858 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY

PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP.


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The territory embraced in Providence Township, was formerly part of Wood County. Prior to the advent of white settlers, it was the abode of the Ottawa tribe of Indians. At the beginning of the present century, a large Indian Village existed below what was formerly the Village of Providence, near Wolf Rapids; and from the fact of the fine forests, principally of oak and maple, which abounded in this section, and the rich fields for hunting and fishing in the surrounding country, it is presumed that it had been for many years a favorite Indian resort. About the time of the War of 1812 it is estimated there were 900 Indians in the immediate vicinity of the country bordering on the Miami of Lake Erie near the head of the Rapids. Tondaganie (or the Dog), was at the beginning of the present century Chief of the Ottawa tribe, whose Village was located as before stated. He became well known to the earlier settlers along the Maumee, and in the treaty made at Detroit, in 1807, a tract of land six miles square above Roche de Boeuf, including the Village where he lived, was reserved for his tribe.

The earliest white settler in Providence Township, was Peter Manor (or Minor, as often written), a sketch of whose life follows this article. He settled there in 1816, and erected a log-cabin near the River, South of the site on which several years later Providence Village was laid out. His son, Francis, still living in the Township, was born four years previously, and now retains clear and vivid recollections of the years passed in a section without a white neighbor within a number of miles of his father's residence. Speaking of this period Francis Manor said

I was born in Maumee, on the 18th May, 1812. About this time war between the United States and the British and Indians commenced, and my father removed his family to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont) for safety and protection. But that point, too, was soon deemed insecure, and he removed to Upper Sandusky (40 miles South), where he continued to reside until hostilities were over. As soon as it was considered safe, we returned to Maumee and moved up the River to Providence, January 1, 1816, where I have resided ever since, knowing no other place as my home. My earliest recollections are of Ottawa Indians, with whom I was familiar until they left their Reservation in 1837. About the only impression that I retain, and the most prominent feature in their character, was their love for strong drink, which made savage drunken carousals very frequent. When unmolested, they were in the main harmless and peaceable, and gave the whites no trouble. From the time of our locating in Providence until their removal, I remember no instance in which fear was had on their account, except in the year 1832, when some believed that an Indian outbreak was about to occur, and considerable excitement prevailed along the Maumee. it took but a few days, though, to allay the fears, as the report was plainly false.

For several years following 1816, Peter Manor and family were the only permanent white settlers in the territory now embraced in Providence Township. Mr. Manor gained the good will of his Indian neighbors and was a trusted and respected character among them. He withstood alone for years the terrible hardships and privations of pioneer life, displaying all the courage and fortitude required of those early pioneers who struggled to render the wild and trackless wilderness the abode of a civilized and prosperous people. As a signal mark of the favor in which he was held by the Indians, he was adopted as a son by an Ottawa Chief named Tondaganie, and given the name of Sawendibans, or the "Yellow Hair." In consequence of this relationship to the Ottawas, he was in 1827 granted by the Government a section of land containing 643 acres, located about the center of the Southern part adjoining the Maumee River of the three-miles square ceded to the United States in 1807 by the treaty made at Detroit. Following is a copy of this deed, now in possession of Francis Manor:

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. To all to whom these presents shall come, GREETING: Know Ye, That


PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP. - 859

in pursuance of the eighth article of the Treaty made and concluded at the Foot of the Rapids of the Miami of Lake Erie, between Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur, Commissioners of the United States, with the full power and authority to hold conferences and conclude and sign a treaty or treaties with all or any of the Nations or Tribes of Indians within the boundaries of the State of Ohio, of and concerning all matters interesting to the United States and the said Nations of Indians, of the one part ; and the Sachems, Chiefs and Warriors of the Wyandot, Seneca, Delaware, Shawanee, Poitawatamee, Ottawa and Chippewa Tribes of Indians; there is granted by the United States unto Sawen-di-bans, or the Yellow Hair, or Peter Minor, an adopted son of Ton-dag-a-nie, and to his heirs, out of the tract reserved by the Treaty of Detroit in 1807, above Roche de Bouef, a section of land containing 643 acres, on the North side of the Miami River, at the Wolf Rapids, bounded and described as follows, to wit: Beginning at a W. Oak 16 inches in diameter, on the North bank of the Miami River, from which a W. Oak 16 inches in diameter bears North 45 degrees West, distant four links; thence North 80 chains to a post, from which a W. Oak 20 inches in diameter bears North 16 degrees West, distant 23 links, and an Elm 16 inches in diameter bears South 25 degrees East, distant 50 links ; thence East 80 chains to a post from which a W. Oak 20 inches in diameter bears North 88 degrees West, distant 68 links ; thence South 88 chains and 60 links to a post on the North bank of the Miami River; thence up the River with the meander thereof to the place of beginning. To have and to hold the said tract with the appurtenances unto the said Sawen-di-bans or the Yellow flair or Peter Minor, and to his heirs forever ; but never to be conveyed by hint or his heirs without the permission of the President of the United States.

In testimony whereof, I, John Quincy Adams, President of the United States, have caused these titles to be made patent, and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.

Given under my hand at the City of Washington, the 24th day of November, in the year of our Lord 1827, and of the Independence of the United States the 52d.

By the President, J. Q. ADAMS.

HENRY CLAY, Secretary of State.

Between 1827 and 1832, a portion of land, consisting of 317 acres, adjoining the above deeded tract on the North was ceded to Mr. Manor, by a similar grant. The only descendant of Peter now living on this reserve, which included the site of Providence Village, is Francis Manor. About 1828 there were living on the same tract or in the immediate neighborhood, several White families, who came there a, few years alter Mr. Manor's Settlement. Frona the best information to be obtained, they settled here in the order named-William Ewing, Xenophon Mead, James Hartwell, John Galloway, Benjamin Atkinson, Charles McKarn, A. B. Mead and Philip C. Mosher. In 1835 the plat of gound on which Providence Village was located was laid out by Peter Manor in 80 Village lots with five Streets, named Main, Spring, Ford, Center and West. The name of the Village of Providence, subseguently given to the Township, is said to have been adopted at the suggestion of Peter Manor. Among the first purchasers of lots were George Gale, John E. Hunt, A. B. Mead and Robert J. Forsyth. At this time this location was considered most favorable, and lots were readily sold to enterprising men.

The first store was erected in 1835 by A. B. Mead, followed by the erection of two more soon after by J. B. Abele and Neptune Nearing, (the latter the father of Mars Nearing, now of Toledo). A Mr. Phillips built the first hotel, and before the year 1836 had closed, Providence had all the evidences of commercial growth of a thriving Village. Stores, hotels and warehouses were rapidly completed to supply the demands of business. It became the stopping place for traders and travelers on their way to the great West. The mode of travel at that early date was largely by water; yet very many emigrants were making their way West with ox-teams, while others traversed the whole distance from the seaboard on foot. To accommodate these travelers, as early as 1840 five hotels had been built in Providence, while four general stores slid a lucrative business. Another source of prosperity was in trade in fur and timber found in abundance in the surrounding country.

The building of the Miami and Erie and Wabash Canals was another cause of spasmodic growth. But the building of Railroads turned the tide of trade to other localities ; and as the trade in furs and timber declined, the life and prosperity of Providence Village began to go down as fast as they came up. Business men left for other places more favorable. An extensive fire in 1846 destroyed the principal business portion of the Village, which never was rebuilt. The Cholera scourge of 1854 was particularly severe in Providence, a large portion of the population dying of this disease. After this period, lots began to be vacated ; and to-day, where once was a thriving Village, is nothing but farming lands. The only structure remaining of the original buildings is a portion of a brick residence now occcupied by Elias Oberly, formerly the residence of Peter Manor.

Providence Village, particularly, of all the points along the River, had the reputation of being a very bad place, and this reputation perhaps was not undeserved. Fights and drunken carousals were of frequent occurrence, while if the opinion of those familiar with its history during the period of its greatest prosperity, is to be believed, it was the resort of criminal classes from not only along the Maumee, but from the State of Michigan.

CHURCHES.-Until the erection of St. Joseph Catholic Church in 1845, no regular house for religious worship existed in Providence Township. Prior to that date, Protestant and Catholic services were held in private dwellings or in the District School House, and were conducted by traveling Ministers or Priests, or by some of the religiously inclined settlers.


860 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Sabbath Schools were held many years before the establishment of Churches.

The first Church erected in Providence Township was St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The plat upon which it stands was in the reserve of Peter Manor, by whom it was deeded to John BaptiSte Purcell, Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, in January, 1845. The same year the Church now standing was erected. It is now Said to be the third oldest Church in the Diocese of Cleveland. The first Priest was Rev. J. Maloney, who remained in that position until 1863. He is now Pastor of St. Malachi Church of Cleveland. Father Maloney was succeeded by Reverend J. M. Putz, who remained two years. Since then the following Priests have officiated : 1865-68, N. A. Moas ; 1868-9, Daniel O'Keefe; 1870-77, H. D. Best; 1877-83, H. Kalapp; 1883:85, George Leening. The present Priest, John McGrath, was appointed in 1885.

The first Protestant Church was organized in 1866, as a Union Church. A Church edifice was erected near the School House in District No. 4. It was destroyed by fire some years since. No regular Minister was stationed there, the pulpit being occasionally Supplied by Ministers from adjacent sections of the country. The same is true of the Salem Church, erected in 1868.

The Methodist or United Brethren Church, was mainly organized through the efforts of Rev. JameS White, of Providence, who ever since has most of the time officiated as Pastor.



St. Malachi's German Reform Church was erected in 1877, but has never had a regularly installed Pastor.

The Christian Church at Neapolis, with the largest membership of any Church in Providence, was organized in June, 1874, as the result of the labors of Rev. O. J. Britton, in the interest of District No. 2, of the Christian Church of Ohio. Mr. Britton soon after removed to Neapolis, and has since made it his permanent residence. The original members of the Church were J. A. Fair, Richard Wallace, A. R. Meredith, Emily Wallace, Lydia Fair, Jennie Wallace, Mary F. Meredith, Thomas P. Conrad and Sally Meredith, William Miller, Albert and Irvin Pratt, and Lou. Noble. The Church edifice (the largest in the Township) was not completed until 1880. Meantime services were held in the School House, Rev. O. J. Britton has served as Pastor since the organization of the Church. The present membership is about 60.

The Protestant Methodist, or more commonly known as the " Mount Pleasant Church," was erected in 1882. It is located in Section 5.

All of the foregoing Protestant Churches have Sunday Schools connected with them.

SCHOOLS.-The first Public School House in Providence was erected in 1828, on the Eastern portion of the Peter Manor Reserve, near the present School building in District No. 1. It was a log structure, and though for years unused, is still Standing. Prior to the establishment of this School, traveling pedagogues during the Winter months visited this locality and gave private instruction at the houses of their patrons. The first School Teacher employed was Martha KarnS, in 1828. School Houses were erected in the Township as rapidly as required to meet the wants of an increasing population, although it is impossible to ascertain the exact date of the organization of the separate Districts. In 1868 there were six School Houses in the Township, erected in the order numbered. At this date the number of children of school age in each District was as follows: District One, 50; Two, 73; Three, 92; Four, 78; Five, 47; Six, 11-a total of 351 in the TownShip. Since 1868 three additional School Districts have been established as follows: District No. 7, in 1873 ; No. 8, in 1874; and No. 9 in 1885.

Cyrus H. Coy, of Toledo, began his active life in 1835, as clerk in the store of A. B. Mead, at Providence. He also taught School in different Districts in that region, the same being held in log-houses without chimneys, the daily Winter sessions closing with getting in the great back-log and starting anew the fire in the broad fire-place without jam or mantle.

ORGANIZATION OF TOWNSHIP.

Providence was organized as a Township and became a part of Lucas County June 6, 1836. Its boundary at this date is described as follows: On the South, by the Southern line of the County; on the East by the line of Section 26 in Towns 6 North and 9 East; on the North by the North line of Said surveyed Town No. 9, and on the West by the West line of the County. Its area is about 28 square miles.

The first Township election was held at the house of Peter Manor, July 30, 1836. P. C. Mosher and Xenophon Mead acted as Clerks, and Peter Manor and Thomas Rogers as Judges. The highest number of votes cast for any one candidate was 15. The following officers were chosen : Trustees, Drake Taylor, Benjamin Atkinson and Xenophon Mead ; Clerk, William Ewing; Treasurer, Norman Mead; Fence Viewers, George Hale and J. Diefendeiffer; Poor Masters, Hiram Tuboo and John Feagles; Constables, Joseph Hartwell and Peter Manor. Some of these officers neglecting to qualify, their places were filled by the Trustees, as follows: Drake Taylor, Treasurer; Peter Manor and John Galloway, Poor Masters; and Charles McKarns Constable.



At the Presidential election held November 4, 1836, when perhaps nearly all the electors voted, the following names appear on the poll list: Hugh Arbuckle, Andrew Elsey, John Feagles, John Hartwell, X. Mead, William Ewing, John Galloway, Peter Manor, David Blanchard, Henry Galloway, Samuel Cable,


PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP. - 861

A. B. Mead, Elam Locke, John Coss, Peter Manor, Jr., John J. Yager, Wm. L. Bellinger, John Stout, Sr., Francis Manor, Francis Yager, Peter Yager, John Berlin, Lovett Gibson, Philip C. Mosher, Oral Colyer, Samuel Miner, George Hale, and William Pettinger. Although no record of the number of white persons residing in the Township at this time exists, it is reasonable to presume that it did not exceed 200.

At an election held -December 17, 1836, William Ewing was elected the first Justice of the Peace, receiving all the votes cast. The electors voting at this time were: Xenophon Mcad, Benjamin Atkinson, Peter Manor, Francis Manor, Charles McKarns, Philip C. Mosher, A. B. Mosher, A. B. Mead, John Galloway, Samuel Miner, Peter Miner, George Hale, Norman Mead and William Ewing.

From the United States census of 1850, we learn the population then was 468. In 1860 it had increased to 690; in 1870, to 863; and in 1880, to 1,164. The number of electors voting in 1885 was 226.

The total assessable valuation in the Township (real and personal) in 1837, was $12,198, divided as follows: 1099 acres of land, $4,200; Town lots, $5,073; 35 horses, $1,400; 22 bead of cattle, $176; 1 pleasure carriage, $30: mercantile capital, $1,320. In 1886 the assessable valuation was $307,040: number of acres, 16,339.

Following is a list of persons taxed upon personal property in Providence Township in the year 1838, with the character and assessed value of the property taxed, to wit:

HORSES AND CATTLE.

Atkinson, Benjamin, $168. Brofler, William, $80.

Berlin, James, $112. Barker, B., $70.

Cottrell & Dix, $280. Freeman, Ira, $40.

Higby, John, $64. Hill, George, $8.

hawley, Amos, $120. Mead, Catharine, $8.

Minor, Francis, 48. Minor, Peter, $88.

Minor, Peter. Jr., $40. Mosher, P. C., $160.

Nearing, Neptune, $80. Shields, Patrick, $40.

Vincent & Co., $80. Yates & Myers, $120.

MERCHANTS' CAPITAL AND MONEY.

Baker, D. W., $200. Freeman, Ira, $250.

Hill, George, $200. Mead, A. B., $150.

Russell, Samuel, $300. Vincent & Co., $20.

Yates & Myers, $100.

The annual Township elections until two years ago were held at places selected by ballot at the preceding election by the electors; usually some private dwelling was chosen. Since 1885, a small building near the School House in District No. 4, has been used.

Following is a list of the principal Township officers from 1826 to 1886:

TRUSTEES.

1836, Drake Taylor, Benjamin Atkinson, X. Head ; 1837, Benjamin Atkinson, James Barton, John Galloway; 1838, Philip C, Mosher, Benjamin Atkinson, Neptune Nearing; 1839, Benjamin Atkinson, Philip C. Mosher, John Feagles 1840, A. B. and P. C. Mosher, Benjamin Atkinson ; 1841, A. B. Mead, P. C. Mosher, Benjamin Atkinson; 1842, P. C. Mosher, Isaac Couphy, Benjamin Atkinson ; 1843. same; 1844, Samuel Roach, Phineas Nearing, 1845, Alfred I. Eldridge, Elijah Dodd, Galen B. Abel; 1846, George Haiti, Elijah Dodo, James McKarn; 1847, James Lyons, Patrick Bird, Van Rennselaer Crosby; 1848, William Close, John Hanson, Solomon Allen. 1849, George Atkinson, Francis Manor, Solomon Allen; 1850, Geo. Atkinson, Henry Strayir, John Harrison; 1851, James McKernon, Hugh Cole, Jacob Ness; 1853, same; 1853, Patrick Bird, Patrick Quigley, Jacob Ness; 1854, George :Atkinson, Oliver Bray, Jacob Ness; 1855, George Atkinson, James Bowerman, Jacob Ness; 1856, Geo. Atkinson, Lewis Hannah, Emanuel Sluts; 1857, James Roaen, Lewis Hannah, Geo. Atkinson; 1858, Isaac Ludwig, Emanuel Heller, Amos Perry; 1859, Isaac Gill, William Atkinson, James Roach, Jr.: 1860, David McCullough, James Hutchinson, C. D. Disher: 1861, Emanuel Heller, John Brown, Isaac Gill: 1862, same; 1863, Samuel Arbogast, Charles Ryan, Jeremiah Sluts; 1864, David McCullough, Jeremiah Sluts, Geo F. Black; 1865, William Atkinson, Emanuel Heller, John Wilson; 1866, Thomas Atkinson, Emanuel Heller, Emanuel Lahr; 1867, John A. Roach, Emanuel Lahr, Jacob Box; 1868, O. P. Heller, Joseph Ford, David McCullough; 1869 lsaac Ludwig, Daniel Mnmmieh, Emanmuel Heller; 1870, H. B. Gray, David Walters, Peter Lahr; 1871, Thomas Lake, John Rithinger, John A. Gray; 1872, Michael Ness, Samuel S. Roach, Samuel Clucas; 1873, Michael Ness, Thos. A. Kunkle, C. D. Disher; 1874, Abram Miller, Jacob Heater, Emanuel Lahr; 1875, Abram Miller, William Channell T. P. Meredith ; 1876, James Roach, Isaac Ludwig. David McCullough ; 1877, James Roach. Henry Keller, T. P. Meredith ; 1878, W. H. Keeler, Charles Kosch, Christian Disher: 1879, David McCullough, C. D. Disher, Charles Kosch; 1880, Henry Keller, J. A. Gray, S. P. Whitner ; 1881, Christian Disher, Levi Perry, William Gill; 1882, James Crockett, W. H. Keller, William Box ; 1883, C. B. Demuth, James Crockett, G. W. Clantz: 1884, Samuel Clucas, W. H. Gray, C. D. Disher: 1885, L. M. Heller, Samuel Clucas; W. II. Gray ; 1886, C. D. Demuth, C. Disher, Thomas Gray.

TREASURERS.

1836-37, Drake Taylor: 1838-39, Neptune Nearing; 1840, Isaac Barkheimer; 1841-42, X. Mead; 1843-44, G. B. Abele ; 1845, Francis Manor: 1846, Patrick Quigley: 1847, Samuel Roach; 1848-49-50, G. B. Abele; 1851, S. B. Roach; 1852, Samuel Roach ; 1858-54-55, S. H. Steedman : 1856-61, Henry Strayer; 1862, George H. Platt: 1868, C. D. Disher ; 1864-66, John Wilson ; 1867, Jacob Ness; 1868-71, R. D. Gillett; 1872-73, Isaac Ludwig; 1874, John A. Gray; 1875, R. D. Gillett; 1876-79, John Ryan; 1880. S. B. Roach; 1881-86, John Wilson.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1836-37, William Ewing: 1838-39, Philip C. Mosher ; 1840' Benjamin Atkinson; 1841, P. C. Mosher ; 1842, P. B. Brown ; 1843-47, G. W. Walker; 1848, James Lyons; 1849, Levi ferry; 1850m52. G. W. Walker: 1853, Patrick Quigley: 1854, David Dean ; 1855-58 Jeremiah Atkinson; 1859-61, John Wilson; 1862-65. Oliver P. Heller, 1865-68, James White; 1868-71, John Ryan: 1871-74, Michael Ness; 1874-77, W. H. Keeler; 1877-80, O. P. Heller; 1880 83, A. H. Lindley; 1883-86, Michael Ness.

TOWNSHIP CLERKS.

1836-39, Xenephon Mead; 1840, Alonzo Dee; 1841, Leonard Dix; 1842-43, Norman Mead ; 1844, Thomas Brophy ; 1845, Samuel G. Roach ; 1846, Mathias Campbell ; 1847-48, Norman Mead ; 1849-50, H. P. Taylor; 1851, G. B. North; 1852, Thomas Brophy; 1853-58, I. F. Gillett; 1859, Levi Roach ; 1860, James Sluts; 1981, George Long, 1862-64, J. M. Adair: 1865, R. C. Quiggle; 1866, Levi Roach : 1867, Levi Perry; 1868m71, Levi Roach ; 1872, James Pollock; 1873-74, Levi Roach ; 1876, Thomas J. Lake: 1877, Abram Fridegar: 1878-79, J. S. Miller; 1880, Levi Koach; 1881, Robert Place ; 1882, Levi Roach ; 1883, T. A. Pollock ; 1884, Levi Roach; 1885 James Pollock; 1886, G. H. Clantz.

ORIGINAL LAND ENTRIES.

From the records ill County Recorder's office has been compiled the following statement of original entries of lands in Providence Township, showing the location, name of purchaser, date of purchase and acres purchased

RANGE NINE, TOWN FIVE.

Sec Fraction. Purchaser. Date Acres

4 Whole fractional Michael Shields 1842 52.57

5 N W 1/4 N E 1/4 A. H Lansdale 1842 40

5 S W 1/4 N W 1/4 Levi Reinhart and

John Bacon. 1842 40

5 N W 1/4 N W 1/4. A. H. Lansdale 1842 49.76

5 S W 1/4 N W 1/4 Reinhart and Bacon 1842 49.76

5 S 1/2 SW 1/4 Patrick Quigley 1842 46.48

6 W 1/2 S W 1/4 Wm. Durbin and R.

H. Shoemaker 1844 46.26



RANGE NINE, TOWN SIX.

4 S E 1/4 N W 1/4 Samuel Garnett 1849 40

4 N frac. N W 1/4 John G. Schneider 1848 56.40


862 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

RANGE NINE, TOWN SIX - CONTINUED

4 N frac. N E 1/4 John Holliger 1848 57.07

4 S frac. N E 1/4 Frederick Mahler 1848 80

5 S 1/2 S 1/2 Norton & Taylor 1853 160

6 S 1/2 S E 1/4 Norton & Taylor 1853 80

6 E 1/2 S E 1/4 N E 1/4 and S W Geo. Ramer and Alli

1/4 son Oberly 1850 160

7 E pt. S E 1/4 & N 1/2 N W 1/4 John R. Osborn

8 E 1/2 S W 1/4 A. F. Norris. 1848 80

9 W 1/2 S W 1/4 Joseph E. Hall 1852 80

9 N E 1/4 N E 1/4 John M. Meyer, Jr. 1856 40

9 W 1/2 S E 1/3, & S E 1/4 S E 1/4 Charles Crile 1849 200

9 E ½ S W 1/4 Thos. S. Shoemaker 1849 80

9 S E 1/4 N E 1/4 Conret Fulcot 1842 40

14 W 1/2 N W 1/4 George Schnable 1843 80

14 E 1/2 N W 1/4 James Craven 1858 80

14 S W 1/4 John Carter 1842 1160

14 N E 1/4 Wm E. Hedges 1842 160

14 N W 1/4 S E 1/4 Joseph Rochte 1844 40

14 S 1/2 S E 1/4 Samuel Harrington. 1842 80

15 N W 1/4 N W 1/4 James Van Orden 1842 40

15 S W 1/4 N W 1/4 David Lucas 1842

16 N E 1/4 N W 1/4 Abel T. Norris 1850 40

16 N W 1/4 Robt. McCargen Hall 1842 160

17 E 1/2 and E 1/2 S W 1/4 J. P. Chambers 1844 400

18 N W frac. 1/4 Benj. W. Mann 1850 137

18 S W 1/4 S E 1/4.. Mary Stephenson 1850 40

18 S 1/2 S W frac. 1/4 Rachel H. Van Meter 1850 69.96

20 E 1/2 S E 1/4 Robert Ackland 1849 80

20 N W 1/4 N W 1/4. Alonzo Crosby. 1849 40

20 N W 1/4 N W 1/4 Isaac M. North 1849 4

20 N W 1/4 J. D. Chambers 1842 160

20 N E 1/4 S W 1/4 O. R. Crosby 1842 40

20 S E 1/4 S 1/2 S W 1/2 Wm. Lynafoos 1848 120

21 N W 1/4 S W 1/4 Edwin Lloyd 1842 40

21 S W 1/4 S W 1/4 John Lloyd 1842 40

21 E 1/2 S W 1/4. E. S.Frost or Wm.Roust 1842 80

22 N W 1/4 N W 1/4 George Height 1844 40

22 E 1/2 N W 1/4 John Rothinger 1842 80

22 N 1/2 N E 1/4 Wm. Kimber 1844 80

22 S ½ N E1/4 Joel Myers 1844 80

22 E 1/2 S E 1/4 Daniel Whistler 1842 60

22 W 1/2 S E 1/4 Robert Wilson 1844 80

23 N 1/2 N E 1/4 Samuel Harrington 1842 80

23 S 1/2 N E 1/4. Wm. Limbrick 1844 85

23 N W 1/4. Andrew Long 1844 160

23 N W 1/4 S E 1/4 John C, Allen 1844 80

23 N W 1/4 S E 1/4.. Jeremiah M. Jackson 1842 40

23 S W 1/4 S W 1/4 A. D. Scholl 1842 80

26 S E frac. 1/4 S E 1/4 John Morgan 1825 2.55

27 N E 1/4 N W 1/4 and S W

1/4 N W 1/4 Patrick Bird 1850 80

27 S E.1/4 N W 1/4 R. D. Gillett 1849 40

27 N W 1/4 N W 1/4 Thomas H. Phillips 1849 40

27 W 1/2 S W 1//4 Edwin Fuller 1849 80

28 S E 1/4 N E 1/4 Humphrey Karns 1849 40

28 N E 1/4 S E 1/4 Olin Pray 1849 40

28 S W 1/4 S E 1/4 Ambrose Pray 1849 40

28 S E 1/4 SE 1/4. Amy Jane Pray 1849 40

28 W 1/2 S W 1/4 Ambrose H. Pray 1849 80

28 S E 1/4 S W 1/4 Orlando Champion 1849 40

28 N E 1/4 S E 1/4 Reuben Hall 1848 40

28 N E 1/4 S W 1/4 Humphrey Karnes 1849 40

29 N W 1/4 S W 1/4 Abraham Miller 1852 40

29 N E 1/4 N W 1/4 Levi Perry 1852 40

29 S W 1/4 S W 1/4 Henry Strayer 1852 40

29 S E 1/4 N W 1/4 Balzer Sheets 1852 40

29 N W 1/4 N W 1/4 Levi Perry 1852 40

29 S E 1/4 S E 1/4 Solomon Allen 1849 40

29 N E 1/4 N E 1/4 and S W 1/4 N

E 1/4 Adam King 1849 80

29 N W 1/4 N E 1/4 Barnhart King 1848 30.02

29 N 1/2 S E 1/4 Matthew Logan 1846 89

30 N W frac. 1/4 S W 1/4 Noble Jefferson 1830 35.57

30 S 1/2 N W 1/4 John Close 1846 74.20

30 N E 1/4 Henry Cratt 1846 160

30 N E 1/4 S W 1/4 Wm. R. Maderia 1862 40

32 S W 1/4 S E 1/4 and S W 1/4

S W 1/4 Peter Williams 1849 114.70

32 E 1/4 S E 1/4 Wm. C. Hedges . 1846 80

32 N E. 1/4 S W 1/4 Humphrey Karnes 1849 40

32 S W 1/4 N W 1/4 Emanuel Heller 1846 40

33 S E 1/4 Michael Shellay 1842 121.29

33 E 1/2 S W 1/4 A. J. Dickinson 1842 80

34 S W 1/4 and N W 1/4 S E

frac.1/4 Benjamin Atkinson.. 110.55

35 N pt. N E frac Philip Cripliver 1833 86.40

35 S pt. frac Jacob McQuilling 1833 190.10

MAIL FACILITIES.-Prior to 1834, the settlers residing in Providence received their mail from Maumee City, by carriers appointed by the Postmaster at that place. Far many years John Omen performed this service, going ance a week an foot, through a region inhabited by Indians, and before any improved communication existed. In 1835, a Past Office was established at Providence Village, which continued to be the postal center of the surrounding territory far many miles, until the Village was destroyed by fire. It was then removed to a dwelling near the Canal Lack, South of the Village. The first Postmaster at Providence was James Berlin. The office at the Lack was discontinued about 20 years ago, since which time the people in the Southern portion of' Providence have received their mail at Grand Rapids, Wood County.

The only Past Office now in the Township is located at Neapolis, and was established in 1872. The Postmasters have been : T. B. Meredith, Mrs. Jane Kennedy, R. B. Patches; G. O. Coburn, John Brawn, and R. C. Roach.

Until about 1840, no settlement had ever been made in Providence Township beyond a mile from the Maumee River. After that date settlers began to locate in the center and Northern portions of the Township. Among the first of these pioneers were Van Rennselaer Crosby :ind Amos Perry. Mr. Crosby settled an Section 16 in 1840, when that entire portion of the Township was a wilderness He died in 1872. He had five sans-Lewis, Darwin, David, Alonzo and Carlton, all of wham still reside in the Township. Joseph Ford settled an Section 9, in 1852. His son Janes Ford resides an his father's original purchase. Among the other early settlers were Leonard Kuntz, John Place, Levi Roach, Samuel S. Roach and James White.

NEAPOLIS.-The Village of Neapolis, in the Northwestern portion of the Township, and an the Wabash Railroad, was founded in 1872, by J. O. Arnold, William A. Barnett and Jackson Jordan, of Dayton, Ohio, who had purchased considerable land in that section. It has two stares, a Past Office and a population of about 100.

Through the Northerly portion of the Township runs the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway; while the Southerly portion is traversed by the Toledo, St. Louis and Kansas City Railroad.

Of the earlier pioneers of the lower Valley of the Maumee, the mast prominent in history will be Peter Menard, or as mare generally known, Peter Minor. The farmer seems to have been the original orthography of his name, which was French, and the latter the Anglacized farm subsequently given it. No other resident of this County, it is safe to say, passed through as many of the changing conditions and experiences of frontier life, as did


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he. Coming here from Canada in 1795-the year following Wayne's great and final victory over the Indians--he was permitted to see the country opened to civilization, settled by an energetic and intelligent population, and developed for the successful prosecution of all the plans and processes of modern enterprise and institutions. If "fifty years of Europe" be "better than a cycle of Cathay," bow much grander the changing scenes and beneficent results of the half-century which Peter Minor (as we shall call him) spent in the Maumee \'alley. He lived to sec the plodding Canal Boat, laden with the products of domestic agriculture and the arts of peace, following quietly and undisturbed the path which once could be passed by white men only as Wayne's hosts passed over the route in 1794; and as Harrison made a similar trip about 19 years later. The part he bore as the true friend of his adopted country throughout the War of 1812-15, is referred to elsewhere. From the time of his arrival here until 1806, Minor's life was that of a trader, which brought him into the Valley from time to time, as business demmanded. At the latter date he took up permanent residence at the Foot of the Rapids, remaining there until the breaking out of the War in 1812. Meantime, (in 1808) he had been formally adopted into the family of the Indian Chief' Tondaganie (or the Dog), receiving the name, Sawende bans, or Yellow Hair. He entered the service of the United States at the outset of the War, and acted as a scout for Gen. Winchester, being with that officer at the time of his great disaster at the River Raisin. After the surrender of Detroit by Gen. Hull, Minor returned to the Foot of the Rapids, where he made his home in a cabin upon the low lands between the site of the present bridge and the hill at South Toledo. Soon after his arrival there a party of Indians and British from Detroit visited the locality and plundered most of the settlers, but excepted Minor, on the assumption that he was friendly to the British. he then met the Delaware Chief Sacamanc, who, evidently upon like assumption as to his feelings, informed him of the intention of the British and Indians to pass that locality on their way to Fort Wayne, Indiana, within two weeks, when it was proposed to murder every Yankee to be found by them. This timely information was at once communicated to the settlers, who at first seemed incredulous as to the correctness of the statement. But the terrible truth was soon impressed upon them, when, in great haste they fled. The hostile force came, and Minor, was pressed into service as guide. By feigning ignorance of the country and lameness, he secured release at the head of the Rapids. At this time his family, consisting of a wife and son, were stopping at the mouth of the Maumee River, with the Navarres. On his way to meet them, he was stopped at the month of Swan Creek (now Toledo) by Lieutenant Mills of the British Navy, the commander of several British Vessels of War then lying at that point, who made him a prisoner. After three days' confinement and through the interposition of a friend, named Beaugrand, he was permitted to visit his family and to take them to River Raisin, where he remained until after Winchester's defeat. In camping with two of the Nevarre brothers, he besought of Gen. Winchester permission to go on a scouting expedition to Brownstown, in search of the British Army, but was denied such authority. It was Minor's subsequent belief, that the service proposed would have furnished Gen. Winchester with information which would have prevented the terrible disaster which followed so soon after the application to that officer, since, as afterwards learned, the British force was at that very time engaged in crossing the ice from Malden. After the War, Minor returned to the Maumee Valley, which continued to be his residence until his death in 1847. He had little of the advantages arising in education ; but with an earnestness of purpose and many noble traits of character, he gained and held the respect of his acquaintances, and through the land-grant from the Government, he was provided with means for a comfortable living.

Mr. Minor had seven children. Francis, the oldest, is the only one now residing in Lucas County. The remaining children were Peter, born in 1814, and died in 1878; Joseph, now living in Allen County, Indiana; Julia, of Defiance, Ohio ; Lewis and Alexander, residing in California ; and John J., for many years a prominent citizen of Toledo, but lately removed to Kansas City, Missouri.


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