AT a session of the county commissioners, held in December, 1829,
township four, range fourteen was constituted a separate town, with
corporate powers and privileges. The name was conferred in honor of the
celebrated general, who was then serving his first year as President of
the United States. For several years after settlement began in the
county, this township and its western and northern neighbors seemed a
blot upon the face of the earth. The black surface earth, by its own
robe of dense forest and luxuriant undergrowth of shrubs and grasses,
had entirely excluded the light and heat of the sun. Vegetable gases
rested upon the surface, undisturbed by a troubled atmosphere, and year
by year the soil was absorbing chemical elements which, under
cultivation, have made large houses and fat bank accounts.
But before the period of clearing and grubbing, all this level tract was
a continuous marsh, and where now heavy ears of corn are bowing to the
ground, fifty years ago only muskrats and snakes were able to live.
The general surface slope of the township is toward the northeast, the
three principal streams — Wolf Creek, Muskallonge, and Mud Creek —
flowing in that direction. The valleys of these streams are scarcely
perceptible, and the channels are shallow.
A heavy stratum of limestone underlies the black vegetable earth, mixed
with decomposed particles worn from the rock surface during the glacial
period of geological history. The lime element greatly increases the
productiveness of the soil. Long before man appeared on the face of the
earth, and while this sheet of limestone rock was yet uncovered, huge
mountains of ice, bearing at their base massive ledges of northern
rocks, were slowly forced southward. These hard fragments of a harder
and deeper stratum, called boulders, moved under great pressure, and
ground from the native limestone surface a powder which, when a warmer
age had reduced the glaciers to water, formed the basis of our fertile
soil. A belt of boulders across the township marks the path of one of
these moving ice mountains. These boulders came from north of Canada,
and were transported more than a thousand miles. But this subject
can not be understood without a general knowledge of the science of
geology. The facts of geological history are as plainly and unmistakably
written in the structure and conformation of the rocks as the events of
human history are recorded on tablets and scrolls.
Nowhere is the relation between natural resources and industrial
progress better shown than in Jackson township. A territory which fifty
years ago was an unreclaimed wilderness will now compare favorably in
improvement and wealth with any similar agricultural district in Ohio.
In the winter of 1828 the first road was cut through the woods, and, by
means of logs and brush, made passable for a wagon from Muskallonge to
the Sandusky River. Piked roads now accommodate every corner of the
township. Large, well-repaired houses and barns are evidence to the
stranger of the productiveness of the soil and prosperity of the
farmers.
There is practically no water power. The creeks are small, and their
shallow channels do not admit high dams.
Stone is quarried in several places. The ballasting of the two railroads
which cross at Burgoon comes from these quarries, and large quantities
are used on the public highways.
ORIGINAL PROPRIETORSHIP.
The first entries of land within the limits of township four, range
fourteen, were recorded in 1828, and the last entry was made in 1852.
Many changes of ownership took place at the beginning and during the
period of early settlement, so that the
man who made the first purchase did not, in every case, make the first
improvement. But no improvements, except temporary squatter shanties,
were made before the entries. Settlement, in most cases, followed soon
after the transfer from the Government. The following table will,
therefore, show in a general way the date and location of improvements,
as well as give the names, among others, of most of the early settlers.
Many early settlers, however, purchased wild land at second hand; their
names, theretofore, do not appear in this list:
Entries were made in 1828 as follows:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
Jacob Nyce
|
1
|
81
|
Thomas Nicholson
|
35
|
80
|
Daniel Tyndall
|
2
|
80
|
John Billsland
|
1
|
169
|
Smith Clauson
|
25
|
160
|
John Custard
|
24
|
80
|
J. and H. F. Hartrell
|
25
|
80
|
Samuel Henderson
|
35
|
80
|
Elizabeth Kendall
|
1
|
160
|
Elizabeth Kendall
|
2
|
160
|
The following entries were made in the year 1829:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
Jacob Bruner, jr.
|
24
|
80
|
Christian Bruner
|
24
|
80
|
John Bruner
|
24
|
79
|
The following entries were made in the year 1830:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
Caleb Cooplin
|
11
|
80
|
George Foltz
|
1
|
81
|
Peter F. Ludwig
|
35
|
160
|
Adam Zarung
|
36
|
80
|
The following entries were made in the year 1831:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
George Phillips
|
2
|
88
|
Samuel Treat
|
14
|
160
|
In 1833 the following entries were made:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
William Carr
|
2
|
88
|
Martin Reaker
|
13
|
80
|
In 1834 entries were made as follows:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
Joseph Cookson
|
12
|
80
|
John M. Garn
|
8
|
80
|
John M. Garn
|
7
|
80
|
John Garn
|
7
|
80
|
George Kessler
|
11
|
160
|
George Kessler
|
12
|
80
|
Joseph Leib
|
36
|
560
|
Gilbreath Stewart
|
18
|
80
|
The following entries were made in 1835:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
William Andrew
|
18
|
80
|
Daniel Green
|
25
|
80
|
John Mackling
|
4
|
333
|
George Overmyer
|
2
|
180
|
George Stockbarger
|
4
|
89
|
George Stockbarger
|
3
|
92
|
Henry Spohn
|
4
|
87
|
James Stult
|
3
|
80
|
John Garn
|
8
|
80
|
David Holts
|
5
|
160
|
John Mackling
|
5
|
80
|
John Riddell
|
5
|
80
|
The following entries were made in 1835, subject to taxation in 1840;
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
Matthew Barringer
|
3
|
46
|
W. E. Chenowith
|
10
|
40
|
Jacob Faber
|
3
|
136
|
Thomas Gassago
|
3
|
40
|
John Graves
|
3
|
45
|
John Graves
|
11
|
80
|
Peter Hicky
|
21
|
40
|
John Hummel
|
8
|
40
|
Samuel Hofford
|
10
|
80
|
David Hoplin
|
20
|
40
|
D. McCollough
|
11
|
80
|
J. H. Morrison
|
12
|
160
|
David Ripley
|
6
|
80
|
Flora Rodgers
|
13
|
40
|
John Seavault
|
23
|
80
|
Cynthia Spencer
|
22
|
40
|
J. H. Morrison
|
12
|
160
|
David Ripley
|
6
|
80
|
Flora Rodgers
|
13
|
40
|
John Seavault
|
23
|
80
|
Cynthia Spencer
|
22
|
40
|
Henry Bason
|
5
|
40
|
Entries are recorded in 1836 as follows:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
William Andrew
|
18
|
80
|
Jacob Bruner
|
27
|
80
|
Jacob Bruner
|
26
|
160
|
Jacob Bruner
|
13
|
80
|
Michael McKinney
|
35
|
80
|
John Stump
|
25
|
160
|
Peter Sypher
|
18
|
80
|
Jacob Shiltz
|
14
|
80
|
Christian Dersham
|
6
|
160
|
William Russell
|
17
|
80
|
William Russell
|
7
|
80
|
William Vernon
|
17
|
138
|
The following lands were entered in 1836, taxable in 1842:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
Jeremiah Brown
|
19
|
153
|
Hartman Bower
|
9
|
80
|
Martin Bruner
|
13
|
40
|
Samuel Fry
|
3
|
40
|
William Hederman
|
30
|
80
|
Jacob Krum
|
31
|
80
|
Lewis Overmyer
|
15
|
40
|
C. W. A. Rodgers
|
10
|
160
|
Andrew Ruffner
|
4
|
80
|
Rufus Spencer
|
19
|
73
|
Jesse Stone
|
13
|
80
|
Newell Wolcott
|
30
|
36
|
George Wild
|
9
|
40
|
R. Dickinson
|
5
|
40
|
The following entries were made in 1837:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
John Carnes
|
6
|
168
|
Jeremiah Brown
|
19
|
149
|
Henry Havens
|
10
|
160
|
John Ickes
|
6
|
86
|
Hugh Iams
|
12
|
80
|
James Keith
|
11
|
80
|
Samuel King
|
3
|
160
|
Conrad Miller
|
22
|
60
|
Hugh Mitchell
|
22
|
80
|
Jacob Overmyer
|
15
|
160
|
Daniel Roads
|
23
|
80
|
David Ripley
|
7
|
80
|
The following entries were made in the year 1838:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
Daniel Baker
|
35
|
40
|
Jacob Fry, jr.
|
30
|
73
|
Leonard Gebhan
|
12
|
40
|
S. P. Henthorn
|
12
|
40
|
Leonard Gebhan
|
12
|
40
|
S. P. Henthorn
|
22
|
40
|
Jacob Henry
|
32
|
40
|
George Hollinger
|
34
|
80
|
John Ickes
|
6
|
86
|
Abram Johnson
|
14
|
80
|
Hugh Mitchell
|
22
|
40
|
John Mowry
|
33
|
80
|
Daniel Roads
|
12
|
80
|
John Thrause
|
18
|
37
|
Martin Gam
|
5
|
160
|
Andrew Roszell
|
35
|
80
|
The following entries were made in 1839:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
William H. Bair
|
7
|
77
|
Jacob Dawhower
|
7
|
77
|
Isaac Posey
|
5
|
80
|
Henry Baughman
|
15
|
240
|
J. W. Baughman
|
1
|
120
|
David Baughman
|
9
|
80
|
Josiah Bair
|
18
|
37
|
John Betz
|
29
|
40
|
John Bruner
|
24
|
80
|
George Bogletz
|
27
|
80
|
John Betz
|
29
|
80
|
John Bruner
|
24
|
80
|
George Bobletz
|
27
|
80
|
M. Barringer
|
13
|
40
|
M. Betz
|
21
|
80
|
John Betz, sr.
|
30
|
80
|
Martin Bruner
|
13
|
40
|
Henry Burkhett
|
23
|
160
|
James Canfield
|
17
|
80
|
Calvin Catkin
|
22
|
40
|
Amos Catkin
|
26
|
40
|
Stephen Dickens
|
35
|
80
|
Jacob Disler
|
28
|
160
|
Jacob Disler
|
29
|
40
|
George Dunbar
|
34
|
40
|
Jacob Disler
|
28
|
120
|
Jacob Disler
|
29
|
80
|
Jacob Disler
|
30
|
80
|
Stephen Dickens
|
24
|
40
|
Isaac Dickens
|
27
|
80
|
John Doll
|
10
|
160
|
Daniel Mowry, jr.
|
33
|
80
|
John Mair
|
26
|
40
|
James McGowen
|
15
|
40
|
Peter Miller
|
30
|
80
|
Peter Miller
|
19
|
80
|
Elijah Moody
|
12
|
40
|
Hugh Overmyer
|
21
|
80
|
Isaac Robbins
|
8
|
80
|
George Rapp
|
24
|
240
|
Samuel Rickel
|
31
|
80
|
Jonathan Robbins
|
17
|
160
|
William Robbins
|
17
|
40
|
Philip Siler
|
28
|
40
|
George Stoner
|
34
|
160
|
George Stoner
|
27
|
160
|
Christian Stoner
|
34
|
80
|
Andy Swickard
|
8
|
160
|
Andy Swickard
|
3
|
40
|
Andy Swickard
|
4
|
40
|
Silas Stafford
|
26
|
160
|
George N. Snyder
|
6
|
80
|
Robert Tevis
|
14
|
80
|
Robert Teviss
|
23
|
80
|
James Tissue
|
27
|
40
|
Jacob Vandersall
|
20
|
160
|
Jacob Vandersall
|
29
|
160
|
Peter Walter
|
29
|
80
|
Jacob Winter
|
21
|
120
|
Joseph Whitmore
|
21
|
80
|
Peter Whitmore
|
20
|
80
|
Peter Yost
|
27
|
40
|
Jacob Fry, jr.
|
30
|
36
|
John Erb
|
28
|
160
|
Jacob Fry
|
30
|
80
|
Jacob Fry
|
3
|
80
|
Jacob Fry
|
32
|
80
|
John Fahi
|
28
|
80
|
J. G. Gaphard
|
28
|
74
|
George Gehr
|
28
|
240
|
George Gehr
|
31
|
40
|
George Gehr
|
32
|
40
|
David Greene
|
25
|
40
|
Henry Hone
|
3
|
40
|
Henry Hone
|
4
|
40
|
Henry Hollinger
|
34
|
160
|
S. P. Henthorn
|
14
|
80
|
S. P. Henthorn
|
23
|
80
|
Abraham Helm
|
20
|
160
|
Isaac Hite
|
25
|
40
|
John Inkes
|
12
|
40
|
Abram Johnson
|
9
|
40
|
Lewis Johnson
|
9
|
40
|
George Kemp
|
33
|
0
|
John Lytle
|
18
|
75
|
Archer Ford
|
34
|
40
|
Joseph Mayor
|
8
|
40
|
John Miller
|
11
|
160
|
John Mercer
|
26
|
40
|
Daniel Mowry
|
33
|
160
|
In 1840 lands were entered as follows:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
John Leshler
|
21
|
160
|
Barney Myers
|
26
|
40
|
Samuel Myers
|
26
|
40
|
Joseph Myers
|
8
|
40
|
Catharine Murray
|
31
|
78
|
John Mowry
|
32
|
80
|
Jesse Mowry
|
32
|
80
|
David Mowry
|
32
|
40
|
William McFarland
|
22
|
40
|
James Russell
|
1
|
120
|
Ludwig Schwartz
|
15
|
80
|
John Stand
|
1
|
80
|
Elijah Voorhees
|
26
|
40
|
Jacob Winter
|
21
|
80
|
Peter Warner
|
32
|
80
|
Benpri Williams
|
8
|
40
|
John Weaver
|
22
|
80
|
John Weaver
|
14
|
160
|
Michael Betz
|
31
|
150
|
Peter Brouff
|
20
|
40
|
George Bolander
|
33
|
80
|
William H. Bair
|
18
|
37
|
Jacob Bowman
|
20
|
120
|
Jacob Bowman
|
9
|
200
|
John Betz
|
30
|
73
|
Jacob Bayor
|
33
|
40
|
Meshack Fried
|
27
|
80
|
John G. Goassard
|
18
|
37
|
Isaac Hite
|
25
|
40
|
Samuel Henry
|
32
|
40
|
Martin Hopkins
|
19
|
120
|
Martin Hopkins
|
20
|
40
|
Daniel Hite
|
13
|
80
|
Samuel Henry
|
32
|
40
|
P. M. Haas
|
23
|
40
|
John Houseman
|
26
|
40
|
Jacob Henry
|
32
|
80
|
Jesse Inks
|
3
|
46
|
John Inks
|
12
|
40
|
Samuel Ludwig
|
1
|
40
|
Samuel Ludwig
|
22
|
80
|
Samuel Ludwig
|
23
|
80
|
Moses Lyth
|
8
|
80
|
Joseph W. Lyth
|
17
|
80
|
The following entries were made in 1852:
|
SECTION.
|
ACRES.
|
Charles Choate
|
23
|
40
|
Martin Kagey
|
30
|
73
|
Benpri Walters
|
10
|
40
|
THE SETTLEMENT.
The first man to penetrate the thick forest and inhospitable marsh which
once covered the whole of this township, was Peter Stultz. He was soon
after followed by his brother, Henry Stultz. They were natives of New
Jersey, and emigrated to Ohio about 1808. They settled in Franklin
county where they remained until 182S. That year Peter, first, and then
Henry, erected cabins and removed their families to Muskallonge, near
the bridge on the Greenesburg pike. They were not, however, left long to
the solitary enjoyment of forest life. Others soon followed their trail
and pushed even further into the uninviting wilds, to the banks of Mud
Creek. The creek lands were dryest, and consequently were the first
chosen. Gilbreath Stewart was the probable builder of the third cabin.
He located near the Mud Creek bridge, on the Greenesburg pike. There was
at that time no road in the township. Settlers made their way through
the woods as best they could, now and then cutting down a tree where it
was impossible to get between. In the winter of 1828 the county
commissioners, on the petition of Henry Stultz, granted a public road
from Muskallonge to Chamber's mill on the Sandusky River. This road was
cut through that winter, the logs and brush being used to bridge the
swamp. Henry Stultz erected on his lot a saw-mill. This was a high water
mill, the water in Muskallonge during most of the year not being
sufficient to drive the
machinery.
The Stultz family remained but about five years, and from here removed
to Indiana. These two brothers had been leading citizens.
In the spring of 1829, David Klotz*1 removed his family from Bedford
county, Pennsylvania, and came to this township, John Garn being one of
the party. After remaining at Chamber's mill, on the river, about one
week, they followed the westward trail, passed the Stultz improvement,
and finally arrived at the cabin of Gilbreath Stewart, where they were
received until a cabin was completed. In the course of a couple of weeks
the log frame was covered, and the family, consisting of five persons,
moved in. No chimney had yet been built, and the cooking was done on the
outside, except in rainy weather, when smoke was left to find its way
through the cracks in the sides and roof.
David Vernon moved to this township in the fall of 1829, and his
son-in-law, Mr. Campbell, immediately set to work to make an
improvement. Mr. Vernon was a retired Scotch merchant, a bred gentleman,
and stood high in the regard of the early citizens of Lower Sandusky,
where he lived for a time. An incident once occurred in Olmsted's store
which shows that the spirit of Puritan Scotland had not forsaken him,
even in this wicked border town. Judge Howland, a man habitually profane
in conversation, became provoked, and swore terribly. As soon as Howland
had left the group, Vernon, then a late immigrant, with an expression of
surprise and indignation, enquired:
"Da you cawl that mon Judge?"
On being informed that that was his office, the high-bred Scot
continued:
"Indade, saire, and you mak' such mon judge in this America! In
Scotland, saire, they wud scarcly allow him to ba a wetness."
It is said that when the family were moving to this township they
stopped at the Klutz cabin, where an interesting situation of affairs
can be imagined. The Scotch people made several enquiries which the good
Dutch people of that home were unable to understand. After enthusiastic
gesticulation on both sides, an understanding was finally arrived at. A
bountiful supper was spread, and although the guests could not
understand their hosts, or the contrary, their friend-ship became
mutual. The Vernons were all good people, but unfortunate. Sickness
afflicted them and two of them died. A small lot was set apart for a
burying-ground, which has since become a public cemetery — the Metzger
cemetery, in Scott township. David Klutz was buried in this graveyard in
1834.
John Garn made an improvement on Mud Creek. He was a native of Bedford
county, Pennsylvania, and came to this county with the Klutz family.
Here he married Catharine Garn, a second cousin. He built a saw-mill on
Mud Creek, which has long since been abandoned.
John Waggoner first settled within the limits of this township but soon
moved down the creek, and is more properly classed with the pioneers of
Washington township.
These few settlements attracted the attention of the many emigrants then
seeking homes. It now began to appear that the swamp wilderness could be
made a fit place for the habitation of man. The spring of 1832 brought
from Pennsylvania, and from the counties of Central and Southern Ohio
family after family. The scenes of a decade earlier in York and
Townsend, had now become the every day life of the "Black Swamp"
country. It is impossible in the scope of this book to sketch every
family that came to the township. But it is due to those who endured the
toil and bore the self-sacrifice of pioneer life, that their names
should be preserved to posterity.
George Overmyer, a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, came
to Ohio and settled in Perry county, in 1804, and lived there until
1829, when he came to Sandusky county, and settled soon after in this
township, near the centre. Lewis Overmyer joined him in the spring of
1832. Both were highly respected citizens. Daniel Overmyer died March
28, 1859, leaving a family of ten children — six boys and four girls.
Daniel Overmyer, a son of George Overmyer, came to the township with his
father, and has been a resident all his life, except about ten years,
during which he lived in Washington township. He married, in 1838,
Elizabeth Overmyer, by whom he had six children, two of whom are living
— Joel and George W. She died in 1849. He married for his second wife,
in 1854, Harriet Coon, whose father, Adam Coon, settled in this township
in 1853. William H., Charles L., Cornelius K. and Adam N. are the
children by his second wife. Mr. Overmyer has held nearly all the local
official trusts within the gift of the people of his township.
John Mowry, a native of Pennsylvania, came with his parents to Pickaway
county, Ohio. In 1830 he came to this township, where he has resided
since that time. He has helped to improve the township and seen it
transformed from a wilderness into a garden of plenty. He married
Elizabeth Abbott, who gave birth to seven children, five of whom are
still living.
John Mowry was one of the first to penetrate the damp and unbroken
wood-lands of the southern part of Jackson. He was born in
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1808, being the fifth of a
family of eleven children. He married, in 1831, Eliza Gear, born in
Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1810. The fruit of this union was
nine children, five of whom are living — William A., Aaron J., Absalom,
Sarah E., and Amos G. Mr. Mowry is the type of the real pioneer. He saw
in the uninviting swamp, to which he came in 1832, rich possibilities^
and all his energies were devoted to the development of them.
Hugh and Mary (Huff) lams, both natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania,
emigrated with their family to Franklin county, Ohio, in the year 1811.
In 1832 they came to Sandusky county and settled in Jackson, where Mr.
lams died in 1838. The family consisted of ten children, four boys and
six girls. Jasper lams, the fifth child, was born in Franklin county, in
1821. In 1844 he married Mary A. Moomy, of this township, and lived here
until 1857, when he moved to Washington township, his present residence.
Mr. lams' family consists of eleven children, four boys and seven girls.
Their names are as follows: Harriet, Elizabeth, John, Mary, Minerva,
Sarah, Franklin, Russell, Jesse, Marcella and Etta.
Michael and Eleanor Shawl emigrated to Ohio in 1822 and settled in
Seneca county. Two years later they removed to Sandusky township, this
county, but made final settlement in Jackson, in 1832. Seven children of
the family are living viz: Margaret (Remsburg), Illinois; Elizabeth
(Michaels), Indiana; Sophia (Remsburg), Seneca county; George W.,
Jackson township, Vincent, Illinois; Melissa (Vandersall), Seneca
county, and Caroline (Overmyer), Scott township. George W. Shawl was
born in Sandusky township in 1832. He married in 1854, Mahala Havens.
The fruit of this union was six children, five of whom are living. John
W., Alamina, Birchard, Hattie, and Edwin. Caroline Shawl was born in
1843. She was married to Benjamin Franklin Overmyer in 1862. Their
family consists of two children living — William G. and Hattie. B. F.
Overmyer died in February, 1879, aged thirty-nine years. He was a son of
Hugh and Eleanor Overmyer, of Jackson township. His mother is still
living in Huron county.
George Gier, a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, came to the township in
1832 and settled near the site of Burgoon crossing. His descendants have
all left the township.
Hugh Mitchel, a brother-in-law of Lewis Overmyer, came in about the same
time. He was one of the most useful men of the times. His presence
seemed necessary at every log-rolling and raising, where, all
recognizing his superior tact, placed themselves under his command. His
familiar voice sounding the "Heave, oh, heave" had a peculiar inspiring
effect. He was not one of those rural generals who insulted a jolly
crowd by imperious commands, but always with a good natured "Come on,
boys," led the way. Nor did he ever refuse the heaviest hand-spike. But
an untimely death deprived the community of his services. While holding
the handspike he called out, "Take care of me," and in a few minutes
expired. His son, William Mitchel, is still a resident of the township.
He was born in Perry county, in 1832, and in 1850 married Sarah J.
Stewart. The fruit of this union was five children, two of whom are
living — Charles E. and Austin. Mr. Mitchel served in this township as
trustee a number of years.
George Roberts removed from Perry county, Ohio, and settled in Jackson
township in 1833. He remained a resident here until his death, in 1880.
The family consisted of seven children. John Roberts, of Washington
township, and a son of George Roberts, was born in this township in
1835. In 1867 he married Louisa Hufford. Their family consists of six
children — Annie, Edwin, William, George, Hettie, and Sarah.
Samuel King settled on the pike in 1833.
George Camp settled southwest of Burgoon Station in 1833.
Samuel Clinger removed from Hocking county, Ohio, to Jackson, in 1833,
and was one of the first settlers of the eastern part of the township,
on Wolf Creek. He was married in 1831 to Anna Hite, who, with their
oldest son, John H., came with him to the new home, which has been his
residence since that time. The other three children — Mary A., Sarah,
and Elizabeth J. — were born in this township. Mrs. Clinger died June 1,
1873. John H., born in 1832, their only son, lost his first wife, Mary
A. Ridley, whom he married in 1856, in 1865. He married for his second
wife, August, 1868, Sarah M. Wise. His children are Daniel M., Samuel
J., and Estella. Mrs. dinger had by her first husband one child, Emma A.
(O'Bryan).
About 1835 the Hite family removed from Fairfield county and settled in
the southeastern part of this township, where representatives of the
family are still living. Isaac Hite, sr., was the father of five sons,
all of whom settled, lived, and died in Jackson township, with one
exception, Isaac, who died in Michigan in 1881. Their names were:
Abraham, John, Isaac, Thomas, and Martin. There were also five
daughters: Anna became the wife of Samuel Clinger; Sarah married Jesse
Holt; Polly, and Nelly (Eldridge); Betsy married David Hill, and lives
at Green Spring, she being the only survivor of the family. Isaac Hite,
sr., married a second time. Seven children by this marriage are living.
Abraham Hite came with his parents, and lived where his son Thomas now
resides, from 1842 until his death in 1858. He married Susan Bruner, a
native of Pennsylvania. But one of their children is living.
Thomas A. Hite, son of Abraham Hite, was born in this township in 1840.
In 1862 he married Catharine King, by whom he had two children, one of
whom, George W., is living. For his second wife, in 1867, he married
Sophia King, born in Seneca county in 1844, by whom he has three
children — Roland D., Myra S., and Cora E. Mr. and Mrs. Hite are both
working members of the United Brethren church. Mr. Hite is a carpenter,
and has worked at his trade about five years, but is now giving
exclusive attention to farming.
Jacob Winter came from York county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio, in 1830, and
settled in Wayne county, where he remained until 1833, when he removed
to this township. From that time to the present he has been a leading
citizen of the county, and taken an important part in the affairs of his
community.
Francis M. Winter was born in 1845. He married, in 1866, Samantha Fry,
daughter of George Fry, of this township. They have one child, William
F. Mr. Winter served in the army. He was a member of company H, One
Hundred and Sixty-ninth regiment Ohio National Guards, from May 2, 1864,
until September 4, 1864.
Another of the settlers of 1833 was Peter Whitmore, who was born in
Bedford county, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1801. He was a resident of the
township until the time of his death, which occurred in March, 1875. He
was accompanied to the county by his wife, Catharine Stofer, whom he
married in 1832. The fruit of this union was seven children — six boys
and one girl — Joseph, Fulton county; Jacob, Jackson township; Samuel,
Michigan; Levi, deceased; John, deceased; Andrew, Fremont; and Susanna
(Smith), Fulton county.
Peter Warner, a son of Jacob Warner, was born in Union county,
Pennsylvania, April 15, 182 1. The family emigrated to Ohio, and settled
in Wayne county in 1826, and remained there until about the year 1833,
the time of coming to this township. Peter Warner has been married
twice, first to Susannah Ickes; she died in 1863. He married, in 1866,
Elizabeth Lockland. The family consists of three children — John M.,
Aaron N., and Howard M. Mr. Warner is a carpenter, and worked at that
trade until about 1850, since which time he has been farming.
Andrew Swickard was brought with his parents from Washington county,
Pennsylvania, to Franklin county, Ohio, when he was quite young. In 1833
he made an improvement in Jackson, and removed here with his family. The
first camp meeting in the township was held on his farm. He died in
1849. Of a family of four children but one is still living. Daniel, the
second child, was born in Franklin county in 1824. He married Harriet
Metzger, who died in 1850. He married in 185 1, for his second wife,
Sarah A. Garn, who was born in Washington township in 1834. His family
consisted of eleven -children, seven of whom are still living. Their
names are as follows: Marietta (Vandersall), Jackson; Huldah (Cramer),
Fremont; and a son who died an infant. These were by Mr. Swickard's
first wife. By his second wife: Margaret M. (Havens), Jackson; Perry D.,
Scott; Elba J., Jackson; Isaac, died, aged eight years; Eli, Jackson;
Deborah (Dudgeon), Scott; Clark died at the age of two months and
seventeen days; and another son died in infancy.
This brief notice of the settlers of 1833 cannot be closed without
speaking of the Havens family. Henry Havens was born in New Jersey in
1809. At an early age his father moved to Ohio. In 1832 Henry married
Sarah lames, and chose for his home the then new country of Jackson
township, where he moved soon after. He and his wife bore a full share
of the labor and self-sacrifice of pioneer life. Mr. Havens, after
serving his community and family faithfully, "closed the earth chapter
of life in 1853," at the age of forty-four years. His wife preceded him
two years. William J. Havens, oldest child of Henry Havens, was born in
this county December 13, 1833. He married Ann M. Paden, who was born in
this county the same year. The fruit of this union was ten children,
eight of whom are still living. Mr. Havens served his township as
treasurer for a period of ten years.
Birchard Havens was born August 16, 1846. He married, in 1867, Elizabeth
C. Overmyer, daughter of Lewis Overmyer, They have four children —
Clara, Harriet, Myrta, and Adella, all of whom except Myrta are still
living.
Six children of the family of Henry Havens survive, viz: William J.,
Hugh, Mahala (Shawl), Birchard, Orra (Stahl), Jackson township; and Mary
J. (Carr), Michigan.
The township after 1833 filled up rapidly with an industrious class of
people, whose axes made the forests ring in every direction. Roads were
laid out and the natural water courses cleared of logs and underbrush,
so that the fertile soil became dry and ready for the plow. During the
winter and spring few days passed without a raising or log-rolling
somewhere. Later in the spring the evening sky, in all directions,
reflected the leaping flames of burning logs and brush. There is
something romantic and fascinating in the imagined scene, but when all
the realities of that period of work and privation are contemplated, the
picture loses its agreeable cheerfulness. Looking from this distance we
are too apt to see in fancy only the spectres outlined on a background
of dull horizon, by curling smoke from clearing fires. It is well to
appreciate the poetry of pioneer times, for it is the gold which
occupies small fissures in the great granite mass of that life.
We will notice briefly a few of the representative families who have
become citizens of Jackson since the period of early settlement, which
we have arbitrarily fixed at previous to 1833.
Elijah Voorhies, a native of Hamilton, New Jersey, emigrated to Ohio in
1834, and settled in the eastern part of the township, where he lived
until his death, February 11, 1863. His family consisted of ten
children, eight of whom are still living — five boys and three girls.
Oliver D., the ninth child, lives on the homestead on which his father
settled in 1834. He was born July 12, 1843. August 22, 1863, he married
Lucina Schoch, who died in 1871. In 1872 he married, for his second
wife, Sophia Stahl. The fruit of both marriages is five children — Mary
J., Vernon B., Benjamin W., George and Frederick.
John Doll, a native of Pennsylvania came to Ohio in 1834, with his
family, and settled near the centre of this town, ship, where he lived
until his death, in 1871. He was married in Pennsylvania to Catharine
Day Hoff, by whom he had a family of eleven children, seven boys and
four girls. Samuel, the sixth child, was born in 1835. In 1859 he
married Mary A. Hummel, whose father George Hummel, settled in this
township in 1833. Eleven children blessed this union, viz: Artemus J.,
Mary C., Harmanus, John Leroy, Lucy M., Eddie, George W., Elsie E.,
Orvill, Arvilda, and Estella. Harmanus, John Leroy, Eddie and George W.
are dead.
Daniel Mowry removed from Pennsylvania to Stark county, Ohio, in 1823,
and after a residence there of several years he removed to Wayne,
whence, in 1834, he came to Sandusky county. His son Samuel, who was
born in Centre county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, married, in 1844, Rebecca
J. Rosenberger, and is father of a family of five children living, viz:
Sarah J., George W., Michael N., Alice I., and Milan E. One son died in
the army, Henry A., the oldest.
Silas Kenan emigrated from Virginia to Perry county, Ohio, where he
remained until 1835, when he removed to Jackson township, where he
resided till the time of his death, in 1875. His family consisted of
eight children, seven of whom are still living — George, Peter, Minerva,
Mahala, Francis, Mary A., and Oscar. Peter, the second son, was born in
1828, in Perry county. He has been a resident of Jackson ever since the
settlement of his family here. He married, in 1856, Sarah A. Hodgson.
Their family consists of one child, William A., who married, in 1878,
Sylvia A. Powell. Mr. William Kenan has a fine collection of Indian
relics.
William Fisher, a soldier of the War of 1812, was born in Virginia in
1789. He settled in Jackson township in 1836. He had previously lived in
Perry county, where his first wife, whose maiden name was Jane Anderson,
died in 1833, leaving five children living: James A., in Colorado;
George W., Harriet H. (Fought), Margaret (Hummel), and Mary E.
(Hufford), this county. Mr. Fisher married for 'his second wife, in
1833, Mary McCullough. The fruit of this union was eleven children, six
of whom are living, viz: Belinda (Miller), William T., Thomas H., Peter
B., Sarah (Klotz), and Flora. Six of Mr. Fisher's sons served in the
army — William T., Thomas H., John, and Austin T. in the Seventy-second
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Sardis B. and Peter B. in the one hundred
days' service. Mr. Fisher died in 1872. George W., the oldest son living
in this county, was born m 1 81 9. In 1844 he married Clara Black, and
has a family of three children living — Rhoda J. (Hathaway), John C.,
and William F. John C. Fisher was born in 1848. He married Celia Moore
in 1873. They have five children — Claude, Guy, Webb, James, and Maud.
William Boor emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1836, and settled in
the northwestern part of Jackson township. He was the father of six sons
and five daughters. Five sons and four daughters are yet having. All of
the sons, excepting the oldest, were in the army. The sons are: Josiah,
Steuben county, Indiana; William C, Wood county; Samuel, Jackson
township; James H., died in the war; Silas C, Blackhawk county, Iowa;
and Francis M., Jackson township. The daughters are: Mary Ellen
(Robbins), Indiana; Margaret (Grimes), St. Joseph county, Michigan;
Eliza Jane (Rickle), Berry county, Michigan; and Elizabeth Ann (Garn),
Steuben county, Indiana. Martha died in Pennsylvania when about two
years old. Samuel Boor was born in Pennsylvania the year before the
family came to Ohio. He married, in 1869, Mary E. Snyder, and settled on
a farm in Scott township. They have three children — Mary, Jessie, and
John. Mr. Boor served throughout the war as a member of the
Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Francis M. Boor, youngest of the
eleven children of William Boor, was horn in Jackson township in 1845.
He married Elizabeth N. King in 1867, daughter of George King. Their
family consists of two children — Charlotte and Charles.
Peter Nickles was born in France in 1815. He emigrated from that country
in 1836, and, after stopping a short time in New York, settled in
Jackson township in the fall of the same year. In 1858 he settled on his
present farm in Washington township. He married Sarah Joseph in 1845,
who has borne eleven children, viz: Sophia (Hufford), Washington
township; Mary A., deceased; Christina (Mapes), Iowa; Margaret
(Wengert), deceased; Sarah (Ross), Fremont; John G., Washington
township; Anna, deceased; Jennie C., Lydia E., George H., and Minnie.
John and Nicholas Shale, two sons of Nicholas Shale, sr., emigrated with
their family to Wayne county, and subsequently settled in Jackson
township, where they still reside. They were originally from Baltimore,
Maryland, but came to this State from Pennsylvania. John was born in
Baltimore in 1808. He came to Wayne county in 1826, and to Jackson
township in 1836. Two years later he married Catharine Crites, a native
of Stark county. Ten children blessed this union: Valentine, Abraham
(deceased), Isaac, Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary C. (deceased), William, Lydia,
Mary, and John. Before coming to this county Mr. Shale worked at the
carpenter trade.
Isaac Shale, the third child of John Shale, was born in Jackson township
in 1841. He married first Barbara Myers in 1865, who died in 1870, aged
twenty-eight years. He married for his second wife, in 1871, Lavina
Clapper. The children by the first marriage were: William F., Ida E.,
and Samuel C; by the second, Solomon C. and Harvey L. Mr. Shale, besides
his farming operations, was in the grain trade at Burgoon for about
three years.
Nicholas Shale, jr., was born in Baltimore in 1810. About 1835 he came
to Ohio, and in 1836 settled in Jackson township. For his first wife he
married Elizabeth Herring, a native of Bedford, Pennsylvania, who bore
one child, now dead. His second wife is Mary Herring, a sister of the
first. They have had no children. The Shale family are all members of
the Evangelical Association.
John Vandersall has been living on the same farm since 1838. He was born
in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1814. His father, Jacob Vandersall,
removed to Stark county in 18 18. In 1837 Mr. Vandersall married Susan
Kaler, a native of Pennsylvania, and in 1838 he settled on the farm,
where he now resides. The family consisted of eight children, four of
whom survive: Jacob, William, John and George. Two sons were in the late
war. Jacob Vandersall, jr., was born in Stark county in 1818. He married
in 1842, Lucetta Hair, and the following year settled in Jackson
township. The fruit of this union was two children — Isaiah and Maria.
Isaiah married for his first wife, Mary J. Feasel. After her death he
married for his second wife Mary E. Swickard.
Samuel and Elizabeth Ludwig with their family removed from Berks county,
Pennsylvania, to Crawford county, Ohio, in 1831. Jeremiah, the second
child, was born in Berks county, in 1811. In 1836 he married Rachel
Meller, and in 1839 removed to Jackson township, where he still lives.
They have eight children living — Elizabeth, Rachel, Samuel J., Thomas
I., Mary J., Geneva, Jeremiah M., and Michael W. Mr. Ludwig was well
known in former years as a stock-buyer and drover. Henry Ludwig, the
ninth child of Samuel Ludwig, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in
1826. In 1857 he married Anna Townsend, of Erie county, and two years
later settled on the farm on which he now resides. Mrs. Ludwig died in
1864. In 1875 he married Loretta Hodgson, by whom two children were born
— A. C. and Anna. Henry Ludwig has also engaged in the stock trade.
There is near Millersville a German settlement composed mostly of
industrious, hard-working people, whose labor has assisted materially in
the economic development of the township. A representative family of
this class are the Hoffmans. John G. Hoffman, a son of Frederick
Hoffman, was born in Loteringen, France in 1814. The family came to
America and settled in Stark county in 1831. In 1834 they removed to
Ottawa county. John G. married, in 1839, Catharine Young, a native of
Loteringen, and settled where he now lives, in Jackson township. Twelve
children blessed this union, seven of whom are living. The children
were: John, Mary, Catharine, George, Barbara, Henry, Catharine, Joseph,
Flora, Michael, Rose M., and Fred. Mr. Hoffman worked at tailoring for
about twelve years. The children are all married except the youngest.
Henry L. Hoffman was born in 1843. He 'married, in 1870, Mary C. Weible,
and settled on a farm in Scott township. Their family consists of three
children, — Agnes R., Lawrence, and Jacob. Henry Hoffman was born in
Loteringen, in 1813. He married, in 1840, Barbara Livingston, a native
of Stark county. In 1848 he came to Sandusky county, settling first in
Sandusky
township, then in Riley. He settled permanently in Jackson in 1861. Six
of their nine children are still living, — George W., Henry L.,
Elizabeth, Barbara, Charles, and Jacob. The Hoffmans were early settlers
of Ottawa county, and bore bravely the hardships of pioneer life. They
settled there about 1835.
David Koleman came, in 1826, from Pennsylvania, where he was born in
1809, to Ohio and settled in Wayne county. In 1833 he removed to Stark
county, and in 1847 settled in Jackson township. He married for his
first wife, in 1841, Catharine Carr, who died in 1851. Four years later
he married Lucinda Carr. The children by his first wife were: Mary E.,
Lucinda (deceased), and Harriet (deceased); by the second, Rosetta C.,
Jacob F., Perry E., and William A. Mr. Koleman served his township as
clerk fifteen years and as treasurer seven years.
Most of the settlers of a later period came to the township from Wayne,
Franklin, Perry, Stark, and other counties of Central Ohio. They were
originally, however, Pennsylvania or Maryland people.
Otho Lease, a native of Maryland, came to Ohio in 1834 and settled in
Wayne county, whence he removed to Seneca county, and thence to Sandusky
county, and settled in this township, where he lived until his death, in
1876. His family consisted of six boys and three girls. Jefferson, the
eighth child, was born in Seneca county in 1843. He married, in 1864,
Rebecca Carr, a daughter of James Carr, of Ballville township. The fruit
of this union was four children, only one of whom is living — Maria B.
Mr. Lease owned the saw-mill at Jackson for about six years.
Samuel M. Smith was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1825. He married, in
1857, Elizabeth Deahofr, and settled in Seneca county. The following
year he removed to Sandusky county, and has been a resident of this
township since that time. Their children are John W., Alfred, and
Samuel.
John H. Feasel was born in Franklin county in 1822. Li 1S43 he married
Martha J. Bowers, and in 1853 made permanent settlement in this
township. The children were Mary J., Susan, Alexander, and Amanda E.,
.all deceased.
John King was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1819. He married Mary Mowry
in 1841, and, in 1851, settled in this township, where he remained
twenty-five years, then removed to Ballville township, where he still
lives. He has seven children living — Mary (Musier), Allen county; Lydia
Reichelderfer, Auglaize county; George, Allen county; Sarah (Mowry),
Ballville; John, this township; Jacob and Perry, Ballville; and Elmira
(Searfoss), Scott township.
John W. King, son of John King, sr., and Mary (Mowry) King, was born in
this township in 1853. He married, in 1875, Clara B. Hunlock, and has
one child — John C.
Frederick Miller, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, came to America and
settled in New York in 1828. In 1854 he came to Ohio and settled in this
township. He married, in 1S31, Sarah Hoil, a native of Pennsylvania, and
has a family of five children living — Christian F., William S., Sarah,
John R., and Frederick C. Christian, William, and John, were in the
army, and one of the sons-in-law, J. R. Rosenberger, died in the
service. Christian, the oldest son, is married to Sarah Zink, and lives
on the homestead. He has one child — Esther A.
Joseph Burgett, second child of John Burgett, was born in Mahoning
county in 1832, and in 1856 he settled on the farm on which he now
lives. He married, in 1855, Malinda Hammon, who died in 1879. In 1880 he
married Alma Flood. The family consists of three children. Mr. Burgett
worked at blacksmithing in Mahoning county about ten years. During the
war he was appointed to supervise the Greenbrier road in West Virginia.
Jacob Andress settled in Ballville township in 1835, being a native of
Buffalo, New York, where Joseph L. Andress, his son, now living in
Jackson, was born in 1834. In 1859 he married Anna Young, a daughter of
Michael Young, and settled in Jackson township. Their family consists of
eight children — Mary A., Jacob, Catharine, Johanna, Magdaline, Rosa,
Theresa, and Joseph L.
Michael Ickes settled in this township in 1856. He was born in Bedford
county, Pennsylvania, in 1817, where he was married, in 1839, to Hannah
Ow. Six of their children are living — Joseph H., Jackson; Harmonous,
Anna M. (Oswald), Jackson; Margaret I. (Kenan), Illinois; Sarah C.,
Jackson; and Lucinda J. (Garn), Jackson.
James W. Laird was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, He
settled in Perry county, Ohio, in 1836, and in 1856 came to Seneca
county, where he remained six years, and has since been a resident of
this township. He married Eliza C. Wilson, and has seven children:
Calvin, Elijah H., Mary E., Emma J., Minerva E., Anna, and William. Mrs.
Laird died in 1866. He is a blacksmith by trade, but is now living a
retired life.
Alexander Smith, fourth child of Richard Smith, was born in York county,
Pennsylvania, in 1824. He married in 1846, Catharine Richerd, a native
of Germany. This union was blessed with twelve children, seven of whom
are living: Mary J., Elizabeth, Alexander, Anna, William H., Matilda,
and Josephine C. Before coming to this county Mr. Smith worked at
blacksmithing for a period of twenty years.
David A. Pence, son of David L. Pence, was born in Seneca county in
1844. He settled in this township in 1871. In 1866 he married Henrietta
Gallant, who died in 1877, leaving three children, William D., Oliver
L., and Carrie E. Mr. Pence married for his second wife, in 1880, Amelia
Finkbeiner.
Rev. Joseph Blaser, pastor of the Catholic church of Jackson, was born
at Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1846. He came to America in 1874, and began
pastoral duties in Defiance county, Ohio. Since 1877 he has been
officiating in Jackson.
THE LAST BEAR.
The last of the tribe of bruin seen in this township was shot in the
fall of 1833 by Mr. Zimmerman, who lived on Muskallonge. This species of
forest inhabitant prefer hills and clear, flowing, rapid currents, and
were consequently infrequent visitors of this flat country. Now and then
one, however, sought refuge in the deep shade of this impenetrable
forest, and having sought out some hollow tree or stump, lived a quiet
life. But the time came when even the "Black Swamp" ceased to be a
refuge. The last one seen in Jackson fell a victim the fourth year of
the settlement. Zimmerman was quietly strolling along the bank of
Muskallonge, carrying his gun, when a little black animal arrested his
attention, which, after sneaking up to within fair shooting distance,
was seen to be a fine fat cub. A well aimed ball made the youngster his
victim. But the sound of the gun and smell of blood brought an angry
mother from her quiet den. A moment later the composed hunter was
confronted by the fiery eyes and open red mouth of the enraged beast. "A
message of death," directed by a steady hand, did its work. One more cub
was seen and quickly dispatched. The settlers, who were all recent
arrivals, purchased the meat. The cubs were especially "fine eating."
DESTRUCTION OF CROPS.
The settlers of the spring of 1833, by dint of hard labor, succeeded in
getting into ground a few acres of corn — enough in the event of a good
crop to keep their families in corn-bread over winter. The work required
to raise corn on this new, black soil, can be imagined only by the
experienced. Although standing trees were only deadened and not cut
down, an enormous mass of decaying logs had to be cleared away,
underbrush grubbed out, and the water drained into its natural channels.
After the planting has been accomplished, the difficulty of keeping down
the weeds will readily be appreciated. But this small patch of grain was
all the newcomer, without money, had to depend upon for his next year's
living. He cultivated and watched, therefore, with zealous care. The
season of 1833 was fortunately good. Corn promised well, and all things
were encouraging until about ripening time.
First came the blackbirds in darkening flocks. The numerous deadened
trees furnished them a perching and roosting place, while heavy ears
were being rapidly stripped of their yellow fruit. The blackbirds were
not long alone. A larger and more destructive fowl played havoc with the
corn. Wild turkeys were so plenty that it was almost impossible to
discharge a load of shot into the field without bringing one or more of
these ravenous intruders to the ground. Blackbirds and turkeys were not
alone in the general campaign against these first cornfields. The
raccoon tribe carried on an active and powerful warfare, while squirrels
of all kinds lost no time in laying aside for winter use a fair share of
the crop. It is unnecessary to state that this activity was of short
duration. Grainless cobs were the only mementoes of what had been.
Mr. Jacob Winter informs us that of five acres which, at roasting ear
time, promised a good crop, not a full ear and scarcely a grain was
left. Some became discouraged and left the country. Faith in a better
day ahead detained others. There was, indeed, occasion for
discouragement. Flies and mosquitoes made war upon the household and
stock no less industriously than the birds, turkeys, raccoons, and
squirrels upon the corn, the only difference being in degree of
accomplishment. To add to this more or less sickness incident to a new
and wet country, we have a picture of distress seldom equalled.
ORGANIZATION.
The first election was held at the residence of Henry Stultz on
Christmas Day, 1829. We regret that the first records were either not
preserved at the time or have since been lost, for it would be a
satisfaction to give the names of the settlers who had conferred upon
them honorable Christmas gifts. John Garn, George Overmyer, Jacob
Winter, and Henry Haven were among the early justices of the peace.
SCHOOLS.
The first school-house in the township was a log building which stood
near the bridge, across Mud Creek on the pike. James Drake was the
teacher. This house was built by Campbell, Klutz, Garn, and a few
others, about 1832. Webster's spelling book was the standard for
spelling, and at the same time served as primary reader. "The English
Reader" was the consummation of an English education, and very few
pushed beyond the "rule of three" in arithmetic.
The first school-house in the southern part of the township was located
on Muskallonge, and built about 1834. The school board as constituted by
the act of 1852, the act which provided for and enforced a free public
school system, met the first time in April, 1853. There were at that
time five school-houses. Eighty-three dollars were ordered expended on
repairs.
A public library — the Ohio School Library — was furnished the schools,
and for a time faithfully managed according to the rules. But like all
other libraries of this sort, it was in a few years dissolved by
neglect.
Rev. Father Young, pastor of the Catholic church, founded a parochial
school in 1871; a building was erected the same year at a cost of six
hundred dollars. This school is in a flourishing condition, the average
attendance during the winter of 1880-81 being about seventy-five.
There are in Jackson at present twelve public school-houses, including
the double brick building at Burgoon. This district employs two
teachers, one for the primary and one for the higher grade.
PHYSICIANS.
Jackson has had a doctor's office within her boundaries, with but few
intermissions, for the last twenty-five years. We shall give the names
only of a few who remained to establish themselves in a practice. Dr.
Moore opened an office at Winter Station before the war. He went into
the army as a volunteer and never returned to the county. Dr. Lee and
Dr. Orwich were successive practitioners at Winter's Station.
Dr. Andrews removed from Fremont to Millersville in 1872, being the
first physician at the place. In 1875 he removed to Genoa, where he is
continuing the practice. Dr. Paul succeeded him at Millersville and
remained a few years. In 1879 W. J. Gillette, a graduate of Cleveland
Medical college, located at that point.
MILLS.
We do not know the exact year of the building of the first saw-mill, but
it was during the period of early settlement. It was located on
Muskallonge and owned by Henry Stultz. The machinery has long since been
removed and but few traces of its existence remain.
The second mill was built and operated by John Garn, on Mud Creek. Like
its predecessor it has also passed away.
Jacob Winter built a mill on Muskallonge in 1843. Considerable work was
turned out in wet seasons. As the country became more generally cleared
the stream became less reliable as a source of power.
The fourth saw-mill, and the only one remaining, except the steam mill
and factory at Burgoon, was built by Joshua Smith, and is located on
Muskallonge, near Winter Station. It is now operated by Thomas Fleming,
and steam power is depended upon.
There never was a grist-mill in the township until 1880, when the
steam-mill at Burgoon was built.
WINTER STATION.
The first village was laid out by Jacob Winter and was located on the
line of railroad then called the Lima & Fremont, now the Lake Erie &
Western. For the accommodation of the neighborhood a petition for a post
office was sent to the Department, which was granted, and the new office
christened Winter's post office. From that time the place was known as
Winter's Station. The man who laid out a town, and whose name it bore,
erected the first business building, in which David Lemmon placed a
stock of general merchandise. Mr. Edwards opened the second store; John
Keen succeeded him.
David Lemmon was the first postmaster. His successors in business
continued the office.
But Winter's Station came to grief in its youth. When the Toledo, Tiffin
& Eastern railroad was built the town was discovered to be about one
mile too far to the northeast, for the railroad crossing was undoubtedly
the most promising site for a village.
BURGOON.
The land on the east side of the Lake Erie & Western, extending as far
north as the pike, belonged to Peter Warner. After the completion of the
Toledo, Tiffin & Eastern railroad he laid out a section of town lots and
gave the prospective village his own name. Mr. Warner was not long
permitted to enjoy a monopoly of village making. A company, consisting
of Messrs. Huss, Noble, Nailor, and Loom is, purchased twelve acres of
the Wise estate and laid it out in town lots. M. F. Hostler purchased a
half interest in this company soon afterwards. The subject of a name
caused a division of opinion. Mr. Warner's friends insisted that it
should be called Warner ; Lorain was the choice of the stockholders
across the road, but the post office was listed Burgoon, as a compliment
to the superintendent of the new railroad.
The dry goods business was commenced by Rufus Baker in 1873. He was
succeeded in a short time by Randall Glass, who continued the business
about three years. J. W. Powell was the next merchant. After about two
years he sold to A. J. Mowry. P. J. Kenan opened a store in 1880. His
business was destroyed by fire on the night of March 29, 1881.
M. F. Hostler has been in the grain and stock business since 1874. He
has a large elevator and two stock yards.
William F. Fry, in the summer of 1880, erected a large steam grist-mill,
saw-mill, and planing-mill.
A. Mowry and Randall Glass each kept tavern two years.
Bricks of fair quality are manufactured here, and wagon-making is
carried on to a limited extent.
It is within the possibility of things for Burgoon to become a town of
some importance. Surrounded with an agricultural territory inferior to
none, and with good railroad facilities there is no reason why it should
not prosper.
MILLERSVILLE.
This is a post village at the crossing of the pike and the Pittsburgh,
Fort Wayne & Chicago railway. When the railroad was built the farmers in
the community raised, by subscription, sufficient money to build a
depot. The site seemed auspicious for a town. Peter Miller laid out a
small portion of his land in town lots, and the new burgh was called
Millersville. The founder of the town was commissioned first postmaster,
and, after serving in that capacity a short time, was succeeded by the
present incumbent, John Garn.
A man named Grulich opened the first general store. He was succeeded in
1877 by S. S. Wright. A blacksmith shop and two saloons compose the
balance of the business part of the village.
Henry Ludwig has laid off a section of lots on the north side of the
pike. Millersville is two miles from Helena and five miles from Burgoon.
A sketch of Helena, which is divided by the township line between
Washington and Jackson townships, will be found in the chapter on
Washington.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
There are in this township seven churches, and it is with pleasure we
chronicle the fact that the leading citizens are included in their
membership. The pioneer preacher of this community was Rev. Jacob
Bowlus, of Lower Sandusky. He extended his missionary labors all over
the west part of the county, and the many flourishing classes and neat
white churches elonging to the conference of United Brethren in Christ,
testify that seed was sown in good ground. Evangelical (Albright)
missionaries also labored faithfully and successfully.
UNITED BRETHREN.
The first sermon was preached in the residence of Gilbreath Stewart, in
1829, by Jacob Bowlus. After the school-house was built at the site of
Mud Creek bridge on the pike, meetings were held there. Jeremiah Brown
occasionally preached here. After Jacob Winter settled on Muskallonge,
meetings were held in his barn, generally under charge of Jacob Bowlus.
It was in this barn that Michael Long, who has since distinguished
himself for usefulness in the church, preached his maiden sermon. A
class was here organized which, about 1840, built a meeting-house in the
Mowry neighborhood. The class prospered and grew. In 1866 it became
necessary to build a new house of worship. A difference of opinion in
the matter of location was happily settled by the preacher, Mr. Long,
proposing that while the subscription paper was being passed around,
each one should indicate his choice of location. Two points were
centered upon — Mowry's Corners and Winter Station. Both parties
subscribed liberally, but Winter Station was the point decided upon. A
handsome frame building was erected and christened Eaton Chapel. This
class has a membership of about fifty. Mr. Long held an interesting
revival in the winter of 1867, and also the following year, when he was
assisted by Rev. Mr. Hart.
In 1874 Otterbein class was formed, the first members being M. F.
Hostler and wife, Absalom Mowry and wife, Aaron Mowry and wife, William
Nye and wife, Aaron Warner and wife, Henry Disler and wife, and Emily
Wise. Centennial Otterbein Chapel, a handsome brick edifice, was erected
in 1876, as the name would indicate. The class was organized by Rev.
Michael Long. His successor, G. French, was in charge when the
meeting-house was built. Succeeding ministers have been William Mathers,
O. H. Ramsey, and Joseph Bever. Revs. Long, French, and Mathers, held
revivals. The class belongs to Eden circuit, and has a membership of
about twenty-five.
Bethlehem class was organized by Michael Long in 1875, in the
school-house on the Greenesburg pike, with the following members: James
Seagraves and wife, S. Dole and wife, Philip Klutz and wife, and Daniel
Dole and wife. In 1876 a church was built at a cost of two thousand
dollars. The first deacons were S. Dole, J. Seagrave, and W. J. Miller.
The present membership numbers about forty.
A class was organized a number of years ago in the western part of the
township, and named in recognition of that venerable and devoted member,
Eli Fetters. " Fetters " class, though small in membership, maintains
its organization and regular preaching. The old school-house on the
Fetters farm was purchased a few years ago and is used for worship.
EVANGELICAL CHURCHES.
There are in the township two Evangelical churches — Zion's and St.
Paul's. This form of Christian worship was established in the community
at an early period of the settlement, some of the pioneers from
Pennsylvania having previously been members. John Betts and wife, John
Shale and wife, Daniel Mowry and wife, Samuel Leffler and wife, Nicholas
Shale and wife, and perhaps a few others, are the oldest members. Aaron
Younker and Thomas George are remembered among the early preachers. A
log meeting-house was built about 1840, and the class took the name of
its faithful leader, and was called, and is yet commonly known, as
Shale's class. A new house of worship, known as Zion's church, was
erected in 1867, at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars. Rev. Daniel
Stroman was then the preacher in charge. During the winter following the
building of the new church, an awakening revival resulted in many
accessions to the membership. The class, now numbering fifty-four,
belongs to Bettsville circuit.
St. Paul's Evangelical Association is the northern class of this
denomination in the township. The early members were: John Vandersall
and wife, Jacob Vandersall and wife, Michael Shaffer and wife, Jacob
Harley and wife, Abram Boroff and wife, and perhaps others. Meetings
were held in the residences of these early members for a time and
afterwards in school-houses. In 1867 a church was built in the
Vandersall neighborhood, at a cost of twenty-three hundred dollars. This
class also belongs to the Bettsville circuit.
CATHOLIC.
There is in the northwestern [)art of the township a large settlement of
German Catholics. They are an industrious, prosperous people, and the
amount of money expended on church buildings proves their devotion. St.
Mary's congregation was organized by a colony of about twenty families
from the church at Fremont, in 1858. The leading members were: George
Hoffman, George Baker, Peter Golwick, John Kuffler, Maggie Young, Peter
Keen, Myron Hoffman, Joseph Weil, Michael Harmer, B. Wilhelm, — Groff,
Peter Miller, John Rumble, Casper Foos, George Rush, John Newberg,
Leodegan Lehman, Benjamin Ontrich, George Strassel, and Andy Foos.
The congregation was organized by Father Engly. Succeeding pastors have
been: Fathers Folm, Barber, Young, Litters, Sproll, and Blaser. The cost
of the church besides the general work, which was done voluntarily by
the members was eighteen hundred dollars. A priest's house was built the
following year, which cost about seven hundred dollars. In 1878 a new
parsonage was built, which cost two thousand dollars. In 1871, during
the pastorate of Rev. Father Young, a parochial school was established,
and a
school-house erected at a cost of six hundred dollars. The average
attendance is about seventy-five.
BAPTISTS.
There was at one time a flourishing congregation of Baptists in this
township. The church stood near Winter Station. Among the members were:
William Russel, Lewis Overmyer, Hugh Overmyer, Silas Kenan, B. Fried,
and Mrs. Hansen. All things moved smoothly until the Seventh Day
Adventists began to hold service in the church, the use of which was
kindly granted them. The faith of some of the members was changed; the
congregation weakened and finally died out.
Biographical Sketch,
CHARLES ROZELL AND FAMILY. 759-760
Charles Rozell was born in Mercer county, New Jersey, October 21, 1803.
His parents were John and Jane Rozell, both natives of New Jersey.
Charles was the oldest of a family of twelve children, seven sons and
five daughters. He passed his early years at home, and served an
apprenticeship to learn the shoemaker's trade, but not liking it, left
the shop and engaged in farming. In 1826 he married Catharine Wiley, of
Mercer county.
In 1831 Mr. Rozell left New Jersey and came to Jackson township,
Sandusky county, and purchased the farm upon which he passed the
remainder of his days. The farm was a wild lot; not a stick of timber
had been cut, and only an unbroken forest marked the spot which he
selected for his home. It was the month of March when he arrived. He
erected a log house and cleared sufficient ground for a garden and
cornfield, and in the fall sent for his family, consisting of his wife
and two children. They came, accompanied by Mrs. Rozell's brother. Mr.
Rozell met them upon their way and conducted them to his wild and
unattractive home. At that date there was little of romance about life
in the woods. The roads, or paths — for there were no roads worthy the
name — were in the worst condition imaginable. Lower Sandusky was the
nearest point where milling was carried on. Mr. Rozell bought a pair of
oxen with which to do his work. He used up nearly all of his money
before his farm was in a condition to bring any returns.
Both Mr. Rozell and his wife toiled earnestly, and saved economically
all they could gain. They denied themselves many of the comforts and
luxuries now found in almost every farmer's home, and restricted
themselves to the necessaries of life. They made sugar from the maples
for the family use, and strove to curtail expenses in every way.
In 1836 Mr. Rozell's parents came to Seneca county, and settled a few
miles distant from their son's home. Mrs. Rozell died upon their farm in
Seneca county, and Mr. Rozell a few years later in Jackson township.
John Rozell gave the land for the cemetery in Seneca county, south of
Bettsville. There reposes his body and the remains of those of the
family who have died in this vicinity.
The industry and economy of Mr. Charles Rozell were rewarded. He began
with eighty acres of wild land, but added to his possessions at
different times until, at his death, he had one hundred and seventy-four
acres of cleared land, and eighty of wood land.
When the plank road to Sandusky was in process of construction, Mr.
Rozell contracted to build several miles. In 1858 he erected a costly
and beautiful residence and furnished it neatly and tastefully. March 4,
1861, Mrs. Rozell died in her sixty-first year. She bore two children,
both of whom are living, viz: Susan Ann, wife of John Fabing, who
resides on the farm adjoining her old home; and Martha, the wife of
Lucien Hull, who lives in Seneca county, about two miles from the place
where she was brought up.
On the 14th of January, 1864, Mr. Rozell married Mrs. Rachel J. Reed.
Her maiden name was Bay, and she was born in Morgan county, Ohio,
November 9, 1822. Her grandfather, Robert Bay, was a native of
Pennsylvania, who served throughout the Revolutionary war; also in the
War of 1812. Her father also served in the War of 1812. Robert Bay
married Tama Ann Phillis, of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Rozell's father, Joseph
Bay, was born in 1790; died in 1835. In 1813 he married Catharine
Derrick, who was born in England in 1795. She is still living in
Zanesville. The Bay family were among the first settlers in Jefferson
county, in this State. They lived there until 1822, then moved to Morgan
county, and to Zanesville in 1824. Mrs. Rozell is the filth of a family
of eight children, three sons and five daughters. She has one brother
and two sisters living at this time.
By his second marriage Mr. Rozell was the father of one child, Jennie,
born April 3, 1865, who is now living with her mother in Fremont.
Mr. Charles Rozell was always active in his business, strictly fair and
honorable in all of his dealings, and treated every man justly. He was
kind to the poor and unfortunate, and ever ready to assist the
deserving. Though not a professing Christian, his moral character was
above reproach, and his reputation for sincerity of friendship and
integrity was unsullied. By attending diligently to his business, be
became the possessor of a good property, and departed from earth honored
and esteemed. He was a Republican, a strong Union man during the war,
and assisted the soldiers and their widows by every means at his
command. He died at his home in Jackson, November 27, 1870, at the age
of sixty-seven.
* Now spelled Klutz.
Source: History of Sandusky County, Ohio with Portraits and
Biographies of Prominent Citizens and Pioneers, by H. Z. Williams &
Bro., Homer Everett, (c) 1882, pp. 741-760
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