Fulton Township (part 4 of 34)

Chapter Vi Farm And Farm Industries

Fulton is distinctly an agricultural county, and as such it has a worthy place among the counties of Ohio. There was a time when hog raisers in the county could only obtain 1 14 cents a pound for pork ; and to take corn to the mill for grinding cost almost as much as the corn was worth, hi those days the people of the county were poor; some wore buckskin breeches, for economy's sake. Some had only wooden table knives and forks; and some would walk barefooted for miles, rather than wear out shoe leather. There is about as great a difference in the general condition, as to worldly possessions, between the pioneer settlers, and their children, or their children's children, who have inherited the landed estate the pioneers hewed from the forest, or reclaimed from the swamp, as there is between the pioneer log cabin, and the fine brick farm residences one sees in so many places when passing through the county today. Fulton county is rich. Its wealth has come, too, almost wholly from industrious tillage, and the development of profitable dairy farming. Each township chapter will record all that is essential regarding its industries, but it may be said that, apart from agriculture, the county's industries are insignificant. Swanton shows indications of industrial growth; and, wTith improved water facilities, Wauseon might at some time in the future become a factory town, although at present it is, in reality, a town of homes; but, viewing the county as a whole, industrial effort of consequence runs in but one direction - agriculture. The development in that direction has been very substantial, and lucrative. It is very doubtful whether the majority of the "amities of Fulton county would have more comfortable homes, or be possessed of a greater measure of material wealth, had the bread-winners bent their energies to other industries. The "Ohio Annual Crop Report," for 1919 is illuminative. The statistics of principal crop yield of that year in Fulton county are: Corn, 49,101 acres, 2,013,141 bushels; oats, 24,506 acres, 808,698 bushels; winter wheat, 34,207 acres, 321,545 bushels; spring wheat, 1200 acres, 20,900 bushels; buckwheat, 460 acres, 8,740 bushels; white potatoes, 1,057 acres, 52,850 bushels; tame hay, 32,063 acres, 41,300 tons.

average of that in other counties of Ohio ; and in one instance, was much above, the potato yield in Fulton county being fifty bushels an acre, whereas the .state average was 40.2 bushels.

Farming methods have undergone material change during the last fifteen years, or so, the establishment of large milk-evaporating plants within reach of Fulton county farmers having wrought a wonderful change. The editor of the Delta "Atlas" referred to it, in a special "Dairy and Farm Edition" of that paper, February 27, 1919, stating that :

"For many years prior to the establishment of the plant (that of the Helvetia Milk Condensing Company, now the main industry of Delta) Fulton county was the centre of a considerable cheese industry. Almost every township boasted its cheese factory. The factories operated only during the summer months, and were run on a cooperative plan. If the cheese- maker made a good cheese, and the market stayed up long enough to market the cheese at a profit, then the farmer, who was not then a dairyman, would receive a chunk of dividend. If the cheese spoiled, or the market slumped, then there was no profit sharing.

"The Helvetia Milk Condensing Company, the home office of wliich is Highland, Illinois, selected Delta for a branch plant; on September 8, 1903, the president came, and soon afterwards a plant was established.

Upwards of $350,000, in cash, is paid each month to dairymen of Fulton county, and every day from 300', 000 to 400,000 pounds of milk is produced and marketed. One of the results of the growth of the dairy business here (Delta) is seen in the handsome homes of Fulton county farmers. Fine residences, well-kept lawns, automobiles, and bulging bank accounts; the land itself, great broad acres, tiled and clean and fenced, has increased in value from $50 to $75 to a selling value of $200 to $250 an acre."

The Helvetia plant at Delta is only one of the large milk condensing plants within easy reach of Fulton county dairymen. The nationallyknown Van Camp Packing Company has a large milk-evaporating plant at Wauseon, and more than 1400 dairymen are upon its Wauseon books; while the farmers of the northern townships of Fulton county carry milk daily over the county line into Michigan, where, at Morenci, is another large milk station. To be conservative, one might estimate the value of the milk product of Fulton county within recent years at three million dollars yearly.' Undoubtedly, the establishment of the milk-evaporating plants has revolutionized farming in Fulton county. It has encouraged the farmers to give closer attention to stock raising, and stock improvement. Today there is a strong dairy association in the county. The Fulton County Holstein-Friesian Association which was organized in August, 1914, with thirty-two charter members. In 1916, that association was instrumental in establishing a noteworthy precedent, exhibiting, through its members 132 head of Holstein cattle at the County Fair. Succeeding years, to the present, have brought an equally high standard of cattle exhibit at the fair, making the Fulton County Fair probably the most important, in exhibits of Holstein stock, of all the county fairs of the state. Fulton county is known throughout Ohio and neighboring states, as as area in which can be found a high grade of Holstein cattle. Forty years ago, \V. II. Standish introduced the pure breed into the county, having purchased- a registered bull, named Prince Edward. Other enterprising and progressive farmers in course of time became interested in the breed, and as the years passed possessed fine herds. Among the pioneer Holstein-Friesian cattle owners were Calvin Biddle, S. B. McLain, Byron Brink, L. E. Connell, TT. B. Smith, and IT. IT. Prickett. Some Fulton County cattle have held world records, notably, Lindewood Hone. Crown Princess Maxie DeKol II, Irma Gilt Edge Queen II. These three cows had outstanding records in milk production and butter fat.

The history of the Fulton County Agriculture Society, which is such a factor in the life of the county, is extensively reviewed in the chapter, of this work, devoted to the institutional history of Fulton County. In that chapter also the growth of the granges is reviewed.

Chapter Vii The Schools, 1835-1920

Some years ago, in a reminiscent article published in a local newspaper, James Grisier, of Payette, stated that in 1844, in which year he settled in German Township, "there were not a dozen schools in the county." There were probably more than twelve, for some townships had two or three schools, if not schoolhouses, at that time. Some of the schoolhouses were frame, but most were log. The log houses cost little to erect, labor being freely given by the pioneers, and logs being readily obtainable, for the cutting. And the cost of a frame house, such as would serve the purpose of a district school, would be not more than $200. A frame schoolhouse was built for $175, in 1839, by James Dean, to supply the needs of School District No. 1 (Swanton), Wing Township, Lucas county; and School District No. 2, of Swan Creek Township, on April 23, 1843, voted, "on motion of Mr. Thresher" that "a frame schoolhouse he built, the size of the one in District No. 1, in this town, near the house of L. Dodge" ; and further voted "that Two Hundred Dollars be assessed to erect said Schoolhouse," nine residents voting, six in favor of the motion. If there were, say, twenty schoolhouses in the county in 1844; if all were of frame construction ; and entailed an outlay of $200 for each, the aggregate value of school property then would be $4,000. In 1919, the estimated value of Fulton county school property was $428,- 525. Other equally striking comparisons might be cited, but are unnecessary, for this will sufficiently indicate the degree of educational progress in Fulton county during the period of eighty-five years from 1835 to the present. And those worthy pioneers who had part in early school administration, and still live, must be pleased in realizing how substantial is the educational system that has been builded upon their own self-sacrificing pioneer efforts.

Like all pioneer efforts, the school system was brought to success only by the self-denial and resolute purpose of strong 'men and women. Directors, teachers, tax-pavers - all who had part in the initial effort may share in the gratification. Some of them, alas, have not lived to see the culmination of their efforts, in the splendidly equipped and staffed centralized schools of today. But they will not be forgotten. The pioneer school teacher will certainly ever be remembered. Lie or she, in himself or herself, comprised the whole faculty of the humble uncomfortable little school; was the principal, assistant principal, teacher of all the grades down to the primary - was all in one; and often was janitor also; for which complete service, he or she would receive a dollar a day, or less. Some of the early summer-school teachers were content with a salary of one dollar a week, securing the appointment only after very careful deliberation by the school directors, who were loath to commit the taxpayers to such a liability, without proper safeguards. An entry under date of April 28, 1849, records an agreement entered into by the directors of School District No. 4, of Fulton Township, Lucas county, and one Fanny Wood, "who made application to be employed as a school teacher, producing to the board a certificate of qualification froyi the school examiners of the county." It was agreed to employ her at five dollars a month, from the 7th of May, "to teach a school for the term of two months, providing she keeps a good school, if not said school is to stop," stated the record, attested by Chas. Gunn, district clerk.

The pioneer settlers had their days filled with hard, and, generally, discouraging efforts to win even a livelihood from the swamp and forest ; yet they loyally supported the school directors in their endeavor to establish satisfactory schools. The directors are deserving of special credit. Hard-working settlers as they were, and with just as many perplexities in their general life as their neighbors, they nevertheless entered thoughtfully and earnestly into educational work, some of them giving very much of their time to the work. "Jeff"

Lutz, who is now eighty-six years old, and was for forty years connected with the school board of Swan Creek Township, and for the greater part of that time was its president, came to Swanton, then known as Centreville, when it consisted of only three houses: that of Joe Miller; a little shoe shop; and a little shack, not more than sixteen feet by twenty, upon the site of which is now the brick structure owned by the Gordon Lumber Company. Swan Creek Township was then practically a swamp, much of it actually and wholly under water. Yet, in forty years, he and others, including "Quill" Price, members of the Templeton family, Theodore Knight, and Wesley Watkins, organized good schools in almost every four sections of the township ; planted them so thickly, in fact, that at times it seemed that they were incurring unnecessary expense. In one district, No. 12, there were only three voters at the first election, and the authorities were at a loss to know how to appoint three school directors, one of the three voters, a colored man. being an ex-convict, and as such not eligible. He had been brought in by Dyer Matthews, who formerly had been a guard at the State Penitentiary. Yet those far-sighted pioneers knew that progress came by education; that education was the first essential: and they have lived to see the tutored generation grow to useful manhood and womanhood, and take hold of the affairs of the township, better fitted than they themselves were to carry it forward to everincreasing prosperity. In place of the frame schoolhouse that cost $175, they have lived to see in Swan ton a splendid schoolhouse, valued at $43,300, adequately staffed, and affording graded and high school education to more than three hundred pupils each year; and to appreciate how great has been the educational advancement, as evidenced by the fine centralized school within a short distance of them - the Fulton Township Centralized School, at Ai, the first to be established in northwest Ohio.

A somewhat similar record could be shown in the educational development that has come to other townships, through the praiseworthy efforts of the early pioneers; and in appropriate place in the township chapters will be found as complete a review of the school history as it has been possible to gather. In the various sectional reviews will be found many descriptions of the early log schoolhouses, but perhaps it might not be inappropriate to here give Historian Aldrich's description of one, presumably in Fulton Township: all contributed. It was chinked and plastered with mud from the adjoining soil. It had a fireplace made of clay, and sticks built up, 'cobhouse style,' and cropping up just above the ridge of the roof, and plastered upon the inside with clay mortar. This formed a safe as well as a comfortable heating apparatus. The seats were made of logs, about ten inches in diameter, and ten or twelve feet in length; and split into halves and hewed, to smooth them upon the split side. They were then mounted, the split 'side up, on wooden pegs of proper height for the scholars. For writing desks they bored holes into the logs, about three feet from the lloor, into which they drove pins, projecting in the room far enough to support a board, or slab, placed on the pins. For windows they would cut out one log the whole length of the building, and stop the opening with oiled paper. This would admit light, and keep out the cold. Some were finished with glass, 7 by 9, and when this schoolliouse was completed, with a good fire nearly the entire length of one end of the building, it furnished a good and comfortable institution for training the young minds."

Interesting and illuminative, as to early school conditons, is "A Book of Records, for School District No. (apparently for more than one district, three being crossed out) Four, in the Township of Swan Creek, Lucas county, Ohio," covering the period 1838-1886. The first entry records the meeting, on July 28, 1838, at the house of Hiram Clark, of the directors, of District No. 3, George Black, Charles Gunn, and Hiram Clark, appointed "for the ensewing year" by the town clerk. The directors "organized according to law," and voted "that a site for a Schoolhouse in said district be as near a geographical Center as Suitable Ground Could be had." On August 7th, at 8 A. M., the board of directors met and "proceeded to view the ground, and stuck a stake for said site on a piece of ground near the quarter post on the north line of Section Five, Township Seven." On November 24, 1838, householders met, according to appointment, "for the purpose of building a Schoolhouse," and Commenced Chopping the logs." On the "29 of Nov. the district met and raised a Schoolhouse."

The next entry in the book records a meeting, at the house of George Black, of the "householders of School District No. 3, Swan Creek, Lucas County," who voted "that we have three month School, to commence during the month of August next, to be taught by a female." Whether school was held in August of 1839 cannot be determined. Later it was the practice of the clerk to enter in the book the name of teacher and the amount paid, or agreed to be paid, the teacher for his, or her, services. The first such entry was under date of December 2, 1840, the record stating that "Gideon W. Raymon(d) was employed to teach school for three months, in District No. 3, for forty-five Dollars." . This, after meeting of November 14th had passed a resolution "that the school be kept three months the ensuing winter by a male teacher," another motion providing "that the windows be furnished with glass." Apparently, if school was held during the previous year, the window spaces were open, or were covered with oil paper.

During the winter of 1841, Harriet O'Brien opened the school on November 15th, for three months, the directors agreeing to pay her $1.50 a week. Part of her term, because of sickness, was taken by Miss Huldah Merrill. The financial statement for that year showed:

The $200 necessary to meet the cost of erection of new frame schoolhouse, which the houesholders of the district resolved, on April 23, 1843, to be caused to be built, was to be raised by assessment, collectable on November 15, 1843. This apparently was not accomplished, for it was not until 1846 that the contractor was paid, an entry March 18, 1846, reading: "This day Settled with Rradly Wood, & paid him fifty-one dollars, by giving order on the treasurer, which being all that remained his due for building School house."

On October 20, 1844, B. Wood "was employed as School teacher two months at $12.50 per month." A summer school was conducted in 1845 by Mary M. Barnett, a certificated teacher, who taught for three months, from April 21st, at a weekly salary of $1.25. Charles Thompson taught the winter school of that year for $12 a month. -Tane (or James) Templeton taught the summer school of 1846; and on September 16th the directors met, and resolved "that a tax of sixteen dollars be levied for the purpose of paying the District debt, and repairs and furnishing the schoolhouse." On May 3rd of the next year, the directors resolved "to call for an abstract, and collect the tax of Sixteen Dollars." Pay of teacher, Bethulia Day, properly certificated, for the winter term of three months, 1849-50, cost the district, in all, $18, which was paid to her at the end of the school term.

Forty-four students were enrolled for the summer school of 1851, taught by Hannah Morel (or Merel, maybe Merrill). J. W. Taft conducted the winter school of 1851-52, in District No. 4, which apparently served District No. 3 also, for a monthly salary of sixteen dollars. At the end of the term, he was "paid $29.96 cents out of District No. 4, and $18.04 cents out of District No. 3"; and his quarterly report, "ending with the sixth day of March, 1852" showed that "the hole number of schoollars enroled for the Quarter was thirty fur male and twenty females," of whom nine females and eleven males were from District No. 3. The report further stated that "The branches taught were Reading, Spelling, Writing, Geography, Grammar, and Arithmatick."

"A Contract between Teacher and Directors, it is agreed between Thomas Martin and Benjamin Fleming, School Directors in District No. 4, Fulton Township, Ohio, and Esther Merrill Teacher in said District that the said Directors Shall pay to the said Teacher the sum of (14) fourteen shillings a week for the term of twelve weeks."

In the abnormal times during and immediately succeeding the Civil war, when prices and costs advanced almost beyond credence, the school directors were careful in the placing of contracts. Lisa Lucas taught the winter school of 1864, the directors to secure her services being forced to agree to pay her a salary of one dollar a day, she meeting them to the extent of agreeing, states the record, "to stop any time we think she dont earn her money." A somewhat similar understanding was that of April 11, 1865, when Miss Mary Fralcer was "hired to teach a common school, in Disk No. 4 for three householders, who were expected to contribute wood in proportion to the number of children sent for tuition. What that contribution should be was decided by the school directors on April 14, 1851, when they resolved "that a quarter of a cord of wood, or twelve and a half cents to the scholar" be assessed householders, the amount presumably covering one winter term of school. This practice seems to have been discontinued, for the book records that, on November 26, 1864, the directors met "for the purpose of selling wood for school purpose," the entry stating that "John Watkins being the lowest bidder at one dollar & 23 cts per cord is to get ten cords of wood at a cost of $12.30." It is clear, however, that the directors met to buy wood, not to sell it, for on March 18, 1865, John Wesley Watkins was paid $12.33 "for ten cords of wood." In 1867, the directors bought wood for the school

Quite a story precedes the ultimate purchase of a stove for the school. Probably, there was an open fireplace in the log schoolhouse, but evidently a stove must have been lent, for "a meeting of the voters

Clark'' on September 15, 1843, had to consider compensation that should be paid to the owner of stove, for damage done to it. It was resolved "that a tax of three Dollars be levied on the district and collected. for the purpose of paying George Black for the damage on his stove in the old schoolhouse." Next, came an entry: "January 20,

1845, School District No. 2, Dr. to Charles Gunn, for drawing and setting the stove up in the Schoolhouse, thirty-seven cents." Having a new frame schoolhouse, the school directors apparently soon became of the opinion that they might legitimately expect the householders to agree to the expending of the sum necessary to provide the school with a stove of its own. Therefore, a special meeting of the voters was called, and in due course, on March 8, 1845, they met at the schoolhouse. Isaac Day, states the minute, "Submitted the following resolution for a tax of fifty Dollars, on putting the vote it was Carried five voting for the tax and three against it ..... . Said tax to be levied for the purpose of paying for a Stove and pipe, and School Directors, and brick for a hearth, a well & Cobbles." Another meeting of the voters was held soon afterwards, on April 10, 1845, at which meeting it was decided "by a unanamos vote" to rescind the vote taken on the 8th of March, 1845, for a "fifty dollar tax," which was declared to be illegal; which decision ended for some years the chance of the school possessing a stove of its own. However on April 14, 1851, the subject was again broached at a meeting of directors, and Charles Gunn, district clerk, recorded the following in the minutes of the meeting:

"James W atkins submitted the following resolution that a tax of ten dollar- be leved to purchase a stove and other nesaserses for the School house and was carried by a unanamous vote."

Again, however, the directors were to be disappointed, for across that minute the incoming chairman of the board, in the following month wrote, in a bold hand, "illegal procedings on the 14 of April 1851." However, such a state of affairs could not continue for long, and at a special meeting of the voters, held on the 19th of May, of that year, "thare wase a tax voted of Seventeen dollars, for the purpose of hying a Stove and brick for a hearth, bucket, and dipper & repairs for the Schoolhouse, and other purposes." The end of the story came on "November 22, A. D. 1851" when "An order ishued for twelve dollars, for to get a stove by William Critzer and James Watkins. Signed by me, John Watkins, Clark, and handed to Thomas Martin and William Critzer to purchase the stove, and they said they paid ten dollars for the stove." So that instead of paying fifty dollars, they eventually purchased one for ten, and, during the years of negotiation, apparently had the free use of a stove of fairly presentable appearance.

Conditions in general seemed to be getting back to normal in the '70s, for there is one entry recording the hiring of one teacher, Martha Herrick, "to teach summer school, for three months, at $18, and board herself." Formerly, the teachers used to "board around"; e. g., would stay a week or two in the home of one householder, a week or two in another, and so on until the end of the term, the householders giving the pedagogue free board and lodging.

One final extract from the book. In 1878, the schoolhouse underwent repairs, apparently somewhat extensive interior repairs. Yet, the cost of window lights, door lock, paint brushes, lath, digging and hauling two loads of sand, four barrels of lime, and the labor of four men, painting, plastering and what not, for three days, totalled only to 823.08.

It will therefore be seen, in a reading of the foregoing excerpts from the actual record of a school district of Fulton county, how economically the early school administrators sought to carry on the school development. Economy was necessary. Schools also were necessary, indeed vital. And the directors, although some were men of little academic knowledge,' were earnest and determined to build the school system safely. And although this particular book, because of its accessibility, has been reviewed somewhat extensively, a similar history probably could be written of the pioneer period of most of the school districts of the county. Reference to individual districts will have appropriate place in the township chapters; consequently it wall suffice here to give only the general history of the school system.

A graphic picture of early school life, at least of one of its phases, is seen in some reminiscent verse, entitled "Old Times in Ottokee," contributed to one of the local papers, in June, 1913, by "Rock" Handy Rice, a well-known and popular member of an old Fulton county family. In part, the rhyme reads:

The first school to be established in Fulton county was probably that organized in Pike Township, in 1835. In "Pioneer Days in Pike Township," Mrs. Agnes Howard McClarren, of Winameg, states: "The first school was taught in 1835. in a log hut located on the Silsby farm, by Elizabeth Trowbridge, who afterwards became the wife of William Fewless. She is remembered as a woman of strong character. She believed in social advancement, and the influence of religious living. The schoolhouse was later removed to where the Salis- bury Cemetery now is, afterwards returned to Thomas Silsby's Corners, where it now remains under the name of "Pike Centre School." Other townships quickly followed, organizing school districts almost simultaneously with the organization of the township. In the '40s and '50s, sclioolhouses were abundant; seemed to blossom wherever a little community had taken root. And in later years, it seemed to those connected with the school system that such multiplication of schools was not only an extravagance, but a detriment. The early directors were however governed by the general conditions of the time, the most important factor in determining their policy being the manner and means of travel. In a practically roadless country, even adults did not care to go far from home. As the years passed, and conditions of travel improved, the school directors seemed to veer gradually to consolidation of schools. -J. W. Roseborough, writing in i876, stated : shantie- heretofore built, we are now able and do erect large commodious and substantial brick houses. Tn room of niggardly house sites of 30 by 40 feet, we now have a full acre of land to each house, furnishing a site and also a safe and ample playground. Instead of being pushed for means, as formerly, to keep up sixteen or eighteen schools for six months, we now have money, plenty when judiciously used, for from seven to nine months of live vigorous teaching."

J. W. Roseborough, himself a teacher in early manhood and throughout his life an interested and strong advocate of better schools, would surely have been pleased had he lived to see the fine centralized schools of Fulton and Chesterfield Township, a change in school policy developed to some extent by the incessant agitation of such men as he, who constantly used the columns of local papers to further the thought. The editor of the "Fulton County Tribune" wrote, on January 8, 1904: "For a number of years the most ardent friends of the country schools have been advising that the schools of a township be conducted in one building, erected near the center of the township." The beginning of centralization in Fulton county, and indeed in the whole of northwestern Ohio, may be attributed to the defection of the teacher in charge of the school in District No. 3, of Fulton Township, in the spring of 1903. He resigned about two months before the end of the school term. Centralization had been theoretically agitated for many years, but the action of the teacher referred to brought the question before the directors of Fulton Township schools for immediate and practical decision. They decided to arrange for the transportation of pupils of No. 3 District school to that of District No. 2, at Ai, each morning, and return them to their homes each night. It was a success, and in the following year the pupils of District No. 8 were aho conveyed to and from the Ai school. Eventually came complete centralization of schools in that township, and the building of the present splendid schoolhouse at Ai.

What a striking contrast is that represented by the log schoolhouse of the '30s and '40s, and the massive centralized schoolhouse of today. Maybe, the contrast between the teachers of today and those of the early days would not be so striking. There were many indifferent and incapable teachers in the early days; but some of the teachers were brilliant. A. Holmes Smith, of Delta, one of the earliest and most capable school examiners of Fulton county, and for fifty years connected with the Board of Education, as teacher, examiner, and director. stated that he found many quite brilliant, while others had little knowledge of arithmetic, other than mental. In the '50s there was a general re-examination of teachers, and only the most capable were retained. Tim Fulton County Board of Education sought to radically raise the standard of education, and candidates for teaching certificate? were subjected to much more rigid tests than formerly. Higher sal aries were offered, and this policy brought in many teachers from adjoining counties. Teachers came from Oberlin, Norwalk, Adrian, and other places, and generally those who failed to pass the examiners went into Henry county, stated Mr. Holmes Smith. A teachers' institute was organized in 1857, and among the questions put by examiners to candidates for teaching certificates was: "Do you attend the Teachers' Institute meetings?" Applicants soon became of the opinion that attendance at the Institute meetings was an essential to the granting of certificate, consequently, the Teacher's Institute soon became a strong organization. It apparently had its inception in a meeting held on July 25, 1857. "to organize a teachers' association in Fulton county." The first officers were: M. II. Butler, president; Amos Hilton, vice president; J. Brewster, secretary.

Some will have reference elsewhere in this work, and the record of others will be found creditable in other county publications. A few have had especially distinctive careers, or especially long connection with the Fulton county educational system. Samuel Durgin was one of the first school examiners; so also was Martin II. Butler. Thomas Harvey and De Wolf both became state school commissioners. Joseph Aldrich was an early school examiner. "Aunt Jane" Lutz was known from one end of Swan Creek to the other; was wont to pass from house to house, when whole families would be stricken with ague and fever. She would cook, wash, and attend to the personal and domestic affairs of one stricken household, nursing and feeding them; and then pass on to the next home; all out of whole-hearted love and affection for her neighbors. Michael Handy and 0. B. Verity became juominent members of the Fulton county legal bar. Addie DeMeritt was a teacher for more than thirty years; Mrs. Phoebe Riddle taught for practically a generation; Jonathan Hunt, of Swan Creek, was one of the most advanced teachers of his time; and many others might be mentioned. William B. ("Bill") Cowan, of Pike Township, and James F. ("Jim") Burroughs, of Royalton, both excellent teachers, were much sought after by the directors of certain school districts in their active days. James F. Burroughs taught fifty-nine winter terms of school in Fulton and Luca« counties, and generally passed the summer months in farming. "Bill" Cowan, in his day, was one of the ablest educators in the county; a remarkable man, in fact, stated Holmes Smith, the school examiner, adding that Cowan was "quite a mathematician." Mr. Smith recollects that Cowan once told him that he had had very little schooling; had had practically no academic training, and had spent most of his early life in farming; yet, he was destined to teach school for fifty-four terms, and to conduct a summer school for teachers with such success that he became the mentor and tutor of some of the most capable teachers of Fulton county. Of the students who attended his short normal course 187 became teachers. Mr. Cowan died in 1913, and as there is nothing in permanent biographical record regarding him, it might not be inappropriate to here briefly cover the deficiency, culling the material from an article which appeared in the "Fulton County Tribune," December 21, 1906. From it, we gather that he was born in 1827, that, in his own words:

"The first school I attended was held in a salt box. The merchants had large boxes in which to store salt during the summer months, and in the winter they were empty; and as those early settlers had no money to furnish a building, or time to erect one, they until I was eight years old. From the time I was twelve years old, until I was seventeen, I had but nineteen days of schooling in any one year; but every night you would find me in a corner, near the fireplace, working over my books with the best teacher at my side -

He taught for several years in the schools of his home county, and when, in 1852, he purchased some land in Pike Township, Fulton county, and found farming hard and precarious, he thought again of teaching. He said :

"In the winter of 1854, I taught my first term of school in this county. My first term of school was successful, and after that it was a matter for me to decide which school I would teach in. Two districts in Pike Township were determined to have me teach, and year after year they would overbid each other, until they were paying me fifty-two or fifty-three dollars per month, when I told them they had gone high enough, and to settle the matter I would teach five years in one district, and then five years in the other. This arrangement seemed to be satisfactory, and I followed it until I quit teaching, I taught twelve winter terms in one district, and thirteen in the other."

"Bill" Cowan was a man of strong character, frank and emphatic in expression, and quick in decision. He had very many friends throughout the county.

So as not to duplicate school history reviewed in the township chapters, this chapter will end with a brief statement of the school system, as now constituted in Fulton county. The re-districting of Fulton county schools, under the new school code of 1914, when the township schools came more directly under county control, is a step toward centralization; and the Fulton County Board of Education hopes to bring such a plan gradually into effect. Under the new code, Professor Bierv, superintendent of Wauseon schools, became the county superintendent of schools in 1914, hut after he had resigned in 1915, to accept a professorship in a leading college, Professor C. D. Perry was appointed, and is still county superintendent. He has had a distinguished career as an educator in Fulton county, and was recently elected president of the Northwestern Ohio Teachers' Association. His assistants are: E. F. Chase, who is superintendent of the northern half of the county, termed the Supervision District No. 1 ; and IT. M. Jay, superintendent of the southern half, called Supervision District No. 2. The present Board of Examiners is made up as follows: H. M. Jay, president ; C. C. Smith, vice president ; C. D. Perry, clerk. The present members of the Fulton County Board of Education are: C. K. Miller, Fayette; W. L. Biddle, Wa.useon ; W. B. McClarren, Delta; W. C. Hoch, Delta; and W. J. Weber, of Pettisville, who is president. There are twenty-four district boards, information, regarding which will be found in township chapters.

According to "The Annual Statistical Report" of the county superintendent, for the year 1919, the Fulton County Board of Education then controlled eightv-three one-room elementary schools, and three two-room elementary schools; and in addition eight larger elementary and first grade high schools.

There were, in 1919, seventeen rural school districts in the county, seven village districts, and two supervision districts in addition to the two centralized districts, Fulton and Chesterfield.

Under ordinary conditions, the school year is divided into two terms, affording, in all, eight months of tuition in the country schools, and nine months in the village schools.

Enrollment figures for 1919 are: 2,252 boys and 2,186 girls in elementary grades; and 347 male and 435 female students in the high schools. In 1919, there were 123 high school graduates, and 328 eighth-grade graduates.

In that year, the high school staffs consisted of sixteen male and twenty-three female teachers, thirty-five of whom had graduated from college or university, and two had had partial college courses. Three teachers were graduates of a four-year normal course; two of a twoyear normal; and the others were graduates of high school course. The salaries paid to teachers of township high schools, in 1919, averaged $872. In the village high schools, the average was $945.

The elementary schools of the county were, in 1919, staffed by four male and 136 female teachers. Of that number, one was a college graduate, three had attended college but had not graduated, 118 had had partial normal school training, twelve wTere graduates of a four-year and six graduates of a two-year normal course. With one exception, all teachers employed had graduated from high school Salaries paid to elementary rural school teachers averaged, in 1919: $720. Teachers in the village elementary schools were paid an average of $738. At these rates it is becoming increasingly difficult to get the sendees of teachers of the standard demanded.

Chapter Viii

In the earliest days of the county, banks "sprang up like mushrooms," stated "Charley" Cornell. "Anybody, who felt that way inclined could start a bank. But they didn't last long, and people got into the habit of banking in their own pockets what little money they could accumulate." Paper was not then as stable as it is today. Pioneer Fulton county men who helped to build the railroad through the county in 1854 had to take their pay in Kalamazoo notes. These they were generally able to pass in trade, but the notes were not good and acceptable tender in payment of taxes.

Nothing is on record regarding these early banks, because they were of little consequence, and generally of brief history. Indeed, until the last decade of the nineteenth century, the only two banks of any importance in Fulton county were Barber's Bank of Wauseon, and the Bank of Fayette. The first-named wTas established in 1863, and the Fayette Bank in about 1871.

The Bank of Wauseon began to do business in a small frame building, on the east side of Fulton street south of the railroad, on February 1, 1863. It was founded by Epaphras L. Barber. Naaman Merrill later became a partner, the firm then trading as Barber and Merrill, until 1879, when E. S. Callender, became a partner. In that year Naaman Merrill died. A commodious bank building was erected in 1871, on the east side of Fulton street, north of the railroad, and there for very many years the bank headquarters were. In July of 1907 the Bank of Wauseon was reconstructed, taking corporate powers, under the name of the Wauseon Savings and Trust Company, with a capital of $50,000. The partners of the old bank were : E. L. Barber, son of Col. Epaphras L. Barber; H. A. Barber; Sophy H. Barber, and Addie L. Barber. These members of the pioneer Wauseon family, together with W. T. Hudson, were the stockholders and directors of the new bank, E. L. Barber being president, and W. T. Hudson, cashier. The new bank, however, was destined to have a very short life. On April 21, 1908, the doors were closed, temporarily it was stated, Mr. E. L. Barber then making a statement, which read as follows :

"The Bank of Wauseon was a partnership composed of E. L. Barber, IT. A. Barber, Addie L. Barber, and Sophy II. Barber, and had been engaged in banking in Wauseon for many years. Last July there was incorporated the Wauseon Savings and Trust Company, under the laws of the State of Ohio, with a capital stock of $50,000, for the purpose of taking over .the banking business of the Bank of Wauseon; and this has been gradually carried on so that at the present time practically all of the banking business is now in the corporation.

The present corporation lias securities and assets representing every dollar of deposits, and the issued capital stock. If the securities and assets are not sold at forced sale, and a fair valuation is realized upon them, there will be ample to pay all of the depositors in full.

The annual demands upon the bank for money at this time made it necessary for it to either sacrifice its securities, at less than their value, and thus cause an unnecessary loss to its depositors and stockholders, or to place its affairs in the hands of a competent receiver, who could properly preserve and administer the assets in such a way as to realize their reasonable value. The present action was therefore determined upon, and Mr. George W. Close, a banker, and a man of wide experience and acknowledged ability was appointed by Judge Taylor as Receiver of the Wauseon Savings & Trust Company, and gave bond in the sum of $100,000; and the Hon. H. C. Rorick. who has had large experience in financial matters, and is well and 'favorably known, was appointed by Judge Taylor as Receiver of the Bank of Wauseon, and gave a $50,000 bond. The appointment of these two men by Judge Taylor assures depositors that the affairs of the bank will be honestly and capably administrated."

The Bank of Fayette, the other of the two pioneer banks was finally liquidated, but not however to the loss of depositors. It was founded in about the same year (1871) in which Fayette became a railroad town, George E. Letcher, who had built a grain house in Fayette and had "made Fayette one of the best grain markets in northwestern Ohio" was the owner of the bank until 1885, when he sold to Arthur and C. L. Allen and J. Trowbridge, who conducted the business, a? a private company, until 1913, when they decided to go out of business, which they did, in September of that year closing the bank, "after twenty-seven years of satisfaction to all its patrons."

So, in brief, is the history of the two pioneer banks of Fulton county. The county has many stable banks today, and an attempt will be made to separately and adequately review, in this chapter, each existing bank. There are thirteen, Archbold, Delta, Fayette, Metamora, and Wauseon each having two, and Lyons, Pettisville, and Swanton one. Somewhat extensive reference will be made in volume two of this work to the lives of some of the prominent Fulton county bankers of today; therefore, in biographical reference, this chapter will deal only with deceased bankers.

Colonel Epaphras L. Barber, who died in 1899, was of course the pioneer banker of Fulton county, and he died many years before the bank he founded closed its doors. His life will however be reviewed in an even more appropriate chapter, in that which traces the development of Wauseon, of which he was one of the original proprietors.

Naaman Merrill's life will also be reviewed elsewhere. He was one of the pioneer school teachers; was clerk of the courts in 1853; and from being a leading democrat he became an active republican, when that party superseded the whig party in the '50s.

The Rorick family has had prominent connection with Fulton county banking, especially with the banks of Fayette. Cosper Rorick, who died in 1911, may be considered to have been the founder ol the Fayette State Savings Bank. His home was in Morenci, but he was well-known throughout Fulton county, and, as an obituary stated "a figure familiar in the community for over a half century has been laid to rest, and the citizens mourn the loss of an honorable upright fellow-citizen, and big-hearted friend."

Charles C. Greenleaf, one of the founders of the Peoples State Bank of Wauseon, was connected with Fulton county banking for twenty years. He died in 1910. Mr. Greenleaf was one of the leading financiers of the county, successful in business, and esteemed for his steady purpose in life.

George S. Clement, partner with Mr. Greenleaf in the milling business they conducted together in Wauseon for very many years, was also one of the organizers of the Peoples State Bank, in 1889, and

Another original director of the Peoples' Bank, Hiram Pritchard, died in 1912. He had lived in Wauseon for almost fifty years, and for many years was partner with F. R. Smallman in the Small man Grocery. Previously, he had been a building contractor, and in 1864 built the courthouse in Ottokee.

There was a bank in Delta as early as 1869. It was called the Bank of Delta, and Dr. William Ramsey, whose life will be reviewed in the medical chapter, was the sole owner of it.

Dealing with direct institutional history, the banks at present (1920) in operation in Fulton county are: the Farmers and Merchants Bank, and the Peoples State Bank, both of Archbold; the Peoples Savings Bank, and the Farmers State Bank, both of Delta; the Fayette State and the Farmers State Banks, of Fayette; the Lyons Commercial Bank, of Lyons; the Farmers and Merchants and the Home Savings Banks of Metamora; the Pettisville Savings Bank, of Pettisville; the Fanners and Merchants Deposit Company, of Swanton; and the two banks of the county seat, the Peoples State and First National Banks, of Wauseon. The banks all appear to be doing satisfactory business, and to have the confidence of its depositors; and the history of the respective banks is worthy of place in this county record.

The oldest of the banks now in operation is the Peoples State Bank, of Wauseon. Its history dates back to 1889, and from an original capital of $15,000 to a combined capital and surplus of $120,000, and resources of more than one million eight hundred thousand dollars. Reviewing its more than thirty years of operation and progress, it appears that early in 1889 a partnership was formed by George D. Green, Charles C. Greenleaf, William H. Eager, George S. Clement, Hiram Pritchard, and Frank Smallman, all active business men of Wauseon. The partnership took the trading name of the Peoples Bank, and on December 10, 1889, having erected a suitable building, on the east side of Fulton street and almost opposite the present location of the bank, it was opened, and from that time until December of 1906 did an ever-increasing banking business, as a private institution. In December, 1906, it was incorporated under the banking laws of Ohio as the Peoples State Bank, and began business as a corporate body on January 2, 1907. In 1910 its capital was increased to $100,000. In May, 1913, the bank decided to build a larger bank building, and with that object purchased the old Eager House, and the work of removing the old building was immediately begun. In due course the magnificent modern bank building of brick and Bedford stone became the place of business of the banking corporation, which has since steadily continued to prosper. Its growth may be realized by figures culled from its official records. Its resources on June 30. 1890, totalled to $129,481.89; in 1900 to $375,339.03; in 1910 to $748,131.54; and in 1920 to $1,831,484.58.

It is somewhat remarkable that for a period of twenty-one years there was no change in the directorate of this bank. The first change came when Mr. Charles C. Greenleaf died on April 4, 1910; deaths of Hiram Pritchard and George S. Clement, in 1912, brought further changes in the board, which as now constituted is made up as follows: W. LT. Eager, president; F. R. Smallman, vice president; C. D. Greenleaf, G. D. Green, L. H. Deyo, and C. P. Grisier. Mr. Eager has been president of the bank since its establishment, in 1889 ; and Charles W.

The next bank to be established was the Farmers and Merchants State Bank, of Archbold, which was organized, as a private partnership, in 1897, by J. 0. Swisher, Jacob Ehrat, Jr., C. M. McLaughlin, A. J. Vernier, L. D. Gottshall, and I. W. Gottshall. The bank was re-organized in 1919, when it became the Farmers and Merchants State Bank, with a capital of $50,000. The bank ownership however has remained unchanged since its first establishment, the same six co-partners being its present stockholders. Under its re-organization in 1919 the following named men became its officers: J. O.

Swisher, president; C. M. McLaughlin, vice president; A. J. Stamm, cashier. The "Report of the Condition" of the bank at the close of business May 4, 1920 showed its resources to have then been $470,- 231.29; capital stock, paid in, $50,000; surplus, $1,600. The institution does its business in its own modern bank building, on the corner of Main and Depot streets. The building was erected in 1909, at a cost of about $5,000.

The Farmers State Savings Bank, under its former name, the Farmers National Bank, of Delta, first opened for business on September 13, 1900. Its organizers were: C. P. Grisier, A. J. Fraker, A. W. Crisman, L. D. Gottshall, A. B. Thompson, A. M. Wilkins, and S. P. Bishop. The first officers were: C. P. Grisier, president;

A. J. Fraker, vice president; J. W. Crisman, second vice president; A. P. Grisier, cashier. For the first seven years of its operation, the bank was located on Main street, Delta, in the center of a block, and upon the site where now stands the clothing store of P. C. Smith. The bank building was gutted by fire in 1907, and for six or seven months thereafter, the institution did its business in a temporary frame structure hastly erected over the bank vaults1, which had withstood the fire. Meanwhile, a new bank building was in course of construction, and in 1908 was completed, at a cost of about $15,000. Since that year it has been the home of the institution, which on July 6, 1914, liquidated as a national bank, reorganizing as a state bank on the same day. Under the reorganization the following named stockholders became officers: C. P. Grisier, president; A. J. Fraker and J. W. Crisman, vice presidents1; W. C. Hoch, cashier; W. H. Fraker, assistant cashier. There has been one change since that year, A. J. Fraker resigning, and W. H. Fraker being appointed second vice president. The capital stock of the bank has always remained the same, $25,000, but its surplus is now $25,000, and its resources, on February 28, 1920, totalled to $680,829.01. Present directors, in addition to officers above-stated, are: A. B. Thompson, S. P. Bishop, A. M. Wilkins, and Chas I. Fraker.

The Farmers and Merchant Deposit Company, a state bank, was organized in May, 1901, with an authorized capital of $25,000. Its principals were prominent business men of Swanton, and in that village the bank was opened for business in May, 1901. Its original officers were: L. N. Pilliod, president; C. J. Brindley, vice president; and George R. Ackerman, cashier. Its present directorate is constituted as follows: C. J. Brindley, president; John Caraghar, vice president; M. J. Linehan, vice president; George R. Ackerman, cashier; A. B. Lathrop, Casper Murbach, John Rhobasser, F. E. Pilliod, and A. 1). Baker, directors. The Report of Condition, at the close of business, May 4, 1920, showed the bank then to have had resource' amounting to $815,603.53, a capital of $25,000, and a surplus of $15,000.

There are two Metamora banks. Both were organized in 1901, but the first to actually open for business was the Farmers and Merchants Bank. It was organized on July 17, 1901, as a branch of the Farmers and Merchants Bank Company of Sylvania, Ohio, and opened on August 10, 1901, in the store of F. A. Seeley, Metamora. The first officers were: A. R. Chandler, president; E. F. Rowley and Thomas Gibbs, Sr., vice presidents; and W. B. Harris, cashier. The original stockholders included A. R. Chandler, M. Lochbihler, C. II. Heffron, L. L. Ford, F. A. Seeley, Andrew Becker, George Bell, L. J. Newton, W. H. Dennis, and George W. Taylor. In 1902 the bank took corporate powers, as a state bank. Its capital then was $12,500. and under the following named officer's: C. H. Heffron, president; Miles Kahle and L. L. Ford, vice presidents; F. A. Seeley, cashier. Until July, 1916, the bank was located on the north side of Main street, Metamora, almost opposite Maple street, but in the month named it was moved to its present location, on the corner of Maple and Main streets. The bank report of May 4, 1920, states that the resources then totalled to $381,682.00, that the paid in capital stock was $25,000, with a surplus of $5,800.00. The present officers are: F. E. Broadbeok, president; C. Gestwite, vice president; E. A. Seeley, cashier.

The Home Savings Bank, of Metamora, was established in 1901, and opened for business on September 16, of that year. Its location has never changed, although in view of the steady expansion of banking business done by the institution, the directors a few years ago decided to build a suitable bank building. On December 28, 1918, the new bank building was opened. The bank stockholders have never sought charter of incorporation. The organizers, E. S. Davoll, Horace Tredwav. H. H. Tredway, S. O. Rothfuss, J. W. Crisman, and A. F. Mitchell, are still its stockholders, and the original president,

E. S. Davoll, is still in that office, and, it is stated., the bank has each year been in a position to pay good dividends. Its original capital, which was $2,500, has been increased many times, and the paid-in capital now stands at $12,000. Its resources, on May 4, 1920, were $467,441.06. Its banking house, lot, furniture, and fixtures, are valued at $14,882.00.

The First National Bank, of Wauseon, was organized in 1903. On September 1st of that year, application was made to the Controller of the Currency for authority to organize the First National Bank of Wauseon, Ohio, said application having affixed thereto the signatures of S. O. Rothfuss, F. C. Hoehler, A. D. Gilmore, E. S. Davoll, and

F. O. Peak. On October 22, 1903, the Articles of Association and Organization Certificate were executed and forwarded to the Controller of the Currency.

act as officers : F. C. Hoehler, president ; E. S. Davoll, vice president; S. 0. Rothfuss, cashier. On January 9, 1904, authority was given to commence business under charter number 7091, and ten days later, the shareholders adopted a resolution increasing the capital from $25,000 to $35,000. At the first annual meeting of shareholders, held on January 28, 1904, a new board of directors was elected. The new board was constituted as follows: I). K. Shoop, president; F. J.

Spencer, vice president; S. O. Rothfuss, cashier; P. J. Lenhart, J. M. Longnecker, H. T. Hall, F. G. Hoehler, E. S. Davoll, C. F. M. Niles, and A. D. Gilmore, directors. The bank did not however open for business until February 15, 1904, and were then able to occupy the new bank building erected at the corner of Depot and Fulton streets.

The building is valued at $15,000, and at that address, 114 North Fulton street, the First National Bank has since continued to do its business. Messrs. Shoop and Spencer are still president and vice president, respectively, but S. O. Rothfuss in 1913 was elected second vice president, and Henry F. Davis appointed cashier. In 1917 Wayne B. Harris became cashier, and a promising career was cut short on January 31, 1920, Mr. Harris then succumbing to sickness. Fie had not yet reached his third decade of life, yet he had more prominent connection with Liberty Loan campaigns during the years of war than had any other Fulton county citizen, and it seemed that a notable banking career was before him. His place as cashier at the First National Bank was taken by Frank Weber, who had formerly been assistant to Mr. Harris. The First National Bank of Wauseon is steadily expanding its volume of business, and a 1920 report of its condition

The Lyons Commercial Bank, a co-partnership, had its inception in 1903, or 1.904, the principal organizer being a Mr. Seagreaves, who was connected with the Toledo and Western Railroad Company, the tracks of which were laid through Royalton Township and a station opened at Lyons in 1902. At the outset the bank was an authorized state bank, but in 1908 the original stockholders sold to prominent citizens of Lyons. From that time, the institution has been conducted as a private bank. There is every probability however that, on July 1, 1920, the business will again pass into the state bank category, a movement now being in process to make it such, with a capital of $10,000. Its officers in 1908, when the bank passed into the control of local people, were: Charles Holt, president; Fred H. Carpenter, cashier;

R. P. Carpenter, secretary and treasurer. A reorganization on March 31, 1911, brought in R. C. Rothfuss, as president, and S. O. Rothfuss, as vice president. Present officers are: H. IT. Tredway, president;

The Peoples Savings Bank Company, of Delta, was organized on April 14, 1906, as a state bank, with a capital of $25,000. The organizers were: J. M. Longnecker, F. Bxiggs, W. T. Saxton, Hal M. Parker, J. A. Latzer, N. F. Carmon, and Byron Yarnell. The original officers were: J. M. Longnecker, president; F. Briggs, and W. T.

Saxton, vice presidents; N. F. Carmon, cashier. The bank opened for business on June 6, 1906, on the north sade of Main street, Delta, in the store now occupied by McKeen and Company, confectioners. Sixteen months later however the bank was removed to 312 Main street, and that has since been its location. The present members of its directorate are: J. M. Longnecker, president; W. T. Saxton, vice president; A. T. McComb, cashier; W. L. Biddle, W. E. Fowler, F. J. Shumaker, E. M. Tappan, and C. R. P. Waltz, directors. Mr. McComb has been cashier since February, 1908. The institution has had a satisfactory banking career, and although its capital is still $25,000, it has a surplus of $32,000. Its resources, on May 4, 1920, totalled to $563,285.12, and its deposits to $504,365.15.

Fayette has two banks, and both came into existence in 1906 . The Fayette State Savings Bank was opened on October 8, 1906, and its principal organizers and stockholders were members of the Rorick family, so well-known and so closely associated with Fulton county. C. Rorick. Sr., of Morenci, Michigan, and at that time president of the First National Bank of Morenci became president of the Fayette bank ; G. Acker became its vice president ; and G. IT. Crane its cashier. Other original directors were: LI. C. Rorick and Sidney Spitzer, of Toledo: J. C. Rorick, of Wauseon; Albert B. Forester, of Morenci; W. D. Murphy, and D. W. Griffin, of Fayette. The bank was opened in a building almost opposite its present quarters. Their present bank building was formerly known as the Co-operative Building. It cost the bank organizers $3,750, and it was purchased prior to the opening of bank in 1906. The former occupant however had a long lease, and until its expiration the building was not available for banking purposes. In 1911, Mr. C. Rorick, Sr., died, and Dr. E. H. Rorick of Fayette, became president. He was succeeded two years later bx a relative, H. C. Rorick, president of the Spitzer-Rorick Trust Company. of Toledo. He is still president, other officials and directors being: J. C. Rorick, vice president; G. H. Crane, cashier; M. B.

The Farmers State Bank was founded on November 10, 1906, and occupies its own substantial brick building, in the old Kendall Block. Its facilities, in banking room, vaults, and such like, are quite modern, and its management seems to be conservative yet progressive. The original officers were: C. P. Grisier, president; J. A. Mattern, vice

E. B. Gambee, directors. The only changes in directorate are that Dr. E. H. Rorick is now a member, and also second vice president, and Messrs. Brink, Wise, and Gunsaullus are no longer members. The capital is now $25,000, with surplus of $20,000. Its resources at the close of business on February 28, 1920, totalled to $515,871.92.

A state bank was organized by leading citizens of Archbold in 1907, the new bank taking the name of the Peoples State Bank Company. It began to do business in October, 1907, under promising auspices, and its growth has been steady. Its capital has always been $25,- 000, paid in, and in February, 1920, the surplus fund stood at $7,100, and the resources at $477,814.57. The original stockholders were: L. P. Vernier, E. E. Hallett, J. C. Nofzinger, E. Rupp, J. Rupp, John Gigax, J. Baumgartner, David Snyder, A. M. Buhrer, Fred Flory, S. C. Schantz, N. J. Rychener, G. D. Wyse, J. Wyse, and John H. Miller. The original directorate was as follows: L. P. Vernier, president; J. Rupp, vice president; S. C. Schantz, secretary and cashier; John Baumgartner, G. D. Wyse, S. C. Nofzinger, E. E. Hallett, and A. M. Buhrer, directors. The 1920 directorate is: J. H. Miller, president; F. A. Geesey, vice president; S. C. Schantz, cashier; S. C. Nofzinger, N. J. Ruchener, J. Monroe, and G. J. Vernier, directors. Mr. Schantz has been cashier since the establishment of the bank, in 1907.

Guffin, S. O. Rothfuss, R. C. Rothfuss, J. B. Meister, and W. J. Weber, all of whom, excepting J. S. Rychener and R. C. Rothfuss, still have connection with the bank. The original and present officers were and are: John B. Meister, president; George McGuffin, vice president;

William J. Weber, cashier. The bank opened for business on September 1, 1909, and its volume of business has developed satisfactorily. The Report of the Condition of the bank at the close of business May 4, 1920, showing resources of $223,496.73, a capital of $7,000, and a surplus of $1,530.08.

Chapter Ix

In reviewing the history of institutions and societies of Fulton County, it will not, probably, be thought improper to refer first to the Fulton County Fair, which of all the institutions of the county, saving of course those of religious purpose, is that in which the people in general seem to take greatest interest. That must be so, when it is realized that for many years the average attendance at the annual fair of the Fulton County Agricultural Society has been more than twenty thousand persons. And the days spent at the Fair are to most people probably happy memories; recollections of pleasurable reunions with old friends; of days made bright by spirited, yet friendly competition with one's neighbors ; and by a wholesome pride in the agricultural development and excellence of the home county.

Sixty-two years have passed since the first fair- was held in Fulton comity, and to the stimulus engendered by its competitions may surely be attributed some of the agricultural development of the county. As to the first fair:

"The idea of a fair for Fulton County came of a pleasant ride to another fair" stated an article published in the "Democratic Expositor" of Wauseon, some years ago. "One beautiful day, early in the autumn of 1857, while Mr. and Mrs. Dresden W. H. Howard, together with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Camp, of Cleveland, were driving from the Howard homestead, near Winameg, to Adrian, to see the fair there, Mr. Howard suddenly exclaimed: 'Why can't we have a fair?' Mr. Camp replied that they could if they only said that they would. The attractiveness of the Adrian fair., .took such a hold on Mr. Howard that he resolved to start the ball rolling in Fulton County immediately.

"Accordingly, as soon as he got home, he called a meeting of his neighbors, and so filled them with his own enthusiasm that the county agricultural society was then and there organized. It was determined to hold the fair the next year.

"For a site, ten acres of land were leased on the farm of Dr. Welcome C. Robinson, just east of Ottokee. When the time came for getting the grounds1 in shape for the first exhibition, teams and labor were offered gratis bv nearly everybody in the vicinity, and it was only a little while until a suitable place and commodious buildings were ready.

"At first, the people did not seem to know what was expected of them in the way of exhibits. For instance, a horticultural hall had been provided, but the only flowers to be seen in it were the blossoms of a white ten rose, furnished by Mrs. Howard. Perhaps one reason for this lack of interest in bringing things to exhibit wras due to the fact that only subscriptions to agricultural papers, such as the Farmer's Review, were offered for premiums, as money was. lacking. I he next vear. however, Mrs. Joe Willey, wife of the pioneer merchant at Phillips' Corner, or what we now call Siney, saw to it that plenty ot flowers were provided for this hall. Naturally there was no race course on this small plot, but recreation was furnished by plowing matches between the farmers; and probably more interest was shown in these matches than is now manifested in horse races. "

"When the ten-year lease of the Robinson tract was about to expire, some of the younger men in the society, notably Elder L. L. Carpenter, were ambitious to buy a suitable site of forty acres, and have a lace course. The older men . . . hesitated somewhat at assuming such a considerable undertaking, but finally acquiesced if, as the 'Colonel' said, they would buy early, so that they could get the land cheap. The result was the purchase of the present grounds, with Elder Carpenter, Oliver Verity and 'Colonel' Howard, .assuming the chief responsibility.

"We of today can little appreciate the amount of work necessary in converting this land, from a. muggy swamp, into a high and dry exhibition grounds, with an excellent race course."

"Among the early members of the society, in addition to Colonel Howard, Judge Verity, and Elder Carpenter, were 0. Merrill, A. B. Robinson, E. H. Patterson, Joseph Shadle, Joel Brigham, L. G. Ely, S. G. Aumend, James Turner, H. C. Adams, Albert Deyo, A. B. Thomson, Richard Scott, Elliot, Isaac and Meek Bayes and Clark Standish. These men guided the society through it first three or four decades of active operation. The first fair grounds were situated in Dover Township, about a half mile east and nearly half a mile south from Ottokee. The second and present, location was on marshy, unimproved, and, in parts, densely wooded land, on the west road leading from Wauseon to Ottokee. The improvements for the first year were made at an expense of about fifteen hundred dollars, and subsequent erection of buildings, fences, enclosures, and the construction of race track cost the society several thousand dollars. And in addition, many of the public-spirited men who were active in carrying through the project to definite success gave much of their time and labor gratuitously. They were later recognized and rewarded by election to life membership of the society; and of these original life members only two now survive: Lucius P. Taylor, of Pike Township, now in his one hundred and fourth year; and the Hon. L. G. Ely, of West Unity, Williams county. He was president for very many years, and scarcely missed attending a meeting of the fair board, making the journey from his home in West Unity with unfailing regularity.

One of the most interesting events in the history of the Fulton County Agricultural Society was that which took place in 1885, when a log cabin, similar to those of pioneer days, was raised on the fair grounds by eighty-four pioneer residents. James H. Sherwood, pioneer journalist of Fulton county, was himself much interested in the happening, and the following was written by him, and published in his newspaper, the Wauseon "Republican":

"A grand day in the history of the Fulton County Pioneer Asso ciation was Tuesday last, the enthusiasm and interest attending their 'log cabin raising' that day on the Fulton County Fair Grounds, being a matter of surprise to everyone. It is estimated that 1,000 people were present, and although no special effort was made to entertain them, beyond the spectacle of the raising itself, yet the universal expression of those who attended was that they had passed the day most delightfully. The old pioneers seemed to have regained some of the vigor of their earlier years, and engaged in the work with all the energy of former days. Wells Watkins, I). L. Buler, W. H. Beatty, and a Mr. Nixon, all men nearing seventy years of age, were corner men at different times during the day, their work showing that they had not forgotten the art of carrying up a corner in proper shape. To Ralph Llerrick, son of Elijah Herrick, one of the younger pioneers, and his father's substitute in the work of the day, belongs the honor of carrying a corner from the ground to the top, he being

It was indeed a great event; one which took the pioneers back forty or fifty years, to the time when, if they did not "blaze the trail," they certainly "built, and lived in, cabins of roughly hewn of winter in those rude homes"; and they entered joyously into the preparations for the log raising on the Fair grounds. Every pioneer was to bring one log, which was to be of buckeye, if obtainable, otherwise of hickory or oak. And in the names of those who furnished logs and other requisites for the cabin is found a list of eighty-four

Thereafter for many years, at Fair-time, the old pioneers would meet, and, in the prompting environment of the log cabin would delight in talking of old times; but as the years passed, and the pioneers' ranks became thin, the Fair managers thought that the usefulness of the log cabin had been served, and that its site might be given to other and more modern uses. The thought of the raising of the cabin inspired Mrs. Lydia Carter Aldrich, a poetess of considerable note and a member of a pioneer Fulton county family, to write a stirring poem, "The Cabin." It was hung in the old cabin, among pioneer portraits and relics, during Fair-time of 1906. The cabin was used for the last time in that year, and the poem was published in the "Republican" on October 12th of that year. It is here reproduced in full, so as to, if possible, perpetuate in future generations of Fulton county people, the true spirit of reverence they owe to their pioneer fathers, by whose self-sacrifice the swamp and wilderness were converted into what Fulton county now is. The poem reads:

Rut 'cat-hole' and prairie - its forest and fen AY ere wrought into beauty, possessing a charm That wins from their business the busiest men.

Few of the pioneers were still living when the cabin was torn down, so that few had to feel the keen pangs that some unfortunately had to experience. In commenting on the incident, one paper stated

In 1883, another Fair company was organized, a stock company, which traded as the Northwestern Ohio Fair Company. It owned a ground on the outskirts of Wauseon, but eventually the company was liquidated, having failed to attract sufficient public support.

The Fulton County Agricultural Society has always been sufficiently near to being a paying concern to be considered as permanently established. And its annual Fair meetings have in most years been successfully carried through. A. F. Shaffer succeeded Mr. Ely as president, and in about 1909, T. H. Fraker of Delta became president. He has since held the office. S. W. Sipe is vice president; C. A. Knapp is treasurer, and Carl F. Orth, is secretary. Other directors now are: Orlo Whittaker, Will Standisli, Ellsworth Shade, Albert Lloyd, J. C. Geesey, W. L. Biddle, R. D. Miller, C. A. Knapp, Charles Arnsberger, Dan Clingaman, George A. Lew, Sr., E. G. Dailey, D. W. Williams, F. J. Spencer, and E. B. Beatty. Of late years, boys' and girls' clubs have been encouraged, with much credit to the Fair board, and such activities give a distinct interest to the annual fairs. Also, the remarkable development of Fulton county, as a dairying centre, is strikingly evident at the yearly meets. Fulton county now, in its exhibits of Holstein-Friesian cattle at the annual fair, leads almost all other counties in the state. While watching the race track events, it will interest many to know that thirty-five years ago, Richard Shadle, then seventy years old, "and a most highly respected citizen of Ottokee" for the greater part of his life, now of course ended, "held the yoke of oxen were used, and it required many days of hard toil before Mother Earth was got into any kind of shape for a racing circle" stated the record.

The history of the many granges of Fulton county would be too voluminous to here record. Briefly, the movement in this county began in 1873, and grange organizations came rapidly into being in most agricultural centres of the county. Some however were of brief existence. The most prominent promoters of the movement were: M. H. Hayes, J. 11. Brigham, and Wesley A. Blake; and others prominent in the various townships included: George Gasche, Lafayette

Ely, George Roos, Albert Deyo, S. H. Oately, and S. B. Skeels. The first subordinate grange to be organized was Fulton Grange, No. 217, which was instituted on November 15, 1873, in York Township, S. B. Skeels being master. North Star Grange was organized, in Wauseon, December 7, 1873, with Colonel J. H. Brigham, master. Aetna, Qttokee, Chesterfield, Gorham, Champion, Franklin, and Royalton granges came into existence in 1874. The Fulton County Pomona Grange was organized, in Wauseon, September 2, 1876, W. H. Williams, of Chesterfield, having the honor of being elected its first master. The histories of most of the subordinate granges would necessarily be very similar, therefore, as much for general as for individual record, a .review of the history of one only - of the Chesterfield Grange, No. 367, which was organized on January 12, 1874, is given. The facts were compiled by Miss Olive Roos, who wrote:

"William A. Williams became interested in the Grange, by hearing the matter discussed in Wauseon. He talked with the neighbors he met, but being engaged in teaching school could not give it the time neecssary to work it up, and at his request Ambrose Combs spent some time, and a meeting was appointed at his house (where Amos Fay now lives).

"M. IT. Hayes, of Wauseon, deputy state master, was there and explained the object of the organization. The majority of those present became charter members, as follows: J. H. Turner, David Marks, F. A. Denson, Richard Roos, F. B. Sheffield, Morris Smith, Peter Romans, John Roberts, A. Combs, William A. Williams, A. M. Lee, Eustace Leggett, Joseph Johnson, Josiah Lee, Lester L. Ward, Chester Welch, and their wives; Mrs. Mary Mead, Edgar Mead, and C. H. Stutesman. They proceeded then and there to organize and take the pledge of membership, electing and installing officers as follows: William A. Williams, W. M. ; Josiah Lee, W. S. ; Eustace Leggett, W. S. ; A. M. Lee, secretary; F. B. Sheffield, gatekeeper; Mrs. A. M. Lee, Pomona; J. H. Turner, W. 0.; Joseph Johnson, chaplain; David Marks, A. S. ; Ambrose Combs, treasurer; Mrs. J. H. Turner, Ceres; and Mrs. David Marks, Flora.

"The next meetings were held at the homes of William A. Williams and J. H. Turner. In the meantime, Mr. Roberts offered the use of his cheese factory (situated opposite the house of the Delevan Gillis place, now owned by Oliver Onweller) until needed in the spring, and the arrangement was made. Then they arranged with J. H. Turner to build a cheap building on the W. A. Williams place, which had been moved to the roadside on the same farm now owned by Mr. Jennings. Mr. Turner had the hall ready by the time Mr. Roberts wanted the factory, the members paying for it by subscription. The hall was used that summer without plastering, and when that work was done in the fall by Frank Denson, the building made a very comfortable meeting place. It was seated with benches, until they could procure funds to reseat it with chairs.

"The present Grange hall was built by J. H. Turner, and was dedicated by Col. J. II. Brigham on June 6, 1886. This grange is said to have the finest hall in the county. In 1904, the grange celebrated its 30th anniversary, in a very appropriate manner. After a sumptuous dinner had been served, a program arranged by C. T. Stutesman

"It is said that among the charter members J. LI. Turner was the most prominent until he moved to Morenci. The ground for the first hall was leased by the late Peter Romans, and the land where the present bail is was deeded to the grange by the late Darwin Gillis. The grange recently purchased a fine piano for its hall, and the order is in a very flourishing condition."

The granges of course have their practical uses, but they serve as another of those channels through which flow the constant stream of good neighborliness. Prominent early members of the pioneer granges of the county were: G. P. Roos, G. W. Roos, R. P. Boody, A. M. Lee, O. B. Verity, J. D. Aldrich, J. L. Chatfield, Joseph Shadle, J. W. Howard, G. M. Tappan, .T. M. Sindel, W. H., E. M., and E. S. Strong, R. H. Scott, W. P. Garrison, John Borton, L. G. Ely, II. S.

Persing. There were of course many others who had prominent connection with the early granges, to which belonged most of the prominent agriculturists of the county.

Another of the strong organizations of the county is the Farmers' Institute, which for many years has had annual meetings, at which are discussed not only matters that bear directly on agricultural problems and progress, but upon the general life. For instance, centralization of township schools has been the subject of interested and animated discussion. Speakers come from various parts of the state, and from other states, to address the gatherings, and the agriculturists of the county benefit much by the functioning of the Farmers' Institute.

Another organization of agricultural purpose, but of recent establishment, is the Fulton County Farm Bureau, the purpose of which is to help solve the farmer's problems, and to improve agriculture in all lines, having the social welfare of farm life well in view, as well as crop production. R. A. Cave became county agent in 1918, and still holds that capacity. The officers now are: C. L. Shreves, of AVauseon, president; W. B. McClarren, of Delta, vice president; Harmon Gasche, of AVauseon, secretary-treasurer. The various departments, and their respective heads, are: T. L. Aumend, of AVauseon, farm crops; E. J. Krieger, of Swanton, soils; C. D. Perry, of AVauseon, boys' and girls' club work; George Knapp, of Delta, livestock; AV. L. Biddle, of AVauseon, dairy; Frank H. Reighard, of AVauseon, legislation; AV. B. McClarren, of Delta, fertilizer; and D. B. Simpson, of AVauseon, good roads. The Bureau now has about 650 members.

A historical association was organized in 1883, and took the name of the Fulton County Pioneer and Historical Association. Prominent in the organization were Michael Handy, L. G. Ely, D. AV. H. Howard, Albert Deyo, Joseph Shadle, and James S. Dean. Meetings were held twice yearly for some years, but it ceased to function eventually, and its transactions, which should have been faithfully preserved, cannot now be traced. Most of the pioneers who were prominent in the early meetings of the association have passed away. The last officers seem to have been: Mrs. John S. Butler, who was daughter of Chesterfield Clemons, and was honored by election to the presidential office. She died some years ago; Charles F. Handy, secretary. He was a worthy pioneer, Civil AVar veteran, was seventy-six years resident in the county, and for twenty-five years a justice of the peace. He died in 1917 ; and George D. Newcomer, treasurer. He is still alive, and states that the small sum left in the treasury of the association in 1917 he contributed to the Red Cross, when funds for war purposes were solicited in its behalf in that year. So, has passed away the one society which had as its object the preservation of historical records of pioneer days in Fulton county.

In 1903, the Fulton County Humane Society was organized, with sixteen members. No members were added in fifteen years, and of the sixteen only twelve were alive in 1918, and of that number only two were resident in the county in that year. In 1910, Mr. Charles Gingery, of Swan Creek Township, was appointed County Humane Officer, at a salary of twenty-five dollars a month, payable from county funds. In 1918, Prosecuting Attorney Stahl notified the Commissioners to stop payment, whereupon Mr. Gingery, it was soon after-

Out of county funds also, of course, has come the sums necessary, from vear to year, to maintain the Fulton County Home, or as it was formerly known the Fulton County Infirmary, at Ottokee. When it was decided by the October election "of 1869 that the county seat should be removed from Ottokee to Wauseon, it was evident that a good and commodious building used as a court house at Ottokee would soon become vacant, and idle. Therefore, the commissioners of the county, in March, 1874, the Ottokee -courthouse having been vacated, and the new Wauseon building opened, decided to establish a county institute, or home, for the destitute poor, and to set apart the old courthouse at Ottokee for that purpose. Three hundred nearby acres of land were purchased, a large and commodious barn was built, and the refitted courthouse was ready for occupancy, as a poor home, on May 1. 1874. it being thought that the cultivation of the 300 acres of land would probably in time, make the institution self-sustaining, or nearly so. James S. Riddle, one of the first directors of the Infirmary, wrote "A Short History of Fulton 'County, Ohio," in 1883, and the following information, regarding the Infirmary, is extracted from that history:

"In March, 1874, the County Commissioners established the County Infirmary, and appointed 0. A. Cobb, of Dover; P. R. Lewis, of Swan Creek ; and J. S. Riddle, of Franklin, as Infirmary directors. They were notified by the Auditor of their appointment, and they were requested to appear before the Commissioners on the 9th of April, give bonds, and be sworn into office. Accordingly they met, and were severally sworn into office, and organized by appointing J. S. Riddle, secretary. They met at the Infirmary, the Commissioners with them to counsel and instruct, and appointed 0. B. Verity as superintendent. They had everything to provide for the carrying on of the institution, and no money to buy with; but the Commissioners came to their relief and transferred some other funds, for the time being, and helped them to make a start. The first inmates were taken in on the 2nd day of May, 1874.

"At the October election following, P. R. Lewis, of Swan Creek, was elected director for three years; S. B. Skeels of York for two years; and J. S. Riddle for one year. In 1876, J. S. Riddle was elected for three years. In 1876, J. H. Turner of Chesterfield was elected in S. B. Skeels' place. In 1877 Stephen Eldridge, of Dover, was elected in place of P. R. Lewis; in 1878, 0. A. Cobb, of Dover, was elected in place of J. S. Riddle; and E. H. Patterson, of Dover, was elected in place of Stephen Eldridge in the year, 1880.

"0. B. Veri ty and Mrs. Verity served as superintendent and matron very acceptably for nearly five years, when, desiring to be relieved, John Whittaker and lady were appointed to the positions.

"Some complaint was made at first that the poor farm was too much expense, but when we take into consideration that the farm was to be cleared, fenced and ditched, and all the farm utensils, household and kitchen furniture to purchase, the expense was not as much as for similar institutions in adjoining counties. The institution is now in a prospering condition and the inmates have always been treated humanely."

The present brick structure was built in 1894, and was occupied on Christmas Day of that year, thirty-five to forty charges sitting down to their Christmas dinner in their new home. The building was erected at a cost of about $40,000, was well built, and has since splendidly served the purposes for which it was intended. There are now twenty-three male and eight female inmates, and the accommodation for them consists of : two single rooms and nine double rooms, two of which are for three beds, in the men's wing ; and two single, and eight double rooms in the women's wing. There is also a sitting room for the women inmates. In addition, there are the spacious general living rooms, dining hall, sitting room, and parlor. The sanitary conditions are excellent, and the building is lighted by electric supply from Wauseon. Those of the inmates who are strong enough, take part in farm work on the agricultural estate of the institution. Altogether there are 294 acres, 271 of which are improved, and tillable, and in most years successfully tilled. In 1919 the sale of farm produce yielded $6,884.45, which contributed subtsantially to the cost of maintaining the institution. In 1919, the total cost of maintenance was $11,312.75.

Formerly, the County Infirmary was controlled by a board of directors, elected by the voters of the county, but latterly the institution has been under the direct control of the county commissioners. Of the later directors, the service as such of Mr. A. R. Shaffer is deserving of special mention. He was a very efficient director for many years, retiring in 1904. The superintendents have been : O. B. Verity, for about five years; John Whittaker, for about eight years; S. S. Atkinson, for eight years; Charles Hartman, for fifteen years; H. B. Smith, for four years; W. S. Egnew, for two years; and B. F. Jones, since 1916. The institution also has two other employees, as farm hands. Charles Hartman and his wife, who retired in 1909, had excellent records as superintendent and matron, and the present super-

The older fraternal orders, such as the Masonic, Oddfellows and Pythian Orders, are well represented in Fulton county, and the detailed histories of many local lodges will be given in the township chapters. Another fraternal order quite strong in Fulton county is the Ancient Order of Gleaners, of which Mr. IT. H. Hough was one of the chief state officials, being now Supreme-Vice-Chief-Gleaner. It is a fraternal organization of agricultural character, and the lodges in Fulton county are mainly in agricultural centres. The lodges are, as listed by Mr. Hough : Pike Centre Arbor, located in Pike Township; Lyons Arbor, at Lyons, Royalton Township; Ai Arbor, Fulton Township ; Swanton Arbor, Swanton ; Oak Shade Arbor, situated at Brailey, Swan Creek Township; York Centre Arbor, York Township; Chesterfield Arbor, Chesterfield Township; Franklin Arbor, Franklin Township; South Fairfield Arbor, at Whiteville, Amboy Township; Ai Arbor, Delta; and the Ottokee Arbor, No. 851, Dover Township.

Among the Wauseon societies are two active women's organizations, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Women's Club, of Wauseon.

The Wauseon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized on April 18, 1903, at the home of Mrs. Clara H. Newcomer, who became the first regent. The other original officers were: Mrs. Charlotte Ham, vice regent; Mrs. Mary S. Greenleaf, recording secretary; Mrs. Maria S. Green, treasurer; Mrs. Mary C. Edgar, historian; Mrs. Helen Outcalt, registrar; Mrs. Ellen Brigham, chaplain ; Mrs. Harriet B. Sohn, chorister. The members, in 1920, are:

Mrs. Eliza (Ham) Edgar is the present regent, and Mrs. Orpha (Darby) Dimke, vice regent. The chapter came distinctly into favorable notice by its Red Cross work, in particular, during the recent war; in fact, it has been stated that the day next following that upon which President Wilson declared the nation to be in a state of war with Germany, the Wauseon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution initiated Red Cross work in Wauseon.

The Women's Club, of Wauseon, Ohio, was organized in 1895, and became federated in the same year. Its purpose is mainly literary, and much credit is due to its members, and to the club as a whole, for the appreciable help they have afforded to the Wauseon Library Association during its period of instability. But the activities of the Women's Club have not been wholly literary; its functioning has had connection with the general and well-recognized range of women's work, in social, benevolent, and neighborly spheres. It will be of interest to name the charter members. They were :

One other association which calls for a review is the Fulton County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial and Monument Association. It was organized in 1912, but its history goes back, really, for more than fifty years, to 1867, when, mainly through the efforts of that neverto-be-forgotten pioneer and patriot, D. W. II. Howard, the citizens of Fulton county began to erect, in Wauseon, a soldiers' monument, in memory and honor of those sons of the county who had served in the Civil war. The monument was never finished, and the project remained dormant until early in 1912, when Mr. Allen Shadle sought to revive interest in the matter. Soon afterwards a meeting of citizens took place, and the Fulton County Memorial and Monumental Association was formed, to carry on the work to completion. J. M. Longnecker, of Delta, was elected president, and Frank H. Reighard, of Wauseon, secretary. During the next few years the public subscribed satisfactorily, school children throughout the county figuring creditably in the work. The fund stood at about $3,300 in 1915. In February, 1920, the amount available was $4,116.14, and the Monumental Bronze Company, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, with which firm the contract for the erection of the monument had been placed, was urged to hurry the work to completion. The long delay has been regrettable, yet, it is gratifying now to realize that when erected, the monument will symbolize the people's respect for those who served and suffered in the great war just ended, as well as for those patriots

It is noteworthy in this connection to record that while Col. D. W. II. Howard, "that patriot, statesman, and progressive citizen," spent more than -$1,000 from his personal means in a praiseworthy attempt to erect the monument "to perpetuate the sacred memory of the brave soldiers of Fulton county who risked all to keep the Stars and Stripes from trailing in the dust, and to save the sacred Union established and preserved by our noble ancestors," a worthy soldier of Civil war service, Allan Shadle, and his wife, have volunteered to contribute more than $1,000 if necessary "to crown the failure with success." Their contribution is part of the $4,116.14 now7 available to complete the erection of the monument.