Ballville Township (part 2 of 4)

I well remember when I travelled in the Maumee country, 1 would pass trains of Indians near half a mile long. I recollect preaching on this side of the Maumee River and then would ford the river and preach on the west side, and when I crossed the river I would take corn in my saddle-bags to feed my horse. One place I preached at they were real old Yankees. I asked them what they thought I was ? They said they could see that I was a Yankee. I just let them have it so. We did not quarrel over our pedigree, nor over what we h;id to eat; it ail tasted good so long as it lasted. We were thankful those days if we had a little corn-bread and a little venison. There was a difference between those days and the present. Oh, Lord, bring backsomeof iheold kindred feelings that used to cliaracterize this church. In those days there were but few bridges across the rivers in this country. When on my first mission in Hancock county I had to cross the .Auglaize River some nine times; my mission was so assigned that I could not do otherwise. I often would swim my horse across the river. I recollect of one time attempting to cross on the ice, to go to my quarterly meeting - Rev. Z. Crom was my presiding elder, and my mission was his district. Iii those days we had local presiding elders; they would have one. two, three, or four circuits to preside over. I was the first nian that spoke out in the conference in answer to the bishop when the question was asked, ."Will you have local or traveling presiding elders?" I said travelling, and it raised a commotion for a little while, but it subsided. My elder and I, in crossing the Auglaize River, near the mouth of Riley Creek - it was in the spring of the year, and the ice was then very rotten. The elder's horse being the smallest I told him to cross first. He got across all right. I took off my saddle and saddle-bags, took my horse by the bridle and started, and when I got near the middle of the river the ice broke and my horse went under all but his head. 1 kept ahead of the hor.se; the bridle pulled off, and when I caught hold of the halter he made a number of springs. He finally succeeded in getting nearer the shore, and the ice bore him up. I then led him to the shore, put my saddle on him, and, having but about two miles to go to the appointment, I went those two miles in pretty quick time. My horse came out all right.

more to the lake. The first four miles (all the way forest) brought me to Tousaint Creek. It being high I swam my horse across. I then had eight or ten miles yet through the woods to the lake. When I came to the prairie I came into a French settlement. It was so fenced up that there was no way getting through without going through the field or through Turtle Marsh. I called at a house. A French woman came out and muttered her French and motioned across the marsh. I started across, but had not gone more than one rod when my horse fell over some timbers of some kind. I slid off from my horse into the marsh, held on to the bridle, and got out on the same side. I think it was a little different from the Slough of Despond that Bunyan speaks of. I know the Lord did not want me to go through Turtle Marsh. The citizens told me that some French ponies had gone through, but an English horse could not. By that time a boy came there. I told him I wanted to go through the field. He opened the fence and let me through. I asked him if they had any meeting in their place. He said they had. I wanted to know who preached for them. He said the priest. I risked no more questions - I conjectured the rest. It was enough; the Lord delivered me out of Turtle Marsh.

Well, you see something of the trials of one of the old itmerants of Sandusky conference. I recollect when my circuit led through Wood county, at one time I came to the Portage River, near New Rochester; the river was very high. It extended all over the bottom about forty rods. The water had taken away pait of the bridge. The middle bent and the one that extended to the shore on the east side was all that was left. Heavy timbers being laid on the bridge held those two bents and stringers together. I first got on the bridge and tried its strength. I then led my horse on the first part; then he had to jump down about two feet on the middle part of the bridge. I then led him to the end of that part, then made him jump into the water. It was about midsides to my horse. He then was so far from me that I jumped into the water and waded a few rods. I s.iw a stump extended above the water. I got onto the stump and then onto my horse, and after riding twenty or thirty rods my horse had to swim the rest of the way. Whenever I started for the west branch of Portage I had about one-half a mile from the river to the main woods. Before I got to the woods I heard a wonderful noise. I could not tell what it was till all at once a terrible storm broke upon me.

The timbers or trees fell all around me. I turned my horse and ran him back to the river, jumping him over the timber that fell. By that time the storm had passed over. I then again went on my way. When I came to the west branch of Portage I kept up the river, did not cross it. When I came within one-half mile of Brother Crum's the water again extended over the road so that my horse had to swim. When over or through the water I then got down into my stirrups and commenced singing, and sang all the way till I reached the house, and felt fine to preach for them at night - just as happy as I well could be. God said: "My grace is sufficient. As thy day is so shall thy grace be. "

Let me state one more recollection. Well do I renjember crossing what was known as the Lance bridge, a little west of Carey. My appointment was at Father Shoup's. The bridge across the prairie was one mile long, and there had been heavy rains, and on the south end of the bridge the freshet had taken away about two rods of the bridge. The rails had been laid tight one against another on the sod. At this place loose rails had been laid for people to walk over, about fifteen or twenty inches apart. It looked rather dangerous; there was no water there, yet I knew not what a wonderful place it was. I took off my saddle and knelt down and implored God to help me as on other occasions. I took my horse by the bridle, mtending to lead him by the side of the loose rails, and as I started and stepped quick, intending the horse to walk by the side of the rails, he at once sprang upon the rails and followed me over; I returned my grateful thanks to the Lord. I then walked back and got my saddle, and got upon my horse, and went to my appointment. They asked me what way I came. I told them. They were alarmed when I told them how I crossed the prairie, knowing that some of the bridge was gone, that scattering loose rails were laid for people to walk over. A pole could be run down twenty feet anywhere near that place. So I was convinced the Lord safely led me through. Now, my dear brethren, I have just noted down a little of the travels of an early itinerant. Those days were days of grace, and not days of money or high salaries. Those days were days of grace and glory; many loud hallelujahs went up to God. Those days were days of love to God and love toward each other; no sparring, no trying to e.xcel. The glory of God and the salvation of the world was the grand theme.

Green Creek

GREEN CREEK township embraces an area six miles square, bounded on the north by Riley, on the east by York, on the south by Seneca county, and on the west by Ballville. The surface is more undulatins; than any other part of the county, except in the immediate vicinity of the river in Ballville township. Three well defined sand ridges angle through the township in a northeast and southwest direction. The roads on the summit of these ridges are the oldest, the ridges being followed on account of their dryness. These roads in dry weather become almost impassable for heavily freighted wagons, as the wheels sink in the sand to the depth of six inches, causing resistance almost as great as clay mud in spring time. These roads are always best just after a dashing rain.

The township is drained by three creeks of considerable size, all flowing the whole length of the territory from south to north. Farthest east is Raccoon Creek, which passes through the village ot Clyde. Through the centre flows South Creek, which rises in this township. The stream of greatest size is Green Creek, the two branches of which meet about one mile and a half from the Seneca county line. The west branch rises in Seneca county, its source being a spring which discharges about six hundred cubic feet of water per minute. The spring which gives rise to the east branch is the most celebrated place in the county.

Green Spring

young forest trees, near the centre of which is a spring of rare interest, whether aesthetically or scientifically considered. A river of water forces itself through a fissure in the rock-bed fifty feet below the surface and overflows from a great well ten feet in circumference, and reaching to the depth of eighteen feet without an obstruction, at the rate of more than two barrels per second. The water is strongly saturated with sulphur and mineral solutions which stain every substance coming in contact with it, a rich green, varying in shade under the influence of light. Nowhere in nature is to be seen a more gorgeous display of coloring than in this well on a clear morning when the angling rays of the sun, reflected by the rising current of clear liquid, give to every object an appearance of moving and gorgeously colored forms.

That the Indian has an appreciation of the beautiful in nature is shown by the historical connections of the place. The surrounding grove was once an Indian clearing and at the same time a place of resort and amusement. Here the chiefs met for consultation and mingled with the .sulphurous odors of the waters the smoke of cannakanick, arrow wood and tobacco.

The Senecas, whose reservation included the spring, knew well the medicinal properties of the water, and were familiar with its uses. There are many traditional stories connected with the departure of tliese Indians and the springs. They are of little historic value, being probably poetic inventions. One of these generally accredited is, that a council of chiefs ordered that the spring should be forever destroyed before their unwilling departure for the unknown regions of the West. Logs were cut and thrown into the well lengthwise, brushes, earth and stones were piled upon them, and the channel thus closed. But the force of the ascending current was irresistible; water would plow its way through the interstices which greatly enraged the Indians. A celebrated chief damned the water, and to emphasize the curse which he had pronounced, placed the muzzle of his heavily charged musket in the stubborn stream, and fired, but the barrel burst, which indicated the disapprobation of the Great Spirit, and no further attempts to destroy this healer of man's infirmities were made by the red men.

The water has been known to possess healing properties ever since the first settlement of the country. Year by year the number who came to receive its benefits, increased, until better accommodations became desirable. In the summer of 1868 Robert Smith, the owner of the property, organized a stock company for the improvement of the grounds and the erection of suitable buildings. Having had the water analyzed, the company became sanguine of being able to build up a great health institution. A large hotel and water cure building was erected, and has been open for the reception of patients and visitors since that time. The company is largely indebted to Dr. Sprague, who, by efficient management, gave the institution a full share of its well deserved popularity.

From the spring a stream capable of turning a large mill, flows through a beautiful glen. The water at several places in Green Creek township contains mineral solutions, but nowhere in such per centage as at Green Spring. Fish come up Green Creek to within about four miles of its source. The bay near the mouth of Green Creek is filled with bass and other fish, but they are unable to live in sulphur water, except very small solution.

Considerable attention is given this tribe of Indians, or more properly, collection of tribes, in the chapter relating to Ballville, and also in the general history in the fore part of this volume. But as their new council house stood within the present boundaries of this township, and consequently in later years the seat of empire changed, it is proper that something should be said in this connection descriptive of the habits and life of these semi-barbarians. ^

They had been driven from their native homes in New York, corrupted by contact with the border settlements, and as we find them in this county from 1818 to 1831, confined to a comparatively small tract of forty thousand acres. The general description which we here present is based upon an interview with Judge Hugh Welsh, of Seneca county, who knew these people well. He, in fact, was one among them. It will be seen that the distance between the red-skin and the white-skin was not so great as is commonly supposed.

The members of the several tribes - Wyandots, Mohawks, Oneidas, and Senecas - did not speak a language sufficiently uniform in vocabulary to carry on common conversation. They, however, made each other understand their simple wants. Their vocabularies were very diff"erent. The Wyandots called tobacco "hamahmah," the Senecas and Mohawks, "mah." The Mohawks called a knife "winnasrah," accenting the last syllable, while the Senecas accented next to the last.

Quite a number of the Indians had shanties built of twelve foot poles, notched at the corners like a corn crib, and cov ered with bark. The roof was also made of bark weighted down with poles. They lived in these huts winter and summer, except when hunting. They frequently made expeditions to trap, hunt, and make sugar. There was more game here than further west where there were more Indians. There were plenty of deer, bear, and wolves. There never were any beaver in this vicinity. Venison was the staple food, but in winter, while the deer were poor in consequence of snow on the ground, raccoons, turkeys, etc., were used for food instead of venison. Indians are born strategists as well as hunters. Close observation and native ingenuity enabled them to invent calls by which deer and turkeys were enticed almost within reach. Turkeys were called by hiding behind a log and sucking air through the bone of a turkey wing. In this way a sound was made identical with that of a tame turkey hen. The deer call was made by blowing through a hollow pit.ce of wood with one end stopped up and a hole cut in at the side, over which was f;istened a piece of metal. The sound was like that of a young fawn bleating ma-a-a-a.

These Indians had a great many ponies, almost every man owning one. Many of the squaws were also expert riders. The only grain they cultivated was corn, which they raised in little patches. The corn raised on a quarter of an acre would keep two or three individuals in that article a whole winter. Several methods were employed for preparing corn, but the common practice was to boil the grain whole, the hull having been removed with lye. There was, however, variety in the manner of serving their plain fare. The corn was | sometimes pounded to a meal and sifted through a skin with holes punched in it. The meal was baked into bread, and the coarser pieces remaining in the sieve were made into hominy. The pounding was done in a mortar made by cutting a tree off square and cutting or burning out the centre. The pestle was a hard piece of iron-wood, made round at both ends. The squaws did the pounding as well as cooking. Meat was usually boiled with the corn. A peculiarity of their eating was that only one article was eaten at a time. They never mixed different kinds of food in their mouths.

Their corn was long-eared, and had eight rows of grains, sometimes entirely blue, some almost black, and some a mixture of white, blue, and black. It is raised in this county yet sometimes, the seed having come from the Indians.

Their kettles were of copper or brass, and held from ten to fifteen gallons. These were used for making sugar and hominy. They made considerable sugar which was used for sweetening corn. They tap])ed the trees by cutting in notches with hatchets, and made troughs of elm bark, for catching the sap. Canoes were made of the same material.

In the absence of kettles the meat and corn was placed on sticks and roasted. The Indians were particularly fond of roasting cars. They usually ate in small companies, in relationships rather than in families. At times food was hard to get, the supply of corn having been exhausted, and game scarce in spring time. Occasionally they were driven to the necessity of boiling old deer heads, which were anything but savory.

The boys used for hunting, bows and arrows. The arrows used for shooting low were made with heavy steel points, bought ready made. Feathers set on with a twist were always used on the sharp arrows. They hunted squirrels with a blunt arrow, on which there was no feather. Boys were given the rifle at the age of eighteen. Grown Indians generally hunted with the rifle.

smokers. Smoking is one of the few customs of civilized society to which the red man takes naturally. Drinking stimulants is another. The inference is that all humanity is naturally predisposed to both. The Senecas smoked tobacco and the bark of wahoo, which they called kannakanick. They also smoked the bark of a species of dogwood, and sometimes mixed all three of these articles in the same pipe. They were what has been termed aesthetic smokers, never indulging except when at at leisure, which was the greater part of the time.

These Indians did their own tanning. If a hide was dry, they soaked it in the water of a running stream. They then stretched it over a smooth log the size of a man's leg, and with a knife-blade placed in a curved stick, would, scrape off all the hair and outside skin; then turning, they scraped off the flesh, and laid the skin out to dry. They then soaked them in deer's brains and warm water worked into a suds. After leaving them to soak two or three days, these self-taught tanners dressed them by rubbing with a stone much like those called axes which are sometimes ploughed up in the fields. The skins were frequently pulled during this operation. The leather thus tanned was colored by digging a hole in the ground, hanging the hides on sticks standing upright in this hole and throwing in burnmg rotten wood until the color suited.

When I first knew the Indians, the men dressed in moccasins and leggins, a calico shirt reaching to the knees or hips, and above a jacket, or some garment. The principal dress was, however, one of the Canadian blankets fastened with a belt. The arm was protected with deer-skin from brush in the woods. They wore bracelets and ornaments on the breast. The squaws wore broadcloth long enough to fasten with a belt at the waist. Above they wore a jacket; they had moccasins and leggins. They wore hats got from the whites, when they could get them, otherwise nothing. Leggins were worn much by the whites; rattlesnakes could not well strike through them. The Indians were fond of paints, using them especially in their war dances. For red they used blood-root; for yellow, some other root, the name of which is not recalled; and for black, coal mixed with grease or oil.

The Indians indulged much in gaming, foot-racing, horse-racing, and wrestling being the favorite sports. The burial customs of the Wyandots were like the whites. The Mohawks buried along Honey Creek, in Seneca county. The body was placed in a sort of box made of slabs or poles. The Sauks, Foxes, and Pottawattomies placed the body in a sitting posture on the ground, and built a pen around of sticks and logs.

Settlement

Sometime during the war of 181 2 Samuel Pogue, a soldier in General Harrison's army, drove a stake near the spring in the west part of Clyde, and declared his intention of settling at that place after the cessation of hostilities. It is also learned from tradition that after viewing the surrounding country from the elevation on the other side of the creek, he ventured the prophesy that sometime a town would occupy that land. This prophesy was made nearly seventy years ago, when Fort Stephenson and a few army trails were the only evidence, in this county, of the existence of white men; when the forest abounded in the native animals of the locality; railroads existed only in the fancy of dreamy philosophers. But when Mr. Pogue, in 1820, came to take formal possession of the land he had selected, he found a hastily-built cabin occupied by the family of Jesse Benton. Benton had preceded him but a few weeks, and was attracted by the same spring and general surroundings. A squatter's title is possession, and Benton had possession, but being a typical squatter Mr. Pogue surmised his weak point and brought to bear on him the strongest temptation to abdicate the favorite tract.

The offer of a barrel of whiskey accompHshed the purpose, and the cabin was vacated. Benton built a cabin further up the creek, and put out a tavern sign. This was an ideal pioneer tavern. One of the early settlers of York township informs us that he once stopped at Benton's when the table fare consisted entirely of squash. It was not the fault of the proprietor of this forest tavern, for it was simply impossible to obtain other food.

But before proceeding with this sketch it is proper that we should go back to mention the first family in the township - the Bakers. Samuel Baker, sr., emigrated from New York to Ohio in che winter of 1818 with a family of one son and four daughters. This was the first family to penetrate the woods of Green Creek and begin life among the Indians. The oldest son, Samuel, who died recently, was acquainted with the life of this community from its beginning. A biograj^hy of the family will be found in this volume. The Cleveland family settled in this township soon afterwards. A biographical sketch is given in this chaj)ter.

Samuel Pogue was accompanied to the township by his stepson, Lyman F. Miller, Silas Dewey, Giles Thompson, and Amos Fenn. The farm on which he built his cabin and commenced a clearing was purchased at the first Government sale. After the death of Mr. Togue it came into possession of his step-son, Lyman Miller, and his son-in-law, George R. Brown, who, after the railroads were built laid it out in lots, as will be seen further along.

These first families, Clevelands, Bakers, Pogue, Dewey, and Fenn, were not squatters in the common sense of that term. They came with the idea of staying - improving their farms and buying the land when it was placed upon the market. The squatter, in the commonly accepted sense of the term, was one who found a place to live in the wild country where he could supply the simple wants of his appetite without the inconvenience of hard labor. He reasoned well that it would be folly to stir his blood by swinging an axe for the benefit of the man who would eventually crowd him off. This class of squatters became a peculiar people. Living between the savage red man and the hard working pioneer, they became semi-savage. It should, therefore, be remembered that there is a wide difference between "squatters" and "squatter settlers," to which last-named class the pioneers of Green Creek belong. Thus having given a glimpse of the beginning of white occupation, we will now proceed to sketch briefly the general settlement of the township.

Amos Fenn was born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, in September, 1793. His educational facilities were limited, but a taste for reading led him to employ his leisure time in the acquisition of information, so that he became a remarkably well posted man. At the age of fifteen, his father having died, he was apprenticed at the trade of house carpentering. In 1817 he came to Ohio, and landed first at the mouth of the Huron, then went to Ogontz Place, now Sandusky. He was accompanied on this journey by Silas Dewey, with whom he afterwards came to Green Creek. ^Vhile at Sandusky he made the acquaintance of W. B. Smith, whose sister he married. In February, 1820, he joined the party consisting of the Pogue family, Silas Dewey, and Giles Thompson, and came to Clyde. Mr. Camp was at that time making the survey of the Indian purchase, and found Mr. Fenn a valuable employe. When theland came into market, Mr. Fenn made a purchase and started an improvement. He was in the habit of saving the odds and ends of time. He occupied bad weather in the manufacture of chairs, which were in demand. Their substitution for slab benches was greatly appreciated by the labor-burdened settlers. Mr. Fenn served as justice of the peace for a period of eighteen years from 1843. He was also a local preacher of the Methodist church. Mrs. Fenn died in June, 1839. ^^ 1840 he married Mrs. Brace, of Erie county, who is yet living. Mr. Fenn died January 16, 1879.

Lyman Miller removed from New York, with his mother, his father having died some years before, and settled at Huron. His mother was married to Samuel Pogue at Huron, who in 1820 came to Green Creek. Mr. Miller attended the first school in the township, which was taught by Joshua Fairchilds. In 1835 he married Melissa Harkness, daughter of Dr. Harkness, of the Corners. His connection with the founding of Clyde is noticed in this chapter.

Jonathan Rathbun, grandfather of Saxton S. Rathbun, one of the oldest residents of the county, came to Sandusky county in 1820, and settled on what is now known as the Persing farm. He had four sons - Clark, Chaplin, Lucius, and Martin. Clark remained a few years, and then returned to New York. Chaplin lived and died in this township, on the place where S. S. Rathbun now lives. Lucius remained in the township, and reared a large family. He died in Michigan. Martin lived in the township a number of years, moved to Michigan, and died there. The daughters were : Sally, Marvel, Eliza, and Laura. Sally married Roswell Merrill, lived in Green Creek some years, and then returned to New York. Marvel married Lyman Jones, and lived and died in the township. Eliza mairried Amon Mil-

Chaplin and Lucinda (Sutliff) Rathbuii came from Lorain county in 1824. They were born in New York State. Of their children one son and four daughters are living, viz: Saxton S., Janet (Cleveland), and Catharine (Huss), Green Creek - Sarah (Foster) and Eliza (Hunter), in Indiana.

S. S. Rathbun was born in Livingstort county, New York, in 1813. In 1835 ^^ married Barbara Huss. She bore him eleven sons and two daughters. The daughters and five of the sons are still liv^ ing, viz: Norton G., Green Creek: Saxtoti Burton, Green Creek; Chaplin L., Ballville ; Mary Lucinda (Storer), Green Creek; Martin Brace, Green Creek; Orvilla (Sackrider), Green Creek ; and John E., Ballville.

Norton G. Rathbun was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, September 19, 1839. He is a son of Saxton S. and Barbara Rathbun, of this township. Mr. Rathbun was brought up and educated in Green Creek township. When young he travelled for some time in the West. He was married December 25, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Hufford, daughter of Cornelius and Mary Hufford, of Ballville township. They have three children - Edwin, Arthur, and Herman. Mr. Rathbun was elected county commissioner in 1878, and is at present serving in that capacity. Previously he was superintendent of the infirmary.

Samuel McMillan came from Livingston county, New York, to Thompson township, Seneca county, in 1818, where he improved a farm and planted apple and peach seeds. In 182 1 he purchased a tract of land near the present site of Clyde, and removed there with his family, consisting of a wife and five children. He brought to the township the first fruit trees - the growth from the seeds planted in Seneca county. Their children settled as follows: Samuel, in Central Ohio; Henry (deceased), in the western part of Clyde; Sibyl, wife of Norton Russell, York township; Nancy, widow of Elder Isaac May, Townsend; Luther P. settled in Wisconsin, where he died ; Betsy died at Amsden's Corners, in 1818.

Henry McMillan married Sophia Beaucamp, a native of Guernsey Island, France. Their family consisted of seven children, only two of whom are living - Nancy and Mary. Nancy married Ezra Hall, who was born in Vermont, in 1829. He came to Clyde in 1852, being employed under a contract to lay railroad iron on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad. He has made Clyde his home since that time. In 1853 he was married to Nancy McMillen, who was born in 1833. He is now engaged in gardening at Clyde. Their family consisted of one child - William. Mary McMillcn is nnriicd to Gideon Rhodes, of Clyde. They have two children.

The following list of voters shows who were residents of the township in 1822. The poll is of the fall election : Samuel S. Baker, Benjamin Collings, Joshua Woodard, Samuel Uttley, Samuel Pogue, Josiah Rumery, Levi F. Tuttle, Silas Dewey, John J. Quackenbush, Jared H. Miner, Clark Cleveland, Moses Cleveland, Cleveland, jr., Jesse Benton, Roswell Merrell, Jacob H. Benjamin, Jonathan Rathbun, Andrew McNutt, Lucius Rathbun, and Levi Sawyer. The whole number of votes at this election was twenty. At the first election, held the ])receding spring, there were seventeen votes cast, but the list of names was not preserved. At the election held in the spring of 1823, thirty-two votes were polled. As these poll sheets approximately indicate the changes and increase of population, the

So lapidly did the township fill up after the initial improvements had been made that it is im[)ossibleeven to give the names of all settlers, even those who built permanent homes. This part of tlie county has been particularly favored with a progressive, energetic class of people who have accumulated wealth, and given praiseworthy attention to matters of general culture and refinement. Brief mention of some of the leading families will not be inappropriate in this connection.

Butternut Ridge in Green Creek township, where they lived and died. They were among the very first settlers, and located in the then almost unbroken wilderness. They came by team all the way from New York State, from Buffalo going a part of the distance upon the ice, and arrived in the township in the month of March. The first few weeks after their arrival the family lived in an old sugar shanty until a cabin could be erected. After he had arrived and settled down, Mr. Babcock found himself with a cash capital of just two shillings.

Elisha Babcock died in 1841, aged fifty-four years; Mrs. Babcock in 1857, aged seventy-four. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters. Their oldest child, Esther, was married to Mr. Walldorff in New York State before her parents came to CHiio, and remained there until her decease. Laura became Mrs. Chapel, and afterwards tlie wife of J. C. Coleman, of Fremont. She is also dead. Clark, who married Ann Lee, died in Porter county, Indiana. Hiram married Mary Ann Lay, and after her decease Josephine Woodruff. He died upon the old place in Green Creek township about nine years ago. He has seven children living - three in this county, viz: Thomas, Green Creek; Margaret (Leslie), Michigan; Prudence (Drown), Pennsylvania; Mary (Gray), Wood county; Mahala(Craig), Iowa; Clementine and Harry, Green Creek.

Merlin Babcock, the only representative of the original family, was born in 181 9, and now resides in York township. For his first wife he married Almira Dirlam. There were three children by this marriage: Sarah (Craig), Franklin county; Callie (Kinney), York township, and Frank, Clyde. For his second wife Mr. Babcock married Agnes Donaldson. John, the only child by this union, is now a resident of Colorado.

Adam Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1820, and four years later settled in the western part of Green Creek. He died in 1854. Mrs. Smith, whose maiden name was Fanny Johnson, died in 1879. Their children were Mary (Brunthaver), Catharine (Preston), Samuel, Adam, and David.

Noah and Mary (Burkolder) Huss, natives of Pennsylvania, settled in Fairfield county in 1822, and in 1825 in Green Creek township. Two of their sons and four of their daughters are still living, viz: Mrs. Eleanor Hawk, Green Creek; James Huss, Centreville, Michigan; Mrs. Barbara Raihbun and Mrs. M. J. Mclntyre, Green Creek; Jacob Huss, in California, and Mrs. Martha Conelly in Iowa.

Joseph Hawk was born in Pickaway county, in 1814. He came to Sandusky county in 1825. He married for his first wife Sarah Tillotson, by whom he had four children. For his second wife he married Martha Harris, by whom he had eight children, all of whom are living. Mr. Hawk has always given his exclusive attention to farming.

Truman Grover was born in New York, March 13, 18 10. He came to Green Creek in 1826, and in 1835 i^i-irried Catharine Swart. Their family consists of seven children, viz : Eunice (Perin), Milo, Frank, Margaret (Clapp), Enos, Melvina (Hart), and Ella. Ransom died at the age of twenty-one years. Mr. Grover has probably made more railroad ties than any man in the township, having furnished the ties for twenty-eight miles of the Michigan & Dayton; while for the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati, he furnished all the bridge and culvert timber from Green Spring to Castalia. Commencing in 1838 he worked about three years on the old Ohio railroad.

Tompkins county), New York, October 20, 1809. His parents, John and Mary Lay, moved to Ohio in 1816; stopped in Huron county a littie over a year; moved to. Seneca county and remained there until 1828, when they came to Sandusky county. John Lay died at the age of eightyfour, his wife at the age of seventy-six. William E. Lay was married, April 11, 1833, to Margaret Lee, of Adams township, Seneca county. They have had eleven children, nine of whom survive. The oldest, Minerva, died in infancy; Harkness N., resides at Clyde; Elizabeth, at home; Cornelia (Lefever), Green Creek; Henry S., at home; Clementine, at home; Frank, died at Savannah, Georgia, while in his country's service, in the nineteenth year of his age. He was in the Seventysecond Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was a prisoner at Andersonville, and the hardships and deprivations of that prison doubtless caused his death. Harkness vv^s a member of the same regiment and was also imprisoned. Fidelia married Cyrus Alexander, Erie county. Alice is the wile of Cyrus L. Harnden, Clyde. William B. and Mabel are at home.

Samuel Storer was born near the city of Portland, Maine, January 22, 1807. He came to Ohio with his parents, Joseph and Charlotte Storer, who were among the pioneers. They settled at Zanesville in i8i6; remained there ten years, moving to Cuyahoga county in 1827. Mr. Storer moved to Sandusky county in 1863. He was married, in 1831, to Sarah J. Fish, a daughter of James Fish, the first permanent settler in Brooklyn, Cuyahoga county; Ohio. They have seven children living, and three deceased, viz: Samuel Elisha (deceased); Sarah (Pool), Green Creek; Miranda P. (Cunningham), Clyde; James, Cleveland; Mary J. (Clapp), Green Creek; Susan M. (deceased); Charles W., Green Creek; John W. (deceased); Henrietta

(Huss), Green Creek ; and Benjamin A., a physician at Republic, Seneca county. While Mr. Storer was in Brooklyn he carried on the business of tanning; since he settled in this county he has been a farmer. Mr. Storer is a Republican. Both he and his wills are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Francis and Sarah (Swope) Ramsey came from Fairfield countv, Ohio, to Sandusky county in 1830. Three of their children are living - David, in Green Creek; Jane, in Clyde; and Frank, in Kansas. George died at Clyde in 1879.

David Ramsey was born in Fairfield county in 1829. He married Sarah Ann York, by whom he had two children - Ella (Waugh) and Euphemia (Combs). Mr. Ramsey married, for his second wife, Charlotte McHenry, by whom he had three children, two of whom are living, Belle and Grace. Mr. Ramsey has served in various local official capacities.

Willard Perin was born in Massachusetts in 1802. The family removed to New York, and thence to Ohio in 1833. In 1833 Willard married Lucy Gale, and lives on the same farm on which he settled that year. Mrs. Perin died July 31, 1881, aged seventy. Their children are: Willard Henry, born in 1S33, killed by a threshing machine in Michigan in 1862; Dolly Rebecca, born 1835, the wife gf James B. Drown, Green Creek; William Taylor, born 1837; Fernando C, born 1839, died in Michigan in 1863; Austin G., born 1841, resides at Green Creek ; Lucy A., born 1844, married MiloGrover, Green Creek; Bloomy E., born 1847, married John Shaw, Green Creek; Genevra A., born 1850, Green Creek.

John T. Perin, brother of Willard, was born in 1820. He came to this county in 1833. In 1848 he married Miss Gale, by whom he has four children.

Christian Huss was born February 21, 1815, and married, in 1837, Catharine Rathbun, who was born in Ontario county, New York, in 1818. Her parents removed thence to Lorain county, and a few years later to Sandusky count}'. Ten of her twelve children are living, viz.: Chaplin, Eliza (Morrison), Noah B., Burr, Maurice L., Jane (McMillan), Oliver P., Barbara (Young), Saxton, and Christian E. Christian Huss died in 1864, aged forty nine years. He came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1824.

Hosea and Mary (Harrington) Harnden came to the county about 1835, ^""^ lived about one year on what is now the Hildwein farm. Then they moved and lived in different parts of the State until 1849, "hen they returned to the township and settled where Kneeland Harnden now lives. Jonathan Harnden, son of Hosea, came with his parents. He married Nancy Smith in Huron county, and was the father of nine children, six of whom are living, located as follows: Hosea and Kneeland, Green Creek; Smith, in Ottawa county; Alexander and Cyrus L., Clyde, Mary (Tuttle), Clyde. Jonathan Harnden died in 1867, aged fifty-two years, and Nancy Harnden in 1873, aged fifty-eight. Kneeland Harnden was born July 3, 1841, in Huron county, now Ashland county, and came to Sandusky county with his parents. In 1865 he married Hattie Fuller of Townsend township. They have two children, Minnie and John.

David Hawk was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents, Conrad and Elizabeth Hawk, when five years old. They lived in Huron county, and later came to Sandusky county. In 1829 David Hauk married Eleanor Huss, born in Pennsylvania in

1812. Mr. Hawk died, in 1855, aged fifty years. He was the father of fourteen children, thirteen living: David, Green Creek; John, California; Mary (Hutchins), Ballville; Lewis, died in Andersonville prison - was in the Seventy-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Noah, Green Creek; Charles, Iowa; George, Green Creek; Elizabeth (Parker), Iowa; James, Green Creek ; Eliza (Scholey), Clyde; Clementine (Flora), Green Creek'; Clarissa (Moore), Wood county; Cyrus, Green Creek; Alice (Young), Green Creek.

David Hawk is a son of David and Eleanor (Huss) Hawk, both of whom were members of some of the early families which settled in this township. Mr. Hawk was born in Green Creek township February 6, 1830, and his home has been here ever since, excepting about one year, which he spent in California at the time of the gold digging excitement. Mr. Hawk was married, September i, 1853, to Mary O. Mclntyre, daughter of Oliver and Maria (Tyler) Mclntyre. His parents were both natives of New York, and she was born in Otsego county December 7, 1833. To Mr. and Mrs. Hawk have been born five children, viz: Frederick, who married Flora Short, and resides in th.is township; Maria, Oliver, Ralph, and Laura residing at home.

Charles Brush was born in the State of Pennsylvania, March 30, i8r6. In the spring of 1833 he came to Ohio with his parents, Medad and Armida Brush, who located on the farm in Green Creek which he still occupies. The Brush family consisted of four children - Charles and three sisters: Mary Elizabeth (Thorp), Sally, Martha (Dawley), and Amanda Jane (Gray). Mrs. Gray died some years ago. The others all reside in Green Creek township. Charles Brush was married, October 26, 1856, to Hannah F. Swart^ daughter of Conrad and Margaret Swart, of Green Creek. This union has resulted in two children: Pamela Aurelia, wife of Wilton C. Gray, Clyde, and Sarah Jane, wife of Willard S. Drown, Green Creek. They have also an adopted son, Stephen Sodan, now about twenty-one years of age. Mr. Brush has held various local offices.

Orrin and Annis (Gibbs) Dirlam were natives of Massachusetts, and Mrs. Dirlam died there. In 1833 Mr. Dirlam moved with his family to Green Creek township. Three of their sons and one daughter are still living: Martin Dirlam, Ashland county; Mrs. Mary Hutchinson, Green Creek; Franklin Dirlam, Townsend; and James Dirlam, ^Vood county. Franklin Dirlam was born in Blandford, Massachusetts, December 12, i'S24; came to Ohio with his parents, who setilid in Green Creek township. Mr. Dirlam was married in 1855 to Rebecca Van Buskirk, a native of Tuscarawas county, born in 182S. Her parents, William and Jemima (Lindsey) Van Buskirk, are residents of Riley, where they settled in 1S33. Mr. and Mrs. Dirlam have five children living, two deceased: Howard, in Michigan; Adele, deceased; Etina, Burt, Inez, Henry B., at home. The next, a son, died in infancy. Mr. Dirlam served in the Mexican war over a year under Colonel Bruff He has resided in Townsend since 1856, and has held the office of townshij) trustee.

Adam Brunthaver, father of the Brunthavers of Green Creek and Ballville townships, was born in Pennsylvania in 1787. He married Mary Ridenhour, and first settled in Fairfield county, Ohio. In 1835 the family moved to this county and settled in Green Creek. The family consisted of ten children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Henry, John, Peter, Mary, Christina, Elizabeth, and Leah. Mrs. 3^ary Brunthaver died in 1835. He married again in 1839, Mary Smith. The family by this wife consisted of twelve children, six of whom are living, viz.: Lewis, Martin, William, Margaret, Delilah, and Martha. Mr. Brunthaver died in 1859, the patriarch of a large and respectable family. Peter Brunthaver was born in Fairfield county in 1823. He married, in 1847, Mary J. Cook, and has a family of seven children living, viz.: Charles E., Washington, District of Columbia; Samuel W., Wood county; Orrin J., Ballville; Frank P., Ballville; Lucinda J.' (Dawley), Green Creek; Ellen E. (Bennett), Wood county, and Minnie E., Ballville. Mr. Brunthaver, by trade, is a carpenter. He lives on a farm in Ballville township. Lewis Brunthaver was born in Green Creek township in 1839. In 1S60 he married Laurena Forgerson. Two of their four children are living, Elnora and Ralph. William Brunthaver was born on the old homestead in 1850. In 1874 he married Annis Smith. MetaO. is their only child.

John Brunthaver was born in Fairfield county in 181 5. In 1846 he married Matilda Schouten and has six children - Esther (Jay), in this county; Mary (Waltrus), near Genoa, Ohio; J. W., Rodolphus, Lavina, and Flora, in Green Creek. luve children died before reaching maturity.

Daniel Dawling was born in New York, in 1813, and came to Ohio in 1835, locating in this township. In 1835 he married Emily Woodward, who was born in New York but came to Ohio when two years old, in 1815. She died August 26, 1870, leaving five children, viz: Zerruah, wife of H. J. Potter, Ballville; Susan O., wife of Jeremiah Wolf, Green Creek; Martha M., wife of Amon Kelsey, Ballville; Emily, wife of J. W. Knapp, Riley township; and Frances, wife of U. H. Palmer, of Lorain county. Mr. Dawley married for his second wife Mrs. Martha (Ball) Gale. Mrs. Dawley had two children by a former

P^lisha Dawley was born in Montgomery county, New York, in 1815. In 1S39 he came to Ohio and settled on the farm on which he now resides. In 1843 he married Sallie Brush, who has borne him six children, v\z: Charles, in Green Creek; Armida(Thraves), Ballville; Mary (Moore), Wood county; Emeretta (Meggit), Green Creek; Randolph, Ballville, and Elmer, Green Creek. Mr. Dawley in New York engaged in the manufacture of gloves and mi t; ens.

George T. Dana was born in Pembrook, Western New York, in 1829. With his parents, Daniel H. and Philinda Dana, he came to Sandusky county, where his liome has been ever since. Mr. Dana remained at home and worked in his father's mill at Green Spring until he began business for himself. He was engaged in stock buying a number of years with Mr. Crockett; afterwards was employed in the same business at Bellevue for three years by Chapman & Woodward. He next managed the grain warehouse of Mr. Woodward at Clyde one year. From 1862 until 1876 Mr. Dana was engaged in the Jumber business in Fremont with N. C. West. Since that time he has been living upon his farm three miles east of Fremont. Mr. Dana was married in November, 1868, to Miss Sophia Abies, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They have three children living, one deceased. The names are as follows: Philinda H., Grace T., Marion (deceased), and Amand.i C. Mr. Dana is a Republican. He was census enumerator in 1880.

George Hutchins was born in Onondaga county, New York, May 5, 1811. He married, in 1833, Matilda Anthony, and in 1836 came to Sandusky county, Ohio. Three children by his first wife are living - Willet, in this county; Maria (Bush), in

Nebraska ; and Francis M., in Green Creek. He married for his second wife Annie Huss. One child is living, Ellen (Phillips), in Colorado. For his third wife Mr. Hutchins married Sarah V. Brumley, by whom he has six children living, viz: Eveline (Upton), Clara, George, Flora, Robert, and Ida J. Mr. Hutchins served as township trustee several terms,

Joel Moore was born in New Jersey in 1825. Three years later his father removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, and in 1839 to Sandusky county. Joel Moore, who resides upon the farm on which his father settled, married Mahala Reed, of Knox county. Three children by this marriage are living - Milton, Isaac, and Robert. Mr. Moore married for his second wife Mary Dice, by whom he has five children, viz : John J., Alice, Laura, Cora, and Jennie. When tlie Moore family settled in this township only one acre was cleared on the tract which is now known as the Moore homestead.

W. C. Lefever, a son of John Lefever, was born in this township in 1836. In 1866 he married Lizzie Mackey, a native of Ross county. Mr. Lefever taught school in Missouri before the war. He entered the army as private, and was mustered out with the rank of lieutenantcolonel.

J. D. Lefever was born in this township in 1838. In 1865 he married Cornelia Lay. Mr. Lefever served during the war about three years in the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Jonathan Spohn was born m Perry county, Ohio, January 10, 1822. He came to Sandusky county in 1843. I" 1S44 he married Elizabeth Brunthaver. Three children are living and one dead - Adam, Jacob A., and Mary E., all live in this county; Francis M. died at the age of eighteen. Mr. Spohn worked at blacksmithing some time, but has been farming a number of years. He has a good farm of seveniy-six acres, situated on the turnpike, two miles east of Fremont. Mr. Spohn is a Democrat in politics, and belongs to the Lutheran church.

Benjamin Colwell was born at Poolville, New York, in 1810. In 1829 he came to Ohio, stopi)ing first in Seneca county. He then removed to Huron county, and from there to York township, this county, where he resided five years. In 1849 he removed to Green Creek township, which has been his home since that time. He married, in 1830, Lydia Philo. Two children are living - Sarah (French) and Frank E., both in this township. William E. died in the army, having been a member of the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; John, the second child, died when fourteen years old. Mr. Colwell engaged in the merchant tailoring business in Clyde for three years. Joseph and Mary Philo came to this county with Mr. Colwell and lived here until their decease.

William Hughes, a native of Philadelphia, died in 1875, ^S'^^ about seventythree. He married Mary Ann Ramsey, by whom he had a family of eight children, four of whom are living - James, C. J., Melvina E. (Spade), and George. Mrs. Hughes came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, where she was born, with her parents, Charles and Sarah (Hughes) Ramsey. There were four children in this family, who are still living, Mrs. Hughes being the oldest. Her parents first settled in Ohio in Columbiana county, and moved to Sandusky county in 1830.

Daniel Pocock was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, in 1813. Five years later his father came to Ohio and settled near Canal Dover, in Tuscarawas county. In 1834 he married Elizabeth Malone, by whom he had twelve children, five of whom are living - Levi and Elias in Green Creek township; Mary Ann (Walters), in

Indiana; Elijah in Riley, and George in Green Creek. His first wife having died he married Rebecca Pocock, and has four children - Eliza J., Ruth E., Daniel I., and Eve A. Mr. Pocock settled in this township in 1845.

Sidney Tuck was born in Wayne county. New York. In 1835 he settled on Butternut Ridge, in Seneca, with his parents, John and Eunice Tuck. The same year he introduced the first steam threshing machine ever in this part of the State. In 185 1 Mr. Tuck married Lydia Lee, a native of Seneca county. Their family consists of three children - ^Elv-a (Colwell), Ward, and Harry. Mr. Tuck carried on wagon-making and farming. He died June 29, 18S0, aged sixty-two years.

Alexander Kernahan, a native of Ireland, settled in this county in 1S54. He died June 3, 1876, aged seventy-five years. His widow, Mrs. Hannah Kernahan, is still living. She is the niother of three children, who are living - -James, Eliza, and Ambrose, all residents of Green Creek. James Kernahan was born April II, 1830, in Onondaga county. New York. Eliza Kernahan was born in the same locality January 7, 1832. Ambrose Kernahan was born in Livingston county, New York, July 19, 1836. He married Elizabeth McKinney, a native of that county.

Constantine Meyer was born in Germany in 1836. He settled in this county in 1854. In 1858 he married Barbara Schreiner, who bore four children - Ezra, Caroline, Ida, and Clara, all living. For his second wife he married Sarah Schupert, who bore four children - Rawley (deceased), Frank, Wesley, and Lilly. His third wife was Margaret Schuster, with whom he is now living. She has one child - Gertie.

were Zachariah and Maria Betts. In 1834 Richard came to Ohio with them. They located in Seneca county. In 1852 Mr. Betts was married to Lavinia Donaldson, daughter of George and Ann Donaldson from Pennsylvania. Her parents came to Ohio at an early date; lived in Pickaway county, then in Seneca county, and, in 1833, moved to this county and townsliip. Three of their nine children are living, Mis. Betts being the oldest. Susanna (Dixon) and Samuel Donaldson reside in Indiana. Mr. Donaldson followed blacksmithing many years.

John Stefley came to Ohio when quite a young man. He married Eve Pocock and has a family of seven children - Christina (Vice), Miciiigan; Sarah (Stokes) and Caihaiine (Miller), Riley township; Calvin and Edward, Green Creek; Levi, Riley township, and Mary Ann (Wykoff), Toledo. Calvin married Emily Gilbert and has four children living - Jesse, W. W., and Allen and Ellen (twins).

Mills On Green Creek

The inhabitants of this township were at first wholly dependent upon the mill on Cold Creek for flour. The slow ])rocess of grinding made it extremely inconvenient, and sometimes caused actual suffering, for the consumption of breadstuffs was (aster than the simple machinery of this pioneer mill could produce them. It was, therefore, a great relief to the inhabitants of Green Creek, particularly those living in the western part, to have a mill in their own neighborhood.

Sometime between 182 1 and 1823 Josiah Rumery built a dam on Green Creek, and with a small buhr began grinding wheat and corn. Customers were compelled to assist at bolting their own flour, as that part of the work at that time had to be done with hand bolts, lire flour, in a sanitary point of view, was better than that produced by modern mills,

The coarse bolts removed only the useless hull, leaving the hard but nutritious substance of the grain in the flour. Bread made of this flour was rougher but had more of the muscle-producing elements in it. Mr. Rumery removed from Green Creek about 1830, his mill by that time having become inadequate to the necessities of the increasing population.

Another mill was built on Green Creek further down by Mr. Emerson about 1825, but was used as a saw-mill only until Mr. Wilks purchased the site. He attached a grist-mill, which was in operation until 1852, when the building of the Lake Shore cS^ Michigan Southern Railroad necessitated its removal.

Other Industries

Mr. Kneeland Harnden has established a successful industry - that of ice-packing. He began packing this agreeable summer luxury in the winter of 1875. I'"* ''""^ ^^if^- ter of 1880-S1 he stored away about two thousand tons. Mr. Harnden was born in Ruggles townshij), Huron county, in 1841, and in 1849 came to Sandusky county with his father's family. In 1865 he married Hattie Fuller. The fruit of this union was t\ro children - Minnie and John.

The largest saw-mill in the township is owned by Walter Huber. It was formerly owned by Huber & Ellsworth, and has been in operation since 1873. The capacity of this mill is sixteen hundred feet per day. The proprietor was born in this county and has lived here nearly all his life. He married, in 1866, Emeline Young, by whom he has a family of four children, viz: Ida, Vernon, Edith, and Floyd. Mr. Huber built in 1881 the largest, and perhapsthe finest farm-house in the township.

John Lay Treed By Wolves

No animal is more annoying to the pioneers of a country than wolves. The bear is stronger and more dangerous when met, but with the first sound of the woodman's axe he emigrates to the wild seclusion for which his nature yearns. He never seeks the destroyer of his home, and only meets him when retreat is impossible. But howling wolves prowl about seeking what they may devour. Fifty years ago sheep, pigs, and young cattle were not safe, even within the cabin dooryard. There is not a county in Ohio which at some period of the settlement did not pay a bounty for the scalps of these camp followers of the army of the wilderness, whose peculiar business it seems to have been to obstruct the march of improvement by doleful howling and nocturnal depredations. The record of their presence and conduct is found in the commissioners' journal in every courthouse, whether among ihe Jiills or in the flat country. The Black Swamp was no exception. An incident is told which indicates that in this neighborhood they became even more bold and daring than their character would lead us to expect. Romance writers have given startling de scriptions of wolves attacking grown men, and an actual occurrence in this locality proves that these writers' fictions have been limited to the realm of possibility.

Mr. John Lay, about 1833, set out one evening on a hunt for his cows, which had straggled off far into the thick woods of the northern part of Thompson townshij) and did not return. He wandered along narrow paths, his attention being so wholly occupied with the object of his search that the decline of the sun was not noticed, and darkness coming on unexpectedly found him a considerable distance from any settler's cabin and several miles from home. To retrace his steps seemed the only intelligent course of action. But while standmg a moment trying to com-^ prehend the situation, the distant howl of a wolf sent whirling his meditations. An echo seeuKd to c.iuie from the other side, then another and another, till the dark air quivered with dismal, doleful barking. Tlie howling grew louder and more savage. Shortly, stealthy steps and the shaking of bushes became discernible amid the general noise. The benighted farmer, armed only with a strong club, stood his ground, determined, to fight, until there gleamed through the underbrush seemingly two balls of fire, illuminating a scarlet tongue and uncovered tusks. Fright banished the resolve to fight, and the central figure of our picture made industrious progress toward the top of a small tree. By the time he had obtained safe footing among the branches,, the hungry beasts were running and jumping to and fro beneath, snarling and gnashing their teeth. Night progressed. The besieging beasts, whose horrid confusion of noises gradually died into a low, dreary cry, one by one stole mournfully away in search of other prey.

The man in the tree found an easy restingplace between two spreading branches, and, overcome by fatigue, a deep sleep buried in oblivion all the varying emotions caused by the singular evening's experience. But the place proved an unsafe couch. An unconscious turn restored consciousness to the body, which fell prostrate on the ground. The fall resulted seriously. One leg was broken and his body considerably bruised. He was unable to move, and no cabin was within hearing distance. Patiently he lay, suffeiing the most excruciating tortures for nearly twelve hours, until his sons, who, having become alarmed by his prolonged absence were making search, found him, wholly exhausted.

Organization

The county commissioners resolved, at tlieir March session, 1822, to establish the fourth township of the sixteenth range a town corporate. Josiah Rumery, then auditor of the county, issued the following notice :

Notice is hereby given to the qualified electors of township four, range sixteen, known as Green Creek, to meet the first Monday of April, 1822, at the house of Samuel Baker, and there pioceed to elect between the hours of ten and four of said day, township officers as the law directs in such cases made and provided.

The town meeting system was then yet in vogue. The electorsassembled at the house designated. John Pumphrey, Samuel Kepler, and Samuel Baker were appointed to act as judges. No party spirit divided the assembly, and no candidates appeared on the field. Nothing in modern politics so nearly approaches one of these old town meetings as a county convention of a party hopelessly in the minority. No one desires to be distinguished above his fellows, and all are anxious that perfect harmony should prevail. The votes show almost entire unanimity. At this first election Jered H. Miner and George Hines acted as clerks. For treasurer, Silas Dewey received seventeen votes; for trustees, Josiah Rumery received sixteen; Samuel Pogue, seventeen; and Samuel Baker, fifteen votes Benjamin Collins received fourteen to Joseph Baits one, for constable. Joshua Fairchild and Samuel McMillen received fourteen and thirteen votes respectively for overseers of the poor. For appraiser of properly, Samuel Baker received thirteen votes; Samuel Pogue, fifteen: and Samuel McMillen, one. For lister, Samuel Baker had thirteen votes. Jonathan Rathbun and Samuel Uttley were chosen fenceviewers. Jered H. Miner had all the votes except his own for clerk. The vote for supervisorsstood: Benjamin Collins, eleven; Samuel Uttley, seven; Josiah Rumery, one; and Jonathan Rathbun, three. It appears, from the number of votes some of those present received, that modesty did not prevent them from voting for themselves.

The first justice of the peace was Jered H. Miner. He was the learned man of the early settlement and the selection was entirely ])roper. This office in sorhe localities might be exalted by more care as to the quality of talent selected to fill it.

To Samuel B.iker, for taking care of Joseph Baits, three dollars and fifty cents, and for boards for coffin. To Abigail Worlley, four dollars for shirt and sheet, and attendance. Amos Fenn, for furnishing coffin, two dollars and fifty cents; and to Jonathan ForbeSr M. D., two dollars and ninety-six cents for treatingthe said Baits; James Guinall, seventy-five cents for nursing; Prudence Benton, same; Polly McMillen, thirty-two cents for washing.

The first list of jurors returned were : Grand Jurors - Albert Guinall, James Guinall, Samuel S. Baker, Joshua Woodard, Jonathan Rathbun, John Harris. Petit Jurors - Roswell Merrell, John J. Quackenbush, Samuel Pogue, Jered H. Miner, Moses Cleveland.

Agricultural Association

A citizens' meeting was held July 23, 1870, in pursuance of a call issued by a number of citizens for the purpose of instituting an agricultural fair, independent of the county agricultural association. A constitution was adopted and board of directors appointed as follows: C. G. Sanford, Lyman Miller, David Beard, John Whitmore, George Mugg, Humphrey Whitman, David Neikirk. Charles Bell, Alfred Stibbins, Darwin Groves, J. W. Payne, M. Sanford, O. J. Stultz, and S. V. Hume. A. Throp was chosen president;

Si.xteen and one-half acres of land were purchased by the board of directors for fair grounds, and preparations at once commenced for the first annual e.xhibition. Articles of incorporation were filed and recorded July 28, 1870, by J. M. Lem. mon, A. B. French, W, H. Bacon, Henry Nichols, B. Meek, R. F. Patrick, W. W. White, T. W. Reed, and S. H. Rhodes. The articles declared that the object of the association shall be to encourage and promote agriculture, stock-raising, and mechanical and industrial pursuits, and to hold annual fairs for the exhibition of stock and agricultural productions.

The exhibitions at Clyde have uniformly been well patronized, and the eleven years of the existence of the association prove the enterprise a success, not so much financially, as in the end for which it was established.

The first resident physician of Green Creek township was Dr. Forbes, who located near the corners as early as 1822. He was also a school teacher. As a physician he possessed the confidence of most of the early settlers and was universally well liked as a teacher and a man. Death did not spare him long to the settlement.

The next physician was Dr. Henry Niles, who was a graduate of Dartmouth college. He came to Hamer's Corners in June, 1833, and gave his exclusive attention to practice for two years. He then removed to a farm on the county line of Seneca and Sandusky, where he continued to practice for a number of years. He died in 1864.

practice in Cayuga county, where he remained twenty-five years, and then came to Ohio in 1833, settling at Hamer's Corners, where he practiced until his death.

Dr. Seely came from Medina to Hamer's Corners about 1840. He continued Ijiactice most of the time until his death, in 1S67. Most of his patients remember him.

Charles G. Eaton commenced the practice of medicine in Athens county, Ohio, in 1849. After two years he removed to West Virginia, where he remained until 1853, when he came to Clyde and soon won the confidence of the people by his skill in physic. Except during the four years spent in the war, he was in active practice until his death, which occurred in 1875. -'^ biogra[)hy of him will be found in this volume.

Dr. Treadway was a man of learning, and had the true instincts of a physician. He came to Clyde from Kentucky, and had it not been for his suggestion the village would be called Hamerville, Middletown, or some other common name. He remained in practice here but a short time.

J. W. Luse was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania; attended medical lectures at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and at Cleveland, Ohio. He began practicing in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1854. In 1857 he came to Clyde and has been in full practice ever since. At several different times he has been connected with the drug trade here.

W. V. Stilson was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1815. He studied medicine in \\'ayne county, Ohio, and graduated at Cincinnati Medical College. He practiced a short time in Ashland county, then came to Beilevue in 1842, where he

Corwin Griffin was born in Huron county in 1845. He entered Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1873, and received the degree of M. 1). in 1876. He began jjractice in Clyde, and possesses a fair share of public confidence. He is the only graduate of the Homoeopathic school, in Clyde.

Imperishable maible is the fit emblem ' of that love which survives all that is mortal of friends and relatives, that love which is the noblest attribute of the soul. There is something, too, in the unchanging features of the country lo perpetuate the memory of friends who gave animation to every lonely scene. The grave seen from our dooryard, or passed in a lonely walk or drive, arrests our planning and softens the mind to pensive meditation. A wound is kept open, it is true, but it is a wound from which flows sanctifying sorrow. We plant flowers to sweeten the grave, and trees to protect the gentle tear of recollection.

The cemetery at Clyde is fast becoming all that the most loving heait could wish. Public-spirited citizens have supplemented nature's generosity, and the place charms the eye and nurtures the affections.

on which the statue of General McPherson stands. It was formerly owned by the Methodist Episcopal church, and bore the name of Evergreen Cemetery. The site was selected by Mrs. Guinall who, during a supposed fatal sickness, pointed to the spot where she wished to be buried, from the chair on which she was carried to the door for that purpose. The lot was fenced off by her husband, who owned the land, but she was not the first to be buried there. She recovered and was a witness of the burial of her son John in the place selected for her own grave. Mrs. John J. Quackenbush and Benjamin Collins were the two next buried.

Many moss-covered freestones mark the last resting places of pioneers of this township - places of sacred and hallowed memory. It became necessary, as the village grew and the death roll became longer, to enlarge the boundaries. A cemetery association was formed in 1867, and Evergreen Cemetery transferred lo this association by the Methodist church. Lands adjacent, extending to the junction of the two streets, were purchased and the lot on the summit of the beautiful natural mound dedicated to the McPherson family, in affectionate remembrance of that noble soldier and cheiished fellow citizen. Major General James B. McPherson, whose statue, cast in imperishable bronze, testifies a grateful people's love, and symbolizes the immortality of his fame.

The Schools

The first school in the township was taught by Joshua Fairchilds. Jered H. Miner, esq., taught school in 1820 in a cooper shop owned by Abby & Dagget, which stood on the present Persing place. Here the children were gathered, five days in the week, for three months. The only seats were split slabs or puncheons, without backs. A large slab was placed along one side for a writing desk. Reading,

In the course of a couple of years a school-house was built on what is now Buckeye street. Dr. Forbes, an amiable, learned man, was the first teacher, in the winter of 1822-23. There was great dissatisfaction with the location of the house. The settlers of the east part of the neighborhood clamored for a school in their vicinity, while those of the west were just as determined to keep.it in theirs. In 1825 a house was built near the Corners, much to the dissatisfaction of the hill residents, and the cause of a fire which desttoyed the building a short time afterwards was not regarded a mystery. A compromise was made in the location of a new house. It was built near the site of the railroad crossing, but was after a short time moved to the knoll within a few rods of the burial place of General McPherson. This was the last log school-house in Clyde, or at Hamer's Corners, as it was then. Here James D. McPherson, whose statue is the pride of the town and county, received his first mstruclion.

After the township was divided into districts under the general school law, a frame house was built a cjuarter mile further west, on the hill, which was known as the Dewey school-house.

The first school in the west part of the township was taught by Grant Forgerson, in a school-house which stood a short distance west of the Rathbun place.

The public school law of 1852 went into effect in Cireen Creek in 1853, since which time comfortable houses have been built, and generally competent teachers provided for the instruction of the youth.

Clyde Schools

that a special school district should be organized. The necessary legislation was procured, and on April 8, 1867, the Clyde schools became independent of the township. The new board consisted of A. B. French, Chester Hunter, and C. G. Eaton. The village system was adopted May 30, 1868, with the following named gentlemen as directors: M. Benner, John Lefever, Milo Hunter, D. Terrill, S. B. Taylor, and Smith Motley. The salary of the superintendent was fixed at one hundred dollars per month, and S. Motley was elected to the position. He served in that capacity until 1870, when the i)iesent incumbent; F. M. Ginn, was chosen.

The subject of a new school building was discussed by the citizens as soon as the village system had been adopted. In 1869 plans were submitted, and a new building decided upon. The large and well-arranged three-story brick structure now in use was completed in 1870, and in the fall of that year opened to the public. Schools began with the following " corps of teachers: F. M. Ginn, superintendent; Rena Richards, principal of the high school; Jennie Winters, assistant; Mary BeMuent, grammar; Miss Emma Adams, first secondary; Nettie Reynolds, second secondary; Julia Eaton, first primary; Alice Keating, second primary; Nettie Van Cleat, intermediate. The principals of the high school have been: Rena Richards, Eliza Bushnell, Miss Hitchcock, Anna Kuhn, Miss Barnaby (five years), Maggie Taggart, Nellie Mc- Donald. The assistants in the new building have been: Edgar Barnett, Emma Taylor, Miss A. L. Snyder, and Emma Londy.

Professor Ginn, the superintendent forthe i)ast eleven years, is deserving of much credit for his efficient management of the schools. The board gave ir.to his hands entire control over all departments. The

Regular courses of study were arranged for all departments in 1870. The aim is to prepare pupils for any of the ordinary callings of business; in other words, to provide a good English education. In the high school, English language and literature is taught during the whole four years of the course. Students are taken through the elements of trigonomelrj', and given a knowledge of the elements of general science.

The first class which completed the course - the class of 1874 - numbered four; 1875, eleven; 1876, seven; 1877, iiine; 1878, ten; 1879, fifteen; 1880, ten; t88i, nine; whole number of graduates seventy-five, of whom twentyfive were boys. Few schools can show so large a proportion of male graduates.

Primary and secondary teachers have received twenty-five dollars per month. Miss Barnaby received sixty dollars per month. The salary of the principal is now fifty dollars per month. The superintendent received, in 1870-71, one thousand dollars; 1871-73, twelve hundred dollars; 1873-77, fourteen hundred dollars, since which time the salary has been twelve hundred dollars.

The first sermon preached to white people, so far as is known, within this township, was delivered by a colored man, whose name tradition has not preserved. This religious enthusiast gathered together as many as he could, and that was nearly all who lived in the settlement. His violent manner, linguistic gymnastics, and novel system of doctrine naturally caused amusement, and sometimes provoked laughter. His glowing description of the place of eternal punishment was received with provoking ridicule, which caused the preacher to burst forth with the remark: '-You white folks a' afraid to go to heaven 'cause ye 'magin thar be niggers thar; but I tell you dar be niggers in de hot place too!" It is unnecessary to state that no conversions resulted from this man's preaching.

The credit of organizing religious worship is due here, as in most pioneer communities, to the itinerant clergy of the Methodist church. Some of the early settlers were Baptists, and, at a later ptriod, Universalists obtained a foothold.

Methodist Church

Methodism was organized in this part of the county in the spring of 182 1. The country being sparsely populated no regular stations were established, but large districts of country organized into circuits. Lower Sandusky district embraced the whole county. The class in this neighborhood was organized by Rev. Mr. Boardman, in the spring of 1821, composed of six members - Samuel McMillen and wife, James Guinall and wife, and Albert Guinall and wife. These three families, together with a few who were not members but were interested in seeing public worship instituted, met in a log school-house near where the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati railroad crosses Main street. The preacher, whose circuit was large, could visit this backwoods post but once in four weeks, and then generally on week days, his Sundays being occupied elsewhere. Samuel McMillen was the class leader. He held prayer meetings and praise meetings. He never accepted a license as a local preacher, but performed the duties of that office - how well, the prosperity of this little so- ciety of Christians shows. In 1825 there was an especial and important awakening. The whole settlement became interested in the meetings, and several joined the church; among the number, Amos Fenn, who became a local preacher, and was to the end of his long life a faithful member and earnest worker. In 1827 occurred a revival which brought into the church about twenty-five new members, among whom were the three oldest of the present members - Norton Russtl, his wife, and Mrs. McPherson. Mr. Russel was the first convert. This revival extended throughout the circuit. Prayer meetings were held every night and each church enjoyed preaching once every two weeks, the circuit preachers - Adam. Poe and John Hazzard - and Presiding Elder McMahon dividing up their time among the several classes.

But it is too often the case that rest, profound sleep, follows a season of activity and exhaustive effort. A church needs more than a start; it needs the watchful care of an intelligent clergy. As soon as the protracted effort had ceased the visits of the circuit preachers were few and irregular. The local ministry and a few old members were depended upon to carry on the work. They labored zealously and did all that time would permit and talent could do. Meetings after a time were attended only by the "faithful few," but their faith did not permit discouragement. The clouds began to hang dark. Years had passed with but few additions, while death and emigration was constantly reducing the number. A brighter day came in 1844. An especial interest was created among the young people. It was during this revival that James B. McPherson joined the church.

Preaching was held semi-monthly after this revival. The old school-house became unfit for use, and the Dewey schoolhouse was occupied. In 1851 it was decided to build a church. Mr. Norton Russel canvassed Green Creek, Townsend and York townships for money. Jonathan Ames donated a lot, and a contract for building was let to William Weeks by Amos Fenn, Norton Russel, M. Persing and others. George Eaton was at that time a preacher in charge, but his health failed before the completion of the building, and Alfred Wheeler supplied the pulpit. In December, 1852, Presiding Elder Disbrow preached the dedicatory sermon, at which time four hundred dollars were raised. This amount freed the society from the debt incurred by building. The cost of this house was fifteen hundred and thirty dollars. Meetings continued several weeks, and many were added to the membership. Sabbath-school under the superintendence of Mr. Weeks, was continued for the first time through the winter. In the winter of 1853-54 thirty united with the church under the pastoi'ate of Messrs. Pelton and Vertican. In 1856 Revs. E. Y. Warner and Mr. McKane were stationed at Clyde, as the charge was now called. During their pastorate the church increased in numbers. Revs. Castle and Thompson occupied the pastorate till 1859. In 1859 Revs. Haiderman and Barker were appointed ; in i860 Wilson, and Sites in 1861. The circuit had previously embraced the classes in the eastern part of Sandusky and western part of Huron and Erie counties. In 1S62 it was reduced to three appointments - Clyde, Green Spring and Townsend. Rev. Mr. Barker was pastor in 1862. Rev. Mr. Jones, in 1863, remained six months, and enlisted in the army. Rev. Mr. McKillips being appointed supply. During this time protracted efforts were made every winter, and the membership steadily increased. In 1864 Rev. J. T. Broadwell became pastor. The largest revival in the history ot the church followed. The membership increased, and the house no longer accommodated the congregations atliacted by eloquent sermons. In 1866 the official board resolved upon building a new house of worship. As is not uncommonly the case in enterprises of this character, land was purchased, and contracts let without carefully estimating the cost or knowing the resources. The handsome edifice on the corner of George and Buckeye streets was so far completed by February, 1867, that the basement was ready for occupancy. In August, 1867, the house was formally dedicated by Rev. Dr. Donaldson. The spire and gallery remained to be built. Thirty-seven hundred dollars were subscribed at the dedication service, and the announcement was made that no debt remained, but an examination of accounts and subscriptions in 1868 showed an indebtedness of eight thousand dollars which was refunded at a high rate of interest. A brief summary of how this debt was paid may not be amiss. It is only one of many instances of costly edifices burdening societies, and really injuring the cause which it was the intention to promote, and for which generous members were willing to make sacrifices, but under pressure of forced assessments became indifferent and discouraged. When W. S. Paul became pastor, he took hold of the debt question in a businesslike way. A committee of inspection was appointed, which found ihe debt to be nearly eight thousand dollars, and the annual interest nearly eight hundred dollars. Through his influence a loan was negotiated in 1870 for six thousand dollars to be paid in annual installments, without interest. Before the close of Mr. Paul's pastorate of three years, the debt had been reduced to less than seven thousand dollars, very little of which was bearing interest. Dr. Hartupee succeeded Mr. Wright to the pastorate, and ai)plied himself to the reduction of the debt, but in December, 187 1, the great storm so damaged the building that twenty-eight hundred dollars were required for repairs. 'J"he debt increased this year six hundred dollars. A re-opening service was held in May, 1873, Bishop Bowman preaching. On this occasion forty-eight hundred dollars were subscribed, which with notes and previous subscriptions, was thought a sufficient amount to cancel the debt. During the i)astorate of Dr. S. L. Yourtee only six hundred dollars were raised. The subscriptions taken on the "Re-opening Day" for some unaccountable reason, nad lost their value. In 1875 Rev. J. H. Mendenhall, on assuming the pastorate, found a debt of four thousand dollars with no resources to meet it. Mr. Mendenhall deserves the highest praise for his zeal, and credit for his talents displayed during his pastorate. Before the close of the second year the burden which had oppressed the congregation, and stifled its work, was removed. The members and citizens of Clyde are also to be commended for their liberality. About fortyfive hundred dollars were subscribed and paid within eighteen months.

The membership of the church has constantly been increasing since 1844. An interesting Sunday-school has been maintained throughout the year since 1 851. A ladies' society was organized in 1865, which has been instrumental in raising funds for the church.

Universalist Society

George R. Brown was the founder of Universalism in this part of tlie county. Nathan Birdseye and Mr. Holbrook, of Townsend, were among the more prominent members. Mr. Brown came to Hamer's Corners about 1833, and was engaged to teach the school, which position he filled acceptably during two winters. He then left for a short time, but returned in 1835 and married Jane Pogue, a daugh ter of Samuel Pogue, and lived here until his death, in 1S73. He had a strong mind and was well informed. Few men could cope with him. He met several Methodist clergymen on the rostrum. The result of the debates was the gradual increase of adherents to the doctrine of Uuiversalism. The society which he formed built the second church at Clyde, which was for many years the most influential religious association in the place. The meeting-house stood on what has since become Main street, but the growth of the town made the site desirable for business, and the building was removed to its present location. The society was supplied occasionally by other ministers, but Elder Brown was the main stand-by, as affairs since his death have proved. The membership was largest about i860, embracing many of the leading citizens. No regular service has been held for a number of years, but the organization yet maintains its existence.

In 1854 Rev. Father Waist visited Clyde and held the first mass. There were at that time but few Catholics. in the township, and they were recent arrivals, being induced to make settlement by the employment the railroad 0|)ened up. The service for the first few years was held in the residences of the members. Fathers Rose, Mellon, and Peters, came over from

Fremont and held services in the same way. The two last named commenced the erection of a church building, which was completed by Father Monaghan. The property was enlarged by the addition of two more lots by Father Mahony, of Bellevue. These three lots, embracing church and burying-ground, are located at the corner of Spring and Vine streets. He was succeeded by Father Means, in July, 1872. Father Bowles was the first resident i)astor. The present parsonage was purchased by him. Up to this time all the preaching was in English, but in 1875, when Father Rudoljjh became pastor, both German and English worship were used, and the congregation grew rapidly until 1879, when Father Nunan became pastor. The pastorate became vacant in 1881, J. C. Cahill acting as supply. Two-thirds of the membership is Irish, the other third German.

Kaptist Church

There were a few Baptists among the early settlers of the township. Jered H. Miner, esq., had meetings at his house occasionally, and Elder Throp sometimes exhorted. Missionaries held services at irregular intervals, and in 1857 the house of worship which is yet in use was built. The first organization into a congregation was effected April 9, 1859, at which time L. D. Caulkins was chosen clerk, Gideon Palmer, Lyman Ames, and George N. Thornton, trustees. Anson Ames was also a member at this time. Joseph Jackson was chosen pastor, a choice which, at that time, was j^articularly unfortunate. Mr. Jackson was a man of radical opinions, and did not hesitate to i)ropound abolition doctrine in the pulpit. Political feeling being at its height, his preaching caused dissension, and some of the members withdrew. A debt of one thousand six hundred dollars remained on the church building, which was an additional embar- rassment. Services were irregularly held by supplies. In the winter of i860 a revival was held, which resulted in three accessions to the membership. O. L. Ames, who has since been a member, joined at that meeting. Measures were at once taken to pay off the debt and re-establish the congregation on a solid foundation. In August, 1864, a pastor was called - Rev. Adam Snyder. He was a strong preacher, and attracted large congregations. In May, 1866, Rev. W. E. Ryon became pastor, and served the church with success about four years. In January, 1867, a revival was commenced, which continued three months and resulted in seventy-five conversions. The church was now on a solid foundation and able to stand alone. Missionary aid was no longer necessary, and the contributions previously received have long since been repaid. During the remaining years of his ministry the membership grew steadily, revivals being held each winter. Rev. J. T. Shepard succeeded to the pastorate, and remained between cne and two years. Rev. J. V. K. Seely assumed charge in November, 1872, and during his term of five years service added about forty to the membership. Twenty additions was the result of a special revival in 1873, conducted by Rev. Van Buskirk. In 1878 Mr. Fernald became pastor, and remained two years. The greatest revival in the history of the church was held during this pastorate by an evangelist, Rev. W. H. Hurlbut. More than one hundred were converted, and eighty-four joined the church. Rev. J. L. Phillips was installed pastor in August, 1880. Seventeen have been added to the membership since that time. The present membership is about two hundred.

The Sunday-school work of this church has been made a special feature. A Sunday-school was organized in April, 1865, C. W. Page, superintendent. O. L. Ames became superintendent in 1867, and has servL'd with commendatory success since that time. More than a hundred of the members of this school have been brought into the church. The average attendance is about one hundred and fifty.

Among the early settlers of the east part of the county were a few Presbyterian and Congregational families from New York and New England. For some years they maintained their own form of worship by family instruction and attending the church of their choice in the neighboring towns. But the natural desire for regular service, and the difficulty of attending at distant points, induced some to unite with the churches of other denominations, while others became indifferent. The few who remained attached to the doctrines of their fathers entertained the idea of establishing a church of their own, but the prospect looked doubtful for many years. Now and then they met together, at long intervals, until Rev. E. Bushnell, D. D., of Fremont, took the matter in charge and gave them more frequent services. Encouraged by him a meeting was called and a congregation organized in the Baptist meeting-house in Clyde, April 6, 1867, Dr. BushYiell, of Fremont, and George H. FuUerton, of Huron, being present. At that meeting the following persons were received as members: J. W. Fuse, M. D., Mrs. E. C. Fuse, Hiram Vincent, Adam Dunlap, Mrs. Kate B. Dunlap, Mrs. Margaret Fuse, Mrs. Emily Fletcher, Mrs. Jane Throp, Mrs. C. Foveland, George B. Fuller, and Mrs. Alcena Ellsworth. The first regular service of the church was held on the following day, conducted by Mr. Bushnell, who preached and administered the sacrament. This first service was solemn and impressive, and is remembered by those present. Rev. J. B. Sm.ith was the first minister chosen. He preached at stated intervals for two years. During tliis time a prayer meeting service was instituted, and a number of new members added to the church. In 1869 D. W. Marvin succeeded to the pastorate, and in the winter of that year initiatory steps were taken toward the building of a house of worship. The membership at this time numbered thirty-six. By reaching their charitable hands deep into their pockets and with the assistance of the Presbyterian board of church erection, a comfortable brick house was erected which was dedicated January 30, 1870. A Sabbathschool was organized about this time. From the organization to the present the growth of this church in members and influence has been gradual.

In 187 1 E. R. Chase, then a student of the Theological Seminary at Chicago, accepted a call to the pastorate, and was ordained here in June of that year. In April of the following year he was regularly installed pastor.

Elder H. Vincent and wife, two of the most earnest and useful members of the church, were killed by a railroad accident, November 29, 1871. The church in their death sustained a sad loss. David E. Hayes and A. J. Wilder were added to the eldershipin 1872. The church was greatly strengthened by a revival in the winter of 1873. On April 6th of that year, twentyseven were received into thechuich. Mr. Chase was a young man beloved by all. The church prospered under his care, b Jt he was not long spared to his labor. A disease of the lungs, contracted in the army, brought him to the grave May 25, 1874.

Rev. A. M. Meili, formerly a priest in the Roman Catholic church, was elected to the pastorate in March, 1875. During the following year troubles of a serious character arose, growing partly out of personal difficulties and partly out of an effort of the session to enforce stricter conformity to the rules of the church. These troubles grew, and all efforts at peace, even on the part of the presbytery failed. The future of the congregation was doubtful. The pastor resigned in 1876, and all services, including Sunday-school and prayer meeting, were suspended. Some joined other churches, and others withdrew, so that in 1878 only about twenty members could be found out of a flourishing congregation at the beginning of the troubles of eighty communicants. At the beginning of 1878 those yet remaining faithful united with the church at Green Spring and employed the services of Rev. J. S. Axtell. The prayer meeting and Sabbath-school were reorganized and the general church work again set on foot. The former elders having resigned, their places were filled by N. T. Wilder, J. H. Herrick, and H. T. Barnum. These, with the minister in charge, constitute the session of the church. During the last three years seventeen new members have been added and all have worked peacefully. The church, although it has not grown rapidly in members since the healing of the breach, has increased in energy and courage, and now the foundation seems secure and the outlook favorable for great usefulness.

Spiritualism had for a long time a strong foothold in Clyde, but as a society no longer has an existence. The promulgation of the "Woodhull" doctrines caused dissension which has never been overcome. The number of adherents is gradually decreasing.

The Seventh Day Adventist church of Clyde was organized by Elder J. H. Waggoner August II, 1867. It consisted of the union of two companies of Sabbath keepers known as the churches of Green Si)ring and West Townsend. This union was made at the rec]uest of the companies named and also by a vote of the Seventh Day Adventist conference, at the session of August I and 2, 1867. At the time of the organization of the Clyde church, O. F. Guilford was chosen elder and William Herald deacon, and ordained at the same meeting by Elder J. H. Waggoner. W. D. Sharp was elected church clerk and William Herald treasurer. W. D. Sharp served as clerk until 1876, when A. A. Hutchinson succeeded and served two years. In 1878 Dora F. Rowe became clerk. She opened the first book of records and recorded the above facts, collected from the scraps left by the previous clerks. The society built a house of worship in 1877-78. It was dedicated January 20, 1878, by J. H. Waggoner. Elder H. A. St. John is the present pastor.

Source changes here: from History of Sandusky County, Ohio : with Portraits and Biographies of Prominent Citizens and Pioneers, by Everett, Homer, published 1882; 31,654 words in this source stream.

Ballville Township

BALLVILLE embraces all of township four, range fifteen, in the original survey, except so much of sections two, three and four as are included in the two mile square reservation now constituting the town of Fremont. The boundaries are : Sandusky and Fremont on the north, Jackson on the west, Seneca county on the south, and Green Creek township on the east.