Allen County, Ohio - Chapter 4: Occupation and Settlement., 1885

Chapter 4: Occupation and Settlement.

rriHE initial point in the history of the settlement of Allen County -L must be known as Fort Amanda. Here, in 1812, a post was estab* lished and liberally garrisoned. One year later a ship-yard was founded here and a number of large scows built for use on the Lower Miami^ as well as for the navigation of the Auglaize. Four years after the founding of this navy yard the pioneers of American settlement appeared upon the scene, and there, within the block-houses of the Fort, made the beginnings of that progress which has marked this division of the State. As an introduction to the history of the pioneers, let us examine the history of this ancient military post

Fobt Amanda

Chief of the Northwestern Axmj. He directed that troops be massed at Wooster, Urbana, St. Marys and Defiance, and made the sonthem line of the Black Swamps, from Upper Sandosky to St. Marys, the base or left line of proposed operations. In the report of military affairs, following his appointment, we find the first mention of the poets on the Auglaize. Here also reference is made to the Ohio cavalry under CoL Finley, the Kentucky cavalry under B. M. Johnson, and the infantry under Cols. Poague, Barbee and Jennings - the former of whom erected Fort Amanda and the latter Fort Jennings. From Gen. Harrison's letter of February 11, 1813, it is inferred that the forces under the officers just mentioned had been called in, prior to September 30, 1812, to join the main army, and that their positions on the Auglaize would be taken up by a battalion of Ohio militia, and a company of regular troops from Fort Winchester. It is, therefore, conceded that CoL Poague, with his command, built a fort on the west bank of the Auglaize in September, 1812. The pickets were about eleven feet high, forming a guard for four blockhouses. The second story of each house projected three or four feet over the pickets. The block-house located in the southeast comer was the largest, and was used for officers' quarters. In the center of the quadrangle was the store-house. A national pemetery was established here in 1812-14, which has been continued by the settlers. Seventy-five mounds mark the burial places of so many soldiers of the war of 1812.

The records of the garrison of this post fell into the hands of the British and were destroyed by the vandals. Fort Auglaize, east of Wapakonetta, was built by the French in 1748, was in existence in 1812- 15, and was used by troops and travelers passing north.

Fort Amanda was used as the first postoffice in Allen County, and also as the first religious meetinghouse. It was named after CoL Poague's wife - Amanda.

While Oen. Harrison was encamped at Wapakonetta, William Oliver, who had a trading post at Fort Wayne, came to him and asked him to notify the Fort Wayne garrison of Hull's surrender. Harrison stated that he had no one to send. Oliver offered to go should anyone volunteer to accompany him. Logan, the Indian scout, offered his services. Both set out on that dreary journey of 100 miles and arrived at Fort

According to a statement made in Green Clay's letter, dated Oamp Meigs, Jane 20, 1813, to Gen. Harrison, a large consignment of floar in barrels was received from Fort Amanda throagh Ensign Gray. It is said, with some degree of aathenticity, that one of the scows bailt here in 1813 was sabeeqaently ased by Commodore Perry in baoying his large ships oyer the shallows at Pat-in-Bay.

Saw-Mill And Kavt Tabd

Daring the winter of 1812^13 the garrison of Fort Amanda was constitated a ship-bailding company. A nomber of men were told off to select trees, another company to cat them down, a third company to saw them into boards and posts, and a foarth company to conyert the mana« factored lamber into flat-boats. This work was accomplished by a company of Ohio militia and a few regalar troops from Fort Winchester, who replaced Col. Poagae*s command. The boatis constracted at this point were in ase for years, and are said to have eclipsed in constraction and strength any or all the boats tamed oat of Fort Defiance Nayy Yard at the same time. Years prior to this, howeyer, the genias of Mad Anthony Wayne saw in the neighborhood a point of some military importanca In the history of the war of 1794-1812, the flight of the Ottawas on the Aoglaize, and the deetrnction of their antenanted yill^ige, Aagast';8, 1793, are of record. It appears that when Fort Becoyery was recaptared by the Union troops, Gen. Wayne ordered the constraction of seyeral military roads, one of which was laid oat between the present yillage of St Marys, the home of the Girty desperadoes, and a point on the Aoglaize where stood the Ottawa yillage, near the spot where Fort Amanda was bnili This formed a portion of the road known as Wayne's Traca

Among the first white men who liyed at the Fort was Francis Deach6- qaette, a Frenchman of excellent moald, who was yenerated by the Indians and loyed by the settlers of later years. In 1817 Andrew Bassell, Peter Diltz and William Van Aasdall came as the yangaard of settlement, and then followed that band of pioneers whose names will be

Pionseb Beminisoenoes

In speaking of the past, and particularly when retrospecting, it is well to observe the fact that the good deeds of those who die, the sacrifices they made, the trials they endured, and the heritage they handed down, should all be recorded on the page that never dies. In the preceding pages much information of an entirely historical character has been given; yet ^the story of pioneer days would not be complete unless a few, at least, of the stirring reminiscences of olden times were added. For this reason the following sketches have been written or collated to form a sequel to the Indian and pioneer history of this county. It is distinct from the numerous personal reminiscences to be found throughout the pages devoted to biography. With these persona] sketches this little chapter of reminiscences forms a portion of the work bearing the same relation to history which a flower garden bears to the farm.

The Big Snows

The traditions of the Shawnees and Wyandots point out the years 1766 and 1775 as the winters of the great snow& Those severe storms which swept over the country within two decades, destroyed great numbers of forest animals, the bones of which, in after years, literally encumbered the wilderness. Within the pioneer period, the snow of 1822-28 was the heaviest. Jt fell to a depth of four feet on the level, and was accompanied with such an icy current that large numbers of deer, wolves and bears perished before its withering advanca In 1830-81 the snow storms set in early in November, and continued throughout the month, destroying the wild animals in large numbers and inflicting many hardships on the Indians and pioneers. In the month of August, 1881, a severe frost set in, which occasioned many serious troubles and disappointments.

Ter Black Dats

On the morning of Sunday, November 8, 1819, the sun rose upon a cloudy sky, which assumed as the light grew upon it, a strange greenish tint, varying in places to an inky blackness. After a short time, the whole sky became terribly dark; dense black clouds filled the atmosphere, and those changes were followed bj a down-poor of rain, which appeared to be something of the nature of soapsuds, and which was found to have deposited, after settling, a substance resembling soot. The atmosphere assumed its usual form that afternoon, and the following day was dry and frosty. On the morning of Tuesday, 10th, heavy clouds again appeared, changed rapidly from a deep greeu to a pitchy black, and the sun, when seen occasionally through them, was sometimes of a dark brown, or an unearthly yellow color, and again bright orange or a blood red. The clouds constantly deepened in color and density, and later on a heavy vapor seemed to descend to the earth; the day became as dark as night> and the gloom increased or diminished most fitfully. The French traders looked on the phenomenon with a peculiar curiosity, while the Indians were actually alarmed. The more sensible concluded that the woods were ablaze, others that the recently explored prairies were burning, while others stated that a vollsanic eruption was in progress. The Indians quoted the prophecy that one day the country would be destroyed by an earthquake, while others looked upon the signs as signaling the close of this world. About the middle of the afternoon a great body of clouds seemed to rush suddenly across the country, and immediately everything was hidden in an appalling darkness. A pause and hush succeeded for a moment, and then a most glaring flash of electricity flamed over the land - next the thunder seemed to shake the very earth to its center. Another pause followed, and then fell a slight shower of rain similar to that which introduced the phenomenon two days previously. After this shower, the day grew brighter, but an hour later it was as dark as ever. Another rash of clouds, and another flash of lightning introduced the climax of the scene. The sky above and around was as black as ink; but right in one spot, in mid-air above the Indian village, the lightning danced for some minutes in a fairy circle, then rushed eastward and was not seen again. The darkest hour had come and gone. The gloom gradually subsided and gave place to dawn; the people grew less fearful; the real night came oa, and when next morning dawned the elements were at peace, and the world seemed as natural as before.

A Pionkeb Mextino

The settlement of the MoClner family on Section 28, Bath Township, in 1826, and of the Wood family on Sn^^ar Greek, the year before, are noticed in this chapter. Here they resided until Jane, 1826, each settlement ignorant of the existence of the other. According to statements made by Nathaniel McClaer, three white men, Morgan Lippincott, Joseph Wood and Benjamin Dolph, came to his father's cabin in Jane, 1826. They had left their homes tohant along the deer-lick, where Lima now stands; bat while engaged in watching for game, they beheld a panther watching them, and condaded to leave the pass in possession of that animal In their flight, they lost their trail, and woald doabtless have lost themselyes had not the sound of the woodman's ax saluted their ears. They adyanced caatioasly in the direction from which the sound proceeded, and were most agreeably surprised to find Samuel McCluer and his cabin ready to receive them. Next day, MoCluer accompanied his three yisitors to their settlement, five miles distant, and then for the first time learned that the Woods, Lippincotts, Purdys, and Samuel Jacobs were actually within yisiting distance without his knowledge of their existence.

Habshall Bbminisobnoes 1829-33

The contract to carry the mail from Piqua to Defiance, in 1829, was awarded to Samuel Marshall for two years, and carried on horseback by Charles O. Marshall. Leaving Piqua he journeyed weekly by Wapakonetta, thence to Sugar Grove on the Auglaize near the mouth of Blanchard, and thence to Defiance, touching but three settlements between Piqua and Defiance, the entire distance being aboat ninety-five miles. He occasionally stopped at Fort Amanda, and continued onto the Ottawa Village, now known as Charloe, formerly the county seat of Paulding County. At that time Allen, Auglaize, and Defiance Counties were filled with their native forests, through which the Ottawas, Delawares, Wyandots and Shawnees roamed and hunted in the utmost freedom. During this period, Mr. Marshall witnessed the signing of the treaty for the purchase of the Shawnee reserves, including the Wapakonetta Beservation, the Lewistown Beservation and the Hog Creek Beservation. The treaty was made at Wapakonetta, James B. Gardner and John Mollvaine acting as Special Commissioners for the

United States. In the meantime, Mr. Marshall became aoqaainted with the celebrated chief and warrior, Black Hoof, who died in Angost, 1882, and was buried near the Indian town of Wapakonetta. In these lonely tripe he also met Oapt. Wolf, John Ferry, Oneissimo, alias Little Fox, Ne-we-bes-he-co or White Feather, Qaa-tn-wapee or Capt. Lewis, the sons of the great warriors Bine Jacket, Bright Horn, Henry Clay, Wayweleapy. Spy beech and Francis Deachoquette, the old Frenchman, who h ad liTed a long time among the Shawnees, and is said to have interceded for the life of Dr. Knight, when Ool. William Crawford was homed by the Delawares, near the Tymochtee in Wyandot County, after his capture in 1782. This venerable Frenchman died when on his way to Washington Oity with a Shawnee delegation, at the city of Cumberland, Md., in the summer of 1881. A large proportion of the Shawnees left Wapakonetta in 1882, and about fifty in the spnng of 1838. In 1884 William Brady and William Scott opened a road from the Auglaize River through the Ten-Mile Woods, afterward known as Section Ten, now Delphos, to Van Wert Not even one cabin was to be seen in all that distance when those pioneers cut the road through.

ah! billt lippinoott. The following story, told by Matthew Allison, in relation to Chief Pht, is well worthy of record. It appears that Pht, accompanied by Quilna and other hunters, came to the Allison cabin in Bath Township, to complain of William Lippincott, a neighbor, who failed to keep his solemn promise, and further denied that he owed Pht anything. The Indians proceeded to Lippincott's cabin, where he essayed to explain the nature of his errand, in doing which he brandished the scalping knife, and made other signs, all evidently of a hostile nature. Lippincott appeared before a Justice and secured a warrant for the arrest of Pht This warrant was placed in the hands of Elmer Hartshorn to serve, and the Constable, accompanied by Matthew Allison, proceeded eight miles to the Indian settlement, where Pht surrendered, and further volunteered to accompany the Constable back to Sugar Creek. Before starting out, however, the Indian knew that an interpreter would be required, and sent for one to Wapakonetta. The facts in the case were that Lippincott borrowed a horse-collar from the chief, failed to return it, and further when the chief called to get the property, had his words and actions so misanderstoood by the white man, that the latter had the war- ' rant issued. When the matter was brought before the Justice^ the case was dismissed, and Pht, turning toward his persecutor, addressed him thus: ^Ah, Billy Lippincott, you be all one big lie.''

A Special Pbocess Of Induction

A story related by Horace E. Enapp, respecting the court of Allen County, in 1857, is valuable both on account of its personnel and incident ''In 1867," says Mr. Enapp, ''a new Sheriff was inducted into office in Allen County. He was much inclined to waggery, and plumed himself upon his success in the practical jokes he would get off on his frieiida. Judge Bobb, who habitually takes everything in good humor, and had been in several instances his victim, devised the following retaliatory scheme: Seeking a conversation with the new officer he informed him that it was the smallest number of Sheriffs who understood the true form of opening court. 'Now,' said Bobb, * while our Democrats may not like the English Government and people altogether, it must nevertheless be admitted that we are indebted to them for the fundamental principles of our admirable system of jurispradence. The more closely we adhere to their venerated forms, the more imposing and sublime appears the administration of justica' The Sheriff concurred in this view, and Judge Bobb then proceeded to drill the officer in his method of opening court, and having learned to ' speak his piece, ' Judge Metcalf , the bar and spectators were electrified the next morning to hear the new Sheriff proclaim, in response to the order to open court - 'Oh yes I oh yes! All manner of persons having anything to do with this Court of nisi prius, held in this county of Allen, will draw near and give attoition. Gk>d save the Queen!' This drew out a long continued roar of laughter at the expense of the Sheriff and the Queen and necessitated the reopening of the court in due form. Bobb had his revenge."

A Wolf Stobt

There are very few survivors of pioneer times who have not a real wolf story to tell; some have a panther story, others a bear story, but for wierd excellence nothing rises above the pioneer wolf story. Qoing back to the earliest times we again qaote from Nathaniel McClner. He najBi ''I had often heard father say he wished that the woWes would attack him, for he would delight in a fight with them. So one night he was boiling sugar water, there having been a splendid run of water for about two days and nights. He was so busy that he had no time to sleep. Mother desired to assist him, and required my services, and awakened me about midnight to help her boil sugar, while father could return home and take a good sleep. I accompanied mother, but father refused my servieea I stayed a short time and started for home, but when I had gone a few rods, the iire being made against a large log and a small one being placed in front for a sort of f orestick, kept up such a cracking and noise that I thought the whole forest abla^; suddenly my coon skin cap nearly jumped off my head, for I was then a small boy and had hold of mother's dress to keep from danger. In my fright I was greatly alarmed at a pack of wolves that seemed hardly a quarter of a mile away, but really appeared by the sound to be only a few feet distant The whole forest was filled by the doleful sound, other packs answering from the distance. Just then my attention was called to the pitiful bellowings of a yearling calf that made me shudder to hear. Mother and I ran back to the camp where father left us in care of the kettles of syrup, and ran through the brush and water without hat, ax or club, followed by his two hounds, to the rescue of the calf. The wolves had it down and held on until he kicked them off. Placing the calf on his shoulder, he proceeded toward camp, but the ravenous animals returned. His hounds, with hair turned wrong end forward, fled through the forest, fearing the very sight and smell of the wolves. Father, however, put them on the track of the wolves, and they bellowed as if they meant business, but the wolves miade a sudden dash for them and they returned faster than they advanced, leaving father to give battle to the pack. Olubs broke in his hands so that he had to kick the beasts off while holding the calf on his shoulder. After this terrific battle, it is stated that wolves never ventured near his cabin and always fled on his approach."

Jacobs' Beminisobnoibs

had a very distinct reoolleotion of the old settlers of Lima. Among the pioneers were Gen. William Blackburn, Dr. William Canningham, Ool. John Ward, Col. James Cunningham, Daniel Mosser, John F. Cole, H. Watt, Dr. William MoHenry, E. Jolley, John Bashore, Daniel Boyer, Daniel Tompkins, Abraham Bowen, Alexander Beaty, H. D. v. Williams, James S. Cheever, David Tracy and families, Richard Thomas, J. W. Thomas, John Jackson, William Chaffee, (George Sheldon, H. Davidson, John Keller, Charles Baker, F. H. Binkley. Among the mechanics were Daniel Mosser, a blacksmith; F. Mason, ditto; F. H. Binkley, D. D. Tompkins and J. C. Curtis, merchants; David Tracy and Abraham Bowers, cabinet makers; David Tracy, also a carpenter; T. K Jacobs (1888), Daniel Boyer and Elisha Jolley, tailors; Samuel A. Baxter, hatter; Levi Saint and Alexander McCluer, tanners; H. Wall, shoemaker; D. Musser and John J. Bashore, tavern keepers. The taverns were frame, and stood on South Main Street, and east of the public square. Dr. William Cunningham was then in practice (1838). Dr. Samuel Black, Dr. William McHenry and Dr. William Finley also. Does not remember which came first, but they were all early settlers. They all continued some years in practice. Dr. Black removed to Putnam County, and Dr. Cunningham died. They were succeeded by others. The churches were a Methodist, a frame, on Union Street; a Presbyterian, small brick, Elm Street; and a Baptist, small frame, on Union Street There were no schoolhouses in town. The schools were taught in the churches and other buildings in various parts of the town. It was many years before the people of the town would consent to the erection of schoolhouses, and when the district finally did consent, they only built three or four small houses. The names given above by the late Mr. Jacobs are those of persons with whom he was intimata In the history of Lima city a complete list is given."

The following transcript from the docket of John Amstutz, Justice of the Peace of Richland Township, Allen County, in the case of the State against Levi Tope^ is given verbatim et literatim for the benefit of the reader:

This day appeared before me John AmBtuts, a Justice of the Peace of said county, Isaac N. Mark, and made oath by an affidavit that Levi Tope assaulted and

Btrack at him in a menacing; manner. Therefore the said Isaac N. Mark was the complainant and said Levi Tope the defendant A State warrant was therefore issued forthwith against said Levi Tope, defendant, and the same was delivered bysaid Isaac N. Mark, to William Lewis, Constable of Richland Township. There was also a subpoena issued for State witnesses against Joseph A. Murray, I. McHenry. Charles E. Wilson, George Burget, John Fenton, Thomas Murray, Ira Townsend, Erastus Thompson and Qeorge Ramer, who were commanded to appear forthwith July 1, 1857. The said Levi Tope appeared before me at about half-past 9 o'clock, and requested me to issue a subpoena against A. W. Rokatch, Eben Russell, 8r.^ W. P. McDermott, William Vance, P. K. Mummer, Ralph Ewing, Samuel Whissler, John Penton and Thomas Penton. Said witnesses were commanded to appear forthwith, and were intended by the defendant to defend him before the Justice's Court. Defendant likewise made a motion if I would want another Justice of the Peace assist me, in the proceedings of the action, that matter was therefore accepted by me. I therefore issued a notice to George W. Goble, a Justice of the Peace in said Township of Richland.

Complainant gave himself and Erastus Thompson bail on a bond, taken and acknowledged before me, for the costs of the action if the State should fail. Past 8 o'clock same day witnesses appeared. William Lewis, Constable, made his retoms. Said George W. my assistant, also appeared. I therefore made it known before we went into trial, to the complainant, and to all the presence that I wfll have said as my assistant, in every respect, during the trial, stating the reasons such that things appear to be HoJdUh and dub%ou$ and eritieal, that I would only have to bear half of the burdens, if I should go either way. It was therefore accepted by the complainant and by the defendant, likewise before the presence that the said may be my assistant during the action in every respect.

The trial therefore began by asking Levi Tope, defendant, whether he was guilty or not guilty of the fact charged against him. He therefore pleaded **not guilty." Therefore, witnesses on behalf of the State were sworn; also, I. N. Mark was sworn. L N. Mark, complainant, was the first witness to testify. Then the witnesses for defendant were sworn. John Penton, William Vance and Peter E. Mummer and another testified. The balance were not called. After the testimony, allegation, examination and re-examination of the witnesses, and proceedings on behalf of the State and for the defendant of the whole testimony, John Ewing, Esq., attorney of complainant, opened the pleading debate. Charles N. Lamison, Esq,, pleaded for defendant, and Isaac N. Mark, complainant, closed the matter.

After that, I, John Amstutz, and G^rge W. Gobel, my assistant, stepped off into a separate room to consider on the matter, to render a judgment according to testimony. After the absence of about half an hour, we concluded that the complainant like defendant, were alike in our consideration, offence in fault. The complainant, we finded him to be in the offence of provoking the defendant; and the defended, we finded him to be in the offence of assaulting the complainant. Therefore, our pure judgment would be to discharge defendant, and each of them would have to pay his own costs, proTided if they are satisfled and confess on it; that is to S9y» as the law gaye us no power to give that kind of a composing Judgment, what we considered to be the purest judgment according to our consideration, we, therefore, consider that we will offer our pure judgment to the parties. Therefore, I offered the said judgment to the parties, and they would accept it for the costs matter. But the complainant want that the defendant shall confess that he did wrong, nevertheless the complainant confessed before the whole crowd that he was sorry toward the defendant, but defendant would not confess and complainant would not withdraw his motion. Eyen I offered him to suffer loss of my whole fees. We therefore considered that we will discharge the defendant, and the complainant will hare to pay the costs. Therefore, in the name of us both, I discharge the defendant, and complainant shall pay the costs of the whole action, and this was our final judgment, and all what we could do accbrding to the law in the case. But I, for my part, will never consider it a pure judgment according to the whole transactions and circumstances between the complainant and defendant, at both parties trespassed the civil action of reasonable men, and they ought to pay for it alike as lessons.

This transcript was given to the complainant on his request His intention is to reverse the judgment of this action, but the transcript itself will show that I was trying to act in a way that might produce more than this course. As a matter of course, I want to be satisfled as soon as possible before I am required to issue execution, and that by the County Clerk and under seal. I do not care about my fees. I said once that I would suffer my fees, and I say that yet, if I can only produce peace among my fellow citizens. I therefore will not charge any fees to the complainant for this transcript, as he has already trouble enough. It shall be fre^ ffratis. Yours very respectfully,

The manner in which Jostioe Amstutz's good offices were received no doubt taught him that justice and philanthropy are not entirely synonymous. ^

Indian Nuohbobs, 1829-1831

When Francis Stephenson set out in 1829 for his new home in Auglaize Township, he took an ox-team and a wagon load of com and meat, such as hams, shoulders and side meat, and after the cabin was erected a clapboard loft was placed in it, where the corn and meat were deposited for the use of his family when they arrived in the following spring. At that time the Shawnees ranged through the township in their hunting parties, and were, doubtless, soon aware of the contents of the cabin loft. In March Mr. Stephenson and family arrived to occupy the lonely cabin, and prepare a future home. He was greatly surprised to find his com and hams imdiskirbed by the Indians or the wild beasts of the forest. In a few hoars an old Indian hnnter and his band made the family a visit. Lest the young people and the female portion of the family might be alarmed by the presence of the Indians, the cabin of Mr. Stephenson being near the Auglaize, two of the band accompanied the chief to hold a conversation with the new-comers, while the rest remained on the opposite side of the stream. Mr. Stephenson desired to win the esteem and friendship of his red neighbors, and met them very kindly and entered into a " talk.'' The chief desired to buy com for his ponies, and to purchase meat for the Indians. After talking a short time Mr. Stephenson informed him he could spare both com and meai In a few moments the red speakers left the cabin, and, having gone a short distance, gave a few sharp whoops, and the balance of the band crossed the stream and came to the cabin, where an ei change of venison was made for the flesh of the ^Eoshkosh," and a few bushels of corn for their ponies. Mr. Stephenson says that the Shawnees often visited his father's family afterward, and he was often, required to notice the fact that the Indians never entered a white man's cabin without first knocking. He thinks that, although the Indians must have been aware of what the cabin contained, yet not an ear of com had disappeared. These were nature's children, and possessed the most unflinching sense of true honesty. In these times of high moral ideas, it would be very doubtful whether such a store would remain undisturbed by men of our own color. Isaac Shockey, in his reminiscences, says, ^ The same leading chiefs and hunters among the Shawnees, of whom Mr. Stephenson speaks, also visited the Shockeys. The Shawnees accompanied the new settlers to point out and select lands. They were aware of the quality of the lands desired by the purchaser, and could point out the best selections. Mr. Shockey states that the lands upon which he now resides were thought to be excellent by the Indiana There are several fine springs, often visited by the Indians, while they made sugar, from 1826 to 1832. The farm his father selected on Section 30, and now occupied by Alexander Kerr, his a fine spring of wat^, often resorted to during the days of the old Shawnees. Mr. Shockey found the Indians good judges of land, and very kind neighbors. He has often been at their camps and their wigwams, and stayed at one Indian cabin in Lewiston. He asked his bill the next morning, and the Indian charged nothing, bat seemed offended because he desired to pay for his lodging. It was always the custom of an Indian to give the alarm before entering a house. His way of gaining admittance was by first giving a sort of low whoop."

The American pioneers fulfilled their mission. They entered the land unaccompanied by civilization, yet lived in perfect peace amid their uncouth and barbaric surroundings. They drew both health and pleniy from the soil, and dwelt here while the wilderness, in which they settled, cast off its primeval robes and assumed the dress of our own times. In a word the greater number of those indefatigable children of industry lived here to witness one of the most prosperous divisions of Ohio, greater in everything, prouder, wealthier than their brightest day-dreams ever led them to conceive.