Freedom Township (part 8 of 8)

Captain Newton was born in Chenango county, N. 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 volunteered in Co. A, 14th O. V. I., and won 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. 3

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 his associations and recollections of the dead. These services were attended by the city officials, members of council, Grand Army members, county officials and a large number of personal friends. The pall bearers were U W. Evers, J. p. Bolles, A. E. Royce, I. L. Hankey, J. E. Merry and M. L. Case. Under the Grand Army ritual the remains of Captain Newton were placed in beautiful Oak Grove cemetery. ] One who for a number of years was closely and intimately associated with him, claims that a more even tempered, serene, patient character is seldom to be found. Under the most trying ordeals in official life, calm, patient, self-possessed, he was ever unruffled - ordeals that would exasperate and confuse any one less masterful.

In his business relations he was thoroughly methodical and systematic. He inspired confidence among all who came within 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 both time and money on his part.

He gave a patient, respectful hearing to all, and it was this trait in the man that to a large extent brought about the high esteem in which he was regarded by 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.

Nathaniel H. Callard

N 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 born 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.

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.

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 Republican 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, he 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. He 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

Seth Hunt Fairchild

NE 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 Northwestern Ohio. He possessed a number of quaint ways, and was of a methodical manner in the conduct 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 the 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. F.

Alfred M. Russell

FTER 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. Frank 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 O. V. I., and was made first lieutenant. He was discharged at the end of three months on account of injuries received, and re-enlisted as a private in. Co. O, 68th O. V. I., in 1863, and was made sergeant-

Hon. E. W. Poe

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 skil- major. 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 fraternity, of 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.

ful 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 Masonic fraternity and of several other secret societies, and he numbered 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

Hon. George Laskey

JON. 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. The Toledo Bee in announcing his death gave the following brief sketch of his busy life:

Hon. George Laskey was born in Devonshire, England, near the town of Bristol, August 23, 1824. His parents, George and Ann (Southard) Laskey, eame 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.

The funeral was held from the residence the following Tuesday afternoon. Rey. Macafee, of the Broad street M. E. church, 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 Columbus cemetery.

world for himself. Going to Grand Rapids, 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 were so marked in his later life, and at the end of nine years' time was admitted to a partnership in the firm, which made a marked success. In 1851, five years after young Laskey had become identified with 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 the 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 agricultural pursuits, having previously purchased large tracts of land in Wood, Henry, Putnam and Lucas counties. At the time of his death, he owned several thousand acres in these counties, most of which 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.

counties of Lucas, 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

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 public 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 worthy family has passed away, and two others who had been allied with them by marriage.

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 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.

rysburg, 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 were 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 of humanity for them and as an administrator of the Atkins estate, managed it tnrough 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 which 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 Creen 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 integrity, of public usefulness, and of liberal views in both politics and in religion commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens 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 honestly 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 been merged with the Bowling Green Fair, the results and influence of which are now felt 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

ILLIAM 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

1823, the subject of this sketch first saw the light of day. hood his parents came to Perrysburg. The father was a stone mason and plasterer. The son, Asher, 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 Hne 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 he changed his occupation to that of a sailor under Capt. W. H. Wetmore then engaged in lake traffic. When that popular captain took command 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 constant 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 Northwestern Ohio. He met on equal. terms with his former preceptor, and held his own with such men as John S. Spink, James Murray, Sammel M. Young, Morrison R. Waite and other noted lawyers of that time. When Mr. Waite became Chief Justice

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 Demo- - crat, and took an active part in politics. On account of his pronounced anti-slayery 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 principles 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 O. V. I., and later commanded Company F in the 144th Regiment O. Y. I. He was a member of the convention that first nominated Gen. 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 committee on education in that convention. With his wife, he spent a year in 1879 in traveling in Great Britain and continental Europe. In 1883, he repeated the trip, extending his travcls, 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 memory 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 Free-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 any movement adapted to the mental and moral advancement of the community. His domestic and social life was one of sympa- i thetic tenderness. 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 wilderness into a garden.

Amelia Wilkison Perrin

father, Jacob Wilkison, to Orleans before the war of 1812. Later the old settlement of Orleans was abandoned as unsuitable for a town, when a removal was made to Perrysburg, then an unbroken forest, and she afterwards saw the town in all its stages of growth up to 1898. Identified with this Valley dur- and 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. 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 Spafford, who died, aged 88, at West Unity, was born in the old block house at Fort Meigs, September 7, 1819. girlhood home was the old Exchange Hotel in Perrysburg, and there she was married.

The old Mission House on the Maumee river, above Waterville, was built in 1822. It was a massive log frame about 60 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, the 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. It 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 German 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 apprenticed to learn a trade, after which he came to the Maumee to grow up with the 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 Neptune 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 this trade got a new barn and a new neighbor.

Neighbors were scattered wide apart in Plain township. Lee Moore lived in a. cabin on what is now South Main street. Where Weston is now, Thomas Taylor 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 Trish 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, Rev. Isaac Van Tassel, on what is since known as the Leonard place. From there to Moore's there was no cabin. The St. Johns and Edgertons came on the ridge later.

In a biographical sketch of the 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 his time until the war broke out. He was a good carpenter, a successful teacher and a brave soldier. He early manifested a studious disposition, and making the most of such advantages acquired 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 the West, intending to locate there, but later returned to Ohio and entered Oberlin College. At the 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 Chickamauga. In the battle at the latter place he 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.

Returning 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 Eagleville, where she was born, December 20, 1842. Her en- 'tire 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, O.; Mrs. May Evers Ross, of San An- Pa Texas, and John. Evers, now a | practicing physician of Flint, Michigan. Mrs. Evers was'a woman of rare cul- ture 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.

Mr. Evers experience as sheriff was rather rough and he had several narrow escapes for hig life. Once while enroute for Perrysburg 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. Notwithstanding this, on his recovery from the shock he gave chase and after running 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. Evers a violent 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 penitentiary.

Another time Marcellus Fugate and Wm. Wagstaff, two prisoners in 'jail made a desperate attempt to escape. As 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 she would not unlock the door under circumstances. On taking in the situation the prisoners 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 Robert 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. Desiring 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. W. Merry and M. P. Brewer founded the News for the purpose of championing the 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 1884, when he sold out to A. W. Rudolph, he having conducted the paper for the four previous years alone.

It is conceded that to Mr. Evers was largely due the moulding of public sentiment which culminated in the building of the county infirmary, the inauguration

His latest historical work was souvenir history of Ft. Meigs which was written for the occasion of the dedication of the 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 G. 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 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 has 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 the prosperity and general welfare of our people may be directly traced to the adoption of policies originating with him.

foresight and the wisdom of his mature judgment were completely demonstrated. lt is no disparagement that he encountered much opposition and was subjected to occasional censure, for no man with whom all the people always agree, ever says or does anything that endures. He was in the broadest sense a philanthropist - whose disinterested efforts for the public weal will be more appreciated as the years go by." The Bowling Green Sentinel says: "When the ritualistic service of Wiley Post was concluded, . when the three perfectly timed volleys out from the rifles of Company H and the clarion toned notes of Musician Harry Noyes sounded 'Taps at the grave of ©. W. Evers, Sunday afternoon, the last sad rites were brought 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." The Wood County Democrat says: "He was always a true friend, and any difference of opinion on political or other questions had not the slightest effect on the harmony of our personal relations. And this fact brings his death home to us as a personal loss."

"His influence for all that pertains to the benefit of his fellowmen in honesty, in 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, pro- Honest in purpose, industrious in endeavor, no labor however arduous, no obstacle however 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."

As an expression of appreciation of the great interest in and effective work accomplished for the Maumee Valley Pioneer and Historical Association, the trustees of that 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, which occurred at Toledo, July 29, 1909.

"Tt 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 gentlegressive.

manly bearing has so endeared himself to our entire membership than has he. He possessed positive views regarding matters which he had investigated, yet he so maintained them as not to forfeit the respect and regard of those from whom he differed.

ing 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

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

"Resolved, That this Memorial be spread upon the records of this board, and that a copy of the same be offered for publication, and also that a copy sent to his family.

Contents

Page aep cp ales Appleseeds he nt xe 211 NCEA CEC py OAVAE CS tee we 82 y WOLVES deine. o. HBO 78 ee PA aa E p Aa 176 Badger Josephe. miea 187 Kae OL 101 Canada OTB 219 Beleschool, House, 87 Benton 101 Bitten Veen Bar 176 Blacks yap a 184 POO Ay MONE FEDE aa 164 Bowling CLEEN LSS ween NNS D Sle este 83 Burning pae EEE 170 BE EHe SIO c MUSSEL 116 Gatnolicae Missions 16 KE. a 248 Campaien OF 1540, PRE o. 69 Cec OLA seat li cade a p; 228 Center aya sek os noes 35 SOD EE EL Mis E © aie craic. 153 Cholera» Dredd y.e? 110 VECES 242 Cook, ays a sis eve retannias ae 254 Croghan, Majora GONE O N O ee 226 Cygnet's y EY o DAP Colonel 119 CYET O KE yy e 165 Dedication of Ft. Meigs Monument........ _82 PCC AMO Silage cre els Cala ee 245 DAS ASU OU ING 18 Bodge Judge A. a. GS O 214 DANS eee RA ENEY A e eS 107 RSA > TEMS a S e TOA ay SCEROOL Avis .. 106 e, EEE Erron. Corrected, Anori naca Ss 214 Evers MO AGL CSV a ee 258 xchange "Bell, The Old........... ce Mero Alaro A 141 Fairchild, Seth Hunt..... P

^ Herce Battier, A 109 Bhisham Oly kaad a op 67 "Township. a yc uses me 175 Ghastly Grime A.o h an 191 GATGY Me STROM ooa 168 Co, RS Sess ete. 150 GOS SLO MAIS asec ya ciation sinc oko eo ne ees CC: 77 Grand Sea eee 60 Grand Ore ani zation SE ae 30 RANE OE 114 LOOT dl senna EDE SESE E 252 Prairie tia: ET 15 The Ee 94 rae e diye Aa 181 EXOD DP Cie GOOLE e a-ap KO 162 ae S ULTENGEI 185 SRE Ird A 170 aa 128 mMustratiom A TYHT 66 Hoc E E 143 nS a EE EBE 54 ee 156 Oyo aouneaausenaces y 205 NGC IAN Ee a cas O 193 Indian' "Skeleton. a. res cc ratte A 107 mdan PA SSOCIALES We 96 Tronside 5 258 TA OOS EATS AES 45 "e TOE A SE Ae 177 AOB H e 88 Makes Ae 124 HORNY GOOLE C EKA 251 ee POA. EEE Te a ae OS A xe oe 126 Pite Oa, dee C CLUS Ot 208 T ANON e p o ome YKE >. 166 A A Set bE ANN ooo sane . 129 Co o AX 6 abl gomis e Murder Chia. Ss esr ss 199

Ileus Erations

Page Page Madman S Ore y T a EE 186 Roches de OCU fer EEE 202 MAUNE RIVER Oe a 176 Roach, Mayor oped . 214 MTA Ee Russell, Alfred MECE Oey) Ba eit e c Bagel Child vrrakeay e ee 4 Maumee. Country, Chapters a E Be 193 Meson anes Salsbury, Jonathan 0 5 141 TO Rourths mA tee E 38 Snaking Scourge, se eae aaee el! 163 y a 62 Shocking Suicide 27 Te EEH Memorable Address, AT 231 Slater's Curse, aiie A aea DANE Sn OGON: 130 NeoN oy 76 Spink, 43 Mission: (Stationers N eee Strange Story, A OOS sata [20000 192 Wile Ge One TE Strange nitrates some KEKE EE a E 138 Successful Sheme. is pee crore 210 INVES ALON cic keer. c 172 Summer of Gloom A OY 111 PELLS AETA A e E 68 Nearing a CUYE 121 Tecumseh, Bloquence e sas 58 Newspaper Ko 179 Tecumseh, Described e E stoma 59 Newton ocep B en e oce cee 247 Tecumseh, Death 60 Night With Indians, Tecumseh S= Contempt Ea 225 B "years Strugsle caer cite tee 133 Mo ea Bear Hunt aar Tinge Of Romante aaax 97 Notae Addresses ene maa rA E e ì56 Treaty of Maumee, The........................ 13 Traffico in 1833 se a noa Aae a 149 Oddy Gentus LADLE RSE 152 Turkey- Foot ROOKS Ae: iiaeaa AOE Ae EEEE 2 90 OE ine WOO County. d T aa 104 Two Lost Grisar CEC 159 SRM Time Trage yns IS ches NN EEA 46 @reanization of: ODIO 128 1| Unbroken AE Up, the MAUMEE. ove + 202 KAY AY a aaae a Petersburg Volunteers........ Waryne's). Daring- SEOUES ap 29 Perrin, Amelia Wilkison Way e 181 Pec Erasmas ei DBD yT 60 Waynes? Two A OA EA 169 Pierce ETA DISS WELAS? e A ae 223 Webb," Jonn SSANI O S sete cowie EE E ea S 206 Weston DOWNS T A E ES Pitts buress Blues Dhar N OE eee 39 What Might Have Been Dion cers FRAMES `.... 64 Wilkinson, Capt, Porter-Richardson Murder KE 166 Winter of 1842-3, The.......................... Powel Fron 156 whid: "BLOG O OTE TE arise Poem Johnny Appleseed. TT 212 Wolf UTC TR RO A CC EOS Hon 250 Wood County Roem, Our. Pioneers OE 6 Wood County BOERS SON Poem, Maumee Pioneers, The................ 115 Wood County in Woodbury House senses Randon MNO LES c KE A oe 288 Wood> County's PRITEN Recovering vay Stolen) A ee 1967 -Wood County EPE Remoymem the 171 Worst oi All o c tas 123 EVV Cle aa MASSES a nate 217 Wood County Organization EKOO EE 31 ILEUS ERATIONS Page Page Burial Ground of Col. Dudley and Men.... 178 Harrison's can neers meee e 1187 Croghan<-Maijor, George e 226 Maumee "River and Valey e.. <. eeen, Evers ae Chass o E e $=" Navarre Ret er ser IR ODOT 2 "568 Mepa 146 m Otto kees A AM SSE . 287 Eta Meies= Po) cE 229 Petersburg Volunteer Monument............. 41 Eeee A A wget 215) "Roehé O OKKA eon 209 it MESS (Monument) Ara ee n a ebb: aerer T AATA SEES w Ob, Ft. Turkey Foole ROCK ms Coco 91 Harrison Gen. Wm. Wayne, e bS 19 |