Bellevue City (part 1 of 3)

Its Location

About one-half of the village hes in Huron, and the other half in Sandusky county. The county line road, or that part of it lying within the corporate limits of the village, being called West street, divides the town into nearly equal divisions. The centre of this road is the western limit of the Firelands and of the Western Reserve. The eastern half of Bellevue is situated in the extreme northwestern part of Lyme township, and the western half in the southwestern part of York township, Sandusky county. The southwestern corner of Erie county, and the northeast corner of Seneca county, lie adjoining the extreme northeast and southwest limits of the village. The town is situated on the southern branch of the Toledo and Cleveland division of the Lake Shore railroad, the New York, Chicago & St. Louis railroad, and the Wheeling & Lake Erie railroad.

Its Name

The post office was first known as York X Roads, and the village was called Amsden's Corners, in honor of T. G. Amsden, its first merchant. It continued to be so known until the year 1839, when, upon the completion of the Mad River & Lake Erie railroad to this point, it was changedto Bellevue. The prevailing opinion among the old settlers is that it was so named in honor of James H. Bell, the civil engineer who surveyed the route through this place for the Mad River road. Some, however, claim that the proprietors of the road, and the chief residents of the town agreed upon the name of Bellevue because the signification of the word made it an appropriate name for the village, which, by reason of its location and surroundings, well merited a name which means "a beautiful view." At all events the name has a musical ring, and no resident of the place can regret that it was so called.

Its First Settlers

The year 1815 marks the date when Mr. Mark Hopkins, the first settler within the corporate limits of Bellevue as now established, came to this locality. He came hither with his family and accompanied by a bachelor brother, from Genessee county. New York, and built a log house on land now owned and occupied by Peter Bates.

Elnathan George, from the same place, was the next settler. He purchased one acre of land embracing, with other contiguous ground, the lot whereon now stands the Tremont House. He gave a cow in exchange for his purchase. Here was built, by Mr. George, the second building of the town, in the year 1816. In the following year he built an addition to his dwelling and opened his house as a tavern.

The third new-comer was Return Burlingson, who selected land on the Sandusky county side, and in the year 181 7 built him a log dwelling, and started a blacksmith shop. His purchase comprised what is now known as the Herl property. Mr. Burlingson was a resident of Bellevue for many years, but finally left for California.

This year, 18 19, marks the date of the arrival of two very important new-comers, men who were identified with the history of the village, and to whom, more than any other two men, was it indebted for its prosperity. These men were Thomas G. Amsden and Frederick A. Chapman. The Chapmans came first to Ohio in 1814, soon followed by Mr. Amsden, and, establishing their headquarters at the mouth of the Huron River, carried on a very successful traffic with the Indians, exchanging with them goods and articles of which the red men stood in need, for pelts and furs. Besides trading with the Indians, they were engaged in hunting and trapping. They were daring and intrepid, full of push and energy, with excellent business abilities, and though they were young men, they accumulated considerable means for those days. Mr. Chapman's father and brother followed him to Ohio in a year or two after his own arrival and settled at or near the present town of Huron, in Erie county. In 1819 Mr. Amsden and Mr. Chapman came to this locality and began the purchase of property at this point, and did all in their power to attract settlers hither.

However, they contmued their traffic with the Indians and French, and for two years Mr. Amsden made his headquarters at Carrion River, now Port Clinton. In 182 1 he established himself at Detroit, and during the latter part of 1822 he carried on a mercantile business at Green Bay for Daniel Whitney. In 1823 he returned to this locality. He brought from Boston a stock of goods, and, in partnership with Mr. Chapman, opened the first store at this point in November, 1823. This was Bellevue's pioneer store, and the business was carried on in the building erected by Mr. Burlingson, which stood on ground now occupied by the town hall. They opened a store at the same time at Castalia, Mr. Chapman taking charge of the business at that point, and Mr. Amsden of the business at this point. It was at this time that the village received its name of "Amsden's Corners.'"

In the meantime Charles F. Drake had settled here, and in the year 1822 purchased of the Government the east onehalf of the southeast quarter of section twenty-five of what now is York township, embracing the greater part of the present village on the Sandusky county side, and in 1823 Captain Zadoc Strong entered for Dr. James Strong the eight acres next west. Mr. Nathaniel Chapman was among the first citizens of the place. Like his brother, he had traded with the Indians, and when he arrived here for the purpose of making this his home, he had some means.

He purchased a large tract of land, a part of it lying within the present limits of the village. He was a man of strong, native ability, and was always recognized as one of the leading men of the town. He possessed the ability to accumulate property, and died worth a good many thousands of dollars. He dealt largely in real estate, and in the purchase and sale of sheep, horses, and cattle. He and Mr. Bourdette Wood together purchased large tracts of land in the West. He was universally esteemed for his sound business integrity, and for his liberality in the support of benevolent enterprises. He do- nated the lands upon which the old Baptist church stands, and, in many ways, proved himself a staunch friend of all institutions whose object is the enlightenment and elevation of man.

His daughter Angeline, in 1846, married the Rev. James M. Morrow, a promment minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a chaplain in the late war for about two years, and was connected with the Ninety-ninth Ohio infantry. While in the service he came home several times on various benevolent errands for the soldiers of his regiment - the last time, in December, 1863. Returning January 4, he was fatally injured in a railroad collision near Dayton, Ohio, to which place he was taken, and died there February 12, 1864. His widow resides in Bellevue.

The Growth Of Bellevue

From 1825 to 1840 the growth of the village was slow, and it was not until about the time of the building of the Mad River railroad to this place, in 1839, that the advancement of the town received any considerable impetus. This was an event of no little importance to the prospects of the place, and in 1835, in view of the approaching completion of the road, the land of the village on the Huron county side was purchased of Gurdon Williams by F. A. Chapman, T. d. Amsden, L. G. Harkness. and others, who lent their best efforts to the advancement of the place. The decade from 1830 to 1840 witnessed a number of important arrivals in Bellevue - men who became permanently identified with the town, and to whom its rajjid prosperity was in no small measure due. Dr. L. G. Harkness, who had been a practicing physician in the western part of York township, came in 1833. .A.bram Leiter came the same year. J. B. Higbee and Benjamin and David Moore came in 1835. William Byrnes came in 1835.

H. H. Brown was at this time the hotel keeper, and was very active in his efforts to assist the growth of the place. In 1835 the population of the village could not have exceeded a hundred people, while in 1840, a year after the completion of the Mad River railroad, it numbered not less than five hundred, and at the date of its incorporation, 1831, about eight hundred.

Cuyler Green came here from New York State at the age of twenty-two, where he was born March 10, 181 1. Upon his arrival he was engaged as salesman for Chapman & Harkness, and afterwards superintended for Chapman & Amsden the old stone tavern, since called the Exchange hotel. He built the old stone blacksmith shop that for so many years stood where the Bellevue bank building now is. In later years he became the landlord of the Exchange hotel, and then of the Bellevue House, and then purchased the farm on the pike, two miles east of town, now known as the Richards farm.

In 1852, the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland railroad was located through Bellevue, and in the following year completed, and the cars came vvhisthng through here from the four points of the compass - north, south, east and west. New impetus to the life of the village was given by this event, and the town rapidly increased in population. The country had also been rapidly settled, and Bellevue, situated in the midst of a fine wheat growing country, came to be an important market for the shipment of grain. The Higbee flouring mill was erected in 1850, and other manufacturing enterprises were soon established. The Mad River road was lost to the place in 1855, but the detriment to business on this account was not serious. The town continued to enlarge and populate, while the surrounding country in every direction became thickly settled with an industrious farming population.

Incorporation

The town was incorporated by act of Legislature January 25, 185 1, its charter Hmits embracing an area of about one mile from east to west, by about one-half mile from north to south, the centre of the area being the central point of intersection of Main street with the county line. In the month of February, 185 1, the following were chosen the village officers: Abraham Leiter, mayor; S. L. Culver, recorder; Thomas G. Amsden, Eliphalet FoUett, Benjamin F. Mc- Kim, David Armstrong and Joseph M. Lawrence, trustees. The corporate limits were enlarged in 1869, so as to be about one mile and a half from east to west and from north to south.

Distinct Classes Of Population

The village has a population of about twenty-five hundred inhabitants. This population embraces not less than four distinct classes of people, each of which is represented by about the same number of individuals. First there are those of American birth, whose parents came to this region at an early day, from New England or New York State, and who were the real pioneers. Representative families of this class are the Chapmans, the Woodwards, the Harknesses, the Woods (the Bourdette branch), the Sheffields, the Greenes, the Bakers, etc. Second, there are the Pennsylvania people; many of whom came, at an early day - a thrifty, sober, industrious class. They are represented by the Moores, the Hilbishes, the Sherchs, the Leiters, the Boyers, the Kerns, etc. Third, came the English, England born, of whom may be mentioned the Greenslades, the Wills, the Heals, the Fords, the Maynes, the Joints, the Radfords, etc. ; and the Germans, who perhaps outnumber any other one class. Of these may be mentioned the Egles, Ruffings, the Biebrichers, the Liebers, the

Webers, the Ailers, the Setzlers, etc. The Yankees were the first to arrive, then the Pennsylvania Dutch people, then the Germans, and lastly the English.

First Congregational Church

This church was first organized on September 20, 1836, by a committee from the Presbytery of Huron, and was started as a Presbyterian church on what was known as the accommodation plan, - that is, a church under the care of a Presbytery, but which received and dismissed its members, and transacted other business, not by a vote of the elders, but by a vote of the whole church.

The number of male members at the organization was nine; five of these brought letters from the church at Lyme, Ohio; three from churches in the State of New York, and one from Norwalk.

Among many important resolutions adopted on the day of the organization, was one declaring that the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors was an immorality which, if practiced by any member of this church, made him liable to discipline the same as if guilty of any other immorality.

The church continued under care of the Presbytery ten years, and then, so far as we are able to learn from the records, with much unanimity, decided to separate itself from its Presbyterial connection, and become a regular Congregational church. This action was taken March 7, 1846.

The first pastor called by the church after the reorganization was Rev. A. I). Barber, who was installed by a council October 19, 1853. Mr. Barber's salary was four hundred dollars, and parsonage, which shows that the society had a parsonage at that time. This pastorate continued five years. In the following year after Mr. Barber's departure, the church called the Rev. Tames W. Cowles, and offered him a salary of seven hundred dollars. Mr. Cowles served the church about three years, and was succeeded on October 30, 1863, by Rev. John Safford.

During this pastorate the house of worship was removed, enlarged and repaired. The work was completed in the fall of 1865, and immediately afterwards the church invited Mr. Safford to become its installed pastor with an increase of three hundred dollars in salary. Mr. Safford accepted the call, but seems to have continued m the pastoral relation only about a year.

When the house of worship was originally built, it seems that the pews were sold with the understanding that the buyers became permanent owners. This arrangement was a source, afterwards, of much inconvenience to the society. The owners were not all induced to give their pews up again to the society until some time in 1868.

After the departure of Pastor Safford, in 1867, the Rev. S. B. Sherrill was called and was acting pastor from December, 1867, until some time in 1873, a period of nearly six years. The successor of Mr. Sherrill was the Rev. J. W. White, whose letter accepting the call of the church is dated February 28, 1S74. Mr. White's labors did not begin until some time after this acceptance, and closed near the end of 1878, continuing with the church a little more than four years. Within two months after Mr. White's resignation, the church called Rev. S. W. Meek, who was installed in the pastoral office by the council on February II, 1879, having begun' his labors with the church on the ist of January, previous.

The church has been blessed at various times in its history by revivals. In the year i8i;4, during the pastorate of A. D. Barber, thirty-seven were received into membership 0/ the church. In 1859 twenty-two were added to the church. Again, in 1861, the church was visited by a revival which resulted in the addition of twenty to the membership. In the year 1865, during the labors of Mr. Safford, seventeen were received into membership; and in 1870, under Mr. Sherrill's labors, twenty-three cotmected themselves with the church. In 1873, '^he year that Mr. Sherrill closed his labors, forty-five names were added to the roll.

The Methodist Episcopal Church

of Bellevue, was formed in the year 1839. The first class was composed of James Anderson, his wife, Betsy, and daughter, Melissa; Alvin Anderson, his wife, Harriet, and daughter, Adaline; and Mann and daughter. Meetings were held at this time in the stone school-house, standing on the site at present occupied by the school-building near the Episcopal church. In about 1835 this church erected a substantial brick edifice, at a cost of some five thousand dollars. This building is at present owned by the German Lutheran society. After organization, however, the church fitted up a room in the second story of the warehouse, standing where the Richards and Egle block now stands, and this was occupied until the building of the church as before stated.

The present elegant church edifice was completed during the summer of 1868, and was dedicated by Bishop Simpson on August 17, of that year, and cost, including real estate and parsonage, some thirty thousand dollars. Among the largest contributors to the erection of the church are: Messrs. Anderson, Higbee, Williams, Dole, Adams, and Huffman. The first resident minister was Rev. Oliver Burgess, who remained two years. Father Anderson gives from memory, the following names of ministers who have preached to this church in Bellevue: Wilson, Camp, Pierce, Hill, Cooper, Fast, Start, Fant, Pounds, Breakfield, Thompson, Worden, Spafford, Morrow, and Cables.

In 1852, when the minister's "historical record" begins, the church reported a membership of two hundred and twelve, and three hundred scholars in attendance at Sabbath-school, Rev. Samuel Beatty, pastor. September 18, 1852, it was formally organized as a station, with the following board of stewards: H. R. Adams, Alvin Anderson, Jesse Haskell, W. W. Stilson, J. B. Higbee, Orrin Dole, and Barney Campbell. Its leaders were Jesse Haskell,

B. Campbell, O. Dole, David AVilliams, and W. Curtiss. Superintendent of Sabbath-school, W. W. Stilson. 1853 - William M. Spafford, pastor. He was succeeded in 1854 by Rev. Wesley J. Wells. The following are the pastors from that time to the present (1881): 1855 - John Mudge; 1857 - William Richards; 1859 - Asbury B. Castle; 1861 - Daniel Stratton; 1862 - Simon P. Jacobs; 1863 - E.Y. Warner; 1865 - Garretson A. Hughes; 1868 - E. Y. Warner; 1871 - Elvero Persons. Hewassucceededby Rev. Searls. T.

C. Warner succeeded him, remained three years, and was succeeded by Rev. G. W. Pepper, who was appointed at the Wellington conference, in 1879. The prosperity of the church seems to have declined under Mr. Pepper's charge, and during the latter part of his pastorate the pulpit was filled by a stated supply, Mr. Pepper making a trip to Europe. In September last the conference appointed Rev. O. Badgely pastor, who is now officiating.

Protestant Episcopal Church

Before there was any parish organization in Bellevue, the Rev. Ephraim Punderson officiated from the year 1842 to that of 1847; but not until April, 185 1, was the parish duly organized by Rev. Dr. Bronson. Messrs. T, G. Amsden and

John Grimes were chosen wardens; Messrs. F. A. Chapman, G. Woodward, and G. W. Sheffield, vestrymen; and, on September 10, 185 1, this parish was received into connection with the Protestant Episcopal church.

In the spring of 1852 Rev. R. K. Nash was chosen rector, and the church building was begun and enclosed. Mr. Nash having resigned in 1854, the building remained unfinished. In the spring of 1857 an effort was made to open the church, and a rector was called. Rev. M. Hamilton took charge of the church on the first Sunday in July, 1857.

Improvements were made in the old church building, and the old debt paid off, and the church was consecrated by Bishop Bedell, in January, 1861.

The lot and buildings cost about three thousand five hundred dollars. In July, 1869, the parish became self-supporting, and the following year repairs and improvements were made, at a cost of one thousand four hundred dollars.

The first Sunday-school was organized by the Rev. M. Hamilton in 1857. In 1 88 1 George A. Holbrook succeeded to the rectorate of the parish.

The members of St. Paul's Reformed church originally worshiped at the Free Chapel, a few miles west of Bellevue. Some, a goodly number, were also members of the Zion's church, in Thompson township, Seneca county. In February, 1862, Rev. Eli Keller commenced to preach in Bellevue. Services were held in the old school building, owned by Mr. George Weikert, afterwards in the old Methodist Episcopal church, then again in the old school-house. At this time, a weekly prayer-meeting was well sustained, and a Sunday-school organized. August 16, 1862, at a meeting held at the chapel, it was resolved that a church should be built in, or near, Bellevue, and measures taken to select a site and procure building funds. The corner-stone of the church was laid on the 19th of June, 1864. On the 19th of June, 1865, the church was dedicated; sermons by Rev. M. Kieffer, D. D., and Rev. H. Rust, D. D. The ceremonies of laying the corner-stone were performed by Rev. E. Keller, the pastor.

Some time in the fall of 1865, the St. Paul's Reformed congregation was organized by the election of a consistory of elders and deacons. Since 1865 the following persons served respectively as elders, deacons, and trustees, viz: Jacob Bunn, Levi Korner, D. S. Arnold, John Hilbish, H. Kimmel, Isaac Kern, elders, John Bunn, David Hoch, Moses Miller, Joseph Zieber, John Bowman, Aaron Walters, William Knauss, John Deck, Benjamin Bunn, W. C. Smith, William Aigler, and J. Ferdinand Smith, deacons; David Hoch, Harrison Wilt, Elias Schmidt, Henry Stetler, John Deck, Aaron Walters, Jacob Aigler, and Frederick Smith, trustees. The Sunday-school was organized in the old Weiker school-house ; superintendent, a Mr. x^lbert. Since 1865 Mr. John Hilbish has been the superintendent, with the exception of one year, when Rev. J. H. Derr officiated as head of the school.

In the year 1872, July i. Rev. Eh Keller resigned the pastorate, having served the people for a period of eleven years. He was succeeded by Rev. Joshua H. Derr, on the ist of December, 1872. His pastorate continued for four and a half years, closing his services June 3, 1877. During this pastorate the congregation suffered serious damage to their church edifice by a severe storm, which took off about one-third of the roof and also broke down the gable end to the square. This much injured the ceiling and the interior in general. A cost of about one thousand

The congregation owns the cemetery adjoining the church, and a large and comfortable parsonage. The present pastor, Rev. N. H. Loose, took charge of the congregation August i, 1877. The interests of the church are prosperous and encouraging.

Evangelical Lutheran Church

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church was organized January 7, 1866, under the laws of the State of Ohio. The directors were i\dam Zehner, Christian Engel, and Philip Biebricher. The trustees were Jacob Beiler, Charles Beiler, and John Weis. Rev. Jacob Dornberer was instrumental in its organization, and remained its pastor three years, when he was succeeded by Rev. C. Buechler, who has remained as pastor twelve years. At its organization there were thiity-nine members. Ttie present membership is about fortyfive. They also have a prosperous Sunday-school of some seventy members, under the superintendence of David Meyers. Soon after the organization of the chuich, the present building was purchased from the Methodist society for two thousand dollars. Since that time some six or seven hundred dollars have been expended in refitting and repairing it.

Salem Evangelical Church

This church was organized in Bellevue under the ministration of Rev. L. W. Hankey, in the summer of 1875. The congregation purchased the building formerly occupied by the Baptists, for three thousand dollars. They then expended six or eight hundred dollars in repairing and refitting it. At first, and until the spring of 1879, the church was a mission. At that time it was cut loose from missionary aid, and is now self-supporting. The present membership is about seventy- five. Thirty-one accessions were made during the year 1878. The church has had five pastors: Revs. L. W. Hankey; S. B. Spreng, who remained eight months ; G. W. Meisee, who remained one year; Rev. D. C. Eckerman, was in charge a httle more than two years, and W. F. McMillen, who is the present pastor. There is connected with the church a Sunday-school of seventy-three members, of which the pastor is superintendent. Regular services of the church are held twice each Sunday. The church government is very similar to that of the Methodist Episcopal, but there are some differences on minor points.

Church Of The Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic

About 1852 Rev. James Vincent Conlin, stationed at Sandusky, established a mission at Bellevue, and held services some three or four years, when Rev. Punshel!, of Norwalk, came, and then for a short time Father Boff otificiated. Father Tighe, of Sandusky, came, and bought from J. B. Higbee the building they now occupy as a church, and perfected an organization. The first resident priest was Rev. James Monaghan, who remained some seven or eight years. While in charge he bought a house of Rev. Mr. Flagler for the use of the priest. Father Mahony came next, and remained some five years. He purchased ground for burial purposes, and built a school-house. Father Mears next came; he bought a house and lot on the corner of Centre and Broad streets, with the mtention of building a church. He remained about three years, and was succeeded by Father Bowles, who also remained three years. The church was then attended by Father Rudolph, of Clyde, for about three months, when Father MoUoy came, and officiated for three years. Father Cahill succeeded and officiated three years, to the entire satisfaction of the parish. The congregation comprises about one hundred and ten families. The church still owns the lot bought by Eather Mears, and at one time it owned the lot on which stands the present union school building.

It is greatly to be regretted that the records of the early history of the Bellevue schools have been lost. The data for the following article have been furnished by some of the older citizens, and are as correct as can be ascertained outside of the school records. The first building that was used for school purposes was a little log-house that stood on the Herl property, just west of Mr. John Baker's residence. Here a school was opened in the fall of 1827, by a gentleman named Harris, from Milan. In the following year (1828), Miss Clemence A. Follett (now Mrs. Frederick Chapman) taught school in the same building. In those days the village was known as Amsden's Corners, and consisted of the Exchange hotel, a frame building just east of it, a double log-house, where Mr. Greenslade's store stands, the houses now occupied by Dr. Harris and Mr. John Reis, and a few scattering loghuts. The scholars came to Miss Follett's school from the country for miles around, walking to school along the trails of the woods, and bringing their dinners with them. In this school the girls spent half an hour each day in learning to sew. It was a pleasant little school, and Mrs. Chapman still recalls with delight the days she passed as teacher in the log schoolhouse. In the following year, 1829, Miss Julia Follett taught in the same log schoolhouse.

The next school of which we can find any record was taught in the old stone school-house that stood on West Main street, where the brick school-house now stands. The land was donated by Chapman & Amsden, and the building was probably built by the Chapmans - Nathaniel and Frederick - Dr. L. G. Harkness and Mr. Thomas G. Amsden, as we find these names are closely associated with the early educational interests of the town as well as with its business and social interests. The stone school-house was built about 1832. In the fall of 1835 Mr. J. B. Higbee commenced to teach in this building, and taught two years. Mr. Higbee seems to have been a successful teacher; at least he was not carried out by the boys, which misfortune did happen to the gentleman who preceded him. We are unable to learn who succeeded Mr. Higbee, but the building still continued to be used for school purposes until the old brick school-house was built, after which the stone school-house was unoccupied for several years. For some years before the old brick was built, the increasing number of pupils compelled the directors to rent rooms in different parts of the town to be used for school-rooms.

At one time a school was taught in a frame building that was built for a warehouse by James Bell. It was afterwards moved, and the upper rooms used for school-rooms during the week-days, and by the Methodist society for services on Sunday. About the same time Miss Town, now Mrs. Kent, of Toledo, taught a very successful private school for girls, on Monroe street, in the house now occupied by Mr. James Purcell.

In 1845 l^he number of scholars had increased to such an extent that the school directors saw the necessity of providing better accommodations than those afforded by the stone school-house and rented rooms, so they purchased of Chapman, Amsden, and Harkness the lot on which, the same year, they built the old brick school-house. The contract for erectinsr the building was let to Mr. A. Leiter. Tt was at first intended to build only a onestory building, but while in process of erection Mr. J. M. Lawrence offered to raise it to a two-story building, provided the upper rooms could be used for the Baptist society. His proposition was accepted, the directors, at the same time, reserving the privilege of buying the upper part when the growth of the school required it. The building was used as a district school until 185 1, when the present system of union schools was organized in accordance with the law of 1849.

The first superintendent of the union schools was Rev. Mr. Waldo, an eccentric old gentlemen. He wore a wig which, of course, furnished endless sport to his pupils. He was also in the habit of lecturing his scholars every morning before beginning the day's work.

During Waldo's administration, in the year 1851-52, Miss Gardner was assistant superintendent, and the two lower grades were taught by two sisters, Mrs. Covil and Miss Wilkinson. Mr. Waldo was succeeded in the fall of 1852, by Mr. Harvey Holton, who is well and favorably remembered by many of our citizens. Mr. Holton was superintendent several years and was a successful teacher. His assistant in the high school was Miss Celestia Gould, now Mrs. Spencer Boise. Mr. Holton was succeeded by Mr. Jerome Drury who taught two years, from the fall of 1855 to the spring of 1857. He was succeeded by Mr. Edward Bradley, who was superintendent for one year in 1857-58. In the fall of 1858, the Hubbard brothers came to Bellevue, and secured positions in our schools, D wight Hubbard as superintendent, and E. B. Hubbard as teacher in the stone school house. Mr. Dwight Hubbard held his position one year and one term from the fall of 1858, to December, 1859. His place was supplied during the remainder of the school year by Mr. Henry Bramwell for the second term, and Dr. Cornell for the third term. The last superintendent in the old brick school-house was Mr. Ellis, who held the position from the fall of i860 to the spring of 1862. After the high school building was built, the old brick school-house was sold, and has since been used as a tenement-house.

In 181^0 the "old stone" school-house, which had been unoccupied for several years, was refitted, and continued to be used for school purposes until replaced by the present brick building. During these years several teachers were employed; among others was Mrs. Eliza Cook, who taught in the stone school-house two years, in 1856 and 1857, until her marriage with Mr. David Williams in the fall of 1857.

In the same building, Mr. E. B. Hubbard, who is now a prominent druggist of Tiffin, taught three years, from the fall of 1858 to the spring of 1861. Mr. Hubbard is remembered as a very successful teacher, and still keeps up his interest in educational matters, being at present president of the board of education of Tiffin, Ohio.

The German school was first started as a private enterprise in i860, and was held in the house now used as a residence by Mr. John Warren. The first German teacher that taught here was Mr. Ludwick, who is considered as the best German teacher that we have ever had. The German school was partially united with the union schools in i860, but received for a year or two only fifty dollars from the public funds. Mr. Ludwick was followed by Mr. Cobelli, who taught the German school after it was moved to the "old stone" school-house. Mr. Menges succeeded Mr. Cobelli, and taught for several years, and was a successful teacher. Mr. Menges was followed by Mr. Rabe, and

Mr. Rabe by Mr. Beck, who resigned in October, 1875. Mrs. Beck was employed as assistant in the German department at the same time. Her place is filled by Miss Bessie Radford, who has had charge of the English branches in the German department since October, 1875.

Mr. Jacob Frenz succeeded Mr. Beck in November, 1875, and retained his position nearly three years. His successor, Mr. Henry Ebertshauser, is the present principal of the German department. The German schools occupy the two lower rooms of the school building on West Main street. The classes recite alternately in English and German branches during the day.

The high school building was erected in 1 86 1, although it was not ready for use until the fall of 1862. The contract was so poorly filled that the contractor was obliged to put on the second roof within a year, and before the board of education would accept the building. Mr. Edward Bradley was the superintendent at the opening of the high school building in the fall of 1862. Mrs. Bradley taught at the same time in a lower grade, and also during the following year. Mr. Bradley was superintendent one year in the high school building. After him came Mr. Highland, from September, 1863, to June, 1864; Mr. J. B. Loveland, from September, 1864, to June, 1867; Mr. Avery, from September, 1867, to June, 1868; Mr. Loveland, from September, 1868, to June, 1869; Mr. L. C. Laylin, from September, 1869, to June, 1875; Mr. E. E. Phillips, from September, 1875, to June, 1877; Mr. J. M. Greenslade, from September, 1877, to the present time. The Bellevue schools now occupy two buildings - the high school building and the brick school building on West Main street, which was built in 187 1, and enlarged in 1875. These buildings are not large enough to accommodate the number of pupils, so that the board of education will enlarge the high school building, which will even then afford only temporary relief. The schools which started with four departments in 1852, now have nine, and most of these having two grades.

For several years previous to 1877 the course of study which had been prepared for the schools had been disregarded altogether, as not being suited to the wants of the schools. The result was that the teachers and scholars worked at a disadvantage; and their efforts were ill-directed, or entirely wasted. The evil effects of this lack of system was especially noticeable in the high school, where the scholars pursued such studies as were agreeable, without any regard to previous training, or the relation of the different studies to each other. The board of education, recognizing the value and necessity of systematic work in our schools, at a meeting held on the 29th of July, 1877, adopted the present course of study, and rules and regulations of [he Bellevue public schools, and ordered them to be published. The schools are at present in excellent condition. In the lower grades the aim is to give thorough instruction in the common branches. In the high school all of the studies are pursued that are commonly found in a good high school course. Especial attention is paid to the languages and the natural sciences. Through the liberality of the board of education, the superintendent has been able to accumulate considerable apparatus and supplies for the illustration of the natural sciences.

Among the oldest practitioners of medicine in the townshij) were Doctors Stevens, Otis, Boise, and Charles Smith, of Lyme. Contemporary with them, and earlier, were Doctors Kittredge, Sanders,

Dr. L. G. Harkness was the first physi cian prominently identified with the history of Bellevue. He was born in Salem, Washington county. New York, April i, 1 80 1, educated for his profession in the State of his nativity, and came West in 1823. He located upon the ridge, in Lyme township, and became associated, professionally, with Dr. Stevens. He removed, afterward, to the village of Bellevue, and not long after abandoned his practice. He continued to reside here.

In 1835 ^^- Daniel A. Lathrop came to Bellevue from his birthplace, Montrose, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and almost immediately became a very successful practitioner, taking up Dr. Harkness' ride, and having all of the business which that physician formerly attended to upon his hands. He not only took Dr. Harkness' place, but filled it, and enjoyed as extensive a practice, perhaps, as any physician who ever located in the village. It extended over a long term of years, too, and really did not terminate until a short time before the doctor's departure from town, in 1861, though he was not actively engaged in the pursuit of his profession for two or three years previous to this date. The doctor returned to Montrose, Pennsylvania, where he is now located. He is a graduate of a Philadelphia college.

The physicians who followed him were numerous. We shall only speak of those most prominently identified with the history of the town. Dr. Ciray came in and remained a short time. Dr. W. W. Stilson was in practice for a number of years, and removed to Clyde, where he is at present in practice. Dr. Amos Woodward, a native of Lyme, began practice in 1846, and after six or seven years retired, though he continued to reside in the village, and has long been one of its leading citizens. Dr. Charles Richards, now of. Binghamton, New York, came in soon after Dr. Woodward began practice, and read medicine with Dr. Lathrop, afterwards entering into practice.

Dr. John W. Goodson, now in Sterling, Rice county, Kansas, began the study of medicine in Bellevue about 1840, and completed his professional education at Buffalo, there receiving his diploma. He immediately returned to Bellevue and entered into practice. He had a lucrative practice and accumulated a fine property. He was for a time assistant surgeon of the Seventy-second regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was with Grant's army before Vicksburg. The doctor was a native of England, and was born on the 4th of July, 181 7. He came to this country when a lad thirteen years of age.

Dr. Ralph A. Severance begaji practice in Bellevue in 1854. He was a native of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and read medicine there with Dr. Brigham, who was afterwards in charge of one of the great asylums for the insane. He attended lectures in New York city, and graduated from Bowdoin college, Bowdoin, Maine, with the class of 1831. He first went into practice at Rockingham, Vermont, and remained there twenty-three years, coming directly from that place to Bellevue in 1854.

Dr. J. J. Hartz, who came to Bellevue in 1852, was one of the most eminent men of the profession who have practiced in this part of the State. He was born in Versailles, France, in 1798, and received his medical education at the University of Heidelberg. After coming to this country he travelled through the South, was for a short time a resident of Charleston, and a transient resident of Texas. For a number of years before coming to this village he was located in Portage county, and at Upper

Sandusky, in both of which neighborhoods he had a very extensive practice. He rendered efficient service at Sandusky during the prevalence of the cholera there, going upon the request of some of the local physicians. During the whole of his long service in the profession in Bellevue, he was regarded by all as a man of marked ability in his profession, and as a gentleman of rare worth in all of the affairs of life. He was a man of liberal culture outside of medicine, and was a remarkable linguist, speaking with- fluency seven languages. He was ever the courteous, polished, dignified gentleman, and won the admiration and esteem of all. He died, in 1865, of consumption, such of his patients as were able coming to see him, whom he treated even up to the hour when he breathed his last - such was their confidence in his skill. He was a surgeon as well as a physician.

Dr. H. L. Harris, born June 30, 18 19, in Oxfordshire, England, is a graduate of the Starling Medical College of Columbus, and received his diploma in 1858. Next to Dr. Severance he is the oldest practitioner in the place. He was in practice in South Bend, and in 1849 removed to Flat Rock, where he remained until 1859 when he came to Bellevue.

Quite a number of physicians have practiced in Bellevue for a short term of years and then removed to other points. Among the present physicians who have been in practice in Bellevue for some time are Dr. Severance, Dr. Harris, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Sandmeister, and Dr. Lanterman.

Bellevue Cemetery

This cemetery was begun about the time of the first laying out of the village of Bellevue, in 1835, on land given for the purpose by Messrs. Chapman, Harkness and Amsden, who were the first proprietors of the land on which the town is now situated. The first burial in this ground was that of Rebecca Christopher, who died March 20, 1836. At the time of giving the land for this purpose, the owners fenced it.

In 1855 the village authoriiics purchased something more than five acres of land and made an addition to the cemetery, which now contains over seven acres. The old part was laid out in good form as far as practicable, with walks and paths between the lots, but no uniformity had been observed m first laying it out, and it was not possible to arrange it according to the best order, still it was much im])rovcd. Tlie addition was laid out in good sliape, and lots staked off, which have been disposed of from time to time. When the last purchase was made a board of trustees was elected, consisting of W. H. King, mayor of the village at the time, Barney York, Kowell Chandler, and I). Moore, for terms of one, two, and three years. One trustee is now elected yearly. Most of the religious denominations of the town bury their dead in this cemetery, as it is situated in a belter location than any other ground in the vicinity. I). Moore is superintendent of the cemetery, and has acted in that capacity most of the time since its organization.

In June, 1870, the village council of Bellevue purchased a second-hand hand fire engine, a hose cart and several hundred feet of hose from the authorities of Tiffin, for the sum of about three hundred dollars. A fire company was organized with Dr. J. W. Goodson, foreman; Charles Nicolai, first assistant; B. Benn, second assistant, and J. H. Webber, secretary. In 1874 the council ajipoinled as chief of the fire department A. B. Smith, who served in that capacity one year. In 1875 ^^'i'' liam R. West succeeded him, he also remaining one year. Charles Nicolai was

.appointed in 1876 and served until 1879, when C. C. Cook was appointed. J. L. Painter is present chief A first-class Silsby rotary steam fire engine was purchased in 1875, with a hose cart and one thousand feet of hose, at a cost of about four thousand seven hundred dollars. In May, 1879, the comi)anies were reorganized and formed into one company, under one set of officers, but one division was assigned to the engine, another to the hose, and another to the hook and ladder. The officers elected were John Eichhorn, foreman; John Toomy, first assistant; William Estnaur, second assistant; John L. Painter, secretary ; William Mayne, engineer and treasurer. The "hooks'' were first organized in 1877, more as a sporting company, though active at fires.

Bellevue Lodge No. 957, Knights of Honor, was organized March 8, 1878, with the following charter members: H. N. Richards, R. A. Boyer, F. L. Goodson, R. Greenslade, W. H. Kern, G. S. Lanterman, H. F. Baker, G. A. Beckwith, H. B. Acker, E. H. Smith, T. H. Wood, J. W. Close, William Mayne, Joseph Sherck, E. W. Dorsey, T. C. Wood, C. D. Smith, W. H. Diraick, Joseph Bannister, Thomas Thorneloe, C. H. Welch. The first officers were: H. F. Baker, P. D. ; E. H. Smith, D. ; H. N. Richards, V. D. ; George A, Beckwith, A. D. ; R. Greenslade, chaplain; R. A. Boyer, guard; F. L. Goodson, R.; W. H. Kern, F. R. ; Joseph Sherck, treasurer; W. H. Dimick, guardian ; William Mayne, sentinel. The lodge was instituted by H. R. Shomo, grand dictator of Ohio. Meetings are held Wednesday evening of each week in Odd Fellows' Hall.

Banking

Chapman, Harkness & Company for some years prior to 1852, Harkness & Company from 1852 to 1868, and H. M. Sinclair from 1868 to 1873, carried on a business comprising some of the features of banking; but it was not until 1871 that a house was established with the clearly defined object of doing a strictly banking business. On the 22d of May, of 1871, was organized the banking firm of Wood, Woodward & Company, Bourdette Wood, Abishai Woodward and E. J. Sheffield being the partners. The firm opened their bank in the room now occupied by the First National Bank, but in 1875 P^"^' chased of Mr. Woodward the site of the present building, and erected the fine brick block wherein the bank is now located. In September, 1876, the bank was incorporated by act of the State Legislature, and commenced business October 2, 1876, as a stock company. The capital stock with which the bank organized was one hundred thousand dollars, Messrs. Wood, Woodward and Sheffield becoming the largest stockholders. The company included many of the leading business men in the place, and several of the ablest farmers in the vicinity. A board of directors was chosen September 23, 1876, consisting of Bourdette Wood, Abishai Woodward, E. J. Sheffield, Andrew Smith, A. C. Beckwith, and the following year two more directors were added, viz.: D. M. Harkness and J. B. Higbee. Bourdette Wood was chosen president; Abishai Woodward, vice-president; and E. J. Sheffield, cashier; and these gentlemen are the present officers, with Thomas Woodward, jr., as teller. The stockholders of this bank in number represent not less than one million three hundred thousand dollars, two of the directors, Mr. Wood and Mr. Harkness representing, together, threefourths ot a million.

The First National Bank was organized September 30, 1875, the capital stock being fifty thousand dollars. The directors are: J. T. Worthington, Dr. Amos Woodward, J. B. Higbee, William McKira, Joseph Egle, and J. K. Richards. J. T.

Flouring Mills

The manufacture of flour has been an industry of considerable importance to Bellevue for many years. There are two large mills owned by Higbee & Company. The old mill was first built in 1849 by J. B. Higbee and a Mr. Lawrence. In 1859 the mill was burned, Mr. Higbee then owning the property alone. The loss involved him to a considerable extent, but he succeeded in effecting a compromise with his creditors and soon rebuilt the mill and resumed business. Since then the mill has been enlarged and improved, and Mr. Higbee associated with him in the business his son, J. A. Higbee.

Soon after the settlement of the county a small distillery was started near Bellevue. The grain used was ground at Clear Creek, and the still was run by hand. This was previous to 1836.

In October, 1849, Chapman, Harkness & Company built the first large distillery, with a capacity of sixty bushels of grain per day. This was run until 1852, when it was sold to D. M. Harkness, who formed a partnership with L. G. Harkness and H. M. Flagler. It was then increased to a capacity of six hundred bushels of grain daily, and was run under this management until 1864, when it was purchased by H. M. Sinclair. Since that time it has not been run continuously, and is now abandoned as a distillery.

In 1853 Chapman, Woodward & Company built another distillery, with a capacity for six hundred bushels dail)'. This distillery has been run most of the time since built, and is still in operation.

Early in 1875 the farmers living in the vicinity of Bellevue formed a joint stock company for the purpose of erecting an elevator that should be under their own control, and from which they could ship their grain if they thought best, or could sell on the street if prices offered suited them. The charter members of this company consisted of seventeen persons, and stock was subscribed to the amount of five thousand dollars.

A building about twenty-four by sixty feet was erected, and completed September II, 1875. ^^ engine house was also built, and an engine provided for hoisting grain and running a cleaner and a mill for grinding feed. The cost was about nine thousand dollars, a part of it being paid from the earnings of the elevator after its completion. The building and attachments were put in charge of John Decker, who, the first season, received and shipped some four hundred thousand l)ushels of grain.

On the night of April 10, 1878, the elevator was burned. A new one was immediately commenced, and was in running order about August i, 1878, but the feedmill and cleaner were not replaced. Mr. Decker continued as manager until November, 1878, when Messrs. Wood & . Close took charge. The ist of January, 1879, they leased the elevator, the stockholders reserving the right to use it for their own grain, on paying the lessees one cent per bushel for elevating and storing.

The stock company is managed by a board of directors, consisting of nine persons, three of whom form an executive committee. It is believed by the members of the company that since the erection of the elevator, prices for grain have ruled

There are two elevators in the building, both run by horse power, two horses being used. This is found much more economical than an engine, and answers the purpose equally well.

Water Works

The village of Bellevue is situated in a comparatively level country, with no hills and no elevated land from which to obtain water by means of springs or natural reservoirs. Underlying it is a limestone formation, full of cracks and seams, by means of which the surface water is effectually drained off, thus forming a fine system of drainage for farms, but giving the town the reputation of a dry place. On the purchase of a hand fire engine, in 1869, cisterns were built in various parts of the town, but the supply of water was not thought adequate. About that time the subject of some system of water works was agitated, and the village authorities caused an experimental well to be bored, but the drill became stuck and it was given up.

In 1872 the village council submitted the question of a reservoir, to be fed by a large ditch on the eastern border of the corporation, to the people for a vote, which resulted almost unanimously in its favor, only two votes being recorded against the question. An ordinance was then passed authorizing the construction of water works, and providing for the issue of bonds for the village, not to exceed the amount of forty thousand dollars, the same to expire in 1880. A special election was held July 5, 1875, fo"" '^he election of three trustees, for one, two, and three years. J. W. Goodson, A. B. Smith, and B. Moore were elected, and immediately proceeded to work out the plan. A lot of five acres was purchased from McKim and Bates, with the right of way to the ditch before mentioned. Two more acres were subsequently added to the first purchase, making the present area seven acres. In digging out the reservoir, the dirt was piled up around the sides, making a substantial embankment. The gravel in the side of the ridge was struck in some places, and when the reservoir is full the water filters through the gravel into the ridge for a great distance, forming an almost inexhaustible supply, for one season at least.

In 1875 water conductors were laid through Main street, but it was found that there was not sufficient pressure to furnish all the water that was needed. In 1877 a tank house of biick was built, thirty-two feet high, and surmounted by a boiler iron tank, twenty-five feet high and eighteen feet in diameter, capable of holding fifty thousand barrels of water. A Knowles engine and pump were purchased for the purpose of forcing the water into the tank.

Power House

In 1871 some of the capitalists of Bellevue conceived the idea of erecting a large building, putting in an engine and suitable machinery, and renting to any persons or companies, who required power for manufacturing purposes, such part of the building as they might need for carrying forward the business in which they were engaged. A subscription paper was started and the names of eighty-seven persons were obtained. It was the intention to start with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, though it was found that this amount would not be required, and but thirty thousand dollars were called in. Some few of the signers of the subscription did not finally take shares, though eight hundred and thirty-six were taken.

A contract was made August 8, 1871, for a building forty by one hundred and fifty feet, two stories in height, and thirty feet to the roof This was completed in the fall of the same year. An engine house was also built, twenty by thirty feet in size, the total cost being about thirty thousand dollars, including the land on which the building was erected.

Nathan P. And Mary A. Birdseye

Industry, strength, and sagacity build up estates; worth of character is a sure foundation of public esteem; acute business capacity and fine moral sensibilities are the elements of a complete man whose life makes mankind better and by whose living human welfare has been promoted; such a man was Nathan Phelps Birdseye.

The Birdseyes of this country are descended from Rev. Nathan Birdseye, a Presbyterian clergyman, who came to America in the eighteen century and died at Meriden, Connecticut, in his one hundred and fifth year. He preached on the centennial of his birth. This worthy patriarch's family consisted of six sons and six daughters.

James Birdseye, father of Joseph and Nathan P. Birdseye of York township, was born in Connecticut. In early life he removed to Ontario county, New York, where he married Phebe Phelps, by whom was born a family of four sons and one daughter. James Birdseye came to Sandusky county on a prospecting tour in company with William McPherson and Norton Russel in 1822. He entered one eighty-acre lot and returned to New York. Two years after, accompanied by his son, Nathan P., he came to Ohio, and the following year entered upon the discharge of a contract with the State for grading a portion of the Maumee and Western Reserve road. He received in payment a large tract of State land in York township. Mr. Birdseye was also contractor and builder of the first bridge across the Sandusky River. Having completed his contracts on public works, he returned to New York, leaving his son, Nathan P., on the farm in York. For a period of eight years from 1824, our subject lived alone, all the while enlarging his fields and reducing the cleared land to a better state of cultivation. The first cabin in which he lived was built by a man named Harman. In 1828 he erected a frame house, which was occupied for a short time by Dr. L. G. Harkness. Mr. Birdseye married, April 8, 1832, Mary Ann Christie. This name carries us back to one of the earliest pioneer families in the county.

William Christie, son of Andrew and Abigail (Hopper) Christie, was born in Orange county. New York, where he married Mary Slauson. Their family consisted of three children - Andrew, Abigail and Mary Ann. Soon after marriage Mr. Christie moved to Tompkins county, New York, and in 181 7 came to Lower Sandusky, making the entire journey from Black Rock by water. There were only about twenty-five families in the village at that time. Mr. Christie was a carpenter by trade and found ready employment. His first engagement was on a frame store building for Jaques Hulburd. A year or two later the first brick house in Lower Sandusky was built, and Mr. Christie did the carpenter work. This house is yet standing, and has for years been known as the Beaugrand property. In 1S22 Mr. Christie entered two eighty-acre lots in York township, and in February of the following year joined the pioneers of that part of the county. The only son, Andrew, died in 1822, and is buried in the old cemetery at Fremont. He was a young man of superior intelligence, and was employed at writing for Auditor Rumery and other official! Mr. Christie himself was not spared long to his family and new farm; he died August i, 1826, leaving two daughters to support a widow's affliction. The two daughters, Abigail and Mary Ann, have never been separated at any one time for a longer period than three months. Mrs. Christie died at the home of her daughter, Mrs Birdseye, November 2, 1846.

The old Christie farm in York township has never changed ownership, except by inheritance to the daughters. The original patent was issued in 1822, by James Monroe. The family cherish this old homestead, made doubly dear by the reposing ashes of their parents.

Nathan P. Birdseye was born in Hopewell, Ontario county. New York, January 27, 1804. His education was such as the common schools of his native State afforded. He was the only member of the family who desired to come to Ohio, and by inheritance and purchase came into possession of the large tract of land in York township, taken by his father in payment of services on public works. After his marriage he united with his own estate that belonging to his wife, and to further increase his possessions and advance his lands in value by means of improvements, was the constant aim of his industrious life. For twelve years he kept a house of entertainment between Bellevue and Clyde, at the same time superintending extensive farming operations. He was an accumulator of real estate, but speculation of no kind received his attention. Before retiring from his active labors, Mr. Birdseye could look over farms embracing in all more than one thousand fertile acres, with the proud consciousness of honestly earned ownership. His virtues of character are well summed up by his intimate friend and physician, Hon. John B. Rice, in an obituary published after his death,

The demise of such a man as Nathan P. Birdseye calls for something more than the bare mention of the fact that one who had so long lived in our midst, is dead. It is paying but a just tribute to his memory that there be placed on record, by those who knew him well, an acknowledgment that he lived in such a manner as to deserve and win the respect and affection of all good men.

He was of strong frame; industrious, prudent and thrifty; clear-headed, firm, persevering, betievolent and tender-hearted. He possessed, indeed, in a remarkable degree, the traits which distinguish the good old New«-England stock whence he sprung. He was a farmer, and loved the land which, through years of trial and labor, he saw transformed from forest to orchard and field. Until enfeebled by disease and advancing years he found actual enjoyment in the work of his farm, laboring in the fields with his hired men whom he treated as equals.

Mr. Birdseye was a man of earnest convictions. He looked upon mankind as a brotherhood, and regarded individuals not from appearances but according to their acts. He was originally an antislavery Whig, but joined the ranks of the Republican party at its organization. During the war he was active in the cause of the Union; encouraged enlistments, and contributed freely toward the suppoit of the Aimilies of those who were fighting the battles of the country. In religion he was a Universalist. His natural love of his kind made him hope and believe that

Mr. Birdseye acquired riches; his landed property was large, and includes some of the finest in this county. But he gained by honest mdustry and thrift, he never wronged or oppressed any man. His word was as good as his bond. He continually performed the uncounted deeds of neighborly kindness.

In early times when there was much sickness in the country, he would, after laboring on his farm all the day, watch with those stricken by disease, through every night in the week. At other times when a whole family were down with contagious illness, he entirely neglected his own work, and gave all his care to nursing the sick. He practiced, too, the ancient hospitality which is so little the fashion now-a-days. To the stranger overtaken by storm or by night, no matter what his condition, he always gave food and shelter, and he never knowingly allowed the hungry to pass his house unfed.

As has been said, fortune smiled upon him. But he rendered the equivalent by the labor of his own hands, and that honest kind of economy which has been commended by good men in every age. It came to him as praise of his memory will come, as the love and faithfulness of dear wife and child, and

Mrs. Mary Ann Birdseye was born May 17, 1 8 10. She attended school in Lower Sandusky during her father's residence there, and afterwards continued her studies in the seminary at Norwalk. She taught school four terms before her marriage - two terms in Bellevue, during which time she made her home at ^he residence ot Thomas Amsden, and two terms in her home district in York. As a teacher she is very kindly remembered by those who were benefited by her instruction. She possesses a cultured imagination and has written ^some poetry, which, for imagery has real merit.

It is not necessary to say that the home presided over by a woman of Mrs. Birdseye's generous, womanly disposition was a model for regularity and concord. During the war her sympathies naturally went out toward the soldiers. She was during all that sad period president of the Clyde Ladies Aid Society, and contributed of her means and labors to the cause. Mr. Birdseye was careful at the same time that no soldier's home in his community should suffer for support. They had no sons to send to the field of battle, but their benevolent labor at home was no less useful and appreciated.

Mrs. Birdseye is a remarkably well preserved lady. Her fare beams with intelligence and good nature, and she holds in memory with exceptional correctness the scenes and events of by-gone years. A visitor is particularly impressed with her cheerfulness of temperament. She remembers and narrates with pleasure amusing incidents, but, unlike many old people, has little to say of the rougher side of pioneer life, a full share of which she experienced.

Fremont, having with her her constant friend, companion and sister. Miss Abigail Christie, who was born December 7, 1806. She has near her, for comfort and support, her only child, Cornelia, wife of Isaac Amsden, who was born December 16, 1832. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Amsden consists of five children.

Thomas Gates Amsden

The subject of this sketch was a conspicuous character in the history of Bellevue for more than thirty years. Thomas Gates Amsden was born in Ontario county. New York, October 8, 1797. His father, Isaac Amsden, was a Revolutionary soldier. After the war he settled on a farm in Ontario county, on which the son was accustomed to hard work, being given the advantage of a short term of schooling each winter.

During the War of 181 2, when the Governor of New York made a call for militia to defend Buffalo, Thomas, then in his seventeenth year, responded bravely to the call in place of an older brother. Bravery and courage, which were predominating characteristics of the man, thus early found expression in the boy.

In early life Mr. Amsdea came West, and in company with F. A. Chapman and one or two of his brothers, engaged in the hazardous business of hunting and trapping and trading with the Indians. They finally entered the employ of General Whitney, who at that time was conducting Indian stores at many of the frontier posts of the Northwest. Mr. Amsden was stationed at Green Bay, w^here he was quite successful, and won the confidence of his employer to the degree that, in 1823, General Whitney gave to himself and Mr. Chapman letters of credit on the great Boston house of

A. & A. Lawrence, to the amount of a general stock of goods calculated to the wants of pioneer trade. This stock, placed in a log cabin, was the first store in Bellevue. General Whitney, in the same way, had started eight other clerks in business, but his kindness on the whole cost him considerable money, for, as he told Chapman & Amsden afterwards, they were the only two who paid for their stock and made a success in trade.

So popular did the store of Chapman & Amsden become that the place received the name Amsden's Corners, the last named member of the firm being best known to the customers. For several years from 1823 they continued general merchandising. Their goods were at first adapted to trading with the Indians, who were then the principal inhabitants. As the Indians decreased, and the whites multiplied, they continued the business, increasing it as trade demanded. Beginning in a log hut, they finally carried it on in a more pretentious frame building, the first of the kind in this region, a part of it being occupied by Mr. Amsden as a family residence. This building was eventually torn away to make room for the stone block now occupied by the First National Bank.

During this time they built the Exchange Hotel, which they continued to own for twenty years. This was the best hotel building for a long distance around, and had considerable influence upon the growth of the village by attracting emigrants and business men to the place.

The frame building which displaced the first log store, was painted red, and was known as the "Red Store." It was the largest mercantile establishment between Norwalk and Lower Sandusky.

was only partially improved. This farm included nearly all of that part of the present town of Bellevue in Sandusky county. While he was engaged at farming he was elected and served as justice of the peace. While a merchant he was postmaster. Mr. Amsden afterwards again entered active business in partnership with Mr. Chapman, under the firm name of T. G. Amsden & Co., dealers in general merchandise and farm products, until 1855, ^itider the successive firm names of T. G. Amsden & Co., Amsden, Bramwell & Co., Amsden, Dimmick & Co., and Amsden & Co. He was in mercantile and general business in Bellevue. In 1848 he became interested in a store and distillery in Monroeville. This proved an unfortunate enterprise. It was not only in itself a financial failure, but carried the Bellevue house, in which his son, Isaac E., was interested, with it. Mr Amsden's course was in the line of the strictest business integrity. He refused to adopt any method which prudence might suggest for saving a part of his hard-earned estate. He turned over to his creditors all his property, and emerged from the general crash in very straitened circumstances. He retained his home in Bellevue, where he lived for a few years in comparative retirement. Then selling out he purchased a small farm just below Fremont, where he died December 7, 1876.

The maiden name of Mr. Amsden's first wife was Lydia Chapman, a daughter of James Chapman, who served in the Revolutionary army during the whole seven years of the war. This marriage occurred in 1823. They had a family of seven children, five of whom survived infancy - Sarah, Mary, Isaac E., Thomas, and William.

the land upon which it is located. Mary is married to Abishai Woodward, son of the late Gurdon Woodward, of Bellevue. Isaac E. married Cornelia Birdseye, daughter of N. P. Birdseye, and is in business in Fremont. Thomas died some years since in Bellevue. William, at the opening of the Rebellion, enlisted in the army, and was soon made captain in the Third Ohio Cavalry; was prostrated by camp fever in the spring of 1862, and was first brought to the hospital at Cincinnati and then to his home in Fremont, where he died June 19.

Mr. Amsden subsequently married Harriet Williams, of Monroeville. The family by this marriage consisted of five children - Emily, Edward, Lizzie, Maggie, and Harriet.

Emily is married to Charles Cullen, of Delta, Fulton county, Ohio. Edward resides at Canton, Ohio. Lizzie resides in Fremont. Maggie died at the age of ten years. Harriet resides in Fremont.

Mr. Amsden was a man of great physical energy and endurance, as well as of fine intellectual qualities, and in his long partnership with Mr. Chapman took the principal charge of the out-door business, while Mr. Chapman managed the office work. Mr. Amsden was highly respected for his unswerving integrity, and genial, affable manners. He was so widely known for his sound and reliable judgment that, for many years, his advice was uniformly taken before any new enterprise of importance was started. He was, during his prosperous business life, free in his charities. Nothing seemed to gratify him more than to relieve want or suffering. He was a supporter of the Episcopal church. He was for nearly thirty years a prominent and faithful member of the Independent

Order of Odd Fellows in Bellevue, and afterward in Fremont. 'At the time of his death appropriate resolutions of sympathy and respect were passed by the order, and a large delegation from the encampment at Fremont accompanied his remains to the beautiful cemetery at Bellevue, where they were deposited amid the ashes of his dead.

Frederick Smith And Family

In the spring of 1818 George Frederick Schmidt and family, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany, emigrated to America and settled in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. In his native land Mr. Smith - as the name is now written by his descendants - was united in marriage to Dorothea Maumann. They brought up a large family, there being nine children in all, seven of whom arrived at maturity. Four are still living. Seven of them were born in this country. The names of the children in the order of their ages were as follows: Maria D., married David Moore, and resided in Bellevue; died December 7, 1879, in her si.xty-seventh year. Anna M. married James Chapman, of York township; died November 8, 1S79, aged sixty-five years. Frederick, the subject of this sketch; David, a resident of York township; Catharine, widow of William White, Grundy county, Tennessee; Sarah A., wife of Elmer Simpson, Placer county, California; and John F., a resident of York township; and two who died young.

The family resided in Pennsylvania until the year 1836, when they came to York township and settled upon the farm now in possession of one of the sons. At the time of their settlement this entire region bore a very uninviting aspect. iVfter coming here Mr. Smith purchased a piece of land on which a small clearing had been made and a cabin erected. They had the usual difficulties and experiences incident to life in the woods, but bv the combined efforts of the whole family they succeeded in accomplishing the mission which led them hither and established a home. Mrs. Smith did not live to enjoy many of the subsequent improvements. She died in November, 1842. Her husband survived until the 18th of P'ebruary^ 1858, when he passed away. Both were worthy people, and possessed of that industrious and frugal disposition which enables the German emigrant to succeed in the face of many obstacles.

Frederick Smith was the oldest son. He was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, December 10, 1S18, and consequently was about eighteen years of age when his parents came to this county. He lived at home and assisted in clearing up the farm and making improvements. In 1845, on the 2d day of October, he was joined in marriage to Mary A. Box, of Washington township. The following year he bought a farm adjoining the old homestead, upon which he ]:)assed the remainder of his days. His first purchase was eighty acres, twenty of which were partially cleared. There was also a small cabin upon the farm. Mr. Smith labored diligently, making inroads upon the forest and imoroving his fields, and as they became fruitful under his skilful hands, thus furnishing the means for enlarging his farm, he made additional purchases, upon which in turn he continued the work of clearing. Before his death he became the owner of six hundred and forty acres of excellent land, as the reward of his steadfast industry and perseverance. His elegant brick residence, the present home of his widow, was erected in 1866.

considerable skill and ingenuity in the use of various kinds of tools, and frequently did blacksmithing and carpentry work for himself He was a man who had many sincere friends, won by his upright character and manly qualities. In politics he was a strong Democrat, and always labored to promote the success of his party. Early in life he became a Christian, and continued to the end a devout member of the Reformed church. Just before his death, while conversing on religious subjects, he referred to his early religious associations with much pleasure and satisfaction. He was elected a trustee of St. Paul's church some three years previous to his death, and faithfully served in that office until prevented by failing health. He was prostrated by illness in December, 1878, and continued gradually declining until the ist day of April, in the year 1879, when the end came.

Mrs. Frederick Smith was born in Northampton county (now Carbon county), Pennsylvania, August 13, 1826. Her parents were Nicholas and Eve Margaret Box. Her mother's maiden name was Mehrcome. Her father died in Pennsylvania December 2, 1835. Her mother came to this county in 1836, and settled in Washington township, where she died April 22, 1857. Mrs. Smith is the youngest of a family of eleven children. She has three brothers and two sisters living. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three sons and four daughters, all of whom are living in York township. Their names are: William Frederick, Mary Armena, Samuel David, Henry Franklin, Margaret Anna, Sarah Catharine, and Dora Ella. Two of the sons and one of the daughters are married. William F. married Sarah C. Wilt, and has two children; Henry F. married Hannah E. Richards; Mary Armena is the wife of George Wilt, York township, and has four children.

Joseph McCauley was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, May 23, iSii. His father, John McCauley, of Scotch-Irish blood, came to America from Ireland with his parents when a young man. He married, in Pennsylvania, Mary Stumphff, and had a family of seven sons and four daughters. Of these four sons and two daughters are yet living. Joseph was the si.\th child. He was brought up and educated in Pennsylvania. He was a farmer throughout his life. On the aSih of October, 1830, he married Anna Ulsh, daughter of Andrew and Barbara Ubh. She was born February 17, 181 1, and was the second child and oldest daughter. The Ulsh family consisted of nine children, five sons and four daughters. The youngest of these children reached the age of fifty-one years before any were removed by death. Three of the sons and all of the daughters are still living. Andrew Ulsh spent his life in Pennsylvania. He was born September 12, 1785 ; died April 9, 1864. Barbara Ulsh, born September 20, 1788; died October 22, 1828. Mr. Ulsh was married twice, Catharine being the name of his second wife.

After his marriage Mr. McCauley resided one year in Snyder county, thence moved to Mifflin county in 1832, where he lived until the spring of 1845. In the month of April of that year he came to the farm in York township, which he had purchased two years before, and set about making a home. The farm contained seventy-eight acres, but was afterwards increased in size to one hundred and sixtyfour acres. There had been slight improvements made, but not enough to make the farm of much utility until a large amount of work had been done. Mr. and Mrs. McCauley labored diligently, saved economically, and in due season had a comfortable home. Three childred were born to them - John A. Mc- Cauley, born December 27, 183 1: Matilda E. McCauley, born August 30, 1833; Sarah I. McCauley, born January 29, 1839. The daughters are both living, Mrs. Matilda E. Kojip in York township, and Mrs. Sarah I. Ulsh in St. Joseph county, Michigan. Joseph McCauley died April 21, 1853, a worthy and highly respected man. He was a man of industry and perseverance, and during the eight years he lived in Ohio, he mad^ a large number of clearings and improvements, erected a substantial house, barn and outbuildings. He was a self-made man; commenced life with little, and worked his way upward by strict and careful attention to business. He was a member of the Lutheran church in Pennsylvania, but after coming to Ohio joined the Congregational church. He was a man of a cheerful and obliging disposition, and is gratefully remembered by his old friends and neighbors who had an opportunity to become tiioroughly acquainted with him, and to know his worth.

After his death his widow lived upon the old homestead over ten years. November 17, 1863, she was married to John Orwig, and since that time she has resided at Bellevue. Mrs. Orwig belongs to the Congregational church, and is a faithful member.

John A. McCauley, only son of Joseph McCauley, was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents. He lived and died upon the old homestead, enjoying the peaceful life of a prosperous farmer. January 13, 1853, he was united in marriage to Lucy A. Jordan, born January iS, 1832, in Union county, Pennsylvania. This union was blessed by three children, two of whom are living - .-Mice A., born January 26, 1854; married March 16, 1S74, to Harry S. Knauss; resides in the house with her mother; has three children - Virgic M., born November 22, 1S75; Ohve Maud, born August 3, 1877; and John W., born February 6, 1880. John Ezra, born May 25, 1857, died September 7, 185S. Joseph Ervin, born June 8, 1859, married AUce C. Drake, and resides in York township, this county.

John A. McCauley died August 28, 1879. He united with the Congregational church when about sixteen, and lived a faithful Christian. He was a man of the highest integrity of character, and was highly esteemed by the community in which he resided. Like his father he supported the Democratic ticket.

Mrs. Lucy A. McCauley is the daughter of one of the pioneers of Ohio. Her father, Adam Jordan, was born in Lar,- caster county, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1803. He was married in his native State to Sophia Orwig, who was born in Schuylkill county, September 16, 1803. These parents had five sons and four daughters - Sarah A., who married Uriah Weaver; Martin married Mary Soyer; Lucy A. (McCauley); Joseph married FLannah Gamby; Mary A., George, and Hannah M., single; James married Emma Hubble; John, the only member of the family not living at the time of this writing, died when fourteen years old.

Adam Jordan moved from Union county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio, in 1832; remained one year in Richland county, then settled in Seneca county, whence he moved to York township, Sandusky county, in 1844. Mr. Jordan died September 22, i860. His widow survived until August 28, 187 1.

Mrs. McCauley joined the Congregational church in 1853. Her children also united with the same organization when quite young. Slie is a lady who enjoys the friendship and esteem of a large circle of neighbors and acquaintances.

The Rife Family

THE RIFE FAMILY. Michael Rife was born in Frederick county, Maryland, February 15, 18 14. His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth (Sunibrun) Rife. They had three sons and seven daughters, with names as follows: Susan, Michael, Daniel, Julia Ann, Elizabeth, Mary and Sarah (twins), Sophia, John, and Frances. The sons and four of the daughters are now living. Michael and John reside in York township, and Daniel in the village of Clyde. They are all farmers. Susan is the widow of Chester Kinney, and resides at Green Spring, m this county; Julia Ann married John Hamlin, her home is in Steuben county, Indiana; Mary married Aaron Bartlett, and lives in Fulton county; Elizabeth is single, and resides in Bellevue; Sarah, Sophia, and Frances are deceased. Frances was the wife of Frank Joint, of Bellevue.

The parents of Mr. Rife came to Sandusky county in 1832 and located where John Rife now lives. The country at that date was but thinly settled, and the father and his sons had before them the difficult task of making a home in the wilderness and earning a living there. That they succeeded well in this undertaking, the neat and pretty farms in possession of the family are sufficient proofs. Daniel Rife died when fifty-five years of age, and his wife when fifty seven. Both were members of the Lutheran church during the greater portion of their lives, and were earnest and sincere Christians.

eit and Lucinda (Butler) Longwell, who were among the very first settlers in this county. They moved to York township in 1823. Mr. Longwell brought his goods in an ox-wagon, and Mrs. Longwell rode horseback, carrying her child in her arms. They were here but one brief year before they were overtaken by death. Mrs. Longwell died September 17, 1814, aged thirtytwo years, and her husband followed on the 2 2d day of the same month and year, dying at the age of thirty. After the death of her parents, Mary lived with her relatives until her marriage with Mr. Rife, in 1839.

For the first few years after this couple began housekeeping the utmost diligence was required to " make both ends meet." Mrs. Rife raised chickens many seasons to sell, and paid taxes with the proceeds. Produce brought but a small equivalent in money, butter often selling for only five cents per pound, and other articles in proportion. Young people at the present day can form but a vague idea of the difficulties which this stout-hearted pair met and overcame.

Their union has been blessed with four children, three of whom are living. The family record is as follows: Eudora Ann was born March 30, 1S41, she married Robert Zuel, and resides in Johnson county, Kansas ; Sarah F. was born September 7, 1842, she is the wife of William L. Richards, and lives near her old home; Robert L., born April 27, 1846, married Maria Dimock; he also resides near his parents; Charles, born February 20, 1848, died March 24th of the same year.

Mr. and Mrs. Rife, now in their declining years, are the happy j^ossessors of a pleasant, pretty home, a good farm of three hundred acres, well improved, and supplied with a good orchard and plenty of timber. They have always been industrious and economical, and by toiling

Mr. Rife is a Republican and has never voted any other ticket, excepting that of the Whig party. He has never aspired to township or other ofifices.

James Chapman

James Chapman was born in the northwestern part of the State of Pennsylvania, December 26, 1809. He is the oldest of the children of Jeremiah and Sarah (Wilbur) Chapman. Jeremiah Chapman was a native of Connecticut, but moved to Pennsylvania when quite a young man and was one of the pioneers in the part of the State where he settled. He was the son of James Chapman, a Revolutionary soldier, who lived and died in Connecticut. Sarah Wilbur was born in Rhode Island, but removed to Pennsylvania with her parents when young. Soon after he was married, Jeremiah Chapman removed to Ontario county. New York, where he lived until about 1819, when he came to Ohio. He remained one year in Huron county, then located on Sandusky River in Seneca county, where he resided about four years, moving thence to Sandusky county in 1824. Here he settled in York townshi[) on a farm which is still in possession of the family. He was the father of four children, three of whom are still living - Sarah, the second child and oldest daughter, is the wife of George ^Vood and resides in Erie county; Maria married L. P. W^trner, and lives in Hillsdale county, Michigan; and James. The other child, a son, died in infancy.

Jeremiah Chapman was a farmer during his life. He was a man of hearty constitution, strong and vigorous physically, in short, almost a perfect type of the sturdy pioneer. He served a short time in the War of 181 2. Both he and his wife were members of the Free-will Baptist church. Mr. Chapman died July i, 1S45, aged sixty- four years. Mrs. Chapman survived her husband a few years, and died at the home of her youngest daughter, in Michigan.

From the foregoing it will be seen that Mr. James Chapman came to this county when about fourteen years of age. He bad limited opportunities for obtaining an education, except in the wide and varied field known as the school of life. He attended school for a few years during a portion of the winter time in some of the few log school-houses then in York township. His boyhood was passed at home on the farm. When about thirty years old he married Anna Smith, daughter of George Smith, of York township. She was one of a family of seven children, and was a native of Germany.

To Mr. and Mrs. Chapman were born seven children, four of whom are still living. Following are their names in the order of their ages: Albert, died December 14, 1873, aged thirty-two years; he was unmarried. Reuben resides near his father's home; he married Nettie Riley of Riley township. Mary died September 17, 1873, aged twenty-eight; she was the wife of Atwell Forgerson, of York township. Emeline and Adeline (twins); Emeline married Henry Kopp, and resides in York township. Adeline lives at home. The next child was a daughter, who died in infancy. Amelia, the youngest, resides at home. Mrs. Chapman died November 8, 1879, at the age of sixty-five.

Mr. Chapman has been one of the successful farmers of this vicinity. Of recent years he has given up the management of his place to his son, who continues doing a thrifty business. Mr. Chapman has been a sound Republican ever since the party was formed. He was a member of the Free-will Baptist church as long as that

Seneca D. And M Ah Ala E.

Seneca Dusenbcrry Hitt was a native of Danby, Rutland county, Vermont, and was born, October 6, 1800. His father Henry D. Hitt, was a native of New York, being of Welsh parentage on his father's side, and Dutch on his mother's side. The mother of Seneca D. Hitt was Mary Nichols, a native of Vermont. General Greene, of the Revolution, was her uncle.

The boyhood of Mr. Hitt was spent on the shoemaker's bench, in business, and teaching school. He married, June 15, 1837, Mahala E. Stafford, a daughter of Palmer and Betsy (Paddock) Stafford, of Wallingford, Rutland county, Vermont. The ancestry of the Stafford family is traced back to a Rhode Island family of that name.

The newly wedded couple left their home in Vermont on the 27th of June, and after a tedious journey of one month and two days, arrived in Bellevue. Mr. Hitt had, the year before, in partnership with his cousin, Henry Nichols, purchased the farm on which he settled, being one hundred and twenty-six acres, twelve of which was cleared. Mr. Hitt, during the earlier years of his residence in this county, made use of his experience at shoemaking to earn a few odd dollars, for ready cash was scarce, and the pioneers were driven to various expedients for earning money. But hard labor and economy triumphed over the rugged opposition of heavy forest and general scarcity. Mr. Hitt purchased, in a few years, Mr. Nichol's interest in the farm, which he continued to improve till death, when, as an heritage to his family, he left an enviable home.

Mr. Hitt died in January, 1S72, in his seventy-second year. He was frequently entrusted with local otifices. He was a warm advocate of Whig principles, and after the fall of that party became a Republican. In appearance he was robust and strong, being five feet eight inches tall, and weighing about two hundred pounds.

Mrs. Hitt is still living on the old farm. She is a well preserved woman, both physically and mentally. A naturally happy disposition fills her home with good cheer and hospitality.

Mary E. was born April 3, 1840. She was married in 1S71 to Silas A. Wood, who died in June, 1872. She is employed as a teacher in the Fremont public schools.

Marion Adelia was born February 3, 1S42. She was married September 27, 1S60, to George H. Mugg, a resident of Green Creek township. Their tamily consists of three children - Elmei E., Luella, and Susan M.

Tamson Lavina was born January 17, 1845. She was married October 23, 1867, to Charles H. Welch. Their family consists of four children - Alice R., Mahala, Adelia, and Charles H., jr.

John S. And Ann Gardner

John Gardner was a pioneer in York township. With his family, consisting of a wife and si.\ children, he emigrated from Vermont and settled here while nearly the whole township was original forest. John S. Gardner, the oldest son, was born in Yermont, on the 24th of February, 1806, and was consequently seventeen years old when the family settled in this county. Ot a robust constitution he was well calculated for the toils and hardships which life in a new country imposed. Mr. Gardner, by working hard on his father's farm and for himself, accumulated some money which he invested in land then held at a very low price, but as improvements were made, gradually increased in value, making him by the time he had reached maturity, a man of considerable means. Mr. Gardner married, January 3, 1833, Ann Alexander, daughter of Theophilus and Mary Alexander, who came to Ohio in 1825, with a family of eleven children, from the State of New York. Ann was born in New York in iSii.

John S. and Ann Gardner have had a family of seven children, five of whom are living - John A., was born June 25, 1S34, was married March 12, 1857, to Emeline J. Bemis; Theo[)hilus E., was born August 6, 1836, married May 10, 1866, to Sarah Ann Thompson, she having deceased, he married Justina Alexander in 1S69; Mary E. was born December 4, 1S38; Charles C. was born June 9, 1842, married Rebecca A. Lenimon; Dyer C. was born July 23, 1845, served in the army, married, in 1870, Sarah R. Rowe; Ann, born April 15, 1847, married, in 1868, William Ritter; Julia, born January 9, 1850, married to Henry Tiiomas; Mary E., died July 25, 1867; Charles C, died October 26, 1877.

As will be seen by reference to the civil list of the county, John S. Gardner served as county commissioner for the period of four years. He was always prominent in the affairs of his township, and a working member of the Democratic party in the east part of the county. He was strong in ])hysique and capable of doing much hard work. He was a persevering farmer and pushed work with a diligence which manifested itself in rapidly increasing hnded possessions. He died May 23, 1861. Mrs. Gardner remains on the old farm. She has an excellent memory for a woman of her age, and narrates in an interesting manner the scenes and incidents of years gone by.

Jeremiah Smith

Among the many courageous men and women who penetrated the forests of Ohio while the State was yet the hunting grounds of the Indians, the sons and daughters of New England hold a conspicuous place. Bravery, generosity, unwavering honesty, united to a strong religious faith, were the virtues that characterized them, and the principles that animated them.

In 1822 a worthy couple, both natives of the State of Connecticut, settled on the South ridge, in York township. Their names were Jeremiah and Experience (Mills) Smith. Enough has been written in this volume to portray the condition of Sandusky county at that date. The trials, difificulties, and dangers which beset these bold representatives of the Yankee nation need not bs rehearsed here. Here they lived, reared a family, and died. But one of their children survives, although the family consisted of three sons and three daughters. The names Avere as follows: Jeremiah, Edward, Barzilla, Lucy, Laura, and Triphena. Jeremiah settled in York township and resided here until the close of his days. Edward died in Lagrange county, Indiana. Barzilla died in New York State, where his parents had lived before coming to Ohio. Lucy married Charles Gardenier, of Montgomery county, New York, and died years ago. Laura married Abel D. Follett, of Bellevue, and now resides in Ventura county, California. Triphena died the year after her parents moved here, aged thirteen years.

Jeremiah Smith, sr., died October 7, 1826, aged forty-nine years. His wife, a most estimable lady, survived until September 6, 1840, when she passed away at the age of sixty-six, universally respected as a woman of Christian benevolence and genuine worth.