Freedom Township (part 5 of 8)

Captain Croghan, with his command, joined Gen. Harrison at the newly constructed Fort Meigs, on the Maumee, and participated most gallantly in defending that fort against the combined assaults of Gen. Proctor and Tecumseh. During the siege, Croghan distinguished himself gj'eatly by a sortie made against a British battery, in an effort to afford Col. Dudley's unfortunate Kentucky volunteers an entrance into the fort. As a result of Harrison's report of this battle, Croghan was promoted to the position of major in the 17th U. S. Infantry.

Early in July, 1813, Major Croghan, with his battalion, was sent to take command of Fort Stephenson, erected in 1812, at Lower Sandusky (Fremont), which guarded the approach to Fort Seneca, where Harrison had his headquarters and stores. After an inspection of the fort by Gen. Harrison, Croghan proposed to shift its location to higher ground on the east side of the Sandusky river. Harrison refused consent to this, for the reason that the British were momentarily expected; he thereupon ordered Croghan to retreat to Huron or Fort Seneca, should the British appear in sufficient force to indicate the presence of heavy artillery.

Just previous to the battle of Fort Stephenson Croghan wrote to a friend as follows: "The enemy are not far distant. I expect an attack. I will defend this post till the last extremity. I have just sent away the women, the children and the sick of the garrison, that I may be able to act without encumbrance. Be satisfied. I shall, I hope, do my duty. The example set me by my Eevolutionary kindred is before me. Let me die rather than prove unworthy of their name."

On July 30 Gen. Harrison, after a council of war, ordered Croghan to destroy the fort and repair to headquarters. To this order Croghan replied, confidently expecting his letter would be intercepted by the British: "We have decided to maintain this place, and by Heaven we can." Gen. Harrison immediately sent Col. Wells to relieve Croghan of his command and order him to report at headquarters. There Croghan satisfactorily explained his insubordinate letter and was promptly restored to his command.

About 700 British Eegulars, many of them veterans of Wellington's [)eninsular campaign, arrived on gunboats of Commodore Barclay's fleet; while Tecumseh's Indians, 2,000 strong, swarmed through the woods from the vicinity of Fort Meigs. Gen. Proctor at once sent a messenger to the fort demanding immediate surrender, thereby avoiding, as he thought, the massacre that must surely follow. To this was returned the defiant answer: "When this fort is taken there will be none to massacre."

Croghan had but one piece of artillery, which was shifted from place to place to induce the belief that he had several. During the night of the 1st the British landed three six-pounders, and on the morning of the 2d opened fire from a point about 250 yards distant, directing their fire against the northwest angle oi the fort. A redout and tablet on State street, opposite Park avenue, in Fremont, now marks this memorable spot, l.ate in the afternoon under cover of the smoke, the British assault<'d with aljout 300 men of the 51st Eegiment, while the Grenadier battalion made a feint against another portion of the fort. The assault was most gallantly made under command of Lieut. Col. Short, who, as they leaped into the ditch, commanded to "give the Yankees no quarter.'' Croghan, with only KiO men, reserved fire until the red coats had entered the ditch, when he fired with such fatal precision that the British faltered. He then turned his battery of a single gun upon them, and the ravine through which they were approaching was shortly filled with the dead and dying enemy. The British loss in killed and wounded was about 150, while that of Croghan was one killed and seven wounded.

Tims, on the seeond day of August, 1S13, at the age of 21 years, the heroic Croghan against a vastly superior force, won the victory that proved the turning ])oint in the war of 1812. For this exploit he was breveted lieutenant-colonel hy the President of the United States; Congi-ess awarded him a gold medal; and the ladies of Chillicothe, then tli(^ capital of Ohio, presented him with a l)eautiful sword.

Fort Stephenson Park comprises the original fort as reconstructed by Croghan, and contains within its stone walls its one cannon, "Old Betsy;" it also contains the monument in honor of Croghan, his men and those of the war of the Rebellion. At the base of this monument was placed, August 2, 1906, the remains of Colonel Croghan, brought from the family burying ground in Kentucky through the instrumentality of Col. Webb C. Hayes.

Fort Stephenson is unique in being the only fort in this country preserved in its original dimension, with its original armament and with the body of its defender.

After the battle of Fallen Timber, Gen. Wayne returned to what is now the city of Ft. Wayne, and on October 22, 1794, established a garrison. After firing a volley from the cannons, it was named Ft. Wayne, in honor of the gallant commander.

In the vicinity of Mackinaw Island three forts have been erected at various periods in sight of one another. One is preserved for the education and pleasure of future generations, while the ruins of the other two can be traced in the crumbling walls at St. Ignaee and Mackinaw City.

An Old Cemetery

IISi conversation with Mr. John E. Gunckel, some days after he had attended the flag-raising ceremonies at Ft. Meigs, he said he stopped at Maumee and while in conversation with several citizens, a lad hailed him with, "Say, Mr. Gunckel, you ought to go on the other side, just above Ft. Meigs, down on the flat. The boys are gathering hundreds of bullets, washed out by the flood; and, say, one boy found a copper cent dated 1813." The locality was visited by Mr. Gunckel, who found it to be just as the boy had said. It appears tliat down near the water edge, the soil had been washed off probably 18 inches or more, leaving a gravely bed. The bullets were strewn in a very small area.

skirmish occurring in that locality between 400 Kentuckians under Gen. Clay, who cut their way through British and Indians to reach the fort. It will be remembered by those who are familiar with Ft. Meigs history that the Kentuckians were divided - one portion led by the heroic Dudley to his doom, and the other fighting their way to Ft. Meigs. These bullets were undoubtedly mute reminders of that desperate struggle.

In this connection may be said a word in regard to the unearthing of human skeletons at Orchard Grove, just opposite Perry sburg, and just below the site of Ft. ]\Iiami, brouglit to view by the action of the flood. The indications are that at one time there was a burying ground at that place. It may have been used by the garrison occupying the fort. The daily press of Toledo at that time in giving an account of the discovery, stated that no one of all those who had lived in that locality all their lives can re-

In the latter part of the Sixties or early in the Seventies^ the Perrysburg Journal recorded the fact that many human bones had been unearthed at that point, and the theory was then advanced that they were the bones of Indians, and that a burying ground had existed there probably many years before there was a settlement of whites in this region. Xo attempt was ever made at excavation, and iji course of time the matter was forgotten.

Opposite Waterville, in Wood county, there is evidently another burying ground which may ante-date tlie time of the Indians by many years. Its history may nach back to the mound builders, evidences of whose Avorks are scattered tl'joughout Ohio. To these builders may also be attributed the mound that was some years since unearthed on the banks 0'' Ottawa Creek on the Michigan boundary line, and from which seven human skeletons were taken. These skeletons were of a giant type, above the ordinary

A Memorable Address

ELSEWHERE in this volume has been given a succinct account by Mr. Evers of the celebration at Ft. Meigs in 1840. But one of the notable features of that day was the address of Gen, Harrison, which can not fail to produce something more than a passing interest in every lover of the historical incidents of the Maumee Valley. The address was stenographically reported by a representative of the New York Tribune, and was given in full as follows: occasion, before you in accordance with my own individual views or wishes. It has ever appeared to me, that the office of President of the United States should not be sought after by any individual; but that the people should spontaneously, and with their own free will, accord the distinguished honor to the man whom they believed would best perform its important duties. Entertaining these views, I should, fellow citizens, have remained at home, but for the pressing and friendly invitation which I have received from the citizens of Perrysburg, and the earnestness with which its acceptation was urged upon me by friends in whom I trusted, and whom I am now proud to see around me. If, however, fellow citizens, I had not complied with that invitation - if I had remained at home - believe me, my friends, that my spirit would have been with you; for where, in this beautiful land, is there a place calculated, as this is, to recall long past reminiscences, and revive long slumbering, but not wholly extinguished, emotions in my bosom ?

In casting my eyes around, fellow citizens, they rest upon the spot where the fi-allaut Wayne triumphed so gloriously over his enemies, and carried out these principles which it seemed his pleasure to impress upon the mind, and in which it has ever been my happiness humbly to attempt to imitate him. It was here, -fellow cuizens, i saw tlie banner of the tJnited States float in triumph over the flag of the enemy. There it was where was first laid the foundation of the prosperity of the now widespread and beautiful West. It was there I beheld the indignant eagle frown upon the British lion. It was there I saw the youth of our land carry out the lesson they imbibed from the gallant Wayne - the noblest and the best an American can acquire - to die for his country when called to do so in its defense.

(At this moment the speaker's eye fell upon Gen. Hedges, when he said: "Gen. Hedges, will yovi come here? You have stood by my side in the hour of battle and I cannot bear to see you at so great a distance now." Immense cheering followed this considerate recognition, and the cries of "raise him up," "place him by the side of the old general," had scarcely been uttered when Gen. Hedges was carried forward to the stand.)

The general continued : It was there I saw interred my beloved companions, the companions of my youth. It was not in accordance with the stern etiquette of military life then, to mourn their departure; but I may now drop a tear over their graves at the recollection of their virtues and worth.

my commission to serve under Gen. Wayne. In 179-1 I was his aide at the battle of Miami. ^Nineteen years afterward I had the honor of again being associated with many of those who were my companions in arms then. Nineteen years afterwards I found myself commander-in-chief of the northwestern army; but I found no diminution in the bravery of the American soldier. I found the same spirit of valor in all - not in the regular soldier only, but in the enrolled militia and volunteers also.

What glorious reminiscences does the view of these scenes around me recall lo my mind ! When I consented to visit this memorable spot, I expected that a tliousand ph-asant associations (would to God there were no painful associations mingled with them) M'ould be recalled - that I should meet thousands of my fellow citizens here - and among them many of my old companions - met here to rear a new altar to liberty in the place of the one which bad men have prostrated.

And, fellow citizens (continued the general), I will not attempt to conceal from you that in coming here I expected that I should receive from you those evidences of regard which a generous people ^are ever willing to bestow upon those whom they believe to be honest in their endeavors to serve their country. I receive these evidences of regard and esteem as the only reward at all adequate to compensate for the anxieties and anguish which, in the past, I experienced upon this spot. Is there any man of sensibility, or possessing a feeling of se-lf-respect, who asks what those feelings were? Do you suppose that the commander-in-chief finds his reward in the glitter and splendor of the camp? or in the forced obedience of the' masses around him?

to place himself in my situation, and then say whether the extreme pain and anguish which I endured, and which every person similarly situated must have endured, can meet with any adequate compensation, except by such expressions of the confidence and gratitude of the people, as that with which, you fellow citizens, have this day honored me? These feelings are common to all commanders of sense and sensibility. The commanders of Europe possess them, although placed at the head of armies reared to war. How much more naturali}' would those feelings attach to a commander situated as I was? For of what materials was the army composed which was placed under my command? The soldiers who fought and l)le(l and triumphed here were lawyers who had thrown up their briefs - physicians, who hatl laid aside their instruments - niL'- chanics, who had put by their tools - and, in far the largest proportion, agriculturists, wlio had left their ploughs in the furrow, although their families depended for their bread upon their exertions, and who hastened to the battle field to give their life to their country if it w^re necessary, to maintain her rights. I could point from where I now stand, to places where I felt this anxiety pressing heavily upon me, as I thought of the fearful consequences of a mistake on my part, or the want of judgment on the part of others. I knew there were wives who had given their husbands to the field - mothers who had clothed their sons for battle; and I knew that these expecting wives and mothers were looking for the safe return of their husbands and sons. When to this was added the recollection that the peace of the entire west would be broken and the glory of my country tarnished if I failed, you may possibly conceive the anguish which my situation was calculated to produce. Feeling my responsibility, I personally supervised and directed the arrangement of the army under my command. I trusted to no colonel or other officer. No person had any hand in the disposition of the army. Every step of warfare, whether for good or ill, was taken under my own direction and of none other, as many who now hear me know. Whether every movenimt would or would not pass the cr;.ieism of Bonaparte or Wellington, I know not; but, whether they would induce applause or censure, upon myself it must fall.

But, fellow citizens, still another motive induced me to accept the invitation which had been so kindly extended to me. I knew that here I should meet many who had fought and bled under my command - that I should have the pleasure of taking them by the hand and recurring with them to the scenes of the past. I expected, too, to meet with a few of the great and good men yet surviving, by whose efforts our freedom was achieved. ' This pleasure alone would have been sufficient to induce my visit to this interesting spot upon this equally interesting occasion. I see my old companions here, and I see not a few of the Kevolutionary veterans around me. Would to God that it had even been in my power to have made them comfortable and happy - that their sun might go down in peace ! But, fellow citizens, they remain unprovided for - monuments of the ingratitude of my country. It was with the greatest difficulty that the existing pension act was passed through congress. But why was it restricted? Why were the brave soldiers who fought under Wayne excluded? - soldiers who suffered far more than they who fought in the Eovolution proper. The Revolution, in fact, did not terminate until 1794 - until the l)attle was fought upon the battle ground upon which my eye now rests (^[iami). War continued with them from th,' (omm-rnvment of the Revolu- tiou until the victory of Wayne, to which 1 have just alluded. The great highway to the west was the scene of unceasing slaughter. Then why this unjust discrimination? Why are the soldiers who terminated the war of the Eevolutiou, in fact, excluded, while those by whom it was begun or a portion of them, are rewarded? 1 will tell you why. The poor remnant of Wayne's army had but few advocates, while those who had served in the Revolution proper had many friends. Scattered as they were over all parts of the Union, and in large numbers they could exert an influence at the ballotbox. They could whisper thus in the ears of those who sought their influence at the polls : '"Take care, for 1 have waited long enough for what has been promised. The former plea of poverty can no longer be made. The treasury is now full. Take care; your seat is in danger." "Oh ! yes, everything that has been promised shall be attended to if you will give me your voice." In this way, fellow citizens, tardy, but jjartial, justice was done to the soldiers of the Eevolution. They made friends by their influence at the ballot-box. But it was different with Gen. Wayne's soldiers. They were few in number, and the}- had but one or two humble advocates to speak for them in congress. The result has been, justice has been withheld.

I have said that the soldiers under Wayne experienced greater hardships even than the soldiers of the Eevolution. This is so. Everyone can appreciate the difference between an Indian and a regular war. When wounded in battle, the soldier must have warmth and shelter before he can recover. This could always be secured to the soldiers of the Eevolution. In those days, the latch string of no door was pulled in. When wounded, he was sure to find shelter and very many of those comforts which are so essential to the sick, but which the soldiers in an Indian war cannot procure. Instead of shelter and warmth he is exposed to the thousand ills incident to Indian warfare. Yet no relief was extended to those who had thus suffered.

After the war closed under Wayne, I retired; and when I saw a man poorer than all others, wandering about the land, decrepid and decayed by intemperance it was unnecessary to inquire whether he had ever belonged to Wayne's army. His condition was a guarantee of that - was a sufficient assurance that he had wasted his energies among the unwholesome swamps of the West, in the defense of the rights of his fellow citizens, and for the maintenance of the honor and glory of his country.

Well, fellow citizens, I can only say, that if it should ever be in my power to pay the debt which is due these brave but neglected men, that debt shall first of all be paid. And I am very well satisfied that the government can afford it provided the latch string of the treasury shall ever be more carefully pulled in. Perhaps you will ask me for some proof of my friendship for old soldiers. If so, I can give it you from the records of congress. When the fifteen hundred dollar law was repealed, I opposed it, as I opposed changing the pay of members of congress from six to eight dollars, until we had done justice to and provided for these soldiers. You will find my votes upon this question, among the records of congress, and my si^eech upon it, in the published debates of the time.

I will now, fellow citizens, give you my reasons for having refused to give pledges and opinions more freely than I have done since my nomination to the presidency. Many of the statements published upon this subject, are by no means correct; but it is true that it is my opinion that no pledge should be made by an individual when in nomination for any office in the gift of the people. Aud why? Once adopt it, and the battle will no longer be to the strong - to the virtuous - or the sincere lover of the country; but to him who is prepared to tell the greatest number of lies, and to proffer the largest number of pledges which he never intends to carry out. I suppose that the best guarantee which an American citizen could have of the correctness of the conduct of an individual in the future, would be his conduct in the past, when he had no temptation before him, to practice deceit.

iSow, fellow citizens, I have not altogether grown gray under the helmet of my country, although 1 have worn it for some time. A large portion of my life has been passed in the civil departments of government. Examine my conduct there, and the most tenacious democrat - I use the word in its proper sense; I mean not to confine it to parties, for there are good in both - may doubtless discover faults, but he will find no single act calculated to derogate from the rights of the people.

However, to prove the reverse of this, I have been called a federalist! (Here was a cry of "The charge is a lie - a base lie. You are no federalist.") Well, what is a federalist? 1 recollect what the term formerly signified, and there are many others present who recollect its former signification also. They know that the federal party was accused of a design to strengthen the hands of the general government at the expense of the separate states. That accusation would nor cannot apply to me. I was brought up after the strictest manner of Virginia anti-federalism. St. Paul himself was not a greater devotee to the doctrines of the Pharisees than was I, by inclination and a father's precepts and example, to anti-federalism. I was taught to believe that, sooner or later, that fatal catastrophe to human liberty would take place - that the general government would swallow up ail the state governments, aud that one department of the government would swallow up all the other departments. 1 do not know whether my friend, Mr. A'an Buren (and he is, and 1 hope ever will be, my personal friend), has a throat that can swallow everything; but I do know that, if his measures are carried out, he will lay a foundation for others to do so if he does not.

What refiecting man, fellow citizens, cannot see this? The representatives of the people were once the source of power. Is it so now? Nay. It is to the executive mansion now that every eye is turned - that every wish is directed. The men of office and party, who are governed by the principles of John Randolph, to wit: the five loaves and two fishes, seem to have their ears constantly directed to the great bell at headquarters to indicate how the little ones shall ring.

But to return, I have but to remark that my anti- federalism has been tempered by my long service in the employ of the country - and my frequent oaths to support the general government; but I am as ready to resist the encroachments on state rights as I am to support the legitimate authority of the executive, or general government.

Now, fellow citizens, I have very little more to say, except to exhort you to go on peacefully if you can - and you can - to effect that reform upon which your hearts are fixed. What calamitous consequences will ensue to the world if you fail I If you should fail how the tyrants of Europe will rejoice. If you fail, how will the friends of freedom, scattered, like the planets of heaven, over the world, mourn, when they see the beacon light of liberty extinguished - the light whose rays they had hoped would yet penetrate the whole benighted world. If you triumph, it will only be done by vigilance and attention. Our personal friends, but political enemies, remind each other that "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty/' While journeying thitherward, I observed this motto waving at the head of a procession composed of the friends of the present administration. From this 1 inferred that discrimination was necessary in order to know who to watch. Under Jeiferson, Madison and Monroe, the eye of the people was turned to the right source - to the administration. The administration, however, now says to the people, "iou must not watch us, but you must watch the Whigs! Only do that and all is safe!" But that, my friends, is not the way. The old fashioned Eepubiiean rule is to watch the government, bee lo the government. See that the government does not acquire too much power. E-eep a check upon your rulers. this, and liberty is safe. And if your efforts should result successfully, and I should be placed in the presidential chair, I shall invite a recurrence to the old Republican rule, to watch the administration and to condemn all its acts which are not in accordance with the strictest mode of Republicanism. Our rulers, fellow citizens, must be watched. Power is insinuating. Eew men are satisfied with . less power than they are able to procure. If the ladies whom I see around me, were near enough to hear me, and of sufficient age to give an experimental answer, they would tell }ou that no lover is ever satisfied with the first smile of his mistress.

It is necessary, therefore, to watch, not the political opponents of an administration, but the administration itself, and to see that it keeps within the bounds of the constitution and the laws of the land. The executive of this Union has immense power to do mischief, if he sees fit to exercise tliat power. He may prostrate the country. Indeed, this country has been already prostrated. It has already fallen from pure

A celebrated author defines monarchy to be that form of government in which the executive has at once the command of the army, the execution of the laws and the control of the purse. Now, how is it with our present executive? The constitution gives to him the control of the army, and the execution of the laws. He now only awaits the possession of the purse to make him a monarch. Not a monarch simply, with the power of England, but a monarch with powers of the autocrat of Russia. For Gibbon says that an individual possessed of these powers "will unless closely watched, make himself a despot."

The passage of the sub-treasury bill will give to the President an accumulation of power that the constitution withholds from him, thus providing the requisites of a monarch. This catastrophe to freedom should be and can be l^revented by vigilance, union and perseverance.

In conclusion, then, fellow-citizens, I would impress it upon all - Democrats and Whigs - to give up the idea of \\atching each other, and direct your eye to the government. Do that and your children's children, to the latest posterity, will be as happy and as free as you and vour fathers have been.

At the close of Greneral Harrison's address the vast multitude of hearet*s gave "three times three" with a vim, an earnestness and an unanimity that eloquently voiced the truth and beauty of the sentiments so forcibly portrayed by I he honored speaker.

This monster demonstration at Fort Meigs was well calculated to give even additional force and character in the further progress of that remarkable campaign. Not a political meeting of any consequence was held throughout the country that did not bring out delegations in wagons and vehicles of every description, reaching sometimes a mile in length. These wagons were trimmed in many fantastic designs, and always accompanied with martial music.

On General Harrison's return from Fort Meigs he visited a number of towns in Ohio, among them Columbus, Springfield, Dayton, Germantown, Cincinnati and other places.

At Germantown there were some unique preparations for his reception. Among the features were thirteen lads, of whom the writer (F. J. Oblinger,) was one, representing the thirteen original states. These lads were dressed in blue hunting shirts, with coonskin caps, and sang campaign songs from the Log Cabin Song Book. Among the airs were Dan Tucker, Eosin the Bow, Buckeye Brawn, John Anderson My Joe, Auld Lang Syne, etc.

Many similar spectacular features, processions, patriotic displays and illuminations characterized the campaign of 1840 in every town and village of note throughout the country, north and south - a campaign that has never had its counterpart in our political history.

Random Notes

In 1823 Samuel Ewing was killed in a fight at Rushtcboo, by a man named Lewis, who afterwards escaped from the jail in Maumee. This is probably the first known murder in the county.

In 1821 a mail route was established from Piqua, by way of St. Marys, Fort Wayne, Defiance and Waterville to Perrysburg, 200 miles, with Thomas Diver as mail carrier.

The convention of Territorial Ohio assembled November 1. 1802, and by the 20th of that montli completed its work of framing a constitution, and in the following February, 1803, Congress admitted Oliio as a member of the sisterhood of states.

The first regular mail in the Maumee Valley was carried by Horace Gunn in 1808. Benoni Adams carried the mail in 1809 from Cleveland to ^Maumee, requiring two weeks to make the trip, partly through the Black Swamp on foot.

Rev. Joseph Badger was a missionary among the Indians in the Valley as early as 1808. He was at Ft. Meigs a part of the time during the war of 1812.

Hull's trace struck Wood county on the south line of Henr\' township, zigzagged into Bloom, again into Henry, continued north through Liberty, into Portage, then north through Center, Plain, and Middleton into Perrysburg, leaving the county at the foot of the Rapids.

Harrif^on's trail struck Wood county on the east boundary of Freedom, zigzagging along Portage River, then through Webster, through Perrysburg to Ft. Meigs.

!Mr. Joel Foote says that when his father, E. Foote, in 1830, went back to York State to marry his second wife, he had not enough money to bring her back. So he took with him a portion of his wheat crop and sold it in the Bufi^alo market. The wheat was raised on the island opposite Waten-ille, and was the first wheat grown and marketed from the Maumee river country. This Mr. Foote gave as a fact, within his own recollection.

The first sessions of the grand juries would, in good weather, be held in the shade of some generous tree or in some nook in the then wilderness close at hand, and intruders were kept away from the jury and witnesses by the prosecutor and court constable, as best they could.

Wood county's first court house, wa?? built of hewn logs. Daniel Hubbell and Guy Nearing were the contractors and the job was let to them March 3, 1823, for $895. This building was paid for by the sale of 105 lots granted by the government for that purpose and were to be sold for $20 or more each.

The first court which was held within the limits of the present AVood county was held at the residence of John Hollister at Orleans, March 27, 1823.

The first brick court house was erected in 1813 at a cost of $20,000, the contractors being Brigham & Curtis. After the county seat was moved to Bowling Green this Iniilding was burned in 1871 and the present Perrysburg town hail built on its site.

John Webb

THE sketch of :Mr. Webb's life that follows was compiled from memoranda found among the papers of the late Francis Hollenbeck, Esq., and is well worthy of record:

John Webb, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born upon the banks of the Susquehanna river, in Pennsylvania, and resided, though a mere boy, near Wyoming, at the time of the terrible Indian massacre at that place. Immediately after that horrible tragedy, John Webb, sr., moved with his father's family to Berks county. Pa., where he learned the trade of a hatter at Reading, the county seat. About February, 179-1, he married and moved to jSTew York City, and manufactured and retailed hats in a shop on Maiden Lane, residing in the same building. At that time, nearly all the hats in the city were made and sold upon that street.

In that little building, on August 27, 1795, John Webb, jr., the subject of this sketch was born, and after several changes during the years that followed, moved nine miles west to Miflinburg, where he resided until 1814. It was here that John Webb, jr., learned the trade of hat manufacturing, having commenced his apprenticeship in 1811, at the age of sixteen years. In 1814 the family removed to Canton, 0., where father and son worked together at their trade, until 1820.

Mr. Webb took a trip east into Union county, Pa., and there, on March 8, 1821, became united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Charles. He immediately returned with his wife to Canton,

Ohio, and then went into partnership witli his father. He remained there until November 1, 1822, when he started, with his wife and son Charles, for Perrysburg, arriving at his destination on the 6th of the same month, after passing through many difficulties while enroute.

He first went with his family and household goods, to Portland (now Sandusky City) by wagon, expecting to take a vessel there for the Maumee river, but no vessel was there. Leaving his goods there to l)e shipped forward at the first opportunity, he, with Ms wife and child, took a horse boat (or "mud scow") for Lower Sandusky (now Fremont) where, by previous arrangement, he met his brother Thomas Lincoln Webb (then a young lad) with two horses and a sidesaddle. Thomas R. McKnight (a l)rother-in-law of ^Ir. Webb, who had come from the Maumee river to meet them) and ]\Irs. Webb rode the horses and carried the babe, while Mr. Webb and his little brother Lincoln, and a man by the name of Hawley (who had been waiting for company through the swamp) followed on foot.

Starting from Lower Sandusky, they went down the Sandusky river two miles and then took the trail for the West, arriving on the night of the first day, at "the crossing" of the Portage river, now Elmore. The trail was well beaten, and this was the only place where the river had a rocky bottom and could be forded. The next day, they came through to Perrysburg, striking the river at Rock Bar, about one and onehalf miles below the town. At that time, no wagon had ever traversed "the swamp." Perrysburg was entirely uninhabited, except by beasts and birds of the forest, and "The Future Great" had not yet been conceived.

After leaving Lower Sandusky the solitary travelers discovered no habitation until they reached "the crossing" (now Elmore), where there was one log cabin, where the wayfarer might be fed and sheltered over night, for at that time it was impracticable to journey overland from Lower Sandusky to the Maumee River in one day. The next habitation they met with was that of Victory Jenison, on the south bank of the Maumee River, in the bend below the present site of Perrysburg. He had made a little clearing about his cabin, but cultivated a small tract of bottom land which had never been grown over with timber or brush. John Noel and Thomas Leaming were living in small cabins in the bushes on the hillside, on what afterward became the farm of Judge David Ladd, and cultivated a portion of the bottom lands at the foot of the hill.

The to\ni of Perrysburg had been surveyed and platted by the United States Government in 1817, five years prior to Mr. Webb's arrival, but at that time no one was yet living upon it, and no portion of it was at that time cleared, excepting in-lot No. 144, now occupied by the residence of the late Francis Hollenbeck, Esq., and the logs from the felled timber were piled upon it, intended to be used by Thomas R. McKnight for the erection of a dwelling. ]\Ir. Webb took up his quarters in a small frame building standing at the bottom of the hill at the head of the bayou and near the extension of West Boundary street (known as Green Lane) over the flats. He with his family, thus became the first inhabitants of the Perrysburg town plat. At this time, Messrs. Thos. R. McKnight, Aurora and Samuel Spafford, Jacob and James Wilkison, Mrs. Omans and one other person, resided at Orleans of the North, a village located on the flats, under Fort Meigs hill. Immediately after his arrival, Mr. Webb aided in erecting Mr. McKnight's log residence on in-lot 144, carrying up one of the

The county seat was then at Perrysburg, and Thos. R. McKnight was Clerk oP the Court, but the first terms of court were held at Maumee, for the reason that there was no building in Perrysburg in wliich to hold them. Subse- (inently, three or four terms were held in the second story of a warehouse at Orleans, owned by John Hollister. Hollister, at that time, lived in Maumee, but owned the warehouse, occupying the ground floor as a store room; afterward he removed these goods to the building in which he was doing a retail business at Orleans.

Soon after his arrival Mr. Webb fitted up a shop for the manufacture of hats in the bas?ment of his dwelling, but did not commence working at his trade until 1824, being unable to sooner obtain the necessary tools. He manufactured the first hats ever made in the Maumee Valley, and the only other establishment of the kind in the West was one at Detroit. The next fall he purchased three rods front on the north side of Front street, at the head of Walnut street, extending to the river, where he at once put up a log shop. He commenced business in this building in 1824, and worked industriously there for about three and one-half years, paying, with the proceeds of his labor, for the tract on which his shop stood, and also for the lot on which he afterward erected the dwelling in wliicli 111' (lied. Both of these real estate purchases were made from Seth Doane.

In the autumn of 1822, Samuel Spafford commenced preparations for the erection of the Exchange Hotel, which he completed and moved into during th" next fall, coming down from Orleans, v/hich village was being abandoned for higher ground, owing to the river floods. About the same time Judge Thomas W.

Powell, late of Delaware, 0., erected the dwelling on Front street, afterward purchased and occupied b}^ Mr. Jonathan Perrin. From this time buildings continued to be erected here and there over the town plat, and Orleans was gradually deserted, the inhabitants locating at Perrysburg.

Mr. Webb was elected Sheriff of Wood county in 1826, and again in 1828. In May, 1831, he was appointed Clerk of the County, and continued in office about eleven years, when he was succeeded by Joseph Utley, who appointed him his Deputy. He was again elected Sheriff in 1842 and re-elected in 1844.

George W. Porter was executed November 5, 1830. Mr. Webb being at that time Sheriff, and performing the duties of the office (the particulars of this crime are given elsewhere in this volume) .

When Mr. Webb first realized that he would be obliged to execute a fellowbeing, his whole soul recoiled from it. Mr. Porter was under his care for about six months, and during that time talked freely of the act he had committed, always declaring that he was ready and willing to die, not desiring to live with such a load upon his mind. He was always calm and greatly regretted the commission of the deed. While in prison no fetters of any kind were placed upon him, nor was he confined to a cell, having the free range of two large rooms. Eichardson was regarded by the whole community as a bad man, while Porter was esteemed as a kind-hearted, welldisposed citizen, who, under great provocation and excitement, had committed the fatal act. The sympathizing citizens of the community desired to secure a pardon, but he would not allow them to do so. He was executed on the flats at the foot of Fort Meigs, so that the spectators might occupy the hillside and all witness the execution. Among the large crowd present, were many from Michigan, Pennsylvania and Xew York, who came expressly for the occasion. This execution is celebrated in history as the first in the annals of the Maumee Valley.

In 1848, Mr. Webb, was again elected County Clerk, and held the office until 1860, when he retired to private life. Since the latter date, a large portion of his time was occupied in setting up the numerous accounts which had accumulated during his long terms of office, and looking after his farm, which he had leased. He employed the most of his time in reading, and his mind was a storehouse of information, both regarding the early history of the country and current events. He always took a great interest in politics, and, since the organization of the party, has been an earnest Republican. He has been married three times : March 8, 1821, to Elizabeth Charles; July 18, 1834, to Mary Dean; February 23, 1851, to Mary A. Jones, the latter two of Perrysburg.

For many years, nearly ever\^ one in the community has fondly called him "Uncle John," and it is doubtful if he had an enemy in the world. His name will be inscribed among the most worthy of the old Maumee Valley pioneers as one who, by his industry, gained a competence for himself and family and never committed a dishonest or dishonorable act.

The territory northwest of the Ohio river, by virtue of the Ordinance of 1787, was the first, within the present limits of the United States, dedicated to universal liberty.

Cholera Victims

THE Perrysburg Journal suspended publication for four weeks in July, 1854, and in its first issue after the suspension, dated August 12, 1854, it gave the following particulars:

"It is four weeks to-day since the last number of the Perrysburg Journal was issued. Up to that time we tried to believe that the worst phase of the cholera had been reached, but each succeeding week brought a greater number of victims, and all business having ceased, this paper and the M. V. Democrat suspended publication, both from choice and necessity. Hands could not be employed to work when everybody else who could leave was deserting the town, nor did il seem desirable to work much when death was decimating our numbers. We have been through two or three cholera seasons before but never have we seen such fearful and fatal results.

"We are happy to announce that the dreadful disease has now almost, if not entirely, sul)sided here. There have been perhaps two or three modified cases within the past week, but the dreaded fatality which characterized it hitherto has passed away, to return here, we hope, no more.

"The following is as nearly a complete list of the deaths by cholera in this place and immediate vicinity as we can at this time procure. It is probably not far from correct:

Tecumseh's wild dream was inspired by his brother, the Prophet, who with his wonderful visions foretold the capture of Harrison at Ft. Meigs, the destruction of the western forts, and the grand confederacy of all the Indian tribes and their final supremacy in the west.

Amos Dewese

AMOS DEWESE was one of the pioneer settlers of Weston (ownship, and one of the sturdy, reliable men, whose character was one of moral worth and integrity. He was well known throughout Wood county, and was a man thoroughly alive to its prosperity. Amos Dewese was of Eevolutionary stock.

His great grandfather. Samuel Dewese, was a soldier in the war of the Eevolution. He was wounded and captured at the siege of Ft. Washington and tlirown into one of the filthy British prison ships. Afterwards he re-entered the Colonial army and died of disease in a militar}^ camp, Allentown, Pa.

After his death his son, Samuel, while a mere boy, tramped through the snow to Valley Forge where he enlisted and subsequently became a captain of militia in the First Battalion, 36th regiment of Maryland Troops. At the close of the Revolutionary war he was made captain of a volunteer military' company.

Capt. Dewese's brother, Thomas, who was the grandfather of the late Amos Dewese, was a school teacher in early life, and later became a farmer.

Samuel Dewese, the father of Amos Dewese, at the age of 30 years enlisted under Capt. James Drennan for the war of 1812. and served under Gen. Harrison. He was discharged at Detroit, May 14, 1814. When enlisted he first went to Cleveland and later to Ft. Stephenson, at the present site of Fremont, arriving there just a day after ]\lajor Croghan^s gallant defense of the little stockade. While at Detroit he was sent bv Gen. Harrison as a scout to the

Amos Dewese came to Wood county from Hancock county, February 17, 1843, and of his early experience here he gave a graphic account in an article contributed to the Weston Herald, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his advent into the "Black Swamp." He wrote:

The snow was 18 inches deep when 1 started from Hancock county without a cent of money, but a few clothes, and ii dry chunk of bread constituting my pack; my shoes out at the toes and carrying a few books.

In the evening I crossed the line and saw a liunter riding an old horse, to the tail of which was tied a large deer. I followed a trail and came to a Mr. Robbins, of Bloom township, where I staid all night. Early next morning T started for ^Ir. Frankfather's at Bloom Center, found my old friend, Joseph Shelia, and made my home with him, and went to chopping to get a pair of boots. Mr. Shelia, and I rode through the woods to Risden and Rome (now Fostoria) for an ax. W^e found a few, but as they wouldn't trust either of us, we had to return without it. Then I went back to Hancock county, got my ax and was rich. I took a job of a Mr. Buisey to chop seven acres, for which he gave me a rifle and some second-hand clothing. I finished my job March 24, when the mercury was 20 degrees below zero, that winter being still known as the "hard winter."

I began work for 'Mr. Solether April 1 ; snow and ice on the ground, and sleighing. He gave me a watch. While working there Mr. Jonathan Stull came into the clearing. He had a bag on his shoulder with a peck of com that he had got from a Mr. Daniel Milburn, Mr. Stiill was much depressed and discouraged on account of the hard winter. He talked on Adventism, as the Millerites said the end of the world was at hand. Mr. Stull said he pra3'ed for it every day, as he had seen all the trouble he wanted to see. He said he had eight head of horses^, and all had died; 28 head of cattle and 260 head of hogs, and all were dead. I had to pass Mr. Stull's calnn often. He told me they had been married 12 years and that they had 10 children, all of whom were almost nude. Not one had a full suit of clothes. They hadn't a bed or a window in the house.

He was the owner of a three-quarter section of good land. ''There," said Mr. Stull, "I have one peck of ears of corn in this* sack, and when I take it home and grind it in the hand mill and mix ii with water, bake it and eat it with my wife and ten children, God knows where the next will come from. They must starve." He Avept like a child. (Mr. vStull was the founder of Jerry City).

Mr. Dewese said that during that winter nearly all the wild hogs perished from cold. Later Mr. Dewese worked for Mr. Whitacre two weeks, for which he received $3.25. Continuing he says:

I then went to Milton Center and cleared five acres for James Hutchinson for a pair of two-year-old steers. In July I went to James Bloom, and worked for Bloom and Henderson Carothers, helping to cut 45 acres of wheat and cut and haul 100 tons of tame prairie hay, for which I received one pair of boots and 50 cents in money - a sum total in money for the year of $3.75. In the beginning of the year 1843 I went to Ralph Keeler's to work for my board, and to go to school in the old log school house at Weston. Mr. Keeler took sick, and as I had to take care of

The teacher, Mr. Jesse Osborne, of Xew York State, received 25 cents a day or five dollars a month. The scholars were Miss Mary Taylor, George Lewis, Thomas and William Taylor, Samuel McAfee, Olmstead, Amelia and Melicent Keeler. The teacher was paid by tlie parents, there being no school fund at that time.

Mr. Taylor lost about 45 head of cattle, Mr. Keeler 75 head, while the Salsl)urys. Sargents, Ellsworths and Greens lost about the same proportion during that terrible winter, never to be forgotten by the old settlers. Many had to move out of the "Black Swamp" before spring. So ended my first year as a pioneer.

In March 1851 Mr. Dewese entered the land which now forms a portion of the Dewese estate. On this he built a log house and began to make for himself a home.

On November 3, 1853, Mr. Dewese Avas married to Miss Sarah Green, who was born August 17, 1829, in Liverpool, England, and came to this country with her parents in 1834.

j\Ir. Dewese was a whole-souled, public spirited man, whose ambition was honorable citizenship and financial independence. He was an upright citizen, a kind neighbor, a devoted husband and a loving parent.

The hospitality of the Dewese hojne was known far and wide, and Mr. Dewese found great pleasure in entertaining his many friends at his fireside and sumptuous table.

Till' corner stone of the first court house in Bowling Green was laid July 4, 186S. The cost of the building was about $23,000 and Norton Rood was thcontractor.

Joseph B. Newton

ON" the morning of April 10, 1905, there passed away from earthly scenes one who had long been a prominent factor in Wood county history - Captain Joseph B. jSTewton.

Captain Xewton was born in Chenango county, X. Y., in 1837, and with his parents came to Ohio in 1840, locating in Center township, and later on moving to Bowling Green. While a young man, he taught school and was corporation clerk of Bowling Green. At the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion Mr. Newton volunt^^ered in Co. A, 14th 0. V. I., and M'on promotion by faithful and efficient service to Corporal, Sergeant Major, Second Lieutenant, Adjutant and Captain. He never was absent from his command but once on account of sickness. He was with the army in Sherman's march to the sea, and in the final review at Washington at the close of the war - literally starting at the beginning of the war and holding out through all the dangers and vicissitudes in camp and field, in skirmish and battle, to the end.

After the war he returned to Bowling Green. He was elected auditor of Wood county for two terms. Owing to a change in the terms of county officers, Mr. Newton served nearly five years as county auditor. Some time afterward while engaged in farming he became interested in the glass industries of Bowling Green and Indiana, holding prominent positions in the management of that industry. He served as Secretary of the Wood County Fair Company, and at the time of his death was a member and president pro tem of the City Council of

Captain Newton and Miss Maggie Black were married in 1868, and his wife and three sons and one daughter survive him. The funeral services took place at the family residence and were conducted by Rev. Thos. Barkdull, of Toledo, who had been a friend of the Captain from his early boyhood. He spoke feelingly of liis associations -and recollections of the dead. These services were attended l)y the city otficials, members of council. Grand Army members, county officials and a larg;' numl)er of personal friends. The pall bearers were C. W. Evcrs, J. D. Bolles. A. E. Royce, f. L. Hankey, J. E. ]\Ierry and 'Si. L. Case. Undor tlie Grand Army ritual the remains of Captain Xewton were placed in beautiful Oak Grove cemetery.

One who for a number of years was closely and intimately associated with b.im, claims that a more even tempered, serene, jiatient character is seldom to be found. Under th',> most trving ordeals in official life, calm, patient, self-possessed, lie was ever unruffled - ordeals that would exasperate and confuse any one less masterful.

In his business relations he was tboroughly methodical and systematic. He ins]iired confidence among all who came witliin his influence, and was affable and courteous to all. Whoever sought his counsel in perplexity, whether rich or poor, high or low in station, his advice was freely given, and often too at the expense of l)oth time and money on his part.

He gave a patient, respectful hearing to all, and it was this trait in the man tbat to a large extent brought about the high esteem in which he was regarded l)y his fellow men. In the discharge of his duties as auditor there were many trying circumstances. At many meetings of the commissioners, when diverse interests were in clash before the board Newton was ever calm and unruffled and throughout all he was unswerved, selfpoised, fearless, confident in his well studied and matured judgment.

He was ever ready to help his fellowman, and it is of such material that good citizenship is made, whether in the domestic and social circle or in the wider arena of civic duty. - Cor. of Wood Co. Democrat.

Nathaniel H. Callard

IN the death of Nathaniel H. Callard, there passed away a man who was identified with the growth of Wood county and the prosperity of the Maumee Valley for nearly half a century.

Mr. Callard was bom in Devonshire, England, February 3, 1819, where he grew to manhood's estate, leaving England and coming to America in 1848. He resided several years in Detroit and Toledo, finally making his home in Perrysburg in 1853, where he resided until his death, January 5, 1900.

In 1854, when the cholera raged with such violence that it seemed to baffle all medical skill, when scarcely a family escaped from the dread pestilence, when the fortitude of the bravest was tested in this crucible of disease and death, Mr. Callard, with unflinching devotion, gave his energy and skill unreservedly to his fellow citizens stricken with the plague. For the time he abandoned his business, and day and night found him ministering comfort to the sick and dying and providing necessities wherever needed. In that time of gloom his services were in constant demand and no appeal was ever made to him in vain.

addition to this the loss of his wife by death in the same year greatly increased the burden of his afflictions, leaving him with three motherless children. In 1861 he chose a second wife, Miss Ellen Mc- Naughton, who proved a devoted mother to his children.

During the early years of the war he was an editorial writer on the Perrysburg Journal and directed the policy of that paper. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Hon. James M. Ashley and advocated the vigorous prosecution of the war for the preservation of the Union, and was a strong adherent to the principles of the Eepublican party as advocated by the leaders of that period.

In 1875 he established the Buckeye Granger in Perrysburg, a weekly paper, advocating the principles of the Patrons of Industry, and for six years that paper was conducted with signal ability, wielding an influence for good throughout Northwestern Ohio. Subsequently he was a frequent contributor to many newspapers in Toledo and Wood county. He was a close political student and as a writer he was concise, forceful and logical.

In his political views of men and measures, he was thoroughly independent. If he favored any measure of public policy, lie did so irrespective of any political party. The only question with him, in regard to any political issue, was "Is it right; or wrong; is it just or unjust ?*' His sympathies were ever with the people. Whatever would benefit his fellow citizens received his active support. Ho was free in the expression of his opinion. There was no subterfuge in his make-up. In all his relations with his fellow man he was courteous and affable. He was ever generous to a fault. His cheery smile and hearty greeting were genuine, coming from a heart overflowing with sympathy for all. The funeral services were largely attended by Perrysburg citizens and many from a distance. The services were in charge of Rev. D. Stecker, pastor of the M. E. church, assisted by Rev. G. A.

Thus ended the earthly career of one who in spite of most discouraging business reverses always remained cheerful and hopeful, whose long life proved a benison to his fellow men - a man of sterling integrity - a broad-minded, openhearted, generous, consistent Christian gentleman. - F. J. 0.

Seth Hunt Fairchild

ONE of the oldest members of the Wood county Bar Association at the time of his death, was Seth H. Fairchild, beloved and respected by all who knew him. He had been in feeble health for a number of years, before he passed into the Unseen. The funeral took place from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Stanley Thurstin, and was largely attended by the citizens of Bowling Green. The remains were interred in Oak Grove cemetery beside those of his wife who had preceded him a decade before.

Mr. Fairchild was one of the old pioneer lawyers of Xorthwestern Ohio. He possessed a number of quaint ways, and was of a methodical manner in the eonduct of his affairs. He could properly be termed a gentleman of the old school, courteous and friendly in manner. He was the dean of the Wood county bar, being the oldest member in point of age.

Mr. Fairchild resided in McComb previous to his moving to Bowling Green. He owned a large grist mill there, and served that place as mayor and justice of the peace for many years.

applied himself strictly to the practice of law, attaining a good practice. He also served Center township as justice of the peace for several terms. On account of poor health, he was obliged to give up his profession, after which he lived a quiet life alone in his home on Prospect street.

"In the removal of brother Fairchild our association recognizes the loss of a member largely entitled to our respect and esteem, and a prominent link in ihQ chain uniting the old with the more modern practice of our profession in this state.

--'Brother Fairchild. in his courteous demeanor towards the members of the bar, as well as in his high appreciation of the principles of equity, was a model which the younger members of the profession would do well to imitate; and we can all see much to admire in the simplicity and strict integrity of his character." - C. W. E.

Alfred M. Russell

AFTER many months of paralytic suffering, Alfred M. Russell passed away at his residence in Bowling Green, on Tuesday morning, June 13, 1899, leaving a wife and two children - Charles H. Russell and Mrs. Franlc Reed - together with a host of friends in Wood county.

Mr. Russell was born March 7, 1835, and was the youngest of a family of ten children. He was educated at Antioch and Oberlin, after which he spent a number of years as a school teacher. At the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted as a member of Co. G, 14th 0. V. I., and was made first lievitenant. He was discharged at the end of three months on account of injuries received, and re-enlisted as a private in Co. C, 68th 0. V. I., in 1863, and was made sergeantmajor. He was discharged from the service in 1866, and soon after located in Bowling Green, where he continued to reside, with the exception of a few years spent at Perrysburg.

He has filled various positions of trust and responsibility having been twice elected county treasurer and having served several terms as deputy county treasurer and deputy county auditor.

The deceased enjoyed a wide acquaintance throughout the county and was honored and esteemed by all who knew him as an upright citizen and public official. He was a member of Phoenix Lodge F. & A. M., of Perrysburg, and of Crystal Chapter R. A. M., of Bowling Green, and was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, at the Presbyterian church. The services were under the direction of the Masonic fraternit}', ol which Mr. Russell was a prominent member. Rev. Adams, of Perrysburg, assisted by Rev. Dillon, had charge of the church services. The remains were interred in Oak Grove cemetery.

Hon. E. W. Poe

AT the age of 52 years, stricken with apoplexy, Hon Ebenezer W. Poe, one of Wood county's worthy sons, passed away at his home 691 Bryden road, Columbus. The summons of the dread Messenger came Sunday morning, June 19, 1898, at 11 o'clock.

He was stricken early Saturday evening, while down town with some friends, and never regained consciousness. He was conveyed to his home in an ambulance, where he was given the most skilful medical attendance, but all to no avail and he passed away peacefully as stated above, without being able to recognize any of his family, all of whom surrounded his bedside.

Mr. Poe was a self-made man in all that the term implies. He was born and reared on a farm near Van Buren, in Hancock county, and in his boyhood days was fitted for the sturdy responsibilities of life by hard work on the farm. He made the best of every opportunity that presented itself for advancement, and his efforts were crowned with success.

terms as auditor of state, in which position he acquitted himself commendably. At the time of his death he was a member of the board of trustees of the Boys' Industrial Home at Lancaster.

Mr. Poe was a member of the ]\Iasonic fraternity and of several other secret societies, and he nimibered his friends by the score in all parts of the state. He was of a genial disposition, simple and unostentatious in his manners and a true and trusted friend. His taking off in

The funeral was held from the residence the following Tuesday afternoon. Kev. ]\Iacafee, of the Broad street M. E. cliurch, of which Mr. Poe was a member, conducted the services at the house. The Masonic fraternity had charge of the services at the grave. The interment was made at Green Lawn, the beautiful ( olumbus cemetery.

Hon. George Laskey

HOX. GEORGE LASKEY, one of the prominent pioneer citizens of the Maumee Valley, after many months of paralytic suffering, passed away at his home in Toledo, August 11, 1899, and in this final ending there passed from earth the soul of a grand man, a devoted father and a whole-souled public-spirited citizen. He was honest, energetic, upright in every phase of life - a man of sterling integrity who enjoyed the unshaken confidence of all who knew him.

Hon. George Laskey was born in Devonshire, England, near the town of Bristol, August 23, 182-1. His parents, George and Ann (Southard) Laskey, came to this country in 1833, landing in New York. Coming to Ohio, they settled in Lucas county, then a wild, uncultivated state, and proceeded to make a home among the early pioneers of Ohio.

world for himself. Going to Grand Kapids, Ohio, he accepted a position as clerk in the store of Francis Hinsdale. Industrious, energetic, reliable and thoroughly honorable in his relations to his employer, he showed while still a boy the sterling qualities that wore so marked in his later life, and at the cud of nine years' time was admitted io a partnership in the firm, which made a marked success. In 1851, five years after young Laskey had become identified witli the firm, Mr. Hinsdale died and Mr. Laskey continued to carry on the extensive business, looking after Mrs. Hinsdale's interests in connection with his own. Later he and his brother bought out Mrs. Hinsdale and the firm name was changed to Laskey Bros. Being energetic, wideawake young men, possessed of more than ordinary business ability, they became tlie most popular merchants of Grand Rapids and won many friends. In 1866 they sold out and retired from the mercantile business, becoming interested in real estate.

After retiring from his mercantile career, Mr. Laskey became interested in agricultiiral pursuits, having previously purchased large tracts of land in Wood, Henry, Putnam and Lucas counties. At the time of his death, he owned several tlinusand acres in these counties, most' of wliich is laid out in fine farms and under a high state of cultivation. This venture proved markedly successful and he continued in the occupation until September, 1877, when he removed to Toledo.

In 1859 Mr. Laske}' was elected to the Ohio state senate, to represent the six counties of Ijucas, Wood, Hancock, Henry, Fulton and Putnam, serving a term of two years. While in the senate he was one of the committee on railroads, and chairman of the committee on ditches and roads, doing more than any other man in Ohio toward inaugurating the drainage system that has reclaimed so many acres of wet land. He had always taken an active part in the drainage system and in all public affairs, being an important factor in the growth and improvement of the community in which he made his home. He served as commissioner of Wood county for six years. Mr. Laskey and Antoinette Howard were united in marriage January 1, 1848. The union was a happy one and was blessed by six children, four sons and two daughters. For many years they attended the Congregational church of Toledo, and were among its most active members.

The Hood Family

The Hood family comprised five sons and one daughter. They were natives of Midlothian county, Scotland, and after landing in the city of Montreal, came to Ohio in 1851, settling in the village of Perrysburg. They had all been well educated, and in all their personal and puljlic services have shown the highest characteristics of integrity and public spirit.

The writer located in Perrysburg in 1853 and is familiar with their life record, and its services from that time to the period when five members of this ^^-ortlly family has passed away, and two others who had been allied with them by marriage.

In 1853 when I came to Perrysburg James and William Hood were owners of the l)rick building on Front street, Perrysburg, which subsequently was purchased by the corporation of Perrysburg, and has been used since then as a council room and engine house. The partners had a large miscellaneous stock of goods and Avere then doing a profitable business.

Thomas Atkins, an Englishman, and his son, at that time kept a saloon and grocery. The older man was taken down by an attack of cholera in its worst form. He died in a short time and his son immediately followed.

The Hoods performed the kind duties 0^ humanity for them and as an administrator of the Atkins estate, managed it through the action of Asher Cook, who then was probate judge, so that the Atkins children in England participated in their father's estate, instead of its being held by those who had asserted a claim to it in this country.

Another instance in which the Hoods were useful in the cholera time was that of a poor inebriate Scotchman named John Anderson. He was a working blacksmith for Mr. Lawrence and made his home on the river bank in a dilapi-

Information was brought me as a member of the committee of the M. E. church M'hich together with a similar committee of the Presbyterian church, was charged with the duty of visiting the sick and the dying, and to aid them all to the best of our ability.

I at once went to the house where he was lying alone without food, and in an exceedingly dirty condition, as he had merged into the second stage of that terrible disease. I obtained a change of under-clothing for him from Mr. William Hood, also some medicine from Dr. Smith and with incessant labor the poor inebriate was restored to health.

In this and other cases the Hoods performed good service for tha public. Shortly after this event William Hood removed to Bowling Green and as the second merchant in that place became a leading factor in its mercantile affairs, and subsequently when the change of county seat from Perrysburg to Bowling Green was rife, he became one of the most active, resolute and liberal factors in the accomplishment of the removal.

He was a leading factor in the construction of the Tontogany and Bowling Green railway, and the citizens of Bowling Green placed the name "William Hood" on their first locomotive. He died many years ago.

James Hood's services in aid of the old plank road brought to light the ways and methods by which selfish partisans then as well as now, saddled the taxpayers with unjust and unscrupulous burdens. He left Perrysburg and removed to the Hull Prairie farm in 1856, where he subsequently died.

Henry Hood, another of these five brothers, was a practical agriculturist. His personal record of integrit}', of public usefulness, and of liberal views in both politics and in religion commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow citiz.'ns at large in Middleton township. He was elected trustee and treasurer of Middleton township during several terms, and at all times he was favorable to public improvements when they were lionestly conducted.

Henry Hood, together with David Whitney, John Ulrich, James Robertson and some others were instrumental in the establishment of the Wood County Fair, which became a source of much good to the agriculturist and the citizens generally of Wood county. It has been merged with the Bowling Green Fair, the results and influence of which are nowfelt by the citizens of adjoining counties.

At the time of his death it was found that Henry Hood had bequeathed a fund for the purchase of a lot on the Prairie, aud the erection of a church, that under the control of trustees should be held in perpetuity regardless of sectarianism, for public worship.

The Ironside Murder

WILLIAM IRONSIDE was killed at the head of Station island. Two men named Griffin, Orrin and Ben, had a kind of fish hut for catching cat fish, both drinking men and hard cases. William Ironside was a half breed from Canada where he had been educated in a mission school. He was engaged in trapping around the island. The Griffins saw him lifting his trap and supposed that he was taking fish from their lines. They were somewhat intoxicated at the time and began to threaten him and finally chased and struck him with a boat oar. After a hard fight Ironside was killed. The Griffins were sent to penitentiary for the murder. This took place in 1835. Ironside was harmless, intelligent and peaceable.

Hon. Asher Cook

IJSl Richland county, Ohio, on May 3, 1823, the subject of this sketch first saw the light of day. In his early childhood his parents came to Perrysburg. The father was a stone mason and plasterer. The son, Ashcr, with a meagre education obtained from the common school of that day, learned his father's trade and for a short time followed it. Later he worked with the force of laborers employed in the construction of the Maumee and Western Reserve turnpike, which at that time was the main line of overland transportation from the east to the Maumee Valley. . Still later he worked as a common laborer in the construction of the Mad River railroad. Not content with the lot of a common laborer he changed his occupation to that of a sailor under Capt. W. H. Wetmore then engaged in lake traffic. When that popular captain took eonnnand of a steamer, Asher Cook went with him as wheelsman.

But nature and his studious habits endowed him for a wider field of usefulness. In spite of poverty- and the absolute necessity for eonstant and severe toil, he finally secured a most thorough knowledge of the common and some of the higher branches of learning. He had a special liking for the study of different languages, and became quite proficient in Latin, French, Spanish and German. He engaged in the study of law under Hon. Willard V. Way, one of the strong pioneer lawyers of that day, and in 1849 he was admitted to practice. It was not long until he took a leading position at the bar of Xortliwestern Ohio. He met on eipuil terms with his former preceptor, and held his own with such men as John S. Spink, James Murray, Sanmiel M. Young, Morrison R. Waite and other noted lawyers of that time. When Mr. Waite became Chief Justice of the United States, he said, "In knowle Ig-' and u!Mlers.an(lii:g ol' the fundaniLntal ])rinei|)k's of law, Aslier Cook has no equal in the Maumee Valley.''

Soon after his admission to the bar, he was elected prosecuting attorney of Wood county, and in 1851 was elected probate judge. He was married in 1853 to Amanda Hall, sister of Augustus and ^Manning Hall, pioneer merchants of Perrysburg. His wife died during the cholera epidemic in 1854. Soon afterward Judge Cook spent a year in Europe, studying in Paris and in Heidelburg. On returning to Perrysburg he took up the practice of his profession, and in 1858 married Sophia A. Hitchcock, daughter of W. J. Hitchcock, a prominent merchant of Perrysburg.

Originally Judge Cook was a Democrat, and took an active part in politics. On account of his pronounced anti-slavery sentiments, he could not consistently continue with that party. He was the leading spirit in a meeting held at Portage, Wood county, and at which resolutions were adopted embodying the identical i)rineiplrs afterward announced in the Pittsburg platform. He was a member of that famous Pittsburg convention, out of which the Republican party had its birth as a national organization, and which has cut so large a figure in the political history of the United States.

In the early part of the Rebellion Judge Cook raised and commanded a company of the 21st Regiment 0. V. I., and later commanded Company F in the 144th Regiment 0. V. I. He was a member of the convention that first nominated Clen. Grant for the Presidency. He was elected, in 1873, a member of the convention to revise the constitution of Ohio, and was made chair- man of the comnuittee on edn cation in that convention. With his wife, he spent a year in 1879 in traveling in Great Britain and continental Europe. In 1883, he repented the trip, extending his travels, however, so as to include Egypt and Palestine. Whether in private conversation or in public address, it was a pleasure to hear him recount the many interesting reminiscences with which his im>niory was stored.

His strength of mind, his scholarly attainments, his varied experience, his genial courtesy, his unquestioned integrity secured to him an unusual influence with courts and juries, and won the profound respect and esteem of his brethren at the bar as well as that of all who knew him. In his daily life he exemplified all that is best in the teachings of Eree-Masonry of which fraternity he was a loyal member. In his intercourse with his fellowmen he was public spirited, and was ever ready to aid anv movement adapted to the mental and moral advnncement of the community. His domestic and social life was one of sympathetic t-enderness. He was unassuming. His character was a strong fibre - fearless, progressive, typical of that army of pioneers, whose purposes carried out transformed this valley from a wilderiv'ss into a garden.

As the bells proclaimed the birth of the year 1892, at midnight. Judge Coolc laid down life's burden, and his soul ]iiissed into the ITnseon.

WREN a child she came with her father, Jacob Wilkison, to Orleans before the war of 1812. Later the old settlement of Orleans was abandoned ;is unsuitable for a town, when a removal was made to Perrysburg. then an unbioken forest, and she afterAvards saw the town in all its stages of growth up to 1898. Identified with this Valley during her long, useful life she could not be persuaded to leave it and make her home elsewhere.

She was married to Jonathan Perrin, ;uul together they did their share in helping to build the town of Perrysburg. Mrs. Perrin kept fully abreast with the times. She was ever alive and interested in the topics of the day, and was well informed in all that pertained to the history of the country. She was descended from Revolutionary stock, and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She was loyal to her country. Her time, her strength and means, and above all, her son, Wilkison D. Perrin, were given to the saving of the government in the Civil War. Her son gave his life in battle just before the close of the war, and although bowed with grief at his fall, she rejoiced in the final triumph of our arms.

The sword of John Paul Jones, the naval commander, now rests in the library of the naval department at Washington. It was presented to Jones by Theodosia Burr, the daughter of Aaron Burr.

Mrs. Mary A. Skinner, formerly Miss Sjiafiford, who died, aged 88, at West Unity, was born in the old block house at Port Meigs, September 7, 1819. Her girlhood home was the old Exchange Hotel in Perryslnirg. and there she was married.

The old Mission House on th(^ INfauniee river, above Waterville, was built in 1822. It was a massive log frame about (iO feet in length and 16 feet wide, and two stories high. By many repairs that have been made since its erection, it is in a fair state of preservation, as a memorable relic of the past.

Charles W. Evers

Johnson White, tlie pioneer ferryman on the Maumee river between Waterville and Miltonville had two daughters, Margaret and Celinda. The Whites, who crossed the Cumberland Mountains from Virginia into Tennessee, shortly after the war of 1812 were of English and Welsh stock. Mrs. White was a Fuller. Tt is not known in what year they came to the Maumee, but the records show that Mr. White served as one of the judges at the first election in Middleton township, November 17, 1832.

About the year 1835, John Evers, a carpenter and cabinet maker, who had recently located on the Maumee, and Celinda White were married. The Evers side was of G-erman extraction. The family moved from Maryland to Western Pennsylvania where John's mother died, leaving three daughters and four sons. His mother, in her childhood, had been taken captive by the Indians, with whom she lived for seven years. From Pennsylvania the family moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and John was later ap- ]trenticcd to learn a trade, after which he came to the Maumee to grow up with flic country.

His son, Charles W., the subject of this sketch, was born at Miltonville, July 22, 1837. A couple of years later the family moved to Plain township where Mr. Evers had bought a 40-acre tract of land of ISTeptune Nearing in section 34, for which he hewed out and framed the timber and inclosed a 30x40 foot barn. The shingles were made from a white oak tree standing almost on the identical spot where a big oil well is now located. Mr. Nearing, who came from Otsego, was an excellent citizen, and by tliis trade got a new barn and a new neighbor.

Neighbors were scattered wide apart in Plain township. Lee IMoore lived in a cabin on what is now South Main street. Where Weston is now, Thomas "^Laylor lived on the sinuous woods trail over ridges and across swales. Between Moore and Taylor, 9 miles, lived five families, Daniel Eldridge, about two miles east of Taylor's; on the Hollister land two miles from Eldridge lived an Irish family named Gatehouse, and two and one-half miles from there was Nearing and joining farms with him was Evers : next east a mile was the Missionary, Pcv. Isaac Van Tassel, on what is since known as the Leonard place. From tliere to l\roore's there was no cabin. The St. Johns anrl Erlgertons came on the lidge later.

In a biographical sketch of tlie life and character of Mr. Evers, by one who knew him well, we compile the following extracts from the Toledo Post and the Wood County Democrat: the carpenter's trade, which, with attending school and school teaching, occupied Ids time until the war broke out. lie was a good carpenter, a successful tcaclicr and a brave soldier, lie early manifested a studious disposition, and malting the most of such advantages accjuired a good common school education and for a time engaged with marked success as a public school teacher.

At the age of 19 he made a trip to tiie West, intending to locate there, but later returned to Ohio and entered Oberlin College. At tiie breaking out of the Civil War he laid aside his books, donned the uniform of a Union soldier, having enlisted in the Second Kentucky Infantry in which he served three years, taking part in the battles of Perryville, Shiloh, Murfreesborough and Chickamatiga. In the battle at the latter place h(.' received a severe bullet wound in the leg, was taken prisoner and starved three months in the rebel pens, and was paroled just in time to obtain proper surgical treatment that saved his wounded leg from being amputated.

iieturning home badly disabled, he was elected sheriff in 1864, and discharging his official duties to the entire acceptance of the public was honored by re-election two years later.

His wife was the daughter of James M. Bronson, of Eagle ville, where she was born, December 20, 1842. Her entire life was spent in Wood county, where her death occurred May 15, 1907. Of this union there are three living children, Mrs. J. A. Murray, of Manchester, 0. ; Mrs. May Evers Ross, of San Antonio, Texas, and John Evers, now a practicing physician of Flint, Michigan.

Mrs. Evers was a woman of rare culture and fine literary attainments, and many glowing and well deserved tributes were bestowed upon her worth of character by the literary societies with which she was an active participant.

Air. Evers' experience as sheritf was rather rough and he had several narrow escapes for his life. Once while enroute for Perryshurg on a train, with a desperate character he had arrested, the fellow, though handcuffed, suddenly made a spring and jumped through the car window as the train was pulling out of Tontogany. Mr. Evers sprang after him and was thrown so violently upon a pile of ties lying by the track, he received severe injuries upon the head and breast. jS otwithstanding this, on his recovery from the shock he gave chase and after runjiing his man for some distance across the country overhauled him. While bringing him back to town on the railroad track, the fellow, yet handcuffed, suddenly with both hands struck Mr. E\ers a \iolent blow over the head and knocked him senseless. As soon as he had sufficiently recovered Mr. Evers with revolver in hand again gave chase and after firing several shots again halted his man. Greatly fatigued, the sheriff and prisoner, both bleeding from bruises, sank down for a rest within a few feet of each other. In the meantime a posse of men from Tontogany had started after them, and when they came upon the two men and saw Mr. Evers in his bruised and bleeding condition, it was only by threats from Mr. Evers that they were prevented from lynching the prisoner. The fellow was lodged in jail that night, and afterwards convicted and sent to the [)enitentiary.

Another time Marcellus Fugate and Win. Wagstaff, two prisoners in jail made a desperate attempt to escape. Ab Sheriff" Evers entered the corridor adjoining the prison cells to lock up the two men for the night, Fugate struck him a terrible blow with a stick of stove wood, at the same time throwing a handful of ashes in his face. Luckily, as was her custom, Mrs. Evers stood by the door and immediately locked the jail door and firmly informed the prisoners slie would not unlock the door under any circumstances. On taking in the situation the i^risoners made no further attack and were locked in their cells. Mr. Evers was badly though not dangerously hurt.

At another time by his watchfulness, he frustrated a jail full of prisoners from making their escape, whose plans were similar to the one just related, Mr. Evers was a keen discerner of character and had remarkable faculties in detecting criminals.

Pursuing a natural bent for journalism Mr. Evers acquired a half interest with Eobert M. Travis in the Wood County Sentinel and moved to Bowling Green in 1870, assuming editorial management of the paper with marked ability. Upon the death of Mr. Travis Mr. Evers became sole owner of the paper. Eesiring to engage in the real estate business which offered a fine opening, he sold the Sentinel to M. P. Brewer, but when the county seat contest was inaugurated he with Dr. A. J. Manville, E. VV. Merry and M. P. Brewer founded the News for the purpose of championing ihe claims of Bowling Green as the logical seat of county government. The News having served its purpose was merged with the Sentinel, and Mr. Evers continued in active journalistic work till J8S4, when he sold out to A. W. Rudolph, lie having conducted the paper for the lour previous years alone.

It is conceded that to Mr. Evers was larg(!ly due the moulding of public sentiment which culminated in the building of the comity infirmary, the inauguration

His latest historical work was the souvenir history of Ft. Meigs which was written for the occasion of the dedication of tbc Fort Meigs monument.

On July 29, 1909, at the age of 72 years, this busy, active and useful life came to an end at Robinwood Hospital in Toledo. For nearly two years he had been in declining health, and three weeks before his death he submitted to a surgical operation for a chronic ailment.

Although the operation was pronounced a success, yet in his weakened condition he was unable to withstand the shock, and his vitality gradually waned till death ensued.

On the following Sunday the remains of this brave soldier and esteemed citizen were taken to the 0. A. R. rooms in the City Hall, of Bowling Green, where for several hours they were viewed by hundreds of his old friends and neighbors. The body reposed in a solid oak casket, surrounded and covered with a profusion of beautiful floral tokens, a regulation U. S. flag, an expressive esteem from the trustees of the Maumee Valley Pioneer and Historical Association, being entwined among the flowers.

The funeral services were held in the G. A. R. rooms at 2 o'clock, under the direction of Wiley Post G. A. R., the full ritualistic service of that patriotic order being observed.

Dr. E. E. Rogers, pastor of the Presbyterian church, conducted the burial service of the church, and Rev. T. N. Barkdull of Toledo, a lifelong friend of Mr. Evers, paid a touching tribute to his memory. Appropriate vocal selec-

"i know of no person whose life labor luis left a deeper impress upon every phase of public concern to the entire people of Wood county than that of Mr. Evers. During what may be called the constructive period of the county's history, he was especially active, and much of tlie prosperity and general welfare of our people may be directly traced to the adoption of policies originating with him.

"At times he was misunderstood, and at times criticised for his advanced position upon public and civic questions, but almost invariably the correctness of his foresiglit and the wisdom of his mature judgment were completely demonstrated. It is no disparagement that he encountered much opposition and was subjected to occasional censure, for no man with whom ail the people always agrecj ever says or does anything that endures. He was in the broadest sense a philanthropist - whose disinterested elforts for the public weal will be more appreciated as the years go by."

"When the ritualistic service of Wiley Post was concluded, when the three perfectly timed volleys rang out from the rifles of Company H and the clarion toned notes of Musician Harry ^Joyes sounded 'Taps' at the grave of C. W. Evers, Sunday afternoon, the last sad rites were brouglit to a close for a man whose strength of character and patriotic devotion to the best interests of Bowling Green and Wood county wrought so much good to the community during the past forty years."

difference of opinion on political or other questions had not the slightest effect oil \hv harmony of our personal relations. And this fact brings his death home to us as a personal loss."

iiiliuence for all that pertains to the benelit of his feliowmen in honesty, 111 courage, in loyalty, in industry, in all the activities of social, commercial, municipal and political life, can not fail to prove an incentive to those who are conversant with the story of his career from boyhood to manhood.

"He was ever active, courageous, progressive. Honest in purpose, industrious m endeavor, no labor however arduous, no obstacle liowever seemingly insurmountable appalled him.

"One characteristic cannot be passed over in silence. He never made a statement, either verbal or written, unless its truth could be substantiated by incontrovertible proof. In this regard he was scrupulously careful and exact, and when once he made an assertion it was undeniable and could be relied upon."

(From the Democrat of Aug. G, 1909.) As an expression of appreciation of tlie great interest in and effective work accomplished for the Maumee Valley l*ioneer and Historical Association, the trustees of tliai organization at a special meeting held at Fort Meigs last Friday afternoon, unanimously adopted the following Memorial and Resolutions:

"This board learns with sincere sorrow of the death of its fellow worker, Mr. Charles W. Evers, of Bowling Green, wliich occurred at Toledo, July 29, 1909. "It is certain that there has not been a more zealous nor a more faithful member of the Maumee Valley Pioneer and Historical Association than he, and not one whose evenness of temper and gentle- manly bearing has so endeared himself to our entire membership than has he. He possessed positive views regarding matters whieh he had investigated, yet lie so maintained them as not to forfeit the respect and regard of tiiose from whom he differed.

"Possessing a cultured mind and being well informed regarding historical matters, particularly those connected with the Maumee Valley, his services in behalf of this association in making a record of the military events, and of pioneer trials and achievements in this section have been of great value. Owing to his enfeebled bodily condition much of this work was accomplished at the cost of great physical suffering, yet with an enthusiasm which told of his

"Jicsolved, That on behalf of the Maumee N'alley Pioneer and Historical Association this Board extends to his family its sincere sympathies. Be it further

"Kesolved, That this Memorial be spi'ead upon the records of this board, and that a copy of the same be offered foe pidjlication, and also that a copy be s lit to his family.

Source changes here: from Pioneer Scrap-Book: Many Incidents and Reminiscences of the Early History of Wood County, by C. W. Evers, published 1910; 40,173 words in this source stream.

Freedom Township

N the year 1833, Isaac Cable and his three sons, Silas, Benjamin and Jonathan, also Michael Miller and Michael Myers, from near Canton, Stark county, Ohio, settled at New Rochester. Almost. at the same time a party of settlers, among whom were Henry Nailer, Michael N. Myers, Christian Shelley, Ashael Powers, Henry Hahn, and several others came in from Lorain county and settled at Pemberville and above on the north fork of the river.

Most of the lands below the forks had been bought up by speculators, but most of the settlers at that time, could get good lands near the river at government price, $1.25 per acre. Wood county was at that time in the Delaware land district. The Pembers came the next year. James Pember had previously married the daughter of Ashael Powers, which circumstance, no doubt, was the cause of his locating in Wood county, as his father-in-law was the chief landed proprietor of what is now Pemberville.

The Griffith, built at Perrysburg, it will be remembered by our older citizens, was destroyed by fire on the lake, and a number of her passengers perished in the disaster.

first, and indeed for a long time, chills, shaking ague and intermittent fevers visited them each year, and at times there were not enough persons in the settlement to take care of the sick. But still they hoped for a better day, and kept courage and faith.