No portion of Wyandot Count
is richer in historic interest or more replete with historic incident
that the above-named township. The name of Crawford is here
synonymous for all that is barbarous and cruel in Indian customs and
warefare; for here it was that the lamented Colonel suffered death by
burning at the stake amid the hideous jeers of his savage torturers,
and from the wilds of this locality the unfortunate child, Matthew
Brayton, was carried captive into barbarism, from which it is not
absolutely certain he ever returned.
Crawford Township was organized in the county of
Crawford in 1825, and became a part of this county in 1845. It
is one of the northern tier of townships of Wyandot, bounded on the
north by Seneca County, on the east of Tymochtee Township, on the
south by Salem , on the west by Ridge. The soil of this locality
is very fertile, and supports a prosperous farming community.
Tymochtee Creek cuts the southeast corner of the township, and the
other portions are drained by numerous natural and artificial drains,
which renders the production of the ordinary grains and vegetables
quite successful.A HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
The territory comprised in
this township was one of the most famous of the early Indian sporting
grounds, being the seat of an extensive village of the Delaware
Indians, who, under the command of Capt. Pipe, the notorious
Delaware chief, executed Col. William Crawford in 1782.
The exact spot on which the burning took place is not now positively
known, though a monument has been erected to the unfortunate hero near
the place where the horrible death is supposed to have been inflicted.
This monument was erected August 30, 1877, on a high bank south of
Tymochtee Creek, near the east line of the southwest quarter of
Section 26, on lands now owned by Alfred K. Davis. It was
obtained as a result of the efforts of the Wyandot Pioneer
Association, and in the presence of near 8,000 citizens was dedicated
to the memory of him whose name is inscribed upon its surface.
On the occasion referred to, Col. M. H. Kirby was chosen as
President and Curtis Berry, Jr., Secretary. Prayer was
offered by Rev. R. C. Colmery and Rev. John Sherrard, of
Bucyrus, grandson of John Sherrard, who was under the command
of Col. Crawford at the time of his defeat in 1782, delivered
the opening address, followed by other speeches by the old pioneers.
A collection was taken to defray the expense of the monument, a basket
dinner was partaken of by the myriads present, after which followed an
able address by Gen. William H. Gibson, whose brilliant oratory
did great credit to the subject and the occasion. The dedicatory
remarks were made by the Secretary, Hon. Curtis Berry, Jr., who
originated the idea of erecting the monument, Mr. John Gormley
suggesting its form and altitude.
This shaft is made of Berea sandstone, and is eight and
one-half feet in height. It is supported by a base six inches
larger in diameter than the main shaft, and bears the following
inscription:
In memory of Colonel Crawford, who was burnt
by the Indians in this valley
June 11, A. D. 1782. |
On the base:
Erected by the Pioneer Association of Wyandot
County
August 3, 1877. |
Many of the old pioneers of
the county were present to share the honors of the day, and recount
the scenes and hardships of their early days and efforts in the wilds
of Wyandot, among them being Hon. George W. Leith,
Daniel Funk, James and Rhoda Miller,
Mary Karr, Frances Brackley, Solomon
Spoon, Adam High, Jacob Stryker,
Jacob Corfman, George James, John
Ribley, Hamilton Morrison, and many others whose ages ranged from
seventy to ninety years.
At the time of Crawford's battle with the Indians, the
Delawares, under Capt. Pipe, had a large town a few
miles to the northwest of the scene of the engagement, the vicinity of
the present village of Crawfordsville. In anticipation of defeat the
old men, women and children of the tribe were concealed at the mouth
of Tymochtee Creek, and runners communicated with them every hour at
the camp, giving information as to the progress of the battle, the
intention being to flee to the " Black Swamp," a large expanse of
land, lying east of the Maumee River, in case of defeat. A colored
man, by the name of Samuel Wells, was with these Indian
families at the time referred to, and is said to have been the servant
of Simon Girty, the semi-savage, who played so
conspicuous a part in the Crawford horror. This negro slave lived to
the advanced age of one hundred and ten years, and, as late as 1857,
was a township charge in Eden Township, this county.
MATTHEW BRAYTON.
Since the aggressive and
progressive Caucasian set foot upon the shores of America the
instances of the capture of their children by barbarous tribes along
the borders of civilization have been numbered by the score. Page
after page and volume after volume have been written to picture the
thrilling incidents which captives have experienced at the hands of
their captors, or witnessed while in their custody, and to portray the
agony of grief into which devoted parents have been plunged by the
loss of sons or daughters by these human hyenas of the forest. Of all
these instances, whether in song or story, none are perhaps fraught
with deeper or sadder interest than the capture of Matthew Bray ton,
who was stolen from his home in this township in 1825. Additional
interest is derived from these facts, that neighbors and friends who
witnessed or experienced the first deep bursts of anguish from
stricken hearts at the loss of so dear a treasure are still among us,
and though sixty years have gone by since the helpless and innocent
child was borne away in terror by his merciless captors, the flowers
of memory are still green, moistened by brothers' tears.
The circumstances of the capture of Matthew
Brayton are related in substance as follows: On the 20th of
September, 1825, William Brayton, with his younger
brother, Matthew, then nearly seven years old, started in
search of some stray cattle. They proceeded two or three miles in the
direction of the place where William Brayton now lives,
but finding no trace of the missing cattle, and meeting a neighbor,
Hart, who was on the same errand, Matthew Brayton,
unable to endure a more extensive search, was sent to the house of a
Mr. Baker, about sixty rods distant, where he was to
remain until the return of his brother and Mr. Hart, who
were to continue the search for the stray cattle. The two men set out
on their cattle hunting expedition, and left little Matthew to
find his way to Mr. Baker's house by the narrow and
ill-defined pathway. At the close of the day, William
Brayton called at Mr. Baker's residence, but found
to his astonishment that Matthew had not been seen by any of
the family. He then turned his steps homeward, thinking that
Matthew had changed his mind and gone home, but on arriving there
found still no tidings of the missing boy. The alarm and apprehension
that filled the breast of the mother on being informed of what had
happened can scarcely be conceived. A thousand fearful thoughts
flitted in rapid succession through her mind, but no time was lost in
useless grieving, for the men and women who braved the dangers of
frontier life were quick to think and prompt to act. A little party
turned out at once to search for the missing boy, and restore him, if
possible, to the anxious household. From the spot where the brothers
had parted the path to Mr. Baker's cabin was narrowly
searched and marks of the child's feet were clearly discernible. At no
great distance from the place mentioned the path was intersected by a
track made by some logs which recently had been drawn from the woods
and at this point the traces showed that Matthew had stopped in
doubt; they also showed that he had finally taken the log track in
mistake for the regular path. Up that track his little footsteps were
traced for some distance, but after awhile they became fainter, and at
last disappeared altogether. On the margin of the track the woods were
searched in vain for traces of his wandering feet. The Indian trail
which led from Upper Sandusky to Springville, and thence to the Black
Swamp to Perrysburg, crossed here, and it was possible that he had
taken that trail; but his footprints, if he had really followed that
path, were obliterated by those of passing Indians.
The party returned in sorrow from their unsuccessful search, and met
the anxious mother with heavy hearts. To her the night was one of
sleepless agony. To what suffering or dreadful fate her child might be
subjected, it was impossible to conjecture, for the dark night was
fraught with dangers to him and terror to her. It was the year in
which Elijah Brayton, the father of Matthew, was
engaged in erecting a mill on the Tymochtee, and his absence at this
time on a journey to Chillicothe to procure millstones aggravated the
troubles and distress of the hour on the part of Mrs.
Brayton and her son William, then a lad of sixteen, who
were left in charge of the home affairs.
Morning broke at last and never was daylight more
eagerly welcomed. With the first appearance of light, messengers were
sent in all directions for assistance, and soon the woods were astir
with searching parties. The Indian villages were examined, but the
Wyandots professed entire ignorance Matthew Brayton was
born April 7,1818, as to the movements of the missing boy, and joined
with much zeal in the search. The relations between the Bray tons and
the Wyandots had been of the most friendly character, and there seemed
to be no possible reason for interfering with the peace of that
family. They stated, however, that a party of Canadian Indians had
passed up the trail, on the day that the boy had disappeared, but
could not say whether he had been carried off by them or not. Another
night came and the sorrowful mother again met the dejected hunters at
her door, receiving no consolation. At daybreak the parties again set
out to search new tracts of country, but all without avail. The
settlers for many miles around turned out and joined in the exciting
and sorrowful hunt. Days lengthened into weeks and it became evident
that further search was useless, as every foot of territory for miles
around had been examined and no trace of the lost child had been
discovered. He could have scarcely wandered off and perished by
starvation, or wild beasts, as in either case some trace of his
identity would have been left. The only inference was that he had been
carried into hopeless slavery, or met a horrible death, at the hands
of the party of Canadian Indians. Pursuit was now considered useless,
and the search was reluctantly abandoned.
In the meantime, the father had returned from his
journey, and the sad bereavement fell with crushing weight upon his
heart. For the sake of his wife and remaining children—William,
Harriet, Lucy, Mary and Peter— he bore up
nobly, but his distress was most bitter, and every straw of hope that
floated within his reach was grasped with eagerness. From time to
time, vague rumors came that the boy had been seen in different
places, and the faintest hope of success in finding him sufficed to
send off the bereaved father or some trusty messenger to follow up the
clew. But all efforts were unavailing. The last information that
seemed the least probable was received in 1829, from a man who had
been traveling among the tribes of Illinois, and who asserted that he
had seen among the Indians of that country, whose age and appearance
generally corresponded with that of the missing Matthew
Brayton. Without an hour's delay, Mr. Brayton
dispatched a letter to Gen. Cass, then Indian Commissioner, but the
reply crushed out the last remnant of hope ; the letter bade the
anxious father to renounce all hope based upon such a rumor, as there
was no such white child among the Indians of Illinois. On what
authority the General based his assertion cannot be said, but it is
more than probable he was mistaken.
The weary years passed on, but brought no comfort to
the stricken household. As all impressions gradually fade away with
the lapse of years, so faded the memory of the lost child from the
minds of men. But deep in the hearts of the bereaved parents remained
the image of their unfortunate son, and the thrilling scenes and
emotions connected with the search of him recurred again and again to
them, long after they had been forgotten by others. The eldest
brother, William, could not forget him ; for the silent or
spoken reproaches from his mother for sending so young a boy alone on
such a path sank deep into his heart; and even yet, though sixty years
have passed, the "lost Matthew" is mentioned by him with deep
and tearful emotion. And could the mother who bore him forget the
missing lamb of the fold ? The paling cheek, the wasting form, the
decaying strength told how deep the love, how bitter the anguish of
the mother for her lost son. If she were but sure of his fate—if but
one fragment of his clothing, but a particle of his flesh or blood
remained to assure her that her child had perished by the merciless
jaws of the wild beasts, or the still more merciless savages, it would
at least have given rest to her weary heart; but this uncertain
apprehension, this torturing mystery, was too great to bear and live.
So the years dragged slowly by, and each succeeding anniversary of her
son's loss drove the sharp pangs of grief deeper into her heart
Sixteen years of agony and tears and the grave hid her sorrows from
the world! In her last moments, her lost son had a place in her
memory. She died of a broken heart.
Thirty-four years elapsed, when the news reached the
Brayton family that an Indian captive had been in the city of
Cleveland, and in other parts of Ohio, endeavoring to obtain some
information regarding his parentage, as he was just from the
Copperhead tribe, whose leading chiefs and consented to his
conditional return to the white settlements. They had told him
that when a child he had been stolen from the whites by a band of
Canadian Indians, who had thus revenged themselves on the whites for
some real or fancied wrongs; that he had passed through the hands of
several tribes, and had at last been sold by the Sioux to the Snakes,
with whom he remained till their union with the Copperheads. He
had further learned through M. Macgwager, a chief of a small
hand of Pottawotomies who had settled down to civilized life in Branch
County, Mich., that he had been taken from the region south of Lake
Erie (his captors having crossed the Sandusky River) and sold by the
Canadians to the Pottawotomies, Mr. Macgwager having been
present at the transfer.
The story of this captive, whose Indian name in
Copperhead language was Ohwa-owah-kish-me-wah,* but
whose real name he did not himself know, was printed in the Cleveland
Herald, and extensively copied. Letters were received by the editors
of that paper from people in different sections of the country, who
had lost children many years ago. A weekly paper containing a copy of
the story was sent to the Brayton family, and an investigation was at
once begun. William Brayton immediately proceeded to
Cleveland, and from that point to Northern Pennsylvania, and thence
across the State line into New York, where he learned the "captive"
was staying at the home of Mr. Smith.
Previous to setting out, he had been charged by his
father to examine two marks by which his brother's identity might
probably be established. One of these was a scar on the head, caused
by a razor cut made by the father in lancing a boil, the other, a scar
on the great toe of the right foot, resulting from the cut of an ax.
Taking a physician with him as a witness of the interview, Mr.
Brayton visited the residence of Mr. Smith, where
the object of his search was found sitting by the evening fire. The
marks of identity referred to above were searched for and found, just
as the father had represented them; the stranger was declared to be
the long lost Matthew Brayton, and they were soon on
their way toward home. At every station on the road, crowds gathered
to get a glimpse of the restored captive, and at Carey hundreds were
assembled—many old men who had searched for the lost boy, aged mothers
who had held him in their arms, and young men and maidens by the score
who had heard the story narrated by their parents at their firesides.
But these were disappointed, for Mr. Brayton had stopped
at Adrian Station and gone directly to his home, where were gathered
the other members of the family—the father in his seventy-third year,
the brothers and the sisters. When he entered with his charge, the
excitement was intense, and the feelings that prevailed cannot be
described. To portray the emotion which the union of family ties so
long sundered is calculated to excite is a task too delicate for our
unskillful hand.
But this season of rejoicing was of short duration. The
angel of peace had descended only to plume her wings for an eternal
flight, and though thirty-four years of tearful anxiety had passed
over the heads of the hapless family, the end was not yet. A short
time sufficed to convince them that he whom they had taken into their
hearts as their lost brother was not Matthew Brayton. He
was at length restored to his real parents in Michigan, and remained
with them until the late war broke out, when he enlisted in the
cavalry service. He died at Nashville, Tenn.**
EARLY SETTLERS.
Again we are confronted with
a mass of conflicting evidence as to who are the rightful claimants to
the honor of being the first settlers of Crawford Township. According
to our best authority, Asa Lake and Nehemiah
Earls located here as early as 1819. They were men of families,
and settled in what is now Section 26, then Government land, though
afterward entered and settled upon by Daniel Hodges, who was
also one of the earliest residents of the township. As early as 1830,
he built a brick house, the first of the kind in the township. He
located in Crawfordsville in 1821.
Hon. John Carey, generally known as " Judge "
Carey, and whose biography appears elsewhere in this work, came to
this township and located with his family in 1823 or 1824. He was born
in Virginia in 1792.
Christopher Baker came to this locality in 1822,
and located on Section 11. In reaching his land, he came via
Harrison's army trail through Delaware, Marion and Upper Sandusky to
the Tymochtee, and then cut a path from Lish's Ferry. The
Wyandot trail, running from Big Springs to the twelve-mile
reservation, passed near Mr. Baker's cabin. His son,
John Baker, one of the old residents of the township, was
born in Ross County, Ohio, August 14, 1815.
Curtis Berry, Jr., was born in this township
April 19, 1831. He came with his parents, Curtis and Sally (Cavitt)
Berry, to this county from Ross County in 1827, and located with
them in this township in 1829. His father was born in 1782, and was
reared in Virginia. He came to Ross County about 1804-6. His
mother was of Irish descent, her father, Francis Cavitt,
coming from Ireland. The parents were married in 1812, while living in
Ross County. On coming to this county, Mr. Berry
purchased eighty acres of land, but at his death owned a whole
section. He died December 29, 1855; his wife September 4, the same
year. They had ten children, three now living. The mother of Curtis
Berry, Sr., was a resident of Philadelphia, and an intimate
acquaintance of Col. Crawford. In playful kindness, she
tied his necktie for him the morning he departed on his fatal
expedition against the Indians of Ohio.
George James moved to this township with his
parents, John and Elizabeth James, in
1822. He was born in Beaver County, Penn., March 9, 1807. His parents
moved to Pike County in 1810, and from that point to this county. They
entered eighty acres in this township, and reared ten children.
McD. M. Carey, son of Hon. John Carey,
settled in this township with his parents in 1823-24, and has ever
since been a resident. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, in 1820,
and is now one of the representative farmers of the township.
Smith Kentfield was one of the early and prominent
farmers of this township, having located here prior to 1825 He died in
1854. His son, David L. Kentfield, was born in this township
March 9, 1825. He was a very prominent and successful farmer also,
owning near 500 acres at the time of his death, which occurred April
2, 1884.
Hiram J. Starr, an extensive stock and grain
dealer of this township, located here in 1830. He was born in Franklin
County, Ohio, June 24, 1816. He began business by clerking in a store
at Crawfordsville, and afterward engaged with William Buell,
the first merchant of Carey, as an equal partner in the stock
business. He was married in 1851 to Ellen G. Carey, widow of
N. B. Carey, and daughter of William and Eliza (Kooken)
Brown, previously mentioned in this chapter. Mrs. Starr
was born October 12, 1824, the first white child born in this
township.*** Mr. Starr is still a resident
of this township.
William Bray ton, who came to this county in 1821, and located with
his parents in Tymochtee Township, settled in Crawford in 1834. He is
one of the most substantial of its farmers, having owned as high as
700 acres of land. He was born in Vermont, May 11, 1810, and was
married to Margaret Carr May 5, 1839. They had eleven
children. Mrs. Brayton died January 22, 1869. His
father, Elijah Brayton, was one of the first millers in
the county, beginning operations by erecting a saw and grist mill in
Tymochtee Township in 1823. He and John Carey also owned
and operated a saw mill and carding machine, which was located on
Carey's land.
A LEAF FROM AN OLD SETTLER'S DIARY.
William Brown was one of the few first white settlers
of Crawford Township. He was born in Maryland September 12, 1796. His
wife, Eliza Kooken, was born in Berks County, Penn.,
February 14, 1804, and they were married July 3, 1822. From an old
diary†
begun by Mr. Brown in 1822, we obtain some interesting
facts given in entries as follows:
"November, 1822, entered land near the Big Spring
Reservation."
" July 20, 1823, left Columbus, Ohio, for my land, with
the intention of building a cabin, digging a well, etc. On my arrival,
my heart for the first time failed me. The day was dark and rainy. We
had spent more than half of it driving from Tymochtee out, the road
being nothing but mire and water. The ground where we halted was
clothed with a heavy growth of timber, so much so that we could
scarcely see the sun at noon, and to add to our misfortune, we could
not work without being stung by nettles, neither could we remain at
ease for the hungry mosquitoes. These difficulties I could have borne
with fortitude had I been there on a visit for a few days only, but
when I reflected that they could be removed only by years of hard
labor, I was ready to conclude that I had acted the idiot in
purchasing the land, and the lunatic in attempting to settle it."
"The next day I set Orra Harris, the
young man who came with me, to digging a well. I took Mr.
Carey's horse to Squire Hodges, and he soon
discovered that all was not right with me. He therefore immediately
set about to aid me to obviate my difficulties by telling me a long
flattering story, the purport of which was that he had not the least
doubt that should I set in and continue with determined perseverance,
my undertaking would be crowned with complete success, that I would
not only make a good living, but that, in a few years, I would become
independent.
"This story, although I knew it was much exaggerated,
gave me considerable relief. I returned to our encampment about dusk
and was greeted with the joyful news that Orra had got water! The next
morning the clouds dispersed and the sun once more visited our
lonesome woods.
"Squire Hodges' nattering advice, getting
water so conveniently, and the appearance of fair weather, in a great
measure dissipated my dreadful forebodings, and I began work quite
cheerfully. We remained six weeks, built a cabin, laid the lower
floor, put up the chimney to the mantel-piece, laid the back wall and
hearth and returned home." * * *
"April 5, 1824, set out with my horses, wagon, plows,
etc., for Squire Hodges' for the purpose of raising
corn."
" July 1, returned home; July 15, returned again to my
land to finish my cabin. September 1, home again."
" October 7, loaded up my goods and chattels and with
my family ' set sail' for my intended home. After a prosperous journey
of four and one-half days we landed at our lonesome abode October 12,
1824."
"October 22, my wife had a fine daughter, which we
named Ellen."
"May 22, 1825, planted fourteen acres of corn."
Here the entries of the old diary, now yellow
with age, close, so far as they pertain to the settlement of the
family in this township. The "fine daughter" which Mr. Brown
refers to with so much paternal pride is now the wife of Hiram J.
Starr, and, as stated above, was said to be the first white
child born in this township. It will be observed that Mr.
Carey and Squire Hodges were residents of this
locality when Mr. Brown first settled here. It will also
be seen that the first settlers in this now beautiful and prosperous
region began with "dreadful forebodings" for the future. This was
indeed "the forest primeval." The croaking of the frisky frog, the
piping treble notes of the sanguinary mosquitoe, ever with an eye to
business, the humming bee and the singing bird were all here in their
primitive chorus; but they brought little cheer to the struggling
settler with his limited fields of grain and his unlimited harvest of
fever and ague. Mr. Brown entered 160 acres of land. His unceasing
toil at last brought him to the grave; he died in 1866, and ten years
later his faithful companion joined him in the realm beyond.
Besides those already mentioned as early settlers of
this township, we have also the names of many others who located here
at various dates prior to 1845. Among them are the following:
Jesse, William, Thomas and Benjamin Gale; Samuel, James and William
Eitchey; Nathan Kimball; Ichabod, Myron and Bufus Merriman; Mr.
Hamlin, Thomas Wallace, John Nixon, John Gormley, John James, William
James, George James, Smith Kentfield, A. Knowlton, Andrew Crawford,
Abraham Loy, William Hackney. Asa Brayton, Warwick, Thomas and
John R. Miller, Sheldon Beebe, James Miller and sons, Christopher
and John Baker, Curtis Berry, Sr., Joseph and William Hart, Harvey
Chidson, Hamilton Karr, Sr. and Jr., Charles M. Kan*, H. J.
Starr; Gershom, Elijah, John and Josephus Dowman: Conrad Hare
and sons, A. B. Ranger and sons, Asa Bixby and sons,
Lemuel Guerney and sons, Kinsey
Ogg and sons, William Hunter and sons, Reuben
Savidge and sons, William McKinzie and sons, Jacob Kemmerly and sons,
Benjamin Copley and Mr. Hamlin, James Burk and sons, Isaac Burk, Sr.,
Daniel Brown, Ezra Gilbert, Henry Davis, Adam Nye and sons, Thomas and
Samuel Hart, D. Shane, Jesse Wilson and Robert Hedges.
The following is a list of persons born in the township and now over
fifty years of age:
Mrs. Ellen Starr; Mary, George, Daniel A. and Rebecca
James; Mrs. Sarah J. Karr, C. B. and Harvey L. Karr, D. L.
Kentfield, (died Apr. 2, 1844) Mrs. C. C. Brown, John C. and P. B.
Lewis, Mrs. C. R. Clark, Mrs. Ann Searls, Mrs. Mary Banger, Isaac
Burk, Jr., Mrs. Isadore Ogg, Mrs. Dorcas Dow, Mrs. Laura Eby, Samuel
Ogg, Mrs. Sarah Hibbins, L. Merriman; John, Robert and Curtis Berry,
Jr.; John and Curtis Baker.
In the twenty-five years that intervened between the time
of the first settler's location and 1845, the increase of settlers was
rapid. The names of those who were assessed for the payment of taxes
in Crawford Township in that year were as follows:
OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE.
Allison, Jacob, Section 1, 40 acres.
Arnold, Anthony H., Sections 13 and 24, 422 acres.
Anderson, John S., Section 13, 200 acres.
Ambrozier, Jacob, Section 20, 160 acres.
Ayers, Isaac, Section 28, 40 acres.
Ax, William, Section 22, 80 acres.
Brick, John, Section 22, 120 acres.
Bollin, William, Section 22, 80 acres.
Brellaman, John C., Section 31, 83 acres.
Best, Frederick, Section 9, 80 acres.
Baker, Timothy, Sections 8 and 17, 258 acres.
Battenfield, Jacob, Sections 8 and 9, 122 acres.
Brown, William, Sections 8, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 31, 762 acres.
Brayton, William, Sections 10 and 11, 329 acres.
Beebe, Sheldon, Sections 15 and 22, 250 acres.
Bechtel, Henry, Sections 19 and 20, 80 acres.
Baker, Christopher, Section 11, 229 acres.
Berry, Curtis, Sections 11 and 14, 200 acres.
Burson, Elijah, Section 31, 40 acres.
Baker, John, Section 14, 40 acres, also owned a saw mill.
Banning, Anthony, Sections 24 and 25, 85 acres.
Bullis, Pheney, Section 23, 80 acres.
Buell, William, Sections 22 and 35, 126 acres.
Bollinger, Aaron, Section 5, 40 acres.
Baughman, George, Section 29, 80 acres.
Bixby, Asa, Sections 16 and 21, 160 acres, also owned a
saw mill.
Conaghan, James C, Section 24, 40 acres.
Copely, Benjamin, Section 12, 80 acres.
Clark, William, Sections 1 and 2, 412 acres.
Chambers, E. J. and S., Sections 5, 200 acres.
Chesebrough, William, Section 18, 111 acres.
Carr, Nicholas, Sections 9 and 15, 328 acres.
Carey, John, 928 acres, also owned a saw mill and
carding machine.
Clark, John, Section 25, 140 acres.
Crawford, Andrew's heirs, Sections 26 and 27, 120 acres.
Christy, Henry, Section 31, 40 acres.
Christy, Andrew, Sections 20 and 21, 160 acres.
Darby, Ira A., Section 29, 40 acres.
Denman, Gershom, Section 15, 30 acres.
Denman, , Sections 19 and 21, 120 acres.
Denman, Elijah, Section 21, 80 acres.
*Died April 2,1884.
Deibal, Frederick, Section 31, 42 acres.
Davis, William, Section 26, 160 acres.
Divinney, Henry, Sections 21 and 28, 80 acres.
Detrich, Henry, Section 21, 80 acres.
Divinney, Henry, Section 28, 80 acres.
Erlick, Charles E., Section 18, 40 acres. -
England, Joseph, Section 20, 80 acres.
England, Lewis, Section 29, 80 acres.
Green, William E., Section 16, 1 acre.
Gurney, Samuel, Section 16, 120 acres.
Gormley, John, Sections 25 and 35, 169 acres.
Greek, Jacob, Section 30, 73 acres.
Gerger, Michael, Section 29, 40 acres.
Hurse, Israel, Section 31, 40 acres.
Hamilton, William, Section 33, 53 acres.
Hildebrand, John, Sections 3 and 10, 160 acres.
Huntley, Ezra E., Sections 10 and 21, 160 acres.
House, William, Section 19, 74 acres.
Huffman, Valentine, Section 28, 80 acres.
Hart, Samuel, Section 20, 80 acres.
Hart, Joseph, Sections 13, 11 and 14, 225 acres.
Hart, Thomas, Section 29, 80 acres.
Hunter, James, Section 30, 80 acres.
Houck, Peter, Section 14, 150 acres, also owned a saw
mill.
Houck, Paul, Section 5, 28 acres.
Hare, Conrad, Sections 9 and 10, 325 acres.
Hammond, James, Section 4, 151 acres.
Huffman, Jacob, Section 11, 50 acres.
James, John, Section 11, 80 acres.
Kneasal, George F., Section 29, 160 acres.
Kimball, Nathan, Sections 3 and 4, 240 acres.
Kurtz, Henry, Section 6, 58 acres.
Kentfield, Smith, Sections 23 and 25, 230 acres.
Kerr, Charles M., Sections 25 and 36, 123 acres.
Kerr, Charles, Section 36, 23 acres.
Karr, Hamilton, Sections 25 and 36, 153 acres.
Kear, Moses, Section 14, 40 acres.
Kenan, Samuel, Sections 10 and 15, 56 acres.
Kass, Sanford F., Section 21, 80 acres.
Leland, Lewis, Section 28, 40 acres.
Lowry, Alexander, Section 29, 40 acres.
Lane, Peter, Section 5, 108 acres.
Ludwig, George, Section 9, 90 acres.
Lowry, John, Section 20, 80 acres.
Lewis, John, Sections 24 and 25, 240 acres.
Mason D. and J. S. Hard, Section 25, 80 acres.
McKinzie, William, Section 1, 200 acres.
Merriman, Miram, Section 24, 120 acres.
Merriman, John, Sections 3 and 12, 160 acres.
Myers, Samuel, Section 31, 40 acres.
McDowell, William, Sections 9, 10 and 35, 250 acres.
McGowen, Hiram, Section 2, 63 acres.
Mad Eiver & Lake Erie Railroad, Section 16, 80 acres.
Miller, John, Sections 22 and 27, 160 acres.
Miller, Thomas, Section 27,
½ acre.
McKenzie, Roderick, Section 2, 70 acres.
Nye, Adam, Sections 19 and 30, 699 acres.
Nye, Samuel, Section 32, 145 acres.
Nease, Jacob, Section 12, 80 acres.
Neisbaum, Thomas, Section 14, 80 acres.
Needham, Azariah, Section 12, 80 acres.
Nogle, William, Section 31, 42 acres.
Ogg, Kinsey, Sections 17 and 19, 200 acres.
Pfund, Joseph, Sections 22 and 31, 103 acres.
Pettinger, B. & J., Section 2, 80 acres.
Pontius, Andrew, Section 3, 152 acres.
Patterson, John, Section 5, 40 acres.
Reid, Nehemiah, Section 28, 120 acres.
Ragan, Thomas, Section 20, 40 acres.
Ranger, Amos B., Sections 14, 21, 22 and 23, 400
Rickey, William, Sections 25 and 26, 376 acres.
Rathbun, Samuel, Section 15, 80 acres.
Sears, Sylvester, Section 1, 80 acres.
Stahl, Jacob, Sections 7 and 8, 107 acres.
Swartzlander, Henry, Sections 5 and 6, 80 acres.
Snook, Jacob, Sections 1 and 2, 80 acres.
Swihart, Aaron, Sections 4 and 8, 100 acres.
St. John, Henry, Section 14, 80 acres.
Stahl, John, Sections 4 and 8, 100 acres.
Shrovely, Henry, Section 8, 80 acres.
Snyder, Samuel, Sections 5 and 6, 210 acres.
Shuman, Henry, Section 7, 199 acres.
Swihart, Aaron, Section 6, 76 acres.
Stahl, Philip, Sections 7 and 18, 240 acres.
Stahl, Peter, Section 7, 100 acres.
Shuman, Frederick, Sections 5, 6 and 7, 60 acres.
Shuman, Jonas, Sections 5 and 6, 40 acres
Stevens, Moses, Section 23, 120 acres.
Smith, Jacob, Sections 7 and 18, 244 acres.
Smith, George, Section 18, 37 acres.
Saffell, Jehu, Section 3, 76 acres.
Struble, John, Section 9, 40 acres.
Sarles, Samuel, Section 18, 74 acres.
Smith, William, Sections 23 and 24, 145 acres.
Sockrider, John, Section 31, 153 acres.
Slagle, Jacob, Section 28, 80 acres.
State of Ohio, .
Thomas, David, Section 6, 80 acres.
Thomas, Jacob, Section 7, 10 acres.
Throgmaster, P. & G., Section 17, 249 acres.
Tipton, David, Section 31, 40 acres.
Williams, Benjamin, Sections 1 and 2, 80 acres.
Welchamer, John, Section 23, 80 acres.
Welch, Aaron, Section 1, 160 acres.
Wonder, John, Section 4, 153 acres.
Yager, Michael, Section 20, 80 acres.
Zubb, Peter, Section 1, 40 acres.
Major, George, Section 22, 40 acres.
Shuman, Jonas, Section 6, 78 acres.
Hart, Samuel, Section 29. 80 acres.
Denman, Joseph, Section 29, 40 acres.
Bert, Frederick, Section 14, 80 acres.
Saffield, John, Section 3, 96 acres.
McDowell, William, Section 25, 88 acres.
TOWN OF CRAWFORDSVILLE.
Names of lot owners in 1845: Polly Belote, George
Belote, William M. Buell, Joseph M. Fry, John Gabriel, Michael
Gressell, John Gormly, John Houck, William Jennery, Israel Jennery,
Samuel Kenan, Smith Lawton, James W. Marmon, James Bickey, R. P.
Ranney, William Richey, Foster W. Savidge, Reuben Savidge, Morgan
Savidge, State of Ohio.
TOWN OF CAREY.
Owners of lots: George Berry, Buell & Welch, Thomas
Berry. Thomas C. Burnett, William Baker, Lyman Cody, William Cooley,
Peter Houck, Henry Houck, John Houck, William Huff, John Hare, William
McDowell, Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad Company, Rufus W. Reid, James
Rickey, William Rickey, Daniel Smith, James Thompson, Aaron Welch,
Charles Zuck.
OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY.
George Amos, Curtis Berry, Jr., Asa Bixby, Michael
Battenfield, Henry Bechtel, William Brown, Frederick Best, Mariah
Bent, Elizabeth Bullis, George Baughman, Christopher Breama, Sheldon
Beebe, William Bolden, Asa Batole, James Bliss, Isaac Burke, William
Brayton, Curtis and Christopher Baker, Elizabeth Bogart, John Baker,
William M. Buell, Buell & Welch (merchants), Andrew Christy, McDonough
M. Carey. William Cole, Frederick Craft, John Carey, Charles Carr,
Joel Clark, Luther Chaffee, Robert Cavot, Benjamin Cobley, William
Clark, Daniel Christy, Nicholas Carr, John Carr, Beriah Chesebrough,
Joel Chesebrough, Erasmus Chambers, William Chambers, Dr. Howard Clark
(practicing physician), William Dunbar, Elijah Denman, Gershom T.
Denman, William Davis, Ira Derby, John Donney, Lewis England, John
England, Daniel England, Dr. John Foster (practicing physician), Henry
Frazier, Joseph M. Fry, Lemuel Gurney, Jacob Gear, Thomas W. Greer,
Eli Gibbs, Gormley, John Helsey. Widow Holtz, Rebecca Hart, Isaac
Hopkins, Conrad Hare, John Hare, Solomon Hare, Jonathan Hart, William
Hoff, Francis Hook, David Hawkins, Perry Harmon, John Houck, Samuel
Hart, William Hunter, Thomas Hart, John James, Jacob Kennedy, Hamilton
Kerr, Hamilton Kerr, Jr., Smith Kentfield, Andrew Kostenbader, Tobias
Kneazle, Nathan Kimball, Aaron Kostenbader, Charles Lindour, Amos
Lucas, John Lowry, Jeremiah Lowry, Sidney Lewis, William McDowell,
James MicGuinn, Thomas Morgan, Nelson Miller, Warick Miller, Charles
Murphy, Thomas Miller, John Miller, Joseph Met-calf, Miram Merriman,
Roderick McKinzie, William McKinzie, Abram .Myers, Hugh Mulholland,
Azariah Needham, Gideon Nye, Adam Nye, Emanuel Nye, Aaron Nye, John
Nye, Adam Nye, Kinzie Ogg, William Preston, William Parker, Florian
Pound, James Rickey, James Richardson, Samuel Rathbun, Amos B. Ranger,
Luther Ranger, William Rickey, Nehemiah Read, George W. Stoner, Jacob
Slaybaugh, Daniel Sockrider, Jacob Smith, Reuben Savidge, Foster
Savidge, Thomas Stickles, Levi Savidge, William Smith, Sylvester
Sears, Jacob Soop, Jacob Snook, Israel Shoefer, Susannah Stahl,
Jonathan Sickley, Daniel Shane, Samuel Searls, Samuel Stahl, Jacob
Smith, Peter Stahl, Elizabeth Stahl, Henry Shoeman, Jonas Shoeman,
Frederick Shoeman, Henry Swartzlander, Aaron Swihart, Samuel Snyder,
John Stahl, Henry Shively, Samuel Snyder, Eeuben F. Savidge, John
Sockrider, Hiram Stern, James Thompson, Adolphus Yogel, Andrew Vance,
George Wolf, Aaron "Welch, George Wonder, John Wonder, Jeremiah
Williams, Daniel Walker, Michael Yeager, Charles Zook.
ORIGINAL IMPROVEMENTS, ETC.
It has been said that "the
groves were God's first temples," and the first settlers of the
township were the possessors of habitations no less magnificent. In
many instances land was purchased or entered and settled upon when
nothing but the leafy canopy of the forest trees served the eager and
determined home-seekers as a shelter from the wrath of the elements.
Young wives, taken from homes of luxury, have here united the work of
their hands with that of the husbands of their hearts, and with the
courage of the Carthaginian maidens, who gave their tresses to their
brother warriors for bow-strings, that their homes might be saved from
the destruction of the Roman soldiers, have braved both storm and
exposure while the first cabins were being erected.
As has already been stated, Asa Lake was
first to locate in this township, and in 1819. he erected the first
abode that graced the primeval solitudes of this locality. It was a
double log cabin, about 18x20 feet, and was located on Section 26.
About two years later, Daniel Hodges founded a home near
the village of Crawfordsville, and in 1823 John Carey
built a hewed-log house on the south bank of the Tymochtee, nearly
opposite the old Delaware village of Capt. Pipe.
William Brown erected his cabin in the same year, but
probably after Mr. Carey had built his. However, this is
uncertain, as we arrive at this conclusion by the fact that Carey
was already in the vicinity at the time of Brown's arrival.
The first regular thoroughfare constructed in the
township extended from Tymochtee to Carey's mill. It passed
through Sections 25 and 26, and in Tymochtee extended through Sections
16 and 20. The early settlers went to Delaware for supplies usually,
though as early as 1823, John Carey and Elijah
Brayton erected a saw and grist mill, on lands owned by Mr.
Carey, in what is now Tymochtee Township. A carding machine
was. also operated in connection with this mill. At present the
township can boast of five mills—one saw mill at Crawford, two saw
mills at Carey and two grist mills at the latter place. The
first store of this territory was kept at Crawfordsville, by
William M. Buell, who was also the first merchant of Carey.
There is but one mercantile establishment now conducted outside of the
villages, and that is the property of McD. M. Carey.
The first settlers of Crawford Township were not blind
to the necessities of education, and, as early as 1828, erected a
schoolhouse on what is now the southeast quarter of Section 26. Among
the first teachers were William Hackney and Adeline
Potterfield. Others were James Heron, John A. Morrison,
Jane Coddington, Mrs. Maynard, Laura Starr, Erastus Banger,
Clem Allen, J. Newman, Miss Eliza Ingram, S. Johnson, Dr.
Kirkham, Hiram J. Starr, Jesse Wilson, Eliza Lewis, Emma Carey and
McD. M. Carey. As the population of the township increased,
other districts were formed and school rooms were erected. There are
now eleven subdistricts in the township, and all are provided with
well-equipped buildings.
The first religious society organized in Crawford
Township was begun in 1828, under the supervision of Rev.
Thomas Thompson, who was then a missionary among the
Wyandot Indians, of Upper Sandusky. Arza Brown was the first regular
circuit preacher in this section of the country. The first church
building of the township was erected by the United Brethren society at
Carey in 1845.
RELIGIOUS.
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church of Crawfordsville,
a small but thriving congregation, dates its origin with the year
1849. Rev. Xaver Obermuller, at present director of a community
of Sisters in La Crosse, Wis., was the first to visit the few
scattered families located here. He succeeded in uniting them, and the
result was the erection of a log church 26x20 feet. Here the sacrifice
of mass was offered up for the first time by Father
Obermuller, and, what is worthy of mention, upon a brick altar,
which was expressly designed and built by Christian Brooks,
one of the members.
The original members of the congregation, eight in all,
were John Shoemaker, John Best,
Christian Brooks, Mathew Haut, Anthon
Eberle, Andrew Fetter, John Stump
and Peter Pauly. Increasing by degrees in number and
adding daily more and more to their worldly substance, they were soon
dissatisfied with their log church and its location. Something more
noble and befitting was deemed necessary.
Thereupon an acre of land was donated by Peter Pauly for
the purpose, and under the supervision of Rev. Nicolaus
Gales, a Sanguinist Father, a second church,
50x25 feet, was built in the year 1859, at a cost of $1,000. Mr.
Draper likewise donated two acres and a half for cemetery
purposes. In time this cosy little church was entirely too small for
the congregation, the more so, since many from Carey and
Kirby would attend divine services. It was first proposed to build
an addition, but the greater part, in fact all, were in favor of a new
church. Subscriptions were raised and work begun in August, 1883,
under the present pastor, Rev. John G. Mizer, according to the
plan of architect J. Kokinga. The structure, a frame building,
is built in the Roman styles, and has the form of a cross. It has a
frontage of forty feet and a depth of eighty-five feet. The tower is
built apart from the building proper, and has a height of 128 feet.
When finished the church will cost nearly $6,000.
Rev. Mr. Obermuller was succeeded by Rev.
Messrs. Anthony, Engelbert, Datnbach,
1854-56; Rochus, Shurtz, Bernardus Austerman,
1856-57; Nicolaus Gales, 1857-59; Erhardt
Gluck, 1859-60; Patrick Henneberry, 1860-62; Math
Kreush, 1862-65; Christian French, 1865-66;
Alphons Laux, 1866-67; Philip Reast, 1867-69;
Kasper Shedler, 1869-70; John Birnbaum,
1870-72; Theobald Schock, 1872-75; Joseph
Rosenberg, 1875-80, and the latter by the present pastor,Rev.
John G. Mizer, July 19, 1880.
The congregation of St. Joseph's is composed of
well-to-do farmers, mostly all Germans, and at present numbers about
thirty-eight families. It is now visited twice a month on Sundays. A
parochial school has been maintained since 1878.
The first missions or so-called revivals were held in a
private dwelling by the Fathers of the Precious Blood in 1850. The
second was conducted by the Redemptorists in the year 1863.
The official record of Crawford Township from its earliest
organization is not to be obtained. Its first elections were held in
Tymochtee, as it then comprised the territory now divided between the
three townships—Crawford, Tymochtee and Sycamore. As this township is
now organized, the first election was held at the residence of Sheldon
Beebe, who lived on the southwest quarter of Section 15. The list of
officials, Trustees, Clerks and Treasurers, from 1867 to 1883 is of
interest and is given below; also the vote cast for the office of
Justice of the Peace in 1846:
TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS SINCE 1867.
Trustees—
1867 - John R. Miller, John Greer, G. Nigh.
1868—Hamilton Karr, Edward Brown, John Greer.
1869—John Greer, Josiah Shawhan, George B. Corwin.
1870—John Greer, John Baker, A. J. Wonder.
1871—John Baker, Aaron Nigh, William Bray ton.
1872—John Greer; Aaron Nigh, Buel S. Beebe.
1873—Aaron Nigh, Buel S. Beebe, John Greer.
1874—Buel S. Beebe, John Greer, Aaron Nigh.
1875—Buel S. Beebe, Charles Stief, Henry P. Brown.
1876—Charles Stief, Henry P. Brown, David Smith.
1877—Charles Stief, Buel S. Beebe, Henrv P. Brown.
1878—Charles Stief, Buel S. Beebe, John Baker.
1879—John Baker, Charles Stief, David Smith.
1880—John Baker, Henry P. Brown, John Greer.
1881—John Baker, Charles Stief, Henry P. Brown.
1882—Charles Stief, George S. Myers, George W. Starr.
1883—George S. Meyers, George W. Starr, Oliver Brayton.
Clerks—
1867-68, J. W. Chamberlain;
1869, C. B. Hare;
1870-71, Robert
Gregg;
1872-74, Walton Weber;
1875, George S. Meyers;
1876-79, Walton
Weber;
1880, George S. Myers;
1881, Jerry Carothers;
1882, A. J.
Frederick;
1883, Daniel B. Royer.
Treasurers—
1867, F. R. Baumgartner;
1868, L. F. Staff;
1869-70, H.
McDowell;
1871-73, I. N. Keller;
1874, Charles D. Hoff;
1875-78, Amos Bixby;
1879-83, John Wensinger.
The votes for Justice of the Peace at the election held in this
township October 13, 1846, stood as follows: Abraham Myers, 125;
Andrew Nye, 55; Abraham Peace, 1 vote.
CAREY VILLAGE.
The above-named town derived its title from Judge John Carey, who, at
its founding, was President of the Indiana, Bloomington & Western
Railroad, upon which it is situated, and, as a consequence, was deeply
interested in the success of the embroyo metropolis of the township—we
may almost say of the county.
Carey was laid out by R. M. Shuler and W. M. Buell in 1843, these
gentlemen owning the land upon which it is situated. The town is
pleasantly located in the northwestern part of the county, ten miles
from Upper Sandusky, and now has the advantage of three lines of
railroad—the Findlay Branch, the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati
line, and the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo Railway.
It will be seen that the town of Carey was laid out two years previous
to the organization of Wyandot County, and this fact, after all that
has been said in regard to the general development of the county in
previous chapters, is sufficient evidence to most readers, no doubt,
that the territory of the vicinity in which Carey is located was
exceedingly wild and uncultivated at the period of its history above
referred to.
In the same year in which the town was founded, John Houck made the
initial step in the way of architecture by erecting a frame building
on Findlay (or Main) street, where he engaged in hotel-keeping, the
first business of the kind, or of any kind, done in the town. The old
building is still standing, in a fair state of preservation, and is
still used for hotel purposes, with W. K. Humbert as its present
proprietor. It is a quaint, old structure, but has been remodeled,
repaired and renewed in appearance by a fresh coating of paint, and is
probably good for another forty years of usefulness. The erection of
this building was followed in quick succession by those of Aaron
Welsh, Peter Kenan, Mr. Cody, Michael Grnssell, D. Straw, Curtis
Berry, Shumaker, McDowell and others, the exact dates of their
erection being unknown. Several of these original domiciles are still
standing, though most of them in a repaired condition.
The pioneer merchant of Carey was W. M. Buell, who erected a frame
store room one story high, 22x80 feet in size, in 1843, and began
business in the sale of general merchandise, with a stock valued at
$10,000. McD. M. Carey was employed as clerk by Mr. Buell, and claims
the honor of making the first sale over the counter of this
establishment. The old building now stands about two doors from the
corner of Findlay and Vance streets, and is used as a butcher shop. R.
W. Reed, McD. M. Carey and H. J. Starr established the next business
house in Carey, the firm being known as Reed, Carey & Co. Their stock
consisted of general merchandise, valued at $6,-000 to $8,000. The
third business house which sprang up in the then promising village was
established by Jones Park; the fourth by McDowell & Baker, and the
fifth by John E. James, all dealing in general merchandise.
In the fall of 1845, David Straw established a small grocery store in
Carey with a capital of less than $50. He has continued in business in
the town ever since, and is now one of the three wealthiest men of the
county. He was born in Pitt Township March 28, 1826, and is therefore
now in his fifty-ninth year. His business has increased to wonderful
proportions, the result of his extraordinary energy and tact. It is a
matter deserving of special notice that Mr. Straw is now the only
business man in Carey who began operations in the town as early as
1845. Hiram J. Starr is, however, an extensive stock and grain dealer
of Crawford Township, and operates in and about Carey. McD. M. Carey
owns a large farm in the township, and is one of its most influential
citizens.
Since her humble beginning with one hotel in 1843 and her three or
four mercantile establishments up to 1845, the village of Carey has
made rapid strides in the field of progress. She is now a strong rival
of Upper Sandusky, and the prospects for her future success are
decidedly favorable. In order that the reader may comprehend the full
scope of her business interests and industries, a special mention is
made below of the various branches now represented within her limits.
MERCHANTILE AND BANKING INTERESTS.
One of the leading dry goods stores of Carey is that now controlled by
the firm of William Campbell & Son. The firm was established in May,
1877, the stock being purchased of the Colton Brothers, who succeeded
D. Straw, who erected and now owns the building in which the business
is conducted. It is one of the oldest business houses in the town, and
also one of the most extensive. The firm carries an average stock of
about $18,000, doing an annual business of $45,000. The building is
22x110 feet in size,
and located on the corner of Findlay and Vance streets. Mr. Campbell
is also extensively engaged in pork packing at Kenton, Ohio, operates
a stave factory and has an interest in the paper mills of the latter
place.
H. B. Kurtz, located near the southwest corner of Findlay and
Vance
streets, carries a stock of dry goods, groceries, carpets, boots,
shoes, etc., valued at $14,000, and does a thriving business. He
established his trade in 1877, he being sole proprietor, which he
still continues to be. In connection with his store, Mr. Kurtz does
quite an extensive private banking business. The building in which he
is located is 22x80 feet, with a storage room of forty-six feet, and
was erected by Mr. Shumaker in 1874
T. Woodworth, a hardware merchant, began business in June, 1874, and
continued as sole proprietor till 1881, in March of which year he
admitted J. A. Smith as a partner. Three years later Mr.
Woodworth
purchased Mr. Smith's interests, and has since conducted the business
independently. He occupies a two-story brick building, 26x110 feet,
situated on the corner of Findlay and Vance streets, and carries a
stock of hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements, valued
at $5,000 to $7,000.
B. Gregg is located opposite the post office, south side of Findlay
street, and conducts a grocery store, having been in the business
since 1868, in different parts of the town. Mr. Gregg was appointed
Postmaster of Carey in 1869, and retained that position until 1881. He
erected his present brick building, 18x50 feet, in 1876, carries a
stock valued at about $1,000.
George S. Myers began operations in the drug business in Carey in
1872, and continued the same till 1877. He then engaged in the fruit
business till 1884, when he purchased an entire new stock and
re-established himself in the drug trade. He occupies the Frederick
Building opposite the post office, and is doing a good business. C. Pflueger occupies a portion of the same building, and keeps a full
stock of jewelry, clocks, watches, etc., doing all kinds of repairing
in his line. His stock is valued at $1,000.
Peter Will & Co., furniture dealers and undertakers, are
located on Findlay street next door to Myers' drug store. The business
was begun in 1882, by the firm of Wickiser & Will. One year later, the former
member of the firm disposed of his interest to J. S. Hawks, since
which time the firm has been known as Peter Will & Co. The building
which they occupy was built, 1882, by P. S. Nye, and is a brick
structure, two stories, 18x60 feet. The firm carries a stock of goods
valued at $5,000. E. E. Nye conducts a tonsorial parlor in the same
block, next door, having purchased his outfit of E. U. Montague in
July, 1883. P. J. Weber conducts a saloon in the same block, having
purchased his outfit and stock of T. W. O'Marra in January, 1883.
G. G. Kennard is a saddle and harness-maker. He purchased his stock of
Ed Campbell, and took charge of the business April 1,1884. He carries
a stock of harness, saddles, trunks, valises, etc., valued at $1,500.
He is also located in the Nye Block, which was built in 1882, the old
buildings having been destroyed by fire October 28, 1881.
Taylor & Campbell, hardware merchants, occupy the
Frederick Building,
on Findlay street, south side. The business was begun in April, 1883,
by Frederick & Taylor, but the former member soon after disposed of
his interest to Mr. Campbell. They carry a full stock of hardware and
tinware, and some of the lighter agricultural implements.
E. M. Gear began the grocery business in Carey in January, 1884,
having purchased the stock of D. S. Nye, who had conducted the same
trade in the same location since 1859, occupying a frame building. The
present
brick building was erected by Mr. Nye in 1860. Mr. Gear does a cash
business principally, and has a good trade. He deals extensively in
hides, pelts and fur. His stock is valued at $1,800 to $2,000.
R. C. Kinney conducts a boot and shoe store on the south side of
Findlay street. He purchased the stock of J. B. Conrad in October,
1883, the latter gentleman having conducted the business for six years
previous. The building which Mr. Kinney occupies was erected prior to
1860, by W. A. Nye. It is a two-story brick 20x60. Mr.
Kinney carries
a stock valued at $5,000.
G. W. Chesebrough established himself in the grocery, provision and
queensware trade in Carey in 1875. He occupies a building erected by
D. Straw, and purchased by the former in 1877. Mr. Chesebrough now has
the oldest grocery establishment in the town. His stock is valued at
$2,000.
W. Carothers keeps a fine stock of drugs, books, stationary, etc., on
Findlay street, near the corner of Vance and Findlay. He began
business in 1876, purchasing his stock of George Myers. The building
which he occupies is owned, and was built by Dr. Brayton, at a cost of
$3,000. Mr. Carother's stock is valued at $5,000.
D. Bechtell, the butcher, near southwest corner of Vance and Findlay
streets, began operations in his line in 1877. He occupies the old
Dame
building, which was the first store room erected in Carey.
On Vance street, S. Orwig keeps a small stock of harness, saddles,
whips, robes, blankets, trunks, valises, making custom work a
specialty. J. Dodd, located above this shop, manufactures the best
brands of cigars, his annual sales amounting to $j3,000 per year, and
N. Steinmetz manufactures boots and shoes, also carrying a stock
of
ready-made goods. He erected his store room in 1876, at a cost of
$500.
E. S. Shellhouse is the proprietor of the only feed store and nursery
in
Carey. He deals in all kinds of tropical and other fruits by
wholesale, and
ships more melons than any other dealer in Northern Ohio. Has been
engaged here in the produce business since 1863, with the exception of
three
years.
William Simonis, a grocer, keeps an establishment on the north side of
Findlay street, nearly opposite the Gault House. The business was
begun by Peter Simonis, in 1879, his son William, the present
proprietor, taking charge in 1882. He occupies the Fetten building,
and carries a stock valued at $1,000. In connection with his grocery
business, Mr. Simonis also conducts a news stand.
J. W. Herndon, Postmaster, keeps a stock of confectionery, tobaccos,
cigars and stationery, having opened up the trade in 1881. The
building which he occupies was built by Lewis Jacobs in 1871. C. W. D. Zuck keeps a stock of jewelry, clocks and watches, in the same
building. He succeeded I. N. Keller, whose goods he purchased in 1873.
A. E. Gibbs conducts a grocery and provision store, having purchased
his original stock of A. J. Frederick in 1881. He is located in the
Odd Fellows building, and carries a full line of goods, $3,000 in
value.
Mrs. R C. Pennington, proprietress of the millinery establishment of
Carey, located on the north side of Findlay street. The original firm
was known as Webb & Simonis, and dates from 1870. In 1878,
Mrs. Pennington purchased the stock, and has since conducted the business.
Amos Bixby, located on north side of Findlay street, in
Gibbs
building, keeps a large stock of clothing, gent's furnishing goods,
hats, caps, boots, shoes, etc., and also does a merchant tailoring
business. He began business in 1868.
T. J. Kennard established himself in the grocery business here in
1880, having purchased his stock of J. L. Herndon. He is located in
the Gibbs building, and does a business with a stock of about $4,500.
Wickiser & Weber occupy Straw's building, north side of Findlay
street, with a fine selected stock of hardware, stoves, tinware and
agricultural implements. The present firm was established in 1883,
their stock being purchased of A. Frederick.
D. Harpster is one of the leading druggists of Carey. He began the
business here in 1866, having been in the dry goods trade four years
previous. In 1874, he erected his two-story brick building, 20x80
feet. Mr. Harpster carries a stock of drugs, books, stationery, wall
paper, etc., and has a full share of the public patronage. In 1877, he
added a stock of general jewelry.
J. B. Siddall & Co. do business in the grocery and provision trade.
The firm was established in February, 1884, the respective members
being J. K. Siddall and C. L. Sheldon. They carry a stock valued at
$1,500.
J. L. Wensinger began the dry goods trade here in 1876, with J.
Wensinger,
under the firm name of J. & J. Wensinger. In 1881, J. L. Wensinger
purchased his partner's interest, and has since continued the business
as sole proprietor.
Miss L. A. Raider keeps a stock of millinery and fancy goods. The
business was established by Misses Shuman and Raider, the former
member retiring six years later. Shop located on corner of Findlay and
Vance streets, upstairs; stock, $500.
J. F. Zimmerman, photographer, opened his gallery here in 1871. He
subsequently worked three years in Crestline, and resumed business
here in 1877. He erected his business building in 1882. Does all kinds
of work in his line, and also takes orders for the finest work in
India ink and crayon portraits.
Albert Nye conducts a bakery and restaurant nearly opposite the
Gault
House. He purchased the stock of J. L. Herndon in February, 1884.
J. A. Hackenberger, cigar dealer and manufacturer, is located on the
south side of Findlay street, above Chesebrough's grocery
establishment. He employs five to seven operators, who produce
annually from 200,000 to 300,000 cigars. Sales chiefly confined to
Ohio.
George P. Diemer, butcher, is iocated on the north side of Findlay
street, near Vance, the business having been begun in 1878 by J. K. Hackenberger and
George P. Diemer. The former sold his interest in
May, 1879, to F. B. McCowen, the firm being known as Diemer & McCowen
till January, 1880, when Mr. Diemer became sole proprietor.
William Wyborn conducts a shoe shop on Findlay street opposite the
Gault House, doing only custom work Montague Brothers have a neat
barbering establishment next door, their outfit having been purchased
of H. Fagin in 1884. S. Myers does a general, blacksmithing business
on Vance street near the foundry, having established himself here in
January, 1883.
J. Z. Sutphen began the clothing business here in 1867, in partnership
with M. D. Grossell. Seven years later, he purchased Mr. Grossell's
interest, and has since conducted the establishment himself.
The People's Bank was established in 1866 by D. Straw, H. B. Gage, O. Poesnal
and Charles Poesnal with $50,000 capital. In 1869, D. Straw
purchased the stock of the other members of the firm and became sole
proprietor. In 1876, on the maturity of his son, H. Straw, he gave him
an in-
interest amounting to $10,000 and admitted him as a partner. The bank
has the entire confidence of the people and is doing an excellent
business. Its present capital is $70,000.
MILLS, MANUFACTORIES AND ELEVATORS.
The Old Carey Mills.—J. C. Shuler now operates the old mill which was
erected by Enos and William Wonder in 1844. Except the "Indian Mill"
near Upper Sandusky, it is the oldest in the county. It was formerly
owned by Henry Walborn who operated it for a period of sixteen years.
Mr. Shuler assumed control of the institution in 1882, but now has it
rented to other parties. The mill has three run of buhrs with a
capacity of fifteen barrels per day, and is valued at $6,000.
The Carey Mills were established in 1845, the building having been
erected for a warehouse by Buell & Welsh in 1845. It is therefore one
of the oldest structures in the town and has undergone many changes.
In 1867, it was converted into a flouring mill by a stock company,
known as the Carey Milling Company, and named the Carey Mills.
This firm failed in 1870, and the mill was sold to one Cunningham, of
Tiffin, and afterward passed into the possession of D. Straw. It
subsequently passed through the hands of several other parties, and is
now owned by E. C. Orean, of West Liberty, Ky., and Allen Smalley, of
Upper Sandusky.
Henry Waters' Planing Mill and Sash Factory.—This institution, the
leading industry of Carey, was erected about 1868, by Hiram Young, who
was accidently killed in the saw mill department in 1881. Mr.
Waters
then purchased the machinery and has since had charge of the
establishment to which he has added much both in capacity and
patronage. The building is 40x120 feet in size, two story, though not
yet wholly completed. The mill is located on North street near the
railroad, and, including the stock of lumber, is valued at about
$20,000. It employs eight workmen and does an extensive business in
the dressing of lumber and manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, store
fronts, fencing and molding.
Manecke & Co.'s Planing Mill and Sash Factory.—The firm and business
of Manecke & Co., was established in 1877. In 1882, the institution
was entirely destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in 1882-83. The main
room is a frame building 40x50; the brick engine room is 20x40, and
the storage shed is 20x74 feet in size. The value of the whole concern
is placed at $t8,000. The firm employs eight workmen when the mill is
in full operation.
Van Buren & Ryder's Foundry and Machine Shops.—This enterprise was
established in 18— by James Carothers and a nephew of the same name.
The latter sold his interest to the former, who again disposed of the
property to T. Gould and Samuel Keeler, both of whom entered the
service soon after and resold their interest to James Carothers,
Jr.
About 1862, Mr. S. C. Van Buren purchased a half interest in the
concern, and the firm of Van Buren & Carothers conducted the
establishment till March, 1874, when Mr. Carothers disposed of his
interest to Samuel Bitler. In 1882, Mr. Rider purchased
Bitler's
interest, and the present firm was established. The mill was formerly
operated for manufacturing drag sawing machines, but is now
principally engaged in making the automatic lathe for handles. All
kinds of repairing and general job work is also done, and an
occasional engine is constructed. In 1879, the firm erected a brick
building, two story, 26x60, with a molding room 26x40 feet in size.
The enterprise is one of the most important of the village, and highly
worthy of a generous patronage. The value of the stock and buildings
is placed at $10,000.
The Wyandot Chief Hand Hay Bake Works.—One of the most
important enterprises ever founded in Carey was that of the "Wyandot
Chief Hand Hay Rake Works," which was established by Col. V. Bickham
in 1881. The main building of the concern was 50x75 feet, with two
wings, 25x100 and 26x72 feet respectively, a brick engine room, 17x34,
and a dry room, 16x65 feet The total cost was about 116,000. The
motive power was supplied by an 85-horse-power boiler, and a
50-horse-power engine. Two saw mills were kept in operation. The firm
was chiefly engaged in the manufacture of hand rakes and cradle
fingers, though other bent work was also manufactured. Thirty-two
workman were employed, the capacity of the factory being 22,000 dozen
rakes per annum, 250 dozen cradle fingers per day, or 300 set of buggy
bows per day. October 3, 1883, this immense establishment was totally
destroyed by fire, there being little or no doubt in the minds of most
people familiar with the circumstances of the destruction that the
work was that of some fiendish and cowardly incendiary.
Samuel Lytle's Wagon and Carriage Shops are located on the corner of
Findlay and Patterson streets. He established his business in 1858-59,
and in the following year erected his brick shop building, two stories
high, 25x36 feet in dimensions. He manufactures wagons, carriages,
buggies, etc., and does a general repairing and blacksmithing
business, employing three workmen.
Roll & Galbroner's Wagon and Carriage Works are located on Vance
street, between Findlay and North streets. The original proprietor was
C. H. Crum, who founded the business in 1850. The firm of
Roll &
Galbroner was established in 1865. They do a fair business,
their line being the manufacture of farm wagons, carriages and
buggies. General blacksmithing and repairing are also important branches of their
trade.
Charles Stiefs Tile Factory is one of the most
extensive in this quarter of the State. It was begun in 1859, then
being only a brick kiln. The tile machinery was added in 1877. Mr.
Stief operates about eighteen workmen, and does an extensive business.
During the year 1883, he consumed 1,200 cords of wood in burning the
product of his kilns.
D. Straw's Elevator was built in 1846, by
Reed, Carey & Starr. About
1847, this latter company failed, and the property, which was sold at
Sheriff's sale in 1850, was purchased by D. Straw, who has since kept
it in repair and use. It is one of the old-time buildings of the town,
and has a receiving capacity of 4,000 bushels per day, and a storage
capacity of 50,000 bushels.
HOTELS.
The hotels of Carey are as ancient as the town itself.
Whether these buildings have been preserved on account of the dreamy
memories which have clustered around them since the earliest days of
their struggling existence, or whether they are retained through some
distorted notion of economy, it is not within the province of the
writer to say. Certain it is, however, the old building now known as
the Commercial Hotel was the first domicile erected in the town. John
Houck was its builder and first proprietor. He was succeeded by
Hi Plummer, and since that worthy ceased to dispense the luxuries of the
board to his varied guests, the hospitable landlords who have followed
in the train are named in their order as follows: Silas Dow, John
Elder, D. S. Nye, C. Thurman, William Eamsbottom, G. Carr, Mr.
McGalner, J. C. Gear, M. M. Walton, S. Shellhouse, C. Shellhouse,
William Wilsey, John Hackenberger, John Lance, S. Watson, P. Anders,
J. W. DeWitt, and the present gentlemanly and accommodating
proprietor, W. K. Humbert. Under its present efficient management, the
old pioneer hostlery is renewing her youth, keeping loftily apace with
the spirit of the times, her ancient apartments ever aglow with
cheerfulness and comfort.
The Gault House was erected in 1847-48, about three years after the
building of the old Commercial, by John Houck and a Mr. Case, who were
its first proprietors. Those who have succeeded in the management of
the hotel are Thomas Plummer, Bowsher & Fondron, William Chambers,
Rosewell Perry, David McElvain, A. and D. Joys, N. McClure, F. J.
Warallo, F. J. Cox, Dr. Rhodes, and Thomas O'Marra, the present
proprietor. This house is conveniently located on Findlay street, near
the railroad, and affords first-class accommodations for the traveling
public.
RELIGIOUS.
Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized November 22, 1858,
in the Evangelical Church of this place. Of the eleven original
members but one is now living. Rev. Haner acted as chairman at the
organization, and the first officers of the new organization were
Michael Grossell, Elder; Gideon Nigh, Deacon. After the organization
of the church, it was taken into pastoral relation with the Vanlue
Society and served with preaching by Rev. Haner. The society conducted
its meetings in the Evangelical Church building till April, 1859, when
it accepted the privilege of worshiping in the United Brethren Church
building. Here it continued to hold its meetings till its own house
was completed, which was in August, 1860.
In March, 1861, the celebrated Kneisly-Brown controversy occurred. The
questions discussed were: 1. Do the Scriptures teach the final
holiness and happiness of all mankind? Rev. C. R. Brown (Universalist)
affirms; Rev. Kneisly denies. 2. Do the Scriptures teach the endless
punishment of a part of the human race? Kneisly affirms; Brown denies.
This discussion lasted four days, and according to the language of the
church records "resulted satisfactorily to the friends of truth as
held by the orthodox churches, but resulted in dissatisfaction to the
pastor." The pastors who have served in this charge up to date are as
follows: Rev. Haner, from date of organization to March 22, 1863;
Rev.
Funk, to November 27, 1864; Rev. Haner again, to April 28, 1867;
Rev.
J. W. Henderson,to 1869; Rev. S. J. Delo, three months; Rev. D. S. Truckenmiller, to April 20, 1873:
Rev. J. M. Dustman, to the present
time.
From the pastor's tenth anniversary sermon preached February 1, 1884,
we gather the following statistics of the church during the ten years
of his pastorate. Total membership February 1, 1884, 195; received
during present pastorate, 155; total losses from various causes, 95;
present membership, 100; marriages solomnized, 112; funerals attended,
154. The Women's Home and Foreign Mission Society was organized in
1878, and to September 1, 1883, had contributed to their favorite
objects, besides to other objects, $225.20. The Children's Foreign
Missionary Society was organized in August, 1878, and to September 1,
1883, had contributed $63.95. The following amounts have been
contributed to the various purposes mentioned below during the past
ten years: Home mission, $164.69; foreign mission, $247.20; church
building, $141.44; beneficiary education, $25.25; college endowment,
$304.14; synodical treasury, $38.70; general synodical treasury,
$20.66; American Bible Society, $74.42; general benevolence, $55.50;
local objects, $1,200; parsonage bought and paid, $1,250; Sabbath
school expenses, $750. Total (not including parson's salary), $4,272.
The Tabor Church of the Evangelical Association of North America held
its first meetings at the residence of William Wonder in this
vicinity, and was there organized in 1851 by Rev. John Cuff, the
original members being about fifteen in number. In 1856, the society
erected a brick church building, 40x60, at a cost of $2,400, and this
building was repaired in 1878 and again in 1883, first at a cost of
$500 aad next at a cost of $3,300. The present membership is
sixty-five. The Trustees are J. A. Wonder, Peter Will, J. Kneasal, J.
Soberly and William Thompson. The church has had several revivals of
considerable importance, the most successful one probably conducted by
Rev. Reinhold in 1853. The society keeps a very successful Sabbath
school in operation with an attendance of about eighty members.
The Church of Our Lady of Consolation at Carey, Ohio, was established
in 1868 by Rt. Rev. A. Rappe, Bishop of Cleveland. The principal early
members of the congregation were Joseph Roll, John
Goetzinger, N. Steinmetz, Valentine Henige, EL Fetter, Joseph Pahl, Catharine
Logsdon, K. Fuchs, George Noel and Jacob
Fuchs.
The foundation of this church edifice was laid in the summer of 1868,
under the supervision of Rev. E. Vattman. Work was then suspended
until 1870, when Rev. L. Bihn, of Tiffin, pushed forward to completion
the framework. The building was finally finished in 1873, under the
supervision of Rev. Joseph P. Gloden, the present pastor. It is
situated in Straw's Addition to the village of Carey, and is erected
upon grounds which were donated by David Straw and his wife. It is
30x65 feet in dimensions, and cost $3,000.
The first pastor was Rev. E. Vattman, who resided at Findlay, Ohio.
Then came Rev. L. Bihn, of Tiffin, Ohio, who was succeeded in July,
1872, by Rev. J. P. Gloden, the present pastor. The present members of
the congregation are thirty-three in number. The Board of Trustees or
Councilmen is composed of the pastor, Joseph Roll, Valentine
Henige
and N. Steinmetz.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Bible Society of Carey and vicinity was organized June 26, 1864.
It is an auxiliary of the American Bible Society, and has been quite
successful in the accomplishment of its legitimate purposes in this
community. During the past year, an extra effort was made, canvassing
agents having worked the field. The books sold to date of anniversary,
December 15,1883, amount in value to $51.51; books donated, $9.09;
donations from churches, $16.23. The present officers are as follows:
Peter Will, President; C. D. Hoff, Secretary; D. Harpster, Depositary,
Agent and Treasurer.
EDUCATION, ETC.
No sooner had the town of Carey been fairly started than its few
inhabitants began to recognize the necessity of a means of educating
their children. Accordingly, as early as 1843 a frame building, 26x30,
was erected on the corner of Findlay and High streets, and is said to
have been a marvel of awkwardness and inconvenience in point of
interior arrangement. A row of seats was ranged next to the wall
entirely around the room, and in front of this was a high desk, also
extending entirely around the room, and boarded or ceiled in front,
making a sort of arena or bull-pit in the center of the room in which
the learning and the flogging were inflicted, the two processes in
many instances being equally painful. This same building is now owned
by Samuel Bittler, who repaired it and now uses it
for a dwelling. It was used as a schoolhouse till about 1855 or 1856,
when a similar building was erected on South street, near the
railroad, this latter structure being occupied till 1868, when the
present two-story brick building, consisting of five departments, was
erected, costing $8,000.
Among the first teachers were Juliette Searles, A. W. Brinkerhoff,
Miss Labaree, Mr. Thompson, J. N. Free ("the immortal"),
James and
Mary Foster, Albert Myers and Mr. Brundridge. The first Principals who
occupied the present school building were Messrs. Gritchfield and
Graham, who superintended the schools "week about," or alternately.
These gentlemen were succeeded by John Baker, who held the position
three years. Those who followed were J. W. Dwire, W. B. Switzer,
John Kaley, T. W. Fritch, John Poe, John Kalb, K. Miller, J. L. Lewis and
the present superintendent, John Pittsford. The schools cannot at
present be said to be in a thriving condition, owing to the fact that
no thorough course of study has been established or followed. The
present members of the Board are Charles Stief, John Hare, A. P.
Kelley, Peter Gaibroner, Matthew Smalley and H. Hopkins.
The Carey Reading Room was established in June, 1883, by the W. C. T.
U. The library comprises about 250 volumes of the standard works of
history, poetry, fiction and general literature, and efforts are being
made to increase this number. The institution, much to the credit of
the people of Carey, is well patronized. The present officers are Mrs.
William Aspinall, President; Mrs. B. Gregg, Vice President;
Mrs. D. Harpster, Secretary; J. C. Shuler, Treasurer; J. F. Zimmerman,
Librarian.
Public Hall—The Public Hall of Carey was built by the combined efforts
of the township and corporation in 1876-77. It is a very creditable
building, and well furnished throughout. The outer walls are 44Jx64;
the structure is two stories high, and includes an engine room, Clerk,
Mayor and Council's room, and jail, with a neat hall and stage on the
second floor. The total cost of the building was $4,000.
The present officers of Carey are as follows: Mayor, M. A. Smalley;
Clerk, E. G. Laughlin; Treasurer, J. B. Corad; Marshal,
Charles
Buckland; Councilmen, H. L. Hopkins, B. F. Kurfcz,
John Grossell, J. R. Siddall, J. M. Barr and James
Anderson.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Lodge No. 420, F. & A. M., of Carey, was organized August 7, 1868,
under a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge. The officers first
elected were: J. M. Stevens, W. M., pro tem.; J. W. Chamberlain, S.
W.; M. D. Grossell, J. W.; Dr. Asa Brayton, S. D.; A. Trant, J. D.;
A. Carothers, Treasurer; C. Kleopfer, Secretary, and A. Shellabarger,
Tiler.
The present members are fifty-two in number, and their officers are:
Amos Bixby, W. M.; M. A. Smalley, S. W.; J. A. Smith, J. W.;
A. F.
Miller, Secretary; G. S. Myers, Treasurer; A. M. Taylor, S. D.;
L. C.
Haines, J. D.; A. B. Byder, Tiler. Regular meetings are held in their
lodge rooms on the first and fourth Friday evenings in each month.
Carey Lodge, No. 407, I. O.
O. F., was instituted August 28, 1868, by
James A. Semple, M. W. G. M., under a dispensation granted by the
Grand Lodge August 20 of the same year. The first ofiicers were: D.
Joy, N. G.; J. D. Haderman, V. G.; A. Trant, R. S.; J. Greer, P. S.;
Abraham Carothers, Treasurer; S. Gilbert, W.; D. B. Hill, C;
A. Shellabarger, I. G.; E. T. Shellhouse, O. G.: F. J. Weber, R. S. N.
G.; John Baker, L. S. N.
G.; J. J. Zint, R. S. Y. G.; T. Hahn. L. S. V. G.; W.
H. Slaymaker, R.
S. S.; Charles Steif, L. S. S.; Rev. G. W. Miller, Chaplain.
Meetings were held from August, 1868, to August, 1871, in the Straw
Block; in their own hall in Stief's Block since the last-mentioned
date. The financial condition of the lodge is excellent, and its
property is valued at $2,500. The present officers are: J. A.
Pittsford, N. G.; William Wills, "V. G.; E. G. Laughlin, Sec'y;
George
W. Chesebrough, Treas.; C. D. Hoff, Per. Sec'y. Present members are
fifty-two in number, and regular meetings are held every Thursday
evening.
Col. Crawford Post, No. 178, G. A. R., was organized December 16,
1881. Among its original members were A. E. Gibbs, Daniel Bechtel,
George Brown, Walton Weber, Edward
Thompson, L. Thurston, David Sipe,
J. R. Sidall, F. J. Weber, S. C. Williams, John Greer, Oliver
Bray-ton, John Deardorf. W. K. Humbert, J. A. Royer and A. P. Kelly,
of whom the following were chosen as the first officers: F. J. Weber,
C; A. P. Kelly, S. V. C; J. R. Siddall, J. V. C; Walton Weber, Adjt.; L. Thurston, Q. M.;
J. A. Royer, Surgeon; S. C. Williams, Chap.; George
Brown, O. D.; David Sipe. O. G.
The present members number fifty-seven, the financial condition of the
Post is good, and regular meetings are held in the Odd Fellows
Building on the first and third Monday evenings of each month.
Phil Kearney Camp, No. 12, Sons of Veterans, was instituted July 16,
1883, by A. P. Kelly, of Col. Crawford Post, No. 173, G. A. R. Among
the original members were Fred Gibbs, A. M. Wonder, F. C. Gibbs, Jay Newhard, D. J. Humbert, Dr. F. Brayton, D. B. Royer, Samuel Hawks,
Samuel Schuler, Henry Webber, P. E. Wonder, Harry Miller, L. M.
Wonder, Fred Sipe, Corry Williams, William Grady and
Frank Wisebaker.
The officers first installed were: F. C. Gibbs, Captain; A. M. Wonder,
First Lieutenant; Jay Newhard, Second Lieutenant; D. J. Humbert,
Chaplain; Dr. F. Brayton, Surgeon.
The members at the present time are nineteen in number. Regular
meetings are held in Stief's Building on the first and third Monday
evenings in each month. The present officers are: D. B. Royer,
Captain; P. E. Wonder, First Lieutenant; Harry Miller, Second
Lieutenant; D. J. Humbert, Chaplain; and Dr. F. Brayton, Surgeon.
Myrtle Lodge, No. 416, Order of Good Templars, was organized December
22, 1883, at a meeting held in the English Lutheran Church. The first
members were Peter Will, J. S. Hawks, E. S. Shellhouse, Simon Nye,
William Mull, Samuel Kessler, W. C. Hare, Valentine Wisebaker, H. L.
Hopkins, J. T. Zimmerman, William Fenner, Abram Hotelling, George
Corwin, William Aben, Grant Stetler, Mack Creiger, Cornelius Hull, M.
A. Smalley, William Rowe, J. M. Dustman, Anthony Wagner, Bert Hulse,
Mrs. A. Hulse, Mrs. H. J. Starr, Grace Hulse, Emma Sipe, Iva Wonder,
Rachel Livingston, Ella Gibbs, Mrs. J. K. Hackenberger, Mrs. E. L.
Shellhouse, Mrs. A. Wagner, Mrs. J. Payne, Mrs. N. Sipe, Nancy Ish,
Ella Sipe, Mrs. Catharine Nye, Mrs. M. A. Carr.
The officers first installed were: Peter Will, W. C. T.; Ella Gibbs,
W. V. T.; J. T. Zimmerman, W. Secretary; Simon Nye, W. F. Secretary;
M. A. Smalley, Marshal; Rev. J. M. Dustman, Chaplain; Ella
Sipe, W. I.
G.; Grant Stetler, W. O. G.; William Mull, P. W. C. T.;
Mrs. J. K. Hackenberger, R. S.; Emma Sipe, L. S. The lodge is in a flourishing
condition at this writing, and its present officers are as follows: S.
P. Nye, W. C. T.; Ella Gibbs, W. Y. T.; J. T. Zimmerman, W. Secretary;
William Brown,
"W. F. Secretary; Mrs. A. Hulse, W. T.; William Rowe, Marshal; F. J.
Webber, W. Chap.; Peter Will, P. W. C. T.; Ella Sipe, W. I. G.;
C.
Hull, W. 0. G. Regular meetings are held in Odd Fellows Hall on Friday
evening of each week.
-------------------------
* In 1851, he married
Tefronia (Tame Deer), the daughter of the Chief O-wash-kah-ke-naw,
and their two children were Tefronia and Tululee.
** His real name was William Todd
***We have authority also for stating that a daughter
was born in this township to Asa and Martha Lake in 1821.
†The diary
referred to was kindly furnished us by Hiram J. Starr, son-in-law
of Mr. Brown. <BIOGRAPHIES
OF CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP > |