BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP - 501 and made a small clearing; but Tucker became involved in some manner, and all future efforts at settlement by him were abandoned, although the slashing " made by the man he had sent out was long known as the "Tucker Clearing." Some time during the year 1835, Daniel M. Jordan built a small log " shanty " on Section 24. He had a wife but no children, and began immediately to clear his farm. Asa Smith thinks that, perhaps, Mr. Jordan first located on land belonging to Tucker, and afterward purchased the eighty acres where he (Jordan) lived, but is not certain. At the time the Smiths first came to the township, in January, 1836, Jordan had just left his land, probably going back whence he came, though he still owned the property. On the 26th of January, 1836, Asa Smith came from Michigan, and entered three tracts of land—one for himself, one for his father, Daniel, and one for his brother Anson. In May of the same year, these men came to the township; cut small clearings on their lands; lived in the small vacant "shanty " of Jordan, and, the following year, 1837, moved in with their families. The father and both sons had families of their own, and had all they could do from that time onward to live in a comfortable manner. About the time Jordan came to the township, a young man named Oliver purchased an eighty-acre tract of land on Section 19 ; but after clearing, or rather " slashing," about ten acres, living, in the meantime, with Jordan, he left the township, and his future movements are unknown. Thus it is that the families of Daniel Smith, Anson Smith and Asa Smith were the first to permanently locate in the township. THE EARLY PIONEERS. Early in the fall of 1837, other families began to appear in the township, locating in the neighborhood of the ̊1 Smith settlement," in the southern part. Miles Putnam and Robert Follett arrived then; Curtis Cogswell came in February, 1838 ; Erastus Back and Chandler Holt, in April, 1838; Clark Backus, Owen McCarty, William P. Back, George H. Back, Joseph W. Back and Erastus G. Back also came early in 1838. Soon after this came Francis, Lindsay, Uriah Sumner, David Wilcox, Hiram Covill, Nathaniel S. Dewey, Robert Simmons, Abraham Holland, Solomon Cobb, Richard Gordon, Abraham Haladay, James Leonardson, Ethan Stafford, William Sumner, Oliver Walkley Crittendon, Asa Church, W. H. B. Smith, William B. Stickney, Richard Heritage, William Gaudern, George Starr, Anthony Dean, James D. Kimball, John Ayres, Elias Depew, R. Wittington, B. B. Van Court, E. D. Lawrence, L. D. Lawrence, William Haskins, W. A. Dillon, L. Paynter, Henry Paynter, J. St. John, S. N. Parker, Ephraim Palmer, John Wallis, Aaron Williard, Q 502 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. J. G.. McLain, Joshua Travis, Frederick Champion, J. M. Palmer, Sheldon Smith, A. M. Parker, Riley Parker, Daniel Hair and others, who came in in about the order named from 1838 until 1846. The first few families in the Smith settlement were forced to undergo numerous trials and privations. They were many miles from any other settlement, and had to rely for supplies on what they brought with them; on their prowess as hunters and trappers; on the speed from which they could realize their first crops, and on the long journeys to distant stores and mills. Many be-became expert hunters from necessity. Deer were abundant, and easily killed, though, at certain seasons of the year (as in the fall when the leaves and twigs were dry), they were difficult of approach. Curtis Cogswell tells an interesting story of how he killed a fine deer, one fall, after his family had been without meat, and almost everything else, for a long time. He was in the woods near his cabin, without his gun, making fence, when the deer came from the forest, slowly walked up within six feet of him, and began licking a flat stone which he was using in the construction of the rail fence. He stood perfectly motionless for awhile, and then began to retire backward very slowly, intending, if possible, to get his gun from the cabin, and convert the deer into venison. After he had gone on thus about four rods, the deer approached within ten feet of him, stood still, and again began to eye him with great curiosity. Thus the couple proceeded, until Cogswell called to one of the Sumner boys, who was digging potatoes for him, to bring his rifle, and leave it at a certain spot. This was done, and Cogswell, followed by the deer, continued to approach, until he could grasp his rifle, when he quickly shot the deer through the head. This was very fortunate for the family, and was regarded as a God-send. When the Backs arrived in the spring of 1838, they were permitted to occupy a portion of Daniel Smith's cabin—a small log structure-18x22 feet. At this time, Curtis Cogswell, who had arrived a few months before the Backs, went with his family one Sunday morning to visit the Smith family, and, while gone, his little cabin and all his household goods were destroyed, in some manner, by fire. Himself and family had no place to go, and were accordingly taken into the Smith cabin, until another log-house could be erected. Here then, in the Smith cabin, for about a week, lived eight members of the Smith family, twelve of the Back family, and four of the Cogswell family. There were three beds in the 18x22 foot room, which were occupied by the Smiths; then upon improvised beds spread upon the floor were stretched, each night, the sixteen Backs and Cogswells. INTERESTING EVENTS. At the time of the firs,, settlement in Bridgewater, and for several BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP - 503 years thereafter, the Little St. Joseph River was navigable for boats no larger than pirogues. For several years, the families living at the Smith settlement were accustomed to float down this stream, carrying their boats and loads around the Martin & Depew mill-dam in southern Florence Township, and around other dams farther down, until they came to the Maumee River, when they would push up that stream to Fort Wayne, where their products of grain, meats, hides, honey, furs and maple sugar would be sold, or exchanged for tea, coffee, boots, shoes, hats, calico or other cloth, powder, lead, quinine, and various farming implements. The trip would consume about a week, and was made at definite times, so that any family having products to sell, or wanting to buy, could be in readiness. A path was cut through the woods from the settlement to the landing on the river in the southeastern part of the township. Over this rude road the backwoods products were conveyed in wagons drawn by ox teams, and, when the marketing had been done and the traders had returned, they and their purchases were hauled home from the landing. Sometimes it was hard work to push the pirogues up the swift current, but going down stream was fun, though constant watchfulness and great skill were required to turn the abrupt bends in the rivers, and escape the heaps of floating drift-wood. CHASED BY WOLVES. It is related that one day Clark Backus was hunting on the river in the southeast part of the township, and did not start on his return until almost night. Darkness came on, and he endeavored to trace his way along the obscure path running from the settlement to the river landing, but soon discovered that this was a most difficult matter. To add to the unpleasant situation, wolves began to howl in the dark forest near him. Soon he saw one of the animals stealing along on his track behind him, and gradually this was joined by others, until quite a pack of the ravenous creatures were skulking in his rear. At last, becoming bolder, they came quite close to him, snapping their teeth together like steel traps, and displaying the fire of their sharp eyes. A shot from his rifle caused them to fall back, but they soon appeared again, and were once more driven back by a shot from the rifle. Backus hurried on toward home, firing on the animals when they came too near, until, at last, after firing eight times, he reached home in safety. Backus was an intrepid and skillful deer-hunter, and killed hundreds of these animals, the hides being worth about $1 each. One day, in about the year 1844, he and Joseph Back were hunting in Madison Township near where Pioneer now stands, when Backus, who was in advance, saw through the heavy foliage, an exposed portion of a deer. Ile fired and the animal fell, shot through the neck, 504 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. but instantly sprang up, though it was thrown to the ground by the dog, and this procedure was repeated several times. Backus told Back to shoot, but the latter refused, saying he might kill the dog. Without further parley, Backus drew his tomahawk and ran forward, but the deer lunged furiously at him, and was again thrown to the earth by the dog. Backus instantly took advantage by seizing the buck by the antlers, and knocking it in the head with his tomahawk. Backus, at times, had several severe tussels with wounded deer, and, on one occasion, had his clothing almost all torn from his body. He was not afraid to attack any animal which roamed the woods. On several occasions he chased bears, fired at them, drew blood, but, so far as he could learn, did not kill one Bears would attack and kill hogs belonging to the settlers. Sheep were not safe unless securely housed by night and guarded by day. The Lind-says at one time had a fine flock of about thirty sheep. The animals strayed away several miles from home, and owing to the approach of night could not be found. The next morning they were traced, and when found, twenty-nine were dead, killed by the wolves. They were skinned, and when the pelts were placed on the old horse, the combination looked like a hay stack in motion. The destruction of this flock of sheep was no laughing matter to the Lindsays. It was a long time ere they had another flock as fine. FIRST SALE OF MERCHANDISE. Nathaniel S. Dewey located in the southwestern part some time during the year 1839, and began selling from a small stock of goods worth, perhaps at first, about $100. Martin Perkey, then a resident of Northern Florence Township, and a very generous tobacco chewer, used his last 11 chew of the weed," and went to Dewey's store for a fresh supply. Dewey exhibited his stock of tobacco, consisting of " twist," which filled a small box about the size of those now used in the cigar trade. Mr. Perkey, in his enthusiasm and thankfulness, and thinking, doubtless as the boy did that "gimlets would be gimlets next year," wanted to purchase the entire supply, but Dewey would not sell all, as others of his customers must be accommodated. Two good sized "twists " were sold, however, and the Judge to be went home reasonably happy. Dewey traded quite extensively with the Indians, who, at the early period, wandered in small bands all over the country. He kept powder, lead, whisky, tobacco, calico and trinkets, which were traded for furs and skins of all kinds. One day, two Indians, while in his store, became enraged at one another, drew their knives, and prepared for the encounter which seemed inevitable. Mr. Dewey, who was standing near, quietly opened the door, and when one of the Indians came past it, he violently pushed the blood-thirsty red skin BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP - 505 out into the yard and closed the door. A little parleying settled the matter. Joseph Back tells a laughable incident of Metea, the Pattawatomie chief. This fine old fellow came one day to Back's cabin, and was invited to dine with the family. He seated himself at the table with the others, and after a few minutes took out a big bottle of whisky and passed it around the table, all taking a hearty drink of the fiery liquid. This soon served to warm and mellow all hearts, especially that of Metea, who repassed the bottle till all the liquor had disappeared. As soon as the last had been swallowed, Metea took from his clothing a deer bladder filled with a fresh supply of whisky, and raising the nozzle to his lips, filled his capacious mouth, and then squirted its contents into the bottle, repeating the performance to the intense amusement of those around him, until the glass vessel was again full. He then, nothing daunted by the mirth of his companions, handed the bottle out to be again passed aroung, but this was refused ; all had had enough. ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP The following is quoted from the records of the County Commissioners of March, 1839: "Upon application made by W. H. B. Smith and others, the board order that there be a new township created and organized, to be known and designated by the name of Bridgewater Township, to be composed of the following territory : All the original surveyed townships of Ranges 3 and 4 west, Townships 9 and 10 south, and the west tier of sections in Townships 9 and 10 south, Range 2 west, of the Michigan Meridian. Election to be held at the house of Daniel Smith on the first Monday in April, 1839." All the men then living in the township except, perhaps, some two or three, met to effect the organization of the township. It will be noticed that, at this time, Northwest was attached to Bridgewater. From the township record of this election, which is yet in existence. it seems that this first election was held on the 1st day of April. The Judges of Election were Daniel Smith, Miles Putnam and Robert Follett; and the Clerks, Nathaniel S. Dewey and Curtis Cogswell. The following officers were elected: Trustees, Hiram Covell, Asa Church and Chandler bit; Clerk, Anson Smith; Overseers of the Poor, Robert Follett and Miles Putnam ; Superintendent of Roads, Asa Smith; Fence Viewers, N. S. Dewey, Erastus G. Back and Asa Smith; Constables, Erastus G. Back and Asa Smith; School Inspectors, N. S. Dewey, Curtis Cogswell and Robert Follett. On the 16th of April, the same year, the Trustees appointed Asa Smith, Treasurer. All these officers-elect qualified except Erastus G. Back, as Constable. In October, 1839, Asa Church ran off with a woman living in the neighborhood, and Curtis Cogswell was appointed Trustee to fill his 506 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. unexpired term. On the 28th of September, 1839, Daniel Smith and Chandler Holt were elected Justices of the Peace. It will be noticed that, at this election, no officer was elected from the attached township of Northwest. On the 2d of March, 1840, the township was laid off into the following school districts : 1—To commence at the southeast corner of the township, thence north to the quarter-post of Section 30, thence west to the quarter-post on the west side of Section 26, thence south to the old State line, thence east to the place of beginning. 2—To commence at the quarter-post on the east side of Section 30, thence north to the State line, thence west on said line to the west side of Section 7, Township 9, Range 3, thence south until directly west of the quarter-post of Section 30, thence east to the place of beginning. 3—To commence at the southeast corner of Section 10, Township 10 south, thence north to the quarter-post on the east side of Section 27, thence west on the quarter-line to the west side of Section 30, thence south to the southwest corner of Section 7, thence east to the place of beginning. 4—To commence at the southeast corner of Section 12, Township 10 south, Range 4 west, thence north to the State line, thence west on the Michigan line to the Indiana line, thence south on this line to the southwest corner of Section 8, Township 10 south, Range 4 west, thence east to the place of beginning. At the same time, three road districts were established: No. 1, coinciding with School District No. 1 ; No. 2, with School District No. 2, and No. 3 including the remainder of the present Bridgewater Township, and all of the present Northwest Township. THE SECOND GENERAL ELECTION. This was held on the 6th of April, 1840. Chandler Holt, Hiram Covell and Curtis Cogswell were Judges of Election, and Anson Smith and Ozias M. Billings, of Northwest, Clerks. The following officers were elected: Trustees, Hiram Covell, Owen McCarty and Robert Follett; Clerk, Chandler Holt; Treasurer, Miles Putnam; Overseers of the Poor, Erastus Back and David P. Wilcox; Constables, D. P. Wilcox and William P. Back ; Supervisor of Road District, No. 1, Chandler bolt; No. 2, Miles Putnam ; No. 3, Hiram Covell; Fence Viewers, E. G. Back, Miles Putnam and D. P. Wilcox; Trustees of School Land, Robert Follett, Hiram Covell and E. G. Back; Treasurer of School Land, Curtis Cogswell; Inspectors of Schools, Robert Follett, Chandler Holt and Curtis Cogswell. On the 16th of April, 1840, David P. Wilcox was elected Justice of the Peace. About this time, nearly all the old settlers began to record their ear marks. That of Erastus Back was a square crop off the end of the right ear, and a haping under the same. That of Chandler Holt, a haping under both ears. On the 1st of March, BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP - 507 1841, the school districts were reduced to three, or rather, they remained the same, for Northwest then had a separate township organization. Another road district was created at this time. As time went on, the road districts and school districts were constantly altered to meet new demands and conditions. The first highway was the Angola road. In 1842, the Trustees ordered paid to Simeon Cobb, as relief fund, the sung of $8. Some time later, the following appears upon the record: " Proceeded to examine Owen McCarty's account for milling seven bushels of grain for Simeon Cobb, and ordered him paid $1.75. Proceeded t examine Miles Putnam's account of provisions for Simeon Cobb, and gave him an order of $6 for the same." In April, 1858. there were fifty eight men in the township liable for military duty. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. In 1839, Curtis Cogswell planted the first orchard in the township. and several of the trees are yet standing, the top of one measuring fifty- feet in diameter. The trunk of another is about seven and a half feet in circumference. George H. Smith, son of Asa Smith, was born in the township March 5, 1838. This was the first birth. The death of Mrs. Adams, in 1842, was the first. The marriage of E. G. Back and Luc. Sumner, in October, 1839, was the first. A post office was establish at the house of Chandler Holt April 14, 1846, he being the Postmaster The name of the office was Bridgewater. Dr. William D. Stout, who came to the township in about the year 1846, was the first resident practicing physician. He was a noted deer hunter and was notoriously laz an indispensable constitutional element in the "make up " of a successful hunter. If an early settler sent in the morning, in great haste, for him, for the relief of some member of his family, the good doctor would take his rifle, hunt all day and reach the sick person about night. It is humorously stated, that he was so inordinately lazy that when he accidentally fell down while hunting in the woods, he would remain down until he had killed four or five deer. There is truth as well as humor in this statement. The best way in the world to hunt deer is to find a spot where they are likely to pass, and then sit down and patiently wait for their appearance. The most patient hunter would kill the most deer. The doctor was most patient. In the meantime, his patients suffered by his neglect. Much of the wheat raised in the township very early was conveyed to Adrian, Mich., and not a little was carted to Toledo. Defiance was also a market often visited. Its streets were often lined with wagons loaded with wheat, the teams being one, two and three yoke of oxen. In 1840, there was not a horse in the township and only fifty-one cattle, but in 1842 there were six horses and sixty-two cattle. The total 508 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. value of personal property the latter year was $736, the tax on the same being $14.35. A man named Brown killed a bear in the township many years ago; under what circumstances could not be learned. The severest obstacle for the earliest settlers to contend with was the utter absence of money. This forced all the earliest families to be almost wholly self-supporting. They fed themselves, clothed themselves, paid their taxes with coon skins, worked hard and finally came "out of the woods.'' Whalon Lindsay says, with the greatest sincerity, in a figurative way, that "silver dollars were as big as wagon wheels." The figure needs no explanation. Men dressed largely in buckskin, and, if not in that, in linseywoolsey, colored with bark or leaves from the woods. Ready-made clothing could not be obtained in those days, even in the older settlements. The wives and mothers did all such work, buying the cloth by the yard and having a "sewing bee" when the winter or summer suits were to be made for the family. Ordinary dress goods for the women was common factory cloth, colored a grayish brown with maple bark. When robed in a clean, new suit of this colored cloth, the pioneer girl or woman looked as handsome as need be, and when her head was surmounted with one of those sun-bonnets whose limits knew no bounds, and whose countless colors surpassed anything ever dreamed of by Dolly Varden or Oscar Wilde, the picture was too intensely supreme for any use. Many of the able-bodied male residents of the township between 1840 and 1850 belonged to the militia company of Capt. Cressey, of Montpelier. As early as 1840, this company met at the very new village of Bryan, where they were introduced to the rudiments of military maneuvering. Training day was an important event in that early time that is unknown to the present generation. In a very early day, Clark Backus and one of the Sumners, while hunting in the southern part of the township, discovered, on fractional Section 12, two large mounds, some six or seven feet in height and fifty or sixty feet in diameter. They afterward went back and opened one of the mounds, and took therefrom two skeletons, one very large and the other of ordinary size. Mr. Sumner had some conscientious scruples in thus invading the sanctuary of the dead, and refused to open any others, and insisted on placing the skeletons already taken out back in their resting place. This was accordingly done. The bones belonged to members of the race of Mound-Builders (not the Indians), which inhabited this country, the majority of authorities say, long before the Indians appeared, and thousands of years ago. EARLY TAVERNS, STORES, ASHERIES, MILLS, ETC. Curtis Cogswell kept one of the first public houses in the township, opening his doors to the public not far from the year 1848. He hung BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP - 509 out a sign with "Traveler's Dome" emblazoned thereon. Several pettifogers were suffered to live in the township in early times. A man named Thompson was one of them. Mr. Back's barn, raised on the 4th of July, 1840, was the first frame building in the township. A large crowd of men and boys assembled, and all were served with a splendid picnic dinner. The first attempt in the township to build a sawmill or a grist-mill, was that made by Tucker, as narrated in the beginning of this chapter. The second attempt—a successful one—was made in 1844, by Riley W. Parker, Benjamin B. Van Court and Richard Wittington. A dam was constructed across the Little St. Joseph, at Bridgewater Centre (the remains of which are yet in existence, about a hundred feet west of the bridge), and a rude frame structure was erected, in which was placed the machinery. The mill in its time was an excellent one, and was a blessing to the settlers for miles around. It attracted immigration, many locating there almost wholly on account of the mill. When it is recollected that the prime object in a new colony is the rapid settlement and improvement of the country by honest, industrious and intelligent new-comers, and when it is known that this saw-mill attracted such men, its vast benefit to the township will be partially understood. In a short time, a small set of “niggerhead " buhrs were placed in an apartment of the mill, and used for about eight years. Flow well the settlers appreciated this rude grist-mill will never be thoroughly understood, for it is practically impossible to realize the extent of the hardships and privations to be encountered by the pioneers. The stones were about two feet in diameter, and the bolt was made of muslin. The saw-mill saw its best days from 1845 to 1850. Wittington did not long continue a partner, and Parker sold out to Thomas Hodson and Nathaniel Pettinger, and finally David Iler bought the entire mill about 1855. The mill was discontinued many years ago. In about the year 1848, Elias Depew erected a very large, three-storied frame grist-mill in the southeastern part, on the St. Joseph's River. The structure was about 40x60 feet, containing three or more run of stone, and required the united labor of over one hundred men three days to erect the heavy frame work. A sawmill was built near it, and after both mills had done an excellent work for the township, until about the commencement of the last war, they were destroyed by fire under somewhat suspicious circumstances. Nathaniel Pettinger and Clark Backus erected a saw-mill at the Centre about 1856. Chandler Holt devised a new motor, which he called the "lever power." A horse was to turn a sweep, and then, by means of a mysterious system of levers, a power was to be generated that was to do wonderful things. The owners had considerable faith in the "lever power," but when it came to be tested, it proved a lamentable failure, as it was an utter viola- 510 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. tion of the simplest mechanical principles. An engine took the place of the "lever power," and the mill is yet in existence, doing excellent work under the ownership and management of Stedman & Fisher. A steam saw-mill was built some eighteen years ago, on the site of the old Depew grist-mill, by Poynter & Davis. It was mysteriously destroyed by fire. Some twelve years ago a steam saw-mill was built in the western part at “Fuddletown." Mr. Brown owns the mill at present. Another water mill was built in the southwestern part, on Nettle Creek, some years ago, and is yet in operation. Many portable saw-mills have been operated in the township. B. B. Van Court and Francis Lindsay erected frame dwellings in 1850, the first in the township. Wittington conducted an ashery and a small store on Section 36, beginning about 1843. After about a year and a half, Alexander Parker bought the business. Riley Parker also owned an interest there. Two tons of potash were manufactured per week. Goods were given from the small stock for ashes. Clark Backus, Whalen Lindsay and many others, conducted asheries in early times. Asheries were very profitable when properly managed. Hill & Marshall conducted a store during the last war, on Section 36, and did an excellent business from a stock worth probably $4,000. John Wisman has a store at present in the western part; he is Postmaster, the name of the office being Ainger. Men named Babcock and Strong turned wooden bowls many years ago. An excellent brick and tile yard is in full operation in the southeastern part at present. The Grangers and Good Templars have had organizations in the township for short periods. A horse-thief society flourished for a short time. The first blacksmith was J. M. Face ; the first shoemaker, Daniel Smith, and the first carpenter, E. G. Back. VILLAGE OF BRIDGEWATER CENTRE. On the 6th of March, 1871, Joseph Diebely, owner and proprietor, employed A. T. Bennett, County Surveyor, and laid out twelve lots on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 27, Township 9 south, Range 3 west, and named the village as above. The lots were all west of State street, three being south of School street, and nine north. The town, however, had started long before this. In about the year 1850, Edington Sterner opened a country store about a mile north of Centre; but, three years later, moved his store to the latter place. At the end of some two years, he sold out to Robert Scannel. Clark Backus and Henry Bennett were in with goods soon after this. They were followed by Putnam & Corbett, Horace P. Moore, James Beatty, Waldo Corbett, T. C. Whitney (who has continued in business there until the present) and John Hagerman (also in business at present). Among the doctors who have resided at the village are W. D. Stout, BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP - 511 Weldon, James Stewart, Munn, William Denman, W. T. Clute, J. W. Williams, and the present physician, Richard F. Lamson, an excellent man and an experienced and well-read doctor, who located in the village some sixteen years ago. Nathaniel Pettinger was the first blacksmith there, and Isaac Davis the second. Russell & Co. manufactured tables, stands, bedsteads, etc., a number of years ago. The census of 1880 gives to the township 7,520 acres of plowland; 4,658.41 acres of meadow and pasture land; 9,321.94 acres of uncultivated and woodland ; value of lands exclusive of buildings, $317,097; value of houses, $22,523; value of mills, $2,400 ; value of other buildings, $19,065; average value of land per acre, $14.75 ; three churches valued at $5,200 ; four cemeteries, each covering an acre of land, and all valued at $170 ; and ten schoolhouses, with four and three-fourths acres of land, all valued at $3,600. ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS. In 1840, the township was divided into school districts, as stated in this chapter a few pages back. District No. 1 was in the southeastern part; District No. 2 was in the northeastern part; District No. 3 was in the southwestern part; and District No. 4 was the present Northwest Township. There does not seem to have been made any disposition of the northwest part of the township, doubtless from the fact that such section of country contained no settlers ; but, finally, when Northwest Township was detached from Bridgewater, and had a separate organization, all the northern half of the latter became School District No. 2. In February, 1841, William A. Brown, County Auditor, made the following apportionment of school funds for Bridgewater Town- ship :   For District No. 1, $7.86 ; for District No. 2, $5.548 ; for District No. 3, $0.924 ; for District No. 4, $2.311. In the spring of 1841, the first schoolhouse in the township was built in District No. 1, on Anson Smith's farm; and during the summer of the same year Miss Mary McCrillis was employed to teach a term of three months. The house was a small, rude, log structure, with rough clapboard desks and seats, small windows, and a huge fire-place, which, when filled with burning limbs and logs, was the most cheerful feature in the room, except, perhaps, the handsome teacher. The summer was cold and wet, and it was found necessary to keep a fire a portion of the time. Curtis Cogswell, Chandler Holt, Asa Smith, Anson Smith, Daniel Smith and Simeon Cobb sent children to Miss McCrillis. This young lady was handsome, lively, good company, and quite a flirt. One of the oldest men now living in the township, then a handsome, stalwart young fellow, conceived a passion for Miss McCrillis, and, with her permission and sanction, " sat up " with her the greater portion of three nights (luring 512 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. each week at the beginning of the term. In consequence of this habitual nocturnal wakefulness, the young lady was very drowsy the following days in the school room, and would often fall asleep in her chair, only to awake with a start at some unusual noise occasioned by the mischief of her scholars. It is even asserted that she would sometimes stretch herself at full length upon a seat and slumber sweetly, while the scholars, on tip-toe, with constant warnings to each other to make no noise, would convert the school room into a curiosity shop ; or, perhaps, desert it altogether. Finally, she was discharged by the Directors, and on the 12th of July, 1841, Asa Smith, Treasurer, paid her $7.50, her wages in full for the time she had taught. Miss Heritage was employed to teach the remainder of the term. In March, 1842, the following apportionments of township school funds was made by the County Auditors: For District No. 1, $9.115; for District No. 2, 86.438; for District No. 3, $1.074 ; and for District No. 4, $2.681. Total, $19.308. Changes and additions were slowly made to the school districts, until, in 1846, they numbered seven, and were located as follows: No. 1, in the southeastern part; No. 2, in the northeastern part; No. 3, in the southwestern part; No. 7, in the northwestern part; No. 4, between Nos. 2 and 7; No. 5, between Nos. 1 and 3; and No. 6 between Nos. 3 and 7. The following will further illustrate the position of each district : In 1848, No. 1 enumerated thirty-eight scholars; No. 2, forty-nine scholars; No. 3, twenty-six scholars; No. 4, twenty-two scholars ; No. 5, thirty scholars; No. 6, nine scholars, and No. 7, five scholars. The first schoolhouse in District No. 1 was referred to above. Albert Sumner taught about two weeks in this house the winter of 1841-42, and Abigail Gordon the following summer. The house was used about three years, when a hewed-log schoolhouse was erected half a mile south of the present building. Joseph Rogers, who taught the winter of 1844-45, was the first teacher in this house, and John Updike taught the following winter. Abigail Gordon and Mary Clark were also early teachers. About the time this house was built, another was erected near the present residence of Joseph Back. In about 1852, the Leonardson District, a mile and a half south of Back's, was provided with a frame schoolhouse. In about 1850, the frame yet standing near BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP - 513 Cogswell's was built. A log schoolhouse was built in the southwestern part as early as 1843, and was located on James Allman's farm. This house was used some twelve or fifteen years, when the district was divided, and the Waterston house, a frame, was built in the western part, and a frame was also built near the site of the old log house. School had then been taught in District No. 5 and in District No. 6 as early as 1845 ; but no houses had been constructed, so far as recollected, until this division was made, at which time frame buildings were built in the three districts, 3, 5 and 6. This was not far from 1857. In 1866, the Waterston Schoolhouse was destroyed by fire. The early teachers in this house had been Lucy Frisbee, Cornelia Squires and Jeremiah Rockwell. In the fall of 1866, a log schoolhouse was built a short distance north of the one that was burned, Angelica Gay being the first teacher. Nine years ago the present frame house was built, Libbie Waterston being the first teacher. The second Brandeburg Schoolhouse was built about 1857, and, at about the same time, one was also built about a mile south of it. The present house, in the former district, was erected a few years ago. A log school building was built in the Sumner neighborhood, in the northern part, in about the year 1843, and was used until about 1850, when it was succeeded by a frame structure. Sumner, Ayres, Willcox and Lindsay sent children to the old log house. Not far from 1845, a log schoolhouse was erected in the McCarty District, in the northeastern part. It was succeeded by the "Round Schoolhouse," built near Mr. Shapley's in about the year 1853. Five years ago the school districts in the northern part were re-arranged, and newhouses built. A log schoolhouse once stood in the northwest part in the Osborn District, but a frame house succeeded it about twenty-five years ago. Van Court and Wittington built a frame schoolhouse at the Centre thirty-four years ago (1848), the house being located just north of the present church, and Sirena Lindsay being the first teacher. This is said to have been the first frame school building in the township. It was used until 1870, when the present frame was erected at a cost of $600. Bridgewater has good schools. RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. But little could be learned concerning the early church history of the township. It is certain that services were held at a very early day at the residences of the settlers, and that a small class of Methodists assembled in the old log schoolhouse near Mr. Cogswell's. Circuit riders visited this little band of worshipers once every two to four weeks. In almost every school district, religious classes have met some time in the history of the township, and almost every denomination has been thus represented. The first church structure was erected in the southern part, in 1870, by mem- 514 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. bers of that denomination known as Church of God. The building is said to have cost nearly $3,000, and was dedicated January 1, 1871. The class had been organized a few years before, though, when they came to build the church, they were not financially strong enough, and were materially assisted by members of other denominations and outsiders. The class grew stronger when the church was built, and founded a well-attended Sunday school, which has continued, with intervals, to meet until the present. The old Sumner frame schoolhouse, when disused for educational purposes, was purchased for $78.75, and, after passing a critical period of its existence, was transformed into a church, and formally dedicated to God. The house is open to any and all religious denominations. The United Brethren, the Church of God and the Free Methodists have had classes there. These classes were organized from ten to fifteen years ago. Rev. David Green founded the Methodist class; Rev. Joseph Neal started the Church of God, and Rev. Aaron Lilly instituted the United Brethren Society. The last two classes are yet in existence. The Disciples and Universalists and Spiritualists have used the house. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Centre was constructed in 1875, and cost $2,600. At that time Rev. L. E. Prentice was the pastor in charge. He was succeeded by Rev. L. T. Clark, and then by Rev. J. L. Rusbridge, and then by Rev. Alderman, the present pastor, who resides at Pioneer. This class was organized many years ago, and, until their church was built, met in schoolhouses. The class now numbers about twenty-five, and are out of debt and in good financial condition. They received much help from other denominations and outsiders in the construction of their frame church, with the understanding that the house was to be used by other, orthodox denominations when not used by the Methodists. A fine Sunday school has been in session nearly all the time since the house was built. Joseph W. Back, one of the best citizens of the township, is class leader. The United Brethren Church, in the western part, erected their church (Liberty Chapel) eleven years ago. The class had been organized by Rev. David Holmes many years before, in the Brandeberry Schoolhouse. The first class consisted of Conrad Brandeberry, Jane Brandeburg, Lucina Covell, Catharine Rainey, Willaim Rainey, Sarah Rainey, John W. Rainey and a few others. The pastors, in succession, have been Revs. David Holmes, Crossland and Cross, Crossland, George Stewart, J. Lower, Joseph Brown, G. Bowersox, D. Holmes, Miller and Bundy, Miller (the pastor when church was built), Waldorff, Tuttle, Redman, Allwood, Bechtel, Holmes, Clay and Martin. The church cost about $1,700. William Rainey gave of this $275; John Gardner, $200; John Miller, $100; Alexander Waterston, $75 ; Simon Waterston, $50 ; James Waterston, $50 ; Thomas Waterston, $35; MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP - 515 William Waterston, $25; Ezra Welch, $50; Jennett Waterston, $25; Sarah Ann Rainey, $25; the Friends, $45; Francis Crawl, $30; Jackson De Long, $25; George Skinner, $25; John Bailey, $25, and a host of others for small amounts. A Sunday school was started when the church was built. A fine frame union church was built near Mr. Cogs- well's last year, at a cost of about $1,600, all denominations in the neighborhood and outsiders uniting means for that purpose. The house was designed for any and every religious creed or class, and for the purpose of holding funeral services in, as it is located near a cemetery of the citizens. MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. BY C. F. GRISIER. “Here shall the spring its earliest sweets bestow. Here the first roses of the year shall blow." Mill Creek Township was settled about as early as any township in the county. The soil is of the best, the lands comparing favorably with any in Northwestern Ohio. Wheat, corn, oats, barley, flax and other grain are always a full crop. Of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, Mill Creek always furnishes its share. The citizens are thriving, social and accommodating. The Detroit & Butler Division of the Wabash Railroad runs through the township, and has two stopping places—Mill Creek and Alvordton. FIRST SETTLERS. The first settlers were Theron Landon, Josiah Woodworth, George Berone, James Black, Joseph Haines, John Haines and some others who moved in the years of 1835 and 1836. Talman and Joseph Reasoner, Justice Alvord and Samuel G. Wallace were also among the early settlers. Among those who settled in the strip which has since been set off to Fulton County were Abijah Coleman, David Severence and John Gillett ; Alanson Pike, Nathan Fellows, Calvin Ackley and Elijah Masters were also among the early settlers of the eastern portion of the township Jacob Landis and Joseph Miller of the western portion. ADVENTURE WITH A BEAR. In the early days, and before Jackson ran for President the first time, John Gillett had an adventure with a bear, which he used to tell to his neighbors and children in after years. The adventure happened near the Mill Creek River, and we give it in his own words as near as possible : "I had known for some time, by the signs, that there was a nest 516 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. of cub bears somewhere in the neighborhood, so one day I concluded that I would put in my time finding them, as a party in Adrain wanted a pair to send over to Baltimore to a friend who was fond of outlandish pets. You see that it was along about the first of September, and pretty warm at that, and after walking up and down the creek, I began to get pretty tired ; so I sat down by the side of a smooth stump about twelve or fourteen feet high to rest. I hadn't sat there more than a minute until I heard something inside the stump, and soon made out that it was a couple of cub bears playing with one another. I looked on all sides of the stump to find an opening, but none was to be seen. Then I happened to notice the marks of claws up the side of the stump, and I understood it. The hole went in at the top. I set my gun against a bush, up-ended the branch of a tree, and was soon at the top of the stump, looking in at the two cubs, which were about the size of full-grown rat dogs. I was so excited that I jumped down into the stump and grabbed the cubs. They at first began to squeal, and then turned on me for fight. But they were small enough to handle, and in a minute or two I had their mouths tied so they could not bite, and their feet fastened so they could not scratch. I knew that the old bear would be along pretty soon and make it hot for me if she found me in the nest, so I swung the youngsters into my buckskin belt preparatory to getting out. Get out ? Did I get out? Land of love! It makes me shiver to think of it yet. I could no more get out of that stump than I could fly. The hollow was bell-shaped, larger at the bottom than at the top—so large, in fact, that I could not put my back against one side and my feet and hands against the other and crawl up, as rabits and other animals climb up inside of hollow trees. In no way could I get up a foot. There were no sticks inside to help me up, and I made up my mind I had to die certain. About the time I came to this conclusion I heard the old bear climbing up the outside of the stump. With only my hunting knife as a means of defense, and in such close quarters, you may possibly imagine the state of my feelings. The old bear was not more than half a minute, at the outside, climbing up the stump, but it seemed like a month, at least. I thought of all my sins a dozen times over. At last she reached the top, but she didn't seem to suspect my presence at all, as she turned round and began slowly descending, tail foremost. I felt as though my last hour had come, and I began to think seriously about lying down and let the bear kill me, so as to get out of my misery as quickly as possible. Suddenly an idea struck me, and despair gave way to hope. I drew out my hunting-knife and stood on tip-toe. When the bear was about seven feet from the bottom of the hollow, I fastened on her tail with my left hand with a vise-like grip, and with my right hand drove my hunting- MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP - 519 knife to the hilt in her haunch, at the same time yelling like a whole tribe of Indians. What did she do? Well, you should have seen the performance. She didn't stop to reflect a moment, but shot out at the top of the stump like a bullet out of a gun. I held on until we struck the ground. Then the old bear went like lightning into the brush, and was out of sight in half a minute. I took the cubs to Adrian the next day and got 85 apiece for them, and in those times $5 was as good as $50 now." SCHOOLHOUSES AND CHURCHES. The first school building was built on Section 26, in the old limits, the first in the present limits being erected on the present site of the Lutheran Church, Section 20. This was the first church built in the township, and was dedicated in the winter of 1871. The next one was on Section 5, belonging to the Evangelists. The first school was taught by Joseph Reasoner. FIRST BIRTH, MARRIAGE, DEATH, ETC. The first birth was that of Hannah Woodworth. She was born in the spring of 1839. Mrs. Rachel Aldrich was the first person who died in the township; the date of her death was April 18, 1836. Theron Landon was the first resident of the township who was married. He was also the first Justice of the Peace. The first cemetery was started on Section 34, but was soon vacated, and another, now in use, started on Section 27, and called the "Town Cemetery." VILLAGES. Four villages have been started, but until the present time have amounted to very little. Since the railroad went through, Alvordton has taken a jump, and improvements are being made in the town every day. The names of the other places are, Primrose, Milicreek and Hamer. The first store was opened by Landon & Haines in 1853, at Hamer. A post office was kept at this place until 1874. The first saw-mill was erected in 1855, by George Berone. The store kept by O. S. Smith was destroyed by fire in 1873. This was the first building destroyed by fire in the township. GENERAL FEATURES. The township is drained by Mill Creek and its branches, and is the smallest township in the county. When Mr. Landon settled, he had his choice of going either to Adrian, thirty-seven miles, or to Brunersburgh, thirty miles, to get his milling done. Mr. Landon was a resident of Mill Creek Township until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1879. Of the earliest settlers, only a few remain. R 520 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. AMUSING INCIDENT. Many stories could be told of the early settlers, but Mr. Landon used to tell of one amusing incident that happened to him, which does not look as there was “much fun in it." He was rolling a piece of plowed land, when he slipped and fell. Before he could rise, the roller passed up his legs, and rested in the hollow of his back. At this point the oxen, which were supplying the motive power, becoming conscious of an unusual resistance, and feeling no special inducement to move on, came to a halt, and began to chew the cud in placid enjoyment of an unexpected rest. Manifestly, it would not do for Mr. Landon to start them, for in that case the roller would inevitably pass over his head, to the great detriment of that valuable organ. He accordingly began to dig himself out as noiselessly as possible, and he had almost succeeded, when the oxen advanced a step, and drew the roller across his shoulders. Thus pinioned, his only resource was to wave his legs silently in the air, in the hopes that some passer-by would be attracted by the unusual spectacle. This tedious maneuver was unsuccessful, but at the end of an hour some men at work in an adjoining field, wondering why the oxen should stand so long in one spot, and unattended, approached to ascertain, and the farmer was rescued, out of breath, very dusty, but uninjured. ALVORDTON AT THE PRESENT TIME. Time with places, as with everything else, brings changes. So it is with the town of Alvordton. Since the railroad has been running through the place everybody is prospering; buildings are going up on every hand, some new business starting up every month. H. D. Alvord, in honor of whom the town is named, is Postmaster and Notary Public. Mr. Alvord has done more for the advancement of the town than any other man, and at present is erecting one of the largest and finest stone and brick hotel buildings that can be seen in this section of the country, and one of which the citizens of Alvordton may well feel proud. It is far the best constructed building in the county, and we might say on this side of Toledo. The building is three stories in height and covers about forty-four by fifty-four feet of ground. The grounds around comprise three lots and are laid out with shade and evergreen trees. But one forgets to think of the outside when once he has entered the door. The interior of the house is simply elegant. The parlor and drawing room, both large rooms, can be thrown into one, at pleasure, having folding doors between them. The dining room is very large and handsomely finished. Single and double bed-rooms are sufficient to accommodate all who may stop at this house. William C. Gill, of West Unity, was the architect. The business men of Alvordton are as follows: MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP - 521 Catlin & Treat, dry goods, groceries, etc. Their present stock of goods is very large and complete, consisting of a finely arranged stock of notions, a tasty assortment of dry and dress goods, while the shirting and jeans department cannot be beaten. A large portion of the shelving is filled with one of the best boot and shoe stocks in town. The counters are variously piled up with clothing, prints, cloths, muslins, etc., and the show cases are filled with an assortment of lighter articles belonging to this business. Isaac Shaeffer, drugs, groceries, paints, etc. A fine apartment amply filled up for the purpose. The shelving on one side is filled with a large stock of prescription drugs, and everything else used by our medical men. On the opposite side is a complete assortment of every imaginable patent medicine, enough, if one-half of their ample promises were true, to forever banish disease from this suffering world of ours. A full line of groceries and paints is also kept. The show cases are filled with a tasty variety of the light articles incident to a business of this nature. Shipman & Page, hardware, etc. The store of this firm is filled with an ample stock of shelf and heavy hardware, iron, stoves, etc. The exceIlent variety of stoves embraces nearly every size, price and style, suited to a country trade. They deal largely in wagon material and farm implements. A good tinshop is connected with the store. William Keiser, butcher, carries on quite an extensive meat market, which has a large share of patronage. He is accommodating, and the people find him a clever gentleman to deal with. William Cassel, harness dealer, deserves attention. He carries a full line of the stock goods incident to the trade, and, being a man of good business ability and an excellent workman, and as his class of goods are a staple, his success is assured. PRIMROSE. One mile north of Alvordton is the live little town of Primrose. Below we give the names of the different firms doing business at this place R. Gamble, dry goods, groceries, etc. This gentleman is a man of recognized business abilities. He has one of the best stocks in the county, and as good a trade as any other house in similar business. The business carried on embraces dry goods, notions, fancy goods, hosiery, gloves shirts, under-garments, laces, hats and caps, boots and shoes, crockery, groceries, etc. Bricker & Stahl, hardware, etc. This firm is extensively and favorably known, although they have only been in business a few years. They keep a full stock of everything in their line, and customers cannot fail to be accommodated. Their trade is constantly increasing and they have a stock second to none in the county. 522 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. William Moyer's nursery. This gentlemen has at present the full trade in the nursery line, as he owns the only one in the county. Mr. Moyer has been located many years on this farm and has at present a fine lot of fruit and ornamental trees which he is selling at reasonable rates. For want of a hotel in the village Mr. Moyer accommodates the traveling public with board and lodging. John Sampson keeps the post office and a full line of fruits and confectioneries. A. A. Yagley is a practical boot and shoemaker, and understands everything connected with his trade. He uses nothing but the best material. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The Township Trustees of Mill Creek are: Silas Crum, Robert Newcomb and Thomas Moss. Township Clerk, G. WT. Cassel. Township Treasurer, John Bavin. PHYSICIANS. The doctors of Mill Creek Township are: Dr. William Noff, of Primrose. and Dr. A. Flora, of Alvordton. SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS. The first school building erected in School District No. 1 was in the year 1851. The first school teacher was Miss Sarah McClean. She is now living five miles east, at Fayette, having married Dr. Allen. A new schoolhouse was built in 1874. The teachers have been as follows: Sarah McClean, Marion Coman, Asher Axtell, William Ogle, Louis Baldwin, from 1857 to 1863 ; 1863, H. J. Heron; 1864, G. W. Cassel and H. J. Heron; 1865, Aaron S. Fox; 1866, Amillia Snyder and G. W. Cassel; 1867, A. M. Coman and G. W. Cassel; 1868, Malinda Doty and A. Ayers; 1869, Louisa Amsbaugh and A. A. Baxter; 1870, Lizzie Doughton and L. Amsbaugh; 1871, Sarah B. Doty; 1872, T. C. Derbin and Malinda Doty; 1873, Lloyd Mann and Homer Masters; 1874, S. B. Doty and Lloyd Mann; 1875-76, James Meehan; 1877-78, Emma Gillett and Orlando Hershiser; 1879-80, Anna Hansey; 1881, Helen Smith; 1882, Cassie Shilling. District No. 2 commenced school in the year 1853 ; but the records have been destroyed, and we can only go back to the year 1870, when the present schoolhouse was erected. The cost of this building was $600. The teachers were as follows: 1870, S. B. Doty; 1871, John White and Lucy Champion; 1872, Charley Hill and John M. White; 1873, ,Julia Spade and Homer Masters; 1874, Julia Spade and C. W. Marvin; 1875, Sarah R. Doty; 1876-77, Adula Huffman; 1878, John B. Bradhurst; 1879, Adula Huffman; 1880, O. H. Nill and John White; 188I, NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 523 Hattie Lovelass and Olive B. Richardson; 1882, Orlen Heshiser and Alice Stewart. Districts No. 3, 4 and 5 have kept no record of teachers employed. The first school in District No. 6 was taught in 1853. David Black was the first teacher; Jacob Clay, Chairman; Samuel Amsbaugh, Secretary of first School Board. Below we give the names of teachers from the commencement to 1881: 1854, Mahala A. Masters and M. H. Smith; 1855, Anette Ely and M. H. Smith; 1856, Sarah J. Baxter and M. II. Smith; 1857, Agnes M. Heron and Samuel Amsbaugh; 1858-59, Ellen Grant and M. H. Smith. In 1859, the school was repaired and remodeled. 1860, Charlotte Cogswell and D. K. Bushong; 1861, Anna Rings and M. H. Smith; 1862, Mary A. McMahan and D. Booth; 1863, D. Booth and Elanda Clay. In 1864, the board passed a resolution to build a new school building, and the contract was given to Philip and George Widner for $600. The old school building was sold for $5. The next teachers were: In 1865, Theodosia Snyder and Martha Snyder; 1866, Martha Snyder and W. H. Tiffany; 1867, Martin Hart and M. H. Doty; 1868, Miss S. Baxter and L. Baxter; 1870, Margaret Spade and L. Baxter; 1871, John Jones and Margaret Spade; 1872, W. B. Greek and Matilda Beck; 1873, Marcus Moris. (No record for 1874) 1875, James Crawford and George W. Finch; 1876, Elizabeth Bryan and F. Cooper; 1877, Ellen Smith and William Baltosser; 1878, Maggie Huffman and William Baltosser; 1879, Anny Hansey and D. C. Kimmell ; 1880, Adula Huffman and H. C. Smith; 1881, Alice M. Stewart and E. S. Gay. NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP. BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED. The territory embraced within the present limits of Northwest Township belonged to that historic ground which, in early years, involved two States in what was known as the "Ohio and Michigan Boundary War." Bounded on the north by the Harris line, the one which Ohio maintained was the true boundary ; and on the south by the Fulton line, which Michigan claimed was the true boundary, the territory of Northwest, with the strip of land of which it was a part, became the subject of a protracted and bitter controversy, that was not adjusted until the year 1836, at which time Michigan lost the disputed ground, more from her lack of power to enforce her claim, than from any other cause. Had Michigan been as powerful, numerically, as Ohio, she, with that old hero, President Jackson, as her friend and supporter, would undoubtedly have se- 524 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. cured the coveted territory. As it was, the entire strip between the Harris line and the Fulton line, became part and parcel of the Buckeye State. OWNERSHIP OF LAND. The situation of Northwest Township in the extreme corner of the county and State, and the fact that a portion of its territory was very low and wet in early years, postponed the settlement of the land until surrounding and better lands had been occupied and partially improved. It thus occurred, that nearly all the land in the township, except a few tracts of marsh, was entered by speculators and others, who never expected to reside in the township, but who designed to hold possession until the soil had risen in value, when it was sold, not to other speculators, but to those who expected to become actual and permanent settlers. In 1841, the following men, so far as the records show, were the only land owners in the township: Calet Dodge, Township 4, Range 9, Section 12 ; Benjamin Joy, Township 4, Range 9, Section 10; Matthew Keith, Township 4, Range 9, Section 12 ; Israel Parish, Township 4, Range 9, Sections 9 and 15; Robert Talbot, Township 4, Range 9, Sections 10, 13 and 14. During the same year, the following were the only men who paid tax on personal property; William Billings, Ozias Billings, James Knight, Richard Parish, Asa Parish, Adolphus Rogers and Thomas Whaley. These men, with perhaps a few others, were then the only residents of the township. At this time there was not a horse in the township, and only twenty-three cattle, valued at $184, the tax on the same being $2.42, all the tax paid that year, on personal property, by the township. In 1842, the following men owned land in the township: William Bancroft, James Beatholf, N. C. Baldwin, Amos Bigelow, Enos Beals, William Barnes, Edward Ripell, M. F. Baker, Lyman Brewer, Irvin Camp, Nathan Comstock, Calet Dodge, J. W. Devoe, Townsend Ellis, Russell Forsythe, Pliny Foster, Mr. Lester, Mr. Hance, W. P. Green, Benjamin Hornbeck, Jedediah Huntington, James H. Johnson, James D. Johnson, Benjamin Joy, Charles and Dwight Johnson, Matthew Keith, A. H. Morris, James Mather, Israel Parish, G. L. Perkins, John Reed, F. Q. Root, Peter C. Rowe, M. Steely, Mr. Sumner, Stiles Stanton, Thomas Southard, Robert Talbot, J. F. Trumbull, James White, Oliver Prescott, W. R. Rodman, C. W. Morgan, Thomas Whaley, James White, William Watson, Lucius Watson, Noah A. Whitney, Horace Waite, Calvin Welcher and Jonathan Petty. In 1842, those who paid personal property tax (on horses or cattle), were J. B. Butler, William Billings, Ozias Billings, George Matthews, Richard Parish, Asa Parish, Adolphus Rogers, Thomas Whaley, Jr., and Thomas Whaley, Sr. Not a horse was taxed this year, and only NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 525 twenty-one cattle, the tax being $2.35. At this time there were not more than twelve families living in the township. THE FIRST SETTLER. As near as can be learned, the first settler in the township was Aaron Burr Goodwin, about whose life a great deal of romance and mystery lingers. He was a man of fine education, was an excellent surveyor, and for years before the settlement of the township had been an Indian trader in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. He was possessed of a violent temper, which, when kindled, raged like a conflagration within him. He was brave, but cautious, and was wholly unscrupulous in his dealings, not only with the Indians, but also with the white settlers who were associated with him. He appeared in the township as early as the autumn of 1837, and might have been in a year or two before, as the exact time of his arrival could not be determined. He had taken two orphan children (a girl and a boy) from Cleveland, Ohio, to rear. The girl, Anna, afterward became the wife of Hiram Russell, who owned the land in the extreme northwest corner of the township, upon which the log cabin of Goodwin was located. The cabin was situated about forty rods northwest of the present residence of the old settler, Aldis Johnson, and was within about forty rods of the State lines of both Ohio and Indiana. Goodwin was an experienced gun-smith, and derived no little revenue from the Indians in tinkering their guns. He kept powder and lead, tobacco, calico, whisky and various trinkets and ornaments for the Indian trade. He kept just such things as the Indians must have, and, when his unscrupulous character and violent disposition are taken into consideration, the result of his constant intercourse with the red men may be easily guessed. His business was to take constant advantage of their wants by getting them drunk, and fleecing them to the uttermost farthing of their annuities and their valuable furs. He had many severe altercations with them, but managed to shield himself and his property from their attacks. It is said that he once shot an Indian whom he found stealing his potatoes, though this circumstance is purely traditionary. He told Aldis Johnson that on one occasion he succeeded in getting one hundred Indians drunk in the woods near his cabin, at which time he cheated them of large quantities of valuable skins and furs. One of the Indians, when thus drunk, was ugly, and wanted more whisky, but was refused. He drew his tomahawk and struck a violent blow at Goodwin ; but the latter avoided the stroke, and sprang into the cabin, quickly closing and barring the door. The infuriated Indian split the door down with his tomahawk, but was driven away by the rifle of Goodwin. On another occasion a very untractable and savage Indian was cheated of an unusually large and fine 526 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. bear skin, whereupon he threatened to kill Goodwin at the first opportunity. The Indian, whose name was Big Jack, was one of the most des. perate and revengeful of his band, and was greatly feared by Goodwin, who knew that he would lose no chance of putting his threat into direful execution. This threat and other hostile demonstrations from Indians who had been cheated and abused, rendered the situation of Goodwin precarious, and he became very cautious in all his movements. He scarcely dared to venture from his cabin at night, and was constantly on his guard during his cabin at night, and was constantly on his guard during the day. This led to the report that he was cowardly, but precisely the reverse was the case. He was simply prudent, and had reason to be so. At last, when he found that Big Jack was slowly and stealthily getting the advantage of him, he offered Thomas Knight a $10 gold-piece to shoot the Indian, but the latter refused to commit the murder. Events went on without any serious occurrence until a short time afterward, when the removal of the Indians westward terminated the siege of Goodwin's cabin. Goodwin had formerly lived, it is said, near Jackson, Mich., where he had been an Indian trader. He was for a time mail-carrier in that section of country, and carried the valuables of Uncle Sam in his hat, if reports are reliable. After a residence in the township of some six or eight years, he moved to Iowa or Illinois. His subsequent movements are unknown. THE POTTAWATOMIES. Previous to about the year 1843, members of the above tribe habitually encamped temporarily in the vicinity of Nettle Lake, around which, in the swamps, almost every species of wild game could be found. On the old Knight homestead, just north of the lake, was a spot where the Indians had assembled at certain seasons for many years. Wigwams of bark and poles had been constructed, which survived the intervals of non-occupancy, and were soon made tenantable for the Indians by coverings of skins and fresh supplies of basswood bark. Any abundance of fine fish inhabited the lake, and afforded an excellent variation in the limited food for the Indian. Along the shores of the lake, finding a home in the swamps, minks and otters dwelt; and, it is said by Thomas Knight, a few beavers also were there. The township was one unbroken forest of heavy timber, except in the southwestern part, where, on the sandy soil, were a few oak openings. Considerable swampy land was to be seen, more than at present, as the ax of the husbandman has remorselessly leveled scores of acres of magnificent natural forests, and the rays of the sun, unchecked by the natural covering of the soil, have drank up the superficial waters. Not a road was to be seen, but here and there, throughout the tangled wildwood, old and well-traveled Indian trails wound NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 527 around on the higher lands, centering at the permanent and temporary villages. Hundreds of deer wandered through the township, browsing on the rich verdure of grass and bush. Packs of ravenous wolves infested the woods, chasing down deer or other inoffensive animals, and filling the affrighted air of night with their wild and discordant music. Panthers and catamounts were sometimes heard at night, uttering their peculiar and terrifying cries. Bears were frequently seen, walking the kings of the woods. Nothing human was to be found, save the few bands of Indians who were almost as wild as their daily companions, the beasts. Dangerous and venomous reptiles inhabited every acre of land, and all was silence and solitude. This was the Northwest Township of forty-five years ago. Goodwin was the first man to herald a change, but soon after him carne THE SECOND SETTLER. In September, 1838, James Knight, with his sons Thomas, Philip, Samuel, James and Joshua, established himself in a rude log cabin about eighty rods north of Nettle Lake. He was a professional hunter, but soon after his arrival became afflicted with white swelling in the hip. which rendered him almost helpless, and from which he never fully recovered. Much of the care of the family fell upon Thomas, who became one of the most expert hunters and trappers ever in the township. At that period, an experienced hunter and trapper could make five times as much money as he could who turned his attention to farming. Deer skins sold quite readily at $1 each; bear skins at from $3 to $8 ; and the furs of the mink, otter or raccoon, at from 50 cents to $5. These facts caused the Knight boys to spend almost their entire time in the wonderfully exciting sport of hunting, trapping and fishing. They carried flintlock rifles, and always went armed with huge knives. The lake was a great. resort for deer, which came there in the night to drink. The boys spent many a night upon the lake hunting these animals. That was a strange place to hunt deer, but the old settler will readily understand what it means. A canoe was made of some large log, and provided with oars. A large beeswax candle was made, and fastened in a socket on the bow of the canoe. Just hack of it, a large piece of bark was fastened upright in such a manner as to conceal the occupants of the boat. When darkness had descended, two of the boys, thoroughly armed, would enter the canoe, and silently and slowly row along the margin of the lake. Deer that had come to drink would stand motionless in the edge of the water, staring, apparently fascinated, at the light, until the canoe would almost touch them. It was an easy matter then for the hunters from their concealment to shoot the deer. In this manner, five or six were killed in a single evening by Thomas and Philip Knight, and doubtless 528 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. by others of the first settlers. One evening, while thus engaged, Thomas shot and wounded a very large buck, which ran up the bank a few yards and stopped. The canoe was darted to the shore, and Thomas sprang out and up the bank after the wounded animal. He came to it almost immediately, and instantly seized it by the antlers; but the animal made a lunge, pinning the hunter fast against a tree. He shouted for help, but ere his brother could arrive, the wounded buck fell upon the ground in the agonies of death. The wound had been mortal. Thomas became an expert trapper of raccoon and mink. He used an ingenious wooden trap which held the animals securely. The most money he made in any one day through his prowess as a hunter and trapper was $11.50, as follows : A BEAR STORY. One day Thomas Knight went out to inspect his pole traps, which had been set for raccoon. He had many in the woods near his father's cabin, and expected to bring in five or six skins that morning. While he was walking along in the direction of his destination, he suddenly heard quite a noise off at one side, and looking in that direction saw what at the first glance appeared to be an Indian pony. Nothing but the back of the animal was visible above the intervening clump of bushes, and without thinking much about the subject, the hunter continued his walk. A moment later he glanced around for the second time, and was astonished and somewhat frightened to see walking directly toward him the largest bear he had ever before encountered. The animal was some distance away, and had not yet observed the hunter, as it was moving almost directly toward him. Knight instantly concealed himself and examined the priming of his rifle, and, finding it all right, anxiously awaited the re-appearance of the bear. A minute later it came leisurely along, and when it had approached within easy rifle shot, the hunter took careful aim, and pulled the trigger. The sharp report was followed by a terrific growling and tearing of the leaves and bushes, and the hunter began loading with his utmost dispatch to be in readiness, if necessary, for a second shot. About the time the loading was finished the noise ceased, and, when Knight looked out, he saw the huge animal lying motionless on the ground. The bear proved to be one of the largest of its kind, and was found to weigh almost five hundred pounds. When alive, it had stood at least three feet in height, and was a formidable animal for a hunter to encounter. The rifle ball—a heavy one—had struck a vital part, and it was lucky for Knight that it had done so. The skin sold for $8, and, when to this amount the value of the skins of the raccoons he caught during the day was added, the total footed up to $11.50. The fore paw of this bear was taken to Columbus, Ohio, and for many years could be seen NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 529 in a museum in that city. Mr. Knight contracted to clear ten acres of timber land for some man just across the line in Indiana, for which he was to receive as payment a large fine sow—the prospective mother of a numerous family. While cutting on this tract of timber one day, he suddenly heard his sow, off some distance in the woods, begin to squeal in the greatest distress, and, surmising the cause, he seized his rifle and started at his best pace in the direction whence the sounds proceeded. He soon reached the spot, and beheld a scene which roused every fiber of courage and passion within him. A large, savage looking bear had seized his sow, and was tearing her in pieces alive. A great rent had been torn in the tender flesh near the loin ; and when the enraged owner reached the spot, panting, on the run, the bear angrily raised its head with a furious growl, showing two rows of gleaming teeth, discolored with blood. Without a moment's hesitation, the enraged owner raised his rifle to his eye and fired, and a half ounce of lead went crashing through the brain of the bear, entering at the eye and emerging at the base of the skull. The huge animal released its hold and dropped upon the ground, and after a few feeble kicks, lay motionless and dead. The unfortunate sow was so mangled that she died soon afterward. Such scenes were often enacted in early years, and many incidents of a similar nature might be related. There was scarcely an early family that did not have swine killed by bears. THE WAY TO TRAP A BEAR. One evening, when the country was new, Mrs. Aldis Johnson, then a little girl, the daughter of Mr. Myers, who lived just across the line in Michigan, was sent a short distance to bring up the cows which were in sight. She soon returned with the animals, and reported that she had seen a bear ; but her folks thought she must be mistaken, and paid little heed to her statements. That night a great commotion among their swine convinced her folks that the little girl had not been mistaken, and when the morning dawned, and search was instituted, the half-eaten carcass of a hog was found in the woods where the squealing had been heard. It was concluded to build a 11 dead-fall " trap to catch the bear if possible, and, accordingly, H. C. Johnson, brother of Aldis, proceeded to construct one after the following fashion : A log about a foot in diameter was fastened upon the ground at a suitable place, and wooden pins were driven into holes bored on the upper side, after which the upper ends of the pins were sharpened. Another log fully as large was partly suspended over the lower one, and provided on the lower side with sharpened pins as above described. A trigger was made and baited with a portion of the dead hog, and arranged in such a manner that the bear must stand directly over the lower log and under the upper to secure the meat. To get the bait the bear must nec- 530 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. essarily pull the trigger, which would cause the upper log to fall, thus pinning the animal like a vise between the two logs, and piercing it with the sharp pins. The trap was fully prepared and left to perform its work. It worked like a charm, and when examined, at the proper time, the bear which had returned, as was expected, for another feast from the carcass of the hog, was found dead between the logs, pierced through and through by the pins. AN UNFORTUNATE AND LAMENTED OCCURRENCE. About thirty-eight years ago, two young men, Phillip Knight and John Crum, entered a canoe on Nettle Lake for the purpose of spending a few hours in hunting and fishing. Time passed away, but they failed to return, though no uneasiness was felt by their friends, as it was well known that the young men were abundantly able to take care of themselves in the woods. Something over a day passed, but still no serious misgivings were entertained by the relatives of the boys. The second day of their departure, Thomas Knight, having occasion to pass along the lake, discovered, greatly to his alarm, the canoe, in which the boys had ventured out, floating bottom upward in the murky water. The boat was brought to land, and, when the circumstances became known to the friends of the boys, it was thought that possibly they had been drowned, and search was immediately instituted to ascertain if such was the case. After about an hour of sounding and dredging the bodies of both were recovered. From appearances they had been dead some time; but the cause of their death has never been, and, in the nature of things, will never be, unraveled. Both boys were bright, manly, and well known, and their untimely and melancholy death was widely and bitterly lamented. FURTHER EVENTS OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENT. A few families arrived in the township for permanent settlement in 1839, 1840 and 1841, among them being those of William H. Billings, Ozias Billings, Thomas Whaley, John Whaley, Hiram Russell, Johnson Butler, Richard Parish, Asa Parish, Adolphus Rogers and George Matthews. After 1841, the settlers came in quite rapidly. The Whaleys, Billingses, Russells, Rogerses, and soon after several families of John-sons, and others established themselves in the northwestern part near what afterward became Billingstown. The western part was much more attractive and inviting in early years than any other portion of the township. The soil was sandy, and was tolerably free from those marshy and unhealthful appearances which were so uncomfortably suggestive of fevers, ague, and their kindred ills. These facts caused the bulk of the early settlers to locate the western part, though scattering families were located, in 1843, in other portions. Early settlers had but little time to NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 531 spend in idleness or play. The question of successful life in the backwoods was a staggering one, and required unflinching hardihood and resolution to be met and overcome. Mills and stores were miles away, and the distance was rendered practicably double by the bottomless condition of the roads and the want of bridges. Sometimes a week would be spent in going to town, to Defiance, or to some distant village in Michigan or Indiana; after the return the ox or horse teams would be so harassed by the journey as to be unfit for work for many days. And even when the settlers went to the villages, the price of all supplies or commodities was so exorbitant as to be almost wholly beyond the reach of the settler's purse. Grain and other farm productions were scarcely worth hauling to market for the mere pittance they brought; and the almost total absence of money and the spiritless condition of the demand for farm supplies, compelled the settlers to forego, not merely all commercial luxuries, but too often the actual necessities of life. They were thus forced to rely almost wholly upon their home productions to sustain life. Pork and wild game were the meats; corn and wheat, ground often at home, and by hand, were the breads; and the hide of the deer, and linen, and (later) woolen, with the supply of clothing brought into the woods, were the clothes. Wild honey was abundant in the woods, and was often candied and of the finest quality. Maple sugar was easily obtained. Tea and coffee were rarities, their substitutes being barks, herbs and grains. In this manner the early settlers lived and labored. All subjected themselves to the severest labor to clear the farms and fit them for remunerative cultivation. Women and men worked day and night, chopping and burning, and the results of their unceasing toil are the splendid farms and homes of to-day. CATALOGUE OF EARLY SETTLERS. It is impossible to give the names of all the early settlers in the township, as many remained but a short period, and their names have slipped the memory, and do not occur on the tax duplicates of the county. Those who paid tax on personal property for the year 1845 were James Burke, William H. Billings, J. B. Butler, 0. M. Billings, A. C. Johnson, Aldis Johnson, George Matthews, John Maybee, William McLain, William Phelps, Adolphus Rogers, James Whaley, Washington Whaley, Thomas F. Whaley, Thomas Whaley, Richard Parish, Daniel Smith and Anson Smith. At this time, there were five horses and seventy-three cattle in the township. The settlers went to Defiance the greater portion of the time to do their trading, but often they went north to some of the larger towns in Southern Michigan, or to Lima, Ind. 532 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. MILLING INTERESTS. No grist-mill, not even a corn-cracker, so far as known, was ever erected and operated in North West Township. Almost all the early families obtained their flour at Martin & Depew's Mill, in southern Florence, and those that did not were compelled to go nearly twice as far before finding another. The most of what little lumber that was brought in was obtained at New Buffalo also, as a small village had been laid out there in 1836 by Martin & Depew, who had erected a grist-mill and a saw-mill. Probably the first saw-mill constructed and operated in the township was built, between 1840 and 1845, by Richard and Jacob Parish, and located on Nettle Creek, above the lake, on the farm now owned by H. Waldron. It was a small, rude affair, with an up-and-down saw, set in motion by water that moved so sluggishly that, it is averred by old settlers, the sawyer could set the mill in operation on a large log, and take a nap before his services would again be required. The mill was conducted during the wet months for a few years, and was then abandoned, and has long since been almost forgotten even by the old settlers. Although this mill sawed but little, still it supplied the demand for four or five miles around, which is not saying very much. The second saw-mill, a much better one, was erected on Nettle Creek, below the lake, in about 1845, by Daniel Smith and Alpheus Petty. Smith had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and during the remainder of his life was a pensioner of Uncle Sam. The mill was located at the outlet of a large natural pond, and an easy and excellent water-power was secured by means of a dam. The mill, under different forms, managements and structures, is yet in existence, though the appearance of rapid portable mills has stolen the patronage of the older and slower. Thus it has ever been, the young and quick taking she place of the old and slow. During the early history of the township, this saw-mill was one of the most, if not the most, important industrial features within its limits. Settlers, after the earliest ones, preferred to locate near mills, stores, etc., that many of the privations of life in the backwoods might be avoided, and therefore this mill was one inducement for emigrants in search of homes to locate near it. During its more active career, it sawed enormous quantities of lumber. Two of the earlier owners were Adam Crum and Robert Russell. George Kint has owned it since not far from 1850. No steam has been used as a motor in this mill. A steam saw-mill was built during the early part of the last war by Alfred Gamber, and located about forty rods east of the Columbia schoolhouse. It passed to Ford and to several others, and was finally removed about ten years ago. About twelve years ago, Mr. Casebeer built a steam saw-mill in the western part. It passed to Robbins and Brown. It is yet owned by the family of Robbins. The Spielman steam-mill was NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 533 built about five years ago. At the center of the township, Mr. Taylor has a saw-mill, a tile factory, a shingle mill and a small brick kiln. He is doing, in these various pursuits, an extensive business. STORES, POST OFFICES, ASHERIES, ETC. The first mail route that passed across the township started from Pulaski ; thence passed to Eagle Creek, in Superior Township ; thence to Spring Lake, in Florence; thence to Northwest and thence on northward to Hillsdale, Mich. It was established by Congressional enactment in 1843, and the office of " Northwest" was located at the house of William H. Billings, in the northwest corner of the township. Jabez Perkins is said to have been the first carrier over this route. He traveled on horseback, and was always loaded down with articles which the necessities of the settlers along theroute required. Billings was, of course, Postmaster at Northwest. In about the year 1846, Mr. Billings opened a small store on his farm. He slowly increased his stock until it was probably worth about $3,000, and continued selling some fifteen years. A small village, named Billingstown, in his honor, sprang up around him. S. B. Braman a blacksmith, built his shop there quite early. Whitney Foster, an excellent blacksmith and a well-known and respected citizen, worked at his trade there for a number of years, but lately has been at Columbia. Israel Shook is the Vulcan there at present. Charles Hall and Orin Fenton succeeded Billings in the mercantile trade, but they retired after a few months and were followed by Jacob Kintigh, who, for many years, kept a well-patronized country store. No goods are for sale at present. The post office "Northwest " has been changed to various residences until at present it is located at the store of E. W. & E. F. Welch, in the northern part, S. W. Houtz being the Postmaster. This store was opened about five years ago, but about three and a half years later the Welch brothers obtained it in a trade. They have for sale a fine general assortment of goods valued at $2,000. The brothers deal largely in produce, and have a wagon on the road six months of the year. Jacob Shake conducted a cooper shop at Billingstown for a short period, some ten years ago. The steam saw-mill in the northeastern part, near the Winebrennarian Church, was built by Ezra Welch some ten years ago. At his death it passed to Joseph Esterline, and is yet owned by him. Joseph Strayer had an interest in the mill for a time. Jacob Kintigh built an ashery at "Kintightown" in about the year 1854, and at the same time began selling from a small stock of goods he placed in his dwelling. For the first few years his goods were weighed with steelyards ; but, after about 1856 or 1857; when his small store-building was erected, be had a much larger stock of goods, and much better means for weighing the same. He did 534 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. a thriving business. Citizens without money could take their ashes to him and get goods from his store in exchange. This was a great accommodation to the neighborhood. Mr. Kintigh manufactured a large quantity of fine pearl-ash, which was carted to Defiance, where it found a ready sale to Brice Hilton and others. His son, George, succeeded him in the mercantile trade in about 1866, while the father, as above stated, opened another store at Billingstown. At the death of George, some eight years ago, his brother Cyrus secured the store, but some time later sold to his father. Kintightown has had no store for the past three years. Dr. James Steward was located there for a short time some twenty years ago. Aaron Shinn was the first blacksmith there, and Mr. Butts the second. FORMATION OF THE TOWNSHIP AND FIRST ELECTION. On the 30th of March, 1835, the territory embraced within the township limits became, by the action of the County Commissioners, a part of St. Joseph Township. At that time the boundary difficulty between Ohio and Michigan was in full blast, and, while Ohio claimed the township with the remainder of the disputed land, and the Commissioners of Williams ordered its attachment to St. Joseph and its creation, Michigan likewise claimed the land, and attached it to the territory on the north. In 1836, the township became, definitely, the property of Ohio, but at that time not a settler, so far as known, resided within its limits. In 1837, Florence Township was created, and comprised the present townships of Florence, Superior, Bridgewater and Northwest. In March, 1839, Bridgewater was created, and comprised the present townships of Bridgewater and Northwest. At last, in December, 1840, upon the petition of William H. Billings and others, the Board of Commissioners ordered the creation of a new township, to be called "Northwest," by reason of its being in the extreme northwest corner of the county and State, to be composed of the present territory, and an election was ordered held at the residence of Adolphus Rogers, on the second Monday in January, 1841. Since this action, the boundary has not been changed. It has been stated (upon what authority the writer cannot tell) that the first township officers were as follows: Adolphus Rogers and William H. Billings, Justices of the Peace; J. C. Whaley, Treasurer; T. F. Whaley, Constable; William H. Billings, Clerk ; Thomas Whaley, William H. Billings and Adolphus Rogers, Trustees. Thomas Knight says that, at the Presidential election in 1844, only eleven votes were polled in the township, nine of them being Democratic.. It is highly probable that, while Northwest was attached to. Bridgewater, some of the officers of the combined townships were chosen from what is now Northwest. The facts in this particular cannot be learned, although in the past it has NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 537 been quite currently stated that, at one time (possibly at the election last referred to), William H. Billings held every office in the township except that of Constableship. PRE-HISTORIC OCCUPATION OF NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP. In the vicinity of Nettle Lake, on every side of it, are some eight or ten earthworks erected by an unknown race called Mound-Builders, probably more than a thousand years ago. It is quite generally, though erroneously, believed that these earthworks (mounds being one of them) were the work of the Indians ; but archæologists are of the opinion that the mounds have a higher antiquity, and that they were erected by the Mound Builders, who might have been the remote ancestors of the Indian tribes, though this is disputed by many eminent scholars in this department of historic research. On Section 23 are a few of the mounds, two of them being of unusual size for this section of the State. The greater number has been opened in past years by curious and inexperienced persons, who failed to properly notice features which are considered highly important by archaeological students. In almost every instance, human bones were unearthed, as was also charcoal, sometimes in considerable quantity. Copper implements, such as arrow and spear heads, were taken from several of the mounds, and in one was found a piece of mica six or eight inches square, and about an inch thick. In several instances, it was definitely ascertained that many individuals were buried in the same mound. The Indians had no knowledge, traditionary or otherwise, concerning these people, save what was derived from their works, the same character of knowledge which we have. If the Mound-Builders were the ancestors of the Indians, such fact was unknown and unsuspected by the latter tribe. Indians never buried their dead in mounds like those referred to, neither did they erect altars where animals and human beings were immolated to secure the favor of the Great Spirit, and afterward cover such altars with a mound of earth. These, and many other important considerations lead the majority of students of antiquity to the opinion that the Mound-Builders were a distinct race of people, and that they inhabited a large portion of America several thousand years ago. EARLY AND SUBSEQUENT SCHOOLS. In the early winter of 1841, a small log schoolhouse was erected in the northwest part of the township, on land now owned by Isaac Parsons, by William H. Billings, Jonathan Butler, Thomas Whaley, John Whaley, T. F. Whaley, Adolphus Rogers, Hiram Russell, and possibly a few others, who resided either in the township, or in the adjoining States of Michigan or Indiana. The first teacher in this house, and, so far as known, in S 538 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. the township, was Miss Abigail Hills, now the wife of T. F. Whaley, who taught two or three months during the winter of 1841-42. She had enrolled about ten scholars, received her pay from the public school fund, and during the term was married to Mr. Whaley, which occurrence did not stop school until the end of the term. This house was used by all the families in the northwest part, and by several in the other States, until about 1846-47, when the district was divided, those families along the center of the western side of the township erecting another log school building where Samuel Cain's orchard now is. The log house on Parson's farm was used a few years, perhaps until 1849, when a frame was built a short distance north of it, Mariah Marquart being the first teacher. This house was used until about four years ago, when a larger and better frame schoolhouse was constructed a short distance east, for about $900. The old frame is now used by a Grange lodge, which was organized a few years ago, and which is yet in active working order, with many of the most prominent citizens in the township as members. The second school house in the Whaley neighborhood was built, about 1848, in T. F. Whaley's orchard (on the land now his orchard), and was a small frame structure. This house was use I for educational purposes until about 1.860, when another frame building, called the " Old Red Schoolhouse," was erected on the old Whaley farm, and used until about four years ago, when it was succeeded by a neat brick structure, which cost about $1,100. The first schoolhouse at Columbia was built in 1849 or 1850, and is now occupied as a residence by Mr. Reeves. The first teacher is said to have been Rebecca Tomus, who taught during a few months of the summer of 1852, the house not having been completed before that time. Mariah Kinney taught the second term. The second schoolhouse in this district, a frame, was constructed, during the last war, by Mr. Gillis, for about $1,000. The building was two stories in height, containing two neat school rooms, one above, and one below. For several years two teachers were employed, and the school enumeration in the district was about 130. Among the teachers were Robert Carlin and wife, and Jefferson Friend and wife. One year ago, the present brick schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $1,500. The schools taught by two teachers in the second frame house in Columbia were much the best ever taught in the township. The school was graded, and during one winter, Mr. Friend and his wife were paid $100 per month. Several finished scholars received the foundation of their education at the "Columbia Graded School." The first schoolhouse in the northeastern part was built about four rods west of the Winebrennarian Church, not far from the year 1845. It was erected by Daniel Smith, William Stickney, Anson Smith, Thomas Knight, and perhaps two or three others. This house, a frame structure, NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 539 was soon burned to the ground by a man, it was thought, who had been put out of the house for disorderly conduct while Divine service was being held there. Nothing could be proved, however. A second house was built about 1854, and the present one some five or six years ago. The other districts throughout the township had their first schoolhouses built from 1848 to 1855. The present Centre Schoolhouse is a large, fine brick, and cost in the neighborhood of $2,000. DEVELOPMENT OF MORALS. The Methodist Episcopal class at Columbia was first organized at the house of James Coon in the northern part of Florence Township, in the year 1843, by Rev. James Alderman, who then lived at Pulaski, doing missionary work over a circuit of Evansport Mission, which mission comprised all Northwestern Ohio. The first members were James Coon and wife, James McClarren and wife, Martin Perkey and wife, J. R. McConnell and Benjamin B. Tomus. As soon as the schoolhouse in the northwestern corner of Florence was built, services were held there, and later in the schoolhouse at Columbia. Finally, the frame church was built some ten or twelve years ago. Some of the ministers of this class have been James Alderman, Ferris and Coleman, Winter and Mower, Boggs and Fairchild, Burgess and another, Chapman and another, Parker and another, Lindsey and Albright, Warner and Nickerson, Thomas and Albright. Poucher and Boyers, Miller and Kemp, Zimmerman and Barnes, Cameron, Powell and Bowers, Dunham and Hill, and Poucher at present. Great revivals were conducted by Everhart, Cameron, Dunham, Thompson and Olds. The Close Communion Baptists organized a small class at Thomas Whaley's at quite an early day, but later met at the schoolhouse near there. A Free-Will. Baptist class was early organized at William Billings'. Neither of these classes survived many years. The Winebrennarian class, in the northeast corner, was organized at an early day. Adam Beaver, Wesley Houtz, Aaron Culbertson are said to have been among the first members. The church was built some eight or ten years ago, and cost about $1,800. Other denominations assisted with the understanding that they were to have the use of the church. There were a few United Brethren, Dunkards and Methodists in the neighborhood. Some trouble arose a few years ago over the use of the church, which culminated last year in the erection of a new church near there by the United Brethren for about $1,400. Among the Dunkards are Adam Kimmell, David Throne and Jesse Collins. Among the United Brethren are Ira McLain, Ambrose Hoverstack, John and William Hyserman, Alfred McCloe, George Kint, Ferris Kintigh and William F. Kintigh, The German Reformers once had a small class in the northeast corner. A 540 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY. Methodist class once met at Centre Schoolhouse. One man in the township, it is said, has been converted twenty different times, and still he is not satisfied with the mercies given him. The United Brethren organized a class many years ago in the southern part. The society grew and finally built a fine frame church that cost about $1,600. The Presbyterians have a fine frame church building on Section 36, which was built a number of years ago. The class at first was strong, and its strength was increased by meetings. It is at present in good working condition. VILLAGE OF COLUMBIA. This little hamlet was laid out in February, 1854, by J. R. McConneIl, William Rannels and Alfred D. Gambell, proprietors, on the north half of the northeast quarter of Section 5, Township 10 south, Range 4west, there being a total of forty-five lots. In about 1850, George Porter opened a small store about half a mile east of Columbia, and at the same time began making black salts and some pearl-ash. About three years later he moved to what is now Columbia, which was at first called Porter's Corners, from his store and ashery. Since his commencement the following-named men have been in busines in the village: Fenton & Ball, William & Bartholomew, Ferrier, Lehman, Crawford, Long, Maddon, Bates, Gamber, Lyon, Goodrich, Beck, Shepard, Hamilton, Cameron, Pierce and Poucher. The first blacksmith was Barger, and the second, White Foster. The village has had the usual number of doctors, and at times in its career has been bright and promising. Of course, if the town had a railroad, it would soon treble in population, and no doubt become a power in the land. The following table, from the assessment rolls of 1880, shows the present school valuation :