USA > Ohio > Fulton County > The County of Fulton: A History of Fulton County, Ohio, from the Earliest Days, with Special Chapters on Various Subjects, Including Each of the Different Townships; Also a Biographical Department. > Part 11
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David Ayers, Dover; John McQuillen, Pike; James Fenton, Fulton; Socrates H. Cately, Swan Creek; George R. Betts, German; Dallas Brown, Royalton; John Clendenin, Amboy. The other officers . were L. G. Ely, secretary; Socrates H. Cately, treasurer; Levi W. Brown, S. C. Biddle, Michael Handy, Ozias Merrill and J. P. Roos constituted the executive committee, and Hon. Oliver B. Verity was chosen as the historian of the association. Meetings were appointed to be held on the 22d day in the months of February and August of each year. The object of the association being so worthy, it has met with marked success during its existence, and from the first steadily increased in membership until it numbered nearly all the old sub- stantial pioneer element of the county. Its present officers are as follows: President, Mrs. John S. Butler; secretary, Charles F. Handy; treasurer, George D. Newcomer.
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A large number of those mentioned in connection with the organ- ization of this pioneer association are spoken of more at length in other parts of this volume, and others are deserving of special no- tice here. David Ayers was born near Shreve, in Wayne county, this State, on April 2, 1828, and, at the time of the family's settlement in this locality, was but ten years of age. There was no school in Dover township, where the family settled, so David, when old enough, was put at work in a tannery conducted by his father; but the damp and unpleasant atmosphere told severely against him, in fact, it was then thought that he had not long to live. At the age of twenty years he went to Adrian, Michigan, and attended school for about six months, after which he entered the Bethany College, in West Virginia. There he remained two and one-half years, when his health failed and compelled him to return home. In 1853, he went to California, induced to make the journey in the hope of re- storing health and strength, and, in part, to acquire a fortune. The first, and perhaps the most important, of these desires was realized, for his physical strength was recovered, but in the acquisition of a fortune his efforts were not so fully rewarded. He worked a claim on the Yuba river for one full season, and at its close was just $500 out of pocket. He then engaged in shingle making, and later worked on a farm until the year 1856, when he returned to Fulton county to reside. From the time of his return home from the far west until his death, David Ayers was a respected citizen of Dover township; but from this time must be excepted the four years of his incum- bency of the office of county treasurer, during which he lived at Wauseon.
John Clendenin was born in Livingston county, New York, March 16, 1815, and settled in Amboy township, Fulton county, in an early day. He became a prominent citizen and filled the office of justice of the peace for years.
John P. Roos was born in Dutchess county, New York, December 5, 1821, and settled with his parents in Fulton county, Ohio, in 1836. He lived a useful life in Chesterfield township, and was honored with
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several elective positions, among them being township trustee and assessor, serving in the latter capacity for a period of twelve years. The "Fulton County Tribune" was the outgrowth of a divided sen- timent in the ranks of the Republican party, and was first issued on May 18, 1883, Col. Albert B. Smith and J. H. Fluhart being the pro- prietors at that time. The paper was well received by the reading public, and it rapidly grew in general favor until it was soon num- bered with the best of the county's papers. Mr. Fluhart continued his connection with the "Tribune" until June, 1884, when he was sue- ceeded by W. O. . Knapp, the latter having exchanged the Delta "Avalanche" for Mr. Fluhart's interest in the "Tribune.". The firm then became Smith & Knapp, which relation was maintained until 1889, when Walter J. Sherwood purchased Mr. Knapp's interest. On April 25, 1890, Mr. Sherwood assumed entire control and conducted the paper until August 29, 1892, when he sold to Levi S. Jamison, who presided over its destinies until March, 1903. Mr.Jamison then sold to James L. Shinnabarger, who managed it until January 1, 1904, when Frank H. Reighard assumed control.
On July 13, 1883, occurred the death of William Mikesell, a prom- inent resident of Fulton county. He was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1810, and settled in Fulton county in 1837. For years he served as justice of the peace, and at the time of his death was the oldest living settler of Clinton township.
The Presidential campaign of 1884 is memorable, as having been more exciting in Fulton county than any preceding one. Cleveland and Blaine had the magnetism to solidify the ranks of their respestive followers, and party lines were closely drawn. The young men of both parties organized marching clubs, and wore uniforms, or hats, designating their party affiliations. The "Cleveland and Hendricks Clubs" were the organizations of the Democrats, organized in the several towns of the county, and composed of scores of staunch adherents to the principles advocated by "the man from Buffalo." The different clubs united at various meetings during the campaign and kept the Cleveland enthusiasm at white heat. The Republican clubs were equally zealous and active; and though they were denied the privilege of seeing their chieftain elected to the high office which he sought, many of his followers had the pleasure of seeing and hearing him during the campaign. Although Blaine did not come to Wauseon in his speech-making tour, he visited several neighbor- ing points.
The brief, but eventful career of "Der Deutsche Gazette" was be- gun in the early part of the vear 1886, under the ownership of Voll & Howe. The paper, a seven-column folio, with patent sides, was printed in German, and had an extensive circulation among the many German families of the county, but the worthy managers were at fault in their habits, and the paper gradually went to pieces. Howe retired from its office and Voll soon afterward sold the subscription list to the Henry county "Democrat," and the paper as a Fulton . county enterprise ceased to exist.
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The Swanton "Enterprise" was founded, April 23, 1886, by H. S. Bassett, who conducted it until March, 1887, when Charles H. Row- land became a half-owner in the paper, and the firm became known as Bassett & Rowland. The publication has changed hands several times since then, and is now being conducted under the guidance of A. Hochstrasser.
The Delta "Atlas," published by the Atlas Printing Company at Delta, was founded June 6, 1886, with C. R. P. Waltz, manager, and E. L. Waltz, editor. On March 19, 1887, the office was consumed by fire, but, with commendable zeal and energy, new material was at once obtained and the paper continued without serious interrup- tion or delay. Several years ago it absorbed its competitor, the Delta "Avalanche," and it has since been recognized as one of the leading publications in Fulton county.
A temperance paper was started in Bryan, in October, 1886, with "Maumee Valley Prohibitionist" as its name and an especial weekly edition for Fulton county. It was a neatly printed six-column quarto, and was edited by W. J. Sherwood of Watiseon. In June, 1889, the plant was moved to Toledo, where the publication was continued for a time.
The Archbold "Herald" first made its appearance in the year 1886, under the management of Taylor Brothers. A few years later a rival for public favor appeared in the field, called the Archbold "Ad- vocate," and the two papers were finally consolidated under the name of the latter, which publication is still in existence.
As will have been noticed, the year 1886 was a very prolific one in the matter of projecting newspapers in Fulton county; but as evidence that there was a field for them it can be stated that they, are all alive today and apparently doing well, having as company not only the older papers of the county but several younger ones as well. The latter consist of the Metamora "Record," Lyons "Herald," Fay/ ette "Review," and Archbold "Buckeye," the last named being the latest to make an appearance, in August, 1905.
The "grippe" became epidemic in Fulton county in 1890, when there were hundreds of cases, many of which were fatal.
The United States census of 1890, showed a population in the county of 22,023, a gain in the preceding decade of 970.
The Wauseon Columbian Guards were mustered into the State service on January 21, 1893, becoming Company G of the Sixteenth Ohio National Guard, with J. J. Waffle, captain; John A. Weir, first lieutenant ; Frank Williams, second lieutenant. The sergeants were G. R. Anderson, Frank Sams, Harry Gingery, H. A. Lee and J. F. Outcalt. The company was on active duty during the miners' riots in Southeastern Ohio in June, 1894. In the spring of 1898 came the declaration of war between the United States and Spain, and the equipment of an army and navy to combat the haughty Spaniard. In the settlement of this trouble, Fulton county responded with old- time vigor and enthusiasm. The noble sons of patriotic sires promptly offered their services in the cause of liberty and per-
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formed their duty with commendable devotion. The response was so universal over the land that many were disappointed in not reaching the scene of action; but they had shown their devotion to country, and sympathy with the down-trodden and oppressed. The Fulton county boys, mostly members of Company G, of the Sixth Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, were off to the rendezvous at the earliest oppor- tunity. They returned after a few months of service, but were dis- satisfied that they could not have done more. A grand reception was accorded the company on its return, and then its members resumed the thread of peaceful life. A few Fulton county men reached the scene of action in the Philippines, where they rendered valiant service and proved their worthiness on every field. The officers of Com- pany G of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry were: Captain, John A. Weir ; first lieutenant, John F. Outcalt; second lieutenant, M. W. McConkey. Wellington Whitehorn and Samuel Williams were two Fulton county boys who contracted disease in the service and died. The military company at Wauseon disbanded soon after the close of the Spanish-American war and has never been reorganized.
The year 1894 was characterized by the great labor strikes all over the country, and the exceptionally "hard times" incident to and fol- lowing a world-wide monetary stringency. Coxey, and his army of followers, marched through the land en route to Washington, where he hoped that a "petition in boots" would stimulate favorable con- sideration of relief measures by the Congressional bodies. But Coxey's interest in the "common weal" brought an entirely different result-he was arrested for "walking on the park grass" in Washing- ton. A few of his followers passed through Fulton county.
The Klondike excitement was somewhat abated during the Spanish troubles, and many young men who would otherwise have gone to the new territory of the far northwest, were diverted from that purpose to enter the army. But Fulton county had its representatives in the Alaskan gold fields, several young men having tried their fortunes and their endurance, with results not entirely satisfactory.
Absorbing interest was manifested in the national campaign of 1900, as it had been on a similar occurrence, in 1896. In both cases, a distinguished citizen of the State led the successful party. In Ful- ton county the two campaigns were fought with remarkable vigor by the adherents to each party creed.
The United States census of 1900 showed the population of the county to be 22,801. By townships the population was as follows: Amboy, 1,423; Chesterfield, 1,078; Clinton, 3,934; Dover, 1,171; Franklin, 1,138; Fulton, 1,693; German, 2,989; Gorham, 2,218; Pike, I, 147; Royalton, 1,198; Swan Creek, 2,303; York, 2,509. These figures include the following villages in various townships: Meta- mora, 263; Wauseon, 2,148; Swanton, 887; Archbold, 958; Fayette, 886; Delta, 1,230.
Beginning as far back as the 70's, Northwestern Ohio, and especially Fulton and Williams counties, was for many years the scene of dis- astrous conflagrations, frequent in occurrence and plainly incendiary
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in character. Dwelling houses, barns and business houses with their stocks of merchandise were in turn victims of the fire fiend, until every citizen felt insecure and insurance companies preferred other locali- ties in which to transact business. The State Fire Marshall and his deputies were tireless in their efforts to find the guilty parties, but year after year passed by with small prospects of success. In May, 1903, however, the Williams county grand jury was furnished with sufficient evidence to cause them to return indictments against a num- ber of men, charged with burning different buildings, and the. Fulton county grand jury soon afterwards also returned several indictments. So thorough had been the work of the officers, and so complete the information secured, that out of eighteen who were arraigned in the two counties and charged with such crime, sixteen plead guilty and the remaining two were easily convicted upon trial. It is too early as yet to write the history of these transactions, for it is understood that there are other developments to follow. However this may be, it is hoped that a quietus has been put upon the organized band who so long plied their nefarious vocation in this locality.
About 1884 or 1885, the subject of gravel roads was first agitated in Fulton county, but there was so much opposition that for several years the project was held in abeyance. About 1891, however, Clinton town- ship graveled a mile of road, south of Wauseon, and, in 1893, two miles were graveled north of Wauseon. This township, following the law, which allows a levy of four mills tax for road improvement, has. now nearly all of its roads graveled. Other townships have done something in this way, also, but during the last few years, working under the new law which taxes those benefitted, some townships have been very busy improving their roads.
The Twentieth century has started with fine prospects for Fulton. county in a material sense. In 1901, the Wabash railroad built a branch from Montpelier to Toledo, passing through Wauseon and other important towns; in 1902, an electric railway, the Toledo & Western, was built through the northern part of the county, touching Metamora, Lyons and Fayette, and early in 1903, the Toledo & Indi- ana Electric Railway was built, service from Wauseon beginning April 1, 1903. In 1905, it was extended west to Bryan, and by this line Swanton, Delta, Wauseon, Pettisville and Archbold are each given the advantages of an electric road. Other highways of travel and commerce are promised, and with her fertile fields, thriving towns and excellent people, Fulton takes a high rank among her sister counties of the Buckeye State.
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CHAPTER VII
POLITICS AND OFFICIAL HONORS.
F ULTON County was organized at a time (1850) when public sentiment was rapidly crystalizing and the lines were being sharply drawn upon the great issue of slavery extension, and but two years after the remarkable Presidential contest had occurred between Cass and Taylor. About 1834, all that were opposed to the Democratic party formed a coalition under the party name of. Whig, and under this banner fought their battles until 1854, when a fusion between the Free-Soilers and Know-Nothings was made, and both elements combined under the name of Republican. There existed, however, during many years, in the region now em- braced in Fulton county, a small but brave and earnest body of Aboli- tionists, who were denounced and persecuted by both Democrats and Whigs, members of these organizations vying with each other in mak- ing assaults upon "the incendiary Abolitionist." But it was only upon this common ground that the two powerful parties would make com- mon warfare. Members thereof were pleased to call themselves "con- servative" men, who deemed it their duty to thus emphasize their dis- like of the fanatics who were advocating the abolition of slavery. The "conservative" men of that day decried such agitation, because, they said, "it disturbed business interests." They were the psychological ancestors of those vainglorious men of today, who oppose every meas- ure of reform that appears abstruse to their benighted reasoning pow- ers. Dear "conservative" reader: Was the Emancipation Proclama- tion the culminating achievement of this Christian civilization, and were the enemies of human progress all slain when the Demon of Slavery perished? If not, then it is your duty to study proposed re- form measures ; and in the conflict of opinion your weapons should be reason and logic, not sneers and vituperation.
But this is a digression, and we will return to the proper subject. Owing to the records of the county having been destroyed by fire, in 1864, we are unable to give the returns of the early elections held in Fulton county ; but since its formation, in 1854, the Republican party has been constantly in the ascendancy, and what local successes the Democracy has met with has been due to the generosity of its in- dividual opponents and the unpopularity of opposing candidates. In 1855, at the October election, Salmon P. Chase carried the county and the Republican ticket was elected, and this was probably the first in- stance in the political history of Fulton county where the regular nomi- nees of the Democratic party had been entirely overthrown in a
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strictly party contest. But after the election of 1852, the very name and machinery of the Whig party had passed out of existence and practically all elements had been united in opposition to the Democracy. In 1856; Fulton county gave a heavy vote for the Republican ticket, increasing the party vote of the year before and the majority over the opposition. The contest of 1860 terminated the "irrepressible con- flict" between the Free and Slave States, as Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Se- ward had declared several years previously that it was destined to become, and so far as law could make it so, placed the former master and slave upon terms of civil equality. Fulton county very largely in- creased her Republican vote and gave to Mr. Lincoln a large majority. There probably never occurred an election in Ohio that produced a higher degree of excitement within the State, or a more profound interest abroad, than the memorable campaign of 1863., Since the opening of the war in 1861, there had occurred no conflict that would bear comparison, in the intensity of feeling it produced, with this one. After the close of the polls, on October 13, results were rapidly re- ceived and transmitted, and the governor-elect being then a resident of Cleveland, was, near 12 o'clock at night, in possession of suffi- cient returns to authorize him to transmit a dispatch to Edwin M. Stanton, then Secretary of War, that the entire Republican State ticket in Ohio had been elected by a majority of about one hundred thousand.
Since the civil war period, as well as for several years before, Fulton county has been reliably Republican, and the only question has been in regard to the size of the majority. It reached low water mark in 1896, when Mr. Mckinley received a vote of 3,227, and Mr. Bryan received 2,460, a Republican majority of 767. In that campaign, Mr. Bryan's wonderful personality, magnetic force and matchless oratory, contending for a platform of principles that was unequivocal in meaning and clear in expression, succeeded in arousing an interest in political affairs to an extent seldom if ever witnessed before. In Ful- ton county every district school house became a political forum, and interest in everything else waned while the "Battle of the Standards" was in progress. The large vote given to Mr. Bryan, under the cir- cumstances, was considered a great achievement by his followers. In 1904, however, high water mark was reached, and Roosevelt (Rep.) received 3,593 votes, while Parker (Dem.) received 1,448.' These figures represent the largest vote and majority ever given to a political party in Fulton county. But, though there can be no doubt that the Republicans have a large majority in the county, the Presidential elec- tion of 1904 is not a fair criterion by which to judge its size. It is .but stating a truth in history to say that Mr. Parker was not a popu- lar candidate with the "rank and file" of the Democratic party, and especially was this true after he expressed his views on the coinage question. With such an independent character as Mr. Roosevelt in the field, many Democrats considered it an opportune time to consign Mr. Parker, "irrevocably," to the shades of political oblivion. But. notwithstanding the great majority for Roosevelt in 1904, at the State
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election of 1905 the vote for. governor was as follows: Herrick (Rep.), 2,302; Pattison (Dem.), 2,266; a Republican majority of only thirty-six . votes.
In local and State affairs, however, an independent spirit has been manifested more or less ever since the close of the civil war. The voters of the county have been generally given to "scratching" their tickets, and it has been difficult to estimate results, particularly as re- gards candidates for county offices, until the votes have been cast and counted; and members of the minority party have frequently been the incumbents of official positions. The first political convention of which there is any account, was composed of people of both political parties, and met in convention at the house of Daniel Knowls, in Pike township, about the last of March, 1850, for the purpose of nomi- nating candidates for the official positions in the newly-erected county, which positions were to be filled at the ensuing April elections. This convention was not fully characterized for harmony of purpose, but in consequence of the weakness of the then old Whig party, and its in- ability to succeed in the election of a party ticket, the members thereof quietly submitted to a portion of the choice of said convention. The successful ones at this convention were Mortimer D. Hibbard of Dover, for auditor; George B. Brown of Royalton, sheriff ; C. C. An- man of Delta, recorder ; Nathaniel Leggett of Swan Creek, treasurer; William Sutton of Gorham, Christopher Watkins of Fulton, and Jona- than Barnes, commissioners. These gentlemen were duly elected and qualified as officers of the new county, severally entering upon the du- ties of their respective positions. Nathaniel Leggett of Swan Creek, John. Kendall of Franklin, and Alfred C. Hough of Chesterfield were chosen the first associate judges, but Mr. Leggett refused to serve, and Socrates H. Cately of Swan Creek was appointed to fill the posi- tion. Samuel Durgin was appointed clerk, and John A. Read prose- cuting attorney ; and in the fall of 1850, Alfred C. Hough was elected to the auditor's office and resigned the judgeship, William E. Parma- lee of Chesterfield, and A. M. Flickinger of Gorham, in turn filling the latter office successfully until the change of the Constitution of the State, in 1851. .
The writer has attempted to perfect an official list of Fulton county, including National, State and County officers, from the organization of the county to 1905, and also to include with the list biographical matter concerning some of the gentlemen who have borne the official honors. In some instances the favored ones have passed away, leav- ing. neither "kith or kin" to preserve their record, while .in others, either . from churlishness, cupidity, ignorance or some other cause, those who could have done so have manifested no disposition to fur- nish. the required information. Notwithstanding these difficulties con- siderable information is here presented, concerning residents of Fulton county who have borne official honors. For court judges and officers, see chapter on Bench and Bar; and the biographical department of this work also contains additional information.
. United States Consuls .- Levi W. Brown to Glasgow, Scotland; W. W. Touvelle to Belfast, Ireland.
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Levi Walter Brown was born in Franklin township, Fulton county, December 21, 1841. He was reared on his father's farm, where he worked during the spring and summer, and attended school in the winter, until he became eighteen years of age. He then commenced teaching in season, and was thus engaged, alternating between the farm and the school-room, for a period of about four years. At the age of twenty-five, having accumulated a small sum of money, the result.of his industry, he embarked in the mercantile business at El- mira, Fulton county, having a small stock at the outset, but gradually enlarging it as his means permitted and the increasing trade required, until he became known as one of the most successful and reliable country merchants of the county. He continued his mercantile life until about 1872, when he sold out and moved to the farm of his par- ents, they then being in impaired health and strength on account of their advanced years. He continued his residence on the farm until February, 1879, when he removed to Wauseon to assume the office of probate judge. While he subsequently took a very active interest in political affairs, he did not become so engaged to any considerable extent prior to his advancement to this position. Taking his seat as probate judge, in February, 1879, he was twice re-elected, and soon became one of the acknowledged leaders of the Republican party ' in the county, his ability as an organizer also making him a promi- nent figure in the politics of the State. In 1886 he was a candidate for the nomination for the office of representative in Congress, but -was defeated in the nominating convention, the late Hon. M. M. boothman of Williams county, being the successful aspirant. In the year 1887, Judge Brown was made chairman of the Republican State. Central Committee, a position that called forth his greatest effort as an organizer. He also took an active part in the organiza- tion of the National Republican League, and was a delegate in at- tendance, and member of the executive committee, representing Ohio in the first national convention held in New York City, De- cember 15, 1887. His services in behalf of the Republican party
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