Superior Township

Superior Township

THIS township was organized June 3, 1839. Since its organization the territory has never been subdivided, and it has had from the first its present limits, which are somewhat greater than an exact Congressional township. This is accounted for by the extension of the township north to the Fulton line, making it a little more than seven miles, north and south, to six miles east and west.

Superior township was settled, as was Williams county generally, by people from older portions of Ohio, intermixed with others from Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York, and an occasional immigrant from the Mother Country or the Father Land. Descendants of these early pioneers people the township to some extent, but so rapid has been the growth of Montpelier and so inviting have been the opportunities offered there, that it can now be said with truth to have the most cosmopolitan population of any township in the county. But whatever their ancestry or wherever their birthplace, the people of Superior township are a class of intelligent and progressive citizens, many of whom are highly cultured and intellectual. Superior township may also be said to be a historic locality. It was a favorite location of the Indians, many years prior to its occupancy by white men, and even during the early days of settlement the red men had a large camp on the St. Joseph river within the present corporation limits of Montpelier.

Superior township is traversed by the St. Joseph river, a stream of considerable size, on each side of which are broad level tracts of land of the rich black loam variety, which is exceptionally fertile as corn land. The slight elevations which at some points confine the bottom lands to narrow limits, and at others extend them to a greater distance, add to the agricultural value and tend to the beauty of a diversified surface. All the lands are strong and fertile clay soil, which yield abundant returns under proper cultivation. Being sufficiently watered by the little streams which abound these lands are especially valuable for grazing purposes, the stock raising industry being a source of profit as well as pleasure. About the only stream, aside from St. Joseph river, which is large enough to be dignified with a name, is Eagle creek, which flows to the river from the northwest. In addition to these, however, there are many spring branches or runs, which constitute the drainage of the township as well as the water supply. With the advantages before enumerated, it is not strange that a large number of the farmers are extensively engaged in the stock business, and many of them feed a large share of the grain product of their farms to stock, reared by themselves, while others are buyers and shippers. The growth of this industry is a feature which has kept pace with the agricultural advancement of the township.

Fruit growing is another profitable industry which commands some investment and reasonably large returns. There are those who have kept abreast of the onward march of the horticultural science, and in the scientific propagation and culture of the varieties best adapted to the soil and climate have realized good returns.

Traditional history at best is unreliable, but it becomes especially so when transmitted to the third or fourth generation. No written record exists as to the first settler in Superior township; neither have we all of the names of the first officers of the township. But herewith is presented the names of some of the earliest settlers, early business men and officials: About the year 1834, George Bible settled and built his first cabin about two and one-half miles southeast of Montpelier. The forests abounded with wild animals, among the most dreaded of which were bears and wolves, which would often kill and destroy domestic animals. Mr. Bible is represented, by those who have recollections of him, as a remarkably good shot, who scarcely ever missed his mark. One year, he had a contest with Frederick Miser, of Center township, as to which would kill the larger number of deer within a space of two months, and the match resulted in Mr. Bible killing ninety-nine and his opponent sixty-five. Mr. Bible was much disappointed, it is said, because he failed to bring down one more deer, the task he had imposed upon himself at the outset being a round one hundred.

The second cabin was built by Robert McDaniels, the third by George Wisman, who settled in 1836, and whose land adjoined Mr. Bible's, and the fourth by Joseph Pew, who bought land in the immediate neighborhood of those above named. Robert McDaniels came from Licking county, Ohio. He was the father of Arvilla McDaniels, who was quite a remarkable personage, and was, perhaps, the best known teacher of early days in the schools of Williams county. At the early age of thirteen, she commenced her life work as a teacher in a common school in Licking county, and after she came to Williams county, she taught at Bryan and other points, and thus continued for more than forty years, teaching one hundred terms in all. Failing health and the advancing age of her parents finally caused her to give up teaching; and when they were removed by death, she caused to be constructed a small but convenient brick residence in Pioneer, which she inhabited until her death, in 1873. Her medical attendant during her last illness was Richard Gaudern, whom she had taught his first lessons, nearly forty years before. Miss McDaniels' life was unpretending, self-

George Wisman was born in Maryland, in 1798, and his youth was passed with his parents, with whom he remained until twentyone years of age. He worked for some time at the business of preparing coal for a furnace in Columbiana county, Ohio, and there began farming on eighty acres of woodland, which occupation he followed for four years. He then lived in Massillon for a time, and came to Williams county, October 12, 1836, locating in Superior township, where he had entered 320 acres of land. He developed a fine and extensive farm.

Adam Bechtol was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1809. He lived in the county of his birth until he was twelve years old, when he. with his parents, moved to Lebanon county in the same state. His education consisted of what could be learned in the schools of the place and the period. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, when he learned the trade of a molder, which he followed about eight years, four of them in Massillon, Ohio. He purchased his farm of 280 acres, then woodland, in Superior township, in 1836. He became a thorough farmer and a leading citizen. holding the position of township trustee for nine years and assessing the property in the township eight times.

James Anspaugh was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1809, and attended school but a short time, remaining with and assisting his parents until his marriage. He then began farming on rented land, continuing that mode of life about ten years. He moved to Williams county, in 1839, bringing a yoke of oxen and a pair of steers, and located on 100 acres of government land, clearing the same and opening a road to his house. He steadily added to his landed possessions until he owned 249 acres of excellent land, with many and substantial improvements.

John W. Brannan came from Columbiana county and settled in Superior township, in 1847, where he pursued his vocation as a farmer through a long and honorable life. F. L. Brannan, son of John W., was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, February 5, 1845, an(I was hut two years old when his parents moved to Superior township. He became well educated, attending the district schools and also the high school at Bryan, and began teaching at the age of twenty-one. He began farming on twenty acres of land, but steadily increased his holdings until lie became a well-to-do and substantial farmer. He also dealt largely in live stock, and entered public life to the extent of holding the position of Justice of the Peace for six years. About 1890, he migrated west and now lives in Denver, Colorado.

George Foliar moved from Tuscarawas county to Superior township in 1852. His son, John C. Kollar, was born September 23. 1827, and became a leading citizen of the township. He served in Companv K, Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war. and was in the campaigns with Grant and Sherman.

2, 1803, of German descent, and, when thirteen years of age, was brought to Columbiana county, Ohio, by his parents. He came to Superior township in 1852, and died there, August 11, 1879.

Alfred Riley was born in Stark county, Ohio, February 11, 1832. His mother died when he was about six years of age and he then went to reside with a sister, also a resident of Stark county, who, with her husband, removed to Williams county in 1845, Alfred accompanying them. He received a good common school education, and at the age of eighteen, began to work by the month on his own account, tir 1855, he bought fifty acres of land in Superior township, on Which he lived for about seven years. He then sold it and bought a farm of 140 acres in Bridgewater township, upon which he lived until his death. In politics, Mr. Riley was always a Republican. While living in Superior township he served as trustee, in 1880 was elected county commissioner, and, in 1883, was re-elected, being the only successful candidate on his party ticket.

William Teats, another old resident of Superior township, and who has recently passed away, was born in Ross county, Ohio. His education embraced such scope as the district school afforded, and when sufficiently old lie was apprenticed to a blacksmith. He also learned carpentering and in early manhood removed to old Williams county, locating at Defiance. There he served as township trustee, eight or ten terms, and as corporation clerk of Defiance, one term. He first came to the present Williams county, in 1840, but after remaining a few months, he returned to Defiance and finally came to Superior township in 1849. He spent the remainder of his life on his farm on Eagle Creek, northwest of Montpelier, and died there, June 21, 1905.

John Brannan was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, July 4, 1825,. and in October, 1850, came to Williams county and settled in Superior township, on the farm of 160 acres where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a progressive and enterprising citizen and possessed the confidence of the entire community. Fie served the township in the offices of assessor and land appraiser, and, in 1884 was elected one of the commissioners of Williams county, serving one term in the latter position. He was not a seeker after public place, but yielded to a sense of duty when called upon to serve his fellow citizens.

Joseph White was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, October T4, 1806, and when fifteen years of age, was apprenticed to a coachmaker, with whom he remained four and one-half years, and continued to live in Bucks county until his twenty-third year, when he removed to New Hope, Pennsylvania, and set up his trade there. T11 1835, he removed to Crawford county, Ohio, and purchased eighty acres, fifteen of which were cleared. This he sold, and, coming to Williams county, in 1839, entered 160 acres. He assisted in clearing two and one-half miles of road to reach the mill at W est Buffalo, and he served one term as Justice of the Peace of Superior township.

James Starr was horn in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, January 15, i8it, and his youth-time, when not at school, was spent or* the farm. Removing to Massillon, Stark county, Ohio, he followed clerking for a time, and came to Superior township, in 1839, where he entered eighty acres of land, on which he lived the remainder of his life, with the exception of a short time which he again spent in Stark county. He began the first improvement on his land in 1839, but did not occupy it until 1842, and his first abode was a primitive log cabin. To his first entry of land he added until he owned 456 acres, and in addition to farming the same he dealt extensively in stock.

Henry Dellinger was born in York county, Pennsylvania, November 27, 1813, and his early life was passed at the place of his birth. His opportunities for acquiring an education were exceedingly meager. He learned the trade of a weaver and began the strife of life for himself when sixteen years of age, following the trade for a livelihood, and also for a number of years working in the coal mines of Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1841, he removed to Superior township and located on eighty acres of government woodland. This he cleared, and afterwards added eighty acres more, again forty, and so on until, in 1867, he possessed 240 acres. He removed to Montpelier, in 1877, and passed his remaining days in retirement.

Joseph Griffith was born in Belmont county, Ohio, February 25, 1813. and his youth was passed with his parents, with whom he resided until his marriage. He then continued the pursuit of farming, about twelve years, on rented land, when he purchased ninety-three acres in Superior township, on which he settled in 1851, and began making improvements. In 1869, he sold his farm and purchased more land west of Montpelier; then removed to Metz, Indiana, and remained there two years. Subsequently he erected a store and residence in Montpelier and continued in the mercantile business there until 1881, when he was burned out. After that he devoted his attention to fanning. In public life he served three years as Justice of the Peace of Superior township.

Charles Brundydge was born, September 27, 1800, in Westchester county, New York, and lived at the place of his birth until twenty years of age, attending school and laboring on the farm. He then removed to Connecticut, engaging at farm labor, and two years later came to Huron county, Ohio, where he purchased fifty-three acres of woodland, which he cleared and improved. This he exchanged, in 1842, for 160 acres of unimproved land in Superior township, where he resided until his death.

Andrew Dunlap came from Columbiana county, Ohio, to Williams county, in 1842, and spent the remainder of a long and honorable life in Superior township. He was a native of Ireland, his birth occurring in the little Green Isle, in 1796. In childhood he accompanied his parents to America and lived in Columbiana county until his removal to Williams. He then settled on a farm two miles east of Montpelier, where he lived until death claimed him, in 1888.

Montpelier is the principal town in Superior township ; and it also holds the second and is rapidly forging to the front as a competitor for the first position among the towns of Williams county. It was laid out in T845, h>' Jesse Tucker and I. K. Briner. upon land owned by William S. Miller. It is probable that Messrs. Tucker and Briner had purchased the land on contract; but as no transfer to them was ever recorded, they doubtless failed to realize their expectations in the sale of lots and allowed the real estate to revert to Mr. Miller. In 1849, latter disposed of his holdings to John Miller, who inaugurated the sale of lots and the embryo town was started. But it remained only nominally a town for thirty years and was not incorporated until 1875, tlie delay being caused by its slow growth and the paucity of population. The survey and grading of the roadbed through Montpelier for the old Canada Southern Railway caused a small "boom" for the village, but the abandonment of the project again retarded its growth, and the census enumeration of 1880 gave a population of only 405. With the completion of the Detroit and Butler branch of the Wabash, however, a rapid increase in population began ; and the later addition of the Montpelier and Chicago, and the Montpelier and Toledo branches of the same - combined with the enterprising spirit of the citizens - accelerated the forward movement until in rapid growth Montpelier has had few equals east of the Mississippi River. The United States census tells the story in its returns of the population: 1880, four hundred and five; 1890, twelve hundred and ninety-three : 1900, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine. Since the taking of the last census, however, its growth has been phenomenal, but as no enumeration has been taken the population can only be estimated. At the Presidential election of 1904, there were 673 votes cast in the village, and counting four to each voter (which is usually considered a minimum estimate), the population in 1905, is at least 2,7°°.

The name Montpelier is one of French origin, and there are two noted places in the United States which bear the same cognomen. One is the capital of Vermont, and the other is the former country home and present burial place of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. How the town of which we write came to be christened Montpelier is not positively known, but it may be assumed as probable that the name was given it in honor of one or the other of the noted places mentioned, or else was selected because of its phonetic beauty. The postoffice was established there, December 28, 1846, and Conroy W. Mallory was the first man who was authorized to handle the mail.

The development of Montpelier in manufacturing has been no less remarkable than has been its increase in population. It is difficult if not impossible to give the exact date of the establishment of the first industrial or commercial enterprise in the town, but not far from and perhaps prior to 1845, Messrs. Tucker & Briner built a grist mill, which was run by water power, near the spot where the Montpelier "City Mills are now located. A saw-mill, operated by Tucker & Hueston, was preparing lumber for the settlers in 1844. and this was doubtless the first manufacturing establishment >11 the place. A tannery was built as early as 1848, but it was conducted only a few years and was then abandoned. Upon some points there exists considerable di- versity of opinion, but it is generally conceded that Conroy W. Mallory opened the first general merchandise store on the site now occupied by Montpelier, in 1845, although prior to that date, Jacob Snyder and William Crissey had a small store and ashery west of town, on the place known as the "Brundydge Farm." No village was located there, but it was commonly known as "Tuckertown." The ashery at that place was succeeded by one within the original limits of Montpelier, west of the park on the east bank of the river, and, being yet in operation, it is the oldest landmark in the town. The writer has been unable to learn the exact date of its erection, but it was termed the "old ashery'* in the boyhood days of those who now have a surplus of "silvery threads among the gold." The foundry is another early establishment that is still in existence, and it seems to have kept pace with the town in its development. It was built by Lewis Wingert, in 1865. The Empire House was the first hostelry in the place and it is still standing, although it has been "put out of business" by the growth of the town and the removal of its business center to a point further east. Of the present business and manufacturing interests of Montpelier, time and space forbids a resume. Besides, this volume is intended to be a history and not a business directory ; and if it were the latter, at least monthly editions and additions would be necessary to fairly represent and keep pace with the rapid strides of the town and the development of its many industries.

Montpelier is beautifully situated on the banks of the St. Joseph River, the power from which made it possible to establish the first grist mill and saw mills - prime necessities of the early pioneers. The river bounds the village on the north and west, and seemingly is loth to leave the favored spot in its journey to the place where it loses its name, and, mingling its waters with those of the St. Mary's, assists in the formation of the historic Maumee.

D. Kriebel ; clerk, Jacob Leu; treasurer, John Allen; marshal, Jesse Blue. The gentlemen who officiated as election officers were Frank L. Speaker, Nathan E. Fry and W. M. Gillis, judges, and J. D. Kriebel and T. E. Lamb, clerks. The men who were first chosen to guide the destinies of the village were representatives of the varied business interests then existing. Joel D. Kriebel, who was elected mayor, was identified with the manufacturing interests and had considerable to do with the early railroad projects. He is yet a resident of the town.

Jacob Leu, who served as the first clerk of the village, was a native of Switzerland and was born near Baden, May 24, 1832. He received his education and fourteen years' business experience in the dry goods line before emigrating to America. He came, in i860, to Waterville, Ohio, where he accepted a clerkship and remained five years, and then began business for himself at Bryan, in dry goods and general merchandise, which line of business he followed continuously until his death in 1897. From Bryan he removed to Butler, Indiana, thence to Pettisville, Ohio, and later to Wauseon, where lie remained until 1873. In the latter year he established his residence and engaged in business in Montpelier, which place continued to be his home the remainder of his life. Mr. Leu was quite prominent in local affairs, filling the position of town clerk for six years, town treasurer, and was also a member of the hoard of education.

John Allen was born in Superior township, May 14, 1847. He attended the public schools until he was sixteen years of age, was then a student at the Bryan Academy for one year, then for six months conducted a drug store at Edon, and for two years followed the same business at Fremont, Indiana. In 1870, he returned to Montpelier and established himself in the drug and grocery business with which he was connected for a number of years. He was elected township clerk in 1873, the first treasurer of Montpelier, in 1875, township treasurer, in 1877, an(l was several times re-elected to the latter position. In 1887, he went west and has since been living in the state of Kansas.

Services of the Methodist Eoisconal Church in Superior township date from the year 1849, when the first regular house of worship was built at Eagle Creek, northwest of Montpelier. Prior to that date, of course, services were held at private residences and school houses, and this first church building was a primitive affair, being constructed of hewn logs. This has been succeeded by a substantial frame structure and the congregation at that point has been prosperous from its inception to the present day.

The Presbyterians, also, maintain a strong and prosperous organization in the township, their missionaries being among the first to visit the community in the interests of Christianity. The second house of worship, a frame building, was erected by them, in 1850, and its location was south of Montpelier, in what has been known for years as the Brannan settlement. The first building was succeeded by another of larger dimensions, in 1873, which is known as the Bethesda Church.

The Disciple Church, located on the south line of the township and cne mile west of the east line, was built in 1850. Union Chapel is situated two miles north of the south line and one and three-fourths miles east of the west line - denomination, United Brethren. The Lutheran Reformed, or Zion's Church, situated four miles west and south of Montpelier, was built a number of years ago and was probably the first brick structure for religious services erected in the township.

In Montpelier, the German Lutheran is the oldest church building now in use. It is a frame structure and was built in 1880. The United Brethren erected a building about 1869, which for years they used for church purposes, but upon the division of the church, alxmt 1890, two separate organizations were formed, and each now has a new and modern structure. The Presbyterians have had a church building and a resident pastor in Montpelier for years, and the Methodists, too, have prospered and have an elegant brick church building, than which few are found that is more conveniently arranged. One of the earliest church buildings in the town was a frame structure, erected by the Methodists. It has been converted to other uses, but in former days, aside from religious services, it was a meeting place for lectures, moral entertainments and political meetings. The voices of many noted men have been heard within its walls, among them being James A. Garfield, who delivered a political address therein in 1877.

There are cemeteries in connection with nearly all of the churches of Superior township, outside of the village of Montpelier; and, prior to a comparatively recent date, a burial ground southeast of town was generally used as a place of interment for the dead. But with the growth of the village a beautiful site was selected a half a mile west of town and Riverside Cemetery was established.

Deserving of special mention, in the consideration of social and benevolent societies in Montpelier, is Hiram Louden Post No. 155, Grand Army of the Republic. As is well known, every honorably discharged Union soldier of the Civil war is eligible to membership in this fraternal organization ; and very few of the survivors of that great struggle deny themselves the benefits and social privileges, unless prevented by religious scruples or enfeebled health. But the lapse of forty years since the close of the war, and nearly forty-five years since the beginning, has devastated the ranks of that once proud and unconquerable army, and left the remnant in the "sere and yellow leaf" of declining years. But with the thinning ranks, as one falls here and another there, the "boys" of 1861 proudly and reverently "close up to the right," maintaining and ever cherishing a kindly regard for their late comrades in arms, and their dependent widows and orphans. This is the dominant feature of the Grand Army of the Republic, and right loyally do the survivors and their devoted wives, sons and daughters fulfill the mission. This is the only fraternal organization with a "time limit" as to its existence. In the very nature of things it must soon only become a memory. Hiram Louden Post was organized, November 22, 1881, with ten ex-soldiers as charter members; N. P. Watson. J. A. Dorshimer, J. Dewees, C. H. Freebern, E. T. Wisman, H. Woolf, T. C. Ott, B. Hagerty. M. C. Moores and O. Lowry. The total enrollment since the organization has exceeded two hundred members, and at present there are ninety in good standing, numbering within its ranks a large majority of the survivors of the war now residing in Superior and adjoining townships. The Post owns its property in Montpelier - a fine and spacious G. A. R. hall, valued at $6,000 - and its "camp fires" and social gatherings are a source of pleasure to old and young. In the name of the Post is preserved the memory of Hiram Louden, a gallant Williams county sol- dier. He was born in Liberty township, Crawford county, Ohio, January 13, 1836, and was the son of Moses H. and Emaline (Bacon) Louden, who were among the first settlers of Superior township. He answered the first call to arms, enlisting on April 22, 1861, in Company C, Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After serving three months, which was the term of this first enlistment, he again enlisted on December 5, 1862, in the First Ohio Volunteer Sharpshooters. He died of typhoid fever at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, June 17, 1863.

Montpelier is justly proud of her excellent schools. The youth, of the town and surrounding country have the advantages of a most excellent high school, which prepares them for higher institutions of learning, should they desire a more complete education. A handsome modern school building adorns a sightly location in the central part of town, while the instructors are selected with great care and retained as long as they render efficient and conscientious service. Some of the graduates of the Montpelier High School, without further educational advantages, are filling important positions in various parts of the country. There are ten excellent district schools in successful operation in Superior township, presided over by a corps of specially qualified and professionally educated teachers of both sexes.