Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 19: Sandusky Township, 1912

Sandusky Township - The Township From Which All*Others Were Erected - The Pioneers - The Knisely Springs - First Camp Meeting and First Sunday School - "Governor" Ferguson Deals Out Justice to the Indians - A Woman Missionary.

The mighty oak, proud monarch of the wood, Upon this land in stately grandeur stood; Throughout the wilds did mortal panthers prowl. And oft was heard the wolf's terrific howl. But all these savage beasts have passed away, And the wild Indians, too, where now are they?

Sandusky township contains today only eighteen square miles, one of the smallest townships in the county. Yet the time was when it was the entire county, and from its territory every township was taken. Crawford county was secured from the Indians by a treaty signed July 4, 1905, and the four eastern miles were surveyed by Maxfield Ludlow in 1807, and the new territory was attached to Franklin county and known as Sandusky township. In 1814, when Richland county was organized the four eastern miles of the present county of Crawford and the two western miles of Richland county were erected into a township which was named Sandusky township, Richland county. This township was six miles wide and eighteen deep. The balance of Crawford county still retained the name of Sandusky township. When the county of Crawford was erected in 1820 it was placed under the jurisdiction of Delaware, and the commissioners of that county erected the first township in Crawford county. The following is the record:

"Dec. 3, 1822. - Ordered, That all that part of Sandusky township which lies west of the middle of the Seventeenth Range* of lands be and the same is hereby erected into a separate township by the name of Bucyrus."

* The 17th Range alluded to is not taken from the ranges along the base line on the northern border of Crawford county, but is Range 17 on the Greenville

This left Sandusky a narrow strip, three miles wide, extending from the northern to the southern boundary of the county. This was known as the "Three Mile Strip," as it was secured by the treaty of 1805 from the Indians, was not surveyed in 1807, and for a dozen years was unattached territory. It was not on the market until 1820. The eastern boundary of this three mile strip was Richland county; the western boundary was the commencement of the "New Purchase" secured from the Indians in 181 7. Before this three mile strip was open for settlement, adventurous men had "squatted" on the land, in defiance of the law, made improvements in the most desirable locations, with the ultimate purpose of perfecting their titles when the land was thrown on the market. Later in 1820 this land was opened for settlement at Delaware, and there was a rush to enter lands, and many found to their sorrow that the land had been legally entered by others ; some honestly entering the land, while other shrewd men, having visited the section, and discovering where the land had been cleared hurried to Delaware, and entered and paid for the claim. Those who filed their entries at Delaware were the legal owners, and when they came to settle on their land much trouble followed. The original settlers were "squatters" with no legal rights, and many refused to leave treaty line. On the base line, ranges were numbered from' west to east. On the Greenville treaty line they run from east to west. The present western boundary of Sandusky township is the centre of Range 17, Greenville treaty line, and the east line of Range 17, on the base line survey.

the land they had cleared, and in cases violence was resorted to. It took years to settle these disputes by courts especially appointed to adjudicate the matter, and in many cases, after years of litigation, the unfortunate early settlers had no recourse but to see the legal purchaser secure his land with all the improvements the original settler had placed on it by years of toil in the wilderness.

When the first recorded vote was cast in this county in 1824, there were but two townships in the county, Sandusky with 12 votes and Bucyrus with 50.

In 1828 Cranberry township was erected, leaving Sandusky a strip three miles wide, and 12 deep. It was good farming land and became settled rapidly, and this long narrow strip was so inconvenient to the people that a petition was presented to the county commissioners for a division of the township, and on June 2, 1835, Sandusky township was erected, by the following order:

"This day came David Reed and filed a petition, praying that some relief may be given to the inhabitants of Sandusky township, stating that the township is 12 miles in length and three in breadth, and requesting the commissioners to divide and alter said township and the adjoining townships, so that it may be more convenient. Whereupon the commissioners ordered that all the original surveyed fractional township i6. Range 21, commonly called the south end of Sandusky Township, and the east tier of fractional sections in Township 3, Range 17 (Whetstone Township), viz: Sections i, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36, and Sections 34, 3S and 36, Township 17, Range 21, are hereby organized into a separate township, to be designated and known by the name of Jackson. And it is further ordered, that all the original surveyed fractional township 17, Range 21, except Sections 34, 35 and 36, called the northern end of Sandusky Township, and the east tier of sections of Township 2, Range 17 (Liberty Township), viz: Sections i, 12, 13, 24, 25, and 36, and Sections 34, .?S and 36, Township 18, Range 21 (Cranberry Township), shall constitute a separate and remain and be known by the name and title of Sandusky Township."

Sandusky township is drained in part by the Sandusky river, from which it takes its name, and which flows in a serpentine course across the southern part. Loss Creek, flowing from Vernon township, enters the Sandusky near the center of Section 26. These streams, with their tributaries, drain the southern half of the township. The northern part is drained chiefly by Broken Sword Creek and its tributaries, this stream, a winding branch of the Sandusky, entering from Vernon township. In the extreme northern part branches of Honey Creek convey the water to the Huron river, by which channel it finds its way into Lake Erie. In Section I in the northeastern corner there is a swampy tract of land known as Bear Marsh, which is noticeably depressed below the surface of the surrounding country and was formerly covered with water the year round, though since the removal of the forests much of the water has been evaporated or has found its way into Brokensword Creek. This tract, however, affords good pasture land and has been largely used as such.

The surface aspect of Sandusky township is picturesque and the land generally is of a gentle rolling character, though along the valley of the Sandusky the hills are so steep and precipitous as to render cultivation on their sides impossible. The rolling character of the surface is more pronounced along the valley of Brokensword Creek. Considerable coarse gravel is found interspersed with boulders - relics of a former geologic age, when, carried southward by glaciers from their home in the highlands of Canada, north of the Great Lakes, they were released by the melting of the ice on reaching a more southerly latitude and were deposited where they are now found, and where they have been lying since a date far anteceding human history. An abundance of Waverly sandstone may also be found underlying the heavy beds of drift in the southern part of the township, and some of it has been taken out and used for building purposes. A dark brown slate of shale, of uncertain formation, is also' found along the Sandusky river.

In addition to the foregoing geologic features. Section 26 contains a number of gas and medicinal springs, the latter of which have apparently pronounced curative properties, as some remarkable cases of cure from disease have been recorded. Eleven of these springs are on the Knisely farm, and were first discovered by Samuel Knisely, the pioneer, who came to the county in 1819, and, foreseeing their value, purchased the land on which they flow. Their waters are found on analysis to contain sulphureted hydrogen gas, carbureted hydrogen gas, sulphur, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, with traces of siliceous and other matter and also of sulphuric and phosphoric acids. These eleven springs, which are all contained within an area of four rods.

are located in a small basin on a little rill that flows into the Sandusky river. From one Of them an unpleasant-smelling gas, probably carbureted hydrogen gas - is constantly bubbling. This gas is lighter than air, is highly inflamable and burns with a light yellow flame, showing occasionally fine scintillations indicative of small particles of carbon. Situated along the creek at no great distance above these springs are twelve others, some of which, strange to say, contain no trace of sulphur. About 40 rods southeast of the Knisely residence is a section of land several rods square, from which large quantities of inflammable gas are constantly escaping into the atmosphere.

Long before the advent of the white man these springs were a frequent resort of the Indians on account of their medicinal qualities. Here they camped for days using the waters for their healing properties, and while no trace remains, it is fairly certain that in this section was an old Indian graveyard. Many of these Indians came for miles to plaster themselves with the mud which was considered very healing for their sores, and frequently this mud was taken away on their ponies to relieve some Indian who, was unable to make the journey to the springs.

James Gwell came to the township in 181 9 and began a clearing. He was followed the same year by Matthew Elder and John Shull, who built cabins into which they moved their families. Mr. Shull built a water-power sawmill on Sandusky riVer, prior to 1830. In 182 1 Samuel Knisely moved his family to the "Spring farm," which he had selected and partially purchased in 1819. Mr. Knisely was noted as a most skillful hunter and woodsman, and it is said that he killed 100 deer each winter for many years. He also destroyed many bears, in which he did the community good service, as these animals were too fond of pork to be convenient neighbors. They would also on occasion make an attempt to seize a baby, though no reports are handed down that they were ever successful. Samuel Knisely Jr. was also a successful hunter, though the larger species of game had mostly disappeared before he was old enough to attain name and fame in this direction. He had a trained dog named Lyon, which he made use of in his hunting expeditions after deer, wild cats and other animals. Mr. Knisely was also a successful bee hunter, and collected large quantities of wild honey, which found a ready sale in Sandusky city or Mansfield. As many as 20 or 30 gallons were sometimes taken from a single tree.

In August, 182 1 John B. French, a Virginian, built a hewed-log cabin in Section 23, into which he moved with his family. He was a man of great sociability and intelligence, but was in somewhat impaired health when he came here, and the privations of a life in the wilderness, where he was surrounded by marshes and swamps, were too much for his enfeebled constitution, and he gradually failed until he died in 1830, his death being one of the first in the township. He was one of the first three associate judges in the county appointed when it was organized in 1826. His cabin was quite a resort for travelers, who often went some distance out of their way to reach it. His wife, a woman of superior mind and character, survived her husband 50 years, dying in West Liberty. The French cabin was frequently visited by the Wyandot Indians, they having a camp near by ; they came without warning or invitation, seated themselves before the fire, and, lighting their pipes, would hand one to Mrs. French - in the absence of her husband - as a token of amity. To return the civility she would take a few puffs and then return it. One of these Indians, named Blacksnake,* who was looked upon with distrust by the settlers, had quite a number of scalps in his possession, which he claimed to have taken from the heads of white settlers. He said he had ninety-nine and wanted one more to make the number an even hundred. This unabashed savage soon after left the neighborhood, doubtless to the relief of some of the settlers. The latter often received invitations to attend the peace dances of the Indians or to attend their great feasts, and occasionally friendly contests and games were gotten up and participated in by whites and red men alike, prizes being assigned to the victors. Though the Indians usually excelled in running, it is said that the white men frequently carried off the prizes for marksmanship with the rifle, and it is a well known fact that the Indian, though sometimes a fair marksman, never learned to shoot with the same unerring precision and deadly aim as the skilled white scout or frontiersman.

The Indians had a warm regard for Mr. French, and went to him for counsel and advice, and his influence over them was great. He was of an easy, kindly disposition, strictly just, and could do more with them than any other man in the township. But when any really serious case arose they took it before Thomas Ferguson. French was gentle, courteous, affable, and not of strong build. Ferguson was a man of great physical strength which partly accounted for the Indian admiration of him. He was also a man of great common sense, and thoroughly understood the Indian character. He was spoken of by them as "Governor" Ferguson, and this title later was given him by his neighbors. He lived near the line between what is now Sandusky and Jefferson townships. Sandusky, Jefferson and Polk had been their favorite hunting grounds, and fifteen years after the land had passed from their hands by treaty, they still lingered in this section with their camps, and roamed through the forests until the advancing civilization had driven away the game, and the Indians reluctantly retired to their own reservation. The Indians had been cowed into submission, and except when under the influence of liquor were fairly harmless. True, anything they wanted they took, making no distinction as to whether it belonged to them or some one else, and no household utensil or stock of the farmer was safe. The most serious case that came before "Governor" Ferguson was in the early twenties. Two young men came from the east, brothers named Philip and William Beatty. When they were but children their parents had been murdered by a marauding band of Indians, and the two boys being away in the woods escaped; they returned to the cabin only to find their parents cruelly butchered. Naturally they were filled with intense hatred of the entire Indian race, and when they arrived in this section continued their vengeance against the unoffending Wyandots. One very dark night they crept cautiously toward an Indian camp and took careful aim on two unsuspecting Indians. Fortunately, both shots missed, but the Indians sprang to their feet and started in hot pursuit. In the darkness of the wood the young men easily eluded their pursuers. The next day the Indians visited "Governor" Ferguson, and demanded justice. The "Governor" patiently listened to their story, was justly indignant to the intense delight of the Indians; he assured them it was an outrage which should not go unpunished, and they could depend upon him to see that the attempted murderers received the punishment they so richly deserved. But in the meantime they should find out who it was that committed the cowardly act, and notify him, and whoever it was should receive the most severe punishment. These children of the forest left supremely happy over the fatherly care the "Governor" was taking of them, but as they never discovered who fired the shot the matter was finally dropped, except that the Indians had a greater confidence than ever in the wisdom, impartiality, and strict sense of justice of their good friend, "Governor" Ferguson.

Sandusky township gives the first record of a traveling managerie in the county. In the year 1829 one passed through the township on the way from Mansfield to the northwest, and camped for the night on the farm of John B. French. They had several cages of lions and other wild beasts, and also an elephant and some camels, and people came from miles around to get a glimpse of the strange animals, but tradition states that the roars of the lions, as the caravan was traveling through the county, startled many a timid pioneer, while the more valiant hurriedly seized their rifles, and started for the noise, only to discover the unknown wild animal was not a beast at large in the forest.

In 1823 the nearest mills - of any note - were eight miles away. In that year, however, there arrived Jacob Dull, Jacob Ambrosier, and Benjamin and William Bowers. The Bowers brothers, soon after their arrival erected a large, hewed-log, two-storied cabin on Loss Creek, not far from its mouth, which they converted into a saw and grist-mill, and this mill, especially the saw-mill department, rendered good service for many years. Sawmills at this time were greatly needed, for there were not enough to supply the home demand for lumber, although, besides the one above mentioned, another was established near the settlement now known as Sulphur Springs, and one or two existed in adjoining townships. The finest timber was then wasted with what today would be regarded as reckless prodigality. The Bowers Brothers also built an addition to their mill, designing it for a distillery, but its product at any time was small and not more than sufficient to supply the local demand. They started a saloon which became a noted resort for the more convivial spirits in the neighborhood. After running for about ten years both mills and distillery were abandoned. It was near this mill, as late as 1838, that William Wert killed a large panther, which he found in a tree, and which he at first took to be only a catamount. He had a desperate struggle with the animal, which killed one of his dogs and badly wounded another, but he finally effected its destruction, after cutting down no less than three trees, in which it had taken refuge in succession, and bore home his prize in triumph.

James Magee came to the township in 1821 ; he was accompanied by three brothers-in-law: John Clements, John Magers and William Moderwell. James Magee was the father of William Magee, who is still living in Bucyrus, and who assisted at the raising of the mill of James Robinson on the Sandusky. It was first built as a saw-mill, and later a grist-mill was added; a small dam was erected to furnish the power, but even with this the supply of water was so small that it was impossible to run it in dry weather. Later the mill burned down, and only the saw-mill was rebuilt. William Magee has a record showing that in his early days he assisted at the raisings of loi mills, houses and barns, and some of these buildings were built almost entirely of walnut logs. John Clements was one of the commissioners from 1839 to 1845, and his son James was sheriff and probate judge. William Moderwell was the father of J. Watson Moderwell, a prominent stock-buyer, farmer and land owner. John Magers was a Pennsylvanian and a Presbyterian, and when he entered the land it was one unbroken forest. This he cleared, and lived on the same farm until his death, which occurred on July 18,

1862, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. He was one of the first commissioners of Crawford county, elected in 1826, and voted to locate the county seat at Bucyrus.

William Handley settled in the northern part of the township in 1822, near the Bear Marsh. This was the name given it by the Indians before the arrival of the whites, on account of its being a favorite resort for bears. Near him were Nelson Tustison and William Matthews who came in 1825.

Joseph Smith and James Tarnes came in 1825. Smith was known as Capt. Smith, having been a commissioned officer in the War of 1812, and on account of his military experience was elected captain of a militia company raised in and around Sandusky township. He was a graduate of an eastern college and had come west for his health believing the rugged life of the open air would be of benefit, but he died a few years later of consumption. Tarnes settled on a quarter section in the western part of the township on which he built his cabin of hewed logs. He was a blacksmith by trade, and near his cabin he built a small shop and was the first blacksmith in the township, and here he carried on his trade for, many years, clearing his land and farming in connection with his blacksmithing.

Isaac Hilborn settled in the northern part of the township in 1825. He came with nothing, and mauled rails to secure the money to pay for his land. He was an expert marksman and resorted to his rifle to secure cash to pay his taxes and purchase necessaries. Coon skins then brought from 25 cents, but occasionally a dollar for those that were well dressed. One night when hunting coons with his young son, Robert, they were attacked by wolves. He placed the boy in the hollow of a tree, and with a large fire-brand kept the wolves at bay, occasionally rushing forward and waving the blazing brand in their faces until the scared animals sneaked back into the forest. Hilborn later moved to Auburn township where he died April 30, 1864, and was buried in the Hanna graveyard.

into the township the same year from Libertytownship, where he had first settled three years previously. He was a tanner by trade, and dressed skins for several years. Joseph Wert was bom April 28, 1775. He established the first Sunday school in the township, was active in church work, and died Jan. i, 1855, and buried in the Biddle graveyard.

Other of the early settlers were William and Philip Beatty, Isaac Henry and John Peterman in 1827; John Davis, Charles Burns, Isaac Beck, William Core, Peter Long, John Ruth, John Mclntyre and two sons, Emanuel and Patrick, in 1828; Abel Dewalt, John Kaler and Adam Stone in 1830; William and George Cox, Andrew Dickson, John Luke and Samuel Stone in 183 1 ; Benjamin Lobe in 1832 ; John Brown, Matthias Pfahler and Lewis Rutan in 1833; John Kile in 1834; Jacob Orewiler and John P. Wert in 1835.

Charles Burns was probably the most patriotic of the early pioneers; he was born in Dauphin county, Pa., and made it a duty every Fourth of July to read the Declaration of Independence, and when he had advanced in years and his eyesight was failing he had one of his sons read it to him; and still later, one of his grandchildren read the document to him each Fourth of July until his death, which occurred on Oct. 2, 1869.

By 1835 conditions were much improved. There were about fifty families in the township. Industries and improvements had been started, markets were nearer, and excellent flour and meal could be obtained within a few miles. Mansfield and Bucyrus were the principal trading points. A rude shingle factory was erected by Mr. Ruth in about 1836, but turned out an inferior product and was discontinued after a few years. Isaac Beck owned a one-horse saw and grist-mill on the river about 1835 and conducted it for about four years. The foot-wear of the community was attended to by John Kaler a cobbler, who during the winter season, in accordance with pioneer custom, traveled from house to house mending shoes. John Mclntyre, whose original trade was that of weaver, had a loom in one end of his cabins, which he operated when not engaged on his farm.

principally entertained as a convenience and generally without any charge. John Luke came to the county from New Jersey, and established the first tavern at Luke's corners where the road between Liberty and Sandusky townships crosses the Sandusky river. It was on one of those fractional sections which are now a part of Liberty township. This tavern was on two important roads and did a large business, Mr. Luke becoming fairly well to do in this world's goods. It was the only early tavern ever in the township. Across the road from his tavern he gave land for the Luke graveyard, in which several of the old pioneers are buried, the first known interment being Mary Peterman, a child who died Nov. 15, 1838. Other burials are Matthias Ambrosier, born April 16, 1776, died Dec. 12, 1850; John Essig, born Feb. 12, 1798, died Aug. 26, 1880; John Peterman, born Sept. 20, 1776, died Sept. 27, 1859; Jesse Spahr, born March 3, 1800, died May 5, 1881 ; Jacob Waters, born June 5, 1788, died Sept. 26, i860.

Some years ago an attempt was made to convert the Knisely Springs into a watering place. At a heavy expense the buildings were remodeled, a little lake was constructed, and for a time it was a popular resort for picnic parties, and a few regular boarders, but the investment did not prove profitable, and after several parties had tried and failed the hotel was closed, and it is now again a residence.

In the early days Jacob Warner had a blacksmith shop in the township about two miles east of Annapolis, and Z. Staple also had a blacksmith shop near where John B. French first settled in 1821. Henry Kalb about 1836 had a saw-mill on Slate Rock run.

Sandusky township is the only township in the county which has no village and never had one. It has no postofifice today but is supplied by rural route from Bucyrus and Tiro, yet it has had in the past three postofifices, and one of the first ofBces established in this county was in Sandusky township. There were so many settlers along the Sandusky river on account of the excellence of the land, that the people petitioned for better mail facilities and their request was granted, and in 1834 a postofifice was established called Loss Creek. John Clements was appointed the first postmaster on February 7, 1834. He served three years and was succeeded on July 21, 1837 by Obadiah Roberts. On July 29, 1840 Matthew Torrence was appointed the postmaster and served until Jan. 26, 1852, when the office was temporarily discontinued, but the demand for mail facilities was such that it was opened again on Sept. 27, 1852, with Matthew Torrence again the postmaster, but with the name changed to Camp Run. The office now continued for over 20 years as Camp Run and with no change of postmaster until it was finally discontinued on July 21, 1873. These offices were in the southern part of the township near Loss Creek after which it was first named. After the office had been discontinued there was a general desire for its re-establishment, and pressure was brought to bear and on March 31, 1880, a postoffice was again started in the same neighborhood and this time called Biddle. William H. Korner was the first postmaster, being appointed March 31, 1880. Succeeding him were Joseph Parr, Jan. II, 1883, Thomas S. Dewald July 11, 1884, Woods R. Mitchel, Jan. 6, 1890, Isaac Kieffer, Feb. 12, 1891, S. S. Elberson, May 10, 1893, Guy E. V. Fry, Feb. 12, 1895. The latter served until the postoffice was discontinued on Jan. 14, 1904, since which time patrons have been served by rural routes.

The first justices of the peace were appointed by the commissioners of Delaware county, on April 15, 1821, and had jurisdiction over the entire county, the appointees being Westell Ridgely of near Leesville, and Joseph Young of near Buc5n-us, neither town then being in existence. The first election was May 15, 1824 when Matthias Markley and Ichabod Smith each received 22 votes, both living in what is now Liberty township. The following are the justices of Sandusky township.

The first religious services in Sandusky, as in othet townships, were conducted by itinerant ministers, who always received a cordial welcome, and held forth in the cabin or barn of one of the settlers, all attending regardless of the denomination of the preacher. As early as 1822 a Methodist society was organized and services were held whenever a minister could be secured in the cabins of Mr. French, Samuel Knisely, and later Isaac Henry. The first ministers were Rev. John O. Blowers, who after 1823 was constantly preaching to the little congregations all over the central portion of the county; another early minister was Rev. James Martin, who came from England in 1823, settling in Holmes township, and gave spiritual teaching to the early pioneers. Efforts were made by the early missionaries to convert the Indians, who were still living in the township. One of these early missionaries was a Miss Melinda Hunt, who had her home on the Sandusky river, and from there visited the various Indian camps, where she sang to their great delight, they never tiring of the singing and always demanding more. She also taught them the lessons of Christianity, they listening patiently as they knew more singing was to follow. By degrees her teaching had its effect, and many attended the regular services in the cabins. The impression prevailed that in her early days her family had been murdered by the Indians, and instead of taking the usual course of retaliation, she sought to convert them from their evil ways. When the Indians finally left this section, she followed them, continuing her good work in their new location still further to the westward. The first camp meeting ever held in the county was in Sandusky township, on the farm of John B. French north of the Sandusky river. It was in 1831, and the settlers came from many miles around, over 60 families being present and erecting their tents in the woods, while on the edge of the camp grounds over 100 Indians established themselves in their wigwams. The tents were erected around a square about an acre in size, and in this square was a platform, surrounded by roughly made seats for those in attendance. Services were held morning, noon and evening; among the ministers taking charge of the exercises were Revs. Prentice, Bell, Palmer, Chase and Havens. Game could still be shot in the woods, and other supplies were brought to the camp and all the food was cooked on the ground, and many had brought their cows, which gave them a supply of milk. There was also a little store adjoining the grounds where tobacco, candy, fruit, etc., were sold. The Indians attended the services, many of them understanding sufficient English to follow the minister. The Indians sat on the ground by themselves, and during the services a number were converted. Among the whites there were a large number of conversions, which greatly strengthened the churches of Sandusky township and the surrounding country. . ^ .

A Presbyterian church was organized m 1829, near the centre of the township. Occasional services had been held in the cabins of the settlers, and the nearest church of that faith was about three miles east of Crestline, where a church had been erected in 1822. This was the Hopewell church, and it was nothing unusual for the people to start on Sunday morning, walk the twelve miles, and be there in time for the morning services. It was not alone these pioneers, but all over the county the people went long distances to hear the word of God. Nearly all wore moccasins in those days, but some of the women had real shoes, and these, on Sunday morning, carried their shoes on their long walk and when near the church stopped beside some little stream and put on their shoes, and thus appropriately dressed entered the house of God. After settlers became more numerous it was decided to build a church, and the site selected was about four miles southwest of the present town of Sulphur Springs. Money was scarce in those days, and instead of contributing cash every man did a certain amount of work, and by 1833 the building was finished. It was a hand-made building, the settlers not only putting it up, but making the platform and the rough seats, and this structure remained practically as built and furnished by the early pioneers, except necessary repairs, until another church was erected, the old church being removed half a mile to the west where it did duty as a barn on the farm of William Stone, the land now owned by Caleb Pfahler. In September, 1870 the present church was dedicated. Before the church was built a graveyard had been started, for here the oldest tomb records the death of Emanuel Mclntyre, who died March 4, 1829. Other graves are those of James Magee, who was a soldier in the War of 1812; Rev. J. F. Blayney, who died Aug. 16, 1886, after a half a century of religious work in many places; and many other names are there whose willing hands assisted in the building of the first church.

A Lutheran church was organized and a church erected about 1840 on Loss Creek, and in the southwestern part of the township is the U. B. church. Probably the first cemetery started was what is known as the Biddle graveyard. Here the first record is that of George M. Kitch, who died Dec. 21, 1827. Here is buried Rev. Alexander Biddle, who was a United Brethren Minister for 62 years.

The first Sunday School in the county is claimed by Sandusky township, having been first held in the cabin of Joseph Wert, soon after his arrival in 1826. This township was the birthplace of Robert Cowden, who organized the Crawford County Sunday School Association in 1867, and from that time on devoted his life to the Sunday school work, being one of the recognized leaders in the State. He was born in the township in 1833, and his father died when he was a boy of but five years of age, and his death is another record of the trial and experiences of the early pioneers. Kind neighbors did all that was possible, one of them making the coffin, and on the day of the funeral they assembled at the little cabin where services were held. A wagon was secured on which to carry the coffin, to the graveyard several miles distant, the family and friends walking behind this improvised hearse. The distance was too great for the little son to walk, so he rode, having for his seat his father's coffin. Robert Cowden learned the carpenter trade at the age of 15 to assist in the support of his mother, entered the army, rose to the rank of colonel, was later postmaster of Gallon, and then devoted all his time to religious work in connection with the United Brethren church.

The first school in Sandusky township was taught probably during the winter of 1826-27, in a small round log cabin, on the farm later owned by Alexander Smith. Miss Jane Hogan, who afterward became Mrs. Smith, was the teacher. The cabin, though divided into two compartments, was provided with but one window, and the appointments were of the crudest kind. During the following winter Mr. Dewey taught a term of three months in his own cabin, having about fifteen or twenty pupils. Mr. Dewey's cabin was much better lighted, having three glass windows, and it is said he kept an unusually successful school. He was a well educated man and continued in this occupation until the first schoolhouse was erected a number of years later. Miss Mary Ann Higby taught a short term in Dewey's cabin during the summer in 1828, and afterwards taught many terms in this and adjoining townships. It is thought that there may have been other schools taught previous to 1826, but, if so, there is no definite record of them. In 1830 a hewed log schoolhouse was built on the corner of Isaac Henry's farm. It was in use for about fifteen years, when it was superceded by a frame building. The second schoolhouse was built south of the river in 1838, and was used for many years. Another was built in 1842 in the extreme northern part of the township.

Sandusky township with its eighteen square miles has five school districts. No. i being on the northwest quarter of section 2 on the land of O. J. Keller; No. 2 the southwest quarter of section 11 on the land of O. P. McKeehen; No. 3 the northwest quarter of section 23, the land of Angelina Roop; it is opposite the township hall, which is the exact centre of the township. Holmes and Sandusky being the only, township where the township hall is exactly in the center. No. 4 the northeast quarter of section 34 on the land of Louisa Mc- Michael; No. 5 the northwest quarter of section 36, the land of George Lahr.