one. Beds, not infrequently, would occupy one side, another would be given to shelves made of clap-boards supported on pins driven into the logs. Upon these shelves, displayed in ample order would be seen a host of pewter plates, basins, dishes, and spoons, scoured and bright. Some of the pewter was made of lead-and of such were many bullets made in our wars with the British-other was brought from London and made by the manufacturer, Mr. Townsend. On these plates, it is said, you could hold your meat so as to cut it without slipping, or dulling your knife.
The early settlers brought with them from their old homes only the most necessary or valued house-hold furnishings, owing to the expense of transportation and to the limited space which could be occupied by freight on the small ships on which they came to America. For the table and kitchen, utensils were of iron, copper, brass, pewter, or of wood. Pewter "garnishes," comprising sets of platters, plates, and dishes, were not common in the first years of the Colonies, but they gradually superseded wood for table use, and objects of many kinds were made from this metal which could be polished with horse-tail or scouring brush to look almost like silver.
Occupying most of another side would be the great chim- ney, capacious enough to receive "back-logs" and "foresticks" from six to twelve feet long; and can we realize the huge back-
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log being "snaked" in by a horse, and deposited in place by great chains? And yet, so it was. About the chimney would be the pots and kettles; guns would be over the door; the spin- ning wheel, a split bottom chair or two, though mostly three legged stools, which were a necessity, as four legs of anything could not touch the floor at the same time. Such was the appearance of the average pioneer cabin.
The demand for the necessaries of life greatly exceeded the home supply. Markets were remote and almost inaccessible. A month on an average, was busily occupied by the Tiffin mer- chant to visit the city of New York, purchase a stock of goods and return. The roads, although deceptively defined on the maps, consisted merely of tortuous Indian trails. One entire day, especially during the winter and early spring, when the muddy ground, for the causes herein mentioned, seldom be- came solidly frozen, was diligently used in traveling on horse- back from Tiffin to Fremont, only eighteen miles, and the nearest point of access to the waters of Lake Erie.
Reaching Lower Sandusky-Fremont-the Tiffin merchant would rest for the night, take the steam-boat the next morning for Sandusky, from whence started the stage for Cleveland, Buffalo, and New York. Or some of the distance could be traversed by lake boat and canal.
The shares were fifty dollars each, in the capital stock of the Lower Sandusky Steamboat Company, transferable at the office of the Secretary of said Company at Lower Sandusky, as evidenced by a receipt in the name of Milton McNeal, May 13th, 1830, I. S. Olmsted, Secretary, James Justin, President.
When Mr. C. F. Dresbach first came to Tiffin, he brought with him a Joseph Bradley, whom he took into partnership. The first time it was necessary to go East Mr. Dresbach went himself to buy the goods, and the next time he sent young Bradley. As in those days of long distance from market, it was necessary to take with you all the money one could raise, and that was not easy as people had to pay for their merchan- dise with articles they could raise or make. As the time grew near to start, it was decided the safest and best way to carry the large sum necessary to purchase the years' supply of goods, was in a belt to be worn about the body of Mr. Bradley. This
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Mrs. Dresbach essayed to make, quilting in pockets in which to carry the bills, notes, etc, currency-working until midnight to finish it, that Mr. Bradley might start early the next morning. During the evening, Mr. Bradley made a call, coming home about the time the belt was finished, when Mr. Dresbach filled and placed it about the waist of Mr. Bradley. That was the last they saw of the young man. Whether he absconded- and which they had no reason to believe-was drowned or murdered, they were unable to learn.
Just another one of the many difficulties with which the pioneer had to contend. Mr. Dresbach was a jeweler by trade, but branched out into the general merchandise business, and came to Tiffin from Columbus, some two and a half years after his marriage. Mr. Bradley was from New York, a fine looking and appearing young man and one who was trusted implicitly.
In those days, many merchants going to Philadelphia or Baltimore for goods, journeyed across the Alleghany mountains on horseback, carrying their specie, etc., in their saddle-bags. These saddle-bags were of much curiosity to the Indians, who wanted to get a look inside. To prevent that, it was thought that if a padlock could be arranged to fasten them, it would be a great success: not so, however, for the delight was still greater to the Indian, to slash the pocket with his knife and see the contents roll out.
In those early days it was much the practice for merchants to have no regularity in their prices. The cost only would be marked, and very much left to the discretion of the clerk. In fact, not much money during a month would change hands over the counter. It was the custom, too, to have "family bills," as they were termed, by which the supplies for the year were "charged," and the settlements made at some stated time. This loss of interest to the store-keepers was of great importance, as few had much capital, and had to depend on the credits given by jobbers from whom they purchased their goods. It was an axiom of the business that ninety per cent. of the retailers over the country failed.
Domestic goods were sold by the mill agents to jobbers, upon eight months credit. The jobbers sold to the retailers
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upon six months, with a liberal discount for cash within thirty days. It will soon be observed that the eight months credit accorded to jobbers enabled them to make large purchases for the beginning of one season before the purchases of the previous season had been paid for, so that the domestic goods commission houses were practically supplying capital for the jobbers, who in turn were to a great extent, carrying the retailers. When the jobbing houses had attained great importance-1850- they found it quite convenient to buy domestic goods upon eight months credit, and sell them without profit to retailers upon thirty or sixty days, thereby procuring capital with which to import foreign goods. These extended credits given by the domestic commission houses necessitated much borrowing on their part, which was usually done upon their acceptances of the drafts of the mill treasurers, often with the individual endorsement of the treasurer himself.
The consequences of this was apparent in the panic of 1857, when it became possible to sell paper even at three per cent. per month. Very many commission houses, some of large capital and undoubted strength, were obliged to fall. The advent of the Civil War led to a complete change in the whole credit system of the country. The fluctuating value of the depreciated currency made any credits quite hazardous, and sales were brought as nearly as possible to a cash basis.
From 1837 to 1853, mainly Spanish fractional silver served for circulation. Notwithstanding there were few such coins here, with the exception of perhaps some "pistareens," it was the practice up to near the time of the Civil War to quote very many prices in shillings and pence on the basis of six shillings to the dollar. With the advent of the Civil War the fractional paper currency swept away all the Spanish silver, leaving only decimal paper. When decimal silver came in after resumption, the old fashioned prices had gone with the old fashioned coins.
During the panic of 1837 some of the New England banks undertook the issue of bank notes. As the Massachusetts law did not permit the issue of a denomination less than one dollar, they issued bills of $1.25, $1.50, and $1.75.
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Before the War the currency was supplied by banks chart- ered by the different States, all, with the exception of the Eastern States, entirely unprepared to stand any sort of strain. What was called the Suffolk Bank System, by which the bills of all New England States were constantly sent home for redemp- tion, kept them at par, and they were the only bills that could be deposited in bank. Bills from the rest of the country could be gotten rid of only by sale to brokers at a discount, small upon bills of the Atlantic States, and upon others at varying discounts according to the credit of each bank. It was necessary, even for small stores, to have a copy of a "Bank Note Book," both for information as to discount upon the notes, and as to counterfeits, which were many. These were published monthly by various brokers.
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