DEED OF PETER AUGENBAUGH & COMPANY TO VAN WERT COUNTY

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FIRST SALE OF LOTS

     The following is an account of the lots sold by the commissioners at the town of Van Wert, May 22, 1838:
 

BUILDING OF THE GAOL.

EARLY SETTLERS.

     Among the early settlers were John F. Dodds, William Parent, Daniel Cook, Joseph Gleason, Jacob Stripe, William Stripe, Samuel M. Clark, Adam Nimon, John F. Gabby, P. Jacob Hines, Isaac Daugherty, E. R. Wells, Cyrenius Elliott, Andrew Todd and Abraham Zimmerman.  Thomas R. Mott was the first postmaster.

     John F. Dodds, one of the first settlers in

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the town of Van Wert, came here in 1837 and lived in the first house erected in the town for a residence.  His wife was a daughter of John McColly, of Springfield, Ohio.  He was appointed county auditor Dec. 4, 1837, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Daniel D. Cross.  On May 22 1838, he was appointed a commissioner to locate a State road to commence at Greenville, Darke County; to run from there through Montezuma, Celina, and Mercer, in Mercer County; thence to Van Wert; thence to Paulding, Paulding County, and from there to New Rochester on the Maumee River.

THE FIRST STORE-KEEPERS.

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SOME RECOLLECTIONS OF THE EARLY TIME.
By William A. Clark

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Pictures of:

CITY HALL, VAN WERT

PUMPING STATION, VAN WERT

THE THIRD COURT HOUSE, VAN WERT
Subsequently Used as a Store by Humphreys & Hughes, since Demolished.

COUNTY JAIL, VAN WERT.

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horters.  They went from house to house and preached without pay.  These are some of the recollections of the happenings when I was a boy in Van Wert.

EARLY TAVERNS.

FIRST SAWMILL

FIRST TANNERIES.

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OTHER EARLY INDUSTRIES.

FIRST SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLHOUSES.

SOME PIONEER INCIDENTS AND STORIES.

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SOME NOTORIOUS CHARACTERS.

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THE TOWN INCORPORATED

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MAYORS.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

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MAYOR.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

NEWSPAPERS.

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STAVE FACTORIES.

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THE ANDERSON PIANO COMPANY

THE UNION MILLS.

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WAREHOUSES AND ELEVATORS.

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MERCHANTS.

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BANKS.

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Pictures of

FRANCE STONE QUARRY, NEAR MIDDLEPOINT.

AUDITORIUM, VAN WERT

FACTORY OF THE ANDERSON PIANO COMPANY, VAN WERT

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W. T. Hughes, C. L. Ireland, M. Woodruff, H. V. Olney, J. W. Longwell, F. W. Leslie, W. R. France, W. H. Pennell and S. Kohn.

LIGHT, POWER AND TELEPHONE COMPANIES.

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NATURAL GAS AND OIL.

THE BRUMBACK LIBRARY

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THE GLEASON FAMILY.

     Probably the earliest mention of the Gleason family of America, traceable, is found in the records of Cambridge, Massachusetts, where, in 1657, lived Thomas Gleason, who emigrated to America from New Castle, England, the family having originated in the North of Ireland.  There is a family legend relating that the first emigrants of the name to come to America were three brothers, who settled in New England, during the colonial period, and were the original stock from which the American family sprung, which gradually spread to adjacent States, until now its descendants are to be found in every Northern State, and doubtless in many Southern States also.
     Bezaleel Gleason, the great-grandfather of Andrew J. Gleason, to whom we are indebted for the data of this memoir, is the most remote ancestor known of, in a direct line.  He lived near Brattleboro, Vermont, and is said to have taken part with General Stark's "Green Mountain Boys", in the battle of the Thomas Gleason above-mentioned.  His wife was Phoebe Newberry.  Their family consisted of six sons and three daughters, named as follows:  Adonijah, Amos, Nathan and Nahum (twins), Ira, Bezaleel, Sarah, Phoebe and Clarissa.  Adonijah, who was a Baptist preacher, lived at Sempronius, New York, for a time and then removed to Switzerland County, Indiana; at last accounts he was in Minnesota, where he probably died.  To him and his wife Cynthia were born three sons - Justus, Parsons and Elias, of whom the last named lived in Cincinnati during the '50's.  Amos, the second son, lived at Caledonia Springs, New York; Sarah (Fisher) also lived in New York State on the St. Lawrence River, while the rest of the family, except Bezaleel (second), continued to reside in Vermont when last heard of.  It was while journeying across the mountains on his return from visiting some of his children, that the aged patriarch was overtaken by a tragic fate, becoming bewildered in a mountain storm, causing him to lose his way and to perish in the cold.
     Bezaleel Gleason, grandfather of Andrew J. Gleason, settled in Ontario County, New York, near where the town of Shortsville now stands.   He was a farmer, and a man noted for great muscular strength.  He married Abigail Howland, by whom he had three sons and five daughters, viz.: Stephen, Joseph, Sarah, Phoebe, Clarissa, Mary, Eliza and Benjamin.  After his death, which occurred June 21, 1832, his widow resided on the family homestead for some years, then, gathering together her family (except Sarah and Phoebe who had previously married), her two eldest sons piloting the way, she removed, in the summer of 1837, to the unbroken wilds of Van Wert County, Ohio, taking up lands in the southwestern part of Pleasant township, where she resided until her death, which took place Aug. 29, 1851, having seen the most of her children settled around her, and enjoyed the affectionate care of both children and grandchildren.
     Stephen Gleason, the eldest son of Bezaleel Gleason (second), was born in Ontario Coun-

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ty, New York, July 24, 1801.  He married Amanda Fletcher, by whom he had eight children, viz.: Emily (Evers), Sarah J. (Royce), Mary A. (Evers), Lucy O. (Albright), Charles F., George H., Louisa (Kiser), and Oliver B., four of whom are living, viz.: Mrs. Sarah J. Royce, of Columbia City, Indiana; Charles F. Gleason and Mrs. J. W. Kiser, of Dull, Ohio; and Oliver B. Gleason, of Van Wert.  For several years after his marriage, Stephen Gleason followed the occupation of a farmer, residing, a part of the time, at a place called Oak Orchard, New York; but, being enticed by the flattering reports from the new country in Western Ohio, after first, with his brother Joseph, having prospected and selected a location, he sold his property in New York State, and at the head of the family colony, with wife and five children, he turned his back on a comparatively comfortable home to face hardships and privations he little dreamed of.  At one time he was left in charge of the whole colony, while his brothers, with all the available teams, proceeded to a point on the Maumee River, whither a portion of the household goods had been shipped by water, a trip requiring some weeks in the bad condition of the roads.  During all this time Stephen was constantly employed carrying grists of corn to and from a hand-mill, some four or five miles to and from a hand-mill, some four or five miles distant, to keep up a supply of breadstuff.  Yet indomitable pluck carried him through these and similar hardships until he had made for himself and family a comfortable home again.
     Mr. Gleason lived on his farm, which he and his sons brought into a high state of cultivation, until about 1867, having been several times elected county commissioner, and afterward county treasurer, which offices he held with much credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public.  Upon retiring from the office of treasurer, he resumed his farm life, but, receiving a fair offer for his farm, sold it to Robert Wade, and removed to Van Wert.  Here however, he remained only long enough to enable him to purchase another farm near South Whitley, Indiana, to which he soon after removed.  Losing his faithful wife in 1871, he soon gave up farming, spending his time with his children up to the time of his death, June 21, 1883, the 51st anniversary of his father's death.  Both his and his wife's remains were brought to Van Wert and interred in the family lot in the old Van Wert Cemetery.
     In politics Stephen Gleason was a Democrat, and, being of an argumentative disposition, was always ready for a tilt with a political opponent.  His religious belief was Universalism, although never having any affiliation with that church.  As a citizen few were looked up to for counsel and advice more than he, and while in or out of public office his best efforts for the promotion of the county's welfare were given without stint, and many substantial improvements in the county will perpetuate the memory of Stephen Gleason.
     Joseph Gleason, father of Andrew J. Gleason, was born in Manchester township, Ontario County, New York, Sept. 3, 1803, and, with his brother and sisters, was given a fair common-school education, which qualified him to teach the district school.  It was while engaged in teaching he became acquainted with Harriet Brown, who was at that time a pupil in his school, the acquaintance ripening into attachment destined to be life-long, and which resulted in their marriage, Feb. 10, 1828.  After his marriage, he continued to reside near the place of his birth, following in turn the occupations of teacher, farmer and lumberman, until the year 1837, when with his wife and three children he joined the little colony then about to try the many vicissitudes of emigration to this then unsettled region.  Entering

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160 acres of land where Pott's Corners are now, he devoted his time for the next two years to clearing and improving a farm.  Having been elected county recorder, he removed to Van Wert in the autumn of 1839, purchasing a log tavern near the northeast corner of Main and Jefferson streets, afterward replaced by him with a two-story frame building, known for many years as the American House.  Being quite popular with the new settlers, official honors rather crowded upon him, as he at one time held the office of county recorder, associate judge and justice of the peace, being elected judge for one term.  He held the office of justice of the peace for many years, and in the numerous pettifogged cases that came up to his court Squire Gleason's rulings were rarely known to be set aside.  After remaining in this diversified employment some 15 years, he leased his hotel property to John W. Conn, and, his term of office as county recorder having expired formed a partnership with Thomas R. Kear.  They erected the first steam sawmill built in the county, on the ground where William A. Clark's flouring-mill was formerly located.  After operating this mill about a year, he sold out to his partner, taking a lease of the property for three years as a part of the consideration.  At the expiration of the lease, with his brother Stephen as a partner he built what is now the Gleason Lumber Company's mill, of which he afterward became sole owner, operating it with little help, except that of his four sons, for a number of years, its products contributing largely toward the improvement of the town and surrounding country.  In the meantime, having sold the hotel property and become possessed of several farms in embryo in the near vicinity of Van Wert, he gradually withdrew from the lumber business (which thereafter was conducted by his two youngest sons) and devoted his entire time to improving his farms, and looking after other real estate interests.  During the centennial year, Mr. and Mrs. Gleason visited the Philadelphia World's Fair, after which they made a tour of the scenes of their childhood in Connecticut and New York, a journey long anticipated and greatly enjoyed.  They found as a matter of course, but few still living in the old neighborhoods whom they had known in earlier years, yet this visit was something to recall and live over again until the end of life.
     It was with much satisfaction that Joseph Gleason saw nearly all of his children settle around the old home (his eldest daughter having removed to Michigan), and all were often together enjoying happy reunions under the parental roof.  He was father of nine children, two of whom (a boy and a girl) died in infancy, seven growing to man's and woman's estate as follows:  Mrs. Mariette L. Strother, of Algodon, Michigan; Julius A., Andrew J., Abram B. and Francis J., and Mrs. Julia A. Carper, and Ella A. Carper, of Van Wert, who died Apr. 4, 1896.
     In politics Mr. Gleason was always a Democrat, but he drew the line when disunion threatened, casting his vote for Stephen A. Douglas for President, and, when the Civil War came, giving his two elder sons to uphold the "Stars and Stripes."  His religious convictions were broad and liberal, and, although never affiliating with any church, he was a strong believer in the final salvation of the whole human race, or, in other words, was a preaching of that doctrine and to contribute of his means thereto.  His favorite mottoes were "Love thy neighbor as thyself" and "Keep thyself unspotted from the world."  With this simple creed for his guidance, he was content to trust his future in the care of Him who doeth all things well.  The approach of the

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grim reaper was gradual but sure for several years, the paralytic symptoms affecting his walk and speech being first noticeable, yet his mental faculties were impaired but slightly up to his death, which occurred Feb. 2 1883 he having entered upon his 80th year.  He was surrounded by all of his family in his last hours and was followed to his chosen resting place in beautiful Woodland by many surviving and loving friends, who will long revere the name of Joseph Gleason.
     Harriet Brown Gleason, wife of Joseph Gleason, and eldest daughter of John and Elsie (Fish) Brown, was born Feb. 26, 1811, at East Windsor, Connecticut her family afterward moving to Ontario County ,New York and thence to Lorain County, Ohio, where her parents resided until her death.  While residing in New York she was united in marriage to Joseph Gleason, and afterward, with him and their three small children, emigrated to this county to help build a home in the almost unbroken wilderness.  Although many privations and dangers had to be endured, yet she never flinched fro her duty, and was in later years rewarded by seeing the wilderness bud and blossom as the rose, and the virgin forests give way to fertile and fruitful farms.  So great was the transformation that it was difficult to realize that but a score of years had passed since she had nightly gathered her little ones about her to quiet their fears amid the howling of wolves in the surrounding forests.  Mrs. Gleason never affiliated in membership with any church, and with her family was a Universalist in belief.  She found her highest good in maintaining an upright character and striving to impart it to her children and grand-children, who 'rise up and call her blessed."  She survived her husband a little over five years, her death occurring July 26, 1888, at the family residence on West Main street, Van Wert, whence her mortal remains were borne by tender hands to be laid beside her loved companion in Woodland Cemetery.
     Sarah, eldest sister of Joseph Gleason, married William Pomeroy, with whom she removed to Canada, and, when mother of five children died.  Her husband being unable to care for the children properly, wrote an appealing letter to the Van Wert relatives in their behalf, which resulted in Stephen and Joseph Gleason, undertaking to bring the orphans here to find homes, which was successfully accomplished, and they all lived to become useful citizens, viz.:  Francis C. Pomeroy, Mrs. John W. Clark, Carlos Pomeroy, Mrs. John T. Bowers and Mrs. Sarah J. Brittson, all of whom are now deceased.  Their father followed them to Van Wert after a few years, and lived with his eldest son near Middlebury, up to the time of his death.
     Phoebe N., second sister of Joseph Gleason, became the wife of Matson Warren, and with him settled first in Lorain County, and afterward in Lake County, Ohio, whence with their family of seven children they removed to Van Wert County in the '50's, living first in the Gleason settlement, thence removing to Willshire, in and near which town they continued to reside until both parents were summoned to the better land.  For a number of years previous to this death, Mr. Warren was totally blind.  Mrs. Warren survived her husband some eight or ten yeas and lived to be the last surviving member of her father's family, her death occurring in December, 1894, at about the age of 90 years.  Being a woman of great memory, to her Andrew J. Gleason is indebted for much of the family history here recorded, there being very few records existing in possession of Grandfather Gleason's descendants.  Her children were:  John B. Warren, of Mount Vernon, Ohio; the late Mrs. Abigail

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Langdon, of Liberty township, Van Wert County; Abram M. Warren, of Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Minerva Langdon, of Liberty township, Van Wert County; Mrs. Elmira Richards, of Van Wert; Hiram Warren (deceased) and Job A. Warren, of Pleasant township, Van Wert County.
     Clarissa, third sister of Joseph Gleason, began teaching at an early age and was one of the pioneers of the profession in Van Wert County, numbering among her pupils many who are among the best known residents.  She became the wife of John Edson, to whom she bore one daughter,  In the year 1873, she was bereaved by the loss of both husband and daughter, who were stricken down by the destroyer within but a few weeks of each other.  She afterward made her home in Van Wert, becoming an active promoter of Spiritualism, in which doctrine she sought consolation for her double bereavement.  Her death occurred Nov. 24, 1893, at the age of 80 years.
     Mary, fourth sister, married Jacob Thorn, deceased, ate a resident of Chicago, Illinois.  She made her home at Delphos, Van Wert and Dixon at different periods, but while residing at the latter place fell a victim to consumption.  Aug. 3, 1856, aged 39 years.  No children were born to her.
     Eliza, fifth sister, was wedded to Matthew Flagg and resided near her mother's homestead in Pleasant township until about 1858, when she, with her children (two sons and a daughter), took up her residence in Van Wert, where she lived until her death, which occured June 23, 1867, at the age of 48 years.  Henry J. Flagg, her eldest son, is now residing at Xenia, Ohio, while Mrs. Albina Long, the daughter, and Joseph G. Flagg, the youngest son, resides in Whitley County, Indiana.
     Benjamin H. Gleason, youngest son of Joseph Gleason, being a mere boy when the family came to Van Wert County, grew to manhood and cared for his widowed mother until her death, after which he married Castara  Ann Potts, and in a few years removed to Greenville, Michigan, where he resided until 1890, then coming to Van Wert County, where he made his home with his sister, Mrs. Edson, up to the time of his death, which occured Dec. 19, 1891, aged 68 years.  He left no children.

- END OF CHAPTER XVIII - City of Van Wert

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