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WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 255 CHAPTER XXX. NAMED-POPULATION, SURVEY, ETC.-FIRST LAND BUYERS-FIRST SETTLEMENT -EARLY TRAILS AND ROADS-GAME AND HUNTERS-NEW ROCHESTER SETTLEMENT-AN OLD MILL -MEN OF 1839-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION, AND ,OFFICIALS-NEW ROCHESTER-WOODSIDE -THE REES SETTLEMENT-PEMBERVILLE VILLAGE-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-CEMETERIES -SOCIETIES-INDUSTRIES, ETC. THE name of this township was suggested to the pioneers by the comparative liberty they enjoyed here, rather than by any exemption from the necessity of finding a home in the wilderness. " Made captive, yet deserving freedom more, " they gave the title, which was then, as it is now, appropriate. The soil is unquestionably rich in the mineral constituents necessary to produce good crops. Year after year the land has produced abundantly without exhausting its fertility. Modern developments changed, in a measure, the agricultural character of the township, transforming sections of it into an oilman's camp, and showing the liquid wealth, hidden from the pioneers. The population in 1840, was 238; in 1860, 971; in 188o, 1,667; and in 189o (including the 843 inhabitants credited to Pemberville), 1,945. In April, 1895, there were 204 votes cast in Pemberville village, a fact which goes to show the certain increase of the urban population. The exterior lines of the township were surveyed in 1819, and the section lines in 1821, but not until 1833 did the pioneers arrive. First Land Buyers.-The first land entry recorded in Freedom is credited to Asahel Hannan Powers, who purchased the N. E. 1/4 of the N. W. 1/4 of Sec. 10, August 27, 1833. Horace Rice entered the W. part of the N. W. 1/4 of that section, and Samuel Madras the S. 1/2 of Sec. 8 on the same day; but Powers was the only one of the trio to become a permanent settler. On November 6, 1833, Joseph Strong purchased the N. W. 1/4 of Sec. 31, Francis Smith the W. 1/2 of the S. E. 1/4 Sec. 32, and John Hettel the W. 1/2 the N. E. 1/4 of that section. On November 7, 1833, Francis Kelley entered the W. 1/2 of the S. W. 1/4, and James Kelley the east half of the same quarter of Sec. 22. They were the first buyers of United States land in the township. The deed of Ohio to Jacob Cable was made December 25, 1833, when the N. W. 1/4 of the N. W. 1/4 of Fr. Sec. 28, a little over sixty-five acres, was conveyed to him for $8I.33 1/3, and the S. part of the S. W. 1/4 of Sec. 21, embracing sixty-four acres, for $80. This formed a part of the canal lands, as did also the Benjamin Waite entry, at the Forks. About the same time the N. W. of the N. E. 1/4 of Sec. 10, also canal land, was conveyed to Asahel H. Powers, but the tract was not returned for taxation until 1840. Powers purchased from the United States, August 18, 1834, the S. W. 1/4 of the S. E. 1/4 of 256 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. Sec. 3; Jacob Cable bought the S. W. 1/4 and W. part of S. E. 1/4 of Sec. 23, May 8, 1834; John Yocum purchased the E. part of S. E. 1/4 of that section on the same day, and Silas Cabel the N. W. 1/4 of Sec. 24, while on May 30, 1834, Samuel Scothorn bought the S. W. 1/4 of the S. E. of Sec. 28, and on June 19, Darius Brewster the N. W.: of the S. E. 1/4 of Sec. 28. The other purchasers of U. S. lands, in 1834, were W. A. Potter, Roswell Wade, Joel R. Wade and John W. Whitman, on Sec. 2; Lewis Snyder, Ezbon Sanford and Ethan Pember, Sec. 3; William Preston and Martin Kesler, Sec. 4; Thomas Forrester, Sec. 6; Levi Loomis and Adam Housholder, Sec. 7; John Dixon, Sec. 10; James Cresswell and R. Bratton, Sec. 11; Peter and Joseph Krotzer, Sec. 12; John Depuy, Sec. 13; Abraham Keefer, Sec. 14; Ludwig Kramer, Sec. 18; David Fisher, Sec. 19; Robert Roberts and Daniel Schell, Sec. 20; John Ganning, Sec. 23; Solomon Hoffart, Thomas Miner and John Farming, Sec. 30; George Spencer, Henry Sapp, John Steel and C. Wilhelm, Sec. 31; Richard Wright and Timothy Wilkinson, Sec. 32. Section 29 was included in the canal lands of -1834, and was then owned by Michael Myers, Michael Miller, Thomas E. Harding, Henry Sapp and Fred Karper. In May, 1835, Jacob Cable purchased the N. part of the N. E. 1/4 of Sec. 28, and Peter Donohue the W. part of the S. E. 1/4 of Sec. 11. First Settlement.-With one or two exceptions, all located on their lands, making two distinct settlements-one in and round the present town of Pemberville, and one in and round the older village of New Rochester, Asahel H. Powers being the pioneer of one, and Jacob Cable of the other. After locating his land Powers returned to his home in eastern Lorain county, and in the following November started for this county with two two-horse wagons, and accompanied by his wife, sons Herman and Hiram, sons-in-law James Pember and Benjamin Waite, the latter's wife, and daughters Lucina and Almira. They were five days and four nights traveling a distance of about eighty miles. The first night of their journey they spent at Amherst, Lorain county, the second at a private house near Milan, the third at Fremont, the fourth at Seager's tavern about five miles east of Woodville, and the evening of the fifth day they arrived at Benedict's, two miles from Woodville, where the women of the party stayed for the night, the men stopping a little this side of Benedict's, with their teams at Fedrag's. The journey through mud brought on by November rains, was almost horrible, and many times they were obliged to take both teams, pull one wagon through a mud hole, and then hitch to the other wagon and bring that through. One traveler who passed over the road a day in advance, gave a man $12 to pull him through a mud hole about twenty rods long. The next morning after the arrival of the above party at Benedict's and Ferdig's, the men set forth along the banks of the Portage, and arrived on what they supposed to be the land of Powers before noon, and soon selected a site for the cabin, on the southeast corner of Sec. 3, later owned by H. C. & J. Herman. They immediately set to work, and ere the sun went down they had cut the logs, put together a snug house 18x30 feet, and covered the same with shakes and bark. In the winter of 1833-34 Henry Hahn, his wife and one child, found shelter in an addition Benjamin Waite, a son-in-law of Powers, who bought thirty-seven acres upon which a large portion of Pemberville is located, in the fall of 1833, made a little opening on his land, and the next summer built a house near where the residence of Henry Bowlus now stands, and moved in with his wife. Returning to Lorain county that fall, he died by his own hand. James Pember, wife and child came from Lorain county in the fall of 1834, bought thirty-seven acres, owned by Waite, for $600, and shortly after became a lumber and sawmill man, owning two or three sawmills above the confluence of the Portage branches. Early Trails and Roads.-The first trail or, rather, wagon road, in the township, was made WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 257 by Gen. Harrison's troops in 1813. Where is Henry Hoodlebrink's farm, the soldiers camped, until the river would freeze over, when they hoped to move forward the artillery and baggage. Many mementoes of their camp are found there yet. Twenty-eight years after the soldiers passed that way, one of the Pembers found a musket barrel. Taking it to the blacksmith shop, to remove the breach-pin, and placing it in the vise, the onlookers reminded him to turn the muzzle away from them, as an old army gun was dangerous in any condition. Accepting the advice, he began hammering, when the charge did go off, making a large hole in a two-inch plank. The first regular road through the township was the McCutchenville turnpike, established by the Act of February 15, 1831. It runs from Perrysburg southeast through New Rochester, to the county's southeast corner; thence to Bucyrus. Its length in Wood county is thirty miles and thirty-five chains; in Seneca, fourteen miles and forty-two chains, and in Crawford county, twenty miles and thirty-one chains. The commissioners appointed to locate the same were Ambrose Rice, of Wood, James Burk, of Seneca, and James McCracken, of Crawford, and the route was surveyed by Q. C. Sweeney. Eight chainmen were employed, not all at the same time, however, and two I packers," with their horses. The commissioners and surveyors each received $1.25 per day for their services, and the chainmen and packers 75 cents. The cost of location was divided among the three counties as follows: Wood, $113.35 Seneca, $55.56; Crawford, $78.47. Surveyor Sweeney's bill was for forty days' work, amounting to $60, this amount including plat and profile of survey. The report of survey and location is dated April 13, 1835. Road 46, running through the township along the north bank of the Portage river, was the next, established March 15, 1836. The viewers were David Phenicee, Stilwell Truax, and Thomas M. Brown. Surveyor, Daniel H. Cobb; chainmen, Hiram Powers, James Pember, and marker, Carlisle Pember. It took the above force four days to complete their work of location and survey. Game and Hunters.-From facts related in 1884, by Mrs. Ann Forest and Frank Cowden, of New Rochester, to C. S. Van Tassel, it is learned that the last wild bear seen in Freedom, was in 1851. Mrs. Eli Colvin, a neighbor of Mrs. Joseph Myers, called at the latter's home one day in the fall of that year, and while they were in the house talking, their attention was arrested by the squealing of a pig near by. Being curious to apprize themselves of the difficulty, they started in search of the apparently discomforted porker. They had gone but a few rods from the house when they perceived it in the woods a short distance outside of a fence by which they stopped where the poor fellow was being unmercifully hugged by a bear! Mrs. Colvin was the taller of the two ladies, and saw the bear first, when she made for the house. Mrs. Myers was a brave lady, and proposed to see it, too; so she advanced a little farther, and sure enough there was bruin hugging the pig and biting at its throat; but on perceiving Mrs. Myers he immediately dropped the object of his affections and made tracks for the wilderness. They also related the following story: Isaac Clay was out turkey hunting one day with a rifle, and coming across a flock, shot one turkey, and on going to pick it up he found another, and near by still a third, and all three were shot through the head. Three turkeys shot through the head with one rifle ball! A favorite way of hunting deer on the Portage, was what old hunters call candling " in canoes, and shooting the deer as they came to the river to drink. New Rochester Settlement.-The Cables are mentioned in the deed from the State of Ohio as Virginians. No doubt they came in 1833, but left to others the task of establishing the first town in Freedom. Michael N. Myers came from Columbiana county in 1834, and purchased lands from the State, on the N. E. 1/4 of Sec. 29. His wife, son and four daughters accompanied him into the wilderness, and aided him in building a hewed-log house, on the east side of the McCutchenville road, on the north or right bank of the Portage. Soon after, Michael Miller came from Stark county, entered the N. W. of Sec. 29, and in 1835 had the town of New Rochester surveyed. John Cope entered the N. E. 1/4 of Sec. 21, but being a tradesman gave his time to building the first sawmill at New Rochester, and one or two mills at Pemberville, rather than to agriculture. The original Cables, who located in the New Rochester neighborhood, resided here only a short time, when they resolved to leave the wilderness. Loading their goods on canoes and embarking with their women and children, they paddled down the Portage; but, one mile below the Powers settlement, one canoe capsized, and the disappointed passengers were thankful that they lost only their clothing and provisions. An Old Mill.-The Joseph Fuller gristmill was introduced as early as 1835, where H. Schermeyer resided fifty. years later. One barrel of flour or corn meal-or, rather, crushed wheat, 258 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. and corn-was its capacity per day. It contained one run of stone made of a large -hard head " halved, which Mr. Fuller himself dressed. It was run by " muscle power" that operated two wooden cranks, which turned two belts that were so geared by wood work that they ran the stone. It was used by settlers for many miles around, and those who used it were compelled to grind their own grist, and pay toll in the bargain. Men of 1839.-In 1839, there were sixty male citizens, aged twenty-one years and over, in this township, the names of whom are as follows: George Scothorn, Michael Myers, Isaac Clay, Henry Housholder, Adam Housholder, Zopher Francis, Thomas Francis, Asahel Pember, Henry Pember, Russel, Thomas Miner, Joseph Myers, John Fought, John Hoot, John Kelley, Daniel Sage, Peter Eisenhaur, Peter Eisenhaur, Jr., John Eisenhaur, Thomas Eisenhaur, Jacob Hyser, Jacob Phillips, A. E. Calkins, Henry Eyster, Frederick Hahn, David A. Carpenter, Asahel Powers, Harman Powers, Nelson Alexander, John Cope, James Pember, James Waugh, Thomas Thompson, Lyman Lewis, Thomas Moseby, Robert Forrester, William Forrester, Harvey Allen, Jacob Eddleman, Nicholas Kesler, Martin Kesler, Joseph Kesler, Robert Dunapace, William Dunapace, William Muir, James Muir, Wm. Schniedebarger, Carlisle C. Pember, Harman Pember, Hiram Pember, Joseph Fuller, Joseph Fuller, Jr., Ira Pember, Sampson Calkins, Manassa Calkins, Asa Fair, Peter Krotzer, John Krotzer, Joseph Krotzer, Jacob Vanettin. Township Organization, and Officials.-The township was established December 1, 1834, on petition of the inhabitants, who, in the fall of that year, assembled at the forks of the Portage to raise a log school house, and there heard Hiram Pember suggest the name " Freedom" for a new township. The election was ordered to be held at the cabin of Michael N. Myers, on the first Monday of April, 1835. On June 6, that year, Michael Myers and John W. Whitman received the entire vote for justices of the peace, the electors being the same as in April, namely: Silas, Jonathan, Benjamin and Isaac Cable, Michael N., Michael and Joseph Myers, Asahel H. and H. H. Powers, George Spencer, John Cope, Samuel Ridinger, Henry Nailor, Christian Schell, Thomas Miner, John W. Whitman, Henry Sapp and Michael Miller. The October election of 1836 shows sixteen votes for Joseph Vance for Governor; sixteen for Patrick Goode, Congress, seventeen for John Hollister, Representative in the Legislature; eighteen for John A. Kelley, Commissioner; and seventeen for Hiram Davis, Surveyor. There were eighteen votes cast, however, Hiram, Carlisle and Harman Pember, Adam and David Housholder, John Wilson, Luman C. Lewis, Henry Eyster and Archibald Burnett, new voters, taking the places of so many of the older voters of 1835. C. W. Evers, writing in June, 1875,, on this subject, notices the absence of the name of James Pember, and seems inclined to credit it to the fact that his right to vote was questioned by his fellow pioneers, who considered him a Canadian. The Trustees of Freedom are named in the following list, which is based on tax-levy certificates and other documents found in auditor's office, down to 1878, and on the township records, in possession of the clerk, from 1879 to 1895 1839-D. A. Carpenter, Carlisle Pember, T. D. Moseby. 1840-D. A. Carpenter, Manassah Calkins, Peter Eisenhaur. 1841-Carlisle Pember, John Cope, Peter Eisenhaur. 1842-John Cope, Sampson Calkins, Peter Eisenhaur. 1843-44-(Documents not in auditor's office.) 1845-46-Hiram Pember, Peter Eisenhaur, Isaac Clay. 1847-48-Jonas G. Wicker, Isaac Clay. 1849-F. N. Pember, H. W. Bain, Jacob Hieser. 1850-51-James Pember, Elias Lay, H. H. Powell. 1852-53-(Documents not in auditor's office.) 1858-John Reed, Henry Harmeyer, Evan Rees. 1859-George M. Bell, Henry Harmeyer, Charles Eisenhaur. 1860-Abel T. Norris, Levi Wetmore, J. H. Schroder. 1861-S. Johnson, Levi Wetmore, J. H. Schroder. 1863-64--Daniel Clay, James M. Peoples, Henry Harmeyer. 1865--H. H. Shaberg, W. P. Eisenhaur, Henry Baker. 1866-Daniel Clay, Charles Eisenhaur, Henry Baker. 1867-H. H. Shaberg, Charles Eisenhaur, Henry Menter. 1868-G. Hebler, David Peoples, Henry Menter. 1869-Henry Rickett, David Peoples, Edward Dusing. 1870-John Hiser, David Peoples, Edward Dusing. 1871-Henry Baker, David Peoples, Edward Dusing. 1872-I. M. Peoples, H. Harmeyer, John Hockman. 1873-H. H. Shaberg, H. Harmeyer, John Hockman. 1874-H. H. Shaberg, H. Harmeyer, John Krofer. 1876-H. H. Shaberg, L. H. Forest, William Brocksicker. 1877-78-F. Talker, H. Hoodlebrink, William Brocksicker. 1879-J. Bowers, J. H. Baker, Charles Eisenhaur. 1880-82-(Records not in possession of clerk.) 1883-T. M. Peoples, H. Westerhous, W. Scherman. 1884-Henry Heckman, Casper Ernesthausen, W. Scherman. -Henry Heckman, Ed. H. Dusing, Henry Schermeyer. 1885-Frank Schwane, Ed. H. Dusing, Henry Schermeyer. 1886-Harman Heckman, Frank Schwane, William Brocksicker. 1887-90-William Brocksicker, Frank Schwane, William Brocksicker. 1890-Charles Stahler, Frank Schwane, Fred Menter. 1891-Henry Moorman, C. Stahler, Fred Menter. 1892-94 Charles Stahler, Henry Moorman, Fred Menter. 1895-Henry Sieck, Henry Moorman, Fred Menter. 1896-Dan Schaberg and William Brocksicker were elected. Justiccs.-The justices of the peace, who qualified, are named as follows: John W. Whitman and Michael Myers, who qualified in December, 1835; Hiram Pember and Michael Myers, 1838; Thomas D. Moseby, 1839; Hiram Pember, 1841; Thomas Eisenhaur, 1842; Thomas Thompson, 1843; H. W. Bain, 1848; A. E. Calkins, 1849-52; Isaac Clay, 1850-52; Hiram Pember, WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 259 did not qualify in 1851; James Waugh, 1852; Hiram Pember, 1855 to 1863; F. N. Pember, 1856 -59; Robert Barber, 1858; John Reed, 1861; Philip Smith, 1863; Isaac Clay, 1864; James Pember, 1865; Henry Rickett, 1867; J. H. Schroeder, 1868 to 1880; John Bernard, 1870; H.H. Shaberge, 1872; Henry Bruning, 1873; Henry Menter, 1875-78; Thomas N. Bierly, 1880; J. H. Menter, 1881 to 1888; H. B. Knoff, 1883, 1886 (resigned in 1888), and J. H. Schroeder, 1887 to 1896, re-elected 1896. Clerks. The clerk's office has been occupied by the . following named citizens since 1839: Thomas Thompson, 1839; S. H. Bell, 1845; H. A. Karns, 1848; S. H. Bell, 1849; J. P. Martin, 1852; H. N. Alexander, 1853; G. M. Bell, 1860; B. A. Pember, 1861; George McCreary, 1863; Robert Barber, 1864; Henry Van Camp, 1865; J. H. Schroeder, 1866; (records wanting); Henry Bruning, 1869; W. Klostermyer, 1873; N. B. Holdsworth, 1874; C. Gedrang, 1876; (records wanting); H. B. Knoff, --; Fred Gedrang, 1883; Fred Eschedor, 1884; John K. Powell, 1887; Fred Eschedor, 1891 ; J. F. Sherman, 1892; C. Gedrang, 1893, and Charles Nieman, appointed September 1, 1894, elected 1896. Treasurers. -Among the early treasurers were: A. E. Calkins, 1840; John Cope, 1843 D. A. Carpenter, 185o; John Y. Fish, 1851; James Waugh, 1853; John Cope, 1854; Hiram Pember, 1856, and Ira B. Banks, 1857-59. The office has been variously filled for the last thirtyfive years, H. H. Bruning being elected to same in 1896. Assessor. -David Henline was elected assessor in 1896. NEW ROCHESTER. The pioneer village of Freedom was surveyed into seventy-five lots in May, 1835, by Hiram Steel, for Michael Miller, on the N. W. 1/4 of Sec. 29. The owner had located there in 1834, but Michael N. Myers, his senior in settlement, built the first house, as related in the history of the township. It was a larger cabin than was usually found in the wilderness, and this fact, taken together with the genial character of Myers, made it at once the mecca of immigrants. Within a decade, he thought it expedient to build a larger concern to entertain his guests, and in 1844 began the construction of the two-story frame building, known to this day as Myers' Hotel." For years, John Zepernick has used it as a dwelling and store. It was not completed until 1848 or 1849. In 1835, a log-cabin was erected by Miller, in which the grocery business was carried on, until the structure was moved and dedicated to school purposes. During the first year of President Jackson's second term, Myers was appointed postmaster at New Rochester, a position he held for about thirty years. John Bair was then the mail-carrier, on the route from Perrysburg to Bucyrus, as he was until 1839. In 1842, Henry Bain opened a tavern at this point, and, within it, kept a small stock of groceries, dry goods and hardware. About the same time, Thomas Bain erected a house, opposite that of Henry, which was rented by Elias Whipple, who established himself as a tavern-keeper and merchant. Some years later, Whipple purchased Henry Bain's stock, and, for a time, was the sole merchant of the locality. Shafftstal and T. Alexander occupied the house until it was torn down. In 1883, R. W. Davidson built the present store. The first sawmill was built by John Cope, one and one-half miles below the village, in 1848 or 1849. He cut a canal across the little peninsula at that point, which to-day is the only evidence of the mill-power of the past. Old Cemetery.-Below the village, in sight of Davidson's store, on the high bank of the river is the grave of Silas Myers, who died September 11, 1835. There also lie Catherine Myers, (whose death occurred in July, 1841), Silas M. Myers (who died in May, I851), and Frances M. Clay (who died in June, I848). First School.-The first school house in that vicinity stood about ten rods below where the big hotel was, on the south side of the road. It was moved from near where the hotel stood; was a frame building sided up with clap-boards, and originally intended for a grocery. The first teacher was Sally McMillen, who taught the first term in the summer of 1841 or '42. When she was examined the questions in arithmetic propounded by the township examiner, Myers, were as follows: 7+4 are how many? What does 3x9 equal? Four units from eleven units leave how many units? Jane Gould was the second teacher. Early Preachers.-The first sermon preached in New Rochester neighborhood, was by a Baptist minister named Babcock, some time in 1838. The services were held at the house of Michael Myers. Among other ministers there, were Rev. H. Norton, of Bowling Green, a Methodist, who preached several sermons in Jeremiah Knoll's house, and a revivalist named Hager, who stirred up the community about 1848. The first Sabbath-school, organized and superintended by Jeremiah Knoll, in 1844, was held at his house. The Post Office.-The office was held by Michael Myers from the early " thirties " until 260 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. the close of the Civil war. John Zeppernick was the incumbent in 1868, when John Adams arrived. Theodore Alexander followed, and served until August, 1877, when Miss Emma Adams took charge. At one time, R. W. Davidson was commissioned postmaster, and qualified; but resigned in favor of Miss Adams. Churches.-On July 23, 1858, Michael Myers sold to himself, Jeremiah Thrall, Grafton Bernard and George Bower, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Protestant Societies, a half acre in Sec. 39, Freedom township. In that year they erected a house of worship, for joint use. Sometime after, the United Brethren purchased a third interest in the building, and furnishings, when it became known as the "Union Church." The Methodist Protestant organization disbanded years ago, so that in 1884 the Episcopal Methodists and United Brethren were the owners of the property. In 1893, the United Brethren purchased the building, the remnant of the Methodist organization going into the Presbyterian Society. The Presbyterian Church is one of the modern organizations of this old village. About four years ago their present church was erected. Evangelical Lutheran, St. Paul's Society, was incorporated August 4, 1881, and elected H. Beimdick, Frank Schwane and H. Schwarte, trustees. This society erected a church house in 1882, and a school house and parsonage in 1883. Mr. Kornbaum was the first pastor, and served until Rev. Mr. Hohls, the present pastor, came in July, 1890. The first members included the trustees named, with Henry Eschedor, Matthias Frobose, David Hummel, F. Evers, Henry Lachmiller, Johann Bellenkamp and two others. The present number of members is fifty-one. MISCELLANEOUS. Woodside was surveyed by D. D. Ames, in April, 1883, for Seymour W. Owen. In this vicinity, immediately after the war, or rather about the date of its official close, in 1866, the farmers of the district in Wood, Sandusky and Ottawa, organized a Mutual Benefit Fire Insurance Association, which, twenty years later, carried risks valued at $150,000. In 1852 the little village lost the pioneer merchant, who moved to Pemberville and opened his stock of goods in the more promising town. In 1892 the oilmen recognized in the vicinity a safe place for the investment of money, and soon Woodside became more than a mere stopping place for trains or a post-office hamlet. The Woodside fire of May 19, 1891, destroyed Henry Alexander's sawmill, the Reinburger and Hamlin dwellings, and the Alexander barn. The explosion at the Ohio Oil Co.'s well, on the Fuhr & Villwock lease, on July 20, 1893, resulted in the death of Lemuel Lockhart, and Jacob :Turk; David Arner, Jacob Perkins and David Ramsey were fearfully burned, while the engine house, derrick and two horses were reduced to cinders. On July 29, S. G. Redman, a pumper on the Hoodlebrink farm, was killed, while within the last few years many minor accidents have been chronicled. The Rees Settlement. -Among the early settlers along the east line of the county were a number of Welsh immigrants, who sought a home far away from the exactions of landlords and manufacturers in their own land. They found suitable locations here, which they reclaimed from the wilderness, and left as a rich heritage to their children. Of their two institutions-the Harvest Home and the Baptist Church-let a brief account be given. The Harvest Home originated here in 1857, in Sunday-school and pioneer meetings. For years the annual August meeting was held in Rees' Grove, Morris Rees being the most active spirit and president of the association since its formation. The meetings were well attended for a number of years. The Madison Baptist Church may be said to have been organized, March 9, 1857, when David Campbell, Elias Lloyd, David Rees, John Peoples, Evan Rees, Ann Rees, Elizabeth Peoples, Sarah Rees, Hannah Peoples, Eliza Ladd, Susan Chamblin and Hannah Jones signed articles of association. Rev. David Campbell was chosen moderator, Elias Lloyd, clerk, and David Rees, deacon. In May, following, Thomas and Margaret Griffith, Esther Hayden, Hannah Burns and Sarah Ann Ladd, were admitted, while, on May 30, Elizabeth Ladd was baptized, and Evan Rees appointed clerk. In June, Morris Rees and Caroline Peoples were received, and on October 7, 1857, the society was constituted as a Regular Baptist Church, with delegates from Amanda, Findlay, Jackson, Liberty and West Millgrove societies composing the council. There were nineteen members then known as the Freedom and Madison Baptist Church. Mr. Campbell preached for two and a half years when Rev. B. J. Powell came, and in March, 1860, received four members of Thomas Brown's family, and nominated Mr. Brown as deacon. On July 21, I860, the name "Madison" was adopted. Rev. James C. Karns was received in December, 1860. Messrs. Barber and Price filled the office WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 261 of clerk successively, while one or other of the Rees brothers has attended to the record work for many years. In August, 1868, Rev. Horace Hall succeeded Mr. Karns, and continued the practice of preaching in school and private houses, until November 10, 1874, when the first house of worship was finished, being in the N. E. Sec. 24, Freedom, There is still a working membership here. Rev. J. B. Schaff was pastor for some time prior to his death, October 13, 1895. [Morris Rees, named above, furnished the data on which this sketch is based.] Gas and Oil.-In the chapter on Gas and Oil a reference .is made to the Freedom field. The Fralick well, three miles south of Pemberville, drilled in about the middle of September, 1889, drew attention to this extension of the oil field, while the Standard gas well, on the Peters farm,' completed July 4, 1890, was another advertisement. In that year, on the S. W. Owens farm, Sec. 27, a well was drilled-in, which was left idle for many months, when it was pumped and found to be a fifteen-barrel producer. Another well, on the northwest corner of the same farm, did better, but not until the 125-barrel well on the D. L. Thomas farm, and the 175-barrel one on the Fowler & Thompson land came in, was there much faith placed in the Freedom oil field. In February, 1872, the developments on the Stein, Karns, Barnes, Menter, Hoodlebrink, Diehl and Alexander farms showed that the faith of the oil men in the field was fortified. In March, 1892, accounts of the wells on these farms were published, the Hobart, Bowlus & Co.'s 210-barrel well, on the Hoodlebrink farm, receiving special attention. In August, 1892, the Woodville, or, rather, Pemberville field, was producing 8,000 barrels a day. The Pemberville Oil Co.'s well, on the Henry Helle farm, came in in August, 1892, as a great gasser, its production being at first estimated to be 5, 000, 000 feet a day. At the close of 1892 oil was produced on the William Kimmel, John Kenner, John Fish, Casper Beeker, Daniel Fish, John Seving, Edward Seving, Fred Rahe and H. Westerhouse farms, as well as on those formerly named. Three pumping stations were in operation in January, 1893, and the Paragon Co. was building a fourth station. Oil was then 421 cents. In January, 1893, it was reported that Hobart, Bowlus & Co. transferred their leases on the Hoodlebrink lands to the Manhattan Co. for $44,000. Other large deals were reported at that time. Then came a period of depression, which was not relieved until the busy summer of 1895 filled the land again with operators. PEMBERVILLE VILLAGE. The survey of the original town was completed on the 24th day of May, 1854, by S. H. Bell for James Pember. Selecting a part of the N. E. 1/4 of Sec. 10, as the most eligible site, he divided it into 26 lots, and named the place after the owner of that particular tract of land. The original owners were Asahel Powers, Philip Kripler, John McQuilling and Samuel McQuilling, to whom it may be said to have been conveyed by the United States and State in 1833. Asahel Powers was the Caucasian pioneer, as already stated; but an Indian or Half-breed trader is said to have been the first developer of the commercial field. Almost six years after, Powers erected his cabin, below the present "Rossinger House" (in 1838), which in recent years was occupied by C. Lahman down to his removal in 1894. James Pember built the first frame house. A sawmill existed there as early as 1836, built by Calkins and Banks for themselves, or for one of the Pembers, for, in that year, Alfred Thurstin, of Bowling Green, hauled boards from a mill at the Forks, to be used in flooring the north school house in his settlement. It was an upright mill and stood on the south side of the south branch of the Portage, just above its junction with the north branch. This mill, after the death of Banks, was bought by James Pember. The next sawmill was built by John Cope, about 1838, and stood above where the ' `Rossinger House " is, and the next James Pember built on the north side of the south branch of the river, opposite the first. A gristmill was built by Pember at the junction of the two branches in 1841, and soon after another sawmill was erected. In 1850, Charles Stahler established a general store near the mills, but moved his goods to Woodville, in 1851. Returning in June, 1852, he continued in business here until 1881. Ira Banks, who was the second merchant, continued in business until his removal to Weston. " The Forks, " within a few years after the first settlers appeared there, became the center of trade, bearing almost the same relation to the eastern townships that Perrysburg did to the western townships. The development was slow, but sure, until the close of the Civil war, when the village entered on a new era of progress. The business circle, in 1877, embraced Froney & Brunning, Schroeder & Blasey, and Frederick Rossinger, dealers in dry goods and groceries; Cable & Hagameyer, and Hobart, Bowlus & Co. (established in 1872), dealers in 262 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. agricultural implements; Leroy Moore, operator of the flouring-mill; one wagon and blacksmith shop, one furniture store, one boot and shoe store, two saloons, one bakery and one harness shop. The population at that time was estimated at 500, or thereabouts; 10, 000 bushels of wheat were shipped during the winter ending April 9, 1877; a village council guarded the municipal interests and a newspaper was printed and issued there. That was fully a decade before the inhabitants knew anything of petroleum, oilmen, derricks, " go-devils, " and all the familiar names of the present day. It was a hamlet carved out of the wilderness, inhabited by a thrifty people, depending for trade on the rich country around it, content with itself and at peace with its neighboring villages, not excepting the precocious Bowling Green of that period. The Toledo & Hocking Valley railroad, completed in 1875, aided the town materially; for, in 1871, when the report of building such a road gained credence, a few enterprising residents and a few more outside men invested moneys here, which investments the period of depression, beginning in 1873, would have rendered useless, had not the railroad building revived trade in 1875. In 1881, the second railroad was completed, giving additional facilities for trade; in 1887, the oil-field was opened, and a new era introduced which robbed the village of its quietness, and transformed it into a bustling hive of trade and manufactures. In 1882, there were 150 cars of staves, or 3,000,000 staves, shipped from the old Dewey works. In 1883, the shipment was duplicated. Manufacturing Industries. The Dewey stave factory may be said to have been the first great wood-working industry at Pemberville. In September, 1883, fire swept away machinery, stock and buildings, but a new home for the industry was constructed. Another fire, another rebuilding, next a fire, and then the end. To-day the pail-stave factory of G. F. Otten is the sole reminder of the once big industry; while the sawmill operated by H. Bankey is the modern form of the old mills of 1835 and 1837. Such concerns as the old sawmills, Herman's shingle-mill and the gristmill preceded it. The Pemberville gristmill, established in 1874, was purchased by a stock company in 1887; in January, 1891, was purchased by Bierly, Schroeder, Herman & Cowden, but nothing was done with it. The Bushman flouring-mill was constructed in 1890, and the machinery installed the same year. The Pemberville Box Co. began business in August, 1890. In 1885 or 1886 the Bushman tile factory was established, to succeed Sabin & Co.'s tile and brick works, which were opened in 1883 and closed a year or so later. Stiffen & Menter, who were in the furniture business for many years, established a planing-mill here a few years ago, while a few smaller industries were introduced. The Pemberville Creamery Co. was organized in July, 1892, with J. H. Menter, president; Ira Witte, secretary; E. H. Smith, treasurer; Fred. Kohring, John Rex, Charles Muir, Harman Smearsole and J. H. Menter, directors; and S. V. Sheffner, superintendent. Banks.-The Pemberville Banking Co. was incorporated in July, 189o, with a capital stock of $50,000. A. J. Munn was chosen president; C. L. Haskin, vice-president; J. V. Beverstock, cashier; and they, with E. W. Merry and F. A. Baldwin, were directors. On June 16, 1893, after many changes had been made in the directory, the bank assigned to J. H. Menter, who paid 74 6/10 per centum of its total liabilities. The Strong & Spitzer bank was established in 1894. Railroad Shipments.-The railroad advantages of Pemberville were not fully realized by the farmers living in the neighborhood, until 1882, when M. O. Ladd and another dealer shipped 100 car-loads of, hogs to the Eastern markets, for which $150,000 was received. From June, 1882, to June, 1883, A. Froney shipped fifty-one cars of wheat, containing 25,714 bushels, worth so many dollars. No less than 1,500 bushels of clover seed, and immense cargoes of other farm products were shipped by the farmers and merchants of this locality in 1883. The last twelve years witnessed extraordinary activity in shipments. The records kept by A. Hebling, J. K. Powell and F. H. Schroeder, of the C. H. V. & T. railroad, as well as those of the T. & O. C. Railroad Company, stand in testimony to Pemberville's trade. Fires.-The Pemberville fire of July 2, 1884, originated in Bahrenburg's place, and extended east and west until it destroyed all the buildings fronting on Main street, from Mrs. Sprague's millinery store to Grote's saloon. Soon after, the rebuilding of the town was entered upon. The next large fire removed the old frame block, where the Loomis, Harns and Pember brick block now stands. The fire of May 6, 1891, destroyed Haskins & Co.'s stock, and damaged the building. The Post Office.-Strange as it may seem, Woodville was the post office to which the people of Pemberville had to go for mail. From the " fifties" until Hiram Pember was appointed postmaster, 1867, the letters and papers would WOOD COUNTY, OHIO - 263 be taken to Pemberville from Woodville, and left at Stahler's or Bank's store for distribution. A Froney succeeded Hiram Pember in charge of the office. L. C. Sprague was the next incumbent, John H. Schroeder was appointed in 1885, and served until John Muir was appointed in August, 1889; C. R. Gedrang was appointed July 1, 1893. Taverns and Hotels.-There were taverns here in early years, but the first hotel was kept by Charles Stahler. Dennis Pember and Joshua Henninger were bonifaces later; then came the ''Rossinger House, " and still later the " Central, " built by A. Froney, and variously managed. Organization and Officials. -The petition for the incorporation of Pemberville was presented March 18, 1876, and on June 1 an equally strong remonstrance was submitted to the commissioners. On June 8, 1876, the village was ordered to be organized. The first officers elected were George M. Bell, mayor; O. E. Hyde, clerk; J. H. Schroeder, A. Froney, Charles Stahler, Sr., J. Hathaway, Charles Gedrang and Silas Ralston, councilmen; and Silas Ralston, marshal. The last named held the office of marshal only, and Dr. W. D. Stewart was appointed councilman. The mayors of the village since that time are named as follows: 1876, George M. Bell (killed by a falling building at Tacoma, Wash., May 13, 1889); 1877, J. H. Schroeder, resigned in September, and Thomas N. Bierly appointed, elected 1878; Theodore Alexander, elected in October, 1881; J. A. Smith, appointed September 6, 1882; T. N. Bierly, 1883; H. F. Bowlus, 1885; H. L. Davis, 1887; C. R. Gerding, 1889; J. K. Powell, 1891; John S. Hoyman, 1893, resigned October 9, 1893, and J. H. Schroeder appointed; A. Keil, 1894; J. L. Williams, elected 1895; John E. Hoyman, elected 1896. The office of clerk has been filled by the following named citizens: O. E. Hyde (died November, 1876); H. B. Knoff, appointed November 6, 1876; J. O. Cable. 1881; Geo. H. Withey, 1883; H. Lee Davis, 1885; A. Keil, 1887; Jesse Stephens, 1889; C. H. Hammond, 1891 ; J. M. Isbell, 1895, resigned and G. H. Speck was appointed, but he also resigned, and C. H. Hammond was appointed; E. A. Saxby, elected 1896. The office of treasurer has been occupied by: A. Froney, 1877; John Baker, 1879; John Lohmeyer, 1881; C. L. Haskins, 1883; J. C. Scott, 1887; F. W. Steffen, 1889; M. Hobart, 1891; J. F. Bruning, 1895-96. The office of corporation solicitor was established in 1892, when T. N. Bierly was elected. E. B. Morse was elected marshal in 1896. 1877-Charles Stahler, Thomas Mackey, H. H. Menter, H. F. Steffens, C. H. Scherman, E. Myers. 1878-Henry Hoodlebrink, J. H. Schroeder, Fred. Smith, T. Mackey, E. Myers, C. Stahler. 1879-J. Hoiles, C. Bruning, C: L. Haskins, with Hoodlebrink, Schroeder and Smith. 1880-Thomas Mackey, Henry Hoodlebrink, J. H. Schroeder, with Haskins, Bruning and Hoiles. 1881-Harmon Blasey, Fred. Gerding, C. H. Scherman, John Hathaway, John Steidle, H. Hoodlebrink, and, in October, 1881, Henry Bowlus 1882-C. L. Haskins, T. J. Lake, E. W. Pember, with Bowlus, Gerding and Scherman. 1883---C. H. Scherman, Edward Hartman, John Bushman, with T. J. Lake, H. Hoodlebrink and E. W. Pember. 1884--H. Hoodlebrink, F. Gerding, J. C. Scott, with Scherman, Bushman and Hartman. 1885--J. H. Schroeder, F. W. Steffen, E. W. Pember, with J. C. Scott, H. Hoodlebrink and F. Gerding. 1886--John K. Powell, H. Steinmeyer, Edward Hartman, with Steffen, Schroeder and F. M. Boyer. 1887-F. W. Steffen, H. H. Bruning, John Bushman, H. Steinmeyer, J. K. Powell and E. Hartman. 1888--J. K. Powell, Ed. Hartman, Henry Steinmeyer, with Steffen, Bruning and Bushman. 1889-Hiram Isbell, Henry C. Beinke, Charles Aebersold, with H. H. Bruning, H. Steinmeyer, E. Hartman. 1890-H. C. Beinke, R. J. Simon, J. H. Bahrenburg, with Aebersold, Bruning and Pember. 1891-J. C. Seiler, H. H. Bruning, J. H. Schroeder, with Beinke, Simon and Bahrenburg; R. Black, appointed. 1892-J. H. Bahrenburg, R. J. Simon, H. W. Hoodlebrink, J. H. Shermeyer, J. H. Schroeder, H. H. Bruning. 1893-J. F. Brandeberry, J. F. Bruning, A. J. Shontz, R. J. Simon, H. W. Hoodlebrink, J. H. Bahrenburg. 1894-E. H. Mason, Aaron Vanetten, J. C. Bruning, J. F. Brandeberry, A. J. Shontz, J. F. Bruning. 1895-Henry Hickman, Hiram Isbell, H. C. Schwane, A. Vanetten, E. H. Mason, J. C. Bruning. 1896-C. H. Hammond, G. F. Otten, H. Hickman, H. Isbell, H. C. Schwane and F. H. Schroeder were elected. In 1896, E. H. Smith, D. B. Brown, J. S. Hoyman, H. Hickman, H. H. Bruning and J. Hagemeyer were elected members of the Pemberville school board. Transactions of the Council.-In December, 1876, the contract for building the jail was awarded to L. H. Forrest, on his bid of $217, and a part of In-lot No. 11 was leased as a building lot. In 1877, the " Stock Restraining Ordinance" was published in the Independent, and in May of that year a bill of $14.70 was paid Evers & Rudulph for publishing a notice of the organization of the village in the Sentinel. In January, 1890, the proposition to build a town hall was adopted by the council, but the vote in April following was not considered favorable to the project. In April, 1891, there were 120 votes cast for the proposition, and thirty-four contra. The council lost no time in carrying out the wish of the people. Under the Ordinance of July 13, 1891, ten $500 six-per-cent. bonds were authorized, the .proceeds to be invested in the 264 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. purchase of ground and the construction of a town hall, and, on the same day, the contract for building was awarded to Alex. Dawson, on his bid of $6,083.75. The building, as is usual, cost something more than the mere contract price; but the council was pleased to take possession of it on July 5, 1892. In October, 1890, the council authorized the construction of the Maple street sewer, an improvement long considered a necessity. In February, 1893, the privilege of piping the village for gas was given to I. R. Patterson, who agreed to the following schedule of prices: A 3-32 mixer, $3.35; a 4-32 mixer, $4.50; and a 5-32 mixer, $7.00 a month. The franchise was granted for six years, and as much longer as "he would comply with this or any other ordinance on the same subject." In April mains were placed from the Helle farm well, and on April 8 a battery of ten stand-pipes was lighted. The gas supply ceased within a month or so, since which time oil has been used for street lamps. In March, 1893, R. W. Brown and G. B. Kerper asked certain rights for °' The Lake Erie and Northwestern Ohio Electric Street Railroad Company, " but the panic of that year drove the company away and the negotiations fell through. In July, 1884, the report of Councilmen Scott, Hoodlebrink and Hartman, appointed previously to report on the price of fire department apparatus, was received; a petition from the villagers asking for means of protection against fire was received, and a resolution to purchase a fire engine adopted. On November 17 a fire engine, sent on trial, was accepted, and three orders one for $450, and two for $425, each, payable within three years, were issued to the manufacturers. At the same time John C. Scott was appointed fire commissioner. A volunteer fire company was organized the same year. In April, 1888, the equipment of the fire department was turned over to that company, and the members made employes of the village under certain conditions. In 1894 and 1895 the question of the construction of stone sidewalks on Front street was a serious one for the frontage owners. The majority favored the improvement, and in the fall of 1895 large Berea flags took the place of the unsightly wooden walks. Board of Health.-In February, 1878, John Lohmeyer, A. Bressler and Henry Bruning were appointed additional members of the board of health, and in March the board organized with Dr. Stewart and Joshua Hoiles, members for three years, John Lohmeyer and Henry Bruning for two years, and E. W. Pember and A. Bressler for one year. Cemetery.-On March 4, 1878, the council and township trustees in joint session agreed to take charge of the village cemetery. On April 13, a committee of four was appointed by the mayor to purchase additional ground for cemetery purposes, and, on May 6, the purchase of five acres in Sec. 16, at $135 an acre, from Wm. Hagemeyer, for which 7 per cent. bonds were issued to the grantor. In June, Henry Hoodlebrink, F. Smith and Thomas Mackey were appointed a committee on cemetery affairs. In April, 1879, H. Hoodlebrink was elected a trustee of the cemetery, and in 1880 H. H. Menter and John Lohmeyer were elected, while Eisenhaur, Westerhaus and Baker represented the township as cemetery trustees, with J. H. Schroeder and H. Bruning members of the village division of the board. In April, 1895, Isaac Fair was elected trustee. Schools. -- The first school building was "raised at the Forks," in 1835, by the residents, on land donated by Albert Keyes, twenty rods east of the C. & T. railroad crossing of the Portage. Almira Webster taught the first class there in the summer of that year, the " directors " paying her one dollar a week and giving her a permit to "board round." Among her students were Hiram, Almira and Lucina Powers, Orissa, Emily and David Calkins, Orlando and Lyman Webster, Asa and Albert Fuller, Betsy Pember and a boy named Eyster. When J. H. Schroeder arrived in the "fifties," Peter Bell taught school on the N. E. corner of Sec. 10. He was then an old teacher. Dr. Palmer taught here for many terms in the second house built across the road, which was moved to the present school house lot in 1875. A special school district was organized in 1876, and in April, 1877, J. H. Schroeder, A. G. Thornton, George Buttorf, Henry Menter and R. J. Simon were elected directors. The principals were B. R. Hubbard, H. B. Knoff, I. N. Van Tassel and W. R. Barton, prior to 1881, when George H. Withey was appointed superintendent, with Ida Williams and Alice Burney, teachers in the lower grades. John S. Hoyman succeeded Withey, and held the position for five years, or until June, 1891. D. R. Jones, his successor, also became a lawyer when R. F. Beausay, who was admitted to the bar in March, 1895, was appointed superintendent. S. S. Simpson is now the superintendent. The present $12,000 school house was erected in 1880-81 to supercede the old two-story frame structure of the old district. In April, WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 265 1895, J. S. Hoyman and D. B. Brown, both Democrats, received 261 votes, against eightyeight cast for Mrs. Bowlus and Mrs. Haskins, the Republican candidates for the school board. The German Lutheran school, supported by members of that society, had 112 pupils enrolled in 1884, but were willing to pay the double school tax rather than send their children to the common school. Churches.-The first Methodist sermon was delivered at A. H. Powers' house in 1834, and there, the same year, Rev. J. Wells, of Fremont, organized a Methodist class of forty-five members. For many years, this denomination had scarcely a representation here. In 1881 a class was re-organized by Rev. J. Stewart. In 1888 a church building was erected, which was dedicated October 7, 1888, by Elder Rutledge. In 1887 George A. Criger was pastor; in 1888, Rev. E. D. Winfield; in 1890, G. M. Hunter; in 1892, L. C. McBride, and B. L. Rowand, 1893. permanent organization of the society The took place March 19, 1893, when Thomas N. Bierly, S. V. Sheffner, J. F. Bruning, A. Bressler and Henry Basor were chosen trustees; J. L. Wilkins, J. C. Stewart, J. F. Bruning, Mrs. George H. Speck and Mrs. Lee Williams, stewards, and R. F. Beausay, superintendent. The Seventh Day Adventists organized a class of a few members, and in December, 1891, held baptismal services. There was a time in the history of Freedom township in the early " forties " when the excitement over Spiritualism ran very high, many strange and interesting stories of their meetings as they were held night after night in that vicinity, might be related. One of the principal mediums was a bright young school teacher, a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, who is still living, but not in this State. She was also a somnambulist, and it is stated that at one time she boarded with a family living on the bank of the Portage while teaching, and on several occasions was found wandering about in a comatose state. She consulted the most noted mediums and read all their leading books. She wrote her own biography and a large number of poems. The latter she would write in the night. After waking from a short sleep she would call for a light, and write sitting in bed. Like other religious organizations of the township, the Spiritualist had many followers for a season, again only few, and again a large class. There was no regular church building erected in the vicinity of the Forks until 1862, when the German Lutheran denomination built a frame house which they now use. The Bethlehem Lutheran Society is the oldest local organization, dating back to 1861. An addition was made to the building in recent years, and, since Rev. C. J. L. Benzene became pastor, thirteen years ago, the membership has increased to 400. The brick school house, to accommodate 100 pupils, and the brick parsonage, built in 1894 at a cost of $4,000, have been erected. In 1880, the old church building was enlarged at a cost of $1,800. There are now about 200 members. The pipe organ cost $i,100 in 1881 or 1882. Prior to 1861, the Pemberville Lutherans formed a part of the Sweeter Church in Troy township. The German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Freedom township was incorporated December 20, 1861, with William Heckman, Henry Schroeder, Henry Hagemeyer, trustees, and Caster H. Scherman, clerk. Rev. George Cronewett was their pastor. The United Brethren Society of Pemberville signed articles of association December 10, 1877, and elected J. Conser, Geo. M. Bell, Albert Froney, M. Hobart and H. Long, trustees. They built a house of worship, which ultimately was purchased by the Presbyterians for $1,500. A Presbyterian Society was organized in 1863; but there was nothing accomplished by the members toward employing a preacher or building a house of worship. On April 21, 1878, Rev. P. C. Baldwin succeeded in re-establishing a Presbyterian organization and in acquiring a church house. In 1882 a parsonage was erected. The first members were Marcene Hobart, Lewis Forrest, Dr. R. J. Simons, Henry Bruning and their wives, with Mrs. Scott, while Dr. Simons was the first ruling elder. 'Rev. James Quick, pastor from 1882 to December 1, 1884, died in 1889; Rev. John R. Tercy, 1889; G. C. Gerlach, in 1890; Rev. J. A. Bartlett in 1893-95, when here moved to Celena, Ohio. In February, 1894, A. J. Shontz was elected secretary, H. H. Bruning, treasurer, and J. H. Bahrenburg, trustee. The first trustees were Messrs. Hobart, Forrest, Bruning, named above, with J. Conser, George Bell, John Wight and Albert Froney, and the first clerk was W. D. Stewart. In September and October, 1881, a number of members were received. In 1883 F. M. Boyer, H. F. Bowlus, G. Hebling and Dr. Simon were elders. In March, 1882, Rev. J. Quick was appointed clerk, and he signed the records until December, 1884. H. F. Bowlus was appointed clerk in February, 1885, and continued as such until February, 1889, when Rev. G. C. Gerlach became moderator and clerk; but in February, 1893, Mr. Bowlus re- 266 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. sumed charge of the records of session, a position he still holds. There were 196 members received since organization, but the greater number have been dismissed to New Rochester and other churches. The English Lutheran Society was organized in July, 1895, by Rev. Engers, of Toledo, under the title-"Martin Luther Society." Daniel Rife presided at the meeting, with H. W. Schroeder, secretary. There were twenty members reported in October, 1895, who worship in the town hall. Secret Societies. -Pemberville Lodge, No. 516, F. &. A. M., was organized May 2, 1877, and chartered October 17, of that year. It is said that Henry Bruning, D. W. Brown, R. L. Van Camp, J. P. Evans, M. Hobart, W. D. Stewart, John Edmond and A. Rees were the first officers in lodge rank, while on another authority, Gustavus Hebling is named as first master. Taking the official list of presiding officers, G. Hebling served until 1879, when Morris Rees was installed; G. Hebling, again, from December 27, 1879, to December 28, 1882; then J. O. Cable to 1884; Henry Bruning to 1885; D. B. Brown to January, 1889; E. W. Pember to December 28, 1889; D. B. Brown to December, 1891; Thomas N. Bierly to January 13, 1894; J. E. Ladd to January 12, 1895; and M. Hobart, 1895. In December, 1895, D. B. Brown was elected. The secretaries in order of service are M. Hobart, 1877-78 and 1880; Henry Bruning, 1879; Charles Gerding, 1881 and 1882; G. Hebling, 1883 and 1885; J. P. Evans, 1884; T. J. Lake, 1886 and 1895; J. P. Muir, 1887; R. F. Muir, 1888, 1890 and 1891 ; H. L. Davis, 1889; John S. Hoyman, 1892 and 1893; L. A. Challen, 1894; and J. L. Jackson, 1896: The number of members in June, 1895, was sixty-five. Freedom Lodge, No. 723, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 29, 1883, under a charter granted in May, 1882, to the following members: T. J. Lake, E. Smeed, D. B. Brown, R. J. Simon, Fred Gerding, J. T. Anderson, J. E. Fish, J. C. Bruning, S. B. Agnew, George Hiser, Tobias Henline, M. S. Frazier, William Agnew, John Craft and O. Peters. The past grands are named as follows: T. J. Lake, E. Smeed, D. B. Brown, R. J. Simon, J. E. Fish, dropped; J. T. Anderson, M. S. Frazier, A. Peters, J. C. Scott, H. B. Knoff, withdrawn; A. Keil, C. H. Hammond, E. E. Lake, W. J. Young, H. H. Bruning and Byron Shaw; Hiram Isbell and G. E. Bushnell, elected in June, 1895. In December, 1895, James Rogers was elected noble grand. The secretaries from 1883 to the present time are named in the order of service: T. J. Lake, 1883; E. Smeed, 1884; J. C. Scott and R. J. Simon, 1885; J. T. Anderson, 1886; R. G. Simon and A. L. Muir, 1887; H. B. Knoff and H. L. Davis, 1888; F. M. Lewis and M. S. Frazier, 1889; A. Peters and Dr. Brown, 1890; J. E. Fish, 1891-92; John S. Hoyman, 1893; George H. Speck, 1894-96, and W. H. Bruning, elected in December, 1895. There were ninety-five members reported in October, 1895. Wood Encampment, No. 256, I. O. O. F., was chartered April 15, 1891, with the following named members: I. F. Pheils, T. J. Lake, J. C. Scott, ' S. B. Hooper, Melvin Frazier, T. N. Bierly, J. C. Seiler, J. H. Chidester, Edwin Smeed, Junlier Smith, G. O. DePawe, D. B. Brown, Heman Allen, Byron Shaw, C. H. Hammond, J. V. Beverstock, John Muir, H. H. Bruning, J. S. Hoyman, H. M. Anderson, J. T. Anderson, H. Isbell, E. E. Lake, C. S. Habad, J. C. Bruning (chief), G. E. Bushnell, M. M. Fowler. The past chief patriarchs are: J. T. Lake, J. V. Beverstock, j. S. Hoyman (two terms), C. H. Hammond, J. T. Anderson, Byron Shaw and H. H. Bruning (two terms). The scribes who have served the encampment are named as follows: C. H. Hammond, J. V. Beverstock, J. C. Seiler, and C. H. Hammond, who was again scribe in 1895. There were forty-three members in June, 1895. Reba Lodge, No. 239, D. of R., was instituted in 1889, with fifteen charter members. The first noble grand was Nancy Smead. The present membership is sixty-five. Mrs. T. J. Lake is the deputy grand master; Mrs. Byron Shaw, noble grand, and Miss Elva Bushnell recording secretary. Benedict Post, No. 26, G. A. R., was named in honor of Napoleon Benedict of the 3rd Ohio Cavalry, who was killed in the retreat from Lovejoy's Station, Ga., in August, 1864. The charter members were Leroy Moore, G. Hebling, A. Vanetten, I. W. Krotzer, Jacob H. Furry, J. W. Vanetten, T. J. Lake, A. Hines, H. Allen, A. Bressler, William Finlay, James Muir, Theo. Alexander, J. D. Muir, W. W. Dunipace, R. Housholder, William Isbell, James Stewart, S. S. Canfield and J. J. Hemminger. T. J. Lake was the first commander, and Theo. Alexander, the first adjutant. The charter was issued May 4, 1880. W. W. Isbell died in October, 1889, and J.. W. Vanetten of the 72nd, in May, 1890; W. W. Weddell and J. H. Furry died in 1895 Alanson Bushnell and Daniel M. Hobart, with C. C. Layman, adjutant. John D. Muir was elected commander, in 1881 T. J. Lake, with J. C. McLaughlin, adjutant, in 1884; Robert Black, 1885; R. F. Lewis, 1886; Heman Allen, WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 267. 1887, with Robert Black, adjutant; James Muir, 1888; Wm. Weddell, 1890, with John Hathaway, adjutant; H. C. Heisler, 1893; Wm. Weddell, 18941 and S. S. Canfield, elected in July, 1895, vice Weddell, deceased. Robert Black has served as adjutant since 1887. There were forty-two members in October, 1895. Benedict Relief Corps, No. 276, surrendered its charter in 1895. Among its first members were Lillian Cornwell, Plumie Babcock, Mary Hathaway (of Luckey), Mrs. Kesson, Mrs. J. Muir, Mrs. James Moore, Mrs. Bressler, Fannie Hathaway, Emma Brown and others. Camp A. Jolly, No. 12, S. Of V., was chartered April 1, 1884, with the following named members: H. L. Davis, Frederick Lewis, John Purcell, A. L. Muir, A. Keil, James Muir, Ned Altman, Ray Hathaway, H. Lake, H. L. Brown, O. S. Bressler, B. J. Froney, J. McLaughlin and Albert Isbell. De Molay Tent, No. 211, K. O. T. M., was instituted June 30, 1894, with the following named members: E. A. Saxby, D. B. Brown, M. D., Frank Brown, J. F. Bruning (the first commander), C. H. Hammond (the second commander), L. T. Slee, W. F. Whitten, J. B. Walters, J. W. Morrison, Fred Stahler, J. W. Hays and W. W. Henton. The tent numbers thirty-three members. E. A. Saxby has been secretary since organization. Kenilworth Court, A. O. F. of A., was organized June 26, 1895, with E. A. Saxby, chief ranger, and the following named officers in court rank: E. C. Chaffee, W. W. Krotzer, J. P. Muir, J. F. Krotzer, B. F. Green, B. G. Hawthorne, J. W. Morrison, S. S. Dilley, and trustees, Byron Shaw, J. H. Cook and L. T. Slee. Acme Lodge, I. O. G. T., No. 44, was chartered March 11, 1885, with G. Helbring, Mrs. L. J. Walk, F. M. Boyer, Mrs. D. B. Brown, H. K. Allen, Lula Culver, Clayton Hobart, R. F. Muir, Mrs. V. Frazier, Dora Vanetten, J. W. Keyser, Mrs. S. M. Harns, Mrs. M. Bowlus and J. C. Alexander, officials in lodge rank. The P. O. S. of A., Camp 79, claimed as officers, in 1891, the following named: E. D. Griffin, J. E. Isbell, W. H. Daly, 13. F. Rickett, W. H. Bruning, C. H. Pember, M. F. Krotzer, W. H. Boren, Eugene Jenkins and Chauncy Fair. The Mennerchor organized in August, 1893, with J. H. Schinke, president; C. A. Fehr, secretary; Charles Nieman, treasurer; J. F. Meier, conductor, and A. H. Oberschulte, manager. Contemporary with this association was the " Aeolian Quartette, " composed of S. W. Stahler, F. W. Schultz, C. S. Hobart and George H. Speck, and " The Thespian Club." The Pemberville Library.-This semi-public institution may be said to have been founded by Thomas N. Bierly, in 1893. His donation of 600 volumes was placed in charge of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which building a room was fitted up and the books installed therein. Mr. Bierly donated a hundred or more volumes to the Presbyterian Society, thus giving to that denomination the nucleus of a second collection of books. Conclusion.-This history of Freedom and villages is based primarily on records found within the township, and on documents and newspaper files searched at Bowling Green; and secondarily on the historical papers written for the Bowling Green newspapers by Messrs. Van Tassel, 1877; Evers, 1875, and Bierly, 1889, from which 2,000 words were taken, with a few items from the local paper. The roster and record of soldiers furnished to the Federal army during the Civil war (given in the Military chapter), is based on a list of soldiers compiled by the writer from the relations of veterans. RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE |