Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 24, 1881 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 24

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP is a recently organized portion of Crawford County, and lies near its eastern borders. The land which comprises it was surveyed in 1807 by Maxfleld Ludlow, and, at one time, prior to 1842, the eight eastern sections were a part of Richland Count}'. Twelve sections west were a part of what was then known as Sandusky Township, which was twelve miles long by six miles wide. In 1835, a petition was presented to the Commissioners of Crawford County, praying that the township of Sandusky be divided on account of the great inconvenience attendant upon its length. The petition was granted, and, accordingly, fifteen sections were formed into a new township, bearing the name of Jackson. When, in 1842, a four-mile strip was added to Crawford from Richland Countj^, eight new sections were added to Jackson Township, thus giving it an area of twenty -eight square miles. However, in 1873, the residents of the twenty western sections manifested their dissatisfaction regarding the unequal distribution of offices by the township as those of the eastern sections, including Crestline, controlled the matter, and gobbled the " loaves and fishes " of office. On a petition being presented, a division was made, converting twenty sections of the old township into a new organization, which was named Jefferson, in honor of the great apostle of the American Democracy. By this division but eight sections were left of the old township of Jackson. The present township of Jefl'erson is bounded on the north by Sanduskj' and Vernon

Townships, on the east b}' Jackson, on the south by Polk, and on the west by Whetstone Township. It is composed of eight sections of Township 20, Range 20 west, and twenty' sections of Township 16, Range 21 west.

The land comprising this division is well drained by the Sandusky River and its numerous tributaries. This river rises in the borders of Richland County, and flows through this township in a northwesterly direction. Spring Run, a tributary, so called because of the springs forming it, takes its rise south of Middletown, and flows north, emptying into the Sandusky near Leesville. Allen's Run has its source in the eastern portion of the township, and enters the Sandusky east of Leesville. Another small stream rises on the Snyder farm, and, flowing north, also empties into the Sandusky. Other small streams there are in different parts of the township, and form a very complete natural system of drainage, and were all in early days utilized for water power by the pioneer. The surface of a portion of the township is such as requires artificial drainage to a limited extent ; but the eastern part is naturally rolling, though not what could be termed hilly. In the vicinity of Leesville there is an abrupt rise of land comprising an extensive ridge of gravel, commonly called the " Hog's Back," and here are also frequent knolls of varying height, made up of gravel and stone, and continuing along the banks of the Sandusky and Spring Run. The channels of these streams are in many places dug through solid masses of rock. At the quarry of James Morrow, in Section 1, the banks of the river take a precipitous rise of sixty-eight feet six inches from the surface of the water. Thirtj--five feet of this ascent is composed of solid rock, belonging to the Waverly sandstone group. This gra\'el ridge is situated in the eastern part of the township, extending a trifle east of north and south for about a half-mile. This has been in use for over twentj' j-ears, during which time thousands of car-loads of gravel have been taken out b^' the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, in the construction and repair of their respective roadbeds. That portion which still remains, rises full forty feet above the level of the surrounding country. The soil of the township is good, being a clay, mingled in some places with gravel and sand. On the whole, it is well adapted for farming purposes, being excellent for both wheat and corn, and has been brought bj" its owners into a high state of cultivation.

There was in early da}' a heavy gi-owth of timber covering most of the land, comprising the usual varieties common to this section of the State, such as oak, beech. mai)le, elm, walnut and ash. Through the southwestern part of the township, the timber is not of such heavy growth as in the northern part. This is owing to the effect produced by a cyclone which passed through this section in 1820. completely destroying the forests in its pathway. This section has ever since been known as the "windfall," and since the occurrence a new growth has come up which nearly equals the surrounding forests in size.

The township of Jefferson is admiral)ly situated for farming or commerce, but there are no manufacturing establishments within its boundaries. The majority of its citizens are honest tillers of the soil, and there is some attention paid to the raising of stock. The stone quarries at Leesville are the most important commercial interest, a number of the citizens of Leesville and vicinity finding employment here. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway passes through it east and west and is of great value, owing to the splendid shipping facilities it afltords. Leesville is the largest village in the township limits, while the old village of Middletown is situated just below it. A portion of North Robinson is also in this township, l.ying on the western boundary line. With this preliminary description of the township, its topography and configuration, we will turn now to other matters connected with its histor}-.

Westell Ridgely was one of the first settlers in what is now Jefferson Township. He squatted where the Leesville & Bucyrus road crosses the Sandusky, about the year 181(i or 1817. A large family, consisting of four sons and a like number of daughters, accompanied him. These fair daughters, as the country settled up, became a great attraction to the young men for miles around. The marriage of Lucy Ridgely was the second marriage solemnized in the township, and was a gi-eat social event A man named Ferguson and J. S. Griswell were almost cotemporary with Ridgely, and Peter Bebout settled some time after, immediately lielow them. Thomas Ferguson was quite a character among the Indians, who called him Governor, and evinced for him considerable reverence. He was often called upon to settle disputes and differences that arose among them, and between them and the whites. Jacob Fisher, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 181(5. He settled in what was then Richland County l)ut is now Jefferson Township, at a point immediately south of the gravel ridge, on land which now belongs to Daniel Weider. He purchased considerable land, paying for it $1.25 per acre. He came here in a two-horse wagon, bringing his household effects and a family of eight children. He built a rude cabin of round logs. 18x20 feet, which was probably the first structure erected by a white man in the present limits of Jefferson Township. Fisher lived here until 1860, when he went to Missouri, where he has since died. Regarding him, the early settlers do not speak in high terms. He was hard-working and industrious, but, at times, very dissipated, and always malignant in disposition. It is related of him that, in an early day, when other families moved in, he would engender strife among the women, the wives of his brother pioneers. To do this, he would present one woman with a pound of tea, and then tell a neighbor woman that if she would fight and whip the other, he would give her a pound of tea also. This often brought on encounters in the neighborhood, that were not altogether pleasant. Fisher would watch this unfeminine sport with the gi-eatest pleasure. Several depredations were ascribed to his hand ; one, that he girdled a young orchard ; and that he burned a year's crop of wheat for Daniel Krieder. He picked a quarrel with William Mitchell, an Englishman, and during the fight which ensued, bit a piece out of Mitchell's cheek, leaving a scar which the latter carried to his grave. Ridgely, who had a distillery on his farm, also became an object of Fisher's enmity, and his grist-mill and distillerj' were both burned one night, and a large copper kettle stolen and hid in the forest. Fifteen years afterward, it was plowed up by Kreider, and returned to Ridgely. Fisher remarked that he, too, could have plowed it up if he had been so inclined.

Christian Snyder came to the township in 1817, and settled near the eastern boundary line, in Section 17, buying 160 acres of land of Jacob Fisher, and paying for it $3 per acre. Snyder's family comprised himself and wife and eleven children. He came from Westmoreland County, Penn., in a two-horse wagon, also bringing along with him some twenty head of cattle, a drove of swine, a yoke of oxen and an extra team of horses. They were compelled to cut a road through from Mansfield to their destination, and this occupied almost a month. Jacob Snyder had been sent on ahead to erect a cabin for their accommodation. Persevering and pushing onward in the midst of difficulties, they at last arrived at their future home, expecting to enter a cabin and be comfortably installed at once. Their disappointment can be imagined when, instead, they found on their arrival that only the foundation had been laid, and a rude puncheon floor constructed. Accoi-dingly, tired out with the long journey, the whole family lay down to sleep upon the bare floor, with no other covering than the clouds. They awoke in the morning to find themselves covered with six inches of snow, which was not in the least conducive to their comfort. They went bravely to work, however, and soon had their cabin completed. It was constructed of round logs, and stood on the site of the brick house on the present Snyder farm. The Wyandot and Seneca Indians, who were their immediate neighbors, aided them in their work and also kept them well supplied with game and necessary food. The family grew up within the township, and several of Mr. Snyder's descendants are still living in the county. Among them is Peter Snyder, an old and respected citizen of Crestline, and for many years a resident of Jefferson. To him we are indebted for many facts concerning the earlj* history of the township. John Adrian was a very early settler, and came soon after Snyder. He lived on what is now the Samuel Freese farm for a number of years, and here he operated a rude distillery. He came from France ; raised quite a family of children, who are scattered far and wide. Of this Adrian, it is reported that his strength was such that he could pick up a whisky barrel nearly full, and drink from the bung-hole, as others would drink from a jug. This being either true or mj'thical, one thing is maintained, that he was a man of wonderful strength, but very dissipated. He did not continue his distillery long, and what whisky he did make was of a very inferior qualitj'. Many of the bibulous settlers of that daj' often remarked that they would rather go to Adrian's for their whisivy, as it was so weak that they could drink a great deal of it without becoming drunk. As a rule, however, the liquor of that day was a good article, and sold as low as $7 per barrel. Nearly every one was inclined more or less to its use, and it was a common accompaniment to all social gatherings. Jacob Snyder, already mentioned, was for many years a resident of the township, and at one time owned the land on which Leesville now stands. He constructed the first house iu the town after it was founded, and also started a blacksmith shop, the first in the township. After 1820, the immigration was rapid. Disbree Johnston and his family came from Virginia and settled in the southern part. His sons are still living in Polk Township. Daniel Miller came from Pennsylvania in 1822, and settled on what is now the Simon Snyder farm. This man Miller was a great hunter, and had an Indian's instinct and love for the forest. Many stories are related concerning him by many of the old settlers which prove that he was quite a character. He died in the township about ten j'ears ago. In about 1825, came Henry Hershner, from Westmoreland County, Penn., and settled near Middletown. He was a man of considerable intelligence, and his whole life was actuated by Christian principles. He was the founder of Middletown, and opened the first store there. After continuing it for some time, his son John came from Pennsylvania and took charge of it. He was also the organizer of the United Brethren Church, one of the first, if not the very first church, organized in the township.

In 1828, Rev. Robert Lee, Sr., came to the township and bought 160 acres of Jacob Snyder, and, the following year, laid out the town of Leesville, justly named after its founder, This gentleman is deserving of especial mention. He was the son of Thomas Lee, and was born in Donegal, Ireland, February 9, 1770. He emigrated to this country in 1787, and settled in Washington County, Penn. He received his education at Cannonsburg Seminary, and was licensed to preach. Ills ministerial career was mostly confined to the State of Pennsylvania, he being one of the original members of the Presbytery of Erie. After coming to this township, he was instrumental in the progress of the town which bore his name, and also for the cause of religion. He died February 9, 1842, and his remains lie in the cemetery at Leesville. His last words were, If it be Thy will, Lord Jesus, come quickly, that I may be at rest." A life-long friend writes thus concerning him : As a preacher, and in his address and manner, he was a fair model specimen of the preacher of the West. In this county, he assisted in the organization of many of the early churches, and, before the erection of church buildings, his voice was lifted up in the barns and cabins of the pioneers, and often in God's first temples - the groves of the surrounding country."

After the birth of Leesville, a tide of emigration flowed steadily into the present limits of Jefferson Township, and especiallj' in the vicinit}' of the town itself Hon. Robert Lee, Jr., came to the place with his father, and erected the first business house in the new village. He commenced in business here and continued for several years with good success. He did much to promote the ^^elfare of the village and surrounding country, and has been a prominent man in the State and county. He was twice elected Probate Judge, and served with efficiency. He is now living in retirement at Bucyrus, an honored and resi^ectcd Christian gentleman. Newton Ashcroft, living south of Middletown, came to the township in 1828, with his father's family, and settled on the present Ashcroft property. The father was a native of England, and had emigrated to

Westmoreland County, Penn. He was an early school teacher, and a man of good education, being one of the best mathematicians ever in the county, having a natural aptitude for that branch of study. In about 1830, Joseph Gledhill and family from England, settled about a mile south of Leesville, on the south side of the gravel ridge, which at one time was his property, and was sold by him to the railroad company. Here he built a rude log cabin and commenced farming, and continued until his death, several years ago. His son Joseph is still living in Middletown, and is a successful farmer and respected citizen. Col. William Kobinson came in 1 830, and purchased the land on which North Robinson now stands, paying $1.25 per acre. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and a soldier of the war of 1812, in which struggle he received the title of Colonel. He was a tall, portly and fine-looking gentleman, and well versed in military matters. He lived in the neighborhood of the town which bears his name, until his death. He was throughout life a man universally esteemed. For eighteen years, he was Justice of the Peace, and during all that time he never had a case tried before him, it being his rule to effect a compromise between the parties whenever possible. His son James is a resident of the southeast portion of the township, and is an able and distinguished gentleman. He has held several countj^ offices, and has represented the county in the Legislature. Another son, J. P. Robinson, lives in the vicinity of the village (Robinson), and is an intelligent and respected citizen. After 1830, several families came into the township, among whom was Dr. John McKean, who is now a resident of Crestline, but was for many years a citizen and physician in Leesville. Alexander Cannon came about this time, as did also Rickson Lewis. Samuel Porter Lee, a brother of Judge Lee, came with his father's family, and for many years lived in the town, but is now a resident of Jackson Township. Ignatius Shonebaugh, Robert Parks, Elisha Castle and Peter Wert were others who came in about the same time and settled in Leesville, which, at that time, was a better trading-point than Gallon. Abraham Littler bought the Ridgely farm in 1832, and removed on it with his family. He was a native of Hardy County, Va., where he was born, June 24, 1780. He lived in Jefferson Township until his death, which occurred August 10, 1844. His son Lewis is a respected citizen of Sandusky Township, and has been a prominent official in the affairs of the county. In about 1835, a number of German families came into the township, many from Penns3'lvania, and a number from the Fatherland, and at present a considerable portion of the population is German. Charles Kunkle came in that year, and settled in Section 19, where he still lives. Adam Shumaker came about the same time, as did also the Beck family. Morrison came at a comparatively early day, and is living on the borders of the township. The Laughbaums were early settlers and settled in Jefferson, but are now residents of Sandusky.

" Man is a sociable animal," says Byron, and, indeed, it behooved the early settlers to be sociable and friendly. There existed between them a bond of union and sympathy which made them brethren in the wilderness. To relieve the monotony of every-day life and toil, social gatherings were often held in the rude homes of the pioneers. When the darkness of evening set in, the floor would be cleared and the tuning of the fiddles gave warning of what was to follow. Many a merry set was danced on the rough puncheon floor of the primitive cabins, and a feeling of greater and more genuine pleasure prevailed than is common now at our modern parties. Corn-huskings and log-rollings usually wound up with a merry dance in the evening. Mr. James Nail, one of the oldest settlers now living in the county, was ofteu a fiddler for these social gatheiungs in the vicinity of Leesville and Gallon. The domestic life of those da3"s was plain and practical, but none the less dear to the people. The first birth in the township occurred in 1819, in the family of Jacob Fisher, The hand of death was firs laid on Jacob Sn3-der in 1820, who died of diphtheria. In the year following the first marriage was solemnized and was an aflair of gi'eat social importance to the whole community for miles ai-ound. Eli Foglesaug. of Pennsylvania, was joined in holy wedlock to Hannah Snyder, and the event was celebrated with considerable demonstration.

In early days, rattlesnakes and other reptiles were verj- common, and were also troublesome and dangerous. " Snake stories " are generally received with little credulity, but the following can be vouched for : Mrs. Jacob Synder dispatched a large rattlesnake one morning before breakfast, using an iron poker, and no sooner had she done so than others appeared on the scene of action and shared the fate of the first, until nine had been dispatched.

The past history of Jefferson does not show that it was ever destined to become noted in national affairs, or to be the scene of an}' famous occurrence. Yet within its borders quite a centurj' ago, there were enacted several scenes in the drama of Crawford's memorable campaign against Sandusky, that give it a place in historj-. About 2 P. M. of June 2, 1782, the American army under Crawford halted in their march to the Wj'andot town, for half an hour on the banks of the Sandusky, whei-e Leesville now stands. They then continued on their course in a southwesterly direction, and encamped for the night in Jefferson Township, near to the eastern border of the Sandusky Plains. After the battles of Sandusky and Olentangy and the capture and death of Col. Crawford, the American array under Williamson retreated in much the same path. By nightfall, after the battle of Olentangy, the command reached the same spot on the

Sandusky where they had halted on fii-st entering the county. Here they encamped for the night. The Indians and British rangers had followed them from the last battle, and constantly harassed the rear. However, at nightfall, the two forces encamped within a mile of each other, the Americans taking every precaution to guard against surprise. In the morning the retreat was renewed, and the enemy soon commenced a fire on the rear. Two soldiers were here captured and immediately tomahawked. Directly north of Leesville was, at the time of this memorable campaign, a camp of Delaware Indians, it being the temporary abode of a noted war chief called Wingenund, and a few of his tribe. It was on the land now owned bj' Joseph Brown and John Newman. Strange to say, this camp was not noticed by either Crawford or Williamson, they both passing to the south of it in their march.

Another important event occurring from natural causes, the scene of which was in Jefferson, was what is commonly called the Windfall, a fierce and destructive cyclone wliicli [jassed over a portion of the township Maj' 17, 1820. Peter Snyder, of Crestline, was a boy of sixteen at the time it occurred, and from his statement we have gained the facts concerning it. On the day of this event, Mr, Snyder was in the field plowing, when he beheld a heavy black cloud in the west, which threatened coming danger. He unhitched the team and put them in the barn, during which time the roar of the whirlwind was increasing. Much frightened, he clambered upon the joists of the barn, but was there but a short time when the roof was carried away. Letting himself down to the floor, he had no sooner reached it than he was struck on the back with a falling bcuim, inflicting a painful wound, the scar of which he carries to-da}-, A sudden darkness had spread over everything, and when Mr. Snyder had extricated himself from the fallen timbers of the barn, and it had become ligliter. he looked in the direction of the house, but saw that it too was in ruins. Rain and hail accompanied the storm, which continued for fully half an hour-. The remainder of the family were also in a drenched condition. Other families living on the tract, however, fared no better, and a scene of desolation took the place of what was before a picture of industry and prosperit}'. The settlers were glad to escape even with their lives and lose all else, as many of them did. The provisions were all destroyed or unfit for use. Starvation stared them in the face. Potatoes which had been planted a few days previous were dug up and eaten. The nearest towns and settlements aflTorded no corn, and Mr. Snyder relates that he went as far as Coshocton in search of food, and there he was fortunately able to buy two bushels of corn at $4 per bushel. On returning with this, the greater part of it was made into meal and hominy for food, and a portion of it planted. The forests passed over by this terrible storm were leveled to the ground, and the effects can still be seen in the new growth of timber in the district still known as the " Windfall." Cabins and barns were blown down ; horses and cows were swept away and killed. A great amount of misery and privation was entailed upon many living iu the township by this unusual occurrence.

Still another affair, which caused considerable excitement at the time, was the supposed murder of a man named Weaver, by Ridgely, who employed him as stiller in his whisky establishment. There had been a quarrel between Weaver and his employer, and it was supposed that he became engaged in a broil with Ridgely, and, during the melee. Weaver was killed. Nothing, however, was certainly known concerning it, although many of the earlj' settlers considered Ridgely the criminal. Several of them pretended, or actually believed, that Weaver's ghost had appeared to them, and had told in detail the whole affair. From these mythical stories it appears that Weaver was in the still-house with Ridgely one evening after dark, and that in some manner their quarrel was renewed, when angry words followed and Ridgely became greatlj' incensed. In his hasty madness, he seized a heavy club and struck Weaver over the head a fatal blow. He then, horrified to see what he had done, dragged the body to an out-of-the-way place, and, covering it with leaves, left it, and told it around that Weaver had quit his employ. The body of the murdered man was found, but every attempt to find the criminal was futile, and no one was ever brought to justice.

In the days before the war, the abolition of slavery had a hearty supporter in the person of Peter Wert, a wagon-maker of Leesville. He was comraonlj' known as " Black Pete," and his house was one of the depots of the underground railroad. He aided the cause to a considerable extent, and many an escaped black had cause to remember old " Black Pete," of Leesville Cross Roads. He moved to Missouri several j'ears ago, and, when last heard of, was still living.

As the country became more thickly settled, industries began to spring up in various places. Taverns for the accommodation of travelers, saw-mills, grist-mills, tanneries and distilleries were soon put in operation. The first tavern in the present township limits was kept at Leesville, bj' Robert Lee, Jr., then a j'oung man of twenty-four. It was built in 1829, and was the first house erected in the place. Mr. Lee did not long continue the business, but soon sold it to Elisha Allen, who carried it on for several years. Henry Hershner, at Bliddletown, also gave accommodations to the traveling public for a number of years. These " waj'side inns " were great places of resort in early days, and were also welcome places of rest to the emigrants traveling further westward.

for food, and, as a necessity, among the earliest of pioneer industries was the grist-mill. At first, horse-mills came into vogue and were soon followed by water power, the brooks being valuable aids to this industry. The first horse-mill was owned by Christian Snyder and was located just east of Middletown. The old millstones of this rude institution are now lying at the gateway of Joseph Gledhill's yard, in the village, and are suggestive of the days when they were revolved by the sturdy strength of some farmer's horse, and when almost the life of the settlers around depended on them for sustenance. This mill of Snyder's did an extensive business. People came for miles with their loads of grain, and were often compelled to wait two and three days before they could obtain their "grinding," and go on their way rejoicing. Oftentimes when the horses gave out or were not to be had, a yoke of oxen would turn the sweep. The mill was kept in motion, when business demanded it, day and night. The flour made was coarse and uninviting in appearance, the settlers being compelled to bolt it by hand. Westell Ridgely erected a gristmill in connection with his distillery at a very early date, and, it may be, a short time before Snyder, but the fact is not established. This was on the banks of the Sandusky, on land now owned by John Long, of Mansfield. It was burned in earlj- days, however, as was supposed by Fisher. Jacob Snj-der also built a saw-mill just east of Leesville, but did not long continue as its owner. It was bought by Robert Lee, Sr., who added a grist-mill, also a fulling-mill and carding machine. He continued in this for many years, assisted by his sons, Robert, Jr., Porter and Joseph. Henry Hershner erected a saw-mill on the banks of Spring Run, near Middletown, and did considerable sawing. These industries continued for several years and were a source of profit, but the water dwindled in the channels of the streams, until they were no more available.

As stated heretofore, Westell Ridgely and John Adrian were the early distillers of the -' ardent " in this township, and the first named made a fair article, and whiskj^ had a good sale. Jonas Hassinger started the first tannery in the township, near Leesville. These early industries, from small beginnings, have grown into larger corporations of wealth. Roads were one of the necessities of early settlement, and a blazed road winding in and out among the trees of the forest was very common. There were m an earlj- day, two Indian traces or trails, passing through this township, one leading from near the present site of New Philadelphia, in Tuscarawas County, to the Indian town in Wyandot. This passed through the camp of the Delaware War Chieftain Wingenund about the time of Crawford's Campaign. Later than this an Indian trail passed tiirough the village of Jliddletown, east and west, and led from Mansfield to near Bucyrus. After the settlement by the whites, however, roads were laid out as most convenienced the pioneer, and they were necessarily crooked, being constructed on the high places to avoid the building of bridges. Evidences of this fact still exist in the crookedness of many of the present roads in Jefl'erson Township. In about 1830, the first State highway, called the Columbus and Cleveland road, was laid out through Middletown and Leesville, and nine miles of it was cleared and constructed by the citizens as an encouragement to the enterprise and an aid to their own convenience. Another SUite road and mail route was from Mansfield to Bucyrus and passed through Middletown. In the course of time, other local and county roads were laid out, and to-day the roads of tlic township are convenient, but there is not a single pike here nor elsewhere in the county, and in the winter the travel is well-nigh impossilile. Fords then, instead of bridges, were common, and it was some time before bridges were constiucted. The first was over tlie Sandusky at

Leesville, and was built by the citizens of the surrounding countrj\ It was made of logs crossed and fastened down for abutments and heavy trunks of trees were thrown across. This rude structure has been replaced by a magnificent stone arch bridge, and man}' others of this kind are in the township.

As already stated, the first village within the borders of the present township of Jeflferson was laid out by Rev. Robert Lee, Sr., and called in his honor, Leesville. It was located on a quarter-section of land, bought of Jacob Snyder, and was laid off in lots which sold for $25 to $50 at private sale. Soon after the village was founded, which was in 1829, by the efforts of Mr. Lee, several mechanics were induced to come and settle here and engage in their respective pursuits. Robert Lee, Jr., was the first business man in the town, and was for many years proprietor of a general store. Alexander Cannon came early and started a chair-factory on a small scale, and employed Rickson Lewis as a painter. Dr. John McKean came in about 1830, and remained for many years. Of late years, however, he has made his home at Crestline. He was a phj'sician of merit and was very popular and highly esteemed by all who knew him. John Lewis kept public house here, succeeding Robert Lee, Jr. Elisha Castle was the first shoemaker in the community, and Peter Wert was the first wagon-maker and blacksmith. John Teel was another early blacksmith of the township, and also started the first saloon. The first merchants were Robert and Porter Lee, who kept a general store for a number of 3'ears and were very successful. Nearly everj' branch of industry was represented here in a short time, and the town bid fair to become a place of some commercial consequence, and was for some time a better trading-point than any of its sister towns. The railroad, however, changed the channels of trade. Leesville has lost ground of late years. Judge Lee was the first Postmaster, and received the appointment from G-en. Jackson. He held this office for several years. William DeWalt is the present incumbent of the oflice, having a provision store in connection with it. Upon the opening of the stone quarries, a new branch of industry sprung up, and new houses were built in the village. These valuable quarries are on land originall}^ owned by John Newman, and are now owned and worked by Heckert, Rupp and others, who are engaged in quarrying and shipping vast quantities of stone. The products of these quarries are said to be equal to the celebrated Berea sandstone. A number of men are employed, and make their homes in Leesville. This is the most valuable branch of industry connected with Leesville, and bids ftiir to increase in importance. At present the village contains a blacksmith-shop, a cabinet and shoe shop, three saloons, two groceries and one general store. It has about 300 inhabitants, and has grown but little in the last few years. There are two churches - the United Brethren, organized in 1835, and the Lutheran, organized somewhat later. A new schoolhouse is in process of erection, and when completed will be an ornament and honor to the community. Middletown has become indeed a " deserted village," recalling to mind the lines of Goldsmith :

" Sweet smiling village, loveliest of the lawn, Thy sports are fled ami all thy charms withdrawn. Amidst thy bowers the Tyrant's hand is seen, And desolation saddens all thy green."

It was intended that this village should some day become quite a metropolis, and one of the oldest houses in the place, now occupied by Joseph Gledhill, was built without windows on its south side, as the intention was to build a large block some time in the near future. Lots were disposed of at good prices, and Henry Hershner himself opened the first store, and was succeeded bj- bis son John. Washington Modie opened a blacksinith-sbop, and Jacob Hershner, a cabinet-maker, followed his trade, both with good success. For awhile it seemed as if there would soon be quite a village, but gradually it went down, its mechanics left for better towns, and now not a business house is in operation. There are two church buildings, the Methodist Protestant and the United Brethren. A portion of North Robinson lies on the border line of this township, and comprises the store of Morrison Brothers, the saw-mill of Worden & Fetter, the restaurant of D. C. Spitzer, the Village Hotel of W. P. Deam, and the tile-factory of Sickman & Fate. An extended historj' of North Robinson will be found in the chapter on Whetstone Towuship.

Much, indeed, can be told of a township and of its people, by their church buildings and schoolhouses. These are always indices of its morals and intelligence, and convey to the stranger an idea as to the class of citizens. Wherever rises a modest church spire, one maj' find evidences of Christian culture that speak for themselves. Schoolhouses, well kept up, also denote the intelligence and enterprise of a community, and, considering Jefferson Township from this standpoint, she is in many respects a favored towuship. After the early pioneers had built themselves cabins, the matter of Christianity and religion was not neglected. Early after his settlement, Henry Hershner organized a congregation of the United Brethren, and for man}' years the services were held at his own house, after which a church was erected in Middletowu, which is still standing, and of which Rev. Potts, of North Robinson, is Pastor. The church was one of the earliest, if not the earliest organization in the county. There was a church erected in about 1835, on the land now belonging to John Smith. It was for many years known as the Smith Church," but has long been torn down,and naught remains I now but a small cemetery. The United Brethren Church of Leesvillc is the oldest church organization in the village, and is in charge of Rev. Aunmiller, of Bucyrus. The English Lutiieran Church was organized a short time after the first mentioned, an<l is iu charge of Rev. Miller, of Gallon. Both churches arc strong and self-supporting. In about 18G0, the Methodist Protestant Church was organized at Jliddletown, by the efl'orts of Mr. Newton Ashcroft and others, and a neat, substantial edifice erected. Rev. Grimes is the present Pastor.

The German Reformed organization have a church in the southern part of the township, under the Pastorate of Rev. Lober, of Gallon. Thus there is a church for ever}' four miles of territory in Jefferson Township, while a number of the citizens are connected with the churches at Crestline, Gallon and Robinson. In earlj' days. Rev. Joseph Van Deman, of Delaware, a Presbyterian preacher, was well known throughout this section, and was instrumental in the organization of several churches in the county. Rev. Robert Lee, Sr., though he held no Pastorate after his removal here, yet did considerable in the cause of his Master, as did also his sons, who have always been devoted Christian workers. Jacob Newman was an early preacher, most of his sen'ices being held in the homes of the settlers. The first Sunday school held in Crawford County was organized near the northern boundary line of Jefferson Township, by David Wert, one of the pioneers of that section. One of the earliest Sunday schools in Jefferson was held at the home of a man named Worden, in about 1832. Soon after, like organizations were made in Leesville and Middlctown, and have been continued ever since.

" Education is the hope of a Republic," is the motto of some truthful writer, and when we survey the substantial school Ijuildings in the different parts of the State, and mark what progress is being made in education, we are ready to subscribe to the same motto. The early pioneers of Jefferson were men of foresight, and deemed education necessary to progression. But few families had settled in the township, when a rude schoolhouse was built about 1824, south of Leesville, near the " Hog's Back." It was constructed of round logs, and was in size about 20x24 feet. There was a large fire-place in one end, and oiled paper served as windows. The floor was a rude puncheon affair, and the seats were hewed slabs with four legs. For a writing desk, a slab was placed against the wall in a slanting position and supported by wooden pins driven into the logs. In this rude structure taught and ruled the first schoolmaster of the township, David Dorn, of Pennsylvania. He was of limited education, and his pronunciation was none of the best, but rather broken. He had at first an attendance of nine pupils, for which he received 75 cents apiece per month, thus making his salary $6.75 per month, the term continuing four months. Soon after this, a schoolhouse was erected on the Tracht place, and this was taught by David Gill. Leesville erected a schoolhouse some time after, and soon there were several in the township. A very early school was held on the farm of John McClure, in his own house. It was taught first one week by himself and another by Mr. Akers, thus continuing alternately to the end of an ordinary term. The father of Newton Ashcroft was an early teacher, and had taught considerable in Pennsylvania before coming to Ohio. He came in 1828, and spent several years teaching, and was a mathematician excelled by few. It was customary in those da}'S for the teacher to " board around " with the families whose children made up his little kingdom, governed by that most righteous scepter, the ferule. As a rule, the schoolmasters of that day were strict and severe in their government, using the ferule extensively, with full faith in the Scripture doctrine, that " sparing the rod will spoil the child." Many a large pupil was pummeled promiscuously when he became a transgressor of the law. It was customary at Christmas for the teacher to "treat," and, if not so inclined, he was " barred out" of the schoolhouse. Oftentimes the larger boys made it rather lively for him, and were often encouraged by their sires. Old Mr. Ashcroft was once teaching a school where the pupils were determined that he should treat or stay out of the schoolroom. Accordinglj', they barricaded the door, and upon his arrival he was refused admittance unless he would accede to their demands. He was a man of great determination, and made up his mind not to be balked by a set of unruly boys. So, clambering on the roof, with several clapboards, he placed them over the chimney, a large fire being in progress in the fire-place below. In a few seconds, the whole school came out like a swarm of bees, and with tearful eyes. They were "treated" enough and resigned themselves to their usual work. Since those days, with the progress in farming and the general improvement in the township, the old rude buildings where education was dispensed to the rising generation have given place to new, substantial and convenient structures, which are creditable to the community.

These schools are the outgrowth of intelligence and prosperity, and, as such are the bulwarks and defenses of our Republic. Jefferson Township may well be proud of her schools and churches. The first, the guardians of knowledge ; the last, the guardians of morality, two elements that aid each other in the advancement of the human race.

Chatter Xxv

T^HE charms that cluster like gems around the mysteries of the silent past, do not cease with the beginning of authentic history, but linger with multiplied beauty around the strange myths and fairy tales that come to us through the lapse of unknown centuries. Ethnology, archaeology and philology reveal to the present age, that, tliousands of years before the Christian era^unknown centuries before a means of recording human events had been invented - the human race lived a quiet, nomadic, pastoral life in Central Asia. Their homes and haunts became the source of man}' a legend or poetic tale, which reveals that primitive man was beset with the same temptations that have infested the existence of every succeeding generation. Every known field has been carefully searched to clear up the darkness that coming events which cast their shadows before, and this can only be done from analogy with what has taken place in the past. " Tlie proper study of mankind is man," and history is such a study. This places the historian in the light of a public benefactor to succeeding generations ; but a prophet - one that can anticipate the future - labors on without the respect or honor of his own country and age.

It might, at first glance, appear that the historian has an easy time in rummaging through dusty memorials or following some Juck-withthe-lantern tradition that constantly eludes him ; but he knows that the weight of the responsibility of recording the truth, giving to each item its appropriate and comparative degree of importance, leaving no path partially neglected or wholly unsearched, resisting the are yet believed to be an imperfect account of looking over Chatfleld Township, much difflwhat actually transpired in pre-historic times, cultj- is experienced in accumulating its past

Since the origin of writing and printing - the most valuable invention ever given to the human race - remarkable strides have been made in intellectual and moral advancement.

history. Traditions are vague and unsatisfactorj', and an accurate knowledge of all tiie facts is out of the question. It often occurs that no two men who are questioned give a much to the perplexity of the iiistonan, or passing altogether beyond a successful solution. A cheerful readiness to tell everything known, and to volunteer much information of events of doubtful occurrence, is met with everywhere. Men yet living, who were in the township at the time of its creation, cannot recall such time nor the incidents connected therewith. It is not accurately remembered who were the iirst township officers, and in- , numerable events of great interest and importance which occurred in earlj- years have : passed beyond the recollection of the oldest settlers. Among the earliest settlers were Silas and Oliver Chatfield, after whom the town- ; ship was probably named, although this is not definitely known. These brothers, like all the earliest settlers, erected their cabins on the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike, as early as 1827. They were intelligent men, of English descent, and, during their stay in the township, occupied its different offices. Silas Chatfield was elected one of the Trustees in 1833, and Oliver was elected Treasurer. After a number of years, they sold their farms and moved into some of tiie counties in the State farther west. It is likely' that Jacob Whetstone, a very successful hunter, who also worked by the day for the settlers, assisting in clearing their farms, was the first to build a cabin in the township. He had a wife and family, who were supported at first almost whollj' b}- the rifle ; but, after game became scarce and day laborers were in great demand, he worked a number of years for the neighboring settlers. But this life did not suit his acquired inclination to roam in the forest, which soon caused him to sell his acre of land and journey farther into the wilderness, where an abundance of game was yet to be found. He was one of those wandering hunters who swept over Ohio in advance of the earliest white settlers. He had been raised in the solitude of the woods, and found greater pleasure and profit in hunting and trapping than in those pursuits at which he was a novice. He often said to the settlers that came in after himself that he was the first man to build a cabin in the township and to live therein with his family. He was in the township several years before its creation, and he is remembered to have said on several occasions that the township would have been named Whetstone in his honor, but for the fact that there was one Whetstone Township in the county already. He lived about a mile and a half northwest of Richville until about 1838, when he moved West, and what finally became of him is unknown to the citizens of the township. George Stuckman must have located in the township soon after Whetstone. He was also a professional hunter, and was often employed by the early settlers to hunt deer for them. The majority of the earliest settlers were directly from the East, and had been reared in localities where deer and other wild animals were rarely seen. Thej' knew nothing of stalking a deer, and many of them did not know how to properly keep and load a gun. They must have deer meat, however, and hence they were accustomed to employ hunters of known skill and experience, often paying them as high as $2 per day for their services, and often receiving, by waj' of return for such outlay, five or six fat deer, besides a large number of squirrels and other small game. Stuckman was a squatter, and did not own a foot of land, and yet his family lived well, as far as food and clothes were concerned, and were quite intelligent people. He made a great deal of money out of furs, which were usually sold at Sandusk}' City, where a much better market was found than at Bucyrus. He also lived a mile or two northwest of Richville, until the population became too dense to suit him, when he moved farther west. John Henry was an early hunter, who had come to Eastern Ohio about the beginning of the nineteenth century. He lived there for several years, and afterward, at different times, kept moving westward, until he finally located in Crawford County. This must have been as early as 1824, at which time Whetstone and Stuckman must have also appeared. He was a tireless hunter, and gained great notorietj-, not onlj- as to his ability to bring in large quantities of fur and game, but also because of his inordinate propensity of appropriating swine and other domestic animals of his neighbors. The enormity of the crime, at that period and under the existing circumstances, was not as great as it is at present, because hundreds of hogs wandered in the woods without an}- ear-marlt or known owner, and were shiughtered bj' whomever wanted fresh pork. Henrj-, however, was accustomed to overstep these bounds and to take hogs with or without ear-marks, often pursuing them to the cabins of the owners. He salted down considerable pork, which was kept for sale to the settlers. It verj' likely often happened as was observed one day by Richard Davidson to his wife. He had purchased a barrel of pork from Henry, after whose departure Davidson remarked, " We are buying back our own pork." Henry lived many years in the township, but finallj- moved farther west. In about I82S or 1830, there .came in Richard Davidson, David Tipton. John Robinson, John Hamilton, David Clute, Ichabod Smith, John Armitage, Luther C. Flint, David Kimbal, George Champion, John Mitchell, Ira Chase, David Shaflstall, Thaddeus Kent, William McPherson and several others. These men were almost wholly of English descent, most of them coming from some of the eastern counties, where they had first settled after having come from New England. They were mostly farmers, and entered their land along the Sandusky Turnpike. This was a desirable location, as the road gave them an outlet both north and south. Tlie consequence was that the land along the pike was entered first, and afterward, as the road became lined with rude log cabins, built in small clearings in the deep woods, the land farther hack was taken. Ichabod Smith was Justice of the Peace in 1833, and Richard Davidson was Township Clerk. John Mitchell and David Clute were two of the three Trustees. The records prior to this date are missing.

because the land was higher and dryer than much of that in surrounding neighborhoods. The western part of the township is quite rolling, and, since the forests have been largely cleared away, and the eye has a chance to roam about, there is no finer appearing country in the county. Those extensive glacial ridges which extend across Northern Ohio from east to west, are found crossing Chatfleld, giving the township long but not precipitous slopes. These give the township splendid drainage, a thing that was gi-eatly appreciated in early j-ears. Sycamore Creek drains almost the whole township, although the northern part is drained by small streams, which flow across Seneca County into Sandusky River, and the southern part by the northern branches of the Broken Sword Creek. The soil is very similar to that in other parts of the county, being largely alluvial in the eastern part, and composed of more clay in the western. The boundaries of the township were changed in 1845, although there was no increase or decrease of territory. The eastern tier of sections was annexed to Cranberry, while the eastern tier of Lykens became part of Chattield. This change gave the township its present boundaries and territory. Every foot of land can ))e cultivated, a statement that cannot be made of but two or three other townships in the county.

JIany interesting incidents are told concerning the characteristics of the Indians, who camped in the township as late as 1830. They came every autumn and built rude wigwams in the southeastern part, near the cranberry marsh, the western edge of which touches Chatfield. They came there at the commencement of the cranberry season, and often remained all winter, the squaws, meanwhile, gathering the berries whenever the weather was favorable while their lords and masters engaged in the manlier pursuit of hunting and trapping. After the berries were picked, they were loaded on ponies and taken to Sandusky City, where they were sold, and the proceeds invested in calico, | trinkets and ''Sandusky water." Many years before the pioneers came to the county, the Indians had begun picking the berries, which were then taken to villages in the northeastern part of the State. They soon found it very profitable, and labored at it as extensively as agreed with the Indian's constitutional indolence. When the settlers arrived and began to domineer with the usual arrogance of the white man over the Indian, and to prohibit him from gathering berries in the marsh, contests occasionally arose, usually settled in favor of the white man at the expense of his red brother. The Indians left the marsh with regret, lingering in its vicinity until necessit}' forced them to leave. They were largely members of the Wyandot tribe, and temporarily located in the township, I coming from their reservation. One day several Indian squaws, on their way from the marsh to their reservation, saw some large, fine pump, j kins in Richard Davidson's yard, and, through | the ordinary process of Indian logic, came to the conclusion that they wanted a few. So, stopping at the cabin, they began making the usual unintelligible signs, and uttering the ordi- i nary incomprehensible gibberish, characteristic of none but the native North American. They ' were offered flour, meal, pork and various commodities, but each time their heads were shaken ' impressively to signify (strange as it may seem) that the offering was not wanted. At last, an j old squaw seized Mrs. Davidson by the hand, and led her out into the yard where the pumpkins were, where, with sundrj^ signs and grimaces, she intimated her desire of loading a half dozen or so on the backs of her ponies. Mrs. Davidson bowed assent, and the pumpkins were taken awa}'. Davidson owned a fierce dog j which appeared to detest the Indians, as it would not let them approach the cabin. One day an Indian youth of about seventeen, evidently on a begging visit to the cabin, unaware of the unfriendliness of the dog, came into the j yard before that animal was aware of his presence. At the sight of the boy, the dog bounded toward him, but the young Indian nimbly caught a branch and swung himself into a tree, while the animal bayed in great fury at its foot, making it evident that the youth had had a narrow escape. After a few minutes elapsed, the family came to the door, wondenng what was meant by the noise and commotion outside. They laughed as the sight of the treed boy met their gaze, but he did not seem to enjoy or appreciate their levity in the least, for he sat eyeing the dog with no little concern, evidently speculating as to the best means of escaping the sharp teeth of the enraged animal. The dog was quieted and the boy descended from the tree ; but the family had all they could do to prevent the animal from throttling the youth, who, as quick as possible, sought the protection of the cabin. It is also related that one day a party of Indians, mounted on their ponies, came upon a logging party of settlers in the northern part. The two parties began amicably exchanging greetings and tobacco, the latter being extensively used by the redmen, and even more so by the settlers. At last, one of the settlers, whose name is forgotten, and who had acquired a great reputation as a wrestler, declared that he could throw down any Indian in the band, which consisted of about ten. After some communication among themselves, one of the Indians - a stalwart young fellow with an enormous chest - accepted the challenge, and each began preparing for the struggle. A circle of settlers and Indians was formed, inside of which the two wrestlers took their respective positions, and the sport began. The wrestle was the famous shoulder-and-elhow grip, and, for a long time, each contestant tugged and strained to throw his antagonist on the ground by main strength, or by the less tiresome sleights known to the professional wrestler. They were quite equally matched in point of strength, and for a long time the issue was uncertain. At last, when the Indian was off his guard, the settler made a feint of tripping him, but clianged his design just in the act, and with a sudden, powerful strain in the opposite direction cast him upon his back. He was on his feet in an instant, and began loudly exclaiming " No good, heap no good,'' but he was assured by all that he had been honorably vanquished by his antagonist.

As in all new countries, where settlements are made, various industries began to arise in different parts of the township. David Shaffstall built a saw-mill on Sycamore Creek, as early as 1834. The building was a frame structure, sided with rough walnut and poplar plank sawed at the mill. It was run by water-power, and was located at a place where there was quite a slope of the land toward the mill on the opposite side from the stream. Often in winter, when the ground was covered with ice, advantage was taken of the slope and the slippery condition of the bank to roll the logs down near the mill. Woe unto the man who got in the way of one of these descending logs. Mr. Shaffstall operated the mill for nearly twenty years, when it was sold to Frederick Hipp, Jr., and his brother-in-law, Simon Neffzer. These men added some improvements, and, after running the mill for about ten years, sold it to other parties, when it was soon afterward abandoned. A Mr. Johnson built a steam saw-mill a short distance south of Ilichville in 1855. in which was an up-and-down saw. This mill did good and extensive work. Sawing was done at the rate of 37 cents by the hundred, or on shares, one-half being taken by the sawyer. After running about fifteen years, it was removed to the vicinity of Bueyrus. The Tiptons began burning brick as early as 1840. Several kilns were burned and sold to the citizens. Ira Chase also burned brick about the same time, but not quite so extensively. Richard Frisbee and Nathan Anthony began keeping separate taverns on the turnpike, about a mile north of Richville, as early as 1832. It was about this time that a large emigration came directly from Germany to the township, and began entering the land so rapidly that within about half a dozen years all was taken up. Among those who came in at this time were Adam Fouser, Henry Durr, John G. Long, John G. Karg, Sidney Holt, Frederick Hipp, George Brown, Jacob Regala, Peter Welter, Peter Reidel, E. Biggs, David Shaffstall, Nathan Robbins, George Widdle, Harrison Garton, Jonas Yingling, Lorenzo Bartimess, John Fissell, Samuel Foote, Jacob Gross, Abraham Harmon, Timothy Park, John Scott, Nathan Rich, Jacob Nigh, Benjamin Lindsley, Daniel Brindley, Jacob Bright, Benjamin Hilliar, John Hekenlivly, Hugh Goshorn, Spencer Moffltt, James McKiutry, John Burghacher, George Caruthers, Thomas Timony, William Koenig, Benjamin, John and Ephraim Clements, Truman Wilkinson, William King, Benjamin F. Royce, John Scott and his sons Isaac, Solomon, George, William and John H., and many others whose names are forgotten. These settlers located in different parts of the township, and it was not long before scores of small log cabins were erected, and the forest began to disappear before these sturdy pioneers. The two taverns referred to above were located near together on opposite sides of the turnpike. Both buildings were two-story and frame, and, it is said they were excellent houses. They had a splendid patronage, notwithstanding the fact that they were located far from any town. There was an enormous travel along the turnpike by settlers in the central part of the State, who came with droves of hogs or cattle, or with wagons loaded with the different kinds of grain, on their way to the large towns in the northern part near Lake Erie. This gave an excellent patronage to the two taverns that often were called upon to furnish accommodations for a score of men, besides their teams and stock. Garton Frislen also opened a tavern in 1833 about a mile north of the southern boundary of the township. Another was built in the extreme northern part. This gave the township an abundant suppl}' of taverns. All these taverns kept open bars, and several stories are in circulation as to criminal conduct on the part of those who frequented the one on the northern boundary. It is related that disreputable men were in the habit of assembling at this tavern to gamble and carouse during the night. It is also alleged, though probablj' without grounds, that it was a rendezvous for a band of counterfeiters, who had several secret haunts in southeastern Seneca County. A detective came into the neighborhood, where he remained for a month or more, evidently endeavoring to discover the whereabouts of the law-breakers ; but he was unsuccessful, or perhaps he was successful in discovering that there were no grounds for the reports. However, after a number of years, when an old shed near the tavern was removed, a number of implements, undoubtedly designed for use in the manufacture of counterfeit coin, were found buried under a heap of rubbish. This seems to impl^' that there is truth in the report. A distillery was connected with the tavern. Two copper stills, whose united capacity was about thirty gallons, were placed in a frame shed-like building, and whisky of an inferior grade was furnished to those addicted to the use of that drink. The ground grain was purchased at Sandusky City or Bucyrus. The distillerv and the tavern, with its evil reputation, were conducted for about ten years, when the landlord found it to his advantage to sell out and depart for another locality. Richard Frisbee was quite an intelligent and prominent man. Somewhere about 1833, he circulated a petition, which was signed by all the neighborhood, praying for the establishment of a post office at his tavern. The prayer was granted, and Mr. Frisbee was appointed Postmaster. This was the first post office in the township, and, after remaining at the tavern until a year or two after Richville was laid out, it was removed to the latter place. This removal took place in about the year 1843, and Dr. A. B. Fairbank received the appointment as first Postmaster in the town. In 1837, Jacob Reidel built an ashery near Richville. After running moderately for about ten years, it was discontinued. Those who made potash found it to their advantage to keep a small stock of goods on hand to be exchanged for ashes, as monej' was quite scarce ; and, the sj'stem of exchange necessarily adopted in the backwoods, obviated, to quite a great extent, the want of that medium of exchange. It thus occurred that a majorit}^ of the asheries were run in connection with stores.

Great trouble was experienced in early years from the fact that stock wandered away in the deep woods and was lost beyond hope of recovery, or remained away so long that its familiar appearance was no longer distinguishable by the owner. The settlers, therefore, soon learned to carefully mark their swine and cattle, as the following taken from records in the possession of Mr. Hipp shows :

" Silas Chatfleld and John Mitchell and Lloyd Ady and Jacob L. Gurwell and Jacob Bunce, and all apeared before me, James Adams, and was duly qualifide within the allimitad time."

ing at the northeast corner of the township and taking a strip two miles wide across the township west, called District Number 1 ; Number 2 takes the two center tiers ; and Number 3 the two southern tiers."

In 1837, the township was laid off into six Road Districts, three on the eastern side of the turnpike, and three on the western side. Changes have since been made in both school and road districts. There are at present living in the township about two hundred families, 190 of which are of German descent, and the other ten English. Manj- of the Germans, though raised in the township, can speak and understand but little or no English. About two hundred votes are polled when all the voters turn out ; 1 80 ballots are cast for the Democratic candidates, and the other twenty for the Republican candidates. It is the banner Democratic township in the count}-. About ten years ago, there were but eight Republican voters. The citizens are thrifty and industrious, and the present valuation of personal property is about §109,400.

The Scotts were prominent settlers in the northern part. The son, John H., had been one of the contractors on the turnpike, and besides receiving considerable money for his services, also received a deed for quite an extensive tract of land adjoining the road, given him by the turnpike company as part payment for his labors. The Scotts lived in the northern part for many years, were industrious citizens, and were instrumental in adding greatly to tlie substantial growth of the township in business industries aud general intelligence. After man}- years, they sold out and moved West. It was in about the year 1838 that Martin & Hilliar erected suitable buildings in the northern part, and began carding wool. The building was frame, and was two stories in height ; l)ut the enterprise did not advance to the next higher step in the business - cloth-dressing - but confined itself wholly to wool-carding, which was continued quite extensively for eight or ten years, when the project, for some unknown reason, was abandoned, and farming was adopted, as a more profitable pursuit. Aliout two years after the wool-carding building was erected, John Lucas, a gentleman of English descent, assisted by his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Breston, a widowed lady, began the unusual occupation of rearing silk-worms from eggs obtained in Eastern cities and brought with them into the wilderness with the view of manufacturing silk. Long sheds were erected with suitable shelves on the sides, whereon were deposited the eggs, and the rooms were heated to that degree of temperature necessary for the hatching of the caterpillar and its subsequent life. Here could be seen the wonderful metamorphoses of the different changes from the egg to the repulsive larva or caterpiller, then to the apparently lifeless chrysalis, and finally to the perfect insect, or imago. A small worm, or caterpillar, was hatched from the egg Ijy the tropical temperature, kept day and night in the room, and then began its life of usefulness under the care and inspection of Mrs. Breston. Seed of the black mulberry {morus nigra) was planted in boxes, to be used when the plants were several inches or more in height, as food for the larva, which fed upon the leaves. A few mulbei-ry trees were found growing in the woods, and the small leafy branches were clipped and taken to the rooms, where they could be kept fresh for several weeks by being planted in moist earth. The most sei'ious difficulty in the successful management of the enterprise was found to be the propagation of mulberry plants, without which the larvas could not live and thrive. Much of the seed when planted did not grow, and the neighbors were asked to assist in the cultivation of the plants, to be paid for their labor and trouble in monejor silk thread. This was attempted b}- manj-, but there it ended. After the larvte became full grown, they began to spin their cocoons of silk, preparatory to passing into tlie clirysalis state of development. Thousands of larvae were reared, and set to work at that most important and useful industry of manufacturing silk, of which quite a large quantity was spun. A sufficient number of the healthier chrysalides were permitted to reach the imago or perfect state with a view of the propagation of eggs ; but the majority were destroyed, as their lives of usefulness terminated with the spinning of the cocoons. These cocoons were taken, and, after being moistened, the silk thread of which they were composed was unwound, and then rewound on small spools. Hundred of spools of excellent silk thread were thus prepared and taken to Bucyrus or Sandusky City, where they found a ready sale. No cloth was manufactured, although neck-ties and ribbons were woven by Mrs. Breston. The enterprise was something very unusual for the backwoods, and soon attracted no little interest and attention from surrounding neighborhoods. Employment was given to some half-dozen girls, who were intrusted with the care of the insects - no light responsibility - and instructed to place within their reach an abundant supply of fresh mulberry leaves, as the usefulness of the larvse depended upon their healthj' growth, which was rapid and desirable in direct proportion to the degree of their power of consuming food. Loads of people came from miles around to see the useful little insect pass through its various transformations, and to see it spinning its cocoons of shining silk. After the enterprise had been conducted for about twelve years, it was abandoned, because the returns realized were not commensurate with the outlay. The buildings were located in the northeastern part of the township, near the western boundary. Mrs. Breston was a lady of unusual culture, and her people were well bred and well educated. They afterward sold out, and left tlie neighborhood, and the buildings were torn down and the lumber devoted to other uses. Thus ended one of

Two villages have arisen in the township, although their present appearance and condition are widely different from what they were in early years. At one time, they both were promising towns, where men of push and energy resided, but now they are almost wholly deserted by enterprises of a business character. North Libert}' was the first laid out, and it was among the earliest in the county. It was one of the many laid out between 1830 and 1835, at which period a sort of epidemic for townmaking spread over the county. It was surveyed and platted in May 1834, by Thomas CSweney, County Surveyor, and John Henry, proprietor. It was laid out from land on the north half of the southeast quarter of Section 19, Township 1 south. Range 17 east. Fortyone lots were laid out, partly on the east side of the turnpike and part on the west, and soon the little village began to grow. Several years before, a man named Demetry had built a small frame dwelling, on what afterward became the site of the village. John Henry, the proprietor of the land and town, except one lot owned by Demetrj', also built a small frame dwelling before the town was laid out. These were the onl}' buildings in town before it was surveyed and laid out, although immediately after that event, Jacob Bibble and John Winterholder erected two dwellings, into which they moved their families. Soon afterward, two other families came to reside in the town, and, when this is narrated, almost the whole history of the village is known. No store nor tavern ever honored the town with its presence, although much talk was freely indulged in, in earlv years, at a total loss to those participating. Thii'tyflve will cover the population of the village in its palmiest days. This was something unusual - a flushed condition, so to speak, which could not last long; for ordinarily, the village enumerated less than a dozen souls, and some- times was reduced to less than a half-dozen. However, in about 1839, a man named Kronenbach erected a small building about a quarter of a mile south of the village on the turnpike, dividing the lower story into two apartments, and placing in the front one about $300 worth of notions. The citizens of the village, when away from home, were accustomed to speak of this store as though it was in town, a privilege which was not denied them by Mr. Kronenbach, who was evidently willing for them to get as much satisfaction out of the statement as could be expected. But the statements could not disguise nor conceal the fact that the village was without a store. It was not deemed profitable b}' mercantile men to place a stock of goods in the town when a rival establishment was doing a fair business a few rods j south. Perhaps Mr. Kronenbach had an object in resisting the invitations of the villagers | to move his stock of goods to the town. It is ! very likely that he adopted the practical philosophy of Mohammed reversed, thinking that the town should come over to him instead of the opposite. Both parties were disappointed, however, as the village remained where it was, and the store continued to do a fair business a few rods south. Mr. Kronenbach purchased his goods at Bucyrus, and his stock was increased until it was valued at about S600, dry goods and groceries being added to the original stock. After continuing the pursuit for about twelve years, Mr. Kronenbach was taken sick and died, whereupon his stock of goods was closed out and the enterprise abandoned. This was the first stock of goods brought to the township. The only noteworthy business enterprise ever in North Liberty, was Jacob Keidel's asherj*, heretofore mentioned. The village is universally, though vulgarly, known as " Hog Town," which title was bestowed upon it from the following curious circumstances : John Henry, the proprietor of the town, was the man previously referred to, who was in the habit of illegally appropriating his neighbor's hogs. He soon obtained an ill-repute, which clung to him wherever he went, like Sindbad's burden. The stigma of disgrace could not be shaken ofl', though there is no evidence showing that Henry tried very hard to accomplish that result ; on the contrary, he apparently was not concerned in the least by what his neighbors might think of him. He seemed to have enough to do in packing his neighbors' pork without their consent, to undertake any such new and unusual occupation. Finally, the neighbors began speaking of him as '-Hog" Henrj', a name he adopted without a murmur of disapprobation, even being heard to speak of himself as "Hog" Henry. One day, Joseph Hall and several other settlers were hunting in the woods near the cranberry marsh, when they suddenly heard the loud report of a rifle about a quarter of a mile distant. The hunters started toward the spot where the report had sounded, and, when within a few yards of that locality, they glanced through the foliage of the trees, and saw a man bending over the body of a hog that had just been shot. The man had a sharp knife in his hand, and was already busily engaged in flaying the dead animal. The hunters stopped immediately when they recognized the butcher. It was "Hog" Henry, who was undoubtedly up to his unlawful depredation of slaughtering and appropriating his neighbor's swine. One of the hunters was so incensed at the flagrancy and audacity of the act, that he raised his rifle and shot Henry through the thigh. The wounded man fell prostrate upon the animal he had shot. The hunters ran forward to assist the fallen man, upon whom had fallen a swift and merited retribution. He was taken home, his wound was dressed, and after a few months he was out again, as active as ever in his old occupation. After this, the people began calling the village which Henry had laid out "Hog Town," a name it yet retains in honor (?) of the deeds of its illustrious founder. The village is now almost wholly deserted. Its early lack of prosperity was, in a great measure, due to the ill will of the neighbors toward Henry. This man moved West, and has been dead many years.

Richville has had a different history. It was laid out and platted in May, 1840, by the Crawford County Surveyor, and by Nathan Rich, the projector and proprietor. Nineteen lots were laid out on the southeast quarter of Section 18, Township 1 south. Range 17 east ; and the village immediately began to grow and thrive, notwithstanding its proximity to North Liberty. Mr. Rich had erected a frame dwelling one and a half stories in height about three years before the town was surveyed. This building is yet standing, though deserted and unoccupied. Mr. Rich was an intelligent man of English descent, who had moved to the township about the time his dwelling was erected. Several buildings went up immediately after the laying-out of the town. John Robbins built the second, and John Pugh, the third. Pugh was a shingle-maker, and erected suitable shops wherein to ply his trade. When business at his shop became dull, he traveled around to the houses of the citizens, soliciting engagements for the manufacture of shingles. He made excellent ones from poplar and other wood, charging from 25 to 50 cents per hundred, sawing, splitting and shaving them out from the rough wood. He prepared a limited quantity of siding in the same manner, first splitting the rough clapboards out, and afterward shaving them down to the desired thickness. He continued the business for a number of years and then moved West. Pugh had a boy who was immoderately indolent. He refused to perform manual labor of any kind, although often flogged severely for such refusal. The youth was incorrigible, but soon developed an unusual power of acquiring knowledge. He outstripped his fellow-students at school, learning his lessons without any apparent efl'ort. All that is known of the family after moving West is, that the boy who was so lazy in Ohio, arose by steady degrees through various positions of honor until finally he was elected to represent his district in Congress. This incident is not related with a view of encouraging indolence; neither is it insinuated that idle boys make Congressmen. The obvious moral to be drawn is, that, if the youth's physical energy had been proportionate to his powers of mind, he might have become one of the greatest statesmen in the country. Boys should be cautioned, in reading this incident, not to make the mistake, that idleness is one of the cardinal virtues.

About the time that Pugh built his dwelling, Thaddeus Kent, a settler, had come to Crawford County, locating near Bucyrus, as early as 1822. This man, who has been one of Chatfield's most distinguished citizens, is yet living in Richville. He is a cooper, and has followed his trade for many years. Nathan Rich, the founder of the town, kept the first stock of goods in Richville, consisting of about $75 worth of notions, used to exchange for ashes, for Mr. Rich owned one of the most extensive asheries in the county, manufacturing as high as twenty-five tons of excellent pearl-ash per annum. He purchased large quantities of ashes from the neighboring settlers, paying at the rate of from 3 to 5 cents per bushel for the same, or giving notions, at the same rate, in exchange. Hundreds of tons of pearl-ash were transported to Bueyrus or Sandusky City, and sold, and handsome profits were realized. The same year that Richville was founded, Mr. Rich erected a large two-storied frame building, in which was placed one set of " nigger-head " stones. The grinding of any other grain but corn was not attempted, and even the latter was not ground to any great extent. In one apartment of the mill was placed a large " up-and-down " saw, and here an excellent and first-class business was done. The services of an experienced sawyer were obtained, and large quantities of sawed lumber were furnished the neighboring citizens. The real gi-owth of the town began with the erection of the mills and the commencement of the manufacture of pearl-ash. Dwellings began to go up in the village, tradesmen began to appear, and the outlook seemed promising. Life and activity were seen in all undertakings. John Robbins kept the first real store in town. He began in 1840, with a general assortment valued at about $800, and continued the business for six years, when he sold out and went to Wyandot County. He was succeeded in 1846, by a man having the same name, John Robbins. This merchant kept the largest stock but one ever in the town. He sold a general assortment of goods, realizing fair profits therefrom, and at the expiration of ten 3-ears sold out and removed to some other locality. John Quaintance opened a saloon in town soon after it was laid out. It is said that his stock of liquor, on hand at any one time, could be contained in a single jug. Several inveterate topers, living in the neighborhood, were in the habit of frequenting this saloon, where their earthly tribulations were drowned in the flowing bowl. Some of these tribulations were excellent swimmers, judging from the quantity of liquor that was drank. Mr. Quaintance kept a small stock of groceries, among which was coffee. He had in his employ a youth of about sixteen years of age, who, it is said, knew enough to take 3 cents for a drink of whisky, and there his stock in knowledge failed. One day Jlr. Quaintance, who was engaged in buying paper-rags of the citizens, left the boy in charge of the saloon, while he went to Bucyrus for another jug of whisky. A neighbor came in with a sack of rags, the worth of which he told the boy he would take in coffee. The youth, with that ready confidence which is often found abundantj ly where knowledge is lacking, weighed the j rags, and announced that there were some fifteen pounds. He then weighed the same number of pounds of coffee, tied the same up, and gave the package thus prepared in exchange for the rags. All this was done with that ready assurance which distinguishes the man of ex- ] perience - one who has tied up thousands of ! pounds under the same familiar circumstances. 1 When Mr. Quaintance came home and learned of , the transaction, his faith in the experience and mental skill of his confidential clerk was hopej lessly shaken. He even attempted to point out to the unsuspecting youth a serious error in the exchange ; and such conduct ou the part of the employer was not tolerated by the indignant clerk, who announced his intention of i leaving the saloon, if such presumption was j again attempted. He did not leave, and the ; presumption is that he overlooked the reprehensible conduct of his employer in doubting the wisdom of the clerk and the financial benefits of the exchange. Mr. Quaintance conducted his saloon for a number of years, and then closed out his stock and retired from the business. Mr. Kaler opened a saloon soon afterward, but did not continue long at the occupa- ; tion. Liquor has been sold in the village during the larger part of its history. Lorenzo ! Bartimess, a man of great push and enterprise, erected suitable buildings in 1830, and began the distillation of whisky and brandj' on quite an extensive scale. He placed in the building two copper stills ; one, the larger, with twice the capacity of the other, containing about eight barrels, and the other four. This became the most profitable distillery ever in the township, turning out a fair sample of whisky and brandy at the rate of from ten to thirtj- gallons per day. Mr. Bartimess understood the business thoroughly, being a practical distiller of wide experience, and he commanded an extensive patronage from the surrounding country, and I also sold considerable in neighboring villages.

The enterprise was continued, with the exception of several stoppages, until a few years ago, when it was discontinued by the direction and through the intervention of United States officials. The distillery buildings were located just east of the village, where the water of Sycamore Creek would be easily obtained for cleansing purposes. Scores of men living in this and adjacent townships, were accustomed to visit the distillerj', where liquor free from strychnine and other alkaloid poisons could be obtained for less money than the impure articles then circulating in commerce. Jugs were taken and filled, and when the supply had failed, another visit was made for more. The greater portion of the liquor manufactured was consumed at home.

In the year 1864, Hipp & Robinson erected the present store building in the town at a cost of $600, and placed therein $6,000 worth of goods. They made a fair profit the first year on the investment ; but, when the fictitious prices, created during the war, began to decline, often going down 20 per cent within as many days, large losses were incurred, and at the end of five years the partners sold their stock to Markley & Durr for $3,000, and retired, having sunk several thousand dollars in the enterprise. The latter partnership continued in business for several years ; but the undertaking was not profitable, and was discontinued within four or five years. Other parties have engaged in the mercantile pursuit at different times. Frederick and William Aschbaugh, for a number of years, kept about $2,000 worth of a general assortment of goods for sale. Jacob Buckman also engaged in the same pursuit with $3,000 worth of goods. In a small building a short distance south of the village, George Maltz, beginning in 1854, carried a stock of goods valued at $2,500 for about ten years. He was wise enough to close out or sell out just before the prices began to decline, having received the full benefit of the rise of goods in value. Michael Hall followed him for about four years, but heavy losses decided his closing out his stock. This has been the extent of mercantile pursuits in Richville. Several of the stores commanded a wide patronage, furnishing large profits to the owners. Shortly after the town was laid out, the post oflBce was changed from Frisbee's Tavern to Richville. As was previously stated. Dr. A. B. Fairbanks, the first phj'sician of any note in the town, received the appointment as Postmaster. This office has been in the village ever since, and has always been kept in some of the stores. Dr. Fairbanks had a partner in his profession - a young man named Detwiler - and this partnership was not dissolved for about fifteen years, enjoj-ing in the meantime an extensive practice. They have been followed by Drs. Pitzell, Urias Tnpps and Zeigler, the present resident ph3'sician. The village has seen its best days, and nothing is likely to arise to modify, increase or change its present condition of inertness. Frederick Hipp, or " Squire " Hipp, as he is more familiarly known, has done a great deal in the past to add to the material prosperity and growth of the town. He has been elected term after term to the office of Justice of the Peace, and in the private walks of life has commanded universal respect and infiuence.

One of the most melancholy events falling upon the historian to record occurred in September, 1879, making a deep impression upon the minds of the citizens of the township. David Kalb had, living at his house, a niece, Miss Mary Long, about seventeen 3'ears of age, quite pretty and attractive. She had several admirers, among whom was a 3'oung man named George Swab, who worked for her uncle upon the farm, and who professed for her the most ardent love and devotion. It is not positively known whether the j'oung lad}' reciprocated his affection, although the evidence seems to imply that their love was mutual. But the relatives of the j'oung lady, who were quite wealthy, objected to the match, aud discouraged the devotion of the lovers in every possible way. The uncle dismissed the young man from his service ; but love was not to be thwarted, and the lovers continued to meet at the residences of the neighbors. The young man spent one Sunday evening in her company at Henry Klink's, and what transpired at this interview will never be known. The following Monday evening, he went to the residence of the uncle, when all the familj', except the young lady and hired man were absent, and, having gained admittance to her room, deliberately shot her through the heart with a revolver, killing her instantly. He then coolly went to the barn, and, having detached the reins from the harness, took them and hung himself on a cherry tree in the yard. The hired man was so frightened that he made no efforts to ascertain the cause of the report. Reports of the murder and suicide were soon in swift circulation, aud hundreds of the neighbors arrived on the scene of the tragedy to learn more fully of the affair, aud to view for the last time the pale faces of the dead lovers. Some think that the young man was rejected by her he loved on the previous Sunday night, and that, all hope having died out of his heart, he determined to take his own life and that of his loved one. Others think it was a preconcerted plan of the lovers, who had i-esolved to die together rather than live separately. The truth will probably never be known, until the light of God's mercy shall smile upon the world with a kiss of heavenly forgiveness.

The first school in the township was taught during the summer of 1834, by Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, in her own dwelling, in the village of North Liberty. She taught a term of three months, and had enrolled some twelve or fifteen scholars, who paid $1 each for the term. A mystery, which the gossips of the village vainly endeavored to unravel, was connected with this lady's life. She stated that she was the wife of Hon. John Thompson, a Representative in the Ohio Legislature, from Hamilton Countj', but nothing of her former life, or how she came to be in the village, was revealed, any attempt at disco\'ery being kindly and politely avoided. She was lady-like in all her manners, and was well educated, giving excellent satisfaction to the patrons of the school. She taught several terms, aud finally left the neighborhood. In 1836, a frame school-building was erected on the turnpike, near Richville. This building is yet standing, although, since the erection of the new brick schoolhouse, it has stood unoccupied. John Pissell was one of the first teachers in the old house. He taught many terms outside of the village after the school buildings had been erected in surrounding districts. Within two or three yeai-s after the Richville schoolhouse had been erected, two more were built, one about a mile northwest of the village, and the other about a mile and a half south on the turnpike. The one in the northern part was located in the " wind-fall, ' on Section 7. When the settlers first came to the township, a strip of timber about half a mile wide, extending across the northwest corner, was quite small, none of it being more than a foot in diameter, and the ground was thickly strewed with decaying timber lying in all conceivable positions, showing that a tornado had swept down the trees some twenty-five or thirty years before. The schoolhouse was built in this fallen timber. The names of the first teachers are forgotten, but, after a number of years, Mrs. Sarah Breston taught several terms. It was not long before the township was divided into school districts, and soon afterward each had a frame schoolhouse. Chatfleld had perhaps fewer log schoolhouses than any other township in the count3', obviously from the fact that they were built comparativelj' late, and at a time when sawed lumber could be easily obtained, thus avoiding the necessity of using logs. The township schools are. taught largely in the German language, several of them ruling out the English language entirelj'. The schools of the township are more thorough than might be expected. John H. Davidson has taken an active interest in educational aflairs, and has done much to better school advantages. He has taught frequently, and was the first teacher in the new brick schoolhouse. Richville has educated and furnished to this and adjacent townships, some twentj' teachers, some of whom have acquired a wide reputation as skillful and efficient instructors.

As early as 1832, the 3Iethodists began holding meetings in those homely and inconvenient, though pleasant places - the cabins of the settlers. Ministers of all the commonest religious denominations, came from Bucyrus and surrounding townships to organize societies for the benefit of the settlers' morals. The German Lutherans and German Reformers organized societies immediately after the arrival of the German emigration from the old country. The meetings were held in cabins until 1837, when the two last mentioned societies obtained a large log cabin intended for a dwelling, and, having sided it with black walnut lumber, dedicated it to the service of God. It was used for many years, but was finally abandoned b3' the religious denominations and is at present devoted to German school purposes. In 1844, a Baptist Church was built on the turnpike in the southern part. This building is yet standing, and near it is a quiet little cemetery where beautiful marble shafts mark the last restingplace of Chatfield's earliest and most beloved citizens.