Delaware Township (part 1 of 3)

Delaware Township

In the year 1828, the territory now included in this township was organized and named Welfare. We find this record of the proceedings of the County Commissioners, under date of June 1st, 1829; "Agreeable to the petition of sundry citizens of Welfare township, in Hancock County, the name of Welfare is changed to that of Delaware, and to be known as such."

I have not been able to ascertain why the township was originally called Welfare, nor do the records disclose the reason for changing to Delaware. The township no doubt owes its present name to the fact that the Delaware tribe of Indians made this part of the county a favorite resort.

In 1823 entries were made in the following order as to dates; Michael Buck, west half of the north-east quarter of section 2, Curtis Berry, east half of north-east quarter of section 2, John Brundige, the south-west quarter of section 1, W. J. Greer, east half of north-west quarter of section 1, John Rose, east half of south-west quarter of section 11, William Da\is, east half of north-west quarter of section 14. Then followed entries by David Augustus, Marquis Lafayette Plumb, Levi Edgington and others in 1826, and by Josiab Elder, Godfrey Wolford and others in 1827.

The first settlement made in this township was by Asa M. Lake in the year 1822. Mr. Lake built a log cabin on a parcel of ground now owned by Michael Treece, and in the limits of the village of Mt. Blanchard. The parcel of land had been used by the Indians as a burying ground. Many skeletons and relics have been dug up, and even to the present day they are to be found. Mr. Lake was one of the very earliest settlers of the county. He entered and settled on the west half of the north-west quarter of section 1. This tract was on the east side of the Blanchard River, and is now occupied in part by the village of Mt. Blanchard.

Amongst the first settlers of this township were Asa M. Lake, Josiah Elder, the Hamlins, one of whom - Don Alonzo - was one of the first county officers, the Wolfords, of whom Godfrey was one of the first Commissioners of the county, and the Greers.

The settlement here was perhaps the very earliest in the county, next to that at Findley. Don Alonzo Hamlin was the first Sheriff of the county, and was also County Assess- or. Godfrey Wolford was Coroner of the county, and was also County Commissioner I believe, and Asa M. Lake was one of the first Justices of the Peace in the county.

The lands in this township were mostly purchased by emigrants from the south-eastern counties of Ohio. A few, however, were from Pennsylvania and Virginia. This was a full township of thirty-six sections until the formation of Wyandotte County in 1845, when one tier of sections on the east side were taken to help form that county.

Asa M. Lake, who first came to the county in 1822, resided here to the time of his death, lie was a fair specimen of the class of men who first emigrate to a new country, hardy, industrious and honest. He succeeded in building up for himself and children a home in one of the richest sections of our county, and lived long enough to see a thriving village built up on the very lands he had redeemed from the wilderness, and peopled with an intelligent and energetic population, supplied with schools and churches and other appliances of civilization.

The red-man, who had been his early companion, had long since been removed westward, and herds of domestic animals taken the place of the wild.

Josiah Elder, whose parents came to this part of the county almost simultaneously with the Lakes, after spending an honest, active lifetime, almost, in the township, died a few years ago, on the old homestead. Mrs. Henry Helms, a sister of Mr. Elder, related to me, a few years ago, the incidents connected with her wedding day, in that long ago. She was first married to William J. Greer, of this township. She relates that her intended husband, and herself, travelled from Delaware tow^nship to Findley on horse-back - both on one horse - through the almost trackless wilderness, where they obtained a license, and then in the same manner went to the residence of Joshua Hedges, a Justice of the Peace, three miles west of Findley, where they were married, and returned to their homes. The trip occupied three days. What do my fair readers think of that style of weddingtour ?

The soil of this township is generally a black sandy loam, intermixed with clay in some parts. The Blanchard Kiver traverses the township from south to north, and with its fertile bottom lands, and numerous creek bottoms, makes it one of the best agricultural districts in the county. Many of the most beautiful farms in the county are to be found here. The lands - as in all parts of the county - were ieavily wooded, and the improvements we see here are the result of the most arduous toil. The fruitful fields have teen redeemed from the wilderness, only by the most patient industry and economy.

The timber here found is of the usual kinds, indigenous to the country, such as sugar, beech, elm, white and black ash, the different varieties of the oak, walnut, hickory, hackberry, buckeye, etc.

The township is well watered by the Blanchard River,, which crosses it, and by the creeks and runs tributary to it. The most considerable creek is in the eastern part of the township, and called Potatoe Creek. Good drinking water can be had in all portions of the township, by sinking wells from ten to thirty feet.

The first school house was built in 1830, near the center of the township, on the farm now owned by J. A. Rose. The first school was taught by John Wolford. The school population was not large at that time, and were easily accommodated in the log school house. The enumeration of school age in this township, in 1880 was 355, outside the town of Mt. Blanchard. There are now eight school housesin the township, one graded and seven common or ungraded.

The first church was built in 1838 by the Methodist Episcopal denomination, in the town of Mt. Blanchard. But it must not be supposed that the people were without religious services up to that time. The school houses and private houses had been the churches. There are now seven churches in the township, three Methodist Protestant,, two Methodist Episcopal, one Baptist and one Presbyterian.

Godfrey Wolford built a flouring mill on the Blanchard River in 1830, near the center of the township. The mill is now known as " Fahl's Mill." And Felix Miller built a saw mill - the first in the township - on the Blanchard River, near the south line of the township.

The only still-house ever in the township was built in 1833, by Abner Bell. It was run but a short time, and was then sold to Samuel Thornton, and removed to Jackson township, where it was operated for several years.

The first white child born in this township, was John B. Elder, and it is believed to be the first white child born in the county. Marian Greer was the first white female born in the township. Nancy Williams, wife of Nathan Williams,, was the first white person who died in this township.

The first election for township officers was held in 1832. R. W. Hamlin, Harvey Smith and John Rose were elected Trustees, Godfrey Wolford, Clerk, and D. 0. Hamlin, Treasurer.

The first couple married were Asa M. Lake and Charlotte- M. Greer, and the second couple, William J. Greer and Rosanna Elder. Both couples were married by Joshua Hedges,. J. P. of Findley.

Mr. Simpson Harris, long a resident of the township, and to whom I am indebted for much valuable information, relates the following incidents :

"In 1«28, or 1829, as John H. Greer, M. S. Hamlin, J. Greer and D. 0. Hamlin were out at play, they came to where a tree had been blown out by the roots, and in falling had left bare the skeleton of an Indian. Upon examination they found a large amount of jewelry, consisting of finger rings, ear and nose rings, wristlets, breast plate, necklace, and quite a large nugget, which they supposed to be copper, all engraved with some French characters. They, supposing the rings to be nothing but tin, and of no particular value, divided them equally between themselves, as near as they could.

"There was a trading post established in what is now Wyandotte County, the agent of which, hearing of their finding, sent word that if they would bring them to him he would pay them all they were worth. M. S. Hamlin sent his portion of the rings, etc., for which he received seven dollars in money. The nugget laid around for a long time, pieces being frequently hacked off, and it was finally lost. This was afterwards supposed by some to have been gold."

"In 1830, John Greer and M. S. Hamlin, two lads, concluded they would take a hunt, and with their guns and ammunition, on a beautiful morning, they started on their way. After spending some time in the sport, and securing what game they wanted, they started on their way homeward. After travelling sometime, and not reaching home, it became e\ddent that they had lost their way.

" After a few moments of consultation they agi*eed on the direction they would take, when travelling until late in the afternoon, they came to an opening or clearing. At this they rejoiced to think they would soou rest their weary limbs. But their hopes w^ere doomed to disappointment, for they had landed at Upper Sandusdy.

" But they did not allow this discovery to entirely discourage them. They concluded to try it again, but by a surer road this time. They struck oif on the old Indian trail- To reach home that night they knew w'as impossible, but determined to go as far as they could. The afternoon being well spent, some preparation must be made for the night. Just as the sun was setting they came to an Indian wigwam. The old Indian and his squaw kindly took them in, administered to their wants, and they had a good night's rest. The next morning the old Indian pointed out the old trail to them, bade them God speed on their road home, where they arrived the same day."

In October, 1830, Asa M. Lake, one of the very earliest settlers of the county, laid out a town of fifty-three lots on a part of the west half of the north-west quarter of section

2, and called it Mt. Blanchard. It is situated on the blufis, or high grounds on the east bank of the Blanchard River. The location is a good one, surrounded by beautiful and rich farming lands. The tow^n is regularly laid out in squares, the streets and alleys crossing at right angles. The buildings are mostly of wood, and the dwellings are commodious and respectable. The town w^as incorporated in 1865. Dr. John Foster was the first Mayor, since which time the following persons have held the office : H. C. Pickett, J. W. Turnpaugh, J. W. Wingate, W. W. Hughes, A. F. Naus, J.

A Post Office was established here in 1834, with John P. Gordon as first Post Master, since which time Elijah Stradley, Chester Cook, W. W. Smith, J. Lafferty, J. Patterson, L. A. Baldwin and Henry Greer, who now holds the office, have been Post Masters.

The Methodist Episcopal denomination built the first church in the town. It was a frame building and built in 1838. The Rev. Thomas Thompson and Rev. Gavit, then Missionaries at Upper Sandusky, were the first Methodist preachers. They organized a Society at the residence of Father Greer, one half a mile east of Mt. Blanchard, on the banks of Potatoe Creek, where they continued to worship until a hewed log school house was built on a corner of the Greer land, in 1833 late in the fall, worshipped there until they built their frame house in town in 1838, where they met about twenty years, then moved into their present house, south part of town.

The first school house in the town was of the then prevailing style, built of round logs, with huge fire place, clapboard roof and other peculiarities not now known to builders. The Union School of Mt. Blanchard was organized in 1868, and their present building was erected in 1873, It is a commodious, two story brick structure, the style and finish of which gives it a commanding appearance. There are three large school rooms, besides smaller ones for recitations, and other purposes. The building and grounds cost §8,000. In 1880, there were 151 children of school age in the district.

There are two large dry ^oods stores, one by J. H. Biddle, and the other by W, S. Shoemaker & Co. These stores keep a full line of goods, and are doing a large and lucrative business. By keeping an assortment of standard articles, they are able to control the trade of the surrounding country for many miles.

The drug business is successfully carried on by Dr. W. M» Yost, and Henry Greer, Both of these gentlemen carry a full line in trade, and by fair dealing, and attention to business have been enabled to command a very fair trade. Both being experienced druggists, they have and deserve the confidence of the entire community.

Two family groceries supply the inhabitants with such articles as are needed in that line. One saloon supplies that want. The hotel " entertains man and beast," as the old signs used to read. This hotel is kept and conducted in such a manner as places it above the average of country hotels. Three blacksmiths are kept busy at their work, and two wagon shops supply the town and surrounding country with work in their line, built of the best materials, and in the best style of workmanship. There are two boot and shoe stores well stocked and well patronized. One butcher shop supplies the people with fresh meats. Such is the business of this thriving village.

The Odd Fellows organized a lodge here in 1858, and have a healthy membership of fifty. A Masonic lodge was organized here in 1878, and now numbers twenty.

An exhibit of the number of acres, and number of bushels of gi-ain, and number and value of live stock in this township, as returned to the Auditor in 1881.

The Commissioners' records of the 3d of December, 1832, read : " A petition was presented by sundry citizens of the original township No 1, south, in range 10 east, prayiug to be organized. Township 1 south in range ten east was accordingly set off, and formed into a body politic and corporate, and the said township shall be called Eagle."

This township is bounded on the north by Liberty and Findley townships, on the east by Jackson, on the south by Madison and Van Buren, and on the west by Union, and takes its name from the creek of the same name which runs through it. It is situated in the first range of townships south of the base line.

The records of the Land Office show that the first land entered in this township was the west half of the northeast quarter of section 35, by John Woodruff, on the first day of June, 1827. On the 6th day of June, 1829, Elijah Woodrufi" entered the north-west quarter of section 13. This land is now owned by William Yates and J. Alspach. On the 7th day of August of the same year, Philip Heakes entered the lands now owned by the heirs of George Arnold in section twelve, and in November of the same year, Geo. Bishop entered the north-west quarter of section 24, now owned by John D. Bishop. The north-west quarter of sec- tion 9 was entered by Joshua Hedges, of Pickaway County, on the 28th of September, 1830, and on the 27th of November, in the same year. Shun Sager entered the west half of the south-west quarter of section 31. This land is now owned by I. Heldman. In the later part of the year 1831, entries were made in sections 5, 6 and 8 by Jacob Powell, Peter Powell and John Powell, all of Fairfield County, 0., and by John Bright in section 21. Other entries followed, and much of the land in the township was speedily taken up.

The soil of this locality is much of it a sandy loam. In some parts a clay soil predominates. The bottom lands along Eagle Creek are exceedingly fertile, and many very valuable farms may be found here. The surface of the land is generally level, except along the creek, where it is somewhat broken, but not enough to prevent easy cultivation. Some parts of the township have been, and indeed are yet, occasionally subject to a disease known as "Milk Sickness." The cause of this disease has never yet been discovered, and is attributed to the character of the soil, to the water, to vegetation, either living or decaying, but each and all of these theories have been discarded as not giving a satisfactory solution of the cause. Certain it is, however, the cause of the disease, no matter what it may be, is found only in the uncultivated or unreclaimed lands. It is not known on cleared or cultivated fields. Hence, perhaps the most rational conclusion is that the cause is some species of vegetation, that disappears when lands are once cultivated. The timber is of the prevalent varieties found elsewhere in the county, such as walnut, beech, ash, oak, maple and buckeye. The timber and vegetation thoughout the township was of a very rank growth.

P^agle Creek and Tiderashy, with their tributaries, furuish an abundance of stock water, and sufficient drainage in all parts of the township. Eagle Creek crosses the township from south to north, in the east part, and Tiderashy Creek follows the same course in the western part, thus pretty thoroughly watering and draining the entire surface. These streams of course are small, and yet Eagle Creek has furnished water power for mill purposes ever since the early settlement of the township.

The first settlement made in this township was by John Woodruff in the latter part of 1829, and by John Decker Benjamin Whitman, Conrad Line, Jacob Zoll, and R. W. McClellon in 1830. These pioneers were followed in 1831 by John D. Bishop, Elias Decker, Amos Crum and others. These first settlers were for the most part from Fairfield and Franklin counties. Whitman was from New York, and Mc- Clellon from Pennsylvania. The first settlements were made on or near Eagle Creek, on the east side of the township. The Nunamakers, Heldmans, and others very soon after made settlements in the west part, and the Powells and others located on Tiderashy Creek.

At the first election in 1833, when the township was organized, there were barely electors enough to fill the different offices. Benjamin Whitman, Conrad Line, George Bishop, John Woodruff and John Decker were voters at that election.

The first school house built within the limits of the township was in the Bishop district, in 1834 Mr. John D. Bishop informs me that himself and Benjamin Whitman were the only taxpayers in the district at the time. Rachael McBride taught the first school in this building. There are now nine school districts, each one supplied with a com-

There were no church buildings in the township until 1840, although religious services had been held, and societies formed before that time. These societies met for worship in private families, or in the different school houses. In 1840 the United Brethren Church erected a building on the farm of John Woodruff, on the east side of the creek. It was of hewed logs, small in' dimensions, but sufficiently large to accommodate the religiously inclined of the youngsettlement. Of the first members of this church we have the names of Mrs. Woodruff', Conrad Line and wife, and some of the Deckers.

The first mill was known as Decker's hand mill, and here by a great deal of muscular power, corn could be ground fine enough for mush making. It was, however, a slow, laborious process. In 1 830 George Bishop erected a sawmill, and in 1833, a flouring mill, still known as Bishop's Mill. In 1854 John D, Bishop, the present ow-ner of the mill, attached steam power, as the mill previous to that time had been propelled by water. But after a few years trial he became dissatisfied with this, and removed it, since which time water has again been used as the motive power. Perhaps no mill in the county has been of more real benefit, mills were most needed, than has this one. Not onlv did the immediate neighborhood patronize it, but people from a distance came here.

This township is being rapidly developed. xVlready it can boast of some of the richest farms in the county. There are a large number of very fine residences, and some of the very best farm buildings in the county. The soil is rich and when the timber is removed, is easily cultivated. The peo- pie are engaged in agriculture and stock raising. The number and character of the church and school buildings found here, speaks of its intelligence and morals. One in travelling over the township cannot fail to observe the steady^ permanent improvements being made in all parts, and is struck with the air of thrift and contentment which seem to pervade.

Was laid out on the south-east corner of section 36, by Martin IloUobaugh, in September, 1836. There were, perhaps, never any lots sold, or streets laid out, as the site was at the cross-roads, and the record of the platting of the town closed up its existence, if indeed it ever had one.

Clement Post Office

A Post Office of this name was established in 1850, with Amos Crum as Post Master. The office was located on the Bellefontaine road about six miles south of Findley. Mr. Crum was succeeded as Post Master by John Swank, who held the office until it was discontinued in 1864.

George W. Alspach

In the latter part of April, iSS-i, Mr. Alspach, to use his own language, "landed in Hancock County, in Eagle township, at the house of John Powell." He at once engaged to work for Mr. Powell at $13 per month. In the fall of the same year he went back to his home in Fairfield County, but soon returned, and went to work for Jacob Zoll. He says however, "that he took time to select a lot of land, and go to the land office to enter it but was too late, as it had already been taken up." After returning to the township, he selected and entered the south-west quarter of section

Mr. Alspach says he was married in March, 3835, built a cabin on his land, moved into it in May, without a door or window in place. A blanket served to close the door. This cabin stood in the woods, with wolves howling them to sleep at night. His nearest neighbor was Benj. 0. Whitman, who lived one mile and a half distant.

The first settlers in this part of the township, as Mr Alspach remembers them, were the Woodruffs, Whitman John Decker, Ebright, William Tanner and Jacob Powell previous to 1834, then came Jacob Zoll, Peter Oman, Moses Elsea, Henry Keel, John Powell, Daniel and Peter Fellers, and J. Alspach. Mr. Alspach said that at one time he was at a log rolling, or house raising, every day for three weeks. All the township offices have been filled by Mr. Alspach, including Overseer of the Poor, and Fence Viewer, and yet he never became wealthy holding office. Mr. Alspach is and always has been an honest, upright man and good citizen.

John Walters

Was born in Rockingham County, Va., June 22d, 1814,, and in his infancy his parents removed to Kentucky. His father died in Shelby County, Ky., in 1824, and the widow, and children, of whom there were six, removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, two years later. Here Mr. Walters, having received such an education only as could be had in a common school of that day, followed the occupation of a farm hand until 1841, having by his industry and economy saved money enough, he made entry of the land on which he now

In 18 i2, Mr. Walters was married to Miss Penelope Woodruff, and at once moved into a cabin on his land, and commenced life in earnest, clearing up and cultivating a fine tract of land. Mr. W. was the father of seven children, six of whom are now living. His health is none of the best, but he seems to enjoy life in his old days. Mr. Walters united with the United Brethren Church in 1842, and has ever since been a consistent member, and was for twentyfive years a class leader, and for the past nineteen years has held a license to exhort. He enjoys the respect and friendship of all his neighbors, and is a good citizen.

An exhibit of the number of acres of grain sown, and the number of bushels produced, and the number and value of live stock in Eagle township, as returned by the Township Assessor in 1881.

From the preliminary organization of the County of Hancock in 1820, until 1823 the counties of Hancock and Wood formed one township, called Waynesfield. The Commissioners of Wood County passed the following order at their session, May 28, 1823; "Ordered further that so much of the township of Waynesfield as is included in the unorganized county of Hancock be set off and organized into a township by the name of Findley, and that the election for township officers be held on the first day of July, A. D. 1823, at the house of Wilson Vance, in said township."

The township so remained until after the permanent organization of the county, when in 1828, the townships of Amanda and Welfare - now Delaware - were organized from territory in the south-eastern portion of the township. In 1829 the township of Jackson was organized out of territory then belonging to Findley township.

At the session of the Commissioners held on the 6th day of December, 1830, we find this entry in connection with the division of the townships of Findley and Amanda, and the formation of Marion township j " * * * * and likewise in the next place commencing at the south-east corner of section 32, thence north to the north-east corner of section 5, in township 1 north, range 11, thence west to the north-west corner of section 2, in range 10, thence south to the south-west corner of section 35, in township 1 nortla, thence east to the south-east corner of section 32, to the phice of beginning, which shall be a body corporate and politic, and retaining the name of Findley." Thus by successive acts of the County Commissioners was the boundaries of this township, once co-extensive with those of the county, reduced to less than those of an original township. The first entry of land in this township was that of the -east part of the south-east quarter of section 13, by Vance, Neil and Cory. In September of the same year John Brown Wintered the north-west quarter of section 19. The first mentioned tract is now that part of the town of Findley lying on the west side Main street, between the river and Sandusky street. The Brown entry is that part of the town south of Sandusky and east of Main, known as Byal's addition. On the -ith of October, 1821, John P. Hamilton made entry of the west part of the south-west quarter of section 17, now owned by Aaron Baker. The south-west quarter of section 30 was entered by Job Chamberlain, on the 4th of October, 1821. This land has been known in connection with that adjoining it as Chamberlain's Hill. In the same month John Simpson entered the east half of the north-east quarter of section 25. This is now the Ross Bennett farm, adjoining the County Fair Grounds. On the 14th of November of the same year the east half of the north-east quarter of section 24 was entered by Mcllvain and Neil. This is now included in the town of Findley. Thomas Slight entered the land known as the old Johnny Patterson farm on the south side of the river. In 1822 Joshua Hedges entered about one half of the north-east quarter of section 11, and which has ever since been i^nown as the Hedges' farm^ It lies along the north bank of the Blanchard, from the late Judge Strother's farm, to the Liberty township line. George Hollenbeck in the same year took up the south-east quarter of section 12, the farm now owned by Samuel Howard, and Asa M. Lake entered the lands on which Maple Grove Cemetery is now located. Entries of the Didway farm by Rev. James Gilruth, and of the John Heck form by Joseph Westenhaver, and of the ^'ance farm by Judge Strother, and of the Campbell Byal farm by his father, John Byal, and of the A. W. Strother farm, and of the lands on which . North Findley in now located, and the Jacob Foster farm and the Jesse Whitnev farm, and manv others were made prior to the premanent organization of the county.

This township takes it name from the town, and is composed of sections 1, 2, IJ, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35 and 36 in township 1 north, range 10 east, and sections 5, 6, 7,- 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31 and 32 in township 1 north, range 11 east. This township is situated almost in the center of the county, and divided almost in the center east and west by the Blanchard River. It is bounded on the north by Allen township, on the east by Marion, on the south by Jackson and Eagle, and on the west by Liberty.

The soil of this township is generally of a rich quality, and varied in kind. Along the north line the soil is generally clay, underlined with what is called a hard pan, and is adapted to growing of grass, and for grazing purposes.. Along the river and creek bottoms it is of the usual rich quality, sandy loam. On the south side of the river the entire body of land is underlaid with limestone, and as a consequence the soil is of the most productive quality. As an agricultural region this township is not surpassed: by any in the county. Being around the county seat, the improvements are perhaps more marked and more elaborate than in more distant portions of the county, and give to the surroundings of the town a most comfortable and cheerful look.

This whole township - except the water courses - was very heavily timbered with walnut of the very best quality, oak, ash, hickory, elm, beech, and a great abundance of the sugar maple. But at the time this timber had to be removed it was of no value, and it took no little amount of labor to remove it.

The Blauchard River passes through this township, furnishing an abundance of stock water, and also sufficient, a portion of the year, to run the mills on its banks within the boundary of the township ; the Carlin Mill at Findley, and Byal's Mill, jnst over the line in Liberty township.

Besides the Blanchard River, we have its tributaries. Eagle Creek, Lye Creek, and Whitney's Run, all of them quite considerable streams, entering the river from the south. All of these creeks in common with the river, have limestone beds. The stone is abundant, easily quarried, and suitable for building foundations for buildings, the stone work for bridges, and for making lime. On the north, Strother's Run and Hedges' Run, both moderately sized water courses, enter the river. These creeks and water courses, in connection with the river, furnish excellent drainage in abundance. There are no springs of any consequence in the township, but an excellent quality of water can be obtained easily by digging, in any part of the township. In its primeval state, although sitfiiated so near the river, much of the land was very wet, not swampy, but low, deep vegetable soil," and in many places underlaid with a hard pan of clay, the water was prevented from sinking, and

The town of Findley occupies so much of the township, and so much of the history of the two is inseparably connected, that not much can be said of the township, which may not as well be said of the town.

Of course the first settlement in the township was made within the limits of the town, and yet settlements were made at a very early day - almost as early as in town - by John P. Hamilton, only a short distance up the river from the town. Job Chamberlain, sr., began opening up a farm on Chamberlain Hill, almost at \\ie same time that improvements began in the village. At almost as early a date, John Byal commenced on the river bank two miles west of town, to open up what is now one of the most beautiful and valuable farms in the county, and even before this time Joshua Hedges had located on his lands on the north side of the river, next to the Liberty townshij) line. Judge Strother began the making of his splendid farm just outside the corporation line. George llollenbach, Jacob Foster, Benjamin Strother, Wm. Taylor, Robert Benham, Aaron Huff, and quite a number of others came into the township prior to 1830.

The first school house, and the first church in the township were both inside the limits of the present town of Findley. There are now seven school houses in the township - outside of the town - with an enumeration of four hundred and forty-four youth. There are two churches, one Methodist Episcopal, one Evangelical, one a brick, the other frame.

missioners of Wood County for the purpose of electing two Justices of the Peace, and only tliiiteen votes were cast. Job Chamberlain, sr., William Moreland and Benjamin Chandler were the Judges, Wilson Vance and Mathew Reighly, Clerks, and Robert McKiunis and Wilson Vance were elected Justices of the Peace.

Of the men who were otiicers of that election, Job Chamberlain, sr., and Wilson Vance were citizens of the county up to the time of their decease. Of Mr. Chamberlain, I have the following facts from his son Job, who is yet a resident of Findley.

Mr. Chamberlain was born in the State of Connecticut, and was married there to a Miss Deborah Root, and with her removed to Cayuga Co., N. Y., where they lived for twenty-eight years. They then emigrated to the west, and settled at Lawrenceburg, Ind., where after a residence at that place of t\% years, they came to Urbana, Ohio, and after a year's residence, they in 1822, removed to this township, and settled on what is known as Chamberlain's Hill. At that time there were but six white families in the county, Benjamin Cox, Wilson Vance, William Moreland,

When Mr. Chamberlain arrived in the township, there were no buildings on his land, and he was compelled to unload his goods on the ground, but what few settlers were here, assisted him in building a cabin, and such was their expedition that Mr. Chamberlain occupied his new house on the third day from the time the building was commenced.

Mrs, Chamberlain died on the 8th day of January, 1829, and about a year afterwards Mr. Chamberlain married a Miss Sarah Criuer, and removed about six miles west of

Findley, in Liberty township, dividing his old farm between his two sons, Norman and Job. Mr. Chamberlain died in 1848, and his wife in 1854.

William Moreland came to the county in 1822, and settled on the north side of the river, on what was afterwards known as the Taylor farm, and now a part of North Findley. Mr. Moreland entered eighty acres of this land^ which he afterwards sold to William Taylor for $375, and removed to Van Buren township, and served as a Justice of the Peace for several years, when he sold out, and came back to Findley.

Mathew Riley - or Reighly - was long a resident of the county, and held several important otiices in both township and county. He eventually removed to the west.

Of the earliest settlers in this township, we may be permitted to speak of Joshua Hedges, who was the first Treasurer of the county, and who lived on the *orth-east quarter of section 11, about two miles west of the town of Findley, and on the north side of the river. Mr. Hedges was a tall, muscular man, a little stooped, of good constitution, energetic and of strict integrity. He was a native of Virginia ; hospitable in his feelings, he never allowed either white man or Indian to leave his house in want. Politically, he was a Democrat of the strictest sort. He was for many years a member of the Methodist Church, and was in his acts consistent with his profession. He died in 1845. He had a large family, only two of whom are now living - Mrs. Rachael Dulin, of Portage township, and Mrs. Elizabeth Hunlwork, of Kansas.

John P. Hamilton was also one of the early settlers of the township. He entered and cleared up the farm just east of Lye Creek, now owned by Aaron Baker. Mr. Hamilton was a man of strong will, and determined in any matter he took in hand. He was one of the first Commissioners of the county, and in his otficial capacity took an active part in the public improvements of the county, in developing its resources, and in inaugurating those measures which have led to our present greatness. Mr. Hamilton died about the year 1860.

Robert Bonham came to the township at a very early day, and commenced clearing up a farm a little north-west of Findley, and upon which he resided up to the time of his death in May, 1877.

Mr. Bonham was an industrious, economical, and unassuming man. As a neighbor, he was kind and accommdating, as a citizen, he was true to the best interests of the people, as he understood them, as a Christian he was consistent. Purely domestic in his habits, he very seldom went farther from home than the village, and was never in a railroad car until less than a year before his death. He was a man of peculiar habits, but respected by all^who knew him. Mr. Bonham was a native of Virginia, and was three times married.

The first election held in the township, as it is now constituted, was on the 4th day of April, 1831, when the following officers were elected: Isaac Jameson, Thomas Slight, and Isaac Baker, Trustees ; William L. Henderson, Clerk ; Squire Carlin, Treasurer; Supervisors, Bass Rawson and Jacob Foster, sr.; Fence Viewers, John Boyd and Leonard Tritch ; Overseers of the Poor, James B. Moore and John Smith ; Constable, John Bashore. The important offices ot Fence Viewers and Overseers of the Poor, with all their honors and emoluments, have long since been abolished.

in the city of Baltimore, Md., on the 25th day of July, 1791, and was the second son of William Byal, who died in Findley, in 1840. The Byal family removed from Maryland to Pennsylvania, first to Huntington, and afterwards to Westmoreland County. In 1809, the family came to Ohio, settling in Stark County, and here in 1816 Mr. Byal was married to Elizabeth Newstutter, and commenced life on a tract of land purchased of the General Government^ in Sugar Creek township, in that county. In March, 1832, Mr. Byal sold his Stark County farm, and came to Hancock County, and settled on the Byal farm, just east of the Infirmary. At that time it was all woods, and only by the hardest of labor, and the most rigid economy, was it reclaimed, and converted into one of the handsomest and most desirable farms in the county.

In the same year - 1832 - Mr. Byal built a saw mill on the Blanchard, just east of the present bridge across the river at that place. In 1834 he built M'hat is now known as tke Teatsorth Mill, being the first frame building in the county for mill purposes. It was an old fashioned water mill, with monster water wheel, which went splashing in a lazy, continuous round, but with force and life enough to supply the neighborhood with flour and meal during the season in which it was or could run.

Mr. Byal was the father of nine children, five of whom are living - Henry, the oMest, resides in Findley, and is quite wealthy, and for his honesty and business qualities commands the respect of his fellow citizens. He has filled a number of offices, having been Justice of the Peace for three terms. Catherine resides at Kalida, Ohio, William in Iowa, and Nancy and Rachael in Kansas.

Barna Beardsley

Was the oldest of seven sons of Daniel Beardsley, and was born in Delaware County, New York, on the 9th day of March, 1797. His parents were from the State of Connecticut, and of course were Yankees. In 1803 his fjither came to Ohio and settled near Newark, in Licking County. When about fifteen years of age, Mr. B. left his home and went to Columbus. 0., or rather to Franklinton - as there was no Columbus then - and during the war of 1812-15, he served part of the time as a wagon-boy, and part of the time as clerk in the office of the Paymaster. He was several times sent out as the bearer of important dispatches, to the officers in command of the different posts in northern Ohio. Dispatches were sent by him to Gen. Cass at Zauesville, to Gen. Harrison at Fort Meigs, and to the commander at Fort Croghan at Fremont.

After the close of the war, he went to the mouth of the River Basin, and engaged in the carpenter trade. He also assisted in the erection of the first frame buildings in Sandusky City. After several years absence he returned to Licking County, where on the 9th day of April, 1820, he married Mary Boylan,the eldest child of Aaron and Beulah Boylan. From that time until 1834, he followed his trade as carpenter, and operated Hollister's Distillery until September, 1834, when he came to Hancock County, his fatherin-law and one sister having preceded him, and took up his residence with lais wife and seven children in a cabin on the present Infirmary farm. The country was then very new, and being almost without means, a struggle commenced for the support of himself and his young family.

Fortunately his services as a carpenter were in demand in the new settlement, and steady employment was had, at what was then deemed good wages. But as all materials for building had to be, wrought out by hand, not many buildings could be erected in a year, and the work w^as of the most laborious kind.

In 1840, Mr. 13. and his sons having farmed quite extensively in addition to his work as a mechanic, he purchased of Aaron Hough thirty acres of land in Findley township, and he and his family at once went to work clearing it up, and in the fall of 1 84 1 had so far succeeded as to be able to move on it, in a cabin which had been erected.

Here his four sons, the eldest having obtained his majority, and went out to do for himself, carried on what farming was possible on so new a tract of land, and the father worked industriously at his trade, building many of the first frame buildings in the town, as well as in the country.

In September, 1847, the the wife of Mr. B. died, and soon after the family were dispersed, the oldest son going to California in 1849, and dying there in 1850, the others beginning life for themselves at different places.

In 1856 he sold his farm, and went to Iowa, where he remained for about fifteen years, engaged most of the time in mercantile pursuits. He then returned to Ohio, and made his home with his children, in this and Putnam Counties, until the 4th day of April, 1881, when he died at Columbus Grove, 0., in his eighty-fifth year, sessed of uncommon physical endurance, and the most robust health. No one perhaps in the whole settlement could perform so much hard labor with as little fiitigue as he. An almost iron constitution enabled him to endure the greatest hardships and perform the greatest labor. Scarcely ever needing the assistance of medicine, he hardly knew what it was to be sick. Having been a frontiersman all his life, he was inured to all the privations incident thereto. His last years were years of great suffering, being afflicted with an incurable malady, yet they were endured without complaint.

Mr. Beardsley united with the ^lethodist Church w^hen young, and was a member for more than sixty years. His house, in the early days of his residence here, was the home of the Methodist ministers, Conway, Hill, Allen. Heustiss, Wilson, Biggs, Tibballs, Seelay, Runnells, Breckenridge, Pope, and a host of other preachers have partaken of his hospitality.

He was the father of ten children, five boys and five girls, «even of whom are living. He lived long enough to see all his children married, and at his death had ten children, forty-five grand-children, and twenty great gTand-children.

The citizens of this township had long felt the need of better roads. The roads were no worse than elsewhere, only to the extent that there was more travel over them, and of oourse they were more worn. An effort had been made to provide for the building of free turpikes throughout the entire county, and to this end an act had been passed by the Ohio Legislature, submitting to a vote of the electors of the <;ounty the proposition to levy a tax for that purpose. But the proposition was rejected by a large majority. This township thereupon petitioned the Legislature for the passage of a special act allowing a tax to be levied for the pur- pose of macadamizing the roads within its limits. The act was passed with two provisions, one that the qnestion should be first submitted to a vote of the people, the other that none of the money so raised for macadamizing should be expended within the corporate limits of the village of Findley.

The question was duly submitted, voted on, and agreed' to by a large and almost unanimous vote. The township trustees, under whose direction the work was to be done, went to work at once, to build roads. In the absence of gravel, stone had to be used. The matter was vigorously pvished, and inside of the five years in which the levies were to be made, many miles of road were constructed. At the expiration of the operation of the law, there yet being many roads not completed, another petition was sent up to the Legislature asking for a re-enactment of the law, to be in Ibrce for ^\\q years more. The prayer was granted and the trustees are collecting and expending the money so raised by taxation, and hope to be able to complete the macadamizins: of all the principal roads fi-om the corporation line of the village to the township line.

There are many very fine farm residences in this township. The residence of Campbell Byal, on the old John Byal farm, near the Infirmary, is a fine two-story brick structure, pleasantly located on the south bank of the river, and overlooking the rich bottom lands on the opposite side.

The residence of Edwin R. Hay, a short distance southeast of the town is one of the finest dwelling houses in the county. It, too, is a brick structure, tin roof and of modern architecture.

W. R. McKee, on the Tiffin road, just east of town, has quite an imposing brick dwelliug, surrounded by ample grounds, and accommodated with fine farm buildings ta match.

Just north of town, we have the fine frame residences of Samuel Howard on the west side, and that of Ancel E. Morvin on the east side of the road, both beautifully located and surrounded with fine orchards and ample out-buildings

The persons named below were elected Justices of the Peace at the dates given, all of which are subsequent to the permanent organization of the county, and all resided within the present limits of the township.

A. P. Byal - 1872. Oren A. Ballard - 1874, 1877, 1880. Exhibit of the acreage and production of grain, and the number and value of domestic animals, as reported in 1881.

The town of Findley was first laid out in the year 1821^ by Joseph Vance and Elnathau Cory, and in the autumn of the same year, Wilson Vance and family removed to the^ place. Mr. Vance was soon joined by Squire Carlin, William Taylor, John Patterson, W. L. Henderson, John Boyd, Reuben Hales and Parlee Carlin, with others, so that in a few years quite a village had sprung up.

In 1829 the town w'as replatted, and on the 26th day of September of that year, Joseph Vance and Elnathan Cory appeared before Judge McKinnis, one of the Associate Judges of the county, and acknowledged the platting of the town of Findley, consisting of one hundred and fifty-six lots. The town plat was located on section thirteen, in township one north, range ten east. The lands in this section - five hundred and ninety-eight acres in all - were entered in parcels of fifty-five acres by Vance, Neil and Cory, seventy-six acres by Mcllvain and Neil, seventy-five acres by Asa M. Lake, eighty-eight acres by John Gardner, one hundred and twenty-seven acres by Elnathan Cory, seventynine acres by James Gilruth and eighty acres by Joseph Westenhover.

John Gardner received a patent for his, dated June ^->d, 1822, signed by President James Monroe. He afterwards sold to Thomas and John Simpson, and they to Wilson Vance, March 1 4, 1828. This tract w as the west part of the south-east quarter of section thirteen, and contained eighty-

The east part of the south-east quarter, was owned by- Vance, Neil and Cory, and was that part of the section on which the town was laid out.

The lots numbered on Main street, from north to south. The lot on which the residence of Squire Carlin now stands being numbered one, and the business room of J. S. Patterson, corner of Main and Sandusky streets, number sixteen, the then southern boundary of the town. ,Jn these numbers, from one to sixteen, the Public Square was not counted. There were seventy-six lots on the west side of Main street, the lot on the corner of Front and West streets, owned by Rev. M. Burkle, being the last numbered on that side. '

Crossing over to the east side of Main street, the lot now occupied by the Sherman House, is numbered seventy-seven, ^nd south on Main street to the lot on north east corner of Main and Sandusky streets, now occupied by S. D. Fray's Drug Store, numbered ninety-six. There were eighty lots on the east side of Main street, ending with number one hundred and fifty-six, owned by Mrs. W. C. Cox, and on the corner of Front and East streets. No part of the land between Front street and the river was laid out into lots at that time.

"- The Public grounds, streets and alleys, are to the best of our knowledge, correctly designated by the notes attached to said plat, and are appropriated as public ways for the benefit of said town, and to no other use whatever."

Certain lots - thirty-nine in all - were donated to the County Commissioners, in trust, to be sold, and the proceeds arising from such sale to be used in the construction of county buildings. The ground known as the Public Square was not named as one of the lots donated for county purposes, and by the terms of the acknowledgement above alluded to, was appropriated for public use for the benefit of the town, and it so remains, unless a subsequent contract with the proprietors, or the town authorities, placed it in the hands of the County Commissioners. I have not been able to find such a contract on record.

The records say, however, that "on the 10th day of October, 1829, the Commissioners of Hancock County, met for the purpose of taking into their care the proportion of the town lots of Findley, which were deeded to said Commis- -ers, by Joseph Vance and Elnathan Cory, and said Charles McKinnis and John P. Hamilton, present, ordered that the aforesaid lots be offered at Public Sale, on the ninth day of

The first frame house in the town, was built by Squire Carlin, and stood on the same lot on W'hich his present dwelling is located. The same building was afterwards removed to the upper end of Main street, between Hardin and Lincoln streets, and is known as the Frank Klaber property.

William Taylor built the second frame 1)uilding, which he occupied as a dwelling, hotel and dry goods store. This building stood on the lot immediately adjoining the Davis Opera House, on the south. A few years ago it was removed to west end of Sandusky street, and was burned down. The building was not more than twenty-five feet square, and one and one-half stories in height. A building no larger than that at the present day would be a rather close place for a dwelling, hotel and dry goods store all at the same time. Yet it seemed to be abundantly roomy for all at that early day.

Squire Carlin also built the first brick house in the village, which took the place of the fiame. This was used by Mr. Carlin as dwelling- and store room. In time this too, had

The first tavern was kept by Benj. Cox, in a log house, near where the dwelling house of the late Wilson Vance now stands, just south of the bridge. The town was a straggling village of log huts, without streets or alleys which were passable, and with no business, except trallic with the Indians. ,

As the population increased, and buildings multiplied, more room was wanted, and additions were demanded, laud holders adjoining the old town, platted and offered for sale numbers of lots.

In 1840, John C. Howard laid out eleven lots, Jonathan Parker eight lots. Cory's addition of thirteen lots was laid out, and Baldwin's addition of twelve lots, and Vance and Cory's addition of seventy-eight lots were laid out in 1848. S. & P. Carlin's addition, on south side of East Sandusky street was made in 1848, and consisted of thirty-nine lots; and in 1852, they made another addition of twenty-eight lots.

An addition of fourteen lots was made in 1854 by Nathan Miller. A sub-division of out lots was made by J. M. Coffinberry, and Wilson Vance made an addition of one hundred and thirteen lots in 1854. Kurd's addition of four lots, and the Western Addition were laid out in 1855- Byal's second addition was made in 1860, and Vance's second addition of one hundred and eleven lots was made the same year. Cory's addition to Vance and Cory's addition was laid out in 1863. The continuation of Vance and Cory's of forty-four lots was made in 1866. E. Barnd made an addition in 1868. Another continuation of Vance and Cory's was made in 1869. Jones and Adam's addition was laid out in 1873, and in 1875 P. Carlin made an addition of seventeen lots.

These several additions were soon sold, and are now improved, many of them by beautiful residences or fine business houses. Pleasant streets, substantial sidewalks, beautiful grounds, all tell of the energy and industry of the owners. This tract of land so occupied by these additions, was at the early settlement of the place scarcely more than a swamp or swail, worth at most no more than government price, is now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, covered as they are by the happy homes of so many of our citizens. But the old town, and these many additions, do not comprise the whole of the town of Findley.

East Findley - an addition to Findley - was laid out by James H. Wilson, in August, 1847, on the north part of the west half of the north-east (piarter of section nineteen, and comprised but forty lots. In 1861^ the proprietor laid out an addition of thirty-five lots, and thirteen out-lots, which he designated as the continuation of East P'indley. In October of the same year, Cory's addition to East Findley, consisting of eleven lots, was laid out, and in 1866 Cory laid out nine lots more, and in 1873 he added nineteen additional lots.

correspond with like streets of tlie main town. There are a number of comfortable residences here. The streets are wide and bordered with shade trees. There are several manufacturing establishments, here, which are noticed elsewhere in this work. The children of this part of town attend school at the Central Building, only about two squares distant from the creek at west side. Eagle Creek, which divides this from the main town, is spanned by three bridges, one at Main Cross street, one at Sandusky street, and one at Lincoln street.

Along the creek are numerous stone quarries, from which a very large portion of the stone used for building and other purposes is taken. There are also several lime-kilns located along the creek.

In this part of the town are located the " Eagle Mills," "Findley Woolen Mills," "Findley Flax Mill," and Moore's Saw Mill, all of which are noticed elsewhere. East Lawn, the beautiful residence of M. B. Patterson, Esq., is also located on east end of Sandusky street. It is a most charming place. The building, a two story frame, with basement, built in the latest style of architecture, surrounded by ample grounds,' highly ornamented with shrubbery. The grounds also contain a large green-house, filled with the rarest plants and flowers, also a beautiful island, surrounded by an ample fish pond. The whole is being surrounded by a nicely trimmed hedge.

Just across the street is the magnificent home of Capt. H. H. Albon, a fine three story structure, with basement, situated as it is on an eminence, it commands an extensive view of the town and surrounding country. The grounds are new, but when entirely completed, it will be one of the handsomest homes in the county.

There are a number of well arranged and comfortable private residences in this part of town The ground on which the town is located is high, slightly rolling, with a warm sandy soil. A great many of the business men of thetown reside here, amongst whom are Uncle Ben. Huber, J. M. Huber, the Druggist, D. C. Fisher, of the Findley Planing Mill, John Altman, Builder and Contractor. Here are also located the extensive Nurseries of Robinson and Meyer, and M. B. Patterson, also the Foundry and Machine Shops of Yocum and Hallowell, as well as the Pottery Establishment of Martin Hiersher.

Eagle Mills, the extensive llouring establishment under the management of McCouuell & Kirk, are located here,. and do a very large business, in the way of merchant and custom work. These mills have long been one of the industries of the town, and under whatever management they have been, their work has always ])een satisfactory.

The town also has a fire engine house here, in which is kept one of the engines of the town, under the management of an eflScient volunteer company.

North Findley

Wiliam Taylor, one of the first settlers of the county, and for more than forty years a resident of Findley, laid out the town of North Findley in 1854. It is on the north side of the river, and is a part of the town of Findley, and known as the First Ward. It never had a separate existence as a town. The plat of the original town of North Findley is in the south-west corner of the west half of the north-west

Lot number cue is on the north-east corner of Main and Center streets (or Tifiin road), and the plat from thence extends north and east. The lots in the original town are nearly all occupied by good substantial dwelling houses, and public buildings,

In July, 1857, iV. F. and D. M. Vance, of Urbana, Ohio, laid out an addition of sixty lots on the west side of Main street. This plat had some very desirable building lots, and although at that time, considered a good distance from the main town, yet lots sold readily, and were soon occupied as dwelling places. Just south of this addition was quite a body of land used at that time foi farming and pasturage purposes, which was the property of William Vance, of Urbana. Mr. Vance, yielding to the demands for platting and selling this tract, in September, 1859, divided this ground into sixty-two lots, with the necessary streets and alleys. At the sale, lots sold readily, and at very good prices.

Judge D. J. Cory owned the land on the east side of Main street, between the river and the Tiffin Road, and as this tract separated the new town of North Findley from the old town, he, in March, 1861, laid out nineteen lots, one tier facing on Main street and one on Center street. These lots were in immediate demand, sold readily, and almost every one now boasts of a good dwelling house. Such is the beauty of the location of these lots, and the character of the improvements thereon, that Main and Center streets in North Findley, have long been acknowledged as one of the very pleasantest promenades in the town.

seveu lots in October, 1860, and in June, 1864, he added thirty lots more. William B. Taylor and Aaron Hall became the owners of a parcel of land directly west of Goit's addition, and laid out fifteen lots in 1866. In November, 1874, Judge Cory laid out sixteen lots fronting on Center street, and east of his first addition. About the same time P. and M. Taylor laid out an addition on east side Main street, north of the original plat, and Gray and Patterson laid out lots fronting on Center street, and on the north side of that street.

The town is regularly laid out, the streets and alleys crossing at right angles. The streets east of Main, commencing at the south, are Center, Cherry and Walnut. Those on the west are Fair, High, Donelson, Corwin, Fillmore and Howard. Running parallel with Main, are Cory and Center.

Lake Erie and Western Railway passes through this part of the town. North Findley is connected with the main town by two iron bridges, one across the mill race and the magnificent river bridge on Main street. The town, with one exception - that of Bacherer's Bottling Works, is occupied exclusively as residences. The Union School District of which this is a part, have erected a fine school building, forty-four by sixty-four feet in size, two stories and a basement in heighth, surmounted by Mansard roof and tower. The building has four rooms, and is in every way comfortable and convenient.

teer fire company have charge of the hand engine, one of L. Button's Second Class, and are prepared to do good service. E. Bacherer's Bottling Works and Carlin's flouring mill are both in this part of town, but are noticed elsewhere.

Whilst there are no pretentions to gTandeur in achitectural design, or magnificence in finish, yet there are very many tasty and comfortable dwellings in this part of town.

E. Bacherer, Dr. Waltman, Mrs. J. C. Powell, W. P. Dukes, Carter Heck and James Seeds, each occupy neat and commodious brick residences, with ample grounds surrounding. Whilst Wm. Edwards, John Poe, Frank Reynolds, E. C. Palmer, Jacob Foster, Samuel Howard and others have equally neat and tasty frames, with as beautiful grounds.

The streets are beautified by hundreds of shade trees,. principally maple, and when in leaf, they present a cool and inviting appearance. Main street is supplied with gas lamps, and nearly all the streets have either brick or plank sidewalks.

E. Becherer has quite extensive Bottling Works on Main street, and his bottled small beer and cider are known and appreciated all over the country. He is also the owner of two ice houses, and has for years supplied the town with ice. He is an enterprising citizen, and live business man.

Carlin's Mill, on the site of the first mill ever built in the county, is located here. It is a first class flouring mill in the quality of its work. When water power is not sufficient it is run by steam. It is kept in good repair, and has always had a fair share of custom.

The streets of Findley, as certified in the plat, are laid out north and south, and east and west, crossing each other at right angles. The streets running north and south beginning on the east, are named respectively, East, Mechanics Alley, Main, Farmers Alley, West, Liberty and Western Avenue. Those running east and west, commencing on the north, are Findley, Washington, Front, Main Cross, Craw^- ford, Sandusky, Hardin. Lincoln, Lima and Hancock. Main street is one hundred feet wide, including sidewalks on either side, of twelve feet each. The walks in the business part of the street, are of Berea stone, and others are of brick. The street is nicely graded, with a sewer at either side, and is substantially McAdamized with stone. It is acknowledged to be one of the finest streets in Ohio.

Nearly ail the commercial business of the town is transacted on this street. Its sides are lined with comfortable business rooms, the buildings being mostly two stories in heighth. The street presents a busy sight, with its immense trade in every department of commerce. There are very many very fine buildings on the street, and the inferior ones are fast disappearing, and being replaced by those of modern architecture and modern conveniences.

We find on this street, the Sherman House, Davis Opera House, Commercial House, Court House, Masonic Hall, Wheeler's Hall, Odd Fellow's Building, Joy House, First Presbyterian Church, and the new Lutheran Church.

Near the First Presbyterian Church, we have the celebrated wells of " natural gas." The old Court House, now the residence of Ex-Mayor Carr, has been lighted by this gas for years, and produces a light of excellent quality. The supply seems to be unlimited. From a small reservoir, Mr.

uses the gas iu the mechanical part of his business - dentistry - also to light the building, and for cooking purj)Oses in the summer season. There is a portion of the town through which this vein of gas passes, in Avhich the water is almost entirely unlit for use, on account of its presence.

The first settlements made in the town, and the first buildings erected, were on this street between Main Cross street and the river, and that part of the town for many years was the business center, but of late years business has gradually moved up street, until now very much of it is done between Sandusky and Main Cross streets.

Front street, running east and west, has no business houses, but has some very tasty residences and beautiful grounds. The sides of the street are lined with shade trees, and is a cool and inviting promenade in a warm day. Monument Park extends from this street to Main Cross street, and the church buildings of the German Lutherans, and the Church of God are situated on the west end of the street, as also the passenger depot of the L. E. & W. Railway.

Main Cross street is the second principal street in the village. The Public Square, on which is situate the Court House, is on the south-west corner of this and Main street. Monument Park faces on this street, and directly west of it is the new- jail. On the west side of the Public Square and about one hundred feet south of this street, is the Congregational Church. On this street west of Main, are the large Carriage and Wagon shops of A. W. Ray and Buck, Reymond and Seyfang, the furniture establishment of A. Deitsch & Co., the Findley Foundry and Machine Works.

the Steam Elevators on the L. E. & W. Railway, and the Catholic Church. There are also numerous fine residences. On the east of Main street, and on the south-east corner of the two streets, iit the Commercial House, on the site of the old " Caravansary by John Reed," of ye olden time. An iron bridge spans Eagle Creek on this street, beyond which are the Fiudley Woolen Mill, Findley Flax ]\Iill, and Moore's Saw mill. The German Reformed Church is also on this street.

Crawford street comes next in order. On the east of Main street, we have the large Livery Stables of W. J. Edwards and William Messenger, the Carriage Factory of A, R. Kridler, the Undertaking Establishment of J. R. Clark,, the Furniture Establishment of D. Rummel, the Findley Oil mill, Findley Rake factory, and depot of the C. S. k C. Rail Road.

On the west of Main street, is the Carriage Works of May, Kuntz & Bryant, Fire Engine House and City Prison, Findley Bent Works, Lutheran Church, Findley Planing mill, and the new west end school building, and United Brethren Church.

After leaving Main street on Sandusky street, there are no business buildings or manufacturing establishments, except the Handle Factory, on the west end, and the foundry of Yocum & Ilallowell, on east end. The Creek - Eagle - is also spanned by an iron bridge, just bayoud which is the East Findley Fire Engine House, and the Eagle Flouring mill. Between Main street and the creek, we have the Evangelical Church, the Central School Building and the Findley Gas W^orks. On the west of Main street we have the First Methodist Episcopal Church.

in the city are on this street. The sides of the street are lined with a continuous row of maple shade trees, which give a most charming effect to the view. On the east we have the splendid residences of Dr. L. Firrain, Henry Byal, Ezra Brown. Mrs. Harsh, W. R. Carnahan, the heirs of H. P. Gage, E. P. Jones, S. D. Prey, Wm. Anderson and Mrs. Judge Palmer, whilst on the north side of the street is Isaac Davis' fine residence, also those of Hon. W. H. Wheeler and Moses Bullock. On the west are the residences of T. Carnahan, J. H. Wilson, Mrs. Glessner, John Ruthrauf, J. G. Hull, L. Fitzpatrick, Hawkins, Geo. Hall, J. W. Zeller, J. F. Burket, G. W. Kimmill, Henry Brown, W, E. Snyder, Peter Hosier, H. F. Winders, A. Kimmons and Mrs. Neibling.

At the north-west corner of Main and Hardin streets, we find the marble works of M. Louthan & Co., and on the north-east corner of the same streets stands the First Presbyterian Church. There are no business houses or manufacturing establishments on this street. It is built up almost solidly however, with comfortable dwellings. On the east endare the dwellings of Col. Bope, Rev. Meeks, Dr. F. W. Firmin, S. D, Houpt, Jos. Gutzwiler andL A. Baldwin, and on the west, Dr, Ruhl, Henry Swartz, D. Cline, C. Chadwick,. L. McManness, J. W. Davis, and others.

Lincoln street is one of the best paved streets in the town. On this we find the Number 9 School Building, and Parker's flouring mill. On the south-east corner of Main and Lincoln is the new Lutheran Church. This street is occupied as residences. There is an iron bridge across Eagle Creek on this street.

Lima street is comparatively a new street, and occupied exclusively by residences. At the corner of this and Main street is the residence of Judge Whiteley, one of the finest in the city,,

All these streets are well shaded with maple trees, and have good, substantial brick wallas, and present a homelike appearance, which adds much to the beauty of the town.

A post office was established at this place in 1821, and named Finley, which name it retained until within the last few years, when by order of the Postmaster General, it was changed to Findley, tliat the orthography might correspond with that of the name of the town. Wilson Vance was appointed Postmaster. The mail arrived once a week, the roads and streams permitting. Many of the old settlers remember Old iSammy Gordon, as he was called, the mail carrier from Urbana to Perrysburg, by way of Bellefontaine and Findley. This was the only mail route to Findley, and was travelled by the carrier, often-tinies on foot, frequently compelled to swim rivers, and sleep in the woods at night. Father Gordon, afcer a long and active life, full of privation and adventure, was reduced to such extremity in his old age, that he died in the Logan County Infirmary.

Mr. Vance was succeeded as Postmaster, by Juo. C. Wickham, who, after a few months, gave way to Squire Carlin, who held the position for about nineteen years. It certainly could not have been a very lucrative office at that time, for it is said that upon the arrival of the mail, the post master would put the papers and letters received for delivery in his hat, and as he met those to whom they belonged, he would deliver them. Mr. Carlin imforms me that at the time he took the office, there were but four newspapers re-

In 1849 Mr. Carlin, having made arrangements to go to California, resigned, and was succeeded by his brother, Parlee Carlin, who held the office for a short time, when he was succeeded by Robert Coulter, who was at the same timepublishing a newspaper in the town. Mr. Coulter held the office a few years, when he was succeeded by William Taylor, and shortly returned to Urbana, where he died. Mr. Taylor removed the office to the corner of Main and Main Cross streets in the building now occupied by Frank Karst,. sr. Abel F. Parker followed Mr. Taylor, and he in turn gave way to Oliver Munger, who held the office two or three years, and was succeeded by James Robinson.

Upon Mr. Lincoln assuming the Presidency in 1862, the Republican patrons of the office decided by vote,- who should be recommended as Mr. Robinson's successor. The choice fell on Joseph B. Rothchild, and he was appointed. On the 1st of July, 1865, this office was made a money order ofiice. When Andrew Johnson assumed control of the Government^ after the assassination of President Lincoln, he removed Mr. Rothchild, and as the Senate would not confirm a successor, he appointed the late Col. J. M. Neibling Special Agent of the Post Office Department, and placed him in charge of the Findley Post Office. Upon the election of Gen. Grant,. Amariah Ballon was appointed Postmaster, who after holding the office about two years, died, and was succeeded by Thomas E. Adams.

Mr. Adams held the office for a term of four years, and was then succeeded by Eli G. De Wolfe, the present incumbent. During Mr. Rothchild's term of office, Isaac Davis built a one story brick building on the north side of Sandus- ky street, just in the rear of his business house, and into this the post office was moved, and remained until Mr. De- Wolfe took possession, ^Yheu he removed it to the Jeff'ersonian Building, south side Public Square, where it yet remains.

The money order business has been rapidly increasing, and there has been a greater number of orders issued in the past five years than there was in the first ten years after its establishment. The money order business now transacted through this office amounts to $50,000 annually. There have been 28,500 orders issued. The other business done at this office amounts to about seven thousand dollars annuiilly.

On the 17th day of March, 1838, the Legislature of Ohio passed " An Act to incorporate the town of Findley, in Hancock County." The first section of that act provided that " So much of the township of Findley, in the County of Hancock, as herein described, to-wit: The S. E. part of the S. E. quarter of fractional section number thirteen, township one north, of range ten, also the S. W. part of the S. W. quarter of section eighteen, township one north, of range eleven, so far east as the bank of Eagle Creek ; also the east half of the X. E, quarter of section twenty- four, township one north, of range ten, and also what territory of the N. W. quarter of section nineteen, as is situated south-west of Carlin's mill race, be and the same is hereby created a town corporate, and shall be hereafter known by the name of the town of Findley."

The Legislature, on the 4th of March, 1845, passed another act, entitled " An Act to repeal the act entitled 'An Act to repeal the charter of the town of Fiudley, passed March 13, 1843, and to declare in force the act incorporating said town, passed March 7th, 1838.' " Then follows the sections ot the act, in accordance with the title.

It will be impossible, on account of the loss of the records to give the names of those who held the office of Mayor, -consecutively prior to 1858. The business of laying out opening up and improving streets, was carried on through the different administrations, and economy in expenditures, and a freedom from indebtedness, has always characterized the conduct of our municipal affairs. Whilst we may not have made as rapid improvement as some neighboring towns liave done, we have never incurred a debt that was not promptly paid, and we are now, as we always have been, almost entirely free from debt.

The following persons held the office of Mayor previous to 1858, but as before remarked, we cannot give the exact order in which they were elected. John Adams, W. L. Henderson, Abraham Youukin, U,;A. Ogden, N. Y. Mefferd, Josiah S. Powell, Jacob Carr, and perhaps others.

In 1858 Charles Carroll Pomeroy, late of Kentucky, and a most eccentric young man, was elected, but resigned before the end of his term, and was succeeded by Ezra Brown.

The city owns as yet but a small iiiiioiint ol' real estate, but sufllcient for jjresent purposes, wlieti completed. Having accommodations for the F'ire Api)aratus, and an oltice for Mayor, Mayor's court room, police heacbiuarters and city prison.

In 1880 the city was dividt^ into four Wards. The first ward includes all of North Findley, and so much territory on the south side of the river and east of Main street, as lies between the river and Crawford street and west of Eagle Creek.

In addition to the Central Fire Engine House, the cityhas an engine house in North Findley^ and one in East Findley. The town supply of water for fire perpose, is taken from public cisterns, of which there are now about fifteen, all of large capacity.

The town was located on a flat piece of laud, and consequently was subject to much inconvenience fi'om rains and wet weather, and no doubt but it was rendered unhealthy from this almost continual dampness. No cellars could be built, and streets, and even lots in some places, had to be filled up, to make them at all comfortable. The surface drainage did not suffice to relieve the gi'ound of surplus water, and it became a serious matter as to what should be done.

At last the city authorities inaugurated a system of sewerage. The town was divided into sewer districts, and Main street was at once thoroughly drained, by putting in a sew^er of twenty inch pipe on either side, just outside the gutter line. Throughout the length of West street a large open ditch had been dug for carrying otf the water. This for a time answered the purpose, but as the street become more of a thoroughfare, and buildings were erected along the line of the ditch, from the many obstructions continually occurring, the ditch became a nuisance, and the residents of the sewer district petitioned Council to deepen and sewer it, which was done.

Sewers have been constructed in Hardin, Lincoln and Lima streets, in North and East Findley, in the west part of the town, emptying into the river near the cemetery road-

In 1865 the city authorities arranged for the lighting of the streets by gas. They had for a number of years previously been lighted by coal oil lamps. There are now about one hundred and twenty-five street lamps in place, surmounted by large and beautiful globes, and lighted by gas, to the great convenience and comfort of the citizens.

Wilson Vance

Was the son of Joseph Colville Vance, and Sarah, his wife, whose maiden name was Wilson. Mr. Vance's father was born Marcli '24th, 1759, and was married April 10th, 1781, in Loudon County, Virginia. He emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1783. Mr. Vance's parents were both what was called Scotch Irish Presbyterians. They emigrated to Kentucky in 1788, where Wilson Vance was born January 19, 179G, in Mason County. The family came to Ohio in 1800, and settled in Old Town, Greene County. In 1804 they removed to Urbana. In 1816 Mr. Vance and his brother William went to Fort Meigs, on the Maumee River, where lor a time they clerked for their brother Joseph, who was afterwards Governor of Ohio.

On the 14th of March, 1820, he was married to Sarah W^ilson, by Rev. John Thompson, in Champaign County, and returned with his wife to Fort Meigs, where they remained until the fall of 1821, when with his wife and one child, and all their earthly possessions on an Indian pony, he came to Findley, himself walking the distance. He moved into the old fort until his log cabin was completed. The next season he erected a two-story log house, and kept a tavern. These buildings were situated on the south bank of the river, on the east side of Main street. Mr. V. also

In 1830 he built a one-story frame house with five rooms, and in 1831, he in company with John W. Baldwin opened up a dry goods store, using the south room of the house as a business room. This is the same building now occupied by G. C. Barnd, in rear of the Sherman house. In 1837 Mr, V. bought out the interest of Baldwin, who went to New York City. Vance was engaged actively in mercantile pursuits up to 1852, when he sold out his stock at auction.

He however did not wholly retire from business, but was a partner with his sons, Miles W. and William, at Blufftou, Ohio, up to the date of his death.

Mr. Vance was one of the first Justices in the county, and officiated at the first marriage in the county. He was the first Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and the first Recorder of the county. He was Surveyor of Wood County, Treasurer of Hancock County, and the second Post Master at Findley. He superintended the building of the first flouring mill in the county. The structure was put up in 1825, and belonged to Elnathan Cory, and was on the site of the present Carlin Mill. His wife did all her own work, and that which was necessary in the boarding of the sixteen men employed in putting up the building, digging the race, and building the dam, although at that time she had three little children to look after and care for.

Mr. Vance and his wife were of the first membership of the Presbyterian Church, and I believe both were still members at their decease. The Church was organized at his house in December, 1831. He was always ready to do his part in sustaining the church, and contributed liberally to its various objects.

Mr. Vance was a good neighbor, an upright citizen and an honest man. He was a man of stoug convictions, not easily swerved, and whilst honest in his opinions, and determined in his actions, he of course made some enemies for the time being, but no one questioned his motives. Mr. Vance was the father of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom are dead but three, William, Horace M., and Bridget. Wilson Vance died March 1st, 1866. His children were all born in this county except Joseph, who was born at Ft. Meigs, and Miles W., who was born in Urbana. William was the second male child born in the county.

Jonathan Parker

From an address delivered before the Pioneer Association by ]\lr. Parker, we learn that he was born in Louden County, Virginia, and that his grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His father, with a wife and six small children, emigrated to Ohio in 1813, and settled in what Mr. Parker says he thinks is the poorest county in Ohio - Morgan. At the age of fifteen years, Mr. Parker was apprenticed to the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he served for six years.

At the age of twenty-one, with one suit of clothes and seventy-five cents in money, Mr. P. says he started out on a tramp to hunt work. After two years time, and having saved $200, he became acquainted with the late Frederich Henderson, who had been to Findley, and purchased property, and intended to remove there in the fall. Mr. P. at once made arrangements to accompany him.

says: "We had four horses, and an old wagon, which latter broke down before we had gone ten miles. We then, after procuring another w^agon, got along very well until we arrived at Upper Sandusky. There having been rain for several days the roads were in a terrible condition. When not far from where Carey now' stands, the bottom fell out of the roads, and we were fast. Mr. Henderson made his way to Capt. Brown's for help, and I made my way to a cornfield to purchase some corn for our horses, which I did of a man by the name of Ogg. Mr. Henderson returned with a yoke of cattle, by the aid of which we were soon placed on firmer ground, and that night we lodged with Judge Smith.

"The next day a young Mr. Smith was hired to accompany them with a yoke of cattle, by the help of which they reached the residence of Peter George, at what was know^n as the old Ashery. The rains having so swollen the river that it could not be crossed with teams, the party hired a canoe from a Mr. Gipson, and Mr. George, and a Mr. Hewitt, piloted them dow^n the Blanchard. There were in the canoe four men, one woman and one child. In this manner we made the voyage to Findley, where we arrived on the 28th of October, 1831.

"On our arrival in Findley, Mr. Henderson took lodgings in a log cabin near where the old jail on the Park stands. At that time there were but twelve families in the town, these w-ere Wilson Vance, Allen Wiseley, Squire Carlin, Parlee Carlin, William Taylor, Thomas F. Johnston, Barnabus DeWitt, Bass Rawson, Laquina Rawson, George Flenner, John Basehore, William L. Henderson, being about fifty persons in all."

the ground from Main Cross street to Chamberlain's Hill." That when they landed, "they wanted to go to the residence of William L. Henderson, which stood on the ground now occupied by the store of Kurz & Morrison, and could only get there by cooning it on logs across the public square, and on through that part of town." Mr. Parker did much, very much, during his long residence here, to make Findley what it is to-day. Public spirited, industrious, honest and trusted, he helped to give tone and character to the place. In his death, which occurred but a few years ago, the town lost one of its most enterprising citizens, and the community a most valuable member. The close of his long christian life was peaceful and serene.

Dr. Bass Rawson

Was born April 1 7th, 1799, in the town of Orange, Franklin County, Massachusetts, and was one of the five sons of Lemuel Rawson, a tanner of Warwick, Massachusetts. In 1836, he removed to Bath, in Summit County, 0., but died at the residence of his son. Dr. L. Q. Rawson, at Fremont, Ohio. Dr. Rawson - the subject of this sketch - and his four brothers left Massachusetts at an early day, and settled in Ohio. Four of the five brothers were physicians. The Doctor is of the sixth generation of the Rawson family, in direct descent from Edward Rawson, who was Secretary of the Massachusetts colony from 1630 to 1636. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Barrows. In his boyhood, Dr. Rawson worked on a farm, and attended a country school. lie afterwards learned the trade of a hatter, at which he worked until he was about twenty years old. His health then failing, he quit farming to engage in the study of medicine. He attended the Academy at New

At the age of twenty-five, he married Amanda Blackraer, iind removed to Ravenna, 0., but after a few months he went to Otsego, N. Y., and located at Richfield. Here he taught school, and pursued the study of medicine with Dr. Thomas. In the winter of 1826-27 he attended medical lectures at Dartmouth College, N. II., and at the close of the term went to New Salem, and pursued his studies under Dr. Brook, of Oswego. In June, 1828, he emigrated to Ohio again, and practiced his profession with his brother in Medina County for about a year.

In September, 1829, he came to Findley, where he settled permanently in the practice of his profession. He w^as the first practicing physician in the town. When he came here there were but twelve white families in the place, the Indians were more numerous than were the whites. Here he has practiced for fifty years, and has always been able to command a large practice, and his successful treatment of cases has given him a wide reputation. The Doctor is a large land owner, and one of the wealthiest men of the county. He has always been economical in his style of living, having always all the comforts, and many of the luxuries, without the extravagancies. He is now, and has been a member and supporter of the Presbyterian Church for more than forty years.

The Doctor and Mrs. Rawson had but one child, Harriet E. xA., who married Dr. W. D. Carlin. As Surgeon of the 57th 0. V. I., Dr. Carlin died at Vicksburg, Miss.

Maryland, January 19th, 1811. In 1833, he came io Zanesville, Ohio, where in 1834 he married Miss Amy J. Baldwin. In July of the following year he came to Findley^ and studied law with Edson Goit and A. F. Merriam. He was admitted to the bar in 1838, and from that time ta within a few years of his death he practiced his profession. Mr. O'Neal was a practical surveyor, and as such located many of the roads in the county. He also taught school a number of terms, and there are men and women residing here now who were his pupils.

Mr. O'Neal, by his industry and intelligence impressed upon the early settlers his worth as a citizen, and he wasmany times intrusted with responsible positions. He was Auditor of the county one term, and in 1844 was elected to the State Senate. In his profession he took high rank. A& an advocate, although neither fluent or eloquent, he was terse, forcible and convincing. As a counselor, he was thorough and always safe. He was cautious, dilligent and methodical in his practice, and in his business transactions. In his profession he was dignified, truthful, and a despiser of petty fogging tricks, courteous and gentlemanly in all his relations to the court and bar, considerate towards witnesses, and pursuasive before a jury.

At the age of sixteen he united with the Methodist Church, and remained an acceptable member until his decease. His attachment to the church of his choice was very strong, and he watched her interests with a jealous care. He died at Findley, Ohio, December 20th, 1879.

Dr. W. H. Baldwin

studied medicine and attended lectures before he came to Findley, he at once commenced the practice, and rose to a high rank in his profession, and his practice became verylarge, extending into adjoining counties. An extensive practice at that day meant hard labor, long rides through a country in which there were but few roads, and no bridges.. But none of these discouraged the faithful physician in his untiring efforts to relieve the afflicted.

But all these could not be endured without producing their legitimate effects. The strong and healthy constitution of Dr. Baldwin became impaired, and he became prematurely old and feeble. His last years were years of sujEfering, borne however, without complaint.

In April, 1835, Dr. Baldwin was married to Miss Mary Jane Patterson, who survived him some ten or twelve years. Four of the Doctor's children yet survive. He left to his widow a comfortable home, and to his children an unsullied name. In all the relations of life he was considerate, rerespectful and just, and enjoyed the highest esteem of the community. In 1842 he united with the Methodist Church, and retained his membership until his death.

In 1836 Dr. Baldwin was appointed Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for this county, which position he held for seven years, discharging all the duties with promptness and intelligence.

Price Blackford

Mr. Blackford was born in Pennsylvania, in 1803, and' came to Ohio when but a boy, and with his parents located in Wayne County, but the family afterwards removed to Stark County. In 1834 Mr. Blackford, with his family, came to Findley, and he at once commenced the manufact- ure of fur bats, a trade which he had learned of his father. No professional man, and scarcely any young man considered himself dressed properly unless he was crowned with one of Blackford's hats.