USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > Past and present of Wyandot County, Ohio; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievemen, Vol. I > Part 17
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FARMING IN WYANDOT COUNTY
Farming in the pioneer period was far different from what it is now, for great changes have taken place since then which have caused almost an entire revolution in the meth-
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ods of carrying on agricultural operations; changes so radi- cal in character that many of our young farmers can neither realize nor understand how such a radical transformation could take place in any business in so short a period.
On the farm the flail and the windmill have gone, never to return, and in their stead comes a machine that threshes, separates and cleans the grain with such astonishing rapid- ity and perfection as to be a source of wonder, even in this day of progress. And in the home the changes have been no less radical and distinct. The old spinning wheel, whose merry hum seemed an accompaniment to the cheerful song of our maternal ancestors, as they tripped across the un- carpeted floor of the rude pioneer cabin, while engaged in spinning the yarn that was to make clothes for themselves and families, has disappeared; while the rapid click of sewing machine has relieved the busy housewife of the slow and tedious stitch that was the cause of so much weariness.
The prevailing system of agriculture in Wyandot county may be properly termed that of mixed husbandry. Special- ties find little favor with the farmers. The practice is to cul- tivate the various kinds of grain, keep and fatten stock. Provided with a rich and varied soil, the average farmer has not felt the need of studying the principles of each branch of learning as relates to agriculture, and has no doubt fre- quently hesitated to accept or reject the teachings of science. A few persons, however, were found at a comparatively early day who brought to the business of farming that amount of patient investigation which the greatest industry of this country demands. Farmers are becoming less and less un- willing to learn from others, and the husbandry of the county is attaining a commendable thoroughness and is rapidly im- proving in every respect.
Perhaps the earliest and most important implement of husbandry known is the plow. Grain, plants and roots will not grow well unless the soil in which they are planted be properly stirred, hence the first requirement was an instru- ment that would fulfill such conditions. After the plow came the harrow. Formerly a log of wood, or a brush har- row, supplied its place, but in the state of Ohio, the toothed instrument has nearly always been used. The hoe is lighter made than formerly, and is now made of steel. At first, the common iron hoe, sharpened by the blacksmith, was in con-
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stant use. Now, it is rarely seen outside the southern states, where it has long been the chief implement of agriculture. The various small plows for the cultivation of corn and such other crops as necessitate their use, are all the result of modern civilization. Now, their number is large, and, in many places, there are two or more attached to one carriage, whose operator rides. These kinds are much used in the western states, whose rootless and stoneless soil is admirably adapted to such machinery.
In ancient times the sickle was the only implement used. It was a short curved iron, whose inner edge was sharpened and serrated. In its ancient form, it is doubtful if the edge was but little if any serrated. It is mentioned in all ancient works. In more modern times the handle of the sickle was lengthened; then the blade, which in time led to the scythe. Both are yet in use to some extent. The use of the scythe led some thinking person to add a "finger" or two, and to change the shape of the handle. The old cradle was the re- sult. At first it met with considerable opposition from the laborers who brought forward the old-time argument of ig- norance, that it would cheapen labor. With the improve- ments of farms came the improvement of the instruments used. Indeed this has been a marked characteristic of Wy- andot county farmers, and the new inventions in this line were early introduced here.
INDIAN TRAILS, WAGON ROADS, PIKES, ETC.
The first white men who visited the region which is now Wyandot county were traders, hunters and trappers. They found their way from stream to stream, from prairie to prai- rie, and from one valley to another by following the trails or paths then in use by the Indians. The Indians used con- siderable shrewdness and engineering skill in the choice of their routes of travel, for the same paths were pursued later by the traders with their pack horses. Next they were fol- lowed by the rude military roads, hewn out by the axmen and pioneers attached to the American armies under Gen- eral Harrison and others during the War of 1812. Next fol- lowed the highways, constructed under state authority. Then followed the ordinary wagon roads, and later the pikes and railroads of the present day.
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No authority can be obtained that makes it possible to describe the routes of the various trails which led through this immediate region during its occupancy by the Indians, but the Wyandots and other Indians used a broad and well- defined trail northward from the head-waters of the Scioto river to Sandusky bay, which led directly over the site of the present town of Upper Sandusky. Another favorite route was termed the "Old War Trace," intersected the trail just mentioned at Upper Sandusky, and thence led off in a south- easterly direction. Doubtless many other minor trails crossed and led into the broad paths above referred to, but at this late day they cannot be located.
The first attempt at road making by the whites in the ter- ritory now embraced by Wyandot county, took place in the year 1812. This route was called the "Old War Road," and was cut out by General Harrison's soldiers. It passed in nearly a north and south direction through Upper Sandusky and the central part of the county. Some years after the close of the War of 1812, and by a treaty stipulation with the Wyandot Indians, a state road was marked out and some- what improved, which led from Delaware to Upper San- dusky, and thence on to Lake Erie by way of the towns of Tiffin and Fremont. This road became well established, and for many years was the chief highway leading into this region. However, as the country settled up, public high- ways became indispensable and they were slowly and grad- ually made, as the improvement of farms and building of homes progressed.
A number of roads were authorized to be laid out by the authorities of Marion, Crawford, Hancock and Hardin coun- ties before the organization of Wyandot county. Since then a large number of others have been opened, and a vast amount of money appropriated to improve them.
By turning to the court records it is ascertained that in 1847 Joseph T. Torrey was denied the right to maintain a ferry over the Tymochtee creek, on the state road leading from Upper to Lower Sandusky. In July of that year, how- ever Jacob Bugh and Daniel F. Hodge, under the firm name of Bugh & Hodge, were granted the privilege of keeping and maintaining for one year "a ferry over the Sandusky river where the road crosses the said river, east of Mccutchen- ville;" and at November term, 1848, Michael Noel and Cor-
H&K.R.R.
FIRST LOCOMOTIVE AND PASSENGER TRAIN TO BE RUN IN OHIO
PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD BRIDGE, UPPER SANDUSKY
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nelius Shaw were granted a license for one year to keep and maintain a ferry "at a point on the Tymochtee creek, where the road leading from Upper Sandusky to Mccutchenville crosses said creek."
Pike roads have done much for Wyandot county. While many farmers were opposed to the enterprise, yet pikes were built and those who had opposed the plan have since seen the wisdom of it, as they can quickly and easily market their crops in all kinds of weather. Good roads as much as fertile lands have made the county take a decided stride forward.
Wyandot county is now covered with a network of good roads, and where they are not piked, they are at least well drained.
The county surveyor says there are 320.7 miles (three hundred twenty and seven-tenths miles) of piked roads in the county, outside of Upper Sandusky. It is estimated there are between four and five miles within Upper San- dusky's limits.
The county auditor tells me that under the authority of the county commissioners, the first bond issue for road improvement was made June 1, 1891. This was for the im- provement of a road in Eden township.
The township clerk informs the writer that under the au- thority of a special act of the legislature the trustees of this- Crane township-reported on the roads leading out of Upper Sandusky, with their recommendation of the amount of improvement to be made on each, May 12, 1891. That in ac- cordance with said report and recommendation the bonds of Crane township to the amount of $30,000, were sold July 24, 1891.
The enabling act provided for an immediate issue of $50,000, but the trustees limited the issue to the improve- ment that might be made within that year.
It may be said that road improvement began with Upper Sandusky as a center. This move was wholly on the part of the citizens of Upper Sandusky, the township itself being op- posed to it, and voting almost solidly against it.
The dawn of the era of country living is in sight. It is being hastened by the revolution in methods of locomotion. The bicycle, motorcycle and automobile presage a period of good roads and an unparalleled countryward movement of society-an era of outdoor living, which is becoming popular. Vol. 1-12
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THE RAILROADS OF WYANDOT COUNTY
Not deeming it necessary to give the early efforts made in Wyandot county to secure railroads, this sketch will com- mence with the first action taken by the people of Upper Sandusky to secure railway facilities, or rather the route of the then proposed Ohio & Pennsylvania railroad through their town. A meeting was held in the court house on the evening of December 30, 1848. Robert Taggart was elected president and William King, secretary. Various speeches were made, and a number of resolutions were adopted to fur- ther the end in view, but other doings of this meeting are not attainable.
The town of Upper Sandusky subscribed $15,000 to the capital stock of this road, which was paid. Railroad build- ing at Upper Sandusky and the railroad bridge over the river at the same place were built in the summer of 1853. On Fri- day, November 11, of the same year, the completion of the Ohio & Indiana railroad to Upper Sandusky, was celebrated at that place by the firing of cannon, music, speeches, etc. The first through passenger train from Pittsburgh reached Upper Sandusky on Friday, January 20, 1854. This road was later known as the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago, and is now operated by the Pennsylvania, as one of its lines. It passes through Wyandot county from east to west near the center of the county. The stations in the county are, Ne- vada, Upper Sandusky, and Kirby. The first telegraph op- erator at Upper Sandusky was a Mr. Mills, and the first freight and ticket agent was E. P. Copeland.
The Columbus & Toledo railroad was incorporated May 28, 1872, under the general act of May 1, 1852, the corpora- tors being M. M. Greene, P. W. Huntington, B. E. Smith, W. G. Deshler, James A. Wilcox and John L. Gill, of Columbus, Ohio, who were empowered to construct a railroad from the city of Columbus to the city of Toledo, through the counties of Franklin, Delaware, Marion, Wyandot, Seneca, Wood and Lucas, a distance of 123.7 miles. The capital stock named in the certificate of incorporation is $2,500,000, which by law is divided into shares of $50 each. On the 1st of July, 1872, subscription books were opened in Columbus and Toledo. During the succeeding three months, $270,000 having been duly subscribed, the incorporators called a meeting of the
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stockholders, which was held in the city of Columbus on the 13th day of November following, and nine directors were duly elected. On the same day the directors met and or- ganized the company, by the election of the proper officers. One year later-October 15, 1873-the line of the road was permanently located through the towns of Delaware, Marion, Upper Sandusky, Carey and Fostoria. The bids for con- struction were opened August 4, 1875, and on the 16th of the same month a contract was concluded with Miller, Smith & Co. They commenced work the next day, and in November, 1876, the work upon the line from Marion to Columbus was sufficiently completed to justify the company in complying with the urgent solicitation of the stockholders and business men along the route to commence running trains.
On the 9th of November, 1876, a contract was made with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for joint use of the To- ledo & Woodville road from Walbridge to Toledo, five and one-half miles, including the bridge of that road over the Maumee river at Toledo, and its depots and other terminal facilities in that city.
In January, 1877, the line was so far completed that through-business was commenced, and regular trains were run between Columbus and Toledo, but it took the contract- ors some time after that to entirely finish the road, but it was completed and accepted by the company in July of the same year. In 1881, this road was sold and the name changed to the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo rail- road, and it is now known as the Hocking Valley road. This road passes through the central part of Wyandot county in a northwest and southeast course.
The C., C., C. & St. L. railroad, generally known as the "Big Four," passes through the northwest part of Wyandot county, with stations at Carey and Wharton.
The Northern Ohio railway, operated by the New York Central, passes through the northern part of Wyandot county, its entire width from east to west, and has stations at Carey, Tymochtee and Sycamore.
WYANDOT COUNTY INFIRMARY
The Wyandot County Infirmary is situated on the Carey road, four miles north of Upper Sandusky. It occupies a
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beautiful and healthful location,, and is supplied with water by a branch of the Tymochtee creek.
The infirmary farm was bought in 1869 from Noah Eby and consists of 280 acres. The infirmary building proper was built in 1870, at a cost of $9,000, the administration building being the farm house erected by Noah Eby. The first barn was erected in 1874, at a cost of $3,600. The first directors elected to govern the institution were George Harper, A. H. Vanorsdall and Tillman Balliet. This was in 1870. The first superintendent was George Adair, and the present superintendent is William Zahn.
In the rear of the buildings are a few large apple trees, said to have been planted by the Wyandot Indians. The principal building is constructed of brick, with a length of eighty feet and a width of forty-five feet. It contains two large halls-one on the first and the other on the second floor -on each side of which are the dormitories occupied by the inmates. On the first floor are the large and well arranged dining room and kitchen. Generally speaking, all of the rooms are spacious and well lighted, and during the winter are made comfortable by the use of steam. In summer, cozy porticos afford pleasant resting places for those who find here their only home on earth. Since its establishment, the infirmary has been well managed, and its farm and garden products, always of the best, largely supply the wants of its occupants.
Prior to the establishment of this infirmary, the poor of Wyandot county had been "farmed out," which treatment of the unfortunate ones was much less humane than the mod- ern method.
Infirmaries homes and other public institutions for caring for the unfortunate show an advanced state of civilization, and our poor are no longer called paupers, neither is their keeping sold to the lowest bidder, nor are they ordered out of a township, as has been done in some townships in the state.
The old title "Poor House" would seem altogether ridic- ulous if applied to the "County Home" of today. The med- ern methods employed in the management of the county n- stitutions of the present time seek to make better men and women of the inmates and to give them a real home, so far at least as institutional methods will permit.
SMALLEY-NAUS SANITARIUM, UPPER SANDUSKY
WYANDOT CO INFIRMARY
NO VISITORS WEDNESDAYS
WYANDOT COUNTY INFIRMARY
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SOLDIERS IN OUR WARS
Soldiers are favorably mentioned in sacred, as well as in secular history. It was a soldier of whom the Nazarene spoke in words of commendation, that He had not seen such faith in all Israel. It was a soldier who was so impressed by the awful tragedy upon Calvary as to exclaim, "Truly this is the Son of God." And Paul advised Timothy to "Endure hardness as a good soldier." The great apostle considered the soldier so worthy of imitation that he handed him down to all ages as an example to those who would follow the high- est ideals.
Look at Rome, once the mistress of the world! Even in her decadence, after official corruption had taken hold of every branch of the civil government, the army maintained its integrity and honor to the last. The soldier represents something independent of himself. In America he stands as the defender of representative government-a govern- ment of the people, for the people and by the people. It is this reason that he has the respect and gratitude of all patri- otic people. When we remember that our comrades fought for the perpetuity of the American Union and the upholding of the old flag, then we can understand why the generation of today holds in grateful regard the soldiers of the Civil war who are living, and feel that no flowers are too fragrant to enshrine the memory of those who are dead.
With the close of the War of 1812 with Great Britain, so glorious to the United States in achievements on land and sea, in which Ohio soldiers and sailors bore an honorable part, came also peace, in large part, with the Indian tribes that had so long held back the border settlements within Ohio's limits. There was after the close of the War of 1812 a long interval of peace. Then came the war with Mexico.
The Mexican war was brought about by the hostile acts of the Mexican general, Arista, crossing (April 24, 1846) the Rio Grande to attack the United States forces under General Zachary Taylor, then maneuvering his troops on the left banks of that river, in what was claimed to be a part of Texas, but then recently (December 29, 1845) annexed as a state in our Union. That war closed with the treaty of Guadaloupe Hi- dalgo, signed February 2, 1848, by which we acquired both the then provinces of Upper California and New Mexico,
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now California, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and part of Colorado. A higher civilization swept over a vast empire of territory, and millions of human beings have been given political, commercial and religious advantages. The United States forces employed in the conquest of Mexico ag- gregated about 100,000 armed men-26,690 regulars, 56,926 volunteers, and about 17,000 in the navy. Of these Ohio furnished at her quota-her full share of volunteers for the army and navy. The Ohio military forces were organized into five infantry regiments, fifteen independent companies of infantry and five companies for the Fifteenth U. S. infantry and one company of United States mounted riflemen. A like proportion was in the navy.
In the Civil war Ohio furnished twenty-three infantry regiments for three months, in response to President Lin- coln's call for 75,000 men. These men are known in history as First-Call Troops. Ten other regiments were offered which the government refused to accept on that call. For three years' service Ohio furnished one hundred and seven- teen infantry regiments, for one year twenty-seven regi- ments, two regiments for six months, three others for three months, and forty-three for one hundred days. Thirteen others were cavalry and three were artillery regiments for three years.
Besides these regimental organizations, Ohio furnished twenty-six batteries of artillery, five independent companies of cavalry, other companies of sharpshooters, large portions of five regiments credited to West Virginia, and two to Ken- tucky, two regiments of "United States Colored Troops," so called; also a large portion of the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts colored infantry regiments. There were 5,092 "colored troops" credited to Ohio. Many more of her col- ored citizens doubtless enlisted and were credited elsewhere. Three thousand, four hundred and forty-three men are known to have entered the western gunboat service. Many others entered the marine and naval service. Still others enlisted during the war in the regular army.
Ohio furnished 15,766 "squirrel hunters" when Cincin- nati and the southern borders of Ohio were threatened in 1862; also about fifty thousand militia for duty during the "Morgan raid" in 1863. When the war closed Ohio had nearly two thousand men enlisted, but not yet mustered, ready
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to go to the field to fill the gaps in the depleted ranks of her regiments.
Over twenty thousand of the three-years troops reenlisted as veterans, to be mustered out only by death, disability or final victory. From the best prepared statistics of the pro- vost marshal-general and adjutant general of the United States Army, and the adjutant-general of Ohio, excluding re- enlistments, "squirrel hunters," and militia, and including a low estimate for irregular enlistments in the army and navy not credited to Ohio, it is found that Ohio furnished of her citizens 340,000 men of all arms of the service for the war; and, reduced to a department standard, they represent 240,000 three-year soldiers.
Under the ten presidential calls for troops, Ohio fur- nished 310,654 soldiers, the sum of her quotas being only 306,322. Of this immense army of men 8,750 were raised by draft, all others were volunteers.
More than one-half in number of Ohio's adult male popu- lation tendered their lives as a sacrificial offering to the Union. From the first call to arms in 1861 to peace in 1865, 2,668,000 Union patriots answered to the calls of the Presi- dent of the United States, became the defenders of their country's cause.
The scythe of destruction cut a wide swath, and death garnered a superabundant harvest of Ohio's sons during the more than four years' war.
There were 24,591 Ohio soldiers killed or mortally wounded in actual combat, or who died, before the expiration of their terms of enlistment, of wounds or disease. Of this number 6,536 were of the mangled slain, who died where they fell on the field of action, and 4,674 others ebbed out their lives in field-hospitals after receiving mortal wounds, and 13,354 died of disease in hospital or prison, from expos- ure or cruel starvation.
Thirty-seven were killed or mortally wounded, and forty- seven died of disease, etc., out of every thousand of Ohio troops.
The "destroying angel," neither in peace nor war, respects persons, rank, caste, class or station. The Angel of Death spread wide his wings and swooped in his victims from among the heroes of the bayonet and sabre, the cannon and the sword.
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The grand total of losses in the Union army, from Sumter to the final peace, was 294,000 men, 9,000 of whom were offi- cers, and 285,000 enlisted men. The loss in Ohio officers alone is known to have reached 872, nearly ten per centum of the grand total of officers, and every eleventh enlisted man of the Union army who fell in the war was an Ohio soldier.
The total of the losses in battle of all kinds in both the American and British armies in the seven years' war of the Revolution, excluding only the captured at Saratoga and Yorktown, is 21,526. This number falls 4,000 below Ohio's dead-list alone during the Civil war.
In summing up Ohio's sacrifices, mention has only been made of the dead during the war, omitting those who have since died of wounds and disease contracted in the service, and the many mangled and disabled living soldiers.
The soldiers suffered and died in camp, on the march, as guards and sentinels by day and by night, during the biv- ouac, in tent, hospital and prison, and while exposed to storms in all seasons and climes. In all the movements of the army, disease and death followed in the train.
Each year the number of the survivors of the Civil war grows less. We who still survive have gotten so far up the hill of time that it may be proper to stop and look back and down into the valley of the years of your youth and recall the events of the most wonderful half century in the history of the world.
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