History of the City of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio History

330 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY

CHAPTER V.

POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS.

Parties in this country first took definite shape, in the contest between the adherents of Adams and Jefferson, after the retirement of Washington. As the result of different intervening causes, the lines then formed between the Federalists on the one hand, and the Republicans on the other, became more or less obscured or weakened through the Administrations of Madison, Monroe and John Quincy Adams. Under President Jackson (1829 to 1837), party divisions, upon new issues, soon assumed the sharpness and bitterness of former days, and soon came to be known as the Democratic (that of the Administration) and the Whig party, with such men as Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and Thomas Ewing for its leaders. The questions of policy on which these parties were mainly divided, related to finance, the currency, the tariff, and the disposal of moneys received from sales of public lands. The real starting point of the division which followed, consisted in the veto of the act of Congress for the re-charter of the United States Bank. This was done on the ground of alleged unconstitutionality of the bill. That institution, through its main office in Philadelphia and its branches in different States, not only supplied currency and exchange facilities to the country, but was the depository of public funds. Soon after the veto of the Bank charter, the President directed the Secretary of the Treasury, Wm. J. Duane, to remove the public moneys from the Bank, and deposit with State Banks, which refusing to do, the Secretary was displaced and Roger B. Taney appointed to the place, who complied with the order, for which action the President was censured by resolution of Congress, on the ground of alleged usurpation of power. The deposits not only were so changed, but the local Banks were given to understand that they were expected through their issues of notes and liberality in accommodations, to make good the deficiency to be caused by the withdrawal of the United States Bank and its circulation. The issue thus raised, as to both the currency and the deposit of the public moneys, at once came to be, as for many years it continued, the main ground for party division in the country. Second to this, was the question of the disposal of proceeds of sales of the public lands-the Democrats insisting that these should be treated as public funds, and be used accordingly, while the Whigs claimed that the lands rightfully belonged to the States, in their separate capacity, and that the proceeds from their sale should go to the States, accordingly. This policy never was adopted, although in June, 1836, the surplus revenue in the National treasury, was distributed to the States. Ere long, as the result of the financial policy adopted, the excessive issue of paper money by State Banks, and the spirit of speculation stimulated, the business of the country became demoralized, the currency vicious and general panic and depression ensued. This state of things was greatly promoted by the " Specie Circular " of 1836, by which paper money of all sorts was forbidden in the sale of public lands. The effect of this sudden change of policy was especially severe at the West, where it caused general financial depression and distress. Under such state of things it was, that President Van Buren came into office March 4, 1837. The policy of the preceding Administration, which the new President had approved, was specially objectionable at the West, where its financial effects were most keenly felt. Many Democrats in that section joined the Whigs in their opposition. As the residuary legatee of the Jackson Administration, Mr. Van Buren was called to assume such responsibility, with little of the personal prestige which had so largely contributed to the strength and success of his "illustrious predecessor."

Political lines in Lucas County from the time of its creation until 1840, were not very clearly defined, although the Whig and Democratic organizations were both maintained. Up to that time, as on many occasions thereafter, there were found to be a plenty of causes of a local nature for division at elections. The conflicting interests of the rival Towns of Toledo, Manhattan and Maumee City, with the additional contest for the County-seat, furnished ample sources of disputes, without the aid of National issues.

1837.

The first election in Toledo under its charter was held in the Spring of 1837, when the issue, "Upper Town" (late Port Lawrence) vs. "Lower Town " (late Vistula), was the main issue. The result was a victory for the latter, so far as the Mayor was concerned.

The first record found of a political organization in the County, is that of a Whig meeting held in Toledo, July 28, 1837, of which General Andrew White, of Sylvania, was Chairman, and George B. Way, of Toledo, Secretary.

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The following delegates to the Whig State Convention, were chosen : George B. Way, Wm. P. Daniels, Levi S. Lownsbury, Abram Jessup, Wm. Martin, Platt Card, Oscar White, Samuel M. Young, and Welcome Pray. As County Central Committee-James M. Whitney, S. M. Young, A. P. Tuttle, Pierre M. Irving and George B. Way. But even so modest a movement by the Whigs, could not take place, without an outcropping of the irrepressible Countyseat question. Thus, the Blade (the Toledo Whig paper), under date of August 22d, had this

We are informed that emissaries from Maumee have been visiting every cabin in the Western part of the County, with the view of stirring up disaffection and exciting prejudice against the continuance of the seat of justice at Toledo.

The Democrats held their County Convention in Maumee City, September 16, 1837, of which John Van Fleet was Chairman, and E. Lathrop, Secretary. Samuel Barrett was nominated for Commissioner, H. H. Smith for Auditor, H. K. Steele for Recorder, Samuel Searing for Assessor, Sanford L. Collins for Treasurer, John Fitch for Prosecuting Attorney, D. Cole for Coroner, D. S. Westcott for Surveyor. For Sheriff, the Democrats supported Benj. D. Coffin, " Independent." This was largely " Maumee " in appearance.

The Whig nominating Convention was held September 25, of which S. W. Allen was Chairman, and G. H. Rich Secretary. The following nominations were made: For Sheriff, Cornelius G. Shaw; Auditor, Levi S. Lownsbury; Prosecuting Attorney, John Fitch, Commissioner, Eli Hubbard ; Coroner, Sylvester Cornwell ; Surveyor, William Martin ; Treasurer, S. L. Collins. This looks like a "Toledo ticket."

The result of the election in the County in 1837 was as follows : Senator-John Patterson (Whig), 500 votes; Curtis Bates (Democrat), 420. Representative-G. W. Crawford (Whig), 500; Parlee Carlin (Democrat), 415. The Whigs elected their entire County ticket, except Coroner.

At the annual City election, March 5, 1838, the following officers were chosen : MayorJohn Berdan (re-elected); Treasurer-Samuel B. Scott; Marshal-Calvin Comstock; Aldermen : First Ward-Junius Flagg, Daniel Segur, Leander Hill; Second Ward-Emery D. Potter, Elijah Potter, C. E. Brintnall ; Third Ward-S. B. Comstock, M. H. Daniels, Caleb F. Abbott. James M. Whitney was elected Justice of the Peace, and Township Treasurer; and Luke Draper and James L. Chase, Overseers of the Poor.

1838.

The Whigs held a County Convention at Toledo, May 1, 1838, of which Judge Jonathan H. Jerome was made the President and Richard Cooke, the Secretary. The main business consisted in passing resolutions and appointing delegates to the Whig State Convention, May 31st. From the list of delegates appointed (60 in number) it would seem that the Lucas County Whigs took a very deep interest in the action of the State Convention. Their names were as follows

B. F. Stickney, P. M. Irving, H. D. Mason, Joseph R. Williams, Sanford L. Collins, W. F. Dewey, Platt Card, A. T. Tuttle, Win. Martin, M. H. Daniels, W. M. Richardson, C. E. Brintnall, Dan. Segur, Fred. Bissell, John Berdan, Heman Walbridge, Eli Hubbard, Henry Phillips, S. W. Allen, John R. Osborn, Richard Mott, Junius Flag , Edson Allen, Richard Cooke, G. B. Way, .lames. Whitney, William P. Daniels, Charles W. Hill, S. M. Young, H. L. Hosmer, John Pray, Oscar White, Jessup W. Scott, G. B. Abell, J. J. Brigham, R. A. Forsyth, George S. Hosmer, Henry Reed, Jr., J. A. Forsyth, James Wolcott, Samuel Eddy, Josiah Baker, B. P. Peckham, C. I. Keeler, Jr., Myron H. Tilden, Elkanah Briggs, L. S. Lownsbury, Charles M. Dorr, S. Cornwell, James Wilkison, Samuel Barrett, W. .J. Daniels, William Kingsbury, Horatio Conant, John Allen, Elisha Mack, G. P. Knaggs, Wiley Hamilton and J. Austin Scott.

The Convention declared Daniel Webster to be its choice as a candidate for President, naming Henry Clay as an acceptable substitute. The result of the October election in the County (1838) was as follows, (those marked thus * being Whigs, and those marked thus t being Democrats): Govern or-Vance,* 753 ; Shannon,} 466. State Senator-Hollister,* 741; Bates,¢ 465. Congress-Goode,* 757; Sawyer, (t) 466. Representative-Taylor,* 751 ; Carlin,(t) 473 (both residing in Hancock County). Commissioner-Bartlett,*401; VanFleet, (t) 811. Assessor-Fisher,* 740; Dodd,(t) 169. Recorder-Flagg, * 657 ; Rathbun, (t) 136 ; Nichols, 419. Toledo cast 457 votes, and Maumee City 257-there being about 100 Whig majority in each Town.

A Whig mass meeting was held in Toledo, August 27, 1838, with H. D. Mason as Chairman, and A. T. Tuttle as Secretary. Speeches were made and resolutions adopted, when the following named delegates to a Young Men's State Convention at Mt. Vernon, were appointed: John R. Osborn, C. E. Brintnall, Daniel McBain, Two Stickney, A. W. Fairbanks, S. M. Young, Henry Reed, Jr., H. L. Hosmer, D. F. Cook, W. R. Hoyt, S. L. Collins, C. F. Abbott, C. W. Hill, W. N. Richardson, A. T. Tuttle, L. S. Lownsbury, P. B. Peckham, Dan. Segur, Chester Walbridge, John Mack, A. Jessup, Elijah Mack, Thomas Richardson, Thomas Clark, Wm. Martin, F. Lyon, E. E. Evans, C. B. West, Elkanah Briggs, Platt Card, Pliny Lathrop, George B. Way, C. G. McKnight, W. J. McNamee, E. Roys, C. M. Dorr, W. J. Daniels.

The Whigs held their County Convention July 11,1837, of which Richard Cooke was President, and S. M. Young, Secretary. Pierre M. Irving, S. M. Young, G. B. Way, William I. Daniels and A. T. Tuttle were appointed as the Central Committee. John Hollister of Perrysburg was the Whig candidate for State Senator.

332 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

1839.

The result of the election of October 8, 1839, was the choice of General John E. Hunt (Democrat) for Senator; Moses McNelly (Democrat) for Representative ; David Hobart (Democrat) for County Commissioner; C. G. Shaw (Whig) for Sheriff; John H. Pease (Democrat) for Treasurer ; L. S. Lownsbury for Auditor ; D. Garlick for Coroner; C. F. Abbott for Prosecuting Attorney. The majority against a review of the County-seat question, with reference to re-location, was 50-whereat Toledo was pleased, and Maumee City was not.

The Whig Legislative Convention for the Counties of Lucas, Wood, Henry, Williams, Paulding, Allen and Hancock, for 1839, was held at Findlay, August 29th, with John Patterson, of Hancock, as President, and H. L. Hosmer, of Wood, and Henry Reed, Jr., of Lucas, as Secretaries. Col. John Taylor, of Shelby, was nominated for Senator, and William Taylor, of Hancock (father of Milton Taylor, now of Toledo), for Representative.

1840.

The cumulating embarrassments of the Democratic Administration, together with the acceptable nomination of General Harrison for President by the Whig National Convention in December, 1839, enabled the Whigs of the country, and especially of the West, to start their campaign of 1840, with a zest and a hope entirely new to them. After unbroken subjection of 12 years to Democratic rule, they were in good condition of mind to hail even the faintest white on the lining of the cloud which had so long enshrouded them. The conditions could hardly have been more favorable to them. Mr. Van Buren, the incumbent and Democratic candidate for re-election as President, was loaded down with the accumulated errors and misfortunes of three Administrations, from which there was no escape ; and especially had he to carry the severe financial depression which for three years had subjected the country to an experience unknown to that generation. On the other hand, the Whigs were not only free of such load, but bad a candidate combining the precise elements essential to the most enthusiastic campaign. Identified with the West from the very beginning of its settlement, and particularly with the military events of the War of 1812-15 and of the Indian Wars from 1790, he was well calculated to enlist a strong personal sympathy in his support; while he was fortunate in having escaped the personal antagonisms common to men long prominently active in public life. To all these advantages, the Democratic leaders were indiscreet enough to add an attempt to belittle General Harrison's candidacy through sneers at his alleged unfitness for the office, his poverty and his humble position, and by attempts to depreciate his military record. All these, skillfully employed by his friends, contributed to give him a hold upon the public sympathy, which otherwise he could not have secured. The simple blunder of an attempt to deny him credit for the management of the battle of Tippecanoe, in Indiana, in 1811, only made the more popular the title "Old Tippecanoe " which his friends at once gave to him, and which was an effective rallying-cry throughout the campaign, which in wildness of enthusiasm, in personal effort, and in sacrifice of time, as in the number and extent of public demonstrations, was then, as it is now, and as it must continue to be, without parallel in the country. Probably no one thing was made to contribute more to the enthusiasm of the Whigs, than did the appearance in the Baltimore Republican (a Democratic paper) of this unfortunate reference to General Harrison

Give him a Barrel of Hard Cider, and settle a pension of $2,000 a year on him, and, our word upon it, he will sit the remainder of his days in a Log Cabin.

This simple paragraph, it was, that suggested to the Whigs the key-note, which at once was taken up and most effectively employed throughout that contest. From this ill-timed sneer at Harrison's poverty, sprang all the "Log Cabins" and "Hard Cider '° of that historic campaign. Throughout the country, the " Log Cabin " came to be the emblem and sign of the Whigs, as it was extensively made the local headquarters of that party. Log Cabins were constructed in most Cities and Towns, with such provision of accommodations and ornamentation as best carried out the pioneer idea. Toledo was not without such a structure. Following is a reproduction of the cut used in the Blade as the Whig insignia during that campaign

A WHIG LOG CABIN OF 1840.

The first conspicuous demonstration of the campaign in the country, was the Ohio Whig Mass Convention of February 21-22. As the first clear manifestation of the real state of the

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popular heart, it was both a surprise and a stimulus to the many similar, but few equal, occasions which followed. Local gatherings throughout the State, unprecedent of their kind, had raised high expectations as to both numbers and enthusiasm of the coming assemblage, but the imagination of the most sanguine fell largely below the reality. Then, the rain, which was continuous for some days previous to the appointed gathering, causing a complete " break up " of the roads and a depth of mud to he reached only after an annual " thaw " had made travel as nigh to impossible as such condition could produce. And it will be here borne in mind, that at that time there was not in all the State a Railroad of sufficient length to be available to a single passenger on that occasion. Private conveyance-chiefly by farm wagons, supplemented to some extent by teams more or less immense in size-with what little the few stage lines could do, constituted the entire means of transportation. With this fact, and the weather and state of the roads in mind, the reader may form some slight idea of what was involved in such a demonstration ; it being also remembered, that some of the delegates had before them not less than 400 miles of that sort of travel, requiring for the trip not less than two weeks of time; with the further incident, that they were liable, as many were called to realize, to be compelled to find lodgings in harns and in the wagons in which they rode-their food, the meantime, consisting of the ample " lunch " supplied by the ready zeal of wives, mothers anti sisters. There were present on the occasion not less than 20,000 people, representing every County in the State.

No record has ever given adequate idea of that event, and in here referring to it, dependence is made on the imperfect reports at hand, supplemented by the memory of the writer, which could hardly he more vivid than it is of what lie saw, heard and was part. He made the trip in the stages of Neil, Moore & Co., from Lower Sandusky (Fremont); the fare for the round trip, $5.00, or half regular rate. The down passage involved some 40 hours of continuous travel, but was so much more rapid than the average, that many delegations and cavalcades were passed on the way. Among these was the extraordinary contribution of the Maumee Valley, Fort Meigs constructed in miniature, chiefly by the Whigs of Perrysburg, under the superintendence of Rev. Joseph Badger and John C. Spink-the former having been a Chaplain in General Harrison's army and a Missionary in this region, and the latter a leading lawyer at Perrysburg. The miniature was Fort Meigs in all its parts, and complete as the original existed when so heroically and successfully defended by General Harrison and his command in May, 1813. All this was displayed on an ample platform, resting on four ponderous wheels drawn by six or eight horses, and wide enough to occupy the entire width of the average roadway. The movement of such a load must at best be difficult and slow, and was made almost impossible by the terrible state of the roads and the heavy rain. This unique structure, with the immense cavalcade attendant, reached Columbus about 11 A. M. On the first day of the Convention, in the midst of the protracted rain, its appearance being hailed with surprise and enthusiasm on every hand.

The arrival of Fort Meigs was preceded and followed by a variety and extent of demonstrations too great for detail here. Among these were 600 horsemen from Franklin County. A delegation of 1,100, with bands and banners, came from Ross County. A train of many hundreds from Clark County, was led by a veritable Log Cabin on wheels, its sides ornamented with coon- skins, and on its roof " Charley " Anthony, then Senator from that County, and subsequently United States District Attorney, whose best energies were devoted to munching "hoe-cake," the staple bread of the pioneers. From Cleveland came a splendid Brig, admirably equipped and large enough to accommodate a crew in its rigging. Licking County sent a Steamboat, fully rigged with wheels, pipes, etc., and drawn by four horses, with a banner inscribed, " The Farmer of North Bend." Upon the front of the National Hotel was a painting, representing General Proctor (the British commander), demanding of General Harrison the surrender of Fort Meigs, with Harrison's memorable reply, " Tell General Proctor, if he takes the fort, he will take it in a manner which will do him more honor than would a thousand surrenders." A Canoe on wheels was drawn by eight white horses, driven by the veteran stage proprietor, William Neil, of Columbus, the stern of the Canoe containing a Buckeye tree in full leaf-the leaves being the handiwork of Whig ladies of Columbus. This was followed by several hundred Franklin County Whigs on foot. From Ross County cane a double LogCabin, with " Old Tip " between, drawing cider from a barrel. The Crawford County delegation marched under a banner with a living bald eagle perched on the staff, 10 feet high. Greene County had a Log-Cabin on wheels, its occupants dressed in hunting shirts, the roof covered with old hunters eating pone, or johnny- cake. From Guernsey, an Ohio River Boat drawn by six horses and filled with " Guernsey Reformers," the boat bearing the name, " Tippecanoe." The Whigs from Jackson County wore a bit of ribbon on their coats, with the couplet

With Tip and Tyler,

We'll bust Van's biler.

The "Mad River Trappers" came in a lodge" similar to those used to protect trap-

334 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

pers from the weather. Skins were stretched on the sides, curing for the market. The Trappers were led by a hardy, venerable man on a mule, dressed in hunting shirt, with his tin-cup and knapsack. His company consisted of 30 Trappers, dressed in Indian blankets. From Union County came a Log-Cabin on wheels, filled inside and out with the " truck " of that primitive tenement, the delegates on the roof singing, loud and shrill, to the tune of " The Blue Bells o' Scotland," the following original

LOG CABIN SONG.

Oh where, tell me where, was your Buckeye Cabin made?

Twas built among the merry Boys that wield the plough and spade,

Where the Log Cabins stand in the bonnie Buckeye shade. 'Twas built, &c.

Oh what, tell me what, is your Buckeye Cabin's fate?

We'll wheel it to the Capital, and place it there elate,

For a token and a sign of the bonnie Buckeye State.

We'll wheel it, &c.

Oh why, tell me why, does your Buckeye Cabin go?

It goes against the Spoilsmen, for well its builders know,

It was Harrison that fought for their Cabins long ago.

It goes, &c.

Oh, who fell before him in battle, tell me who?

Oh, who fell before him in battle tell me who?

He drove the savage legions and British armies, too,

At the Rapids and the Thames, and old Tippecanoe.

He drove, &c.

By whom, tell me whom, will the battle next be won?

The Spoilsmen and Leg-Treasurers will soon begin to run,

And the Log Cabin candidate will march to Washington.

The Spoilsmen, &c.

Oh what, tell me what, then will little Martin do?

He'll follow in the footsteps of Price and Swartwout, too,

While the Log Cabins ring again with Tippecanoe.

He'll follow, &c.

The Convention was held in the open air, at the corner of High and Broad streets (being the Northwest corner of State House Square). It was called to order by James Wilson, of Steubenville, and was organized by the appointment of General Reazan Beall, of Wooster, as President, with a Vice-President from each Congressional District, among whom were Aurora Spafford, of Wood County, and Eleutheros Cooke, of Erie, with nine Secretaries. General Beall made a brief and stirring address, when Captain "Dick" Douglas, of Ross County, offered resolutions directing the order of proceeding. The Convention was then addressed by Thomas Ewing, Sen., and General W. S. Murphy, when an adjournment was taken until the next day.

The second day's session was held at the same place, and amid an unbroken fall of rain, with " Charlie" Anthony, asa Vice-President, in the Chair. Nehemiah Allen, of Geauga County, made the report of the Committee on nomination for Governor, and presented the name of Thomas Corwin, of Warren County, which was received with great enthusiasm. Ex-Governor "Joe" Vance, of Champaign County, reported the names of Presidential Electors.

The grand procession, which came off on the second day, was greatly embarrassed by the continuous rain and the consequent mud in streets without a particle of pavement. Truly did the enthusiastic Whigs then sing,

"Bravely we'll tramp the mud through."

Despite all drawbacks of rain and mud, however, the procession was a grand display, being four deep, and led by several military companies and many bands, the whole being about a mile in length, with Fort Meigs, the Steamboat, the Brig, the Log Cabins, the Canoe, the Trappers' Lodge, the River Boat, etc., attended by an immense troop of footmen, horsemen and carriages of every sort. The homeward trip of these thousands, as the result of almost uninterrupted rain, was even worse than that to the Convention. This fact will be better understood when it is stated that the stage, with six passengers, in which the writer returned, was drawn most of the distance by six horses, and was 60 hours continuously traveling in making the 105 miles -- or 1 3/4 miles per hour for the trip.

The Whigs of Lucas County held their Convention June 3d, in Toledo, for the choice of delegates to the Congressional District Convention, when Andrew Palmer (who had recently left the Democratic party) was made President. Morrison R. Waite was the Secretary, such being the first public position occupied by him in Ohio, as it probably was the first of his life. The delegates chosen were as follows

Toledo-Geo. B. Way, S. B. Comstock, C. M. Dorr, Dan Segur, L. S. Lownsbury, Sylvester Cornwell, S. L. Collins. Maumee-Oscar White, Isaac Hull, Eli Kitts, G. B. Knaggs, S. M. Young Waterville Oliver Pray, David Robbins, Jr., Welcome Pray. Providence-Aaron B. Mead. Amboy-Cyrus Fisher. Chesterfield-Harlow Butler. Oregon-Oliver Stevens. Clinton-Elisha Williams. Royalton-Wm. Smith. Sylvania-D. L. Westcott. Richfield-Pliny Lathrop. Swan Creek-John Emery. Springfield- Peter Holloway. Wing-P. B. Scott. York-E. C. Lathrop. Gorham-Gorham Cottrell. German Samuel Gibeney.

A "Tippecanoe Club" was organized by the Whigs of Toledo, April 3, 1840, to "promote the good cause of Harrison and Reform," with the following officers : President, Edward Bissell; Vice-President, S. B. Comstock; Treasurer, W. N. Richardson; Secretary, Robert W. Titus. The Club held weekly meetings.

Second only to the wonderful manifestation of popular sentiment made at Columbus, February 22, was that which took place on the site of Fort Meigs, near Perrysburg, June 11, 1840. In some respects the latter was most remarkable, but these referred more to the greater system and order of its characteristics and the numbers present, tan to the degree of enthusiasm manifested, although this was seen in force beyond anything shown previous to that extraordinary year. Then, it should be

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borne in mind, that the Fort Meigs demonstration had the great advantage of the Summer season, with its good weather and good roads, with the further essential aid of Steamboat communication with all points on the Lakes--considerations which can be appreciated only by those who have both "bravely tramped the mud through " and traveled on smooth, solid roads and by steam navigation in June. The anniversary of the siege of Fort Meigs by the British force under General Proctor, occurred May 1st-9th, but the celebration of that event was judiciously postponed to June 11th, for prudential reasons, chief of which was the better condition of the roads and the more settled weather of the latter date-which decision was fully justified by the result. The occasion, as will be seen, was something more than a local or a State affair; but one of National interest. The tens of thousands that made up the immense throng there assembled, were drawn from every State in the Union, although chiefly from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York. Of course, the expected presence of General Harrison added largely to the attraction of the gathering. A large number of military Companies were present, including the Buffalo Flying Artillery, Major Fay ; the Buffalo City Guards, Captain Vaughn ; the Lafayette Guards of Buffalo, Captain Hanner ; the Washington Guards of Buffalo, Captain Palmer ; the Fredonia (N.Y.) Guards, Captain Barret; Cleveland Grays, Captain Ingraham; the Summit Guards of Akron ; the Tiffin Blues; and the Toledo Guards, Captain C. W. Hill. With these were several excellent bands of music from Buffalo, Fredonia, Cleveland, Bellevue and other places. It was estimated that 35,000 people were there. So great was the multitude, that no attempt was made to form a procession.

The exercises at the Fort, on the 12th, consisted of an organization, with Thomas Ewing for President, and Vice-Presidents from the several States, followed by speeches from Colonel Love, of Buffalo, N. Y.; J. H. Paine, of Lake County, Ohio; Oliver Johnson, of Michigan, and John R. Osborn, then of Norwalk. Upon his arrival at the stand, General Harrison was seated with Colonels Tod and Clarkson of Kentucky, who had acted as his Aides in the battle 27 years before; and also several of the old Soldiers who were with him at Presque Isle, when Aide to Wayne; at Tippecanoe, when Governor of the Northwest ; at Fort Meigs and the Thames, when Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern Army. There, too, in his 85th year, was his Chaplain, Rev. Joseph Badger. Upon this occasion, as upon the thrilling occasions of 1813, he put up a fervent prayer to the Throne of Grace. General Harrison delivered an address to the immense throng about the stand, which was received with great enthusiasm, and a portion of which, for its historical bearing, is here reproduced. After stating that be had come there only at the earnest solicitation of his friends and against his own judgment, he said

And yet, fellow citizens, had I been absent in body, my spirit would have been present with you. For what spot could excite such reminiscences, as this upon which I now stand? My eye now rests upon a field (the battleground of General Anthony Wayne's Victory in August, 1794, across the Maumee River), where a hero of the Revolution carried out principles which I have humbly tried to imitate. There, gentlemen, I saw the banner of liberty unfurled. There I saw the American Eagle pounce on the British Lion. There I saw the gallant youths, who, with me, had entered the public service, act upon the noble principle which bids the American citizen to die, if need be, for his country. There [pointing to another part of the field], I saw interred the remains of my beloved companions in arms, friends of my youth. If military propriety then forbade that I should mourn for those who bad given up their lives for their country's good, we may now be permitted to drop a tear to their memory and their worth. Nineteen years after these events, gentlemen, I was here as Commmander-in-Chief of our Army. We saw here the regular army of the Revolution. Time and disease had thinned the ranks of my old associates, but there was no diminution of valor. Glorious reminiscences crowd on my mind. Would that they were unaccompanied with pain. I expected the gratification I now receive in seeing you come here to raise another banner to Liberty. I expected to receive on this field to-day those evidences of your satisfaction with my conduct which are now bestowed, the adequate reward for the anxiety and pain I suffered here. With difficulty can you realize their extent. Can a Commander-in-Chief be satisfied with the glitter and paraphernalia of war, and implicit military obedience ? Oh, no. These may, indeed, serve the office of tyranny ; but let an American place himself in the situation which I then occupied, and say if any reward, except the kind consideration of his fellow-citizens, can compensate him for the intense anxiety which every commander must suffer, not only from concern for his own errors in judgment, but for the mistaken judgment and defective execution of his subordinates. The painful emotions were increased when I considered who they were that then gathered upon this spot. Lawyers were here, who left their briefs ; physicians, who had left their instruments ; mechanics, who had left their tools ; and, above all, the yeoman who had left his plow in the furrow and his fields uncultivated, to give up that life that was necessary and dear to his family, to his country, if her good required it. I knew, too, gentlemen, that by coming here to-day, I should be able to take by the hand men-brave and good men-who fought in and who accomplished the evolution. I behold them here. Would to God, that long ago they could have been placed in the situation they deserve. Why, fellow-citizens, should the army of Wayne have been so long neglected? The American Revolution terminated, not at Yorktown, nor at any other Town, but on this battlefield, in August, 1794. Until that day, the settlers of the West were constantly assailed and made victims of the tomahawk and the scalping-knife. Why the distinction between those who acted in the War proper of the Revolution and those who struck the finishing blow in the work of the National defense? If any distinction were to be made, to my mind it appears that it should be in favor of him who fought the savage in a savage country. Where the country is settled, remedies and means of comfort for the sick and

336 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY,

wounded are easily procured ; but where could the sick and wounded Soldier of Wayne be borne for necessary comfort and shelter? Whenever after the war, you saw a poor object moving about, from settlement to settlement, seeking in intemperance temporary alleviation from pain and sorrow, you found on inquiry, that he had been a Soldier of the Revolution. I never ceased to employ my humble efforts in behalf of the Soldier of the frontier. I always insisted that the debt of these Soldiers should be paid first of all. The Treasury can afford it, if the string of the door-latch is kept pulled in. I refused, when in Congress, to vote for the bill allowing members $1,500 a session. until provision should be made for Revolutionary and other Soldiers. Gentlemen, I have little to say to you upon the politics of the times. That subject I must leave to be touched upon by others. But I must be permitted to say, that the charge that I refuse to declare my opinions, is untrue. Indeed, I believe that no pledges should be given. I have always supposed that the best guaranty for fidelity would be the previous conduct of the man whose acts had been performed under no temptation to deceive.

Not least of the events of the occasion, was the Mock Battle on the night of the first day, in which a portion of the military in the fort, met a force of five tribes of Indians banded together outside under their chosen Tecumseh, which was witnessed by an immense throng of spectators. The following public account of the engagement was written by Geo. Dawson, then the editor of the Detroit Advertiser, and for many years thereafter the proprietor of the Albany Evening Journal:

The old battleground, on the night of the 10th presented a scene worth a journey of a thousand miles to see. During the day Major Fay's Buffalo detachment pitched their snowy tents on the Old Fort, and planted their standards" on the outer walls." Their beautiful brass war-dog breathed defiance to the British batteries of Fort Miami across the River. The Cleveland Grays displayed a similar encampment at an equally commanding position on Fort Meigs, and their flag was unfurled over the marquee of Col. Ingraham. The Toledo Guards also arrived, and the Old Fort again exhibited all the

" Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war."

As evening came on, who could describe the encampment ? The bivouac of an army with banners was presented. The Fort itself was a mass of life and splendor, and the low, sparse greenwood adjacent was brilliant in every direction with watch-fires, and picturesque with tents, flags and banners. The patriotic shout and song went up from thousands of freemen preparing to sojourn for the night on grounds hallowed by deeds of deathless renown. From still farther in the woods the whoop of the savage was occasionally heard ; for there five tribes had banded under the brave Tecumseh, preparing wigwams, kindled a council fire, and were concerting an attack of extermination on the Fort that night. Heaven's arch above was clear, bright and glorious. The meeting for speaking had held till midnight, when suddenly was heard the alarm drum, the trumpet's clangor, the savage yell, the rifle's crack, the blazing musketry, and the cannon's roar. The firing commenced with a few scattering shots from the picket guards. In a moment the sharp crack of an Indian rifle was heard from the adjoining thicket. At first the reports were scattered and infrequent, but momentarily became more frequent. Very soon a fire was opened from the lower part of the Fort by the musketry, aroused and gathered by the first shot of the guard. Then were heard volleys of musketry from the upper part of the battery, opposite which point the sharp crack of the Indian rifle bad also been heard. Volleys were regular, whole companies firing at once; but soon the order was given to load and fire as rapidly as possible, when the air rang with continuous cracking of musketry for several minutes. Then were "let slip the dogs of war." The heavy crash of the cannon added sublimely to the scene, and as the din of small arms increased, and the report of cannon became more frequent, and the shouts of the soldiery were heard above the thunder of roaring artillery, it was difficult to keep off the impression that we were in conflict with the foe, and that Fort Meigs was again the scene of deadly strife. The illusion was perfect and the scene sublime. The lighting up of the heavens by the quick flashes from the small arms ; the thick smoke which rolled out from the cannon's month ; the rushing soldiery as they changed position to repel the attacks of the assailants; the burnished musket, as it cast back the reflections of the moonbeams, presented a spectacle really magnificent. And when to it is added the cheers of the vast multitude gathered to witness the siege, the echo of the cannon's roar, as it bounded from hill to hill, and made the forest vocal with its power, and the occasional sound of bugle and drum, the reader may form a faint conception of the real splendor of the fete. It was certainly well gotten up, well managed and well executed. It will be remembered as one of the most agreeable pastimes of this glorious and never-to-beforgotten gathering of the people.

We understand that after open hostilities had ceased, the Indians stole into the Fort and captured three standards and a sentinel. The alarm was given and the enemy driven from the Fort. Two Indians were taken in the skirmish. In the morning an exchange of prisoners was made, according to the usages of war, the calumet of peace smoked and the hatchet against Old Tip buried forever.

The following touching and beautiful song, set to the tune, " Oh, Lonely is the Forest Shade," was written for this occasion by a "Soldier who fought there :"

Oh, lonely is the old green Fort,

Where oft in days of old,

Our gallant Soldiers bravely fought,

'Gainst savage allies bold.

But with the change of years have passed

That unrelenting foe,

Since we fought here with Harrison,

A long time ago.

It seems but yesterday, I heard

From yonder thicket nigh,

The unerring rifle's sharp report,

The Indian's startling cry.

You brooklet flowing at our feet;

With crimson gore did flow,

When we fought here with Harrison,

A long time ago.

The River flows between its banks,

As when, of old, we came

Each grassy path, each shady nook,

Seems to me still the same.

But we are scattered now, whose faith

Pledged here through weal or woe,

With Harrison our soil to guard,

A long time ago.

And many a Soldier's lip is mute,

And clouded many a brow;

And hearts that beat for honor then,

Have ceased their throbbing now.

We ne'er shall meet again in life,

As then we met, I Crow,

When we fought here with Harrison,

A long time ago.

POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS. - 337

On his return from Perrysburg, General Harrison, pursuant to the invitation of the citizens of Toledo, made a short stop there. He was escorted from the landing to the American Hotel, where he received the calls and congratulations of those who had not previously an opportunity of taking him by the hand. The reception at the landing was enthusiastic, while his escort to the hotel by the military, under Generals Chase and Dodd, and their staffs, and the Toledo Guards, under Captain Hill, was creditable. The Blade's report said " After receiving the calls of all who desired an introduction, which was conducted in an easy, gentlemanly and dignified manner by our worthy and excellent Mayor, M. H. Tilden, Esq., the General was escorted back to the Boat, and took his departure about 12 o'clock M., amidst the deafening cheers of a multitude of people who had assembled on the bank of the River to witness the departure of him upon whom many in the crowd looked as the last hope of the Republic."

A call appeared in July, 1840, for a meeting of those Democratic electors in Lucas County, who had thus far supported the Democratic party, but were willing to vote for Harrison. The call was signed by Andrew Palmer, C. I. Keeler, Jr., E. B. Dodd, Edward Bissell, Wm. S. Gaylord, John Goettell, John Mosher, Chas. McLean, Samuel Allen, Leverett Bissell, B. F. Stickney, John Divine. J. W. B. Hyatt, Stephen Sawyer, B. F. Snow, Henry Trask, Dorus Dusenbury, Jos. Chambers. This meeting was held August 8, when a "Democratic Reform Club" was organized.

The Fort Meigs Tippecanoe Club (Perrysburg), Henry Bennett, Secretary, announced arrangements for an excursion by the Steamboat Commodore Perry, Captain David Wilkison, to the Perry's Victory celebration at Erie, Pennsylvania, September 10, 1840-fare $3, for the round trip-meals 25 cents each. The Toledo Guards went to this celebration, and adopted resolutions of thanks for courtesies extended them--Dan. Segur, President, and Charles B. Phillips, Secretary.

This extraordinary campaign, as decisive in its general results as it was remarkable in its character, closed with the complete success of the Whigs, who elected General Harrison as President and John Tyler as Vice-President, by an electoral vote of' 234, to 60 for Martin Van Buren for President, and for Richard M. Johnson for Vice-President. Ohio gave Harrison a majority of 23,375, his majority in Lucas County being 415.

It is proper here to state, that the predominance of Whig record in this connection, is largely due to the fact, that none but Whig papers were published in this County until 1841. Consequently, Democratic record is very meagre. There was then a Democratic organization, active and earnest, and embracing many prominent citizens, some of whose names appear.

1841.

The result of the Toledo election, March 1, 1841, was a Whig success, in the choice of the following officers : Mayor, Myron H. Tilden; Treasurer, H. G. Cozzens ; Marshal, John Goettell. This was the Whig ticket. The Democratic ticket was as follows : Mayor, Richard Mott; Treasurer, Peter Palmer; Marshal, O. W. Whitmore.

March 4, 1841, the Whig Administration was installed, with much glee and hope on the part of its friends, who expected much of partisan advantage, as well as much public good from the change then made. The more promptly to render the relief which the condition of the country needed, President Harrison, March 17th, called an extra session of Congress, to consider financial questions, and to meet May 31st. On the 4th of April, the new Administration, so hopeful and so strong in the public sympathy, was suddenly closed by the death of President Harrison ; when Vice-President Tyler succeeded. At the extra session of Congress, the several financial questions were acted upon, and it soon became evident that between that body and the President, there was an antagonism in policy which was irreconcilable. This was clearly shown in the veto of two bills for a United States Bank passed by Congress, and other evidences of antagonism, including the resignation of every member of the Cabinet, the Secretary of State (Daniel Webster) excepted. The result was disastrous to the Whigs as a party, inasmuch as they lost the prestige of Executive power and patronage, which soon were employed for building up a personal party, in the interest of President Tyler-a movement which was no more successful, than have been different similar ventures in later years. President Tyler had been a Democrat, but was a member of the Whig Convention, and there supported the nomination of Mr. Clay, and was selected for Vice-President in recognition of Mr. Clay's claims to consideration. This operated to make even more bitter the feeling of Mr. Clay's friends toward the President. As might be supposed, Toledo, with most other Towns in the country, had its '"Tyler party," and "Tyler meetings." Of the latter the Blade of November 25, 1842, had a report, which is of historical interest. The report was, that the Postmaster and another man constituted the " meeting," the one acting as Chairman and the other as Secretary. It seems they found little difficulty in transacting the business of the occasion. But when the time for adjournment arrived, the true situation was revealed. The Secretary made a motion to adjourn, which the Chairman could not consistently put, for the reason that it met with no second ; and as there was no one who could

338 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

second the motion, the dilemma was serious. The Secretary begged that the Chair "under the circumstances " waive his scruples on parliamentary law, but he was inflexible. Thus tied up, the " meeting " passed a cold and solitary night, and were relieved in the morning only when, hearing footsteps on the sidewalk, they called in the passer-by, explained to him their distress, and promised that he should have an office, if he would then second the motion to adjourn, attend another " Tyler meeting" the Saturday following, and there render like service. Out of sympathy for the prisoners of parliamentary law, as much as from hope of office, he complied with the request, and the " large and respectable meeting of the friends of President Tyler in Toledo," was released. This may be an exaggerated report, in some respects, but the real record of the " Tyler party " makes it a plausible one.

Political matters in Lucas County at once became " mixed." The Whig ticket for 1841, was as follows:

For Sheriff, Daniel Segur ; Auditor, Cyrus Fisher; Treasurer, Horace Thacher; Recorder, Junius Flagg;* Commissioner, John Pray ; Prosecuting Attorney, Caleb F. Abbott;* Coroner, David B. Mooney; Surveyor, William Martin.* What was known as the " Union ticket "-made up of Democrats and "Tyler Whigs "-was as follows: For Sheriff, E. S. Frost;* Auditor, Urial Spencer;* Treasurer, John U. Pease;* Recorder, Luther Dodge; Commissioner, Alfred C. Hough;* Prosecuting Attorney, James M. Coffinbury ; Coroner, Eli Kitts;* Sureyor, M. D. Hibbard. Messrs. Pease, Frost, Hough' and Hibbard were Democrats ; and Messrs. Spencer, Dodge and Coffinbury, Whigs. Those indicated by a star (*) were elected.

The Legislative District tickets for Lucas County, were as follows : Democratic-For Senator, Dr. Jacob Clark ; Representatives, James B. Steedman, of Henry County, John W. Waters. Whig candidates-Senator, Robt. A. Forsyth, of Maumee City. Representatives -John F. Hinkle and Calvin T. Pomeroy. The Democrats were elected.

The Democrats of the County held a Convention November 30, 1841, to select delegates to a State Convention. Ex-Judge David Higgins (then practicing law at Maumee City), was the President, and Charles 1. Scott, Secretary. The following named delegates were chosen John E. Hunt, Dr. Jacob Clark, David Higgins, Daniel O. Morton, James Myers, E. S. Frost, Pliny Hoagland, Horace Green, Sam. B. Scott, Thomas Clark 2d, Peter Palmer, James Vickers, John R. Bond, Samuel Jay, Daniel Williams, A. G. Hibbard, David Smith, Lyman Wheeler, D. C. Middleton, Paul Hawes, John Kendall, M. D. Hibbard, Daniel Chase, Elijah Porter, Jona. Barnes, Daniel Swift, R. Hastings, J. H. Forsyth, P. C. Mosher, Luther Whitmore, A. C. Hough, William Prentice, James McCabe, D. B. Mooney, Francis L. Nichols, J. Young, James Egnew, John Spencer, J. Van Fleet, John Fitch, C. I. Scott, Richard Mott, Asahel Beals, J. Printup, John U. Pease, J. Hibbard, L. B. Lathrop, C. H. Ryder, John W. Collins, Jared Cotherell, E. S. Dodd, Jesse Browning, Dr. James L. Chase, Daniel Durgin, M. S. Van Fleet.

1842.

The political campaign of 1842 in Ohio, was mainly distinguished for the long and bitter contest over the apportionment of the State into Congressional Districts under the census of 1840, The Democrats had a majority in both branches of the Legislature, and had prepared an apportionment bill, to which the Whig minority took most determined exception. After a long and bitter contest, the Democrats persisting in their measure, the Whig members, as the only means left them to . defeat the bill, resolved to resign their seats in a body, and thus break up the Legislature, and appeal to the people in a new election. This they did in August, and issued an address to the people setting forth their grievance. The style of apportionment of which they complained, was then and still is known as "Gerrymandering "-taking its name from an alleged unfair apportionment of Massachusetts at an early date, under the auspices of Elbridge Gerry, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Another term quite freely used by the Whigs, was "Tin-Pan," which referred to the Legislative caucus of the Democratic members, to which all political matters were referred, and the decisions of which were rigidly enforced. The style of campaigning to which that contest led, is shown by the call issued by the Whig Central Committee of Lucas County, September 5, 1842, for a Mass Meeting. It was as follows

RALLY, WHIGS, AND KILL THE MONSTER!

"FIRST, LOOK ON THIS PICTURE "

Sixteenth Congressional District (extending about 250 miles along the Ohio River).

POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS. - 339

"AND THEN ON THIS!"

The Gerrymander.

THE GERRYMANDER, delineated above, is a. rare animal of the genus Locofoco.* He was discovered in the " Tin-Pan," at Columbus, on the 10th of last month, where Byington & Co. had got him so trained that he could destroy annually, for ten years to come, from twenty-five to THIRTY THOUSAND WHIG VOTES, and thus secure to the Locofocos for that time, though vastly in the minority, fourteen of the twenty-one members of Congress!! As soon as the intentions of his keepers were known, the Whig members of the Legislature gave chase to the "Varmint," and commenced a fire of hot shot upon the whole menagerie. His keepers were routed, and the Gerrymander, severely crippled, was taken, and now awaits the sentence of the People. Here is a

SPECIMEN OF BYINGTON & CO.'s GERRYMANDERING

A Whig District (16th.)

A Locofoco District (4th.)

Washington. . . . . . . . . . .20,823

Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,109

Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,452

Gallia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,444

Lawrence . . .. . . . . . . . . 9,788

Scioto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,192

Population . . . . . . . . . . . 85,758

Whig Majority . . . . . . . . . . 3,440

A Locofoco Distirct (4^th)

Stark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 34,603

Tuscarawas. . . . . . . . . . . . 25,631

Population. . . . . . . . . . . . . 60,234

Locofoco Majority.. . . . . . . . 163

The Whig District (a map of which may be seen above) has a population of more than 15,000 above the ratio ; while the Locofoco District is more than 10,000 below the ratio ! And this is done by those who prate about "Equal Rights " and " Democracy." Out upon such Hypocrites ! Whigs of Lucas ! Let

* The term " Locofoco," was in common use in this country for several years, being applied to the Democratic party by the Whigs. It was the original name given to friction matches. In 1834, it was sportively applied to the extreme portion of the Democratic party in New York, because at a meeting in Tammany Hall, at which there was great diversity of sentiment, the Chairman left his seat and the lights were extinguished with a view to dissolve the meeting; when those in favor of extreme measures produced "Locofoco" matches, relighted the room, continued the meeting and accomplished their object. From such application the use of the term was extended until it came to be applied to the entire Democratic party.

us have a Mass Meeting at the House of David Mills, in Swanton,

ON SATURDAY, THE, 17TH INST., AT 10 A. M.

And try, like good citizens and real Democrats, to kill this monster of a Gerrymander. Several Stump Speakers are expected to be present, and among them,

NATHANIEL B. ADAMS AND JAMES DURBIN,

Whig candidates for the Legislature from this District, will be present to speak to the People and learn their wishes. Come up, then, one and all-Farmers, Mechanics, Merchants and Professional Men-and let us counsel together. Friends of CLAY and CORWIN, turn out, and organize for the coming election ! AROUSE, WHIGS! and make one more struggle for the election of honest men, the ascendancy of correct principles and the payment of the Contractors and Laborers on the Public Works ! Delegates are to be appointed to attend a Whig Mass Convention at Tiffin, in Seneca County, on Friday, the 23d instant, where TOM CORWIN, "the Wagoner Boy," TOM EWING, " the Salt Boiler," and many other prominent Whig Speakers, will be present and address the People. Rally, Whigs! Rally as you did in 1840, and all will be well.

M. R. WAITE,

C. MATTHEWS,

S. L. COLLINS,

DAN. SEGUR,

CHAS. W. HILL,

Whig Central Committee

September 5, 1842.

This matter would hardly be complete, without the characteristic description of the "Gerrymander," by the Whig Poet of the time, John Greiner, who, for many years, bore a prominent part in political campaigns in Ohio

THE GERRYMANDER;

OR THE ANIMALS STIRRED UP WITH A LONG POLE.
TUNE-Rosin the Bow.

Come all ye Young Whigs of Ohio,

All ye, who are curious to see
The Wonderful Works of Creation,

Composing the MENAGERIE.

Holmes, Summit and Wayne in this figure,

Display all the forms of a QUAIL,

Escaped from the hands of its keeper

And fled with the loss of its tail.

Here Franklin, Champaign and Miami,

With Logan and Madison, too;

A sprightly and beautiful creature,

Is this same little KANGAROO.

Old Ross, Adams, Jackson and Hocking,

Would make a GREYHOUND without fail,

And Pike, the stronghold of the Locos,

Lies snug at the root of the tail.

Washington, Scioto and Lawrence,

(Be sober, ye Whigs, and don't laugh),

With Gallia, Meigs and Old Athens,

Present to your view a GIRAFFE.

There's Morgan, and Perry and Licking,

Into Congress one Taylor to help,
In which you see plainly out-sticking

The form of a huge WATER-WHELP.

In Delaware, Knox and Coshocton,

We surely discern a great WHALE,

If the genius of man can concoct one

Complete, with head, body and tail.

In Marion, Richland and Union,

A Torpedo's shape is displayed,

Where Locos enjoyed sweet communion,

And thought to live long " in the shade."

340 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Cuyahoga, with Lake, Ashtabula,

A CROCODILE on Erie's shore

A collection of "Varmints," this, truly,

Whose like has been seen ne'er before.

The result of the vote in Lucas County in 1842, was as follows:

Governor-Corwin (Whig), 805; Shannon (Democrat), 609; Lewis King (Anti-Slavery), 3: The Whigs had about 200 majority on their whole ticket. Horace Waite, of Maumee, was elected Commissioner, over James McCabe ; and James M. Whitney, James Trowbridge and .James Wilkison, Directors of the Poor, over Peter H. Shaw, Andrew Printup and Wm. Limbrick. James B. Steedman and Gilman C. Mudget (Democrats) were elected in the Representative District.

The Blade announced the result in the State with this introduction:

" The OLD COON IS DEAD ! that `same Old Coon' is dead, at last ! We are completely used up!"

The Democrats gained largely through the Whig resignations, and had a larger majority in the Legislature than before ; while Wilson Shannon was elected Governor, over Corwin, by 3,343 majority, against Corwin's majority of 16,130 over him in 1840. So, the " Gerrymander Monster " was not "killed " by Whig rashness, but lived through his appointed decade of life.

1843.

The Whigs held their County Convention August 10, 1843, with B. F. Stickney as President, and C. Matthews as Secretary. The following delegates were present from the Townships named

Springfield-A. U. Hamilton, Harvey Kellogg, Herbert Holloway, Jacob Knaggy, A. H. Drummond, Thomas Wood, Samuel Divine, John Wilsey, John Burdo. Richfield-Isaac Washburn, Pliny Sanderson, Marcus Burnett. Waterville-H. J. Curtiss. Waynesfield-James Wilkison, F. E. Kirtland, C. A. Lamb, U. Spencer, Henry Reed, Jr., H. F. Waite, George Richardson, C. Matthews. Port Lawrence, George B. Way, C. M. Dorr, C. W. Hill, S. B. Comstock, D. McBain, B. F. Stickney, Edson Allen, C. G. Keeler. Washington-C. G. Shaw. ManhattanWm. Martin, I. S. Parker.

A second County Convention September 20th, of which Horace Waite Was President and A. W. Fairbanks and O. Johnson, Secretaries, nominated a County ticket.

The vote of Lucas County, in October, 1843, was as follows:

Congress-M. H. Tilden, 697; E. D. Potter, 633. Senator-J. G. Sackett, 752; J. W. Waters, 561. Representative-Wm. Sheffield, 757; S. S. Sprague, 504. Sheriff-C. G. Shaw, 493; E. S. Frost, 813. Auditor-Urial Spencer, 940 ; Samuel Durgin, 402. Treasurer F. E. Kirtland, 549; M. H. Butler, 279; John U. Pease,* 504. Commissioner-Galen B. Abell, 331; Arunah Lathrop, 439; Lyman Haughton,* 275. Coroner-John Hamilton, 740; Matthias Van Fleet, 673 - G. G. Keeler, 96. Prosecuting Attorney-J. M. Coffinbury, 725; Frank Johnson, 716. Poor Directors-James Trowbridge, 762; John W. Collins, 520; Lyman Parcher,* 73. (The first named were Whigs, the second Democratic, and those marked with a star (*) independent candidates.)

The Blade spoke of the result as a " defeat, disgraceful to the Whig party," the editor feeling a angry, dispirited, humiliated." Judge Potter was elected to Congress over Mr. Tilden by 1,015 majority.

1844.

The campaign of 1844 was made memorable by both the candidates and the issues involved. The Whigs nominated Henry Clay, then that party's favorite leader ; while the Democrats, rejecting Mr. Van Buren, on the ground of his opposition to the annexation of Texas-had selected James K. Polk. The two main issues of the canvass, were the Tariff and the annexation of Texas to the Union, that then being an independent Nation. The Whigs supported, and the Democrats opposed, the policy of Protection in the levy of import duties; while the former opposed, and the latter favored, the admission of Texas. The campaign, while lacking in degree the more distinctive features of that of 1840, partook somewhat of its enthusiasm, while in partisan bitterness it exceeded its predecessor. The important question of the Tariff, before or since, has not been as thoroughly discussed, as it was at that time-a fact largely due to the candidacy of Mr. Clay, known as the " father of the American System." That gentleman found his chief embarrassment with the Texas question, in consequence of the recognized fact that the annexation of that Nation was sought in the interest of tile South, as means for maintaining the political power of that section in the Government. Himself a Southern man, Mr. Clay found it difficult, while opposing annexation, to avoid a seeming indifference to the will or interest of the South. In order to relieve himself of such embarrassment, it was, that he wrote his celebrated letter of July 1, 1844, in which lie used the words: " Personally, I have no objection to the annexation of Texas; but I certainly would not be willing to see the Union dissolved or seriously jeopardized, for the sake of acquiring Texas." This sentence, as the occasion, far snore than as a just cause, of accusation of double-dealing with the question, may have been the turning point of Mr. Clay's candidacy. Being used as evidence of real sympathy on his part with annexation, it is probable that the State of New York, from that cause, was lost to him, and with that the Presidency-Polk's plurality there being only 5,106; while James G. Birney (Anti-Slavery) received 15,812 votes, an increase of 13,004 over his vote in 1840, which increase was believed to be due mainly to the apprehension on the part of Anti-Slavery Whigs, that Mr. Clay was "personally" favorable, if not to the annexation of Texas, at least to the strengthening of the Slave-holding power in the Government.

POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS. - 341

It would certainly be a remarkable coincidence if two words-" personally," in 1844, and "Romanism " 40 years later-should each have decided a Presidential contest, and in each case by the change of a few votes in the State of New York.

Encouraged by the signal success of the " Log Cabin and Hard Cider" campaign of 1840, the Whigs naturally were ready for a repetition of the same policy in the Presidential contest of 1844. While " the spirit of 1840 " was yet with the party leaders and earnestness among the rank and file, the novelty of former methods had disappeared. To vary the programme, the " Coon " was made specially prominent in 1844. Thus, the Whigs had a favorite song, which was illustrated with the following picture, and commenced with the words here quoted, to wit:

As I walked out by do light ob de moon,

Merrily singing dis old tune,

Dah I spy dat same Old Coon,

A sittin' on a rail.

A favorite picture with the Whig press throughout the campaign, was one which presented the Democratic emblem (the Rooster) on his back, with the Coon on him and " making the feathers fly." The result of the campaign, however, was such, that this picture was not in use after the Presidential election.

"The Hickory Club of Toledo " was organized March 27, 1844, at the National Hotel, A. B. Waite, proprietor. The Club had a constitution of 18 sections, with 7 by-laws beside. Its declared object was " to render efficient aid to the Democratic party at all times, prior to and at the next Presidential canvass," &e. Its officers were

President, Lyman Wheeler; 1st Vice-President, Edmund Fitch ; 2d Vice-President, Clark H. Ryder Recording Secretary, Truman C. Everts ; Corresponding Secretary, D. O. Morton ; Treasurer, C. I. Scott, Vigilance Committee-First Ward, S. B. Scott, Pat McCarty, J. J. Voglesang ; Second Ward, Thomas Carr, Ira L. Clark, Charles Mertz; Third Ward, A. Clum, A. Willey, M. Shumaker. Committee on Printing, Timothy Tredwell, G. D. Palmer.

The first meeting for the Club, after perfecting its organization, was in connection with the appointment of Canal Collector at Toledo. It seems that Clark H. Ryder had served in that capacity, and was the choice of the Club for re-appointment; but the Board of Public Works had appointed Abner L. Backus, of Maumee City. The matter was referred to a special committee, whose report is not given.

The following members of the Ohio Legislature were elected in 1844:

Senators-Lucas, Wood, Hancock and Ottawa, Charles W. O'Neal (Whig); Huron and Erie, John R. Osborn (Whig); Sandusky, Seneca and Crawford, Amos E. Wood (Democrat). Representatives-Lucas, Wood, Hancock and Ottawa, Elijah Huntington (Whig); Sandusky, John Bell (Democrat); Seneca, Henry Cronise (Democrat); Huron and Erie, Benjamin Summers (Whig); Putnam, Paulding, Williams and Henry, E. S. Dodd (Democrat).

One feature of the campaign of 1844 in Lucas County, consisted in the selection of M. R. Waite, Henry Reed, Jr., C. W. Hill and Frank Johnson, as speakers for the Whigs, who published a notice, expressing their readiness, upon proper notice, to meet champions of the Democratic cause in public discussion.

The result of the State election in Lucas County in 1844, was as follows:

Governor-M. Bartley, 1,069; David Tod, 789; Leicester King,* 12. Congress-J. Watson Riley, 1,071; Wm. Sawyer, 786. Senator-C. W. O'Neal, 1,065; W. V. Way, 522; Richard Mott,* 265. Representative-Elijah Huntington, 1,074; Daniel F. Cook, 519; S. H. Steedman, 232. Recorder-Junius Flagg, 1,036; Nathaniel Leggett, 804. Commissioner -Lyman Parcher, 1,068; Leonard Whitmore, 771. Surveyor-Wm. Martin, 1,093; Chester Briggs, 722. Poor Directors-Mavor Brigham, 1,066; James Wilkison, 1,066; John W. Collins, 777; John Leonardson, 585. (The first named were Whig candidates, the second Democratic, and those marked with a star

(*) were independent candidates.)

The vote of Toledo then stood-Whig, 184; Democratic, 150; Liberty (Anti-Slavery), 2. The vote of Lucas County was-Whig, 1,069; Democratic, 789 ; Liberty, 12.

1845.

The Whig County Convention for 1845, was held at Swanton, September 27th, with L. L. Morehouse, of Waterville, for President, and W. H. Hall, of Maumee, for Secretary. Wm. Baker, H. T. Smith and John C. Espy prepared the resolutions. Daniel Segur, C. W. Hill, F. E. Kirtland, C. Matthews, W. Pray, J. G. Klinck and W. Richards, were appointed as Central Committee. The result of the election in the County was as follows (the first names being those of Whigs, and the second of Democrats):

342 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Representative-Lyman Parcher, 964; Eber Wilson, 540; Commissioner-Pliny Lathrop, 775 ; Daniel Swift, 725. Treasurer-Frederick E. Kirtland, 754-, Elisha S. Frost, 723. Auditor-Wm. F. Dewey, 886; John U. Pease, 578. Sheriff Luther Dodge, 717 ; Alfred C. Hough, 704. Coroner--Edwin Avery, 882; John Van Fleet, 620. Prosecuting Attorney-Thomas Dunlap, Jr., 848; Henry S. Commager, 614. Infirmary Direcctor-Jessup W. Scott, 704; Daniel B. Mooney, 666. (Mr. Scott had declined the nomination given him.)

1846.

The Whig District Convention was held at Section Ten, Miami &Erie Canal, July 14,1846, of which J. Y. Sackett, of Putnam, was President ; F. E. Kirtland, of Lucas, and Thomas H. Huzzey, of Mercer, Vice-Presidents; and J. S. Conklin, of Shelby, and E. Marot, of Allen, Secretaries. Morrison R. Waite was nominated for Congress. The Whig County Convention was held September 2d, at Swanton, with Major B. F. Stickney as President, and A. W. Fairbanks and H. T. Smith as Secretaries. A County ticket was nominated and the following Central Committee appointed: C. Matthews, E. Mack, D. Segur, L. L. Morehouse and J. G. Klinck.

The vote of the County in October (Whigs first, Democrats second) was as follows:

Governor-Wm. Bebb, 1,028; David Tod, 749. Congress-M. R. Waite, 1,042; Wm. Sawyer, 731. Senator-Lyman Parcher, 1,023 ; Jesse Wheeler, 682; Representative-Aaron H. Bigelow, 1,074; John McMahan, 663. Commissioner-L. L. Morehouse, 985; George W. Reynolds, 744. Surveyor-D. L. Westcott, 1,015; Andrew Young, 709. Infirmary Director-Daniel Segur, 1,026; John U. Pease, 678. For Samuel Lewis (Liberty candidate for Governor)-- six votes in Waynesfield, one in Waterville, one in York and one in Chesterfield (the latter two Townships being now in Fulton County).

Mr. Bebb was chosen Governor, by a vote of 118,857, to 116,489 for Tod, and 10,799 for Lewis. Mr. Sawyer was elected to Congress.

1847.

The Whigs held a County Convention at Swanton, September 4, 1847, of which C. W. Hill was President, and J. G. Klinck, Secretary. A ticket was nominated, and Elisha Mack, D. Segur, L. L. Morehouse, J. G. Klinck and Lyman Parcher appointed a Central Committee. The vote in October was as follows:

Representative-John C. Spink, 1,045; E. D. Potter, 826. Treasurer-L. Parcher, 968; John E. Hunt, 884. Sheriff-Elisha Mack, 1,051; E. S. Frost, 840. Auditor-W. F. Dewey, 1,076; M. D. Hibbard, 806. Recorder-Horace Thacher, 1,025; Lucien B. Lathrop, 831. Prosecuting Attorney-Wm. H. Hall, 939; D. O. Morton, 911. Commissioner-Daniel Knowles, 1,085; - Kendall, 797. Coroner-Edwin Avery, 1,061; Clark H. Ryder, 807. Infirmary Director-Wm. St. Clair, 1,070; Austin Willey, 803. (First names, Whigs; second, Democrats.) Judge Potter was elected Representative.

1848.

The Presidential campaign of 1848, was not as active as its two immediate predecessors, but had the new feature of a " third candidate " (Martin Van Buren), who ran as the " Free Soil " or Anti-Slavery champion, General Zachary Taylor being the nominee of the Whigs and General Lewis Cass that of the Democrats. The candidacy of Van Buren operated differently in different States. In Ohio, its result was the success of the Cass electors, while New York was by such means given to Taylor, and his election assured.

A County " Free Soil" meeting held at Toledo in July, 1848, appointed 25 delegates to the Buffalo National Convention. Richard Mott was Chairman, and P. Smith, Secretary. The following named delegates were chosen

John Fitch, Charles R. Miller, P. Smith, T. U. Bradbury, John U. Pease, Decius Wadsworth, M. H. Tilden, J. A. Mooney, J. M. Brigham, Jacob Clark, J. E. Kendall, Wm. H. Newton, P. B. Peckham, Thos. Clark, 2d, C. F. Abbott, E. P. Bassett, Dr. Isaac Hazlett, Lyman Wheeler, David Crane, Charles A. Crane, Richard Mott, D. B. Mooney, S. L. Collins, E. H. Fassett, Charles A. King.

The Whig Senatorial Convention for Lucas, Wood, Sandusky, Ottawa and Henry Counties, was held at Perrysburg, of which M. R. Waite was President, and H. T. Smith and S. T. Hosmer, Secretaries. Among the delegates present were Sardis Richard and R. B. Hayes, of Sandusky County.

The vote of Lucas county at the State election, 1848, was as follows:

Governor-Seabury Ford*, 1,239; J. B. Weller (t), 1,126. Congress--John Fitch (tt), 1,234; E. D. Potter}, 1.082. Senator--John C. Spink*, 1,145; James Myers(t), 1,165. Representative--Harlow Butler*, 1,163; Freeborn Potter(t), 1,172. Commissioner--Pliny Lathrop*, 1,158; Stephen Haughton (t), 1,182. Poor House Director--Daniel Segur *, 1,131; Thos. Clark, 2^nd (t) 1,207. (* Whigs. (t) Democrats. (tt) Free Soil.) The vote for President stood : Taylor, 1,298; Cass, 1,197; Van Buren, 327.

As will be seen, the " Free Soil " vote was drawn most largely from the Democrats.

1849.

The Whigs of Lucas County held a Convention at Swanton August 11, 1849, of which M. R. Waite was President, and H. T. Smith, of the Maumee River Times, and A. W. Fairbanks, of the Toledo Blade, Secretaries. After nominating a County ticket, the Convention declared its views as to Slavery as follows

WHEREAS, The institution of Slavery is opposed to natural law, the spirit of a Republican Government and the tendency of the age; therefore,

Resolved, That while we recognize the right of our sister States to regulate their internal policy, as guaranteed by the constitution of the United States, we

POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS. - 343

regard Slavery as a grievous moral, social and political evil, and that the efforts of our Government, both State and National, should be so directed as to effect the entire eradication of the same and its consequent evils from our favored land.

The "Free Democracy" of Toledo held a meeting August 11, 1849, with David Crane as Chairman, and John Fitch as Secretary. James Love, C. R. Miller, J. W. McGee, and Alex. Henderson were appointed to select delegates to a County Convention, and reported the following:

John Fitch, James Love, Mayor Brigham, David Crane, W. J. Kendall, C. R. Miller, T. U. Bradbury, J. W. McGee, Edson Allen, John P. Freeman, M. Mooney, Alex. Henderson, F. L. Nichols, C. Drake, Pat. Carey, A. B. Waite, W. C. Sage, C. F. Abbott, Ira E. Lee, Andrew Shurtz, J. Jessup, A. Case, B. Pfanner, Decius Wadsworth, Benj. Hobert, Quinby Church.

The " Free Democracy " held a County Convention in Swanton, August 15, 1849, with John U. Pease as President, and Mayor Brigham and Don A. Pease Secretaries. A County ticket was nominated and a platform adopted. The latter declared Slavery to be " a moral, social and political evil ;" and asserted that, without the slightest interference with the independence and sovereignty of the several States, Congress ought to use its constitutional power to prevent the increase, to mitigate, and finally eradicate the evils of Slavery. John U. Pease, John Fitch, C. C. Allman, Mayor Brigham and Wm. E. Parmelee were appointed as a Central Committee. The Democratic County Convention was at the same time in session at Swanton, and conference was had between the two bodies, resulting in the adoption of a common platform and the choice of the same ticket.

The Lucas County Democratic Convention, at Swanton (August 15), had Andrew Young for President, and Jerome B. Myers and A. B. Mead for Secretaries. Its platform was the same as that of the Free Democratic Convention, and adopted the same ticket, with the exception of John J. Schnall for Surveyor. The following Central Committee were appointed: Daniel Swift, T. C. Everts, Andrew Young, A. Lathrop, T. W. Walker, E. Dodd, A. C. Hough.

The Whig candidate for Representative in the State Legislature (Lucas and Henry Counties) was Morrison R. Waite, then of Maumee City. The Democratic candidate was Lucien B. Lathrop, and the Free Democratic candidate, Freeborn Potter. The vote of Lucas County was as follows:

Representative-M. R. Waite*, 1,261; L. B. Lathropt, 1,029; F. Potters, 114. Treasurer-Lyman Parcher*, 1,369; A. C. Hough (T), 1,052. Sheriff, Elisha Mack*, 1,338; J. R. Bond (T), 1,070. Auditor-W. F. Dewey*, 1,219; T. Clark, 2d (T), 1,119. Prosecuti Attorney-Wm. H. Hall*, 1,310; H. S. Commager 1,086. Commissioner-Samuel Divine*, 1,291; James McCabe (T), 1,088. Coroner-Geo. D. Treat*, 1,266; David Crane (T), 1,130. Infirmary Director-Robert A. Howard*, 1,277; Two Stickney (T), 1,105. SurveyorHenry J. Vaughn*, 1,284; J. J. Schnall(t), 1,026; D. A. Pease (tt), 90. (* Whigs. (t) Democrats. (tt) Free Democrats. (T) Democratic and Free Democratic candidates.)

Mr. Waite bad 232 plurality in Lucas, while Mr. Lathrop had 74 plurality in Henry-electing the former by 158. Mr. Potter had 8 votes in Henry.

1850.

A Democratic County Convention was held at Maumee City January 2, 1850, of which John E. Hunt was President, Clark H. Ryder and T. W. Walker Vice-Presidents, and C. I. Scott Secretary.

The candidates and vote in Lucas County, at the State election of 1850, were as follows:

Governor-Wm. Johnston,* 785; Reuben Wood,(t) 776. Congress-J. W. Riley * 820; A. P. Edgerton, (t) 775. Senator-John Kelley,* 830; James Myers,(t) 741. Representative-Sanford L. Collins,* 876; S. H. Steedman, 716. Recorder-Horace Thacher,* 962; - Hunt, (t) 735. Commissioner-Robert A. Forsyth,* 862; - Holloway,(t) 654. Infirmary Directors-Haskell D. Warren,* 823 ; - Willey,(t) 771; Wm. St. Clair,* 809; - Young,(t) 761. (*Whigs. (t) Democrats. (tt) Independents).

The result of an attempt made in Toledo in October, 1850, to protest against the Fugitive Slave law, then recently enacted by Congress, may be worth recording here. About 100 citizens-chiefly Whigs and " Free Soilers "called a meeting for the purpose named, of which Ira L. Clark was Chairman, and H. Graham Secretary. The Chairman appointed John Fitch, Chas. R. Miller, E. P. Bassett, James Myers and Wm. Baker, as a Committee on Resolutions. The resolutions prepared in advance, though not satisfactory to all of the Committee, as being too revolutionary in character, were introduced, and freely discussed by Messrs. H. D. Mason, E. D. Potter (member of Congress), James Myers, C. R. Miller, D.. O. Morton, Wm. Baker, and John Fitch, when Judge Mason introduced other resolutions, more conservative in spirit and tone, and recognizing the binding force of law as the only security for liberty and order. These were accepted by a large majority.

1851.

The vote in October, 1851, in Lucas County, was as follows:

Governor-S. F. Vinton, 897; Reuben Wood, 1,038; Samuel Lewis (Anti-Slavery), 28. 'District Judge R. P. Buckland, 910; Lucius B. Otis, 1,045. Senator -James M. Coffinbury, 904; Wm. Mungen, 1,053. Representative-Elisha Mack, 957; Lucien B. Lathrop, 972. Probate Judge-James M. Whitney, 886; Chas. I. Scott, 939. Clerk -Walstein H. Hickox, 906; Denison Steele, 943. Prosecuting Attorney-Wm. H. Hall, 936; John J. Manor, 987. Sheriff H. D. Kingsbury, 797; Elijah Dodd, 936; Jonathan Lundy (Independent), 1.57. Coroner-Wm. D. Herrick, 875; John

344 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

G. Kemme, 1,039. Auditor-Samuel Blanchard, 872; Andrew Young, 946. Treasurer-Haskell D. Warren, 752; John E. Hunt, 1,056; Harvey Kellogg (Independent), 155. Commissioner- Russell C. Daniels, 961; Peter C. Lewis, 977. Surveyor-Samuel Divine, 877; Thos. Clark 2d, 1,044. Infirmary Director - Luke Tipton, 883; Geo. Atkinson, 995. (First named, Whigs; and second named Democrats).

This was the first election held under the new State Constitution.

1852.

In the Presidential campaign of 1852, the candidates were : Whig-General Winfield Scott and William A. Graham, of North Carolina. Democratic--Franklin Pierce and Wm. R. King. Anti-Slavery--John P. Hale and George W. Julian.

The delegates from Lucas County to the "National Democratic Convention " at Pittsburg, which nominated the latter ticket, were John Lambert (a Revolutionary soldier), Wm. M. White, John U. Pease, James Love, W. E. Parmelee, Dr. Oscar White, Mayor Brigham, C. R. Miller, Philo Hall, Decius Wadsworth, Dr. J. L. Chase, J. Jessup, Two Stickney, J. Lundy, J. V. Straight, E. Newland Morely, Lewis Lambert, J. P. Freeman.

A call was issued in July, 1852, for a meeting of voters of Lucas County favorable to the election of Franklin Pierce, the Democratic nominee for President. As showing who were among the active Democrats of; the County at that time, the following names signed to that call are here given, to wit:

Ira E. Lee, Matthias S. Vanfleet, James M. Ashley,* Truman H. Hoag, Geo. W. Reynolds,* Freeborn Potter, Elijah Dodd, Henry S. Commager, John Fitch,* D. O. Morton, Stephen J. Springer, James Myers,* Chas. W. Chesebro, Chas. I. Scott, John Vanfleet, Andrew Young, John Halpin, Chas. Dodge,* Alex. Anderson, E. P. Bassett,* Joel W. Kelsey,* Denison Steele,* John J. Manor, Chauncey Merrills, Wheeler French.

Of the above, the eight indicated by an asterisk (') acted with the Republican party subsequently formed, withdrawing from the Democratic party on account of the Slavery agitation.

The October election of 1852 was given unusual interest in this County, by the vote then to be taken on the question of 'a removal of the County-seat from Maumee City to Toledo,

The vote on candidates was as follows:

Judge of Supreme Court-D. A. Haynes,* 1,391; W. B. Caldwell,(t) 2,097. Congress-D. C. Parker,* 1,386; A. P. Edgerton, (t) 2,098 ; Woolsey Welles,(tt) 100. Commissioner-W. F. Dewey,* 1,887; A. J. Eldridge, (t) 1,529; W. M. White, (tt) 100; Benj. Joy.(t) 54. Infirmary Director-S. B. Comstock,* 1,387; Dennis Coghlin,(t) 2,076; W. E. Parmelee,(tt)+ 101. (*Whigs. (t) Democrats. (tt)Free Democrats).

1854.

The campaign of 1854, was chiefly distinguished for the unparalleled popular uprising, which was caused mainly by the attempt to repeal the " Missouri Compromise line," of 1820, which divided Slave from Free territory belonging to the United States. Such action was then sought in connection with the organization of the Territories of Kansas and Nebraska, with the right of property in Slaves therein until they should become States. The effect of this movement at the North was to arouse a latent Anti-Slavery sentiment existing in both the Whig and Democratic parties, leading to combined action against the proposed policy. The Whig party, as a body, with a large number of Democrats, became merged in what was temporarily known as the " Anti-Nebraska," and soon came to be the Republican party. In Ohio, this organization received its start at a State Convention held at Columbus in March, 1854.

The first step in such movement in Lucas County, consisted of a Mass Convention, held at Toledo, September 2, 1854, with David Harroun, of Sylvania, as temporary, and Win. Taylor, of Spencer, as permanent President, and F. L. Nichols as temporary, and Win. E. Parmelee as permanent Secretary.

The candidates for Judge of Common Pleas Court, were : Anti-Nebraska, John Fitch ; Democratic, Thomas M. Cooley.

The Anti-Nebraska Congressional Convention was held at Defiance, September 16th, of which Asher Cook was President, and S. M. Snodgrass Secretary. The Committee on Resolutions consisted of Samuel B. Scott, of Lucas ; W. L. Cook, of Wood ; P. C. Bassett, of Putnam; S. E. Blakeslee, of Williams ; and John Paul, of Defiance. Richard Mott, of Lucas, was unanimously nominated as a candidate for Congress. The following District Committee was appointed: Woolsey Welles, of Defiance; Chas. Kent, of Lucas; Geo. W. Baird, of Wood; A. S. Latty, of Paulding; and P. C. Bassett, of Putnam.

On the question of Slavery, as presented by the Kansas-Nebraska bill, then before Congress, the Democratic Congressional Convention for the Toledo (5th) District, declared that said bill had produced great difference in opinion in the Democratic party of the District, as to the practical effect of that measure; and that while such division in sentiment existed, the party agreed that " Slavery was an unmitigated evil;" and that they were opposed to its extension, and would do what they could to prevent its extension to any of the Territories and confine it to its present limits. On this platform Henry S. Commager, of Toledo, was nominated for Congress. The President of the Convention was T. S. C. Morrison, of Henry, and the Secretaries, C. C. Allman, of

POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS. - 345

Fulton, and Henry Brown, of Hancock County. The delegates from Lucas County were James Myers, J. R. Bond, J. B. Steedman, Denison Steele, Elijah Dodd, Thos. Brophy, S. H. Steedman, Michael Shields, John Van Fleet, H. V. Ayers, Josiah Riley, A. V. Stebbins, Freeborn Potter, R. C. Lemmon, Francis Manor, Jacob Fancher, Seneca E. Sterling.

The vote in Lucas County at the October election (1854) was as follows (the first named candidates being Anti-Nebraska and the second Democratic):

Judge of Supreme Court-J. R. Swan, 1,589; S. F. Norris, 795. Congress-Richard Mott, 1,614; H. S. Commager, 764. Judge of Common Pleas-John Fitch, 1,577; T. M. Cooley, 815. Probate JudgeHorace Thacher, 1,590; Chas. I. Scott, 787. County Clerk-F. L. Nichols, 1,413; Denison Steele, 975. Commissioner-Joel W. Kelsey, 1,557; P. C. Lewis, 844. Surveyor-D. A. Pease, 1,547; - Doane, 844. Infirmary Director-H. Holmes,1,575; - Colburn, 813.

The result in the Judicial District (majorities being given), was as follows:

Fitch. Cooley.

Lucas County 762 ---

Ottawa " 1,441 ---

Sandusky " 100 ---

Erie " 561 ---

Huron " 14 74

Fitch's majority, 2,650.

The vote in the County as compared with 1853, was as follows: (TABLES NOT SHOWN)

Probably, the most extraordinary change in public feeling, as shown by popular elections, was that which occurred in Ohio between 1852 and 1854. The extent of such change is indicated by the following table, showing the majorities in the several Congressional Districts in this State, at the two elections referred to.

In 1852, the 19th and 20th Districts elected Free Soil members over both other parties, the vote standing as follows

Nineteenth District-Case (Whig), 4,046; Wilson (Dem.), 3,715; Wade (Free Soil), 5,275.

Twentieth District-Newton (Whig), 4,179; Woods (Dem.), 4,227; Giddings (Free Soil), 5,752.

The vote on State ticket in 1852, stood as follows : Whig, 128,500; Democratic, 146,795; Free Soil, 22,167. In 1854-Republican, 186,498; Democratic, 109,075. Republican gain, over Whig vote, 57,998; Democratic loss, 37,720.

346 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

As seen, while the Democrats elected 12 of the 21 members in 1852, they did not secure one in 1854.

1855.

A Democratic County Convention was held at Toledo, September 5, 1855, of which H. S. Commager was President, Arunah Lathrop and John Van Fleet Vice Presidents, and Jerome B. Myers and G. P. McCadden Secretaries. The following delegates were appointed :

To a Senatorial Convention-Birt. Keeley, Pat. Carey, L. B. Lathrop, S. E. Sterling, S. C. Brainard, Arunah Lathrop, B. Fairchilds, B. Linsley, J. Goodrich, J. M. Sankson, S. H. Steedman, Edward Bissell, Valentine Wall, Ira E. Lee, John J. Manor, J. Colburn, J. B. Steedman, F. Jennings, W. King, R. C. Lemmon, S. J. Springer, W. W. Howe, David S. Wilder, H. S. Commager.

To a Representative Convention-Freeborn Potter, Pat. Carey, 0. Holloway, B. Barnes, N. C. Hall, C. C. Lathrop, James Egnew, P. C. Lewis, S. Jay, A. N. Cromwell, Ed. Bissell, J. R. Bond, R. C. Lemmon, J. J. Manor, A. L. Backus, J. B. Steedman, F. Jennings, H. Rudd, W. W. Howe, M. Shields, David S. Wilder, H. S. Commager, J. G. Isham, Wm. Kraus. The Central Committee consisted of Andrew Young, J. Colburn, L. B. Lathrop, Fred. Bissell, F. Manor, S. E. Sterling, S. Jay.

The result of the October election, 1855, in Lucas County, was:

Governor-S. P. Chase, 1,618; Wm. Medill, 1,409. Senator-W. S. Lunt, 1,548; M. C. Whitely, 1,518. Representative-L. H. Upham, 1,482; R. C. Lemmon, 1,445. Auditor- - Titus, 1,504; C. H. Coy, 1,546. Sheriff-H. D. Kingsbury, 1,495; S. J. Springer, 1,576. Treasurer-Benjamin Joy, 1,633; Wm. Limbrick, 1,338. Prosecuting Attorney-J. J. Manor, 1,541; H. L. Hosmer, 1,496. Commissioners-D. F. Cook, 1 564; Wm. Taylor, 1,336; Dan. Segur, 1.444; S. C. Brainard, 1,538. Infirmary Director- -Hathaway, 1,494; Andrew Printup, 1,514; Dennis Coghlin, 1,533; C. C. Lathrop, 1,526.

1856.

The political chaos caused by the combined influences of the Kansas-Nebraska movement and the Know-Nothing or American organization, had so far been resolved to order, in 1856, as to bring forth the Republican party for the Presidential campaign. That organization was composed mainly from the Whig party (which practically ceased to be in 1854), with large numbers of Anti-Slavery Democrats. The American party maintained its organization and placed in the field a ticket (John Bell for President, Edward Everett for Vice-President). The Republican ticket consisted of John C. Fremont and Wm. L. Dayton ; while that of the Democrats was composed of James Buchanan and John C. Breckenridge. Between the latter two parties the main issue related to the Slavery question, as raised in the KansasNebraska bill. On that, the South was an unit, while the North was divided. The result was the success of the Democratic ticket. The vote in Lucas County at the State election, October, 1856, was as follows:

Governor-S. P. Chase, 1,371 ; R. P. Ranney, 1,629; Daniel Peck, 398. Judge of Common Pleas-S. F. Taylor, 1,381; Horatio W ildman, 1,621. Congress-Richard Mott, 1,497 ; A. P. Edgerton, 1,602. Recorder J. G. Klinck, 1,172; Thos. Brophy, 1,595; C. B. Holloway, 536. Surveyor-W. M. White, 1,356; W. H. Harris, 1,665; J. B. Marston, 400. Commissioner (3 years)-John H. Whitaker, 1,351 ; Sereno C. Brainard, 1,655 ; - W. H. Raymond, 483. Commissioner (1 year)-Wm. Taylor, 1,357; Dan. Segur, 1,559; J. M. Brigham, 423. Infirmary Director (3 years)-John U. Pease, 1,335; Clark C. Lathrop, 1,655; Wm. Richardson, 408. Same, 1 year-Jos. Langenderfer, 1,348; Jorathmel Colburn, 1,609 ; W. D. Herrick, 476. For Bank Charter, 1,650. Against same, 35. (First named being Republican, second Democratic, and third American candidates.) 1857.

The Republicans held their County Convention for 1857, on the 8th of August, with James M. Ashley as President, and E. W. Lenderson as Secretary. E. W. Lenderson was nominated for Auditor, H. D. Kingsbury for Sheriff, Henry Bennett for Probate Judge, F. A. Jones for Prosecuting Attorney, Peleg T. Clark for Clerk, Samuel Blanchard for Treasurer, Wm. Taylor for Commissioner, R. A. Forsyth for Infirmary Director, and Dr. Valentine Braun for Coroner. The Democratic Representative Convention (Lucas and Fulton Counties) was held at Delta, August 19, 1857, with Freeborn Potter as President, and Patrick H. Dowling, of Lucas, and James K. Newcomer, of Fulton, as Secretaries. Octavius Waters was nominated for Representative.

The Lucas County American (Know-Nothing) Convention met at Monclova, August 22, 1857, and nominated the following ticket: Probate Judge, Horace Thacher; Clerk, Warren Russell; Sheriff, Win. Warren; Treasurer, B. H. Bush ; Prosecuting Attorney, E. D. Nye, Commissioner, Wm. D. Herrick ; Infirmary Director, Moses McKissick ; Coroner, Dr. Chadwick.

The result in Lucas County was :

Governor-S. P. Chase,* 1,632; H. B. Payne, (t) 1,661; P. Van Trump.* 203. Senator -C. W. Hill,* 1,801; J. N. Westcott, (t) 1,633. Representative-S. A. Raymond,* 1,760; Octavius Waters,(t) 1,614. (* Republicans. (t) Democrats. (tt) Americans.)

The Republican candidates for Clerk, Infirmary Director, Sheriff, Coroner and Treasurer were elected, and the Democratic candidates for Probate Judge (Thos. Dunlap), Commissioner (Edward Bissell), Prosecuting Attorney (Ira E. Lee), and Auditor (Cyrus D. Hanks), were elected.

Mr. Westcott (Democrat) was elected State Senator by 136 majority over General Hill. Mr. Raymond (Republican), was elected Representative. Daniel F. Cook, of Maumee City, was first nominated by the Republicans, but declined

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for the reason that be had no partisan policy which he wished to promote. Chase was elected Governor by a vote of 160,568, to 159,065 for Payne and 9,263 for Van Trump.

1858.

The Republican Convention of the Fifth Congressional District, met at Defiance, July 22, 1858, of which C. M. Godfrey, of Putnam, was President ; John Taylor, of Defiance, and J. W. Ross, of Wood, Vice-Presidents ; and W. C. Earl of Lucas, E. A. Higgins of Wood, J. D. Baker of Defiance, E. W. Fuller of Fulton, Geo. Weimer of Henry, and I. R. Sherwood of Williams, Secretaries. A ballot for candidate for Congress stood: Richard Mott, 83; James M. Ashley, 110. Mr. Ashley was declared the nominee and addressed the Convention. It was generally understood, that but for a pervading doubt as to Mr. Mott's accepting the position for a third term, he would have been nominated without serious opposition, he having served with very general acceptance.

The vote in Lucas County, October 12, 1858, was as follows:

Judge of Supreme Court-W. V. Peck,* 1,768; T. W. Bartley,(t) 1,581. Congress-J. M. Ashley,* 1,746; Wm. Mungen,(t) 1,557. Judge of Common Pleas Court-S. T. Worcester,* 1,764; Horatio Wildman,(t) 1,567. Commissioner-Wm. Taylor,* 1,737; Benj. Joy,(t) 1,600. Coroner-Alfred Bostwick,* 1,804; Thos. Tiernan,(t) 1,494. Infirmary Director-I. N. Hathaway,* 1,628; W. W. Howe,(t) 1,698. ( * Republicans. (t) Democrats.)

The vote on question of a new Jail stoodYes, 1,566; No, 1,181.:

Mr. Ashley was elected to Congress by a vote in the District of 10,532, to 9,987 for Mr. Mungen. The Republican majority in the State was 20,344. Worcester's majority for Judge was 913 in the District.

1859.

The local campaign of 1859 was mainly distinguished for the active and somewhat bitter contest in connection with the election of Judge of the Common Pleas Court, for the Sub-District embracing Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie and Huron Counties. Judge John Fitch was the incumbent and the Republican candidate for re-election. The Democrats presented no nomination of their own, but at their District Convention recommended the members of the party to support Charles Kent, a Republican and an independent candidate. The contest had but little effect upon the balance of the tickets of the two parties.

The Republican Representative Convention (Lucas and Fulton Counties) was held at Wauseon, August 23, 1859, with Clark Waggoner, of Lucas, as President, and E. W. Fuller and H. Bays, of Fulton, as Secretaries. Dennison Steele, of Lucas, was nominated for Representative, on a vote of 30, to 28 for L. L. Morehouse of Lucas County.

The Democratic County Convention met September 6th, with Andrew Young as President, and Michael Hayden and and C. R. bennett as Secretaries.

The result in Lucas County was as follows:

Governor-Wm. Dennison, 2,225; R. P. Ranney, 2,073. Judge of Common Pleas-John Fitch, 2,102; Chas. Kent, 2,139. Senator-Geo. Laskey, 2,281; H. J. Boehmer, 2,008. Representative-Dennison Steele, 2,237; Edward Bissell, Sr., 2,032. County Auditor-Alex. Reed, 2,262; Henry Brand, 1,988. Treasurer-Valentine Braun, 2,481 ; John B. Murphy, 1,648. Sheriff-Henry D. Kingsbury, 2,519; Elijah Dodd, 1,765. Surveyor-Elijah W. Lenderson, 2,135; W. H. Harris, 2,116. Prosecuting Attorney-Geo. P. Este, 2,391; John J. Manor, 1,890. Recorder-Jonathan Wynn, 2,300; Thos. Brophy, 1,928. Infirmary Director-Edward Gordinier, 2,231; Foster R. Warren, 2,042. (The first named candidates were Republicans and the second Democrats.)

The vote in the District for Judge stoodFitch, 8,431; Kent, 6,678. Fitch's majority, 1,553. Mr. Laskey was chosen Senator by 629 majority.

1860.

In its direct and indirect results, the political campaign of 1860, beyond all question, was the most important of all which have occurred under this Government. It is even yet too , soon to form a just estimate of the various and momentous National issues and results which therein had their source. Without stopping here for detailed statement or for discussion of these, it will suffice to say that the one question of the day was, whether the institution of human Slavery should be regarded and treated as local or national in its legal status and rights. That is to say-whether it was the creature of the States in which it existed, dependent wholly upon State authority for such existence; or -was National in its character, and should be recognized wherever National authority was in force. The Republican party, while recognizing the right of the States to establish and maintain Slavery within their limits, and the obligation of the General Government to respect such right, squarely and positively denied the right of such States, separately or collectively, to extend or maintain the institution beyond their several jurisdictions. That party further insisted that all domain of the Government was free, and denied the right of Congress to establish or to recognize Slavery within the territory belonging to the United States.

The candidates of the Republicans were Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin. The Democrats of the country were divided as to the policy which should prevail in the treatment of Slavery outside the States. One portion, holding to what was known as "Squatter

348 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Sovereignty," insisted that the settlers of an organized Territory should have the same power in the management of the matter, that the people of a State had, and thus admit or reject Slavery, as they might choose, while in such inchoate political condition, and not await the organization of a State Government. This portion had Stephen A. Douglas for their Presidential candidate, and Herschel V. Johnson for Vice-President. The other portion of the Democratic party held to the nationality of Slavery, in so far, that slaves could lawfully be taken and held, not only in any territory belonging to the United States, but for temporary business or sojourn within any State of the Union. In other words, their claim, resting largely on the then recent decision of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case, was that " slave property stood upon the same footing as all other property, and that neither the General Government nor any Territorial Government could destroy or impair " such title of slave-owners. The candidates of this portion of the Democrats were John C. Breckenridge and Joseph Lane. A fourth ticket, composed of John Bell and Edward Everett, was presented by the " Constitution and Union party," made up chiefly of members of the " American party " of 1856. In their platform of 1860, they omitted the distinctive doctrine of the previous campaign as to native and foreign-born citizens, and limited their policy to the defense of the constitution and laws of the United States, as the sole guaranty for the preservation of the Union and of the rights of the people in all its parts-making no special reference to Slavery.

The campaign was marked by much spirit and no little bitterness, and was largely sectional in its charcter-the Republicans finding their sole effective support in the Free States, while the opposition factions divided the Democratic party, both North and South, although the Breckenridge portion was predominant at the South, while of the other two, the Douglas portion polled much the largest vote at the North.

The Republican Club of Toledo was organized June 2, 1860, with following officers:

President-S. A. Raymond; Vice-PresidentsPaul Jones, Wm. C. Earl; Secretary-Otto Reidemeister; Treasurer-Wm. Kraus; Executive Committee--R. H. Bell, Charles Pratt, Joseph Stanbery, Andrew Stephen and Lyman Parcher.

John A. Chase, John Greiner, John Gavin, E. W. Haynes and George P. Este were appointed to organize a "Wide Awake Club." Such Club was organized June 8th, with the following officers:

Captain-George P. Este ; Lieutenants-J. A. Chase, Valentine Braun and C. S. Woodbury ; Secretary-Victor Keen ; Treasurer-Henry T. Bissell.

Early in the campaign, the Republicans took steps for securing suitable headquarters, which resulted in leasing a vacant lot (168-172 Summit Street), between two blocks, on which were placed front and rear walls and a roof, with a floor and seats, which constituted their " Wigwam," the Indian name given the large building improvised for the Republican National Convention at Chicago. It proved admirably adapted for the occasion, and superior to any like provision in Toledo, before or since that time. After the campaign closed, the place was for a time used for public concerts and meetings; and subsequently by Uriah Gregory's Commercial College, and in later years by a Laundry.

The Republican County nominating Convention was held July 31st, with Darwin E. Gardner as President, and E. W. Lenderson and Noe Nelson as Secretaries. The following ticket was nominated:

County Clerk-Peleg T. Clark. Probate Judge Fred. A. Jones. Commissioner-S. A. Raymond. Coroner-Dr. S. H. Bergen. Infirmary Director Robert A. Forsyth.

The following delegates to a Congressional Convention were appointed:

Toledo-C. W. Moulton, Alex. Reed, Robert Bell. Wm. Kraus. Oregon-R. V. Boice. Manhattan-J. B. Strait. Sylvania-Robert Talcott. Richfield-Isaac Washburn. Spencer-Wm. Taylor. Swanton-B. T. Geer. Providence-A. B. Mead. Waterville - Thomas Shoemaker. Carey-G. W. Norton. Monclova-W. B. Gunn. Washington - Henry Bennett. Springfield- Hiram Wiltse. Maumee City-Norton Graham, R. H. Forsyth, Edward Lloyd. For the County at large-Valentine Braun, Win. Baker and William Limbrick.

The Republican Convention for the Fifth Congressional District was held at Toledo, August 4th, of which John M. Palmer, of Hancock, was President; W. O. Ensign of Defiance, M. H. Hayes of Fulton, Charles Hornung of Henry, Henry Stanford of Hancock, William Taylor of Lucas, R. S. Banks of Paulding, John M. Dixon of Putnam, I. N. Alexander of Van Wert, W. C. Morrison of Williams, and John Russell of Wood, Vice-Presidents; and Joseph Ralston of Defiance, J. C. French of Fulton, W. E. Kintigh of Henry, Ezra Brown of Hancock, George True of Lucas, S. R. Brown of Paulding, ElaM Day, Jr., of Putnam, A. W. Baker of Van Wert, I. R. Sherwood of Williams and E. A. Higgins of Wood, Secretaries. James M. Ashley was nominated for re election to Congress, and Dresden W. H. Howard of Fulton for Presidential Elector. The Convention was briefly addressed by Mr. Ashley, and at considerable length by Hon. John Sherman, then representing the Thirteenth Congressional District.

The Breckenridge and Lane Democrats of Ohio held a Convention at Columbus August 7th, with Judge Reuben Wood for President, and 24 Vice-Presidents and 21 Secretaries. Among the Vice-Presidents was John E. Hunt

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of Lucas, and of the Secretaries, James C. Wales of Lucas. G. A. Carpenter, W. S. Johnson, E. D. Potter and C. I. Scott, of Lucas, also took part in the proceedings. T. C. Stewart of Lucas was nominated for Elector for the District.

A Bell and Everett Club was organized in Toledo, August 11th, with the following officers: President, C. Yardley; Vice-President, Wm. H. Raymond ; Secretary, J. H. Boggis; Treasurer, I. R. Nelson. The following named delegates to a State Convention were appointed A. C. Harris, J. H. Boggis, C. Yardley, J. B. Foreman, Warren Russell, I. R. Nelson, W. H. Raymond, C. B. Phillips, Matthew Brown and C. K. Pheatt.

A Douglas County Convention was held August 18th, of which Edward Bissell, Sen., was President, and H. P. Platt and Dr. Cronise, Secretaries. The following County candidates were nominated :

Probate Judge-Thomas Dunlap. Clerk--James H. Maples. Commissioner--Edward Bissell, Sen. Coroner--David S. Johnson. Infirmary Director- T. L. Clark.

A Breckenridge Democratic County Convention was held September 1st, with Captain E. Parmelee as President, and George A. Carpenter as Secretary, and nominated the following ticket

Probate Judge-Ralph Tarbox. Clerk--J. H. Maples. Commissioner--C. A. Crane. Coroner--M. M. Goulden. Infirmary Director--Robert Dietrich.

A Douglas Club was organized in Toledo, June 12th, with the following officers : President, A. V. Stebbins ; Vice-Presidents, Nathan M. Landis, Gilbert Rogers, Jr., Henry Brand and John W. Fuller; Secretary, C. H. Coy; Treasurer, Andrew Young; Executive Committee, Thos. Dunlap, Robert Cummings, E. B. Bronson, Ed. Connelly, John Miller, Jr., Ferdinand Johnson and Dennis Coghlin.

The vote in Lucas County October 9, 1860, was as follows:

Attorney General--James Murray, 2,631; D. W. Stambaugh, 1,862. Congress--J. M. Ashley, 2,681; J. B. Steedman, 1,929. County Clerk--P. T. Clark, 2,646 ; J. H. Maples, 1,992. Probate Judge--F. A. Jones, 2,577; Thomas Dunlap, 2,021 ; Ralph Tarbox, 36. County Commissioner--S. A. Raymond, 2,659; Ed. Bissell, Sr., 1,836; C. A. Crane, 130. Infirmary Director--H. A. Forsyth, 2,658; T. L. Clark, 1,862; James M. Brigham, 76. Coroner--S. H. Bergen, 2,647; David Johnson, 1,831; Andrew J. Seeley, 83 ; Michael Goulden, 51.

Ashley's majority in the District for Congress over Steedman was 1,204.

The vote of Ohio stood : Republican, 215,277; Democratic, 189,999 ; Union (Bell and Everett), 8,640. The vote of Lucas County for President, stood Lincoln, 2,889; Douglas, 1,716; Breckenridge, 83 Bell, 131.

The vote for President in the State was : Lincoln, 231,610; Douglas, 187,232; Breckenridge, 11,405; Bell, 12,193; Smith (Anti-Slavery), 136.

The result in the Electoral Colleges for President, stood : Lincoln, 180; Breckenridge, 72; Bell, 39; Douglas, 12.

Between 1853 and 1860, there existed in this country a secret organization, known as" Know Nothings." It was chiefly political in its character and design, though partaking more or less of religious sentiment. The main object sought through its instrumentality, was restriction of the political influence of foreign-born residents, to be obtained through such modification of the naturalization laws, as should largely exclude such from the ballot. For a time this organization exercised considerable influence, not so much by its own independent power, as by acting as a " balance of power " between the old political parties. In this way its secrecy in action enabled its leaders to direct its political force in such ways as to prevent observation of their plans and purposes, which often were first made known through results. Their places of meeting were kept a secret, and even membership and knowledge of the existence of the order were denied by those assuming its vows.

In 1855 appeared another secret political organization, known as the " Sag Nichts." To what extent it existed, is not certain; but it was probably limited. While its name indicated a German origin and membership, it was probably made up largely of other nationalities, including skilled political managers. It seemed to have been designed chiefly as an offset for the " Know Nothings," or " Americans." The published basis of the movement was as follows

That in order that our opposition to Know Nothingism may be more effectual in preventing the incendiary efforts of those who seek to change the Government as regards religious freedom, and who seek to make birth a qualification for office, we form ourselves into an association, to be known as the "Sag Nichts Constitutional Convention."

About the same time, another secret organization (the "Know Somethings ") came into existence, also having for its object resistance to the " Know Nothings ;" but it was shortlived and limited in membership.

1861.

The facts and circumstances attending the great Rebellion for the overthrow of the Union and the establishment of a Slave despotism in the South, which immediately followed the election of Lincoln and Hamlin, need not to be recited here. Suffice it now to say, that the effect of that gigantic crime against humanity and good Government, was substantially the same in Lucas County, as throughout most of the Northern States. The first result was the manifestation of a degree and extent of loyalty to the Union, as gratifying to the hearts of true Americans, as it was surprising and disheartening to the chief authors of that movement.

350 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

The prompt and effective response of this section to the call for volunteers to suppress the Rebellion in the field, is shown in another portion of this volume. Here will be proper a brief record of the political support given to the government in the same connection.

The first movement in that direction after the breaking out of the War, consisted in the calling of a "Union County Convention," by about 100 citizens of all former party affiliations. The call was as follows:

The undersigned, believing that in the present struggle for the preservation of the Government and of the Union, men of all parties ought to unite for a vigorous and successful prosecution of the War for that purpose, respectfully invite all voters of Lucas County, who are willing to place their country's need above party fealty, and adopt for their principle of union--" The Constitution and the Union, now and forever, one and inseparable," and " No Compromise with traitors in arms against the Government "-to meet by their delegates in County Convention, at College Hall (formerly the Wigwam), in Toledo, August 31, 1861, for the purpose of nominating a County ticket, to be supported by those of like sentiment at the State and County elections next fall, and also to choose delegates to the State and District Conventions to be held for like purpose.

Under this call, a Convention was held, of which Colonel James B. Steedman was the President, and P. T. Clark and Noe Nelson Secretaries. The following were the delegates present:

From Toledo: 1st Ward-Wm. Baker, Milton Barrett, F. A. Jones, Jas. L. Smith, Ed. Connolly, A. B. Brownlee, Valentine Wall, E. S. Platt. 2d Ward --Chas. Pratt, L. H. Pike, Harry Chase, Wm. H. Harris, Dr. F. J. Klauser, Ed. C. Smith, Mayor Brigham, Thos. Dunlap, T. Sheldon, M. D. Carrington. 3d Ward-J. B. Steedman, Dennis Coghlin, Louis Wachenheimer, Robert Cummings, Declan Allen, Paul Jones, S. M. Young, Peter Lenk, J. Austin Scott, Darwin E. Gardner. 4th Ward-W. C. Hoffman, Wm. Kraus, Henry Breed, Sam. Wagner, Guido Marx, Horace Thacher, W. Hannin, Maurice Conlisk, J. McGettigin, H. S. Commager. 5th Ward--M. B. Doyle, Michael Hayden, W. J. Freatenborough, Warren Russell, Thos. B. Smith, Martin Leezen. 6th Ward-Wm. Mack, Daniel A. Brown. SpringfieldH. Dunn, Perry Wood. Richfield- Pliny Lathrop, W. W. Wilson, John Titus, M. Bennett. Waterville -L. L. Morehouse, A. J. Eldridge; Thos. Shoemaker, J. E. Hall, John Rakestraw, Elijah Dodd. Monclova -A. O. Gunn, C. Van Fleet. Swanton--John G. Wales, Thos. Howlett. Adams-Harvey Kellogg, Patrick Carey. Spencer- Wm. Taylor, Wm. R. Cole. Waynesfield-E. Hunter, Wm. Limbrick. Maumee City : 1st Ward-P. C. Holt, James Howes, Thos. Dale, F. Quiggle. 2d Ward-N. Nelson, H. Shields. 3d Ward-Curtis Perry, Louis Dewey. ProvidenceWm. Atkinson, Thos. Quigley. Washington-Henry Bennett, B. F. Mallett, A. C. Harris, Ed. Upton. Manhattan-Jona. Wynn, Jas. Cole. Sylvania-Benj. Joy, John U. Pease, H. D. Warren, R. C. Thomson, O. Holloway, P. T. Clark. Oregon-Chas. A. Cane, R. V. Boice, Geo. D. Treat, David Youngs.

A Union District Convention, called on the same basis, nominated Dr. C. M. Godfrey of Putnam County, for Senator. A Union Judicial Convention nominated Judge S. F. Taylor for re-election as Judge of the Common Pleas Court, and John L. Greene, of Sandusky County, for a vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge S. T. Worcester, elected to Congress in 1860. There was no opposition to these candidates.

A Democratic State ticket was nominated.

The result of the election in Lucas County was as follows:

Governor-David Tod, 1,652; Hugh J. Jewett, 232. Judges of Common Pleas-S. F. Taylor (full term), 1,782; John L. Greene (vacancy), 1,797. Senator C. M. Godfrey, 1,778. Representative-James Myers, 1,770. Auditor-Alex. Reed, 1,777. Treasurer-V. Braun, 1,761. Sheriff-N. M. Landis, 1,783. Commissioner-Wm. Taylor, 1,775. Prosecuting Attorney-R. C. Lemmon, 1,781. Infirmary DirectorC. A. Crane, 1,789.

The very light vote cast was due to the lack of opposition. The only opposition to the Judicial candidates was in Ottawa County, where 115 votes were cast for Wm. Annesly, of that County, and for John Whitbeck, of Huron County. The vote of the State gave David Tod (Union) 55,009 majority over H. J. Jewett (Democrat).

1862.

One of the most memorable of local political campaigns in Northwestern Ohio, was that in the Fifth Congressional District, in 1862. It was in the second year of the Rebellion, and a chief cause of special interest then was a difference in sentiment in regard to the War policy of the Government in respect to Slavery. One view in this regard was that the abolition of Slavery should be accepted as an end to be sought in the prosecution of the War, and at once be so declared by the President. On the other hand, it was held that the paramount and only proper aim should be to defend the Government from overthrow by rebellion, and maintain the Union in its integrity, leaving Slavery, with all other special interests, to take its chances in the exigencies and results of the War, which policy, from the first, had been avowed and pursued by the Government. The former of these views was supported by Hon. James M. Ashley, then the Representative of the District in Congress, who, in a series of letters to the Toledo Blade, in 1861, had urged such policy, his main reason therefor being that as Slavery had been the chief cause and was then the main support of the War on the part of the Confederates, it should at once be removed.

The result of such disagreement was the nomination of Mr. Ashley for re-election by the supporters of the more radical Anti-Slavery policy, and that of Morrison R. Waite by a Convention of friends of the opposing policy. The principal popular demonstration of the campaign was a meeting of the supporters of

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Mr. Waite in Toledo, October 6th, of which the officers were as follows:

President-David Smith. Vice-Presidents-Richard Mott, Warren Colburn, Dr. Jacob Clark, T. H. Hoag, W. W. Griffith, Win. Baker, John Sinclair, Fred. Witker, Calvin Bronson, Henry Brand, J. Austin Scott, Augustus Thomas, Bernard Meilink, Robert Cummings, Wm. Wilmington, Valentine Wall, Peter H. Shaw, John P. Freeman, C. A. Rowsey, Dr. O. White, Fred. Just, R..1. Skidmore, M. O'Brien, M. D. Carrington, T. H. Hough, H. S. Walbridge, Wm. Roff, F. J. King, Salmon H. Keeler, Abner L. White, Thos. Tuey, N. M. Landis. Secretaries-Geo. R. Haynes, C. A. Crane, Junius Flagg, A. F. Machen, Geo. Platfoot, E. B. Hyde, John B. Foreman.

By invitation Mr. Waite addressed the meeting, discussing different points of the War, its origin and purpose, and the proper policy in its management, saying that

If elected, he should employ his official power for the prosecution of the War by the most effective and vigorous means, until the old flag should again wave over every foot of territory belonging to the Union. Nothing less than the defeat and disarming of every Rebel, and the complete restoration of constitutional authority, would satisfy him. Nothing should be omitted--nothing neglected--that could in any way add to the efficiency of the National arms ; and no interest--however great or small--should be permitted to stand in the way. After expressing the opinion that the abolition of Slavery was an object on many accounts desirable, Mr. Waite said, that as a member of Congress, he could have no power to interfere with Slavery in the States. Congress could pass laws to punish crime and declare forfeiture of property, as had been done ; but in such case, there must be a trial of the individual charged, and no forfeiture could result until such trial and conviction. He wished Slavery might be abolished throughout the land, but so long as the Constitution remained as it then stood, Congress had no right to interfere with the institution in the States, except as stated. This is the rule for Congress, in peace and in war. No new power was given that body by the War. To get that, the Constitution must be peaceably amended in pursuance of its own terms. But a new state of things existed. The South had forced a rebellion upon the country, and with that came War, and the laws of War. The President, as Commander-in-chief, and his Generals in the field, had the power to do anything warranted by the laws of war, to strengthen his own army or to weaken that of the enemy. The Rebels, in making War, had assumed all the risks and responsibilities of such condition. It was the duty of the Commander to weaken his enemy---take his property of every kind and nature; and his life itself, if necessary, to this end. Slaves formed no exception to this rule. Of course, whatever was done to property or life, must be regulated by the laws of War, and all, from the Commander-in-Chief down to the Soldier in the ranks, were answerable for the violation of those laws. But the Commander was the sole judge as to what was necessary, whether in battle or elsewhere. Slavery was, beyond question, the chief strength of the Rebels. By keeping the laboring portion of their population at home, the others were at liberty to fight us. The President, unquestionably, had the right to destroy that element of strength, and it was for him to determine when it should be done. Accordingly, believing the time was approaching when this power should be employed, the President (in his preliminary proclamation of (September, 1862) had given notice of his intention 'to take from the Rebels this element of their strength, and that on the 1st of January, 1863, all Slaves in States then still in rebellion would be declared free. Mr. Waite said he fully sustained the President in such action, for the .reasons already stated. He thought the thanks of the country were due to President Lincoln, for his patient waiting for the proper occasion and conditions for such action, and his firmness in adhering to his own sense of duty and propriety, instead of acting upon the advice of those less informed of the condition of things, and having less responsibility of action.

A Democratic Convention was held, which by a vote of 101 to 82 decided not to present a candidate for Congress, when the minority withdrew and placed in nomination Edward L. Phelps, of Defiance County, as a Democratic candidate. This action had the effect to lead the body of the Democratic party in the Counties of Putnam, Henry, Defiance and Williams, to unite in an effort to secure a partisan Congressman as the result of division on the part of their opponents. At the same time, the radical portion of Republicans adhered to Mr. Ashley as the most effective way of expressing their desire for a " more vigorous War policy " as to Slavery. The result was the re-election of Mr. Ashley by a vote of 7,013, to 5,850 for Waite, and 5,234 for Phelps.

The vote in Lucas County was as follows

Secretary of State-W. S. Kennon,* 3,006; W. W. Armstrong, (t) 1,142. Member of Congress-M. R. Waite, 2,718; J. M. Ashley, 1,372; Edwin Phelps,(t) 73. Recorder-Jona. Wynn,* 3,043; Thos. Tiernan,(t) 428. Commissioner-D. F. Cook,* 4,118. SurveyorE. W. Lenderson, 2,386; L. W. Doane,(t) 1,715. Infirmary Director-Benj. Mallett,* 4,010. Coroner S. H. Bergen,* 3,037; Patrick Quigley,(t) 914; J. G. Nolan, (t) 197. (*Union. (t) Democrats.)

1863.

The matter of the Rebellion and the questions growing out of the War entered more directly into the political canvass of 1863, than of the previous two years. The nomination by the Democratic Convention of Ohio of C. L. Vallandigham for Governor, presented the issue of the continued prosecution of the War or its unconditional abandonment, so squarely and clearly as to leave no room for doubt on that point.

At the previous State election (1862), largely through over-confidence on the part of the friends of the War, and in some degree as the result of disappointment in the field-the Democrats had secured a majority vote in the State. This fact operated, not only to arouse the more earnest activity on the part of the Union men, but to draw to Ohio the attention of both sides of the great question throughout the country to such extent as almost to make it the recognized battlefield for the decision of the contest. That great issue was promptly met by the friends of the War policy, who at once entered upon an active campaign, with John Brough, a lifelong Democrat, as their nominee for Governor.

352 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

This was done with the greater vigor, from the fact, that in July the hopes of this party were very much strengthened by the brilliant success of Union arms at Gettysburg, Vicksburg and Port Hudson, besides lesser successes elsewhere. . The Republican County Convention was held July 18th, with Augustus Thomas as its temporary, and Mayor Brigham as permanent resident, and W. R. Hull as Secretary. The names of the candidates nominated will appear in the election returns which follow.

A mass meeting of Democrats was held in August, with the following officers : President -Michael Handy, Fulton County. Vice-Presidents-O. W. Willett, Williams; J. N. Westcott, Wood ; Dr. Russell, Defiance; W. J. Crozier, Henry; John Templeton, Fulton; Gen. Joseph W. Brown, Lucas; J. H. Smith, Putnam; J. K. Newcomer, Ottawa. SecretariesWm. Sheridan, Williams; F. A. Hunt, Fulton. E. S. Platt, of Lucas, read a letter from C. L. Vallandigham, the Democratic candidate for Governor, dated " Table Rock House, Niagara Falls, July 31, 1863," in which he repeated substantially the views and purposes of the War, for the utterance of which he had been arrested and expelled from Ohio, and had taken refuge in Canada. The meeting, was addressed by S. S. Cox, then of Columbus, and subsequently member of Congress from New York, and by Geo. H. Pendleton, both of whom spoke in support of the policy advanced by Mr. Vallandigham.

Israel Green, of Hancock, was nominated as the Union candidate for Senator, but declined, for the reason that he expected to remove from the District; whereupon Wm. Sheffield, of Henry, was nominated. On account of lack of legal residence within the District, Mr. Sheffield was ineligible, when a third Convention was held which nominated James C. Hall, of Lucas.

A Union meeting was held at Toledo, October 9th, of which H. J. Hayes was President, and which was addressed by Colonel John R. Bond and Major J. A. Shannon, 10th Ohio, and Colonel G. P. Este, 14th Ohio. Another like meeting on the 10th October was addressed by M. R. Waite and Colonel Este. While the former was speaking, a man with an Irish brogue was noisy in protest against the sentiments expressed, when Mr. Waite turned to him and said

" My friend, why are you here ? Why did you leave your home under the British Government? And coming to this country, why did you not go to Charleston instead of coming to Toledo?"

"I came for my liberties," was the reply.

" Then you came here," said Mr. Waite, " because this Government is better than any other you could find. Why, then, are you not willing to stand by it, when Rebels are seeking to destroy it ? It has made you and me all we are, and we should defend it."

Another interrupted with complaint of the conscription law, when Mr. Waite said to him:

Sir, had you landed and made your home in the South instead of the North, you would have been conscripted and worn out before this time.

In this spirit and manner the speaker kept his audience in good feeling throughout, and turned each assault to the advantage of his cause. The result of the vote in Lucas County was as follows:

Governor-Brough, 3,585; Vallandigham, 1,712. State Senator-James C. Hall, 3,539; R. C. Lemmon, 1,790. Representative-L. L. Morehouse, 3,562; John E. Hunt, 1,757. County Clerk-Victor Keen, 3,555; Chas. R. Dennett, 1,779. Probate Judge-F. A. Jones, 3490; C. I. Scott, 1,780; E. D. Nye (Ind.), 46. Prosecuting Attorney-Geo. R. Haynes, 3,498; Thos. Dunlap, 1,801. Sheriff-Nathan Haynes, Landis, 3,372; Foster R. Warren, 1,937. Auditor-James L. Smith, 3,501 ; John G. Isham, 1,802. TreasurerErnst Greiner, 3,286; Henry Brand, 2,026. Commissioner-Paul Jones, 3,545 ; Wm. H. Raymond, 1,792. Infirmary Director-John Weible, 3,489; F. T. Evans. 1,834. Coroner-Dr. S. H. Bergen, 3,541; Dr. W. W. Jones, 1,792.

By a law passed the previous Winter, provision was made for the voting of Soldiers at their various quarters, whether in camp or in the field. The Soldiers' vote of Lucas County for Governor was 724 for Brough and 24 for Vallandigham, which made the total for the County: Brough, 4,309; Vallandigham, 1,736. Union majority, 2,573. The Soldiers' vote on County ticket was about 100 less than that on Governor. The " Home " vote of the State stood : Brough, 247,216 ; Vallandigham, 185,464. Brough's majority, 61,752. Soldiers' vote : Brough, 40,921; Vallandigham, 2,343. Brough's majority on Soldiers' vote, 38,758. Total majority for Brough, 100,330.

1864.

The Presidential campaign of 1864, being for the first National election after the commencement of the War, was attended by all the interest which such an occasion could excite.

The Democratic party, by the platform adopted in connection with the nomination of General McClellan for President and George H. Pendleton for Vice-President, declared the War for the suppression of the Rebellion to have been to that time " a failure," and on that ground demanded that it cease, and that steps be taken by the Government for such peaceful arrangement with the Confederates as might be found practicable through negotiation. On the other hand, the Union Convention by acclamation nominated President Lincoln for re-election, and put forth a declaration of purpose to prosecute the War against the rebels to final success. It was further declared that the Constitution should be so amended as to abolish Slavery. With the issue of the continued prosecution of the War to final success or it