Madison Township (part 1 of 20)

Madison Township

This township is one of the western tier of township of Sandusky County, and is six miles from east to west and four and a half miles wide. It is a portion of country which is tile, since having been thoroughly drained. It was named after President Madison. The first' lands were entered in the years 1830 and 1831. Entries were recorded first in 1835 by John A. Allen, on Section 7, followed by Joel Benton,: and a number of families by the name of Hathaway on Sections 29, 30, 20, 17 and 19. The first actual settler in the township was Henry P. Allen, who came to the township about 1831 and built a cabin on the King farm. He left the country a few years later and was afterward drowned. The second settler of the township and the first one, whose residence was permanent, was David Smith, who married Catherine Blank, by whom a family of seven sons and six daughters were born. He: was the father of Daniel Smith, who died in the township only a few years ago.

David Reeves, a native of New York, who first settled in Columbiana County, and in 1832 came to Madison. Many settlers about this time came from Columbiana County. David

Reeves was the father of Eli Reeves, who will be remembered by all the old settlers and who died August 2, 1897. David Reeves surveyed Madison Township. The Reeves settlement was near the present village of Rollersville.

Jacob Garn, who was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, in 1799, and who married Elizabeth Bittle in 1824, was one of the early settlers who came to the township in 1833, and remained here until his death in 1879, his wife dying ten years later in 1889. The Garn family consisted of sixteen children, twelve boys and four girls. The children living are Andrew, John, Peter, Samuel, Milton, Daniel, David, Levi, Adam, Eliza and Mrs. Wm. Baker.

Among other early settlers were Abraham Shell, father of Isadore Shell. Josiah Harman, 1833; Benjamin Cramer, 1833; Elias Miller, 1834; Charles Hazelton, 1834. Jermiah King came here in 1834. He was a very useful man in the township and in the county, having been justice of the peace twelve years and county commissioner several years. Peter quite early. Noah P. Hathaway settled in the township in 1858, and a number of his descendants yet live in the township near Rollersville. William Driftmeyer came here in 1842; his son Louis occupies the homestead east of town. John W. Hutchinson settled in the township in 1852. He assisted in building the first frame building in Gibsonburg, the old part of the Methodist Church.

First Election

The first election was held in Jacob Garn's blacksmith shop, July 4, 1833, where it was held for a number of years afterward. The officers chosen were: For justice of the peace, David Smith and John Reed; trustees, James A. Holcomb, Jacob Garn and William Whitford; supervisors, Jesse Johnson, George Ickes and John Reed: treasurer, Daniel McIntosh; constable, William Smith; overseers of the poor, Frederick Clark and Henry P. Allen;

Early Mills

The first saw-mill was built in 1836 on Sugar Creek, and was in charge of Crawford King. The second saw-mill was built by Jacob Garn. Caleb Taylor and William Burkett settled here in 1827. We have confined ourselves to the very earliest of the pioneers, as we have been able to get them.

We have been able to find but little regarding the early history of these schools. It is claimed that the first one was taught by Eliza Davidson in a house on what is known as the Stanerd farm. Daniel Smith also taught in this house in an early day. The schools have, however, kept pace with those of other townships and their condition as shown by the report of August 31, 1908, is as follows:

William H. Gibson, of Tiffin, was the founder of Gibsonburg. After the railroad had been surveyed, General Gibson purchased a tract of ninety acres of land and in the early part of August, 1871, surveyed forty acres of the same into town-lots. Associated with him in laying out the town as first platted and named, August 5, 1871, were T. D. Stevenson and J. F. Yeasting. A post-office was at once secured and T. D. Stevenson commissioned as postmaster. In 1873 he was succeeded by J. F. Dohn, who held the office of postmaster for ten years or more. The first dwelling erected in Gibsonburg was the house owned by Ezra Bell, on Yeasting Street. The second one was built by Thomas Dunlap, on the corner where the German Lutheran parsonage now stands, and he had his blacksmith shop on the corner where the town hall now stands. The old Peter Kemmerling house is quite old, but it was a

And Representative Citizens

The first schoolhouse was built west of the railroad on Madison Street, where some little mounds can be seen. It was a round-log structure and when it became too small another hewed-log schoolhouse was built on the ground now occupied by the large Zorn-Hornung Company store. Later, a frame was built and located on the ground now occupied by the Hotel Wildey. This building was later sold to the Methodists, who occupied it as a church for several years, and later was moved to the present site of the present M. E. Church and is the west part of that structure. After this was sold the school building now owned by the Lutheran congregation was built. In 1894 the present school building was erected at a cost of $16,000.

The first church was erected by the Evangelical people and was built of bass-wood logs, and occupied the site where the bank building now stands. The first business house to be erected was built on the lot where the twostory brick block known as the Wichman Block now stands. It was erected by Henry Wichman. The owner was Joseph Bowers. The first store to locate here was in 1871, by Philip Zorn and Adam Hornung. The Gibsonburg Hotel was built by William H. Gibson and placed in charge of John Patterson. Peter Kemmerling purchased it in 1875 and conducted the hotel for many years. W. H Gibson & Co. built the first lime kiln in 1873, and a second one was built in 1877. Another kiln operated by L. Friar & Co., in which The Zorn-Hornung Company owned a two-thirds interest.

The village was incorporated in the spring of 1880. On the first Monday of April of that year an election was held to choose village officers, which resulted as follows: J. Kininger, mayor; Eli Reeves, J. W. Marvin, Elijah Garn, Charles Sander, T. D. Stevenson and M. W. Hobart were chosen councilmen; S. B. Stilson, clerk; Adam Hornung, treasurer, and George Kaunkle, marshal.

Post-Office

The post-office was established in 1871 and the postmasters have been the following: T. D. Stephenson, C. H. Carter, F. W. Dohn, James M. Ramage, Israel W. Miller, Atwell E. Ferguson, present incumbent.

There are four rural delivery routes from the office, covering about one hundred square miles of territory, with 386 service boxes, serving a population of about fifteen hundred inhabitants.

Church Societies

The Evangelical. The Evangelical Church, corner of Stone and Webster Streets, represents the oldest church society in Gibsonburg. The first church building known as the "basswood church," was built in 1858, and stood on the northwest corner of Main and Madison Streets, where the Gibsonburg bank now is located. This church was dedicated by Bishop Long. Peter Kemmerling, J. F. Suters and John S. Biddle were leading pioneer members of the church.

The present church was built in 1873. Rev. E. Crouse was pastor when the church was begun and Rev. J. H. Strauch at its completion. Rev. A. C. Stull is the present pastor.

Lutheran. The Lutheran Zion's Congregation was organized ih 1875 by Rev. P. H. Buerkle. The organizing members were Casper Stausmyer, Henry Michael, Charles Sander, Adam Hornung, Henry Beeker, Charles Esslinger, Louis Paul, George Minich, Joachim Albrecht, Fred Trapp, Christian Mintz, John Guieser, H. P. Neeb, P. Neeb, Henry Heesemann and Fred Tebbe.

The first officers of the church council were Casper Stausmyer, Charles Sander, Henry Michael and Rev. Buerkle. The young congregation was connected with the Lutheran parish at Hessville, Ohio. Rev. P. S. Poppen, the pastor of the Hessville charge, served Zion's congregation from 1875 to 1886. In 1876 a church was built at Gibsonburg costing $2,000. From 1886 to 1891 Rev. P. H. F. Seeger served Zion's congregation, having now become a self-supporting charge. Under

From 1891 to 1903 the congregation was served by Rev. H. W. Mohrhoff. The present new and beautiful church was dedicated to the Lord's service April 9, 1893. This new church is 42x88 feet, including sacristy and vestibule, and the tower, containing a bell of 1,500 pounds, is 125 feet high. The beautiful Gothic windows of stained glass, the large pipe organ, the lovely high altar with statutes of and the marble baptismal font - all this makes Christ, St. Peter and Martin Luther, the pulpit a very churchly appearance. The church and all its furnishment cost about $14,000. The present pastor is Rev. E. Gerfen.

Lutheran 'Parochial School. Almost from her beginning Zion's Lutheran Church had a parochial school, taught by the pastor. Soon a small schoolhouse was built and dedicated. In 1894 Mr. Fred Mohrhoff was called as second regular teacher. When Mr. Damrose accepted a call to another parish, Mr. A. Cordes was called as regular teacher. In 1897 Teacher Cordes resigned to go into business and since then Teacher Paul Mohrhoff is conducting the school most successfully. The attendance at present is seventy-four pupils, Teacher Mohrhoff is also the leader of the church choir and organist of the church. Paul

Ohio. He attended private and parochial schools and completed his studies at the Teachers' Seminary in Woodville, Ohio. From this seminary he was graduated with honors in 1895.

The old schoolhouse could not accommodate the growing attendance of pupils, hence it was sold and removed. But in 1894 the congregation bought the large public school building in the rear of the church for $1,250, in which now the work of the school is conducted.

Methodist Episcopal. Rev. C. W. Wolf was the first to preach regularly, in the year 1873. In the following year his successor, Rev. J. L. Scott, organized a class. In 1873 an old log church known as the "bass-wood" church was secured as a temporary place of worship. In 1878 an old schoolhouse was pur- chased and moved to the ground where the present edifice now stands, and converted into a church. This building was repaired at different times and finally under the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Lucy, the influence of the people and a successful revival necessitated the enlarging of the church building to accommodate the people. An additional lot was secured, and the church building was enlarged to about its present size. Other improvements were made in 1893-1894. The parsonage was built in 1889 and first occupied by Rev. J. W. Shultz. In the past the Gibsonburg charge has consisted of Gibsonburg, Washington Chapel, Tinney, Kansas and Rollersville. At present it consists of Gibsonburg and Tinney. Rev. C. J. Yeisley is the present pastor.

Christian Church. Was established in the year 1879, and was organized by Rev. A. C. Barlett, its first pastor. Prior to its organization the followers held meetings in the homes of the members. The present church edifice was commenced in 1881, but not completed until 1886. The elders. who were instrumental in the upbuilding of the church were George Morris, J. W. Hutchison, M. E. Long, Cea). Taylor;, trustees, EW Paylor laa Hutchison and Fred Maynard; deacons, H. R. Shull and Enoch Taylor. The Christian congregation is on a firm foundation, out of debt and money in the treasury. In connection with the church there is a good Sunday school, Endeavor Society, Aid Society and prayer meeting. The present pastor is Rev. E. L. Hand.

Catholic Church. The Catholics of Gibsonburg were members of St. Mary's parish at Millersville, six miles distant, until May, 1896. About that time the Lutheran Church in the village was offered for sale at a very low figure, and Bishop Horstmann sanctioned the purchase. It was moved to lots on East Stevenson Street, purchased for $420 by Father Dechant, in May, 1892. Ina short while the building was remodeled into a neat church and provided with suitable furnishings and a fine bell. The main. altar, several statutes and many other things in the line of church ornaments were donated -by Father Dechant. The remodeled church was dedicated to St. Michael on Sun-

Gibsonburg was made a parish in May, 1896, Rey. Philip A. Schritz as first resident pastor. He attended the place from Millersville after January of the same year. The priest's residence was built in 1896. He continued in his pastorate until December, 1898, when the Rev. L. L. Broens was appointed his successor. In June, 1901, Rev. J. B. Wendling was appointed pastor of St. Michael's. The erection of the present beautiful Gothic structure was completed and dedicated in June, 1905, on the grounds which had been purchased in 1903. The building and grounds are worth about $25,000. This building is an ornament to the village and will stand as a monument to the zeal of the Catholic people and the tireless labors of the priest in charge, Rev. J. B. Wendling.

The Salem United Brethren. The first ministers held meetings at the homes and schoolhouses. The class was first organized by Samuel Hadley and John Bright, about eight years before the log church was built.

Rev. D. P. Hurlbut gave the land where the log church was built, and the log church was completed in 1845, about two miles south of Gibsonburg.

The Salem U. B. log church was the first church built in Madison Township. Revs. John Long and Peter Fleck were the first ministers. Jacob Garn, John Reed and John Long were the first trustees. John Mosses, first superintendent in Salem log church.

The second Salem U. B. Church was built on the ground near the log church, in 1870. Rev. Michael Long was the first minister; Rev. Levi Moore was the first presiding elder.

Andrew Biddle, Jacob Garn, Peter Warner, John Long and Adam Mosses were first trustees; John Long, first superintendent; Jennie Garn, the first person converted in the Second Salem Church.

The third U. B. Church was built on West Madison Street in Gibsonburg. The cornerstone was laid in 1896, the building completed in 1897. Rev. S. H. Raudebaugh was first minister: Frank Nogegle. Dolph Fausey,

The first Ladies' Aid Society was organized in Gibsonburg, October 12, 1896. First president, Mrs. Ellen Noggle; secretary, Miss Ida Taylor. Rev. S. H. Raudebaugh is again the pastor and now in charge. .

Fraternal And Other Societies

Gibsonburg has her quota of fraternal and kindred organizations which furnish many social features of the place. Some of the orders are classed as pioneer orders and have grown and flourished with the city's progress, until now they are recognized as a necessity to the town. It possesses fraternal lodges of a number of the leading fraternities of the state. These local lodges are prosperous and number among their members the most reputable men and women of the place.

Womaws Home Missionary Society was organized in 1892, under the leadership of Mrs. O. Bowlan, now of Van Wert, Ohio, Sadie Maynard, deceased; Mrs. L. J. Turley, secretary, and Mrs. J. L. Hart, treasurer. It is non-denominational, has a large membership, and by its kind deeds carries sunshine into many clouded unfortunate homes within the corporation.

Encampinent of Patriarchs were granted a charter prior to 1884. They organized at Helena with the following named gentlemen as charter members: Dr. J. C. Thomson, Rollersville; J. M. Marvin, J. M. Garnes, J. M. Jones, GP. Cornelius and 7A; LY Ticew Mayre2. 1884, their charter and records were destroyed by fire. Shortly after, the present charter was secured in lieu of the one burned. The Encampment, No. 209, was then removed to Gibsonburg where it has met regularly in the I. O. O. F. hall, every second and fourth Thursday nights since.

Corps is auxiliary to the G. A. R. It holds regular meetings every alternate Monday night, in the I. O. O. F. hall. At the organization Mary E. Aleshire was elected president and served two years. Mary A. Jones, Sen. Vice; K. O. Donnells, Jr. Vice; Effie Crispen, secretary; Sadie People, treasurer; Elizabeth Johnson, conductor; Harriet Fought, chaplain; Emma Burkett, guard; Emma Van Tine, Ida Daunee, Elizabth Kornbaum and Jennie Ake, color bearers.

The Masonic Order. In the winter of 1893 and 1894 it was ascertained that there were not less than fifteen master masons in Gibsonburg, and the feeling seemed to exist that a lodge of F. & A. M. should be organized in Gibsonburg. A suitable room was secured in the Wichman Block. Permission was secured from the most worshipful grand master to work under dispensation with the following charter members: John Brown, J. B. Wilson, D. Frank Rust, H. H, Andrews, Thos. C. Pennell, Henry Purdy, W. J. Aleshire, R. H. Black, d. Logkiact, A.B. Pughes, Herbert Eo Myers, J. S. Paul, Frank Palmerton, George Raymond, James Ramage, Jacob Shoalts, J. B. Seeley and Cornelius Vandervelde. The following officers were appointed to put the lodge in motion: W. M., George Raymond; S. W., Jacob Shoalts; TW oW.. Je Wleshire; secretary, D. F. Rust; treacurer, ToC, Pennell: S, 0. J. UEart; J. D., Henry H. Andrews. When the grand lodge met in Springfield, October, 1895, a charter was granted October 24th. Jacob Shoalt was elected W. M. and J. W. Brown, secretary.

K..O. T. M.. Madison Tent, No. 175, K. O. T. M., was organized by District Rep. Charles Reeves of Sandusky, Ohio, June, i892. Dr. iN..B: Ervin, P. Com.: A. B. Kemmietling, Com.; F..W. Smith, Lt. Com.: Samuel Ernst, Teak Se. Peoples. Fo i VW. A enselas chaplain; W. W. Williams, sergeant; Dr. N. Bs Ervin, physician: A.A. Ake, Mat Ac. by H. Williams, tst M. of G.: Frank Thompson, 2dMeotrGr; GW. Stull, sentry: Wes. Care roll, picket.

Miss Harmon, of Detroit, Michigan, in February of 1893. Instrumental in the organization of this institution we find Mary E. Aleshire its first commander, with Orpha E. Hart its lieutenant; corresponding secretary, Cora E. DeLoe; F. K., Anna Fleming, now of Toledo; chaplain, Mary A. Jones; sergeant, Ida Leslie; M. of A., Myrtle Hughes; sentry, Emma Marsh; picket, Jennie Marsh, now of Carey, Ohio.

Rebekah Ladies. The order of Rebekah was instituted in May, the 24th day, 1889. The charter members were: John Brown and wife, Emma; John Hulburt and wife, Minnie; G. H. Daum and wife; William Penfield and wife; G. W. Florence, Jennie Florence; A. P. Johnson and wife; J. W. Wilson, John Fader, H. F. and Matilda Tice; Ed. and Mrs. Trimire; Samuel Kaiser, J. H. Ramage, A. Kemmerling, Anna Kaiser, Ella Powers and Dr. N. B. Ervin.

I. O. O. F., No. 687, is among the oldest fraternal organizations in the town, it being instituted May 5, 1879. From the charter granted the order and under which the present order is working, we find the names of T. D. Stevens, A. P.. Johnson, H. H. Tice, C..D. Pat-

Dohn, Henry Zorn, C. H. Heseman, Charles Ureech; A. H. Tice, J. L» Donnels, W. A. Penfield and John Brown, given as charter members. This order has been recognized as a leading factor in social and beneficiary orders. {n the big fire of 1897 the building, with almost all its furniture, was destroyed. Almost immediately after the fire work was begun upon the present beautiful structure that now adorns the corners of Main and Madison Streets, and is pronounced among the most beautiful in town. The building was finished in 1899. The first and second floors are used for hotel purposes, and the third is used by the Ova

Sind Representative Citizens

Sorosis Club. Last, but by no means least, among the organizations of the town is the Study Club, organized in 1898, and known as the Gibsonburg Sorosis.

The object is mutual benefit to its members and a united effort toward higher education. The club was started under the leadership of Mrs. Fred Wing, assisted by two vice presidents; Dora Turley, secretary; Mabel Ervin, treasurer.

Public Schools

Gibsonburg's school system is as old as the town itself. It began in a round log house on the ground now occupied by the Pennsylvania Depot. The old round log house with its puncheon floor and wooden-legged benches was displaced by a more modern log house made from hewn logs. The new house occupied the site that is now occupied by the Zorn-Hornung Company's store. The next improvement was when the little log house was outgrown and a frame building was built in its stead. Up to 1876 the schools had been a district school but in that year the village was set apart as a special district and a school board composed of J. W. Marvin, president; John Beach, Charles Sander, J. B. Taylor, E. Garn and J. Keninger. The new board at once caused the erection of a new and more modern schoolhouse of three rooms. When it was completed T. D. Stevenson, a successful country teacher, was hired as ptincipal. Mr. Stevenson arranged a course of study that was adhered to for many years. The town continued to grow and the new school building became too small to accommodate the pupils. At this time to relieve the conditions the town built another house, a one-story oneroom building, that was used as a_ primary school, but Gibsonburg was still growing with such rapidity that another building more commodious was deemed necessary. At last the site was chosen and work begun, which resulted in the erection of a beautiful brick structure, completed in 1894. It has nine rooms, with office and recitation room. It has a fne system of steam heating with ample provisions for toilet arrangements. Mr. Orrin Bowland, a man who did much good work in the schools, was the first principal in the new building. His administration was followed by Mr. Smith, a scholarly gentleman who arranged a course of study, or properly speaking, graded the schools, and placed them upon an _ excellent foundation.

The new building was erected at a cost, as before mentioned, of $16,000. Dr. N. B. Ervin was president of the board; Peter Bowser, clerk; A. P. Johnson, treasurer; Jacob Beard, P. H. Zorn and Charles Sander members at the time of its erection.

Pupils enrolled in high school, boys 23, girls 36; elementary, boys 186, girls 193, total enrollment 438. Paid for tuition in high school, including supervision, $1,800; in elementary $3,165. The number of teachers necessary to supply the high school, two; the elementary, eight; total, ten teachers. The whole number of graduates in history of the school, boys 25, girls 44, total 69. S. H. Benson is superintendent of schools.

The Gibsonburg Water Works. - The first definite action in the establishment of water works in Gibsonburg was the passage of an ordinance by the village council on May 13, 1896, authorizing and providing for the election of a board of water works trustees. These trustees were elected at a special election held June 15 of that year, N. B. Ervin, P. A. Rust and Henry Zorn being elected the first water works board.

The year following the election of this board was spent in the necessary preparatory work and in inspecting other ptants, and the erection of the plant was not commenced until the spring of 1897. Bonds were authorized in the sum of $30,000 for the construction of the plant, but only $28,000, however, were ever issued. The first well was drilled in the spring of 1897. A second well was drilled in 1900, the depth of each being 300 feet, and from these an abundant supply of the purest, clearest and most healthful water is obtained. Through

330 HISTORY nearly every foot of the trench work in laying the water mains was rock excavation to a greater or less extent, thus largely increasing the cost, vet the total cost of the original plant was kept within the bond issue of $28,000, though additions and extensions of the service have been added each year until the system 1s practically complete and water is within reach of nearly every resident within the city corporation.

The Electric Light Company. - The Gibsonburg Electric Light Company was established in 1893 by Chas. Shaffer. and after about two years sold out to F. H. Smith and John Shertzer. After running it a short time they sold out to two young men irom Pittsburg, Morhoff & Westhoff, who later formed a joint stock company composed of H. Feerhmyer, Charles Sander, Fred Gerwin, Rev. W. H. Mohrhoff, Albert Miller and Frank Minick. January 16, 1903, this company sold and the name was changed to The Gibsonburg Electric Light and Telephone Company, as a local telephone had been established some time prior to this change.

Stave and Heading Factory - Just when the first saw-mill was erected here cannot be definitely ascertained, but Gibson & Patterson were probably the men to start it, after which Farmer & Dohn became owners. The Zorn- Hornung Company bought it in 1881 and have run it ever since until last July. t904, when the press of their other industries became so great that they leased it to Bruner & Son, of Tiffin, for two vears with the privilege of five vears. The mill, which not only saws all kinds of lumber, has in connection a stave and heading factory, which at present is all that Bruner & Son manufacture. The plant burned down in 1885 but was rebuilt the same year. At one time the Zorn-Hornung Company had in connection a hoop factory, but is was destroyed bv fire several years ago and was not rebuilt. In the early days the mill was run night and day and IT0O men were employed, but as timber became scarcer, not so many men were employed.

County

A. B. Hughes conducts a machine shop on South Main Street, Gibsonburg, which has a steady patronage. Mr. Hughes is also largely engaged in oil production.

Creamery - The creamery was established here in 1886, by the Zorn-Hornung Company, aud has been operated by them ever since. It is one of the many important industries which this progressive firm operates. The average daily output will average not less than 700 pounds the year around. They have made as high as 2,000 pounds in a day.

Grain [:levator - The enterprising firm, The Zorn-Hornung Company, erected this building in 1875, and in order to take care of their grain trade rebuilt it in 1894. It has a capacity of 8,000 bushels. They also grind all kinds of mill feed and do an exchange business in fiour. They always pay the highest prices for all kinds of grains and by their fair dealing no opposition has ever sprung up to any extent. The people rely upon their honesty and know that they will make everything right. C. F. Hornung is the general manager; O. E. Bea-

The Gibsonburg Banking Company - The Gibsonburg Banking Company was incorporated October 11, "7894. Prior to its establishment the well known firm of Zorn-Hornung Company and William Schwam did a goodly sized private banking business. The bank was opened to the public January 1, 1895. Henry Zorn, the manager of the Zorn-Hornung Company, a man who manifested interest in all public affairs, was elected president of the institution and remained at its head until his death which occurred June 1, 1897. Mr. W. M. Masterman, a voung man of ability and experience. was made cashier.

The Gibsonburg Banking Company today, although young, is recognized as one of the staunch institutions of the country. It has never had a run upon it: never failed to pav on demand. It offers absolute security, prompt

The village is favored with one steam railroad operated by the Pennsylvania Company, and is the terminus of the Gibsonburg Junction of the Lake Shore Electric, placing it in handy touch with the county seat.

This township, while Ottawa County was a part of Sandusky, formed a part of Bay Township; but in 1840 when Ottawa was cut off from Sandusky County it took the larger part of Bay Township and it became necessary to establish a new township in Sandusky. The name was conferred in honor of Ezekel Rice, a prominent pioneer citizen on the Portage River. The early records of the township have been lost, and the first officers of the same cannot be given.

The first schools appearing from the records were established in 1851. Six districts were then laid out and in 1880 one more was added. Now there are nine sub-districts, requiring ten

French Settlers

In January, 1813, by direction of the Government, about twenty French families living along the Maumee River packed their possessions and started for Lower Sandusky. It was a fortunate circumstance that heavy ice well covered with snow gave them an easy course of travel and at the time made it possible to avoid the savage enemies of the forest. All being in readiness, a French train was formed of one-horse sleighs, runners of which were made of boards. The train was placed under direction of a Frenchman named Peter Maltash, who had been an Indian trader. He knew the country thoroughly and proved himself a faithful and valuable guide.

The journey to T ocust Point was made over the ice with ease. in one day. On the following dav Port Clinton or Portage. as it was then called, was reached. The train was held close together and the order of the sleighs frequently changed, so that the horses having become weary, breaking the way, were rested in the beaten track in the rear. Upon arrival at Portage the horses were almost exhausted. Malthorses from exhaustion and on the following morning directed the train to follow his tracks ; he assured them that he would be at Lower Sandusky far in advance of the train and would have at the mouth of Muscallonge teams to assist them to the end of the journey. The horses, stiffened by two days' travel through the deep snow, entered upon the third day's trial of endurance with reluctance. The train slowly moved across the head of the bay and entered the river. The delight of our band of weary travelers, on reaching the mouth of Muscallonge Creek, can be imagined. There a number of fresh teams were in waiting. The effect of finding the welcoming hand of friendship thus extended far to them, can only be appreciated when we remember that these people were strangers in a strange country. They found inhabitants in America even less secure, and were now fleeing from a savage foe under command and direction of the hereditary enemy of their mother country. With what delight then did these discouraged and exhausted refuges receive this token of friendship and promise of protection.

These teams from the fort took most of the load and broke the wav. Lower Sandusky was easily reached and the colony was given quarters in government barracks during the remainder of the winter. In the spring cabins about the fort were occupied, but the forest was full of hostile Indians, and at a signal all were ready to flee into the enclosure. On the 1st of August, 1813, the French families, by order of the Government, were removed to Upper Sandusky. While on the way the sound of Procter's cannon was heard at Fort Stephenson which thev had just left. The families remained at Upper Sandusky until the conclusion of the war, and were then moved back to Lower Sandusky in government wagons. The war having closed, it now became necessarv for them to seek homes and earn their own livelihood. We can give further information of but few individuals and families of the company.

Joseph Cavalier and wife both died at Fort Stephenson before the removal of the company to Upper Sandusky. Their son Albert, and one of the few survivors of the company, was left in charge of his aunt. Mrs. Jaco. Gabriel O'Dett, Le Point and Thomas De Mars made squatter improvements on the river bank eight miles below Lower Sandusky, on the tract since known as the Tucker farm. Mrs. Jaco married Le Point, and Mr. Cavalier was received by Mr. De Mars. Mr. Jaco had died during the progress of the war. Le Point served as a soldier during the war. The land sales of 1821 caused serious confusion among all these French squatters. prepared to purchase land, and those who had the means did not understand how to profit by the opportunities offered. The land on which Le Point and De Mars had located was purchased by Samuel Cochran and the inhabitants compelled to seek other homes. De Mars purchased a tract on Mud Creek. The Bisnette family permanently settled on the farm at the bend of the river, later owned by Mr. Enoch. The Catholic cemetery is located near the site of their cabin.

Christopher Columbo was a migrating carpenter. His services were not in great demand, as not only houses. but furniture, were constructed in the simplest possible way, mostly of puncheons.

German Population

German is an important element in the population of Rice. During the period of early settlement the inhabitants were, with a few exceptions, all French. About 1835 the first German families moved into the woods in the western portion, and by untiring industry soon had fertile fields in a state of profitable cultivation. Here a large tract of ''wild land" offered an opening to the emigrants who were seeking western homes. From 1840 to 1850

John Smith, one of the earliest German settlers of this township, came to America and settled here in 1833. He was born in Germany in 1783, and married there, Catherine Ernst, also a native of Baden. They reared a family of seven children, viz: Catherine, Mary, Elizabeth, John, Christina, Frederick and Rosannah. Both of the parents died in 1870. Frederick was born in Baden in 1829. In 1852 he married Elizabeth Kiser, a native of France, and in 1877 settled in Sandusky Township, where he had a family of eight children, Christina, Frederick, Caroline, Elizabeth, William, Clara, Amelia and Edward.

Christian Kline, who was born in Germany in 1790 emigrated to America with his wife in 1837, and settled in this country. After remaining eight months they removed to Lucas County and lived there about three years, after which they returned to this county, and made permanent settlement in Rice. Mr. Kline died in 1855, having survived his wife ten years. Louis lives in Monroe County, Michigan; Andrew, the third son, born in 1824, lives in Fremont. He married Sarah Ann Kreilick in 1848.

Henry and Catherine Swint, natives of Germany, had a family of eleven children, three of whom came to this country. Henry, the fourth child, was born in 1814. He married in 1848, Rosena Reineck who was born in 1831, in Baden, Germany. The children that have blessed this union, are: Anthony, John, Catherine, Jacob, Ambrose, Mary, Edward, Lizzie, Sarah, Ella, Josephine, Henry, Anna and Rosa. Mr. Swint was a weaver and worked at the trade in Germany. He served twelve years in the German army. He came to America and settled in Riley Township in 1845, but at the opening of the war with Mexico he joined the army and continued in the service until July, 1848, when he returned to this country, married and settled down to farming in Rice.

born in Germany in 1824. In 1853 he married Mary Friar, whose father Frederick Friar, emigrated from Germany and settled in Woodville Township in 1836.

Religious Societies

Catholic. The French settlers were all Catholics, but it was several years after the close of the war before they were visited by a priest. The first mass was held by father Gabriel ReShoir of Detroit, but a regular congregation was not formed till about the year 1830, which finally as a society ceased. There is no regular Catholic organization in the township, but the friends of that faith are affiliated with St. Joseph's in Fremont.

Meetings were held in schoolhouses until about 1860, when a church was built in the southern part of the township, near Kingsway, where they worshipped till about 1880, when the congregation was disbanded and the church building was sold to John Ottermat, and was used by the Trinity Lutheran congregation for services for about eight years. It is not now used for church purposes.

Zion Society, located near the line dividing the county of Sandusky and Ottawa, was organized in 1881. Among its members were Rev. Mr. Gahn, and Mr. Gnepper. The society is served by Lindsey Church.

Lutheran. About 1832 the western part of the township began to fill up with Pennsylvanians and Germans who had been connected with the Lutheran Church. Peter Hetrick and Adam Kreilick were leading members and meetings were at first held in their houses. In the vear 1843 Rev. Henry Lang of Lower Sandusky formally organized a society, and in 1848 a log meeting-house was built, which accommodated the congregation until 1867, when the present substantial brick edifice was erected. Mr. Lang here served the church for more than forty years, until 1879, when Rev. C. H. Althoff was given charge until 1886. Rev. J. Dornbirer supplied the pulpit for one year during Mr. Lang's pastorate. Rev. G. Kiesel served two years and in the spring of 1888 Rev. W. A. Bowman became pastor and is still

Trinity Lutheran Church was organized in 1892 by Rev. Carl Ackerman. Rev. G. Mochel was his successor and served as pastor until 1893, when Rev. W. A. Bowman took charge and served till 1900. Rev. J. Hieserman took charge until 1907. Rev. August Burman became pastor of the church in 1907 and is still serving the same.

Methodist. Zoar German Methodist Episcopal Society, composed mostly of German families and situated in the central part of the township was organized about 1844. The heads of the families organizing the same were Michael and John Schmidt, Nicholas Younker, Michael Hulderman, Mr. Paul, Giles Sigroff and Jacob Switzgroeor. A new house of worship was built in 1873.

Hunting and Fishing Club - The Ottawa Hunting and Shooting. Club and the Demars Point Hunting and Fishing Club are located in Rice Township, the former owning large quantities of marsh land therein; the latter owns about one hundred and thirty acres.

The Winnous Point Shooting Club, located in Ottawa County, also owns large tracts of marsh land in this township lying between the river and Mud Bay.

Kingsway, on the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad, is a hamlet, with a post-office, in the midst of a thriving neighborhood. The Kingsway Grain Company, with extensive elevators is located here. George W. King, for whom the place was named, was the first postmaster. The present postmaster is August A. Horn.

This township is greater in area, next to Washington, of any other in the county. It is bounded on the east by Townsend, south by Green Creek Township, on the west by Sandusky Township and River and on the north by the Sandusky River and Bay. The reader is referred to Chapter II and III for data in connection with what is here stated.

south to north toward the bay, widening as they approach their outlets and assuming more the appearance of ponds than of running streams. Bark Creek also passes into and out of Riley Township in Section 18, a distance of about one mile. Much of the north part of the township is marshland and up to within a few years ago was famous as hunting and fishing grounds and waters. Fish, fowls and_ furbearing animals were abundant and afforded a great source of revenue for the early settlers.

Many acres of these lands remained as government land until about 1856, when nearly all the northern end containing these marshlands was entered, and finally large parts of the same became owned by two sportsmen clubs, one known as the Winnous Point Shooting Club, and the other as the Ottawa Hunting and Shooting Club. These clubs have virtually monopolized for sport and pleasure the hunting and fishing of the principal part of all these marshes and waters, so that what is owned by the individuals is small in comparison, and furthermore, so restricted by the enforcement of rigid game laws, passed at the instance of these clubs, as to become of but little value for hunting or fishing purposes for the average land owner there.

The first settler in the territory which became Riley Township was Andrew Stull from Huron County. In 1820 he came with his goods in a wagon along the old army trail which passed through the center of Townsend Township about one mile south of the prairie, until he reached a point opposite to Section 1, Township 5, his destination. A wavy or road was then cut through by him and the spot reached, which was to be the home of the Stull family for many long vears thereafter. The nearest neighbor, William) Tew. was six miles awav. The nearest physician, at Lower Sanduskv ten miles distant. The nearest mill was in Huron County, more than twenty miles away. Michael Stull, a son of Andrew, in a conversation in 1881 said: "Our food was chiefly wild meat, venison, turkey and fish, the latter, in plenty. Salt pork was 50 cents a pound, bread mostly corn." He further said that fish were so plenty in Pickerel Creek that he and his brother Jacob speared in one night fifteen barrels of pickerel. They built a platform of puncheons across the creek, covered it with earth and built a fire at the middle of the stream. He in one end and his brother in the other of a canoe, picked the fish with their spears as the canoe moved along. Swans were often seen from the cabin door. Mr. Stull killed six deer in one day and a Mr. Charles Lindsey shot nine.

Jonas Gibbs, Isaac Allyn, Christopher Straight, the Markhams, M. Bristol, Forton Twist, Charles Lindsey, David Camp, Joseph H. Curtice, John Karshner, Woodford family, George Jacobs, Conrad Worman, William Pierson, William Harris, John Faust, Daniel Schoch, Cyrus Haff, Joseph and Samuel Meek, C. P. Daniels, Joseph Haaser, Charles Livingstine, W. B. Sanford, James Maurer, Adam Lutes, G. A. Wright and Henry Voght were all among the early settlers of Riley and prominent in its development.

The hardships of improving this region were increased by the prevalence of the disease called "milk sickness,' caused, as was supposed, by some unknown poisonous vegetation there growing, while the land was in its primitive state, and which was eaten by milch cows. Here, as elsewhere, when the land became cultivated and tame pastures came into use, this disease disappeared. (See Chapter on the Medical Profession.) Facts relating to the topography of this region will be found in Chapter III.

The first inhabitants were supplied by mills on Raccoon and Pickerel Creeks. Charles Lindsey built the first grist- and saw-mills, which were located on Raccoon Creek and ran till the water-power failed by reason of the clearing of the country, and consequent drying up of the water supply of the creek.

William and James Beebe built a saw-mill on Pickerel Creek, and afterward sold it to Levi Cowell. This mill shared the same fate as those on Raccoon Creek. by the lack of water.

According to the best information at hand, the first sermon in the township was preached at the residence of a Mrs. Lathrop, by a Methodist circuit rider, whose name is not remembered.

The first Methodist class was formed in April, 1853, at Tuttle's Schoolhouse, known as Tuttle's Class, Clyde Mission. The members were A. Lutz, Elizabeth Lutz, W. Lutz, Levi Tuttle, Almira Tuttle, Benjamin Twist, Lavina Twist, Z. Franks and wife, and Rhoda Marks. Rev. Alfred Wheeler preached there. W. D. Disbro was presiding elder.

The United Brethren Socicty was organized by Rev. Mr. Lemmon about the year 1853, with Samuel Meek, William Jones, W. Van Buskirk, James Walden, and their wives, for they were all married, as the first members. A union house of worship was built by the Methodists and United Brethren in 1868, known as North Riley Class, Bay Shore Circuit.

In 1855 the South Riley Class of the United Brethren had its beginning, and in 1877 erected a church building. In the same year a portion of its founders, together with those of the Evangelical faith in the neighborhood, united and also built a church further west.

The first schoolhouse stood on Section 16 near the site of the town house, about 1845. It was a log house with puncheon seats and desks. The schools in those days were kept 'three months in the year only and supported mainly by subscription, the teacher "boarding round." The township was sparsely settled, and much of the time during the school months, which were December, January and February, the road to the school was covered with water, rendering it difficult for children to get to school. The second schoolhouse was known as the Faust Schoolhouse.. Caroline Camp was probably the first teacher, teaching several terms. Z. Woodward was also an early teacher in the southern part of the township. Others were Burt Levisee, Fred Forbes, Major Scranton, Anna Watt, Julia Schultz and Sanford McIntyre.

Since 1852 good schoolhouses have been built and public instruction maintained. In 1887 there were eight sub-districts; now there are twelve, requiring the services of twelve teachers. Enrollment of pupils in the schools, boys 178, girls 143, total 321. Amount paid for tuition for the year ending 1908, $4,077.25. The township employed a superintendent for the year 1908-09, but the annual report at this writing is not made up.

It has a post-office with two daily mails. Ira Dunham was the first postmaster. John F. Karbler is the present postmaster. He is engaged in business as a manufacturer of and dealer in lumber and general building materials. He entered this business about, ten years ago and was in partnership for a while, at first Jwith Henry B. Dickman, under the firm name of Karbler & Dickman. Mr. Dickman was the second postmaster. For some years Mr. Karbler has been sole proprietor of the business, which is in a flourishing condition.

Luther Gibbs & Son are proprietors of extensive drain-tile and brick works near Erlin, with a capacity of 12,000 tiles and bricks each daily. There are twenty acres of land connected with the plant. While considerable amounts are shipped, their products are mostly disposed of to farmers in the neighboring country. These works were established in 1892, by Isaac G Sanford and Frank Halbeison, by whom they were disposed of in 1894 to Luther Gibbs and P. F. Meek. The latter sold his interest to Gibbs in 1895, and then A. J. Gibbs became associated with his father in the business, since which time they have conducted the same with success.

_ The Vickery Grain C ompany has an elevator here, and buys and ships grains and seeds and conducts a business usually carried on in the grain trade.

The Stokes Orchards

The apple orchards of Mr. John A. Stokes are not surpassed for beauty in' appearance and 'profit in production by any in the country. These consist of two separate orchards, one of twelve acres, containing about four hundred and eighty trees, about twenty-two years old; the other of about three hundred and twenty trees of fourteen years' growth. These grounds are devoted exclusively to apples, about equally divided, chiefly between the Baldwin and Ben Davis varieties, but other varieties are represented, such as Stark, Winesap, Grime's Golden, King, Belmont, Bellflower, Rome Beauty, Walbridge, Pippins and a few others. The trees are about thirty three feet apart each way, and many of. the lower branches of the older ones quite touch each other, from tree to tree and hang so near to the ground that a considerable percentage of the fruit can be picked without the use of ladders.

The older trees are twenty-five to thirty feet tall, and pxesent a remarkably healthy appearance, as do also all the trees, with but few exceptions.

atically sprayed 'his trees, using for some years, at firstilime-sulphur spray, while the buds were swelling, but: now mostly arsenate of lead and Bordeaux-mixture, combined, requiring each seagon about - fourteen thousand gallons, and costing, when applied, for material and. labor 134 cents per gallon. 'The work of spraying is done as soon as possible after the, blossoms fall and the method of application is by a twohorse-power gasoline engine, a 150-gallon tank and tower, mounted on trucks, drawn by one horse. Bamboo. poles, ten feet: long, with nozzles attached are used, and the' one handled by the man on the tower has. a. brass: extension three feet long, so arranged as to give a downward angle to the nozzle, directing the spray straight into the calyx cups of 'the blossoms. | From otie hundred to one: hundred and twertty-five pounds pressure is obtained and the 150- gallon tank is emptied in approximately forty minutes. For the largest trees it takes for a single spraying about twenty gallons of spray per tree. Plots of trees in this orchard were used in 1908 by the "Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station" as tests on spraying, and from the station's report it is shown that the best record obtained was from a Ben Davis tree sprayed with Bordeaux before bloom and once heavily with arsenate of lead soon after the bloom fell.

The yield from this specimen tree was five barrels of first quality, nine-tenths of a barrel second quality, and a "hatful" of wormy apples. The Baldwins averaged.one or two per cent more wormy than the Ben Davis, owing to the fact, probably, that they were further advanced when sprayed. The trees in the orchard twenty years old, which were sprayed about two weeks after the bloom fell, ran from three or four per cent wormy on some trees, to thirty-three or thirty-four per cent wormy on others.

A plot of trees reserved from spraying yielded 42.5 per cent wormy. So far as could be determined, a second and third spraying with poison had so little effect in reducing the percentage of worminess as not to pay the cost of application.

From his orchards Mr. Stokes, in 1908, gathered 1,750 barrels of fruit, which sold at prices varying from $3.00 to $5.00 per barrel. From two hundred to three hundred bushels were sold in the local market, in towns near by and to neighbors, at good prices, and a carload of '"drops'' was sold in bulk at 65 cents per 100 pounds. From fifty-five of the oldest Ben Davis trées, as specimens, were picked 396 barrels, the average yield per tree being a little more than 'seven barrels.

The fruit of these orchards when gathered is assorted into two classes, "firsts" and "seconds," 'and then placed in barrels; which are made on the farm. The. "firsts" are: shipped to Cleveland and placed in "Cold Storage" for preservation to await a desirable market, while the "seconds" are stored at home for local sale.

After rnaking all allowances for care, spraying, trimming,' harvesting, barreling and storitig, the net profit will exceed $150 per acre an nually, on an average.

Onburg, Looking Soutii

The organization of this township as a township of Huron County in 1815, has already been given. As a Sandusky County township it originally included all that part west of the Sandusky River. All east of the river was then as has been heretofore related, Croghan Township, which was reduced by the formation of others from it until but a small part, remaining, was added to Sandusky, and Croghan ceased to exist. The original Sandusky Township was also reduced from time to time, after the county was organized until 1878, when it was left with its present boundries by the formation of Fremont Township which took from all that portion of the Two-mile Square Reservation lying east of the river.

The Muscallonge and little Mud Creek are on the west side of the river and on the east side is Bark Creek. The noted Black Swamp region begins at Muscallonge and includes that part of the township lying west of this stream.

Settlement

James and Elizabeth Whittaker were the first permanent white settlers here, if not the first in Ohio. They were married. at Lower Sandusky in 1782 instead of at Detroit, as formerly supposed. (See letter of W. Arundel in Chapter V.) They settled on a tract down the river, which afterward became known as the Whittaker Reserve. Here they lived and reared a family of eight children. This is the tract described in the treaty with the Indians in 1817, as follows:

"To Elizabeth Whittaker, who was taken prisoner by the Wyandots and has ever since lived among them, 1,280 acres of land on the west side of the Sandusky River near Croghansville, to be laid off in a square form as nearly as the meanders of the said river will admit and to run an equal distance above and below the house in which the said Elizabeth Whittaker now lives." James Whittaker died in 1804 and was buried near the house referred to, together with other members of the family. As before stated 'the revolutionary soldier, Nathan Goodale, who died at the Whittaker home was buried there. The tract known as the Williams Reserve mentioned in the same

Next after the Whittakers and probably Williams, Reuben Patterson came in 1818 as a permanent settler. His family consisting of his wife and six children, Alvord, Evaline, Danforth, Julius, Harriet and Caroline. When the family arrived they at first occupied a log house in the fort, which had been used during the war by the officers. In the spring of 1819 he with his family moved into an unfinished log cabin on the Whittaker Reserve, where he and his boys cleared a small piece of land. When the sale of government land was advertised Mrs. Patterson went on horseback to Delaware and purchased a small tract of land on the east side of the river on which the family located and where Mr. Patterson died in 1841, having survived his wife one year. Evaline married Lysander C. Ball, and Harriet married James Moore. George Shannon came to Lower Sandusky in 1809 and married Mary, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Whittaker. In 1812, when the Indian troubles came, he fled for safety with his family to the Scioto Valley. Returning after the close of the war, he settled on a piece of land given him by his wife's mother, Mrs. Whittaker. Among the early settlers a few others may be mentioned: Geo. and Michael Overmyer and Daniel Hensel in 1817; later George Reed, Rev. Jacob Bowlus, Samuel Crowell, Henry Bowlus, Aaron Forgerson, Basil Coe, George Michel, George Engler and John Kuns. If space permitted, others coming later would here be mentioned.

The religions and educational affairs of the township, in early times, were so intimately connected with Lower Sandusky as to have but little important early separate history. In

1840 Dr. William Reeves accompanied by his wife Hannah, members of this religious denomination conducted religious services in Lower Sandusky which resulted in gathering together a small '"'class," which was increased by a split in the United Brethren Society. The results following the labors of Dr. Reeves and wife were satisfactory, but tne society not seeming to prosper in town, a class was organized the summer following in the country. Two years later a meeting-house was built on the farm of Henry Bowlus, where services were held -until 1873, when the present house was erected on the Rollersville Road near the Mus-. callonge Creek. The present minister is Rev. BT. Aden.

Lutheran. Salem Lutheran Church, at Fouranile House, was ofganized June 23, 1839, by. Rev. C. Conrad, though he had held services and performed tites from the year 1835 to' "£830. He was followed by Rev. J. Beilharz' from 7839 to 1846, when Rev. Henry Lang bees Ripa and served till the year 1880. . Rev. C. H> Athoff became the pastor and 'served'until the year 1888. Since April 22; 1888, Rev. W. A. Bowman. has: served the congregation until the present time, I909.. The corner-storie of the present edifice, completed in 1884, was laid: 'June 4, 1883.

There are tnirteen sub-districts, requiring thirteen teachers to supply the schools with a total! enroliment of 286, of which 147 are boys and 139 are girls. The amount paid teachers during the year ending August 3; 1908, , being the last official report at this writing, was $4,352.50, and for supervision there was paid w4o. There were eight Boxwell graduates, who attended a high school.

George W. Shreffler operates a large stone quarry on his farm of seventy-one acres, situated: at-Four-mile House, Sandusky Townsiiip, and has been continuously engaged in the Stone 'business here for the last thirty years. The product quarried is available for building purposes, bridge construction and concrete road making, and Mr. Shreffler is carrying on a successful business..

Fremont Tile & Brick Manufacturing Company (incorporated) conduct one of the leading industries of Sandusky Township. The business was founded many years ago by a Mr. Wolcott, from whose hands it passed into those of A. A. Reynolds, who conducted it for a number of years. It then came under the control of the present company, consisting of

Henry Swint (manager), Theodore L. Fuchs and A. A, Nichols, all of Fremont. The concern is engaged in the manufacture of draintile and building blocks of a superior quality, the plant being installed with the latest improved machinery and electric power. it important business concerns of the county. _ SCOTT TOWNSHIP. Tax Duplicate, $1,018,250. Voters, 391. Scott Township was so named in honor of one of its early settlers, Merritt Scott. Among the first settlers in the township

The only villages in the township are Greensburg, now Tinney, named after Judge John L. Green, and Rollersville, named for one of its citizens, Henry Roller. These two villages were important points for the distribution of mail during and for many years after the war. Greensburg was especially noted as a country post-office, people coming from where Millersville and Helena now are and from near Gib- The mail was carried to these villages from Fremont twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays. The venerable mail carrier for a number of years was John C. Dean of Rollersville.

The first church built within its borders was at Rollersville, in the year 1830. While Rollersville can claim the first church, Greensburg has credit for the first schoolhouse, which stood about eighty rods west of the village now known as Tinney. Scott Township is the only township in the county that has no railroad touching its territory. This township is purely agricultural, except the oil industry, which has been largely developed and has been a great source of wealth to many of the farmers. There have been more than two thousand oil wells in operation in this township at one time.

ing for the most part of a dark loam and some sand, and is well adapted for raising corn, wheat, oats and grass. There were two prairies which probably were formerly small lakes. The one in the south known as the Tauwa, the other the southwest part of the township. Where many good farms now are, the wild duck hatched and reader their young by the thousands.

There is a sand ridge bordering along the south prairie from eight feet to thirty feet higher than the surface of the prairie, and was at one time the route of an Indian trail. When the first settlers arrived this Indian trail over this sand ridge was worn about one foot deep by the ponies used by the Indians. This prairie was the first to be put under cultivation and before it was broken for cultivation furnished an abundance of pasture and tall prairie grass, which was cut and dried and stacked for winter feed.

When the land was first plowed, numerous elk's horns were plowed up and so also were many logs covered with earth to a depth of about eight to twelve inches. On the sand ridge for many years all kinds of Indian relics were plowed up.

The other prairie was most of the year under water until some time in the eighties, when it was drained and has since that time been under cultivation. The top of the soil is a very light muck, underneath of which there is a layer of snail shells, many in perfect form, about four to eight inches thick.

Henry Roller, for whom Rollersville was named, was one of the earliest settlers. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Wilson Teters came with him in.1832. The first settler on the Tauwa prairie was Samuel Miller. The first preacher in the township was Jeremiah Brown. Other early settlers were, M. L.

Smith, Jacob Reinhart, James Baker, C. C. 'Barney, James Donnel, the Ballard family, John Harpster, Geo. N. Snyder, the Hathaway family, Jacob Kuntz, Phillip Miller, Daniel Long, whose three sons Samuel, John and Michael were preachers, Samuel Sprout, Michael Settzer, Jacob Havley, Elisha Moore, Reuben McDaniels, William Wright, David Solomon and the Wyant family. Later came the:

The early settlers, a hardy industrious people, gave character and standing to its citizenship that was to follow. The people of Scott Township are noted for their thrift, industry and respect for law and good government.:

Among' the families that have left their personality stamped upon its institution may be mentioned, Bates, Phillips, Putman, Roush, Gossard, Inman, Wright, Lehman and Tinney. From Scott, Hon. Benjamin Inman, Hon. John J. Lehman and 'Hon. G..F. Aldrich have represented Sandusky County in the House of Representatives at Columbus.

"Schools and the means of education" have always been encouraged in Scott Township, and many of the best teachers of the county have come from here. Some of the earlier teachers were, W. H. K. Gossard, Levi L. Wright, L. M. Snyder, Samuel Long, Sarah Long, Druzilla Gossard and Ellan C. Wright; later came M. Putman, Frank O'Farrell, Mary O'Farrell, C. W. Binton; then came F.. Jay Tinney, G. F. Aldrich, Arthur Gossard, A. W. Tinney and Charles Tinney, so all along through her history Scott has always been and

Scott Township school district has eleven sub-districts, requiring the services of eleven teachers for thirty-two weeks at an expenditure of $3,887 for tuition and $260 for supervision. The school enrollment is, boys 165, girls 173; total 338.

Canaan Class United Brethern, in the south part of the township was formed in 1834, and the first preachers were Revs. Beaver, Moore and Davis. The first class was organized by David Long and David Solomon, the latter being the leader for more than thirty years. A house of worship was built in 1867.

The Evangelical organized a class at an early day, the first members of which were John Roush, John Harpster, John Orwig, Isaac Miller, Mr. Hartman and others whose names are not remembered. They erected a church in 1870. The Methodists organized Mount Zion Class and erected a church building in 1872 near Greensburg, now Tinney. The Congregational Church at Rollersville was organized in 1842, through the efforts of Rev. M. P. Fay, who continued to serve the same until 1878. Its first members were, John Miller, Philip Miller, Sylvester Jewett, James Merrick, Angus Campbell, Geo. N. Snyder, Williston Merrick, Mr. Harrison, with their wives, respectively, and Mrs. Reuben McDaniels. The house of worship was built in 1860.

The first postmaster at Rollersville was David Smith, who was succeeded by Dr. J. C. Thomson, who served from 1847 till 1862; others were Daniel Baker, William Herriff, S. P. Hathaway and D. B. Baker.

The fitst physician in Scott Township was Dr. William Durbin; but the most prominent of the early physicians here was Dr. J. C. Thomson, born in 1822, the son of a Pennsylvania congressman. He began practice in Scott in 1844 and continued for over forty years. He was held in high esteem as,a physician and man of affairs in the township. He was justice of the peace for about thirty years and filled many other positions of honor and trust. He was prominent in Masonry, Odd Fellowship and Knights of Honor.

Perhaps the most potent educational force in the township for years was the Tinney Select School, organized about 1890 and conducted for twelve years by G. F. Aldrich. The school, though unpretentious, did much to create educational sentiment and prepare young men and women for teaching in the public schools. The teacher and pupils of this school have organized themselves into what is known as the Alumni Association of the Tinney Select School, which meets annually at 'Tinney.

Mr. Aldrich has stood for years in the front rank of educational workers of this county. Scott Township has had four members of the Board of County School Examiners, G. F. Aldrich, F. M. Inman, A. W. Gossard and A. W. Tinney, the latter a member of the board

The organization of this township has been given elsewhere in this volume. Prior to the settlements the southern part was heavily timbered. Prairies broke the northern part and were covered with a heavy marsh grass interspersed with an occasional spot where grew a more nutritious variety. There is but one millsite in the township, that being in the eastern part below "Rockwell Spring' - a spring which is the source of the most beautiful stream in the township - a rapid current of clear mineral water. Fountains of cold water pleasantly tinctured with mineral matter are found in different parts of the township.

The first artesian well here was sunk by C. G. Sanford in 1850, which, when cased, gave forth an abundant supply of water at a height above ground sufficient to run into a water trough. The depth of these wells vary from twenty to fifty feet. At some places water will rise, when properly cased, six feet above the surface. It is believed that Cold Creek Spring, in Erie County, and Rockwell Spring are fed from the same source, through natural fissures in the layer of conglomerate, covering'a sub-

The Settlements

The Townsend family, whose name the township bears, made an improvement in 1818 on the farm known now as the Brush farm. Abraham Townsend emigrated from New York to Canada before the War of 1812. His son Ephriam K. joined the American Army, which made it prudent for his father to return to his native country, which he did. The family consisted of the father and mother, two sons, E. K. and Gamalial, and five daughters, Margaret, Betsy, Mary, Amy and Eliza. The father removed to Huron in 1824 and later to Michigan. Ephraim remained and became owner of eighty acres of land. He was the first township clerk. He married Rebecca Tew,

His son, Paul Tew, became a prominent and influential citizen and served as county commissioner when the brick court house was built in 1844.

A. C. Jackson settled in 1822, with his wife, Amanda, and two children, to whom ten were added, born in Townsend. Mrs. Jackson was much beloved for her kindness and skill in ministering to the sick.

The Selveys came in 1824. Robert Wallace and his wife, Mary, settled here in 1826. Ebenezer Rawson, Josiah Holbrook, Samuel Love, B. Widener, Daniel Rice, James Lemmon, Sr., Albert Guinall and John Bush came about the same time.

Later along in the thirties there followed the Parkhursts, Stevens, Whitmores, Beaghlers, Higleys, Haffs, Sanfords, Hoopers, Chambers, Lewises, Goldens, Brushes, Millers and Fullers.

Early Events

Townsend post-office was established in 1824 with William Tew, Sr., as postmaster. In 1853 it was named York Station, on the C. S. & C. Railroad, with Josiah Munger in charge. It has recently been discontinued.

Whitmore Station, on the L. E. & W. steam railroad and the Sandusky, Fremont & Southern Electric, was made a post-office and Walter Davlin postmaster upon the extension of the L. E. & W. Railroad to Sandusky. The office has been discontinued since rural mail delivery was established.

The first church in the township was built on the north ridge by the Methodists in 1848 and stands there now. The first circuit preacher was Daniel Wilcox.

Vickery. This village, located on the L. kk. & W. Railroad, and the Sandusky, Fremont & Southern Electric Railway, was platted by Robert Vickery in 1881. A post-office was established and B. Sharpe was appointed postmaster. The following persons have since served as postmasters: Charles Green, C. A. Daniels, William Worman and Herman Lindsey, the incumbent. It has two rural delivery routes, with a daily service covering about thirty square miles, containing a population of about twelve hundred inhabitants, with 240 mail boxes. The village has a population of about one hundred and fifty and contains a Methodist Church served by Rev. H. H. Fisher, pastor.

Rockwell Spring Trout Fishing Club is located on the stream which flows from the spring on the site of the old Boice Water-mill, originally built by a man named Rockwell, for whom the spring was named; which mill, in the early days, supplied not only the people of

Townsend, but a large population of the adjoining counties. The club has erected a club house and changed the source of the stream, after the plan of the Castalia trout stream. The club numbers twenty-six members. Emery Thierwechter is president, Lacy Williams of Toledo, secretary and treasurer, and T. P. Hire is superintendent of grounds in charge of the fish hatchery. From two to three hundred thousand eggs are hatched every year.

The Tile Factory of Frank Halbeison, in Townsend Township, near Vickery, is one of the important industries of this township. Mr. Halbeison first started tile manufacturing on his farm in Riley Township in 1882, carrying it on there for several years. Afterward he followed the business for about two years at Erlin, Ohio. In 1902 he began the manufacture of tile at his present location, where he now has a plant capable of turning out 8,000 tile per day. The business is prospering and much of the time the plant is run to its full capacity.

The district contains ten sub-districts and requires eleven teachers to supply them, for thirty-two weeks. Amount expended for teaching, $3,382.65, and for supervision, $262; total, $3,644.65. School enrollment, boys 150, girls 143; total 293. Boxwell graduates attending a high school, boys 4, girls 7; total 11.

This is the largest in area of any township in the county, embracing all of original Congressional Township No. 5, and twelve sections of Township No. 6, of Range No. 14 East, these twelve sections being added after Ottawa County was organized.

The principal streams flowing through the same are Little Mud Creek, Big Mud Creek and Nine-mile Creek, all flowing from the southwest to the northeast across its territory. A small stream called Wolf Creek flows through the northwest corner of the township.

The soil, excepting the surface of a sand ridge, extending between Little and Big Mud Creeks, is a black vegetable mould, the remains of luxuriant swamp vegetation, and marks it as being a part of the region designated as the "Black Swamp." This sand ridge portion is strewn with numberless rocks, foreign in formation to the place where found. These are known as boulders or bowlders, so named from having been "bowled" along, by a moving ice stream from the far north, whence they were brought, during what is known as the glacial period. The reader is referred to the

Owing to the unpropitious conditions existing in this swamp region, no permanent settlements were made within the limits of Washington Township, till about 1830, though land entries were made as early as 1826, in which year the following entries are recorded: David Hess in Sections 9, 10 and 15, 730 acres; in Sections 13 and 24 Enoch Rush, 210 acres; in Section 24, Josiah Topping, 140 acres; Section 9, Harry Fuller, sixty-six acres; in Sections 8 and 9, Reuben Wilder, 267 acres. From 1826 to 1831, inclusive, the following named persons entered lands: Pontius Wheeler, J. H. Topping, George Waggoner, Samuel Waggoner, Robert Long, Jacob Nyce, Jonas Graham, Michael Hogle, William Floyd, David Grant, Magdalena Bowman, George Watt, David Church, Joseph Deck, A. W. Green, Jacob Hendricks, Daniel Karshner, Daniel Hendricks, John Mackling, Michael Overmyer, Peter Poorman, John Rose, N. P. Robbins, William Rose, Solomon Shoup, John Shoup, Jacob C. Stultz, William Skinner, John Strohl, J. H. Topping, Hector Topping, John C. Waggoner, John Smith, Isaac Rhidenour, John Baird, William Chenaworth and George Hetrick. The quantities were generally not large, varying from eighty to three hundred acres, and in one instance, Daniel Hendricks, as high as 370 acres.

The locality seems not to have been an inviting one for land speculators, judging from the generally small sized tracts entered. Entries that would, from quantity, indicate purposes of speculation were Dickinson and Pease in 1835, 372 acres; in 1836, H. G. Folger, 532 acres; Edward Bissell, 2,376 acres, and James

The settlers were nearly all natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, but a large proportion came here directly from Perry County. Josiah H. Topping, David Grant and John Wolcutt were the first. Topping kept tavern on the pike. George Skinner came as the fourth settler in 1830 and settled in Section 26. From then onward settlements progressed, and among these hardy pioneers were: Joseph Cookson, Jacob Stultz, the Waggoners, Jacob Hendricks, Solomon Shoup, the Skinners, John Baird, Hugh Forgerson, William and Samuel Black, Michael Fought, A. G. Ross, Peter Morton, George Geeseman, Samuel Spohn, Jacob Moses, Joseph Garn, Henry Forster, Daniel Karshner, Christian Dershen, James Ross, Henry Bowman, David Hess, Henry Stierwalt, John Bowersox, Daniel Boyer, William Yeggle, John Avers, E. Humers, H. Bearing, John Mogler, David Deil, James Snyder, Martin Garn, Daniel Spohn, Jacob Heberling.

John Waggoner, a native of Maryland, came in 1830 with his family of eight children, namely: Betsy, John, Jacob, David, Nancy, Daniel, Solomon and Samuel.

Jacob Overmyer settled here in 1833, coming from New York. He had sons, Philip A., William, George, Luke, Amos, and daughters, Sarah Ann, who married Hiram Waggoner of Indiana; Agnes, who married Jacob 'Huffman of that state; Susan, who married Michael Overmyer; Mary, who. married Solomon Overmyer ; Catherine, who married Coonrad Hess, and Amanda, who married Jacob Hess.

The first schoolhouse was built in 1833 on the north side of the pike on what is known as the old Hetrick farm. It was built of round logs, covered with "shakes" or split boards about three feet in length, held in place by "weight poles" and the floor and sams were of puncheons or split logs hewn smooth on the upper side. The window lights were made of greased paper. The first teacher was Narcissa Topping. The first schoolhouse in the southwest corner was built about 1834 on the farm of Jacob Moses.

The public schools have kept up with the progress of the township in other affairs, affording ample facilities for the schooling of the youth of the township. In the township district there are fifteen sub-districts, requiring fifteen teachers, thirty-two weeks to supply the same. The school enrollment is, boys 186, girls 140; total 326. The township district employs a superintendent. Amount paid for tuition, including supervision, $5,700.

This village was laid out October 21, 1837, by David Hess and B. H. Bowman and was designated in the plat by the name of Cashtown. It is located in Section 9, Town 5, Washington Township, on the Maumee and Western Reserve Road. It is now traversed by the Lake Shore Electric Railroad. It is said that the name Cashtown was given the village because dealers at that point paid out more ready cash for produce than was paid at other trade centers in the county. Finally, because of the prominence of the Hess family, who laid out the north part, the name by which it is now known was adopted.

The post-office was known as "Black Swamp" until recent times. The postmasters have been David Berry, H. Forster, Henry Reiling, Samuel Ritter, A. Lay, Jacob Arnsted, George McVey, Frank Artz and J. H. Milious.

In 1851 the Lutherans built a house of their own on the pike farther west. This was superseded by a fine building in 1877. Among the first members were the Auxter, Tappy, Schwartzman, Pohlman and Upp families. The first members of the Reformed were: Henry Bowman, B. Karshner, S. Kratzer, William Keizer, William Opperman and a few others.

The village has not increased in population of late years to any appreciable extent. There is a good two-story brick schoolhouse in which a good graded school is kept. Among the former teachers there were, Frank O'Farrell, Esq., and Miss Lenore Belle Meek of Fremont.

Hessville. This congregation was organized by Rev. Conrad of Tiffin, Ohio, in the year 1840. He was followed by Rev. G. Cronnenwett, of Woodville, in 1841, who served the congregation about twenty-nine years. He was succeeded by Rev. R. Graetz, who served the congregation from 1869 to 1875, when Rey. S. Poppen took charge and was pastor to the year 1885, when Rev. C. H. Althoff, the present pastor, was installed, who served the congregation during the past twenty-four years.

The services of Emmanuel's congregation at first were held in a log schoolhouse west of Hessville. In 1853 a frame building was erected in Hessville where the Reformed also held services. From 1853 to 1876 the congregation worshiped in a small brick building west of the present house of worship. It was during Rev. Poppen's administration that

Lindsey

Lindsey, located in Sections 2 and 3 in Washington Township, on the line of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, has a population of about seven hundred inhabitants. It has a post-office and is served by four daily mails and has one rural delivery route, serving a rural population of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants.

The village was originally platted by B. F. Roberts and E. B. Phillips, November 21, 1853, and named the town of Washington. It was incorporated by the name of Lindsey. It has a municipal government and is a separate school district with a school enrollment of 114, of which there are 50 boys and 64 girls. G. W. Overmyer, superintendent (1908) with a salary of $540. Three teachers are employed thirty-six weeks. The village pays for tuition, including supervision, $1,890. For the year 1909 J. J. Breslin has been employed as superintendent.

The post-office was first named Loose, and William Overmyer was the first postmaster. He was succeeded by W. M. Boyer; since Boyer, the following have served: John Jordan, J. W. Breneman, E. S. Bowersox, J. W. Boyer and C. G. Bowers, present incumbent.

Leander Bloker, of Lindsey, operates a planing-mill-and deals extensively in lumber, window frames, sash, etc. He entered into his present business in 1882, being a partner in the firm of Bloker & Wilson. In 1893 he purchased Mr. Wilson's interest and continued alone until June 15, 1907, when his plant was destroyed by fire. He has since rebuilt it and resumed operations under improved conditions,

This township lies in the northeast corner of Sandusky County and was organized April I, 1840. It lacks six sections at the northeast corner of being six miles square or of being the size of a Congressional township, which fractional piece was made a part of Ottawa County in 1840, when that county was organized, being taken from Sandusky County. It was named in honor of Amos E. Mood, a leading citizen at the time of its organization, and prominent in public affairs. He was subsequently elected to Congress and re-elected, but died during his second term.

The first election in the township was held at his house April 14, 1840, and resulted in the election of David Dunham, Lester Allen and Archibald Rice, trustees; Ira Benedict and Jared Plumb, justices of the peace; Ira Benedict, township clerk.

Physical Features

The surface is mostly a plain. The Portage River traverses the township in a northeasterly course, dividing it into two almost equal parts. Tousaint Creek in the northeast corner and Sugdr Creek in the southwest, run parallel with the Portage River, through the township northeasterly. These streams are separated by almost imperceptible ridges of lime stone, the out crops of the underlying Niagara formation, mention of which, with the stone, lime and oil industries of the township, has been made in Chapter XII of this volume, to which the reader is referred. Between these ridges the soil is the ordinary mixture characteristic of the Black Swamp region.

Permanent settlements in the Woodville Township territory were not made for quite a number of years after those in most of the other parts of the county. In 1825 it was ordered that the Mud Pike, which was little more than a "corduroy" road, be built and that the adjoining road lands, ceded by the Indian tribes, in 1808, by the Brownstown treaty, embracing one mile on each side, be sold as pike lands. This was the signal for settlement. Prior to this, however, there was an occasional "squatter." The first clearing was made on the present site of Woodville Village in 1825, and a little log cabin erected, and in the fall of 1826, occupied by Thomas and Harriet Miller. Mr. Miller died in 1828, and Mrs. Miller kept tavern here until 1837. Land in Section 35 on Sugar Creek was bought in 1826 by C. B. Collins, who afterwards superintended the grading of the pike. In 1832 Ephraim Wood and his son-in-law, G. H. Price, bought lands .and built houses in Sections 27 and 28. Price's tract embraced what is now the south part of Woodville Village. Wood's tract was just across the Portage River from Price's, where he erected, at a frame building, and here kept a tavern. Here, is where the first township election was held in 1840, then owned by Amos E. Woodson of Ephraim. Price's children were George E. and W. W. Price, by his first wife, Parthena Wood, and Willie H., Nellie P., and Grace E., by his second wife, who was Louise B. Ladd.

Lester Allen was one of the earliest to settle in the east part of the township. In 1831 the Baldwin and Chaffa families settled in the township. There were then but five families therein. David Dunham came in 1833. His son, Almon, became prominent in county affairs, and represented the county in the State Legislature. ©

In 1833 to 1840 came John H. Scott, John and Mary Moore, Jared Plumb, David B. Black, Archibald Rice, James Scoville, Samuel and Erastus Pitcher, Ira Kelsey, Mr. Thatcher, Peter Kratzer, Edward Down, Andrew Nuhfer, Ira Benedict, John Vanettan, B. Hurrelbrink, Hiram Preston, Fred Myerholtz, Henry Seabert, William Black, Mr. Burnham, Michael ° McBride, Dr. A. R. Ferguson, W. C. Hendricks, T. L. Truman, Later came the Klavings, Kelloggs, Bakers, Krauses, Klines, Brions and Campers.

Woodville Township is not behind in educational facilities. In the days of the early settlements little log schoolhouses sprang up in the several districts. These have given way to the more substantial frame and brick structures._

The first schoolhouse was built in 1836 and Catharine Seager was the first teacher.. The daughters of Ira Benedict and Jared Plumb also taught the early schools in the township. In 1839 a frame building was put up in Woodville by the Lutherans for church purposes, but it afterwards became a schoolhouse. In' the year 1836 John Moore's house was transformed into a schoolhouse and his daughter, was the teacher.. In 1837 a new building was put up on Sugar Cheek and John Scott taught school therein for his board.

Frederick Jaeger, clerk ot township I. K. Seaman, J. S. Compton, S. G. Baker, Davis Dunham, John Scott, Christopher Trame, Caleb Klink. There were then seven sub-districts numbered in the order mentioned with the members.

On April 20, 1857, the board levied a half mill for German schools and a half mill for English schools, and thus it appears that German was taught in the public schools.

Among the early teachers who left an impress of their work and individuality may be mentioned, Miss Seager, Mrs. Daly, Henry Osborn, William Humlong, Jonathan Hunt, Mr. Catlin and Mr. Hinkley. Of the later teachers whose memory still lingers among their former pupils are: Mr. Baker; Mr. Brown, the founder of The Normal University of Valparaiso, Indiana; O. Dunham, W.. H. Andrews; and George Worst and Mr. Essig in the special district are worthy of mention.

The township district has seven sub-districts requiring seven teachers, thirty-six weeks at a cost for tuition of $2,780. Boxwell graduates attending a high school, boys 4, girls 3; total 7. Enrollment, boys 67, girls 70; total 137.

The; first grist-mill in Woodville Township was built by D. B. Banks in 1835 on the banks of the Portage River, a short distance from the present village of Woodville. There was also a saw-mill on the other side of the river. The grist-mille was first run by horse-and oxpower. the customers furnishing their own teams to grind the grain. It, was last run by William Hendricks. There was a saw-mill dn the farm of Caleb Clink in Section 4 and one at Woodville owned by' Lewis Maynard. There was a woolen-mill in the village owned by W. J. Keil.

Woodville Village

Tax Duplicate, $413.430. Voters, 234. - This village was laid out June 13, 1836, by Amos E. Wood and George H. Price and named in honor of Mr. Wood. It will be observed that the village was located before the township was organized. Reference to settlements prior in date to 1840 is understood to apply to territory subsequently becoming Woodville Township:

The village contains about nine hundred inhabitants and is situated on both banks of the Portage River in Sections 27 and 28. The business part, however, is om the west side. Transportation facilities are furnished by the Maumee and Western Reserve Turnpike and other improved roads; the Pennsylvania steam railroad; the Lake Shore Electric, and the Lake Erie, B. G. & Napoleon Electric Railroads. The post-office has four daily mails and two rural delivery routes with seventy-five rural boxes. The postmasters here have been Charles Powers, John P. Elderkin, J. H. Rearick, Andrew

The village is located in the midst of valuable oil producing territory, and with the advent of oil enjoyed great resulting prosperity, rapidly increasing in wealth and importance as a business center.

The village has two banks, two hotels, a grain elevator and a flouring mill. This mill is the outgrowth of. the first one here, which was built by Henry Seabert in 1860-and afterwards destroyed by-fire. It was rebuilt and fell into the hands of John P. Elderkin and later was managed by Dr. A. R. Ferguson for a time. The present brick structtire and elevator in connection with the same are owned and operated by W. H. Bruns. The capacity of the mill is 150 barrels of flour daily.

Village Public Schools

The history of the village schools begins with the year 1865, when Sub-district No. 3 was set off as a special school district and thereby separated from the control of the township board. The school building at that time was a two-room, one-story frame, located on the corner of Cherry and Railroad Streets. This district was changed to a village district in 1868, and comprises the village of Woodville and considerable adjacent territory. The present four-room, two-story brick structure was erected in 1878. The high school, with a four-year course, was established in 1894. 'It is graded as first-class under the school law and its graduates are eligible to entrance in the State University. Four teachers and a superintendent are employed. Amount, as per last annual report, paid high school teacKers, $1,379.03 ; paid elementary teachers, $1,433.75 ; paid for supervision exclusive of teaching, $250. Total paid for tuition, including supervision, $3,067.78. Enrollment, high school, boys 10, girls 14; elementary, boys 68, girls 59; total enrollment 151. Salary of superintendent, $1,000.

Woodville Normal School is one of the educational institutions of the Lutheran Joirt Synod of Ohio. It was founded in 1881 by the Rev. George Cronnenwett. Its primary object was, and is, to furnish teachers for the parochial schools of the Synod. It was, however, found expedient to offer facilities to those who may desire to prepare for a collegiate course, or to acquire a more thorough mastery of the common branches, and a more general knowledge of the sciences than is usually offered by the common schools. With this in view, courses in Latin and bookkeeping have been added. Both sexes are admitted. The faculty consists of four professors and two assistant instructors.

Solomon's Parochial School. The Lutheran Solomon's Congregation maintains a parochial school since 1862. Organized primarily to provide instruction in religion and the elenientary German branches, it has gradually expanded its curriculum until now it includes besides these an English course identical with that of the public school tothe seventh grade. Pupils

Three teachers are employed. The attendance varies from' about seventy-five to ninety pupils. The total cost of maintaining the school is about fifteen hundred dollars a. year.

Solomon's Evangelical Lutheran--Church. The beginning of Solomen's charch dates back to the year 1830. It was then that the first settlers arrived here from their old Hannoverian home in and about Osnabruech.: In 1841 Rev. George Cronnenwett was called to this field. All was dense primeval forest then 10 the Black Swamp. | Forty-seven years. did Father Cronnenwett serve his people; for years the only Lutheran pastor 'within .a radius :o1 more than fifty miles. During these years he baptized 2341, confirmed 1730, buried 1214 persons.

In 1864, during the Civil War, tke present: church was built, quite a pretentious church: for the times. Rev. Paul Raether succeeded Father Cronnenwett in 1889. Easter 1903 he resigned his ministry at this place. During the vacancy of a little more than a year the late Rev. J. Bauch served Solomon's people as their temporary pastor. Peter Langendorff entered upon his ministry April 24, 1904. He'came here from Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County.

Solomon's congregation numbers today from: 1,000 to 1,100 souls. It is one of.the largest: churches of the denomination in this part of the state. For more than three, decades -the con' gregation has supported a' parish school. It is ably served by Prof. C. Vogel, Misses Lydia Nieman and Margaret Riedel.

"Voodville. Township and. vicinity. 'The 'first German settlers. came there in 1833- - Sebert and Schuler. . The fatter went to Perrysburg: The next year three more families came up the river, One tnother brought' a dead child hid in her shawl 'for fear. it would be cast into the lake or river as is the custom) at sea, and she had it buried' at )Lower Sandusky. . Other families. came until there were nine in Wood- ville Township and they did not have room enough in the barn of Mr. Sever to put away their chests and trunks and some were stored in the barn of Mr. Amos E. Wood. The Maumee Pike was not then made. These settlers lived there in the dense woods. Some children sickened and died and were buried without coffins. The parents longed for a minister to come among them. Some of the husbands and fathers went to work on the Maumee Canal, from Toledo to Defiance, to get money to buy provisions for their families. In 1834 some were unable to buy flour in Fremont. They got such supplies as they could 'and carried them on their shoulders to Woodville. They bought their land at $1.25 per acre. One widow traveled on foot in wooden shoes to the land office at Bucyrus to buy her land. In 1835 they raised a crop of corn and ground it with their coffee mills to make bread.

"In 1841 I was sent as a missionary from Ann Arbor, Mich., to visit the Germaris at Toledo, Perrysburg and the Black Swamp. I preached at Woodville but hesitated to accept a call from them until they came after me to Michigan with teams. I had at first very poor lodging. It was a sort of porch on one side of a wagon shop, another family occupying the opposite porch. We had a stove and two beds place an umbrella over us when sleeping. The roads through the woods were very bad and often hard to find. I often missed my way in going to preach to the settlers at a 'distance.

The United Brethern was organized by Rev. John Long in the latter part of the sixties and services were held in the Union Church building until 1874, when the society purchased the old German Methodist Church Building. There is no resident pastor, but services are kept up by ministers from the circuit to which the church belongs.

The Methodist Episcopal was organized in 1844 in the old schoolhouse by Rev? William Norton, the first pastor. The first stewards were Stephen Brown and Ephraim Wood. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse until the "Union Church" was built.

In 1859 the Methodists, Presbyterians and Itvangelicals combined and erected an edifice called the Union Church, each society having a representative in the official board. The Presbyterians and Evangelicals became extinct, after which it passed into the possession of the Methodist Episcopal congregation, which finally also becoming extinct, the property, by judicial authority, was in 1909 transferred to the Solomon's Lutheran Church for contemplated educational purposes.

Catholic. As early as 1843 Father Rappe held services in Woodville and in 1851 he effected an organization. A dwelling house was purchased and converted into a house of worship. In 1862 the brick edifice was built and dedicated. The church was supplied in ministerial work from Elmore. In 1882 Father Reiken was pastor. There have been no services maintained here by this faith for a good many years.

The German Methodist organized a society in 1843 with about twenty members; Rev. E. Reinschneider was the first pastor. The first trustees were Henry Seabert, Fred Miller, Fred Gerke, Andrew Nuhfer and Fred Steirkamp. There is now no resident pastor, but services are maintained.

Bellevue Village And York

Bellevue being in part within Sandusky County, is therefore considered in our history. Tax duplicate, in Sandusky County, $626,300. Voters, in Sandusky County, 475.

The first post-office was known as York Cross Roads, and the village was called Amsden's Corners, for T. G. Amsden its first merchant. In 1839, upon the completion of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad to this place, the present name was adopted, which means "beautiful view,' a name appropriate when its elevation and surroundings are considered. The highest sea level in the county, 751 feet, is in Bellevue.

According to the best. authority Mark Hopkins was the first settler, coming in 1815, and Elnathan George the next, settling in 1816; then in 1817 Return Burlingson; in the year 1819 John C. Kinney, Thomas G. Amsden and