Fulton County, Ohio - Chapter 6: The Last Forty Years, 1905

Chapter 6: The Last Forty Years

IN the year 1862, a new weekly publication was launched at Wauseon, entitled the "Fulton County Union," under the editorial management of J. C. French, of some local newspaper fame. It was 3. well-edited and nicely-printed sheet, but continued to make its weekly visits for a period of only a few months, when Isaac R. Sherwood became its purchaser, consolidated it with the "Republican," and the two papers thereafter appeared as one publication, retaining, however, the name of the latter. About this time the office was leased to Joseph Cable, but under his control the paper did not prosper. In some manner he antagonized the controlling element of the Republican party in the county, and the official printing was taken away from him and given to the "Monitor," a paper published at Ottckee. The "Monitor" was a venture into the field of journalism made by H. B. Bayes, in June, 1863. This paper was also short lived, and in the month of February of the following year, 1864, it was sold to James H. Sherwood, of the "Northwestern Republican," and by him merged into the last-named paper. After the term of Mr. Cable's lease had expired the office and material passed, by purchase, to James H. Sherwood, brother of Isaac R. Sherwood. The new proprietor at once commenced, and succeeding in accomplishing the work of building up and re-establishing the "Republican" on a profitable footing, and brought back to it the favor and support which it had lost during Mr. Cable's leasehold. In the year 1867, James H. Sherwood sold back to his brother Isaac, now honored with the military title of General. General Sherwood ran it about a year and then took a partner, Col. Albert B. Smith, a practical printer, with whom he became associated* under the firm name and style of Sherwood & Smith. Under this management the paper met with good success; it was well edited, appeared in a plain, but neat dress, and became largely patronized throughout the county and even beyond the county's borders; its exchange list was large, and the paper took rank as the leading publication of the region. It was, and continued to be, the organ of the Republican party of the county, and became an able exponent of the principles of that party. In the year 1869, James H. Sherwood purchased the General's interest, and the firm name then changed to Smith & Sherwood. It was conducted by the latter firm until the year 1871, when Cplonel Smith sold his interest to M. P. Brewer, a former resident of Wood county. About six months later Brewer resold to Colonel Smith, and in 1877, Mr. Sherwood purchased Col-

This Last Forty Years

»onel Smith's interest and again became sole proprietor. He conducted it successfully until about 1881, when a half interest was taken by E. M. Ogle, but the latter only remained in the office a few months, when he sold to W. C. Williams, who was associated with Mr. Sherwood continuously until 1896. Since the latter year, the "Republican" has been published under the management of James H. Sherwood & Sons, and we may properly add, with marked ability *nd success.

Col. Albert B. Smith, who was for years prominently identified with Fulton county newspapers and other public affairs, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, July 15, 1839, and settled in Fulton county in 1859. He enlisted at Wauseon, August 2, 1862, in Company H, One Hundredth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry (having served three months previous to this in the Fourteenth Regiment). In September, 1862, he was promoted to first sergeant, in December, 1862, to second lieutenant, and again in February, 1863, to first lieutenant, in August following to captain of Company E, and immediately transferred to Company H, and breveted major in June, 1865, and lieutenant colonel in August following, which position he held when the war closed.

In the year 1863, Wauseon made an attempt under an act of the Legislature, known as "an enabling act," to secure a removal of the county seat from Ottokee, but, on a submission of the proposition to the people, it was voted down. The town of Delta then asked that the seat of justice be removed to that place, and urged, in support of argument, that a tier of townships would be taken from Lucas county on the east, thus increasing the area and population of Fulton county; and, furthermore, that Delta would then be situated in the geographical center of the county, as enlarged, and the most accessible place for the county seat. In the legislature of 1864, an act was passed similar to the Wauseon act, and the question was submitted to the people, but the proposition was defeated by a large majority. In the midst of this agitation for the removal of the seat of justice, on July 16, 1864, the court-house building at Ottokee was destroyed by fire, and with it all of the county records and other valuable articles in the offices of the county officials. During the foliowring year, 1865, the county commissioners entered into a contract writh Hiram Pritchard for the erection of a new brick court house on the site of the old structure. This was a one-story brick building, plain but substantial, and it was arranged to be used only for court purposes, the county officers' apartments being in a separate building, on land adjoining the court house. These buildings answered the needs of the county for several years; but attending court or transacting other business at the county seat was attended with great inconveniences. The railroad had become a recognized thoroughfare of travel, and to all parties. from outside the county, as well as many writhin it, a carriage or stage ride of at least four miles was necessitated. This' inconvenience^war all the more marked, as the grownng towns of Wauseon and Delta were on the line of the railroad, and naturally there Vas soon another and a successful effort made to remove the seat of justice. In the year 1869, the Legislature passed another enabling act, permitting the people of Fulton county to vote upon the question of removing the county seat from Ottokee to Wauseon. The election was held in October of the above year, and although the result was close, the proposition was carried by a safe majority. The enabling act contained a condition that before the change could be accomplished, there should be donated by those desiring the change the sum of $5 ,000, which sum should be paid over to the county commissioners and used as a part of the building fund. On January 19, 1870, Isaac Springer, trustee of the required fund, which had been raised in full by subscription, paid the same into the hands of the county commissioners. The gentlemen who comprised the board at that time were Joseph Ely, A. B. Gunn and M. O. McCaskey, and lots No. 149 and 189 of the original plat of Wauseon were deeded to them and their successors in office, for the site of the court-house building. These lots were situated at the southwest comer of Fulton and Chestnut streets, and thereon the court-house was erected. A sale of the contract for building was advertised and held, and the lowest bidder was F. M. Brooker; but after the contract had been let to him he failed to give the required bond, and it was then awarded to Alexander Voss and H. B. Bensman, their bid being $44,350. The contract for the construction was made on May 31, 1870, and the building was first used for court purposes in the early part of the year 1872. The structure is of brick, two stories high, with a tower and belfry on the front which faces on Fulton street. It is a very substantial building, the ; interior being admirably arranged for the accommodation of the county officials and others having business therein. The total cost of the building, including all extra* work, amounted to $45,772.27.

Joseph Ely, who officiated as one of the county commissioners during the construction of the court house at Wauseon, was bom in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1814, and lived a portion of his early life in Morrow county, Ohio. He settled near Fayette, in what is now Fulton county, in 1838, and soon became a leading man in public affairs. He served as county commissioner for fifteen years, as clerk of Gorham township four years, township trustee four years and justice of the peace three years. He was a prominent farmer and stock raiser.

Alfred B. Gunn, another member of the board of commissioners at that time, was born in Franklin county, Massachusetts, January 28, 1817, and the same year was brought to Ohio by his parents, who were early settlers in the Maumee Valley. In 1844, Mr. Gunn located in York township, at that time a part of Henry county, but which afterwards was set off as a part of Fulton. He was one of the delegates to the convention which fixed the boundary line of the county, and filled many other positions of honor and trust. He was postmaster at Beta for many years, filled the office of assessor two

The first post of the Grand Army of the Republic in the county was organized at Wauseon, in the latter part of the year 1866. It remained in existence for a few years, when dissensions arose and it was disbanded.

During the summer of 1867, occurred the first match game of base ball, in Wauseon, and probably in Fulton county. There appeared to be a great interest in the national sport, that year, as the people were being taught the distinction between it and "town ball," or "two-old-cat/

It was in the autumn of 1867 that Weston, the great pedestrian, accomplished the remarkable feat of walking from Portland, Maine, to Chicago, over the post road - a distance of 1,228 miles - in twentysix days. His route lay through Fulton county, and great interest was manifested by the citizens thereof in the walker's contest with distance and time. He passed through Wauseon on Friday, November 23, and the streets were well filled with people curious to see the pedestrian and his retinue.

The political campaign of 1872, Grant and Greeley being the contestants, aroused much political enthusiasm, features of which were the tannery habiliments, worn by the followers of one candidate, and the conspicuous white hats, representing loyalty to the other.

In the year 1872, the Chicago & Canada Southern Railway Company completed the construction of its line to Fayette, and ran the first train to the town, July 4, since which date Fayette has been the terminal point. It furnished a good outlet for the produce of the country contiguous, and makes that village a good market for all country produce. The construction of the Wabash line, with a station one and a half miles directly north of the village, also furnishes good shipping facilities, with a healthy competition in Gorham township. Its station is called North Fayette, just over the State line.

A serious epidemic, known as "epizootic," crippled all industries requiring the use of horses during the latter part of 1872, and left horse owners with diseased and imperfect animals for a number of years afterward. The plague was universal throughout the country.

In 1873, Fulton county sent the late Ozias Merrill, as a representative to the State constitutional convention. Mr. Merrill was a native of Maine, and came to Fulton county with his parents in 1838.

The Grange movement took shape in this county in 1873, an<l organizations came into existence all over the county. Some /of these are still in existence, though most have been abandoned. Among the active movers during the early agitation were Messrs. M. H. Hayes of Clinton township; J. H. Brigham of Delta, and W. A. Blake of Clinton. With these were associated other local workers in various townships, among them being the following: George Gasche, Lafayette Ely, George Roos, Albert Deyo, Socrates H. Cately and S. B. Skeels. These names will all be recognized a* of men who were leaders in all movements looking to the betterment of conditions generally. The first subordinate Grange organized was Fulton Grange No. 217, which was instituted November 15, 1873, in a vacant dwelling house on the farm of S. B. Skeels, in the southeast part of York township. The first corps of officials were: S. B. Skeels, master; Henry Bowen, overseer; S. G. Aumond, lecturer; J. F. Baker, steward ; James Slater, assistant steward ; George Miller, chaplain ; E. R. Bowerman, treasurer ; A. B. Gunn, secretary ; A. C. Tremaine, gate-keeper; Mrs. Jane D. Gunn, ceres; Mrs. Catharine Tremaine, pomona; Mrs. Ida L. Tremaine, flora; and Mrs. S. B. Skeels, lady assistant steward. North Star Grange was organized in Wauseon, December 7/ 1873. Col. J. H. Brigham was its first master, prominent among the members being M. H. Hayes and wife, J. M. Williams and wife, Tilden Williams, W. A. Blake and wife, Adam Rupert and wife, George Gasche and wife, A. S. Fleet and wife, John Linfoot and wife, and others. Aetna, Ottokee, Chesterfield, Gorham, Champion, Franklin and Royalton Granges were organized the following year. Among the earlier members were the following : W. W. Williams, G. P. Roos, G. W. Roos, C. H. Stutesman, J. H. Turner, R. P. Boody, A. M. Lee, O. B. Verity, J. D. Aidrich, J. L. Chatfield, Joseph Shadle, J. W. Howard, G. M. Tappan, J. M. Sindel, W. H., E. M. and E. S. Strong, R. H. Scott, W. P. Garrison, John Borton, L. G. Ely, H. S. Persing, A. W. Borston and their wives, besides many others. The Fulton County Pomona Grange, membership in which is one degree higher than in the subordinateriodges, was organized in Wauseon, September 2, 1876, W. W. Williams of Chesterfield being chosen master. Mr. Williams died soon afterward and S. B. Skeels was elected his successor, holding the position for several years. The present membership of the Pomona Grange is about one hundred and fifty. There are also nine subordinate granges in the county, with an approximate membership of seven hundred. Particularly prominent in the Grange movement became Col. J. H. Brigham, and he probably was the most widely known member of the order in the United States. As Master of the National Grange he traveled extensively, and he filled other positions of great responsibility, all of which are mentioned in a sketch of him which appears on another page. Marcus H. Hayes was an influential and representative man of Fulton county, and was born in Bloomfield, Ontario county, New York, June 7, 1822. In early life he became engaged in the mercantile business in Iowa, and for several years was a justice of the peace and mayor of Guttenburg, that state. He came to Wauseon in June, 1854, and became engaged in the buying and selling of stock. He was elected sheriff of Fulton county, in 1856, and again in 1858, and after the expiration of his term of service in that position he devoted his attention to farming, which occupation he followed until his retirement

The year $874 is remembered as the time of the "Women's Crusade." The movement developed in the mouth of February, and though perhaps but few, if any, saloon-keepers were driven out of business, yet the sentiment created, no doubt, had a salutary effect in curtailing lawlessness in the liquor traffic. From it developed the Women's Christian Temperance Union, which has accomplished great good, and is going forward yet in the work.

In 1874, the need of a building for the poor gained official action. The increase in population in this locality, the same as in nearly every county in the State, the incoming of new families, the infirmities of age and the unfortunate condition of some persons who had become a charge upon the public, led to the establishment of an institution within the county, to be maintained at public expense, called the Infirmary, by which it is commonl>^4cnown throughout most localities, as a home for aged, decrepit and indigent persons. The buildings at Ottokee having been vacated by the change of the county seat, were still owned by the county, and early in the month of May, 1874, they were turned over by the commissioners to James Riddle, Robert Lewis and O. A. Cobb, as infirmary directors, and the work of making the changes necessary for the intended use was at once commenced. A tract of land, some three hundred acres ir. extent, was purchased in the vicinity and a sufficient county farm was established, the same being ready for occupancy on May 1, 1874. These buildings sufficed for the county's needs for about twenty years, but, in 1894, new ones were erected, and in the autumn of that year new quarters were occupied by the county's wards. These new buildings are elaborate arifr expensive, and with the grounds surrounding them cover several acres of land. The infirmary proper is a three-story brick structure, with a basement, conveniently arranged for heating, with the least possible danger of fire. An insane ward is also provided for the care of patients designated as "harmless and incurable." A district school, near by, affords the means to properly rear and train the unfortunate children who are taken in charge at the infirmary. The farm contains two hundred and eighty acres, and produces surplus products not consumed in the institution, to the value of about two thousand dollars annually. The infirmary directors have supreme control, and employ, subordinate to their directions, a superintendent and matron, who attend to the details Of the institution. Inmates who are able to work are employed on the farm, or in caring for stock and "choring" on the premises. Good, wholesome and substantial food is provided in abundance, as is also comfortable and seasonable clothing, and a church near by, at which services are held regularly, supplies the spiritual needs. At the time of the semi-annual report in March, 1905# there were forty-three inmates in the institution.

Hi8Tory Op Pulton County

lin township. He was bom in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 9, 1812, and settled in Fulton county in 1845, purchasing his homestead of eighty acres in Franklin township and paying for the same two dollars and fifty cents per acre. He had a wife and five children, and began life here with a York shilling in his pocket, and, as may be said, in the dense forest of Franklin, township, which was almost literally true at that time. Mr. Riddle served as justice of the peace for fifteen years, as trustee, and as infirmary director for three terms.

Oscar A. Cobb was a pioneer of Dover township, and was bora in Griswold, New London county, Connecticut, in 1817. He settled in what is now Fulton county in 1846, and soon became active in public affairs. He served as sheriff of the county four years, from i860 to 1864, was director of the infirmary two terms, and also held other minor offices.

No effort was made to establish a Democratic paper in Fulton county after those recounted in a previous chapter, until in the month of January, 1875, when William H. Handy launched the "Democratic Expositor." Mr. Handy conducted the paper until April, 1877, when by sale it passed into the hands of J. C. Bollmeyer, who was its editor and publisher from that time until his death, November 3, 1898. It was then conducted by the family of the deceased until June, 1899, when the paper was purchased by W. W. Croninger, who has since continued its publication. The "Expositor" is a six-column quarto, in clean dress, and makes an attractive appearance, its local department being, perhaps, as full and complete as any of the other papers of the county. For the past forty years, Fulton county has been very creditably represented by newspapers, reflecting, of course, differing political views, but at the same time registering the story of the county's progress and prosperity. We are largely indebted to the files of these weekly publications for a great deal of the history contained in this chapter.

In January, 1876, a newspaper was established at Fayette, called the "Fayette Record," by W. A. Baker. The following month, February, O. H. Holcomb and M. Lewis assumed control of it and ran the journal till May, 1878, when Mr. Holcomb sold out to G. W. Griffin, the firm name then changing to Lewis & Griffin. In a disastrous conflagration that occurred at Fayette on May 8, 1880, the entire plant was destroyed, but in about sixty days' time another office was established, and the "Record" again appeared in a complete new dress. The office, too, was much improved by the introduction of a new cylinder press, the first to be used in the county.

In 1882, the publishers erected a substantial two-story frame building, which they occupied until February 28. 1883, when the entire office was again destroyed by fire. But phoenix-like, the enterprising proprietors again "arose from the ashes," rebuilt their office and issued the "Record" within the brief space of thirty days, in a nesw outfit. Lewis & Griffin conducted the paper for several years longer and then sold the outfit and good-will to John Young. Since / Frank C. Young, son of the above, has officiated as editor and

A new weekly paper was established at Delta, in 1876. The "Delta Avalanche," E. L. Waltz, editor, issued No. 1 of volume I, on February 22. It aimed to furnish for its readers both local and general news, such as would prove of interest and value, without espousing the cause of any political party. About three years later, the name of Col. Albert B. Smith appeared as editor and publisher, but the connection of the latter with the paper was of but short duration, foi" in about one year he sold to E. J. Patch, by whom it was continued for about the same length of time. Mr. Patch sold to W. O. Knapp, who officiated as editor until 1884, when he exchanged his ownership therein 'for a half interest in the "Fulton County Tribune" with J. H. Fluhart.. The latter made the "Avalanche" a Republican paper, and continued its publication for several years, when he sold the paper to the Atlas Printing Company, who merged it into the "Delta Atlas."

Although Ottokee ceased .to be the county seat of Fulton county in the year 1871, the jail, the place of confinement for offenders, was maintained at that place for nearly four years longer, and until the building of the present jail and sheriff's residence at Wauseon, in the year 1876. The contract for this building was let on the 16th day of February, of that year, to John Lichtenberger of Fort Wayne, Indiana, the contract price being $18,500. The building was completed in the autumn following, and is in all respects a model county jail, both in point of security and arrangement.

John Spillane, an early settler in Clinton township, died in March, 1879.. For years he was a prominent farmer and dairyman in the township. He was born in Buffalo, New York, May 4, 1824, and settled m Fulton county, thirty years later. He filled the office of county surveyor and was otherwise connected with public affairs.

The telephone made its appearance in Fulton county at about this time. It was looked upon with the same curiosity which met the introduction of electric railways, in more recent years. A telephone exchange was established at Wauseon, a little later, by which time the new invention had been greatly improved and popularized.

news of the shooting of President Garfield on July 2, 1881, created tremendous excitement. After his long period of suffering, and final death, the citizens of Wauseon showed their grief and sympathy by holding a meeting of all creeds, where the pastors of the various churches end others conducted a fitting memorial service in the presence of a vast throng of sorrowing people. AH public offices and business houses were dosed from ten to four o'clock.

On October 27, 1881, occurred the death of Rev. John Miller, who was well known to the dtizcns of Wauseon and surrounding country, having been the founder of the United Brethren church in that village and a prominent worker in the evangelistic field.

On February 22, 1883, the Fulton County Pioneer and Historical Association was formed, embracing among its charter members a number of men whose families were among the earliest pioneers of Fulton county. The account of its organization is thus given in Aldrich's history of Fulton county: "For a period of several years prior to the actual organization erf this association its necessity was recognized by the older residents oi the county. It was felt that to the pioneers, who at an early day located in this region, and who by their lives, privations, toil and industry, succeeded, through a period of almost incredible hardships and sufferings, in laying the foundation upon which the superstructure of the county has since been built and enlarged by new-comers and later generations, there should be erected in some suitable manner, a monument to their memory, and the memory of their deeds and lives ; a monument, per* manent and imperishable, that the children of all coming generations might know to whom the honor and credit of the early settlements of the county is actually due. It was therefore considered advisable that a society should at once be organized, the object of which should be to gather while possible the facts and incidents relative to the pioneer days of the county, and to record them in substantial form for future use and reference. It was deemed important, too, that this work should be done, if ever, during the lifetime of the pioneer, while a complete and accurate record could be made. To this end, and for the accomplishment of the purpose expressed, a call was made upon the older residents of the county, inviting them to meet at the court house, at Wauseon, on February 22, in the year 1883, that there might be a full and free interchange of views on the subject, and complete organization effected. In* obedience to the invitation there was a large attendance upon the occasion, and for the purpose of temporary organization, Michael Handy was made chairman and L. G. Ely, secretary. The object of the meeting was then fully and carefully outlined by Hon. D. W. H. Howard, substantially as set forth in the early part of this sketch, after which a committee on constitution and by-laws was appointed as follows: D. W. H. Howard, Albert Deyo, Joseph Shadle, L. G. Ely and James S. Dean. Upon the report of the committee the constitution and by-laws were adopted, and the society, to be known as the "Fulton County Pioneer and Historical Association," was brought into existence. It was provided that the president should be the person who had resided the greatest number of years in the Maumee Valley, and that the vice-presidents should be the persons who had the longest residence in the townships from which they were respectively chosen, it being provided that there should be one vicepresident from each township in the county." Hon. Dresden W. H. Howard, being at that time the oldest resident, was made president of the association, an office he filled most acceptably and capably until his death, November 9, 1899. The vice-presidents were as follows: John Jones, York; J. M. Williams, Clinton; John S. Butler, Chesterfield; Heman A. Canfield, Gorham; J. S. Riddle, Franklin;

Tub Last Forty Ybars

Dtfvid Ayers, Dover; John McQuillen, Pike; Janies Fenton, Fulton; Socrates H. Cately, Swan Creek; George R. Betts, German; Dallas Brown, Royalton ; John Clendenin, Amboy. The other officers were L. G. Ely, secretary; Socrates H. Cately, treasurer; Levi W. Brown, S. C. Biddle, Michael Handy, Ozias Merrill and J. P. Roos constituted the executive committee, and Hon. Oliver B. Verity was chosen as the historian of the association. Meetings were appointed to be held on the 22d day in the months of February and August of each year. The object of the association being so worthy, it has met with marked success during its existence, and from the first steadily increased in membership until it numbered nearly all the old substantial pioneer element of the county. Its present officers are as follows: President, Mrs. John S. Butler; secretary, Charles F;

A large number of those mentioned in connection with the organization of this pioneer association are spoken of more at length in other parts of this volume, and others are deserving of special notice here. David Ayers was born near Shreve, in Wayne county, this State, on April 2, 1828, and, at the time of the family's settlement in this locality, was but ten years of age. There was no school in Dover township, where the family settled, so David, when old enough, was put at work in a tannery conducted by his father; but the damp and unpleasant atmosphere told severely against him, in fact, it was then thought that he had not long to live. At the age of twenty years he went to Adrian, Michigan, and attended school for about six months, after which he entered the Bethany College, in West Virginia. There he remained two and one-half years, when his health failed and compelled him to return home. In 1853, he went to California, induced to make the jbumey in the hope of restoring health and strength, and, in part, to acquire a fortune. The first, and perhaps the most important, of these desires was realized, for his physical strength was recovered, but in the acquisition of a fortune his efforts were not so fully rewarded. He worked a claim on the Yuba river for one full season, and at its close was just $500 out of pocket. He then engaged in shingle making, and later worked on a farm until the year 1856, when he returned to Fulton county to reside. From the time of his return home from the far west until his death, David Ayers was a respected citizen of Dover township; but from this time must be excepted the four years of his incumbency of the office of county treasurer, during which he lived at Wauseon.

John Clendenin was born in Livingston county, New York, March 16, 1815, and settled in Amboy township, Fulton county, in an early day. He became a prominent citizen and filled the office of justice of the peace for years.

John P. Rods was bom in Dutchess county, New York, December 5, 1821, and settled with his parents in Fulton county, Ohio, in 1836. He lived a useful life in Chesterfield township, and was honored with

Hi&Toby Of Fulton County

The "Fulton County Tribune" was the outgrowth of a divided sentiment in the ranks of the Republican party, and was first issued on ' May 18, 188$, Col. Albert B. Smith and J. H. Fluhart being the proprietors at that time. The paper was well received by the reading public, and it rapidly grew in general favor until it was soon numbered with the best of the county's papers. Mr. Fluhart continued his connection with the "Tribune" until June, 1884, when he was succeeded by W. O. . Knapp, the latter having exchanged the Delta "Avalanche" for Mr. Fluhart's interest in the "Tribune.". The firm then became Smith & Knapp, which relation was maintained until 1889, when Walter J. Sherwood purchased Mr. Knapp's interest. On April 25, 1890, Mr. Sherwood assumed entire control and conducted the paper until August 29, 1892, when he sold to Levi S. Jamison, who presided over its destinies until March, 1903. Mr Jamison then sold to James L. Shiimabarger, who managed it until January 1, 1904, when Frank H. Reighard assumed control.

On July 13, 1883, occurred the death of William Mikesell, a prominent resident of Fulton county. He was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1810, .ind settled in Fulton county in 1837. For years he served as justice of the peace, and at the time of his death was the oldest living settler of Clinton township.

The Presidential campaign of 1884 is memorable, as having been more exciting in Fulton county than any preceding one. Cleveland and Blaine had the magnetism to solidify the ranks of their respestive followers, and party lines were closely drawn. The young men of both parties organized marching clubs, and wore uniforms, or hats, designating their party affiliations. The "Cleveland and Hendricks Chibs" were the organizations of the Democrats, organized in the several towns of the county, and composed of scores of staunch adherents to the principles advocated by "the man front Buffalo." The different clubs united at various meetings during the campaign and kept the Cleveland enthusiasm at white heat. The Republican clubs were equally zealous and active ; and though they were denied the privilege of seeing their chieftain elected to the high office which he sought, many of his followers had the pleasure of seeing and hearing him during the campaign. Although Blaine did not come to Wauseon in his speech-making tour, he visited several neighboring points.

The brief, but eventful career of "Der Deutsche Gazette" was begun in the early part of the year 1886, under the ownership of Voll & Howe. The paper, a seven-column folio, with patent sides, was printed in German, and had an extensive circulation among the many German families of the county, but the worthy managers were at fault in their habits, and the paper gradually went to pieces. Howe retired from its office and Voll soon afterward sold thfc subscription list to the Henry county "Democrat," and the paper as a Fulton cpunty enterprise ceased to exist.

The Swanton "Enterprise" was founded, April 23, 1886, by H. S. Bassett, who conducted it until March, 1887, when Charles H. Rowland became a half-owner in the paper, and the firm became known as Bassett & Rowland. The publication has changed hands several times since then, and is now being conducted under the guidance of A. Hochstrasser.

The Delta "Atlas," published by the Atlas Printing Company at Delta, was founded June 6, 1886, with C. R. P. Waltz, manager, and E. L. Waltz, editor. On March 19, 1887, the office was consumed by fire, but, with commendable zeal and energy, new material was at once obtained and the paper continued without serious interruption or delay. Several years ago it absorbed its competitor, the Delta "Avalanche," and it has since been recognized as one of the leading publications in Fulton county.

A temperance paper was started in Bryan, in October, 1886, with "Maumee Valley Prohibitionist" as its name and an especial weekly edition for Fulton county. It was a neatly printed six-column quarto, and was edited by W. J. Sherwood of Wauseon. In June, 1889, the plant was moved to Toledo, where the publication was continued for a time.

The Archbold "Herald" first made its appearance in the year 1886, under the management of Taylor Brothers. A few years later a rival for public favor appeared in the field, called the ArchboTd "Advocate," and the two papers were finally consolidated under the name of the latter, which publication is still in existence.

As will have been noticed, the year 1886 was a very prolific one in 'the matter of projecting newspapers in Fulton county; but as evidence that there was a field for them it can be stated that they; are all aKve today and apparently doing well, having as company not only the older papers of the county but several younger ones as* well. The latter consist of the Mctamora "Record," Lyons "Herald,'* F!s yjf ette "Review," and Archbold "Buckeye," the last named being the latest to make an appearance, in August, 1905.

The Wauseon Columbian Guards were mustered into the State service on January 21, 1893, becoming Company G of the Sixteenth Ohio National Guard, with J. J. Waffle, captain; John A. Weir, first lieutenant; Frank Williams, second lieutenant. The sergeants were G. R. Anderson, Frank Sams, Harry Gingery, H. A. Lee and J. F. Outcalt. The company was on active duty during the miners' riots in Southeastern Ohio in June, 1894. In the spring of 1898 came the declaration of war between the United States and Spain, and the equipment of an army and navy to combat the haughty Spaniard. In the settlement of this trouble, Fulton county responded with oldtime vigor and enthusiasm. The. noble sons of patriotic sires promptly offered their services in the cause of . liberty and per- formed their duty with commendable devotion. The response was so universal over the land that many were disappointed in not reaching the scene of action ; but they had shown their devotion to country, and sympathy with the down-trodden and oppressed. The Fulton county boys, mostly members of Company G, of the Sixth Ohio V0I7 unteer Infantry, were off to the rendezvous at the earliest opportunity. They returned after a few months of service, but were dissatisfied that they could not have done more. A grand reception was accorded the company on. its return, and then its members resumed the thread of peaceful life. A few Fulton county men reached the scene of action in the Philippines, where they rendered valiant service and proved their worthiness on every field. The officers of Company G of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry were: Captain, John A. Weir ; first lieutenant, John F. Outcalt ; second lieutenant, M. W. McConkey. Wellington Whitehom and Samuel Williams were two Fulton county boys who contracted disease in the service and died. The military company at Wauseon disbanded soon after the close of the Spanish-American war and has never been reorganized.

The year 1894 was characterized by the great labor strikes ail over the country, and the exceptionally "hard times" incident to and following a world-wide monetary stringency. Coxey, and his army of followers, marched through the land en route to Washington, where he hoped that a "petition in boots" would stimulate favorable consideration of relief measures by the Congressional bodies. But Coxey's interest in the "common weal" brought an entirely different result - he was arrested for "walking on the park grass" in Washington. A few of his followers passed through Fulton county.

The Klondike excitement was somewhat abated during the Spanish troubles, and many young men who would otherwise have gone to the new territory of the far northwest, were diverted from that purpose to enter the army. But Fulton county had its representatives in the Alaskan gold fields, several young men having tried their fortunes and their endurance, with results not entirely satisfactory.

Absorbing interest was manifested in the national campaign of 1900, as it had been on a similar occurrence, in 1896. In both cases, a distinguished citizen of the State led the successful party. In Fulton county the two campaigns were fought with remarkable vigor by the adherents to each party creed.

Beginning as far back as the 7o's, Northwestern Ohio, and especially Fulton and Williams counties, was for many years the scene of disastrous conflagrations, frequent in occurrence and plainly incendiary in character. Dwelling houses, bams and business houses with their stocks of merchandise were in turn victims of the fire fiend, until every citizen felt insecure and insurance companies preferred other localities in which to transact business. The State Fire Marshall and his deputies were tireless in their efforts to find the guilty parties, but year after year passed by with small prospects of success. In May, 1903, however, the Williams county grand jury was furnished with sufficient evidence to cause them to return indictments against a number of men, charged with burning different buildings, and the. Fulton county grand jury soon afterwards also returned several indictments. So thorough lad been the work of the officers, and so complete .the information secured, that out of eighteen who were arraigned in the two counties and charged with such crime, sixteen plead guilty and the remaining two were easily convicted upon trial. It is too early as yet to write the history of these transactions, for it is understood mat there are other developments to follow. However this may be, it is hoped that a quietus has been put upon the organized band who so long plied their nefarious vocation in this locality.

About 1884 or 1885, die subject of gravel roads was first agitated in Fulton county, but there was so much opposition that for several years the project was held in abeyance.. About 1891, however, Clinton township graveled a mile of road, south of Wauseon, and, in 18931 two miles were graveled north of Wauseon. This township, following the law, which allows a levy of four mills tax for road improvement, has now nearly all of its roads graveled. Other townships have done something in this way, also, but during the last few years, working under die new law which taxes those benefitted, some townships have been .very busy improving their roads.

The Twentieth century has started with fine prospects for Fulton county in a material sense. In 1901, the Wabash railroad built a branch from Montpelier to Toledo, passing through Wauseon and other important towns; in 1903, an electric railway, the Toledo & Western, was built through the northern part of the county, touching Metamora, Lyons and Fayette, and early in 1903, the Toledo & Indiana Electric Railway was built, service from Wauseon beginning April 1, 1903. In 1905, it was extended west to Bryan, and by this line Swan ton, Delta, Wauseon, Petti sville and Archbold are each given the advantages of an electric road. Other highways of travel and commerce are promised, and with her fertile fields, thriving towns and excellent people, Fulton takes a high rank among her sister counties of the Buckeye State.