Findlay City (part 2 of 28)

Frederick Henderson was one of the pioneer merchants of Findlay, where he settled in the fall of 1831. He was a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and first visited Findlay in the summer of 1831, at which time he decided to locate here. Returning to Muskingum County for his family, which then consisted of his wife, Margaret, and one child, he was there joined by Jonathan Parker, who accompanied Mr. Henderson to this village, the trip being made in a wagon drawn by four horses. Mr. Henderson was a cabinet-maker, and followed his trade in Findlay for several years after coming, a portion of the time in connection with Hugh Newell.' In 1840 he and Mr. Newell purchased the stock of William Taylor, and for a short time carried on a store in Mr. Taylor's building, now owned and occupied by Frank Karst, Sr. They soon afterward erected a fi-ame storeroom on the east side of Main Street, a little south of Crawford, to which they removed their stock. This ]mrtnership Listed till 38 40, when it was dissolved, Mr. Henderson retaining possession of the business. In 1849 he took in J. S. Patterson, who continued as one of the firm until 1857. Mr. Henderson erected the three-story brick block on the southeast corner of Main and Crawford Streets, which he occupied at the time of his death. He was a very successful merchant, and did a large share of the business in his line. Courteous and affable at all times, he won and retained the good will of all with whom he came in contact. He was one of the i)ioneer Presbyterians of Findlay, and died in that faith August 21, 1866, in his sixtyfirst year. His widow survived him till January 13, 1870, leaving a family of four children, none of whom are now residents of the county.

Jonathan Parker accompanied Mr. Henderson to Findlay, where they arrived toward the close of October, 1881. He was born in Loudoun County, Va., in 1808, and in the spring of 1814 removed with his parents to Morgan County, Ohio, where he learned the carpenter trade, afterward removing to Muskingum County, whence he came to Findlay. Mr. Parker followed his trade of carpenter and builder in this county for many years. He bviilt a steam saw-mill on the north bank of the river in 1846, which was in successful operation till March 10, 1874, when it was completely wrecked by its boiler exploding. It was then the property of J. C. Powell, and has not been rebuilt. In 1857 Mr. Parker erected a steam planing-mill in the southwest part of the village, to which he added a grist-mill, which began operations in the spring of 1858. These were known as the "Hancock Mills," and the flouring-mill is still operated by his son John. Mr. Parker took for his first wife Miss Elizabeth Hamilton, who died, leaving no issue. He then married Miss Lucinda Workman, who bore him three children (two of whom are living), and died May 15, 1844. In 1846 he was married to Miss Nancy A. Workman, to which union three childi-en were born, two of whom, with the mother, survive, the father having died September 27, 1879. Mr. Parker was one of the most enteri^rising citizens that Findlay has ever possessed. He also took a deep interest in pioneer matters, and his reminiscences delivered at the meetings of the Pioneer Association, of which he was a leading member, have been of much assistance in compiling this history of the village. Upright, straightforward, industrious and enterprising, he was highly respected l)y a very wide circle of the best people of Hancock County. He carried his Christian character into everyday life, and was a prominent example of practical Christianity.

Joseph C. Shannon is said to have been a native of Ireland, who at an early day immigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, and thence removed to the Tymochtee, in what is now Wyandot County. His first wife was a sister of George F. Algire, of Pleasant Township, whom he married in Fairfield County. Upon her death he was married to Vesta, daughter of Job Chamberlin. Sr. , who also died after a brief married life. In 1831 he came to Findlay, and June 4, 1832, he was appointed auditor of Hancock County, vice Thomas F. Johnston (resigned). He was elected as his own successor in October, 1832, and re-elected to the same oflice. While holding the auditorship he was married to Miss Malinda V. Strother, sister of Judge Kobert L. Strother, and died in May, 1836, ere the expiration of his second term.

E. D. Nightengale located in the village in 1831, and resided here many years. He was a clock repairer and a sort of "jack of all trades," and never amounted to much. In fact he was one of those peculiar characters found in every town, who in some way manage to eke out a living. Nightengale's name appears among the voters of Findlay in October, 1881, and his card can be found in the Courier of different years up to 1848, about which time he is believed to have left the county.

Christian Barnd, though a pioneer of 1831, did , not settle in Findlay until the following year, his first residence being near Van Buren. He opened a small tavern and soon afterward a tannery on the site of the old brick jail west of the park, and carried on business there for several years. In 1884 he was elected sheriff and re-elected in 188fi. About 1839 he started a small grocery store on Main Street north of ^ Main Cross, which he carried on about eight years. Mr. Barnd died November 3, 1847. Three of his sons, John, Gamaliel C. and Elijah, are residents of the county, the last two mentioned having lived in Findlay for more than half a century.

John W. Baldwin was a cousin of Dr. William H. Baldwin and came to Findlay from Champaign County, Ohio, in the spring of 1832. He opened a general store in partnership with Wilson Vance, which continued some time after he left the village. In March, 1835, Mr. Baldwin was elected associate judge, but resigned the office in July of the same year. He soon afterward went to New York, and subsequently sold his interest in the store to Mr. Vance. After many years spent in the great Eastern metropolis Mr. Baldwin returned to Springfield, Ohio, and there died a few years ago. He is best remembered in Findlay because of liis gigantic size, being the largest man that ever lived in Hancock County.

James H. Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania, is one of the few pioneer business men of Findlay who are yet living. He first came to the village in the summer of 1832, and purchased of Thomas F. Johnston the corner on which the "Humphrey House" now stands, and on which an unfinished twostory frame was in process of erection. In 1888 Mr. Wilson settled permanently, and being a carpenter worked at his trade for a short time. He then began clerking for the Carlins and afterward for B. L. Caples, also one of Findlay' s early merchants. Having finished the building on his lot he rented the property to Jeremiah Case, who kept a tavern in it one year. In the spring of 1834 he traded it to Maj. John Patterson for the Carnahan Corner and 160 acres of land, and the following year put up a frame storeroom on the former. In 1838 he opened a general store in that building, where he continued in business for ten years, the frame being replaced in 1848 by a three-story brick known as the " Melodeon Building," then the most imposing business block in Findlay, as its successor, the Carnahan Block, also is. Mr. Wilson conducted a mercantile business in his new building until retiring in 1854. He subsequently engaged in farming and has been a stockholder and director of the I'irst National Bank of Findlay since 1866. Mr. W^ilson has been a very successful business man, and is now enjoying the fruits of his early industry, inherent courtesy and business integrity.

John Ewing was for many years one of the leading merchants of Findlay. He came here from Pennsylvania in 1833, and at once engaged in merchaudising. At quite an early day he erected the three-story brick long known as the ' ' White Corner, ' ' and was a man of considerable wealth. In March, 1842, Mr. Ewing was elected associate judge and served on the bench seven years. He was the member who represented this senatorial district in the constitutional convention of 1850-51. Judge Ewing was dignified and exclusive in his habits, and not very popular in the social circles of the village. In 1860 he removed to Springfield, Ohio, and afterward to Wisconsin, dying in Milwaukee in 1880. He united with the Presbyterian Church of Findlay in 1885, and remained a member of that denomination dm-ing the balance of his life. The people of Findlay claim if it had not been for Judge Ewing' s opposition and influence in favor of the Findlay Branch, the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad would have been located through the town, which ever since would have been enjoying the advantages of that great triTnk lino.

Abraham Daughenbaugh and wife came to the village in the spring of 1888. He was born at or near Williamsport, Penn., December 29, 1799, and there grew to manhood, thence removed to Canton, Ohio, and learned the carpenter trade. In the spring of 1888 he married Miss Mary Dewalt, of Canton, and soon after marriage came to Findlay and purchased William Taylor's tavern, which he ran a few years. He also followed carpentering and building. Three children were born to him, viz.: Ann, Dewalt and. Harriet, the last two mentioned being residents of Findlay. Mi\ Daughenbaugh died in 1866, and his widow the following year.

Garrett D. and James Teatsorth came from eastern Ohio to Findlay in the fall of 1883. Their father, Isaac, an old Revolutionary soldier, came with them, and died December 25, 1884. James Teatsorth ran the old Shaw horse-mill on Front Street for some years, and in 1849 he went to California, whence in two or three years he retiu-ned to Findlay. He afterward purchased the mills erected by Edson Goit, in Union Township, where he resided until his death. Garrett D. started a blacksmith shop soon after coming to Findlay, north of Main Cross Street. In 1837 he purchased the Rising Sun Hotel, built by Mr. Erb, the tailor, on east Main Cross, and turned over the blacksmith shop to his son-in-law, David Webster. He carried on the tavern for many years, but finally gave up the business, and died in Findlay September 8, 1872. The brothers each have a couple of children living in the county.

Joseph D. Ford came to the village from Virginia with his mother in 1832, but was then only a boy of sixteen. He learned the tailors' trade with Mr. Erb after coming, and about 1886 opened a shop. In 1889 he married Miss Mary Parker, sister of Jonathan Parker, who survives him. Mr. Ford continued to follow his business till his death in March, 1875.

Peter Byal was born in Huntington County, Penn., July 8, 1806, and four years afterward his parents removed to Stark County, Ohio. In 1821 he went to Cleveland and learned the hatter's trade, which he followed for twenty- seven years. He was married in Wooster, Ohio, in 1828, to Eliza McFall. and in December. 1888, located in Findlay, following his brother. John, and father. "William, to this county. Mr. Byal made the first hat that was manufactured in Findlay. In October, 1 88(). he was elected coroner, but served only one year, as he did not want the office. He removed to a farm soTith of town, but after several years came back to the village, and has been janitor of the high school building for the past sixteen years. Mr. Byal and wife reared a family of ten children, all of whom are living, but the mother died September 22, 1879.

Maj. John Patterson, though dead over thirty-three years, is one of the well remembered pioneers of the town. He was born in Maryland, November

9, 1784, and removed when quite yoving with his parents to Pennsylvania, and subsequently to what is now Jefferson Coiinty, Ohio, where they settled soon after the organization of the Northwest Territory. He there grew to manhood, and August 1 7, 1809, was married to Miss Elizabeth Alban. He served in the war of 1812, and at the close of that struggle removed to Harrison County. In May, 1832, he visited Findlay and purchased the log tavern of John Bashore, which stood on the Carnahan corner. He did not settle here, however, till the spring of 1834, when he brought out his family, consisting of his wife and nine children - four sons and five daughters. He at once traded the property he had purchased of Bashore and IGO acres of land to James H. Wilson, for the "Humphrey Hotise" corner, upon which a two-story frame was standing, and opened the " Findlay Caravansary, " then the only tavern in the village where no intoxicating di-ink was sold. Whenever a thirsty traveler would call for something to drink, which of course generally meant whisky, Mr. Patterson would point to the pump near the door and answer: "There's plenty of pump- water, sir, I do not sell whisky. " He soon got the nickname of "old pump-water," which stuck to him through life. In September, 1840, he traded the tavern to Samuel Leard for a farm in Washington Township, upon which he settled and lived about two years, and then returned to Findlay. In 1 843 he was elected justice of the peace of Findlay Township, and served one term. From that time until his death, March 8, 1853, he lived retired from the active duties of life. His widow survived him until October, 1877, and of his children only one son, Milton B. . and two daughters are living, all residents of the county.

James Robinson was born in Lancaster County, Penn. , in 1809, and learned the carpenter's trade in Maryland. In March, 1834, he located in Findlay, and the following spring (1835) was married to Miss Delilah Bohart, a native of Carroll County, Ohio, who came to the village with her brother Jacob the previous fall. Of this union six children were born, four of whom are yet living, two, with the mother, being residents of Findlay. Mr. Robinson was elected sheriflp in 1852, and served one term. He died April 8, 1884.

Price Blackford was also a pioneer of 1834. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1803, whence he removed with his parents to Columbiana County, Ohio, and subsequently to Stark County. Price learned the hatter's trade of his father, and upon reaching early manhood married Miss Abigal Slater, also a resident of Stark. They came to Findlay in 1834. where he engaged in theman uf acture of hats, in which line he did quite a biasiness for that day. In 1837 Mr. Blackford was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected four- times, serving fifteen consecutive years. He was a man of good judgment and strong common sense, and his decisions usually gave good satisfaction. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and assisted in organizing the first society of that faith in the county, which took place on Ten Mile Creek, about 1836. His wife bore him six childi'en, foiu' of whom are living, and two, Aaron and Jason, are leading attorneys of the county. She died in 1845, and on the Cth of April, 1851, he, too, passed away, leaving a record for sterling honesty that was proverbial.

N. H. Ward was the second tailor who settled in the town. He was born in the Keystone State in 1812, and in 1815 his parents removed to Columbiana County, Ohio. He learned the tailor's trade, and in 1834 came to Findlay and opened a shop in a little log cabin near the residence of

Wilson Vance, where be followed tailoring several years. In 1844 he moved to his present residence in Big Lick Township, where he continued to work at his trade for sonn^ years afterward. Though coming to Findlay with less than $100, he has accumulated through the passing years one of the finest farms in the townshij) where he now lives.

Paul Sours and John Campbell both located in Findlay in 1884. The former was a native of Adams County, Penn. , and manufactured furniture here for several years after coming. In 1885 he was married to Miss Leah Guise, and in 1887 united with the Presbyterian Church of Findlay. He served two terms as justice of the peace, and six years as county recorder. In 1855 he became cashier of the Citizen's Bank, which position he held iTutil his death, which occurred Jarmary 21, 1878, living and dying an upright Christian man. Mr. Campbell purchased the Vance & Cory grist and saw mills. In the winter of 1884-85 he tore down the old log structure, and replaced it hj a fi'ame. He ran these mills until 1887, when he sold them to S. & P. Carlin, and subsequently removed to Richland County. In 1886 he was elected justice of the peace, of Findlay Township, but is said to have left the county before the expiration of his term.

John Adams was one of the early cabinet and chair-makers of the village, where he came from Pennsylvania in 1885. Ten years after that date is found his advertisement in the Courier. He was also a wheelwright, and sometimes did jobs of painting. Mr. Adams was the first mayor of Findlay, elected in April, 1888, and in 1844 he was elected recorder of the county, and served one term. He was a very worthy man and died in Texas, whither he had gone for the purpose of seeking a new field of labor. His family still reside in Findlay.

The name of Capt. Hiram Smith is closely interwoven with the early history of Findlay, where he located in 1885. He was one of the most enterprising, adventurous and generous men of his time, and was the first to manufacture fanning-mills in western Ohio, first at Waterville, on the Maumee River, and afterward at Findlay, where he was subsequently engaged in mercantile business. In 1851 he removed to Oregon, being one of the pioneers of that State. Capt. Smith was eminently practical, and was always ready to lend assistance to the needy. In the summers of 1862-68 he went far out upon the plains to meet and succor immigrants to Oregon, and no privation or sacrifice was too great in order to assist and encourage the weary and often disheartened settlers. In October, 1863, while on a visit to Findlay, he sold a farm which he owned in Hancock County, and donated $1,()00 of the amount received in trust to the town, the interest to be annually expended in purchasing fuel for the widows, wives or mothers of volunteers living within the corporation limits. After ten years, one-third of the interest was to be annually added to the principal and the remaining two-thirds used in purchasing fuel during thirty years. But in case all of the said persons, for whose benefit the bequest was made, should die or move away before the expiration of said thirty years, all of the interest is to be - yearly added to the principal as a permanent fund. At the end of that time the interest on the whole fund is to be annually distributed among ' 'the indigent widows and sewing-girls, who keep house or keep shop, and who are under the necessity of using the needle as a siipport," within the l)ounds of the village. For this l^equest alone the memory of Hiram Smith should forever be revered by the people of Hancock County. He died in San Francisco, Cal., January 17, 1870, leaving a large estate to his loved and venerated widow, Mrs. Hannah Smith, who now resides in Portland, Oregon. Her farm of 1,800 acres, a few miles from Portland, is carried on through a tenant. It is situated near the Columbia lliver, and in full view of Mount H(jod and much more of the grandest and most picturesque scenery of the State.

William Porterfield came here from Knox County, Ohio, in 1835, and in 1889, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Samuel Honn, began merchandising. The latter did not remain long in Findlay, but Mr. Porterfield was the second mayor of Findlay and carried on business in the village a good many years. He then removed to Williamstown, thence to Dunkirk and Gallion, Ohio, and subsequently to Council Bluffs, Iowa. He is now a resident of Fremont, Neb.

A. H. Hyatt located in Findlay in the spring of 1836, coming here from Brownsville. Penn. He opened a store in a frame building, which he erected on the east side of Main Street, where Jacob M. Huber's di-ug store now is, and conducted business at that corner until his death, in the spring of 1859. Mr. Hyatt married a sister of Dr. William H. Baldwin, who bore him two children, one of whom, Benjamin F., survives and is a post trader in the West, but still calls Findlay his home. Few men of his day were more highly respected by the people of the county than A. H. Hyatt. Upright and honest in all his dealings, he was one of the most successful merchants of the village during his residence here of twenty-three years.

B. L. Caples also began business in Findlay in the spring of 1836, coming from Ashland, Ohio, and establishing a store on the site of Totten's grocery. He, however, remained here only a few years, and is now a resident of Fostoria.

John Engelman and Joshua Baldwin were pioneers of 1836. The former was born in Union County, Penn., September 16, 1810, there grew up and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1832 he came to Ohio, finally locating in Tiffin, where he was married to Miss Margaret M. J. Julien, a native of Maryland, in July, 1885. In August, 1886, he removed to Findlay, where he has ever since resided, following his trade the greater portion of the time, and assisting in putting up many of the first buildings in the village. He was one of the builders and first proprietors of the Eagle Mills. His wife bore him thirteen children, eleven of whom are living, and died in 1876. Mr. Baldwin came fiom Zanesville, Ohio, in October, 1886, with his wife Eleanor and three daughters: Sarah A., Eleanor and Melinda B. Mrs. Baldwin died in 1887 and he in 1858. His object in coming to Findlay was to be near his sons. Dr. William H. and A. C. Baldwin, and daughter, Mrs. Charles W. O'Neal. Mrs. Sarah A. Strother, of Findlay, is the only member of the family now living in the county.

Hugh Newell was born in Washington County, Penn., April 8, 1804, and his early boyhood days were spent on the old homestead. His father was a veteran of the Revolution, and died in Pennsylvania. In 1814 the family removed to Mount Vernon, Knox Co. , Ohio, where Hugh subsequently learned the trade of a fanning-mill maker. He afterward clerked in the postoffice and kept a tavern, and sul^sequently removed to Belleville, Piichland County, where he sold goods. December 2^), 1826, he was married to Miss Sallie' Thrift, and in the fall of 1836 brought his family to Findlay. Mr. Newell entered the store of Green & Reed, for whom he clerked about one year, and then began the manufactiiie of furniture with Frederick Henderson. In 1888 he opened a store, and in 1840 he and Mr. Henderson purchased the stock of William Taylor and for a short time conducted business on the Karst corner, then the property of Mr. Tayh^r. They afterward erected a frame building on the east side of Main Street, south of Crawford, where they carried on business until 1846, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Newell removed to a building he put uj) on the west side of Main, north of Patterson's corner. Here he continued merchandising till November 1, 1 859, when hesold out to Henry Greer and retired from business. Mr. Newell was an honest, industrious, economical business man, and by judicious management during his mercantile career accumulated a handsome estate. He was a life-long Methodist, and a leading member of the Findlay society until his death April 10, 1883. Mrs. Newell survived him over two years and died October 16, 1885, leaving three chil dren, viz. : Mrs. Henry Brown, of Findlay, Mrs. Rev. Samuel Mower, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Sterling, of Indianapolis, Ind.

Henry Lamb was also one of the early business men of Findlay. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 16, 1807, there grew to manhood, and in 1830 married Miss Mary Lefler. Removing to Hancock County the same year, he settled on a farm northwest of Findlay; but in 1837 he bought out the stock of the Carlins and began merchandising. In October, 1837, he was elected coroner and served one term. He purchased from John McCurdy, in Deceml>er, 1840, a two-story frame building, which the latter had just completed on the site of the Joy House, and opened the "White Hall" tavern. He ran this tavern till March, 1849, and it was burned down immediately after he moved out. Mr. Lamb next engaged in farming, and subsequently in the grocery trade for several years. He died May 7, 1882, and his widow December 27 following. Of their six children five are living, and two of them residents of Findlay.

Among other early business men of the town whose names might be mentioned in this connection are Green & Reed, Dewalt & Rappee, Mark Delaney and Burger & Kling, merchants; John S. Julien, plasterer; Jesse W^heeler, George Plotner and John McCurdy, carpenters ; John Boyd, Peter Cogley, Garnet Whitlock, David Webster and Z. Surles, blacksmiths; Philip Shockey and John Schneyer, wagon and plow-makers; M. M. Nigh and Alonzo D. Wing, successive proprietors of the Findlay House; Daniel Erb, Jacob Bohart, Isaac J. Baldwin and Abraham Younkin, tailors; Abraham W. Schwab and Elijah Ash, shoe-makers, and Isaac Vail, tanner, all of whom were here prior to 1840 A few other names might be given, but little would be gained by extending the list, as Findlay was by this time quite a bustling little village with a population of between 500 and 600 inhabitants.

In the general history of the county, the chapter on the judiciary contains biographies of the pioneer lawyers of Findlay, and it only remains to mention briefly the early physicians of the village. The now aged and venerable Dr. Bass Rawson was the first member of the medical profession who settled in Findlay. The Doctor was born in Orange, Franklin Co. , Mass., April 17, 1799, and is now in his eighty-eighth year. He read medicine in New York State and Massachusetts, and in the spring of 1828 removed to what is now Summit County, Ohio, where he began practice with his brother, Secretary. In September, 1829, he came to Findlay and com- menced the practice of his profession in Hancock County, which he followed until his eightieth anniversary, in April, 1879, a period of nearly half a century. Findlay, at the time of his coming, was a small hamlet flanked by forest on every side, while the whole county contained a population of only about 800. In 1881 he and his brother La Quino were taxed on an income of $250. With the passing years Dr. Rawson grew into a large and lucrative practice, his professional circuit embracing a wide scope of country extending for many miles in every direction. By the judicious management of his annual income derived from his professional labors, the Doctor has accumulated quite a large fortune. Though the infirmities of old age are weighing heavily upon him, he nevertheless enjoys good health and bids fair to turn his four-score years and ten.

Dr. La Quino Rawson was the second resident physician of Findlay, where he located in the spring of 1831. He was born on "Irvin's Grant," now the town of Irvin, Franklin Co.. Mass., September 14, 1804, and in 1824 came to Ohio and began the study of medicine. In July, 1826, he commenced practice on the Tymochtee, in what is now Wyandot County, and five years afterward joined his brother Bass in Findlay. Here he remained two years and five months, and then removed to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), where he followed his profession until 1855. From 1836 to 1858 he was clerk of the common pleas court of Sandusky County, and was one of the prime movers in the construction of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. He is yet a resident of Fremont.

Dr. William H. Baldwin located in Findlay in the fall of 1832, coiliing from Fort Harmar, opposite Marrietta, Ohio. Dr. Baldwin read medicine with Dr. Flenner, of Zanesville, Ohio, where he was born January 16, 1810, and was a graduate of the Cincinnati Medical College. In March, 1835, he was appointed clerk of the common pleas court, and served in that capacity seven years. Dr. Baldwin continued in the enjoyment of a large and successful practice up to within a short time of his death, when failing health compelled him to relinquish the active duties of his profession. He died December 14, 1868, mourned by a large circle of friends, who regarded him not only as a good physician, but a warm and generous companion.

Dr. Charles Osterlen was the next physician to open an office in the village, and the first of the homoepathic school of medicine. He was born in Germany, October 5, 1807, and is a graduate of the University of Stuttgart. Coming to the United States in 1832, he located in Ashland, Ohio, two years afterward, and in September, 1836, took up his residence in Findlay. Since that time up to the present he has continued in active and successful practice. He served one term in the Legislature, and has always taken a prominent part in furthering the best interests of his adopted county. To Dr. Osterlen, more than any other man, is due the credit of the first development of natural gas, which he has believed in and advocated during the past fifty years.

Dr. David Patton came to Findlay in October, 1836, and soon succeeded in obtaining a fair share of patronage. He was born in Steiibenville, Ohio, December 14, 1799, of Irish ancestry; read medicine in Cadiz, Ohio, and l)egan practice in Carrollton. whence he removed to Fairfield Coiinty, and then to Hancock. The Doctor was a good physician, and after several years' residence in Findlay removed to Delaware, Ohio, but soon returned and resumed practice in this village. He subsequently went to Iowa, but came back to Ohio and died near Cleveland, August 80, 1874. During his residence in Findlay he purchased the FincUay Herald of James M. Coifinberry, but did not publish the paper. Dr. Patton was a whole-souled, jovial man, possessing considerable mother wit, and was very popular with the people of the county.

Dr. William D. Carlin was a son of the venerable Squire Carlin, and was born on the Maumee River, April 27, 1822. He read medicine with Dr. Bass Rawson, gradiiatcd from the Cincinnati Medical College in March, 1843, and at once began practice in Findlay. Dr. Carlin served as surgeon in the Mexican war, and at the close of hostilities resumed his practice in Hancock County. He married Miss Harriet E. A. Rawson, daughter of his old preceptor, of which union two children survive. In the sj^ring of 1862 Dr. Carlin was appointed surgeon of the Fifty -seventh Regiment, in which capacity he served until his death at Milliken's Bend, December 26, 1862. He was a man of tine education, and a superior siu-geon, and at the time he entered the army he had a large and well-paying practice.

Dr. Lorenzo Firmin, who is still a resident of Findlay, came to the village in 1841, and read medicine with Dr. Bass Rawson. In July, 1845, he opened an office, but in the spring of 1846 removed to Benton, where he practiced until July, 1847, and ihen returned to Findlay. Dr. Firmin continued in practice until 1865, when he finally retired, though for a few years prior to that time he had been gradually giving up the more active duties of the profession.

Dr. William Stiles began practice in Findlay in the spring of 1846. He was a native of Franklin County, Ohio, read medicine in Fairfield, Huron County, and graduated from Willoughby Medical College and the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati. He commenced practice in Huron County, whence he came to Findlay and oj^ened a di'ug store, and formed a professional partnership with Dr. Patton. In January, 1849, he married Miss Hannah E. , daughter of Hugh Newell, a leading merchant of the village. Dr. Stiles enjoyed a good practice up to the time of his death, in 1852. His only child, Harry N. , resides in Colorado, and his widow is now the wife of Henry Brown, Esq. , a leading member of the Findlay bar.

Dr. James Spayth located in Findlay in June, 1847, and continued in practice here until the sickness came on which ended in his death July 28, 1871. Dr. Sijayth was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Penn., April 30, 1824, and when quite young his parents located on the site of Madison, Penn., which was afterward laid out by his father. In 1834 the family removed to Columbu^s, Ohio, and subsequently to Tiffin. Here James grew to manhood and read medicine, and in the spring of 1847 graduated at the Philadelphia Medical College, locating in Findlay soon afterward. Dr. Spayth was a highly educated, respected and successful physician, and enjoyed a good practice up to his decease. His widow and family still occupy the same old home where he spent the closing years of his life.

Dr. Belizur Beach was one of the old time pioneer physicians of the county, though he did not locate in Findlay until the spring of 1856. The Doctor was born in Northford, Conn., April 17, 1798, and read medicine in his native State. In 1822, with his wife, Rachel, he located near Ravenna, Ohio, and there practiced until September, 1844, when he removed to Ar lington, nine miles south of Findlay. Here he followed his profession near-

Several other physicians came to the village prior to 1858, among whom were Drs. Crow, Sprague, Beall, Armstrong, Green, Sorber, Turner, Rogers and F. W. Entrikin, none of whom remained long except the last one mentioned, who opened an office in 1855, and is yet one of the leading physicians of the town. Later comers can not be called pioneer physicians, if indeed, some of those given can be classed as such, but they were among the earliest and for that reason their names are mentioned. The practice of the earlier physicians encompassed a wide scope of country, necessitating long, lonely rides through the forest. In many places there were no roads, and those that existed were in a very primitive condition, many of them mere bridle paths. The pioneer medical practitioner was compelled to ford nearly every stream, as few bridges were built in this county prior to 1850. The younger physicians of to-day can scarcely realize the difficulties and ceaseless toil of their predecessors, for their' s is a life of ease in comparison with that led by those veteran fathers of medical practice in Hancock County.

Chapter Xxix Findlay Continued

Progress of the Village - Postoffioe Established - List of Postmasters - Incorporation of Findlay, and its Subsequent Mayors and Clerks - The Old Graveyard on Eagle Creek - Maple Gkove Cemetery- California Movement of 1849 - Underground Railroad - First Fire Engines, and Organization of the First Fire Company - The Fire Department Organized - Roster of Chief Engineers- Development AND Present Effkuency of the Department - Town Buildings - Advent OF Railroads, Express, Telegraph and Telephone Lines - Findlay's .Sewerage System and its Benefits - Monumental Park- Organization of the Hancock Monumental Association - Brief History and Description of the Soldier's Monument - The Old Findlay Gas Light Company - Erection of the Gas Works and First Lighting OF THE Town With Gas - The Works Closed Upon the Development of Natural Gas - Growth of Findlay Since 1831 - Her Present Appearance AND Business Interests, and Future Prospects.

FROM the time that Wilson Vance laid out the village in the fall of 1821, there was a slow but steady increase in its population, though for years Findlay was an insignificant, forlorn looking hamlet. In the winter of 1822- 23 the inhabitants living in the vicinity of the village petitioned the Government for a postoffice, and on the 8th of February, 1823, an office named "Fort Finley" was established, with Wilson Vance as postmaster. For many years the office was a very poorly paying institution. In 1826 it netted Mr. Vance the extraordinary small income of $3.18, and by 1828 this had increased to only $10, and not more than five newspapers then came to the office. The name was changed in April, 1828, from "FortFinley" to "Finley;" in March, 1856, to "Findley," and in February, 1870, to"Findlay." There never was a particle of authority for any other orthography than the last mentioned, as Col. James Findlay, from whom the town derived its name, always wrote his name " Findlay," as did also his brother, Gov. William Findlay, of Pennsylvania. But the postoffice department adopted the same orthography as used in the petition, and the pioneers who sent it knew little and cared less about such matters. What they wanted was a postoffice in the village, and so long as that wish was com^Dlied with they were content. It has been heretofore claimed that an office was established at Findlay in 1821, but the following official letter in answer to our inquiry, definitely settles that point :

Washington, D. C, Februarys, 1886. Sir: In reply to your letter of the 1st inst., I beg to say that the records of this office do not show that an office was established at Findlay, Ohio, prior to 1833.

The following citizens have been postmasters of the village, the date of each appointment, as officially copied from the records of the department in Washington, being also given: Wilson Vance, February 8, 1823; John C. Wickham, July 27, 1829; Squire Carlin, June 4, 1831; Parlee Carlin, March 1, 1849; Robert Coulter, June 1, 1849; William Taylor, December 26, 1849; Abel F. Parker, April 12, 1853; Oliver Mungen, March 31, 1856; James Kobinson, December 31, 1857; Joseph B. Rothchild, March 20, 1861; Cloys B. Wilson, November 9, 1866, but the Senate refused to confirm him, as it was then at war with President Johnson, and Mr. Rothchild filled the office until the appointment of Col. James M. Neibling, as special agent. May 6, 1867; Amariah Ballon, March 20, 1869; Thomas E. Adams, June 5, 1872; Eli G. DeWolfe, March 28, 1876; Winfield S. Hammaker, November 5, 1885. On the 1st of November, 1864, the postal money order system was established in the United States, and in May, 1865, it was introduced into the Findlay office. Since that time the postmastership has been an office of much greater responsibility than in former years, and the recent adoption of the postal note system has also increased its revenues.

The village of Findlay was incorporated by act of the Legislatm-e passed March 17, 1838, and an election ordered to take place the following month. At that time John Adams was elected mayor, and A. H. Hyatt, recorder. Mr. Adams was succeeded by W^illiam Porterfield. The charter was repealed March 13, 1843; but two years later (March 4, 1845) the act of incorporation, passed in 1838, was declared in force. There are no official records in existence from which to obtain the names of the mayors of Findlay prior to 1858, but by a careful perusal of odd numbers of the Courier we have been able to compile a complete list of the mayors and recorders of the village since its reincorporation in the spring of 1845. The mayors have been as follows: U. A. Ogden, 1845-47; Abraham Younkin, 1847-52; George W. Galloway, 1852-54; Jacob Carr, 1854-56; N. Y. Meffbrd, 1856-57; Josiah Powell, 1857-58; Charles C. Pomroy, April, 1858, resigned July 20, 1858, and Ezra Brown appointed to serve the unexpired term ; Ezra Brown, 1859- 60; Israel Green, 1860-61; G. W. Twining, 1861-64; Jacob Carr, 1864- 67; Nathaniel W. Filkin, 1867-68; James A. Bope, 1868-70; George F. Pendleton, 1870-72; Daniel B. Beardsley, 1872-74; William Gribben, 1874

Village Op Findlay

One of the first necessities of every village is a place of public burial, and when Findlay was laid out such a ground was selected on the east bank of Eagle Creek. A tradition exists that this old graveyard was started by the garrison of Fort Findlay diu'ing the war of 1812. Mrs. Matthew Reighly was interred in this ground in 1822, she being the first white person who died in Hancock County. Philip Strohl, brother-in-law of John Bashore, was also buried there about 1830, and, until the opening of Maple Grove Cemetery, nearly all who died in the village or vicinity found a resting place on this small gravel knoll overlooking Eagle Creek. With the opening of Maple Grove the old cemetery was gradually abandoned and also neglected. In February, 1871, the town council passed an ordinance ordering the removal, by their friends, of all the bodies then remaining in the old ground to Maple Grove Cemetery by the 15th of March following, and if not done by that date the town authorities would have them reinterred. There was some opposition to this measure, and though the great majority of the bodies were removed to Maple Grove, a great many neglected the work or refused to allow the bodies of their fi-iends to be disturbed. So the old cemetery partly remains, and several headstones on "the point" mark the resting places of those once well known in the busy scenes of life.

Maple Grove Cemetery had its inception December 25, 1854, when under an act of the Legislature passed February 24, 1848, "making provisions for the incorporation of cemetery associations, " the following gentlemen effected such an organization: D. J. Cory, William Taylor, Hugh Newell, Jesse Wheeler, Aaron H. Bigelow, Benjamin Huber, John B. Hull, Parlee Carlin, George H. Crook, Da^dd Goucher, William H. Baldwin, Hanks P. Gage, James H. Wilson, John Ewing, Frederick Henderson, George W. Galloway, M. C. Whiteley and Henry Porch. On the 22d of January, 1855, the organization was completed by the election of John Ewing, Hanks P. Gage and Parlee Carlin, trustees, and William Taylor, clerk; and " Maple Grove Cemetery Association" was adopted as the name of the organization. The association purchased of George Biggs twenty acres of land lying in the northwest quarter of Section 13 and the northeast quarter of Section 14, Findlay Township, immediately west of town for the sum of 12,200, which they at once laid out as a cemetery. On the 3d of August, 1860, the association turned over its title in the cemetery to the town and township of Findlay, said town and township assuming an indebtedness of $982, then owing to George Biggs. Twenty-two acres lying south of the cemetery were purchased of Jasper N. Lytle November 16, 1872, at a cost of |2,2(H). A roadway belonging to Frederick Duduit originally divided the two tracts, but in April, 1875, the trustees of the cemetery exchanged with Mr. Duduit 4.45 acres off the southwest corner of the last purchase for the roadway, which contained the same amount of land, and thus the tracts were united. In July, 1878, the authorities resolved to authorize the cemetery trustees to erect a ' ' mortuary chapel ' ' for the reception of the dead before burial, at a cost not to exceed $2,000. The chapel was commenced in the fall of 1878, and the building was completed and accepted by the trustees in May, 1879. Ryland & WykoflP were the contractors, and it is a very substantial, handsome stone structure, with massive iron doors, and adds considerably to the beauty of the grounds. The cemetery occupies an elevated, well-drained level site on the west bank of the Blanchard, along which a winding driveway leads from the village to the main entrance. The newer portion of the grounds surrounding the chapel are handsomely laid out, and the whole cemetery has a profusion of flowers, evergreens and shade trees which furnish an inviting place of i*est to the casual visitor. Many artistic and costly monuments attest the devotion of the living, and prove at least a fleeting reverence for those silently sleeping 'neath the grass-covered mounds dotting this beautiful city of the dead.

There are two notable circumstances so closely interwoven with the history of Findlay's progress as to deserve mention in this chapter - the California movement of 1849, and the peculiar workings of the "Underground Railroad. " We are indebted for our information on those subjects to Willis H. Whiteley, Esq. , of Findlay, who obtained the facts from active participants therein, which we ourselves have verified through the same sources.

' ' The excitement, ' ' says Mr. Whiteley, ' ' caused by the closing scenes of the war between the United States and Mexico was renewed early in the spring of 1848 by the report of the discovery of gold, on the Aijierican Fork of the Sacramento River, in California. The news of the finding of the precious metal spread as if borne on the wings of the wind. The intelligence went flying through the States to the Atlantic and then to the ends of the earth. Adventurers flocked from every quarter to the new El Dorado. Thousands of men were almost crazed with the excitement. Workshops were closed, business abandoned, farms left tenantless, and offices deserted, while moving across the great plains companies of adventurous spirits traveled westward with hungry hearts, like Jason and his Argonauts of old in search of the Golden Fleece. Nor did the excitement and the eager desire to explore the new fields of wealth leave the people of Hancock County unscathed. Early in the year 1849 a company was organized in Findlay for the purpose of crossing the plains and exploring the gold bearing regions of California. The names of the men fi'om Hancock County who were in the company are as follows: Squire Carlin, Dr. W. D. and Elliott Carlin (sons of Squire Carlin), William J. Dunham, George W. Myers, Frederick Duduit, Alonzo D. Wing, Hanks P. Gage, S. B. Han-ington, James Fredmore, James Porterfield, Samuel Porterfield, James Teatsorth, Gan-ett Teatsorth, Gid. Nightengale, A. Nightengale, Charles Coffinberry, and Dr. Jesse Beason (Van Buren). There were also in the company Dr. Stanley and C. W. Butterfield (afterward the author of "Crawford's Campaign Against Sandusky"), from Seneca County, Peter Parks and

The party left Findlay on the 3d of March, 1849, going by the way of Carey to Cincinnati, and fi-om there by steamboat to St. Joseph, Mo. From there the company went to Independence, Mo. , then the great outfitting point for emigrants crossing the plains. Here they remained until May 3, 1849, when they started westward with eight wagons. While en route William Byal died and was buried on Bear River. He was a brother of Hon. A. P. Byal, of Findlay. In September of the same year, six months after leaving Findlay, the Argonauts reached Weaverville, Cal. , where the company disbanded. While at this point Pearson Beardsley, a brother of D. B. Beardsley, Esq., also died, being the second after leaving home. The next year D. Austin died with cholera near Sacramento, Cal. After separating at Weaverville, the members of the company scattered in all directions, some to engage in mining, others to work at their trades, and many to pursue such employment as offered itself. Within two or three years the most of the company had returned, but a few remained on the Pacific slope and made for themselves permanent homes. More than half of the original company that left here for California in March, 1849, with light hearts and bright hopes of wealth, are dead, and of those who are alive a very few are now living in the county. Some are old and fast nearing the ' " golden shore," and all are far past middle life. Yet, withal, they speak with pleasure and recall with fervent interest the scenes and incidents and adventures of the long, long journey, when they were a part of the Aro-onauts of '49."

For many years prior to the Reljellion, there existed in this vicinity two ' 'stations' ' on the ' 'Underground Railroad, ' ' where runaway negroes' were harbored, cared for and assisted on their journey toward Canada - then the slave's goal of liberty. The business of this institution was to aid the fugitives in their escape to that land of refuge. A line of ' ' stations ' ' existed at intervals of twenty-five or thirty miles, and the travel over the line was entirely at night. ''Conductors" were engaged to pilot the runaways in safety, while agents and sympathizers through the South enticed negroes from their masters, and furnished them with means to escape to the North, where they would be cared for and sent out of the country. The people who aided and abetted this work were called "Abolitionists," and were sincerely hated by the slave owners of the South. The two "stations" in this locality are said to have sheltered and furntehed means of further flight to over forty fleeing blacks during the ten years preceding the Rebellion. These were worth to their masters at least $40,000. Notice of a runaway's coming was generally sent in advance, so that the sympathizers and prompters of the scheme would be prepared to receive them. The slaves invariably reached Hancock County at night, were kept carefully concealed, and always sent away in the night time. Some of the runaways remained in the county from a week to ten days, so as to throw their pursuers off the track, and none of those who came here were captured by their owners. Late in 1858 one of the parties engaged in the " Oberlin Rescue" - the taking of an escaped negro named John from his captors - came to Findlay to avoid arrest by the United States authorities of the Oberlin District, and remained here concealed for several weeks. But the war put an end to slavery, and the services of the Underground Railroad were no longer needed. Many of the persons who took part in its workings in this county are dead. It is not known that any of those who participated in that scheme of giving liberty to human beings ever regretted their action. Those who are dead did not, those who are living need not. II was not ambitious desire nor malicious intent that brought them into the work, biit their deep sympathy for enslaved humanity and their earnest zeal for the liberty of the despised race.

The fire department is one of the most important and practical institutions of every town, yet Findlay was quite a good-sized village before she possessed a fire engine of any kind. In June, 1850, the "Tom Thumb," a small square box engine on four wheels, and operated by a hand crank, was purchased. As a fire extinguisher it was a failure, and in the fall of 1851 a second-hand engine, the "Jenny Lind," was purchased in Cincinnati, where it had been previously used by ' 'Washington Engine Company, No. 2." The Tom Thumb was then thrown aside, and in 1859 its running gear was sold to Ernest Bacher, who now uses it in the business of his bottling works. Prior to the purchase of the Jenny Lind no effort had ever been made to organize a fire company, but the preliminary steps were now taken in that direction. On the 3d of December, 1851, a meeting was held at the court house for the purpose of effecting such an organization. Judge D. J. Cory was called to the chair, and P. D. Bigelow appointed secretary. After the object of the meeting was explained, and the necessity of a fire company fully set forth, a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by laws and report at a meeting to be held at the same place on the following evening, December 4. On that date the ' ' Findlay Relief Fire Company' ' was organized to man the Jenny Lind engine, with Eli Detwiler, captain; William C. Cox, first lieutenant; Henry Guntner, second lieutenant; P. D. Bigelow, secretary; James H. Wilson, treasurer; Jacob Carr, first engineer. This old engine, though almost useless, was a part of the fire apparatus of Findlay until the spring of 1866, when the mayor and chief engineer were ordered to sell the brass and copper on the engine and remodel the running gear into a hook and ladder truck, which was completed in July. The Dreadnought Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, was then organized, and the truck has since been manned by this company.

In October, 1855, the "Citizens' Gift Fire Engine No. 2" was purchased by Jacob Carr, then mayor of the village, fi-om L. Button & Co. , of Water ford, N. Y. The engine cost about $850, largely raised by subscription among the citizens of the town; hence the name adopted. A company was organized to take charge of the Citizens' Gift, and this engine is yet doing good service, having been removed to East Findlay, in June, 1873.

The fire department was regularly organized under an ordinance passed April 27, 1856, and Robert S. Mungen elected chief engineer. He served until April, 1859, and his successors have been as follows: Joseph B. Rothchild, 1859-60; G. C. Barnd, 1860-62; Joel Markle, 1862-63; Charles B. 'Hall, 1863-64; \Mlliam L. Davis, 1864-65; Mahlon Barnd, 1865-66; Jo-

The L. Button Fire Engine No. 1. was contracted for in the fall of 1858, to take the place of the Jenny Lind. and was also manufactured by L. Button & Co., of Waterford. N. Y. In the Courier of January 21. 1859. the following notice of this engine appears: "The new fire engine, ' L. Button No. 1,' For the No. 1 Fire Company, airived last Monday. It is a beautiful machine, and no doubt will do good service in quenching the devouring element. The company had it out practicing on Wednesday, and it performed to their satisfaction generally. In size and capacity it is very near the same as the Citizens' Gift Engine." The L. Button cost about $825, which was principally raised l)y. subscription. In June. 187/, this engine was removed to North Findlay. where the company was reorganized, to consist mainly of members residing in that part of the village.

When the ' 'Jenny Lind " was purchased a room was rented from Ewing & Wheeler, which also served as an engine house for the Citizens' Gift, when that engine was bought. In August. 1854. a lot was purchased on the north side of West Crawford Street; and in the fall of 1857 a brick engine house erected thereon. Here all the fire department apparatus was kept until after the purchase of the first steam engine. More room then became necessary, and in May, 1872, the adjoining lot was bought, and an addition erected to the old biiilding. It is now occupied by the apparatus of the Hook and Ladder Company, and also utilized as a village lock-up. In June, 1872. a site for an engine house was donated in East Findlay, by William W. McConnell and Parish W. Rockwell; and a year afterward a room was rented on East Sandusky Street, to which the Citizens' Gift engine was removed. The present brick building east of Eagle Creek was erected the same year, and dedicated by a supper given by the Citizens' Gift Fire Company, December 26, 1873, to celebrate the occupancy of their new quarters.

In the meantime the steam fire engine "Findlay," with two hose carts, hose, etc., had been purchased. On the 3d of August, 1871, Parlee Carlin, J. T. Adams, Peter Kunz and W. H. Wheeler were appointed by the council, a committee, to negotiate for the purchase of a steam fire engine, and on the 7th they reported the purchase of an engine, two hose carts, and 1,000 feet of hose, etc., from the Silsby Manufacturing Company, of Seneca Falls. N. Y. , for the sum of $7,300. A company to man the steamer was organized the following year. By authority of an act of the Legislature. passed May 7. 1877. the "Centennial," another Silsby steamer, with hose reels, hose, etc., was pui'chased. on the 15th of June following, for $3,740, and a second company organized to take charge of the new engine.

Upon the purchase of the last steamer the L. Button Engine was removed to North Findlay, where a room was rented for an engine house. In October, 1877, a lot was bought of David A. Elliott, on Main Street, north of the railroad crossing; and in the fall of 1879 the present two-story brick engine house was completed and occupied by the L. Button Fire Com pany.

The apparatus of the lire depurtiuent has cost about $ir>,000, aud is kept in excellent condition. Good cisterns have been constructed, convenient to every part of the town, but the supply has sometimes proved insufficient, and the lack of hose to reach the more distant cisterns has often been a great drawback in fighting the fiery element. Water- works are now talked of, and, if built, will be a wonderful improvement over the present system. Except the chief engineer, the engineers and firemen of the steamers, and the three messengers, the entire department, which averages about 325 men, is composed of volunteers, whose efficiency has often been fully demonstrated.

The village authorities had been trying for some years to purchase a suitable location for a town building, but no final arrangement was arrived at until June 13, 1881, on which date the present two-story brick, on the southwest corner of th.> public square, was bought of James C. Garnett for the sum of $4,' 500. It was then a livery stable, but was at once remodeled and fitted up for town uses. In the second story are located the council room, and mayor's and marshal's offices, etc., while the lower story is occupied by the two steam fire engines, hose carts and other necessary apparatus of the department. A fire-alarm bell has recently been put up over the building, which is a plain substantial structui-e in keeping with the wise economy that has heretofore characterized the successive governments of the village. Findlay now owns a good town property, extending from the public square to Crawford Street, and whenever its growth justifies the erection of more elaborate buildings than now occupy the ground there is plenty of room upon which to erect them.

Railroads, express, telegraj^h and telephone lines came into Findlay in the order named, and furnished conveniences not previously enjoyed by its inhabitants. The branch railroad from Findlay to Carey was opened for business in the fall of 1849, and about eleven years afterward the Lake Erie & Western reached the village in its westward course. The Toledo, Columbus & Southern came in the spring of 1883, and thus have grown up the present railroad facilities of the town. With the advent of the branch railroad, express matter began to be delivered regularly, the conductor of the road also attending to that branch of business.

In Angust, 1857, Cunningham Hazlett opened a private express office at the Exchange Bank, which he was then operating. But the first regular office was established in Aju'il, 1858, by the United States Express Company, with A. R. Belden as agent. The office was at the depot of the branch railroad, and though the Merchants Union had an office in Findlay several years ago, the United States soon absorbed it and has since held the field.

The Western Union Telegraph Company built a line along the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, from Fremont to Findlay, in 1863, the money being furnished by the people living upon its route, to be paid back out of the earnings of the line. It was completed to Findlay late in 1863, and January 4, 1864. the first experimental dispatch was sent over the line by the operator at Fremont, to V. D. Green, the operator in charge of the Findlay office. The first business dispatch was ^ent from Findlay by Col. William Mungen, and the first one was received by Frederick Henderson, both January 4, 1864. The line was extended no farther imtil 1878-79, when it was completed to Lima. The successive operators of the Findlay office have been V. D. Green, Hiram S. Shannon, E. J. Totten, Theodore Totten and P. C. Sours, who at present holds the position.

The Findlay Teleplaone Exchange Company was chartered Januaiy 27, 1880, and a telephone line built in Findlay by Samuel D. Houpt, which was opened for business in the summer of that year. Mr. Houpt put in eightytwo "phones," and condixcted the business until August, 1882, when he sold out to the Midland Teleiihone Company of Chicago, 111. Early in 1884 the latter company took out the instruments and abandoned the field. Another telephone company has recently been chartered and a franchise granted, and a new line will probably be constructed in the village in the near future.

The greater part of Findlay was originally very flat, wet and muddy, and the lack of proper drainage rendered it impossible to construct cellars of any utility within the village. Ponds and mud-holes were numerous; streets and lots had to be filled up, and surface drainage proved insufficient to throw off the surplus water during the wet seasons. The streets were, therefore,oftenina deplorable condition, and though considerable macadamizing had been done through the passing years, yet very little improvement was discernible in many of them. The town authorities at last resolved to put in sewers, and July 5, 1869, the council appointed James A. Bope, E. P. Jones and B. F. Kimmons, a board of improvement to prepare plans for a general system of sewerage. Two weeks afterward the board submitted their report, which was adopted and the work ordered to bo commenced at once. The present sewerage system of the village dates from that time, and a wonderful improvement has been effected in every way. From year to year new sewers were put in and old ones extended, until Findlay now possesses very good sewerage facilities, while her streets are mu.ch superior to the average town of the State. The health and comfort of the people have accordingly increased, and that much dreaded malarial atmosphere once infesting the village has almost disappeared.

Monumental Park is a small, well shaded plat of ground west of Main Street, between Main Cross and Front Streets, and was originally laid out as Broadway. It has been said that the proprietors intended it for a marketplace, but there is nothing on record to sustain such a tradition, and it is laid down on the original plat as a street and so designated in the surveyor' s notes attached thereto. The subject of converting this short street into a park first began to be agitated by the local press in the spring of 1864, but no definite action was taken on the matter for five years afterward. In compliance with a petition of the citizens, the board of improvement, on the 19th of July, 1869, recommended that Broadway be graded, fenced and planted in trees, find on the same date the council ordered the improvement to be made. The work was soon after commenced and carried to completion, a narrow roadway being left on each side of the park, extending from Main Cross to Front Street; but it has not yet been much used as a public resort and it is very doubtful that it ever will be. The park received its present name upon the erection of the base and pedestal of the soldiers' monument in the fall of 1871.

The Hancock Monumental Association had its inception on the 14th of April, 1865 - -the date of President Lincoln's assassination. On that day a large concourse of people were in town celebrating the fall of Richmond and the capture of Lee's army, and a meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church for the purpose of taking steps toward the erection of a monument in Findlay to the memory of the brave men from Hancock County who laid down their lives in defense of the Union. C. A. Croninger was called to the chair, and D. R. Locke appointed secretary. After a free interchange of opinion, Messrs. C. A. Croninger, W. H. Wheeler, J. S. Patterson, Milton Gray. D. W. Clark and D. R. Locke were appointed a committee to devise a plan for raising the necessary funds to build a monument, and rejjort at a meeting to be held April 20. The committee submitted their rej)ort at that meeting, recommending "Hancock Momimental Association" as the name of the society, and that the oflficers consist of an executive board embracing a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and five directors, also an advisory board of eighteen members, one from each township of the county. They also recommended that the sum of $10,000 be raised, each township to pay in proportion to its taxable property. The report was adopted and the following oflficers elected: C. A. Croninger, president; Milton Gray, vice-president; D. R. Locke, secretai-y; Hanks P. Gage, treasurer; W. H. ^^^heeler, George W. Galloway, J. S. Patterson. Aaron Blackford and John Ruthrauff. directors; also one member of the advisory board in each township. This mode of raising the money failed, and a lottery scheme was then got up, and an advertising sheet called the Soldirrs' Memorial, started to help along the enterprise. On the 4th of January, 1870, after about $2,000 had been raised, "The Soldiers' Monument Association of Hancock County" was incorporated, with the following board of directors: Stewart Sprague, president; Albert Langworthy. vice-president; Charles E. Niles. treasurer; E. T. Dunn, secretary; H. B. Green, William L. Davis and William McKinnis. It is confidently claimed that about $0,000 were raised by this lottery scheme. During this period considerable trouble came to the surface, and much wrangling was indulged in and bad feelings engendered between some of the parties engaged in raising and handling the funds. Several sites for the monument were advocated, but in May, 1870, the members of the association decided by vote to locate it in the park. In August, 1870, the building committee consisting of George W. Galloway, Milton Gray and William L. Davis, were instructed to contract for the erection of a monument on the site selected the previous spring. They did not find suflficient funds in the treasurer's hands to carry out in full the proposed work, and therefore built a foundation, and contracted with W. D. McKean, of Cincinnati, to erect the Quincy granite bases and |)edestal, which were completed in the fall of 1871, at a cost of $1,900. The building committee soon afterward built an iron fence around the monument (which was subsequently taken down and sold), and thus it remained in an unfinished state for nearly five years.

Early in the fall of 1874 the subject of completing the monument began to be talked of among the ]>eople of the town, and on the 14th of November a meeting was held in the court house for the purpose of effecting an organization, also to make such arrangements as would be deemed necessary to finish the work commenced more than nine years before. Judge S. B. Huffman was chosen chairman, and after a few explanatory remarks and suggestions. Col. James A. Bope, William H. Schuler and William Welsh were appointed a committee to further the objects of the meeting. On the 20th of November another meeting was held, and Col. James A. Bope, Gen. Moses B. Walker, William Welsh, James M. Byal and John ^\ . Davis appointed an executive committee, and empowered to appoint a sub-committee of one citizen from each township. Col. Bope was directed to ascertain the cost of a statue and get full information on the subject for the association. Another object of this meeting was to organize a military company of old soldiers to assist in the production of a military drama. The following permanent officers of the association were elected November 27: Capt. James Wilson, president; Judge S. B. Huffman, vice-president; John Adams, treasurer; Willis H. Whiteley, secretary. The military company effected an organization December 17, with James Wilson, captain; James M. Byal, first lieutenant; William H. Schuler, second lieutenant. On Monday evening, December 28, 1874, a military drama called the "Union Spy" was produced in Wheeler's Hall before a large audience, and repeated six times during the week, realizing the handsome sum of $600 toward the enterprise. A small paper called the Monumental Era was issued during this period, to advocate the completion of the monument. Another series of entertainments were given in January, 1875, and in this manner and by such means the association raised the money necessary to finish the work in hand.

On the 23d of April, 1875, the contract for the marble statue now surmounting the pedestal was let to Thomas O' Hare & Co. , of Cincinnati, for the sum of $1,200, the statue to be completed and ready to unveil by the 4th of July following. The work was completed according to contract, and on Tiiesday, July 6, 1875. more than ten years after the project was first mooted, the monument was unveiled in the presence of one of the largest assemblies ever seen in Findlay. The day was one of rejoicing, yet mixed with a certain sadness which the memory of the fallen called forth from the depths of every honest heart. The town was crowded; flags were in profusion on every hand; magnificent floral decorations and appropriate mottoes embellished Main Street, and a grand parade preceded the unveiling ceremonies. Addresses were delivered in the co*rt house yard by ex-Gov. K. B. Hayes and Gov. William Allen, followed by Hon. Samuel F. Hunt, of Cincinnati, the orator of the day, who pronounced an eloquent eulogium on the patriotism and noble deeds of the gallant men who fell in the cause of liberty. At the conclusion of the oration the distinguished guests and officers of the association proceeded to the base of the monument, around which the military had formed a hollow square. Here an appropriate song, composed for the occasion by Col. William Mungen, was sung, and as the last note died away the drapery was quickly removed fi-om the statue by Martin L. Detwiler, the audience standing with heads iincovered. The band then broke forth in patriotic strains, the benediction was pronounced, and with cheers for the sculptor, Thomas O' Hare, the large assemblage dispersed.

The monument, as completed, stands on an elevated foundation, formed into a grass-covered knoll, and is seventeen feet three inches in height, consisting of three bases and a pedestal of Quincy granite ten feet high ; a plinth or base for the statue of pure Italian marble fifteen inches high, surmounted by an Italian marble statue six feet in height. The statue represents an infantry soldier standing at "parade-rest," and is a very handsome and lifelike piece of sculpture. On the pedestal, surrounded by a beautifully-carved wreath, is the following sentiment :

Great Rebellion

The fonr cannon placed aronnd the monnmeut are condemned ordnance olitainod from the United States Government throngh a resolution introduced in the Senate by Hon. John Sherman. They lend to the whole a military aspect in harmony with the statue of the soldier surmounting the pedestal. The question of lighting Findlay with gas first took definite shape on the 1 5th of August. 1858, when the council granted a franchise to certain citizens to erect gas works in the village. In ivlay, 1860, this franchise was renewed by request of William Mungen and associates, but nothing further came of it. In 1867 Robert S. Mungen and associates were granted a franchise to build works and light the town with gas, but this effort also fell through, and the village continued to be lighted with coal -oil lamps for more than seven years afterward. On the 24th of May, 1871, "An ordinance to provide for lighting the incorporated village of Findlay with gas " was passed by the council, and the following July "The Findlay Gas Light Company " was incorporated, with a capital stock of 185,000. Samuel D. Frey, James J. Wheeler, William Anderson, Charles E. Niles and William L. Davis were chosen dir^tors of the company, with Mr. Frey president of the board, and Mr. Niles, secretary. Some attention was given at this time to the probable existence of natural gas in this locality, and Messrs. Frey and Anderson visited the gas regions of New York and Pennsylvania to investigate the subject. On their return they reported, fi'om what they had learned, that sufficient natural gas might be obtained to light the town. In August, 1871, the company leased of George S. Mosher Lot 75, on Hardin Street, east of the Presbyterian Church, with the intention of sinking an experimental gas- well; but, as th© State geologists were pronounced in their views against the existence here of natural gas in paying quantities, the enterprise was abandoned, and the company subsequently turned its attention toward the construction of artificial works.

On the '26th of August, 1874, the council passed "An Ordinance to pro vide for the erection and construction of gas-works in the incorporated village of Findlay," granting the Findlay Gas Light Company the right and privilege of laying gas pipe^ in any part of the town, also to erect works for the manufacture of gas, the same to be completed and in operation before .the close of the year. On the 15th of September the company transferred this franchise to Eobert T. Coverdale, who began active operations on the 27th, and vigorously pushed the work forward to completion. Buildings wore erected on East Sandusky Street, and the laying of mains progressed rapidly. On the evening of JDecember 24. 1874, between fifty and sixty citizens of Findlay met at the Joy House, by invitation of Mr. Coverdale, where a "grand spread" had been prepared, to celebrate the first lighting of the town on that night with the gas manufactured at the new works. The town then contained tifty-two lamp posts, and two and three-fourth miles of mains, which were increased with the passing years.

In 1875 Mr. Coverdale sold the works to the Findlay Gas Light Company, in which he was a stockholder and director, but continued to manage the business until January 28, 1877, when the works were purchased by Y. Bickham, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who svibsequently disposed of stock in the company to J. G. Hull, Charles E. Niles, Samuel D. Frey, William Anderson and George W. Myers. The works, however, were principally owned by Mr. Hull, who continued to manufacture gas until the development of natural gas, and were closed down February 1, 1885. Nature's gas-works and gasometers were opened up to take their ])lace, and in comparison those of men appear small indeed.

Though the growth of Findlay has not been rapid, its history has been characterized by no backward movement. In 1881 the village possessed about fifty inhabitants; in 1840. 560; bS")!), 1,256; 1860, 2,467; 1870, 8,315; 18.S0. 4.688; and its best informed citizens now claim a population of about (),000. Comparing Findlay with the average town of Ohio under 10,000 inhabitants she stands pre-eminent. Main, the principal business street of the town, is esi:)ecially attractive. It is broad, level and well paved, lined and faced upon either side with good buildings, solid and substantial business blocks and modern fronts, and since the development of natural gas it is the most birlliantly ill^^lninated street in Ohio, as the town is also the best heated. The richness and prosperity of the surrounding country are shown in the large and handsome stores, a few of them being as fine as any in the State outside of Cincinnati and Cleveland. In this respect the town is indeed remarkable, as her merchants carry larger stocks and do a larger business than is usually done in country towns. The business interests of Findlay are embraced in two foundry and machine shops, three flouring mills and another large one now building, a linseed oil mill, a rake factory, a stave and handle factory, four carriage and wagon shops, a woolen-mill, two planing-mills, and sash, door and blind factories, two sawmills, one saw and planing-rhill, one furniture manufactory, a novelty works, a hoop factory, a handle and fanning-mill factory, the only mask factory in the United States, an extensive edge-tool works just completed, a factory for working in metals, a glass factory in process of construction, two marble works, one pottery, five cigar factories, two grain elevators, five hotels, an opera house and a good hall, two national l:)anks, one daily and three weekly newspapers, several stone quarries, limekilns and brickyards, quite a number of blacksmith and repair shops, together with about 125 wholesale and retail firms, embracing dry goods, groceries, clothing, notions, stoves and tinware, hardware, saddlery, drugs, books and stationery, queensware. jewelry, farming machinery, musical instruments, furniture, lumber, boots and shoes, commission business, livery stables, liquor stores and saloons, bottling works, undertakers, meat markets, gas fitters, bakeries, restaurants, jjhotographers, fruit* stands, barber shops, dress-makers and milliners, and several other kinds of establishments, which, with the members of the well filled agencies and professions, go to make up the material interests of a live, progressive town. Away fi-om the business center the streets are lined on either side with handsome shade trees, and the private residences are generally neat and substantial, a few of them bearing a favorable comparison with the better class of homes to be found in the larger cities. While Find! ay has quite a goodly number of manufacturing establishments there is ample room for many more, and her citizens are ever ready to encourage and assist any legitimate enterprise in that line that desires to take advantage of her wonderful resources. Findlay is comparatively fi-ee of debt, while her schools, churches and other public buildings are generally large and solidly biiilt structures, fully in harmony with the progressive spirit of the age. The great natural gas discoveries have given to Findlay an inestimable advantage over every other town in the State, so that even her enemies must concede that while secure in her present business prosperity, her future is full of the brightest promise.

Chapter Xxx Findlay Continued

Schools and Newspapers - First School Opened in the Village - The Old Log Schoolhouse and Its Successor - Pioneer Schools and Teachers of Findlay - Progress of Education - Past and Present Schools of District No. 9. and Their Superintendents Since 1864 - Organization of the Union School District-Its First Teachers and Schools - Early Members of the Board of Education - Superintendents of the Umon*Schools Since 1854 - Growth of the Schools and Their Present Efficiency - Findlay Academical Institute - Hancock Wesleyan Seminary - Findlay College - [Iistory of the Newspapers of Findlay - The Han(;ock Courier - Hancock Republican- Hancock Farmer - Western Herald - Hancock Whig and Journal- Home Companion, and Findlay Weekly Jefkersonian - Daily -TefkersoNiAN - The Reporter - Findlay Weekly Republican - Findlay Daily Star - Improvement in the Press Within the Past Thirty Years.

EDUCATION is one of the most powerful factors in molding the future of every community, and without it man is not far removed fi'om the brute creation. An intelligent, well educated, moral man or woman is the highest example of an enlightened civilization, but even a limited education is a wonderful stepping-stone in the battle of life. The pioneers fully recognized this fact, and, thongh generally uneducated themselves, took advantage of every legitimate means to educate their children, as the first public building we find erected in every village or settlement was invariably the little log schoolhouse. Findlay was no exception to the rule. The first school in the village was taught in the winter of 1826-27, by Joseph White, in a small log cabin east of the Sherman House site. Squire Carlin, then a young business man of Findlay, attended this school, and is, doubtless, its only surviving scholar now living in the county. White settled down the Blanchard, in Liberty Township, in 1823, and three years afterward removed into Findlay. Soon after the winter term had closed he left for parts unknown. In 1827 a one-story hewed-log schoolhouse eighteen feet square was built on the northwest corner of Crawford and East Streets, on Lot 141, donated by Vance & Cory for that purpose, and- here a school was opened by John C. Wickham in the winter of 1827-28. This old log building was used about eight or nine years, Miss Melinda V. Strother. Edson Goit and a few others, whose names are not remembered, teaching there after Mr. Wickham. The building was utilized for various purposes, such as schoolhouse, court house, church and private residence, and seems to. have been admirably adapted to the wants of the struggling settlers. About 1839-40 it was" sold to Abraham Daughenbaugh, who moved it to the rear of Henderson's store, where it stood for several years.

In 1880 a school was taught in the court house by Charles W. O'Neal and Miss Sarah Eldridge, and in 1837, 1838 and 1839 school was held in the same building. The whole village then composed one school district of Findlay Township, and the directors paid to the county at the rate of $20 per annum for the use of a room in the court house. Miss Sarah A. Baldwin taught in the puljlic schools of the village about this time, and also some years afterward as Mrs. Merriam; and in 1839 George Patterson taught in a room on the east side of Main Street, immediately north of Sandusky. Alexander Adair taught in the old Methodist Church on Main Cross Street about 1840, while the old Presbyterian Church on Crawford was occupied for a public school in 1 839-40, with Daniel Woodward and John Sours as the teachers in charge. In 1840 a two-story fi-ame of foiir rooms was built upon the same lot on Crawford Street, where the log schoolhouse formerly stood, by Abraham Daughenbaugh and Jonathan Parker, which was opened in the winter of 1840-41. This was used some six or seven years, and for reasons now forgotten was then abandoned. Besides those teachers previously mentioned. Miss Hannah Rawson, Rev. Simon Peck, Erastus Thompson. Aaron H. Bigelow, Abel F. Parker and daughter Julia A., Miss Phoebe J. Wilson, William P. Wilson, Enos W. and William Thomas, Eunice Wade, Mr. Washburn, Miss Terry, Aaron and John Blackford, Miss Jane E. Bigelow, Miss Clarinda Green. John M. Christian and wife, John H. Reid, Levi J. Flenner, Miss Ruth A. Wilson, Mr. Lowry, Miss Mary Vail, John Bowman, Miss Sarah Smith, Miss Ann Wright, Thomas Caton. Mr. Ballard, David Lamb, Samuel A. Spear and wife, P. D. Pelton and wife, James Hayes and wife, Alouzo L. Kimber, J. B. Hall and wife, John E. Morris, Hugh L. McKee, Miss Clara J. Henderson, Miss Mary Parsons, Abraham Harritt, Miss Sarah Peck, William Russell, and, doubtless, others, taught in either the public or private schools of the village at quite an early date, and may be classed among the pioneer teachers of Findlay.

A few years after the frame on Crawford Street was built, Alexander Adair put up a building on Sandusky Street, and opened a private school. In 1847-48 the academy occupied this building, and it was subsequently utilized by the public schools. It was small and inconvenient, and, to increase its seating capacity, a gallery was built along the south and west sides. The Rumraell Block now stands iipon the site of this old school - house.

In the meantime the village had been divided into three or foiu' districts, but upon the abandonment of the old fi-ame schoolhouse on Crawford Street, which all had previously patronized, none of the districts possessed a separate building. A school was then opened in the rear part of Jonathan Parker's frame, which stood on the site of Patterson' s Block, and taught by a Mr. Lowry, who was succeeded by Miss Mary Vail and John Bowman. The children of

District No. 9 attended this school, until the erecticni of the brick on Hardin Street. In 1850 a proposition was Rul;)mitted to the voters of the town to organize the schools under the graded system, and to repair and reoccupy the old building on Crawford Street, which had been vacant for several years and fast going t o ruin, but the scheme was defeated. District No. 9 then decided to organize under the Akron School Law, and erect a schoolhouse in that district. On February 24, 1851, the directors of No. 9 purchased of John B. Hull, Lot 54 on West Hardin Street, built a brick house of two rooms and o})ened a two- teacher school, in the fall of that year with James Hayes and wife in charge. Two years afterward the Union School District was organized, but No. 0 refused to become a part thereof. School was held in the Hardin Street building for thirteen years, and it was then sold to Michael Gaudert, and, remodeled, is now the home of Miss Julia A. Parker. In the spring of 1864 the directors of No. 9 bought an acre of ground on West Lincoln Street of D. J. Cory, and built a large two-story brick of four rooms, which was completed and opened October 5, of that year, with J. S. Vanhorn, as superintendent. His successors have been Wallace Taylor, F. H. Tufts, A. G. Crouse, C. N. Vancleve, J. N. Doty and C. B. Metcalf. In 1870 a mansard-roof was put on, furnishing the building with a good hall, while the heating apparatus in the basement heats the whole building. This school is in a very flourishing condition, and is regarded as equal to those in the Union School District. The site, building and furniture of No. 9 schoolhouse cost aboiit $20,000.

In April, 1851, the directors of District No. 11 purchased Lot 45, on West Front Street, of D. J. Cory, and erected a small brick schoolhouse the same year. The balance of the village, outside of District No. 9, rented rooms for school purposes, and thus the school interests dragged along till the passage of the act of March 14, 1853, which gave an impetus to the cause of education all over the State. Under that law a general reorganization took place, and graded schools were established on a firm basis.

The Union School District of Findlay was organized soon after the passage of that act, and a board of education, consisting of Parlee Carlin, Ezra Brown and N. Y. MefPord, elected. In October, 1853, the board divided the district into three subdistricts, viz. : 1, 2 and 4, which embraced all of the village except that portion included in the independent District No. 9. They employed Alonzo L. Kimber to teach No. 1, John Bowman in No. 2, and John E. Morris in No. 4, each receiving a salary of $28 per month. Miss Clara J. Henderson was hired at $18.66 per month to assist John E. Morris, and Miss Martha O. Main as the assistant of John Bowman, at $12 per month. The schools opened under the new regime in the fall of 1853, in the old Methodist Church on East Main Cross Street, and the little brick schoolhouse on Front Street, and the term lasted four months. The twostory frame s^choolhnise on Crawford Street, which by agreement had become the property of the Union District, was in a badly wrecked condition, and considerable repairing was necessary before it could be occupied. In 1854 the building was repaired and fitted up by the board, several hundred dollars being exjjended upon it, and in the fall of that year, the schools took possession. Alonzo L. Kimber was appointed superintendent of the Union District at a salary of $35 per month. John Bowman was assigned to the Front Street building at $28 per month, and Mrs. Malinda Vance and Miss Martha J. Powell were engaged as assistants at $22 per month each. The schools kept opon for seven mouths in 1854-55, and the following year the frill school term of ten months was adopted. The schools were now on the road to success, and it was only a question of time when they would attain a high degree of efficiency.

The successive members of the board of education of the Union District, up to April, 18()1, were Parlee Carlin, Ezra Brown, N. Y. MefFord, John Custer, Henry Guntner, Heniy Porch, George W. Galloway, W. K. Pray, G. J. Rogers, Daniel B. Beardsley, David Goucher and Henry Byal. These may be called the pioneer members of the Ijoard. which is the only reason we have for giving their names.

With the growth of the schools more room soon became necessary, and an old salaratus factory on the corner of Hardin and East Streets was rented and fitted up for school purposes. In 1855-56 a school was opened here in charge of Miss Ruth A. Wilson, who taught there four years, and was then succeeded by Miss Mary Mungen. This old schoolhouse was a low frame building with but one room, yet, poor as it was. there are many men and women now living who remember with liveliest pleasure the days they spent there acquii'ing the rudiments of an education. Remodeled and rebuilt it is now occupied by Mrs. Kimmel as a residence.

Mr. Kimber was succeeded as superintendent by a Mr. Thomas, and then came Profs. William K. Leonard, Samuel A. Spear, Ephraim Miller, William S. Wood, C. F. Palmer and J. W. Zeller in the order named, and these have been the superintendents of the district since its organization. Mr. Spear was appointed in 1859, and his assistants were John Bowman, Miss Harriet Alban. Miss Mary J. Watt, Miss E. Paisley, Misses Eliza J. and Mary Mungen and Miss L. Coffinberry. Mr. Spear is best remembered as principal of the Academical Institute, and subsequent founder of the Home Companion, of which the Jeffersonian is the lineal successor.

In May, 1860, the board decided to establish a primary school in North Findlay, and the following July Lot 13, in Taylor's Addition, was purchased, upon which a small brick building was erected, at a cost of $650, and occu.pied in the fall of the same year. The old academy building on West Sandusky Street was siibsequently rented from Mr. Galloway, who had purchased the property, and this building was utilized by the Union District a few years.

The time had now arrived when the Union Schools demanded better accommodations. But the board concluded to first try and unite the whole town under the Union School system, and in 1865 the authorities of District No. 9 were approached on the subject. That district again refused to unite, and replied that the people of No. 9 possessed good schools and ample accommodations, and had no desire to enter the Union District. In September, 1865, the electors of the Union District, by a vote of 156 to 68, authorized the board to purchase a site and erect a two-story brick building estimated to cost $18,000. June 28, 1866. a plat of ground, then known as "The Park," located on East Sandusky Street, was purchased for the sum of $2,000, and the foundation constructed during the following autumn. Early in 1867 the work was pushed vigorously, but in August the plans were so changed as to include another story, wherein a fine exhibition hall is located, and in September, 1868, the structure was completed and occupied by the Union Schools. George W. Myers, George W. Galloway and James Harsh were the board under whose administration the r)uildiug was erected.

It is a massive three-story brick with a tine basement and a mansard roof, and, including the lieating apparatus and furniture, cost aboiit $36,000. Two towers, each ninety-one feet in height, grace the front of the building, which it is claimed will accommodate 500 pupils. It is known as the " High School Building, " and ten teachers are now employed in this school, which takes a leading rank among the educational institutions of northwestern Ohio.

The old brick schoolhouse and lot on Front Street was sold to B. F. Hyatt in May, 18G8; and the same year the frame on the corner of Crawford and East Streets was removed to the west end of Crawford, where some lots for a school site had been previously purchased. The old lot near the depot was sold in March. 1869, to George H. Crook, and thus, after being used for more than forty years as a school site, it i)assed beyond such staid purposes and is now the site of a saloon. The building, however, was destined for a much better fate. It was occupied as a school for about twelve years longer, and then removed to the rear of Buck & Reimund's carriage factory, where it is yet doing good service as a part of that establishment.

February lli, 1877, the district voted in favor of erecting a new school building in North Findlay, as the old one had become too small for the growing wants of that part of the town. In August, 1872, two lots adjoining the old site had been purchased by the board of education, and a good roomy site was now ready for a new building. In March, 1877, the contract was let to S. H. Cramer, to be completed the following August at a cost of $5,547.41. Its school capacity is about 200, and it is a substantial twostory mansard-roofed brick building of four rooms, with heating apparatus in the basement, and is fully adequate to the school needs of North Findlay.

Another school building was still necessary, to replace the old frame at the west end of Crawford Street, and in May, 1881, Joseph Fleming, of Toledo, was awarded the contract for the sum of $18,012. The structure was finished in the spring of 1882, and will compare favorably with any of the older buildings. It is a two- story brick with mansard roof, and contains eight rooms, all finished and furnished in the best and most approved style. It has a capacity of about 320 pupils. In the basement is the heating apparatus which cost $2,000, and from basement to garret comfort and convenience pervade the whole building.