According to Ben - The History of Wayne County, Ohio - Chapter 2 (Part 1)

Chapter II

The North-West Territory

At the time Sebastian Cabot discovered North America, in 1498, the print of the foot of the white man was not upon its soil.  He had traversed wide, billowy and "hilly seas," and peopled waste and desert places of the earth, but here, on the sun-down side of the Western Hemisphere, he was not found. It was the empire of the native American, barbaric hordes who roamed like untamed beasts over its extensive domain and secreted themselves in its shady groves and cloistered valleys, unrestrained and ungoverned by any of the rules which regulate civilized life.

Cabot's discovery paved the way, as also did that of Columbus, for European immigration. Soon Spain, France and England vied with each other for the ascendancy in the New World.

Spain had the honor of establishing the first colony in North America, which was done at St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565, and is now the oldest city, by forty years, within the limits of the Republic. The French planted the second in 1604, at Port Royal, in Acadia, the original name of Novia Scotia, and the English the third, at Jamestown, in April, 1607, which was the first permanent settlement of the English in America.

England, becoming alarmed at the encroachments of the French in the northern part of the New World, divided that portion of the country which lies between the thirty-fourth and forty-fifth degrees of north latitude into two grand divisions. Then James I., by grant, disposed of that portion of the country included between the thirty-fourth and forty-first degrees to an association of merchants, called the London Land Company, and to the Plymouth Company, which subsequently settled New England, the territory between the thirty-eighth and forty-fifth degrees. These grants crossing over each other, to some extent, became a source of trouble to the Crown. The Cabots had visited Nova Scotia as early as 1498, though there was no European colony established until the year above named. Henry IV of France, had, as early as 1603, granted Acadia to DeMonts, a Frenchman, and his followers, and some Jesuits, who, for several years, endeavored to form settlements in Port Royal and St. Croix. They were finally expelled from the country by the English governor and colonists of Virginia, who claimed the country by right of the discovery of Sebastian Cabot. This grant to DeMonts comprised the lands between. the fortieth and forty-sixth degrees of north latitude, and hence included the lands at present composing the (northern half of) State of Ohio.

The grant of James I. of England to the London Company also embraced Ohio, and the grant of the same monarch to the Plymouth Company included a portion of it. France, knowing to the importance of seizing and holding the sway over the much-coveted lands of the western sun, equipped and sent out her boldest adventurers to explore and possess the country, prominent among whom appeared LaSalle, Champlain and Marquette. Forts were erected by them on the lakes and on the  Mississippi, Illinois and Maumee rivers, and the whole North-western Territory was included by them in the province of Louisiana; in fact our entire, country, according to their geographers, was New France, except that east of the great ranges of mountains, whose streams flow into the Atlantic; and of this portion they even claimed the basin of the Kennebec, and all of Maine to the east of that valley. As early as 1750 they had strong and well-guarded fortifications erected at the mouth of the Wabash river, and a line of communication opened to Acadia, by way of this stream, the lakes and the St. Lawrence. The English not only claimed the North-western Territory by reason of discovery, and by grant of the King of England, but by virtue of the purchase of the same, from the Indians by treaty, at Lancaster, in 1741. By that treaty the Six Nations ceded the lands or territory to the English, as they claimed. For the purpose of formally possessing it and vying with the French in its settlement, a company denominated the OhioCompany was organized in 1750, and obtained a grant in that year from the British Parliament for 600,000 acres of land on or near the Ohio river; and in I750 the English built and established a trading house at a place called Loramie's Store, on the Great Miami River, and which was the first English establishment erected in the North-west Territory, or the great valley of the Mississippi. In the early part of 1732 the French demolished this trading-house, and carried the inhabitants off to Canada. Its destruction involved something of a conflict, and the Ottawas and Chippewas assisting the French, fourteen of the red warriors were killed and several wounded before it succumbed.

In 1762 the Moravian missionaries, Post and Heckwelder, had established a station upon the Muskingum River. In 1763 the French ceded their possessions in the North-west, and, indeed, in North America, to Great Britain, and from that time forward the English had only the natives with whom to contend. After many bloody conflicts, in which valuable lives were sacrificed, the haughty Briton became master of the soil. In 1774, by act of Parliament of the English government, the whole of the North-west Territory was annexed to, and made part of, the Province of Quebec.

July 4, 1776, the colonists renounced further allegiance to the British Crown, and each State or Colony then claimed jurisdiction over the soil embraced within its charter. The war of the Revolution terminating favorably to the colonists, the King of England, September 3, 1783, ceded all claim to the North-west Territory to the United States. By charter, Virginia claimed that portion of the territory which was situated north-west of the Ohio River, but in 1784 she ceded all claim to the territory to the United States.

By virtue of this act or deed of cession the General Assembly of Virginia did, through her delegates in Congress, March I, 1784, "convey (in the name and for and on behalf of the said commonwealth), transfer, assign, and make over unto the United States in Congress assembled, for the benefit of said States, Virginia inclusive, all right, title and claim, as well of soil as of jurisdiction, to the territory of said State lying and being to the north-west of the river of Ohio." The deed of cession being tendered by the delegates, Congress at once resolved, "that it be accepted, and the same be recorded and enrolled among the acts of the United States in Congress assembled."

Title to the vast territory of the north-west having thus been secured to the United States, at an early date the prudent consideration of Congress was directed toward preliminary measures pointing to the permanent organization of civil government in the same, it now being within the legitimate province of its legislation. July 13, 1787, that August body, after considerate investigation, deliberate thought, and cautions inquiry into the subject, combined with tedious, dispassionate, and exhaustive analysis of  the vital issues involved, proclaimed the outgrowth of their matured action to the civilized world in what they saw proper to denominate, "An ordinance for the government of the territory of the United States north-west of the River Ohio," which is popularly, known as "the Ordinance of  87.'' This ordinance was the supreme law of the territory, and upon it was joined and in harmony with it, our entire territorial enactments, and all our subsequent State legislation. As we are greatly indebted to that document, the product of a sound, wise, and far-reaching statesmanship, for a large share of our greatness, prosperity and happiness, we here reproduce it:

Ordinance of 1787

An Ordinance for the government of the Territory of the United States northwest of the River Ohio.

Section 1. Be it ordained by the United States in Congress assembled, That the said territory, for the purposes of temporary government, be one district, subject, however, to be divided into two districts, as future circumstances may, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient.
Sec 2. Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the estates, both of resident and nonresident proprietors in the said territory, dying in testate, shall descent to, and be distributed among their children, and the descendants of a deceased child, in equal parts; the descendants of a deceased child or grandchild to take the share of their deceased parent in equal parts among them: And where there shall be no children or descendants, then in equal parts to the next of kin in equal degree; and among collaterals, the children of a deceased brother or sister of the in testate shall have, in equal parts among them, their deceased parents' share; and there shall in no case be a distinction between kindred of the whole and half blood; saving, in all cases, to the widow of the in testate her third part of the real estate for life, and one third part of the personal estate; and this law relative to descents and dower, shall remain in full force until altered by the legislature of the district. And until the governor and judges shall adopt laws as hereinafter mentioned, estates in the said territory may be devised or bequeathed by wills in writing, signed and sealed by him or her in whom the estate may be (being of full age), and attested by three witnesses; and real estates may be conveyed by lease and release, or bargain and sale, signed, sealed and delivered by the person being of full age, in whom the estate may be, and attested by two witnesses, provided such wills be duly proved, and such conveyances be acknowledged, or the execution thereof duly proved, and be recorded within one year after proper magistrates, courts, and registers shall be appointed for that purpose; and personal property may be transferred by delivery; saving, however to the French and Canadian inhabitants, and other settlers of the Kaskaskies, St. Vincents and the neighboring villages who have heretofore professed themselves citizens of Virginia, their laws and customs now in force among them, relative to the descent and conveyance, of property.
Sec. 3. Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That there shall be appointed from time to time by Congress, a governor, whose commission shall continue in force for the term of three years, unless sooner revoked by Congress; he shall reside in the district, and have a freehold estate therein in 1,000 acres of land, while in the exercise of his office.
Sec. 4. There shall be appointed from time to time by Congress, a secretary, whose commission shall continue in force for four years unless sooner revoked; he shall reside in the district, and have a freehold estate therein in 500 acres of land, while in the exercise of his office. It shall be his duty to keep and preserve the acts and laws passed by the legislature, and the public records of the district, and the proceedings of the governor in his executive department, and transmit authentic copies of such acts and proceedings, every six months, to the Secretary of Congress: There shall also be appointed a court to consist of three judges, any two of whom to form a court, who shall have a common law jurisdiction, and reside in the district, and have each therein a freehold estate in 500 acres of land while in the exercise of their offices; and their commissions shall continue in force during good behavior.
Sec. 5. The governor and judges, or a majority of them, shall adopt and publish in the district such laws of the original States, criminal and civil, as may be necessary and best suited to the circumstances of the district, and report them to Congress from time to time: which laws shall be in force in the district until the organization of the General Assembly therein, unless disapproved of by Congress; but afterwards the Legislature shall have authority to alter them as they shall think fit.
Sec. 6. The governor, for the time being, shall be commander in chief of the militia, appoint and commission all officers in the same below the rank of general officers; all general officers shall be appointed and commissioned by Congress.
Sec. 7. Previous to the organization of the general assembly, the governor shall appoint such magistrates and other civil officers in each county or township, as he shall find necessary for the preservation of the peace and good order in the same: After the general assembly shall be organized, the powers and duties of the magistrates and other civil officers shall be regulated and defined by the said assembly; but all magistrates and other civil officers not herein otherwise directed, shall during the continuance of this temporary government, be appointed by the governor.
Sec. 8. For the prevention of crimes and injuries, the laws to be adopted or made shall have force in all parts of the district, and for the execution of process, criminal and civil, the governor shall make proper divisions thereof; and he shall proceed from time to time as circumstances may require, to lay out the parts of the district in which the Indian titles shall have been extinguished, into counties and townships, subject, however, to such alterations as may thereafter be made by the legislature.
Sec. 9. So soon as there shall be five thousand free male inhabitants of full age in the district, upon giving proof thereof to the governor, they shall receive authority, with time and place, to elect a representative from their counties or townships to represent them in the general assembly: Provided, That, for every five hundred free male inhabitants, there shall be one representative, and so on progressively with the number of free male inhabitants shall the right of representation increase, until the number of representatives shall amount to twenty five; after which, the number and proportion of representatives shall be regulated by the legislature: Provided, That no person be eligible or qualified to act as a representative unless he shall have been a citizen of one of the United States three years, and be a resident in the district, or unless he shall have resided in the district three years; and, in either case, shall likewise hold in his own right, in fee simple, two hundred acres of land within the same; Provided, also, That a freehold in fifty acres of land in the district, having been a citizen of one of the states, and being resident in the district, or the like freehold and two years residence in the district, shall be necessary to qualify a man as an elector of a representative.
Sec. 10. The representatives thus elected, shall serve for the term of two years; and, in case of the death of a representative, or removal from office, the governor shall issue a writ to the county or township for which he was a member, to elect another in his stead, to serve for the residue of the term.
Sec. 11. The general assembly or legislature shall consist of the governor, legislative council, and a house of representatives. The Legislative Council shall consist of five members, to continue in office five years, unless sooner removed by Congress; any three of whom to be a quorum: and the members of the Council shall be nominated and appointed in the following manner, to wit: As soon as representatives shall be elected, the Governor shall appoint a time and place for them to meet together; and, when met, they shall nominate ten persons, residents in the district, and each possessed of a freehold in five hundred acres of land, and return their names to Congress; five of whom Congress shall appoint and commission to serve as aforesaid; and, whenever a vacancy shall happen in the council, by death or removal from office, the house of representatives shall nominate two persons, qualified as aforesaid, for each vacancy, and return their names to Congress; one of whom congress shall appoint and commission for the residue of the term. And every five years, four months at least before the expiration of the time of service of the members of council, the said house shall nominate ten persons, qualified as aforesaid, and return their names to Congress; five of whom Congress shall appoint and commission to serve as members of the council five years, unless sooner removed. And the governor, legislative council, and house of representatives, shall have authority to make laws in all cases, for the good government of the district, not repugnant to the principles and articles in this ordinance established and declared. And all bills, having passed by a majority in the house, and by a majority in the council, shall be referred to the governor for his assent; but no bill, or legislative act whatever, shall be of any force without his assent. The governor shall have power to convene, prorogue, and dissolve the general assembly, when, in his opinion, it shall be expedient.
Sec. 12. The governor, judges, legislative council, secretary, and such other officers as Congress shall appoint in the district, shall take an oath or affirmation of fidelity and of office; the governor before the president of congress, and all other officers before the Governor. As soon as a legislature shall be formed in the district, the council and house assembled in one room, shall have authority, by joint ballot, to elect a delegate to Congress, who shall have a seat in Congress, with a right of debating but not voting during this temporary government.
Sec. 13. And, for extending the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty, which form the basis whereon these republics, their laws and constitutions are erected; to fix and establish those principles as the basis of all laws, constitutions, and governments, which forever hereafter shall be formed in the said territory: to provide also for the establishment of States, and permanent government therein, and for their admission to a share in the federal councils on an equal footing with the original States, at as early periods as may be consistent with the general interest:
Sec. 14. It is hereby ordained and declared by the authority aforesaid, That the following articles shall be considered as articles of compact between the original States and the people and States in the said territory and forever remain unalterable, unless by common consent, to wit:
Art. 1. No person, demeaning himself in a peaceable and orderly manner, shall ever be molested on account of his mode of worship or religious sentiments, in the said territory.
Art. 2. The inhabitants of the said territory shall always be entitled to the benefits of the writ of habeas corpus, and of the trial by jury; of a proportionate representation of the people in the legislature; and of judicial proceedings according to the course of the common law. All persons shall be bailable, unless for capital offenses, where the proof shall be evident or the presumption great. All fines shall be moderate; and no cruel or unusual punishments shall be inflicted. No man shall be deprived of his liberty or property, but by the judgment of his peers or the law of the land; and, should the public exigencies make it necessary, for the common preservation, to take any person's property, or to demand his particular services, full compensation shall be made for the same. And, in the just preservation of rights and property, it is understood and declared, that no law ought ever to be made, or have force in the said territory, that shall, in any manner whatever, interfere with or affect private contracts or engagements, bona fide, and without fraud, previously formed.
Art. 3. Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent; and, in their property, rights, and liberty, they shall never be invaded or disturbed, unless in just and lawful wars authorized by Congress; but laws founded in justice and humanity, shall from time to time be made for preventing wrongs being done to them, and for preserving peace and friendship with them.
Art. 4. The said territory, and the States which may be formed therein, shall forever remain a part of this Confederacy of the United States of America, subject to the Articles of Confederation, and to such alterations therein as shall be constitutionally made; and to all the acts and ordinances of the United States in Congress assembled, conformable thereto. The inhabitants and settlers in the said territory shall be subject to pay a part of the federal debts contracted or to be contracted, and a proportional part of the expenses of government, to be apportioned on them by Congress according to the same common rule and measure by which apportionments thereof shall be made on the other States; and the taxes for paying their proportion shall be laid and levied by the authority and direction of the legislatures of the district or districts, or new States, as in the original States, within the time agreed upon by the United States in Congress assembled. The legislatures of those districts or new States, shall never interfere with the primary disposal of the soil by the United States in Congress assembled, nor with any regulations Congress may find necessary for securing the title in such soil to the bona fide purchasers. No tax shall be imposed on lands the property of the United States; and, in no case, shall nonresident proprietors be taxed higher than residents. The navigable waters leading into the Mississippi and St. Lawrence, and the carrying places between the same, shall be common highways and forever free, as well to the inhabitants of the said territory as to the citizens of the United States, and those of any other States that may be admitted into the confederacy, without any tax, impost, or duty therefor.
Art. 5. There shall be formed in the said territory, not less than three nor more than five States; and the boundaries of the States, as soon as Virginia shall alter her act of cession, and consent to the same, shall become fixed and established as follows, to wit: The western State in the said territory, shall be bounded by the Mississippi, the Ohio, and Wabash Rivers; a direct line drawn from the Wabash and Post Vincents, due North, to the territorial line between the United States and Canada; and, by the said territorial line, to the Lake of the Woods and Mississippi. The middle State shall be bounded by the said direct line, the Wabash from Post Vincents to the Ohio, by the Ohio, by a direct line, drawn due north from the mouth of the Great Miami, to the said territorial line, and by the said territorial line. The eastern State shall be bounded by the last mentioned direct line, the Ohio, Pennsylvania, and the said territorial line: Provided, however, and it is further understood and declared, that the boundaries of these three States shall be subject so far to be altered, that, if Congress shall hereafter find it expedient, they shall have authority to form one or two States in that part of the said territory which lies north of an east and west line drawn through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan. And, whenever any of the said States shall have sixty thousand free inhabitants therein, such State shall be admitted, by its delegates, into the Congress of the United States, on an equal footing with the original States in all respects whatever, and shall be at liberty to form a permanent constitution and State government: Provided, the constitution and government so to be formed, shall be republican, and in conformity to the principles contained in these articles; and, so far as it can be consistent with the general interest of the confederacy, such admission shall be allowed at an earlier period, and when there may be a less number of free inhabitants in the State than sixty thousand.
Art. 6. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted: Provided, always, That any person escaping into the same, from whom labor or service is lawfully claimed in any one of the original States, such fugitive may be lawfully reclaimed and conveyed to the person claiming his or her labor or service as aforesaid.
Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the resolutions of the 23rd of April, 1784, relative to the subject of this ordinance, be, and the same are hereby repealed and declared null and void.
Done by the United States, in Congress assembled, the 13th day of July, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of their sovereignty and independence the twelfth.

According to Ben - The History of Wayne County, Ohio

Benjamin Douglass began writing his epic history of Wayne County, Ohio in 1875, and toiled with it for the next three years, finally publishing it in 1878. The volume is massive and replete with important historical facts. But it is written in the poetic language of the late 19th century, sometimes making it difficult to glean.

This series of articles is intended to extract the history into a more concise, less verbose document. And, like Mr. Douglass' work, make it available for all to use and read.

As Douglass puts it,

It can be maintained, then, not as a fact or an abstraction, but as a principle entrenched in a sound and practical philosophy, that nothing can more interest a people or a community than a history of the times in which they have lived-a reproduction of the drama in which their fathers were the actors.

With this view I have written a History of Wayne County, Ohio, from a period long antedating its present organization from its first settlement to the present time, and before its early annals have become entirely a myth.

The first article will be my version of his introduction. I have attempted to maintain his original intent, and where possible, have used his exact verbiage.

According to Ben

An Interpretation of Benjamin Douglass'

History of Wayne County, Ohio

Published in 1878

by

Michael Louis Franks

Introduction

A written history of Wayne County, Ohio has long been desired by citizenry there, as to not fail to record the trials and tribulations, the triumphs and exaltations of the pioneers who settled this great land. Putting that history into print is a worthy and honorable endeavor.

With the exception of a brief reference to Wayne County history in Henry Howe's 1848 "Historical Collections", there has been no attempt to substantially document the county's history.

In 1852, John Grable, of Paint Township, attempted to write a county history. For reasons unknown, he did not complete the task. Through the courtesy of G.W. Fraze, of Paint Township, we have obtained a portion of Grable's work, and have used it in the preparation of this work.

John P. Jeffries, of Wooster, had spent considerable time collecting material for a history of Wayne County. But, for reasons only he knows, he abandoned the endeavor. It is our great fortune to have obtained his substantial cooperation in the completion of this work.

Thomas Woodland, of Wooster, inspired the creation of a society with the purpose of publishing a history of the city of Wooster, which had the approval of many prominent citizens of the town. But for some, it was felt the history should include the entire county.

The latter proposition was endorsed by prominent citizens of the day, including John Larwill, Martin Welker, John McBride, Benjamin Eason, Joseph Downing, Ohio Jones, Angus McDonald, Constant Lake, David Robison, James Jacobs, John Zimmerman, Thomas Woodland and many others. This was the genesis of the Wayne County Historical Society. The purpose of the society was now enlarged and encompassed a much greater assortment of needs. A constitution and by-laws were adopted, officers under the provisions of the same were chosen and elected, and a record of it's sessions and general proceedings ordered to be kept. The concept of committees in the city and various townships collecting historical data for the publication was thought to be the easiest and most effective way. When it was adopted, the Secretary of the Society contacted the various committees with their respective duties.

Ample time was given to the committees to report, but, with two notable exceptions, the reports were not forthcoming. The collection, combining and erecting was delegated to the historian and author of the work. Under the initial arrangement, the historian purpose was to revise, adjust and systemize for the publication. This unexpected check to the Society's plan was wholly unsatisfactory. However, though the historian and author was dismayed at Society's new direction, he elected to proceed. His work now assumed much more rigorous proportions. As a result, time became cardinal ingredient of the enterprise, and of this he availed himself, as was his privilege.

Without support, we proceeded to seek out the history of this great county. Our approach was to avoid obstacles choosing our steps wisely. It was an unkempt garden we found ourselves in, but there was fruit to be found. We left no stone unturned in the search for the truth.

A special interest is given to our territorial history to which the general reader may not be aware. We look at the land grants in the New World, by James I. of England, to the London and Plymouth Companies, and to those of Henry IV. of France, as early as 1603, which comprised the lands between the 40th and 46th degrees north latitude, which includes what is now the State of Ohio.

A technically complete description of originally established Wayne County is given, which forms a chapter in the book of incalculable value. Strange as it may appear, the Act creating Wayne County affords no intelligible idea of its remarkable boundary.

The organization of the North-western Territory, under the Ordinance of 1787, is introduced in full, and its line of civil administration accurately pursued until the admission of Ohio into the Federal Union in 1803.

The topography and geology are carefully considered by John P. Jeffries, who authored "Natural History of the Human Races." Mr. Jeffries is highly qualified for the performance of such scientific labor.

Its archeology is discussed at length, and forms a chapter which can not fail of interest to the student of the pre-historic period.

Indian ethnology, historical survey of the Delawares, Wyandots, Shawanese, etc., who inhabited this section, together with descriptions of the Great Trail leading from Fort Pitt to Fort Sandusky, and the massacre by Captain Fulkes of the red warriors on the banks of Apple Creek, all are included in the range of the

work.

The passage of Crawford's army through Clinton township, and of Beall's forces from Lisbon to Canton, Wooster, and on to the Huron, and a portion of the same to Fort Meiggs, are defined with reliable clearness, and viewed in the light of all the circumstances, are rich discoveries and recoveries from the margins of rapidly fading history. The earliest settlements of the county, and the characteristics of its first settlers are grouped succinctly in separate departments. Pioneer life is portrayed, and the more exciting scenes and situations, in which the magnificent metamorphosis appears of a brave people, moving from wilderness misrule and chaos to lofty civilization and grand achievement. A sketch of Johnny Appleseed is introduced, more elaborately written and detailed than any biography yet furnished.

A survey of the present Wayne County is faithfully reproduced, and the manner, time and date of its subdivisions into townships recorded. Its organization, the erection of its first courts, and many particulars thereto relating, receive special prominence. The laying out of Madison, and finally the establishing of Wooster as the county seat, together with the vacation of the first named place, is explained in the almost technical language of the courts. Biographies of Generals Wayne and Wooster are presented, and the names of the officers of the city, county, townships and incorporated villages of the county, entrusted with their civil management, are set forth with the fidelity justified by the public records.

With the divergent theories of extinct races, or past peoples, etc., having inhabited the land that is Wayne County, we institute inquiry, but have no controversy. To have entered in great detail upon this question would have been a fruitless endeavor, likely to provide any real insight. They "died and made no sign" beyond ancient mounds and other earthen erections, and lacking any written history, it is left to us to ponder how a people could partially climb the ladder to civilization, then lapse into barbarism, or disappear altogether.

Who these people were, where they came from, and their destiny, investigation has not solved, thus has not yet been positively written. They belong to that period of prehistoric time, incalculable in amount, with all the various tribes, form a quite imposing field of study.  Whether the true mound-builders or not, we feel as we contemplate them that they were highly aware, and possibly, superior beings, of whom nothing remains but earthen structures and antique relics.

It should be inferred, however, that upon a topic so absorbing and so vitalized with deep interest we would claim a hearing of facts, but as before indicated, no public scientific discourse has been indulged and no special theories maintained.

The agricultural possibilities of the county are presented in a strong light, and a "bird's-eye" view of its cereals, fruits, etc., taken at short and long range, composes an interesting chapter. A complete history of the city of Wooster is given, with elaborate sketches of its original proprietors, together with a full account of the first surveys, names of first settlers, building of first houses, location of the same, and first architects, construction of first courthouse, jail and churches, with names and biographies of pioneer judges, lawyers, physicians and clergymen.

The various townships have each a separate history, including date of organization, where first elections were held, names of judges of same, and first voters; where first school-houses and churches were erected ; embracing incidents of "backwoods life, with the experiences of the bear-hunter and the edge-man of the roaring camp-meeting.

The biographical department can not fail to be interesting, for history, we are told, "is the essence of innumerable biographies." Seneca says, "Is it not a more glorious and profitable employment to write the history of a well ordered life, than to record the usurpations of ambitious princes?"  Its object is the crystallization of the deeds and doings of the fathers; the transferring to the printed page some of the worthy and good of their living sons. We would save them from the obscurity, for which the arm is stretched, to rescue the fathers. Very near unto us all is forgetfulness. In the wondrous, boundless jostle of things, our lives and our deaths are soon lost sight of. The panorama is shifted, and the life-bustle of today is the death-tableau of to-morrow.

"The Fate goes round, and strikes at last where it has a great while passed by." The record of a humble but well-spent life is indeed worth the transient flourish of a pen. Posterity will not be ungrateful for it, and it should be enlarged into a record for its use. These sketches, in many instances, are sufficiently elaborate to delineate the more prominent traits of individual character, and are drawn together in open juxtaposition, irrespective of belief, position or creed. Prior to the organization of the county, in 1812, we have presented the most authoritative recollections of our oldest and most intelligent men who have lived in the county. There is unavoidable discrepancy and indefiniteness in the narration prior to this date. Our researches

covering this period, at times, were like a struggle for light in a dark closet.

We regret that the initial year-marks have been blurred - that Time has blown the sand and dirt over the first foot-prints. Much previous to the above date, however, has been rescued from oblivion. From 1812 we start abreast with the records, and are able, with few exceptions, to define the historic past. Our chief aim has been to seize hold of "first things." for they "have a fascination, because they are first things." It certainly should be the subject of a profound public regret that the project of preparing such a book has been so long postponed. Had it been inaugurated in the days and times of Joseph Larwill, John Sloane, Benjamin Jones, Alexander McBride, Levi Cox, Edward Avery, Cyrus Spink, Smith Orr, Andrew McMonigal, etc., we would have experienced little of the difficulty which we have met and with which we have been perplexed. We have sought to discharge our duty with impartiality, fidelity and discrimination, uniformly aiming to delineate, with scrupulous truthfulness, the aspects and features of the subjects upon which we have been called to pronounce. Nor have we allowed any portion of the work to be burdened with unimportant details, tedious dissertations, or infested with recitations to gratify or pamper a perverted or depraved curiosity. It is but due to our self and to the reader to say, that our work has been performed, at times, quite demanding of our time, and that much of it has been accomplished while tending to our families and full-time occupations.

More than this, we but add that our labors have been more tedious and difficult than was at first imagined, and that our resources of investigation have been more barren than we anticipated. If we have rescued from the chasm of the past-the vortex of the dead untenanted years-anything that will interest the generations of the coming time; if we have saved from oblivion the memory of a life that illustrated a single virtue, a moral principle, or a religion in this mad Babylon of the world, then our labor will be compensated. Whether we have achieved this purpose, others will decide instead of us. We are less concerned in the verdict than those who render it. The hush of death will have fallen upon many ears when posterity shall arise and record its judgment.

BEN DOUGLASS.

Wooster, Ohio, June, 1875.

The following article was published in the November 11, 1975 edition of the Wooster Daily Record. Photos have been added for general interest, but do not represent items owned by the McKee family.

McKee's Memories Bring Back the Old Horse n' Buggy Days

BY JOHN D. McKEE 

My early days in Smithville can best be characterized as "horse - and buggy days." The day of the automobile was still in the future; at the time it was only a dream of a man named Henry Ford.

Surrey Similar to that of the McKee Family

Our four horses were an essential part of the family establishment. Their daily care and use required time, patience and skill. Grooming was the first chore of the day after the morning feeding. Our barn accommodated the animals in good stalls with the haymow overhead. There was also room for the wagons, buggy and surrey which, as I recall, did have a fringe on the top.

Worked Hard

During the six-day work week the horses were in the harness most of the time. Trips to Wooster and Orrville were regularly scheduled each week to buy the produce from the local grocers. Butter, eggs, poultry and potatoes were then transported to Barberton and Akron for resale in stores there. I especially remember the Acme chain of grocieries, one of the earliest of its kind in those cities. My father came to know the Acme manager well and made many deliveries to his store.

Looking back, it seems a long trip, about 30 miles, to make with a two-horse team and wagon loaded with produce, which it probably was. In winter, shipment was made by rail via Creston. As a boy I was allowed to go along on many trips, thus enabling me to see the sights while assisting at the various stops.

The covered wagon was in-dispensable for all phases of the business. During the summer months it became the "grocery wagon," four to five days of the week. Its cargo was litterally a "store on wheels" for the farm ladies of the surrounding countryside. We acquired their butter and eggs which were traded for food staples.

Our horses were called carriage horses, since they were used often in that role. The buggy was a two-seated rig with a top which was often used for a quick trip to a nearby town. It also functioned, of course, on social occasions for "dates" to public events.

The surrey required a two-horse team and served as the family carriage for visits to the homes of relatives in the summer. Most memorable for our family of six was the annual trip to Hayesville to visit Aunt Mary Jarvis and her family. This was a journey of 27 miles and required a day of steady driving.

Big Events

The first lap was always to Wooster, seven miles, there we stopped at the fair grounds to have our noon dinner and also feed and water the team. Then began the twenty-mile journey in the afternoon, five miles each to Jefferson, Reedsburg, Jeromesville and finally to Hayesvillee. We generally spent a week in the Jarvis home, as was the custom in those days. This was reciprocated in a return visit by the relatives to our home.

Fishing was always one of my dad's pleasures on this visit, there being fine streams nearby with many game fish available. We boys loved the excitement of being allowed to go along with the grown-ups on a fine day.

Family Ties

One of my memorable relations in early years was with my grandparents, Peter & Sarah Burkholder Amstutz. Their home was near ours in Smithville, so that made for easy access. Grandpa retained a small acreage in Georgetown which was known to the family as "Tennessee." I never knew why it was so called, but it lent some special interest to the place for us when we could go along in the one-horse buck-board or spring wagon with grandpa. A long row of ancient cherry trees at picking time was always a great attraction.

 A visit to grandma's early home was associated with nutting time. Her Burkholder relatives still lived on the old place southeast of our town. The old brick house still stands. today now well into its second century. One room, with an outside door, we were told, was always reserved for a tramp who might stop and seek shelter for the night. The hickory trees in the woods were ours for the nut harvest, clubbed down with a burr on the end of a heavy stick.

1905 Rio Two-Seat Roadster

The first automobile seen in our town was owned by George Glide who lived in Georgetown, a few miles east on the Portage Road. As one of a kind it became a sensation. The make was Reo, a small two-seat roadster. I well recall George's stops at our store to buy gasoline. There was no pump in those days, only a small storage tank from which we drew the gas in a small container and carefully poured it into the car tank which was under the seat, as I recall.

Endurance Test

Our first car was a Studebaker touring car which dad acquired about 1916. It had side curtains which were only used in winter or in rainy weather. Constant care of the new vehicle was the order of the day with dad the only driver. Eventually I was permitted to learn to drive, with many restrictions on my use of "Studey," as it was called.

1916 Studebaker Sedan

The test of a car performance in those days was its climb up Curie hill. George Curie lived at the top of this hill which may explain why he was an early car "buff." If a new car could climb the Curie hill without difficulty it was regarded as a success and worth buying, otherwise nix.

The horse and buggy days did not cease when our first car arrived. Far from it. The business must still go with the horses still in use when my brother Clark and I entered the service in World War I. Some time later the era came to an end.

Dusty and muddy roads became only a memory. But the early memories remain: of enjoying the pacer or trotter as we ambled along; of the crack of the whip; and the long journey which now is looked back on as the halcyon time of yesterday.

The Quinby Brothers and their Impact on Wooster

Ephraim Quinby, Sr. was born May 11, 1766 in Hunterton County, New Jersey. He married Amma Blackmore in 1795. They relocated to Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1795. In 1799 they found their permanent home in the Connecticut Western Reserve, purchasing 400 acres at the future location of Trumbull County, Ohio. Trumbull County was established in 1800 when Wayne County was sectioned off, but didn't attain it's current geography until 1848. Quinby's land was situated
on both the east and west side of the Mahoning River. Quinby successfully farmed his land, and became a prominent citizen. He is recognized as the founder of Warren, Ohio, county seat of Trumbull County.

Ephraim and Amma Quinby had eleven children, four girls and 7 boys. Two of the boys would go on to be very influential in the development of Wayne County and Wooster, Ohio, Samuel and Ephraim Quinby, Jr.

In The History of Wayne County, written by Benjamin Douglass in 1878, Mr. Douglass writes:

"Samuel Quinby was born in Washington county, Pa., in 1794, and died February 4, 1874, at Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio. His father, Judge Ephraim Quinby, removed with his family to the site of Warren as early as 1795, two years before the county of Trumbull was organized, and five years before the State was admitted into the Union."

In 1819, Samuel Quinby was appointed by President James Monroe Receiver of Public Monies of the United States Land Office, a seat vacated by John Sloane who had been elected to Congress from the 6th District, State of Ohio. Since the location for the U.S. Land Office was in Wooster, Samuel moved to Wooster that same year. He held the office until 1835. And although he had supported John Quincy Adams for President of the United States, he

survived losing that position when Adams lost his presidency after just one term to Andrew Jackson, following a scandal laden term. This is a measure of his personal integrity and high esteem others, even political advisories, held him.

During his tenure with the U.S. Land Office, he was also Wayne County's treasurer, holding that position form 1822 to 1838.

Samuel Quinby was a successful citizen, and wanted everyone to be successful. To those ends he provided financial assistance to those struggling to get started in Wooster. From Benjamin Douglass' History of Wayne County:

"The surviving pioneers of the county bring united testimony to his noble impulses and generous disposition. He appeared at a crisis in their midst when they sorely needed a counselor and when substantial assistance became one of the unforgotten boons. As Treasurer of the county for many years he had opportunity of knowing the financial distresses of the toiling, moneyless settlers. They had entered, or purchased their lands, had brought on their families and were bravely fighting the battle of life amid untold hardship and suffering. They could produce corn and wheat, oats, etc., it is true, but they brought little or no money. The home market was a fable ; its moral was disappointment. The inevitable tax-day came around, and many a struggling, industrious, frugal

land-owner was found penniless. Some could sell the one or two hogs they had fattened for the winter's meat ; some, more fortunate, could meet the collector's demand ; others could send to friends in the East and procure the scant remittance, and others again beheld the grim tax-gatherer coming with sick and aching hearts.

With this latter class is where Mr. Quinby rose to the dignity of the pioneer's true friend. We have it from the lips of old men yet living in Wayne county that upon a candid and truthful representation of their financial condition, he voluntarily paid their taxes for years, never exacting a cent of interest, and only asking back what he paid, and affording any reasonable time to pay it in. To those who spoke regretfully of leaving comfortable homes in other States, and talked of selling out and returning, he addressed words of encouragement, saying, "This is a great country, let us make it ours and our children's." A decided affirmative answer to the question, " Will you stay with us and help fight our battles ?" relieved the heavy heart of many a penniless tax-payer.

His name is to-day laden with a fragrance in the memory of the pioneers, and they revert to his manifold kindnesses with sighs and sadness.

Such a man, in such times of trial rises to the majesty of a benefactor, and such a life leaves more than a transient impression upon the age and period where its activities are displayed."

In 1840, Samuel Quinby returned to his home town, Warren, Ohio, where he lived out the rest of his life. While there, he served two terms in the Ohio State House (1844 and 1861) and was Director of the Western Reserve Bank.

Here is what Benjamin Douglass concluded:

"It is emphatically evident that the Quinby family was an enviably prominent one. In their successful operations for the development of the resources of the country, they have demonstrated a high order of business ability and commercial integrity. Their personal example and laudable endeavors to elevate the moral and religious tone of the communities in which they moved, celebrate their virtues and the excellencies of their lives. The unstained and unimpeachable characters they maintained in the various positions of responsibility and honor entrusted to them by the people constitute an enduring monument."

Samuel's brother, Ephraim, was 16 years his junior. Ephraim was born April 14, 1880 in Trumbull County. By the time he was about 13 years old, he came to Wooster to live with his older brother, Samuel. He would occasionally help out at the US Land Office. All that time he was receiving an education at Wooster city schools.

In July of 1828, Ephraim went to work for John Larwill as a clerk in one of his stores. He earned $100 per year, plus board. It is said he was able to save 1/3 of his wages. One year later Joseph Larwill was appointed Receiver of Public Monies of the United States Land Office for the Tiffin (now, Bucyrus) area. He asked young Ephraim to join him as a clerk there. He accepted the offer and worked there for one year. Following his assignment in Tiffin, he returned home to work at his brother's office. Among his duties was to make the deposits of money collected for the sale of public lands. This required periodic trips to the Branch Bank of the United States in Pittsburgh, a seven day journey.

Much of the money was in the form of silver coin. The weight of these coins were great, requiring a stout wagon and two strong horses. Occasionally, it was so heavy an extra team of horses were required. When he would stop to lodge for the night he had to take special care not to disclose the nature of his journey. This is how Douglass describes the perils,

"In cases like these, Mr. Quinby-then but twenty years old would drive his team pretty close to the tavern door and request that it might remain there until morning. Having, generally, a friend along with him-often his old companion, a boy, then, as well as himself, the Rev. M. E. Strieby-they would arrange to have a bed spread on the floor of the tavern sitting-room, vigilantly keeping an eye on the wagon containing the coin-the banknotes being kept about his person. After supper, and when other travelers and the family had retired, Mr. Quinby and his friend would quickly remove the boxes, each containing from twelve to fifteen hundred dollars, from the wagon to the sitting-room, and closing the doors securely, they would sleep, turn about, until quite early in the morning and before there was any stir upon the premises, when they would stealthily replace the boxes containing the coin in the wagon. After breakfast they would renew their journey, not even the landlord or any one else about the premises knowing the value of their cargo or the amount of money they controlled, such a state of profound ignorance, no doubt, being a source of comfort to Mr. Quinby. These special precautions, it is true, were only practiced in suspicious localities and strange places, yet precaution, prudence and watchfulness was the rule at all times and under all circumstances. And, strange as it may appear, he never, in all these perilous adventures, carried weapons of defense, though often, indeed, apprehensive of molestation and robbery."

In the fall of 1834, Ephraim Quinby embarked on a mercantile career, renting a store room from General Cyrus Spink, across from the American Hotel. Through 1936 he moved his business around, looking for the right location. For a short time, he had the store located in Millersburg. In 1836 he signed a five year lease from Reasin Beall for a building on the southwest corner of public square, and partnered with James Grant.

On October 12, 1837 Quinby married Catharine E. McConahay, the daughter of Judge D. McConahay.

From 1836 to 1842, Quinby focused on investing in Wooster real estate, where most of his fortunes originated. He purchased 14 acres south of Liberty and east of Bever, which he formed city lots which sold rapidly. These lots were 60 feet wide by 180 feet deep and sold for about $250 (about $5000 today). By 1841, similar lots were selling for upwards of $6000 (about $132,000 today), such was the real estate boom in Wooster.

In 1848 the Wayne County branch of the State Bank of Ohio was formed, of which Quinby was a shareholder. He was elected Cashier, a position he held until the end of the charter in 1865. That same year the Wayne County National Bank was chartered and once again, Quinby was elected Cashier.

The Mercantile and Wayne County Branch of the State Bank of Ohio and how it would look if it stood today

In the period from 1848 to 1876, Quinby dabbled in real estate, buying, selling and improving property all over the city of Wooster. He also increased his fortunes by buying, improving and selling property in the Cleveland area.

Secure in his fortunes, he built a mansion in Wooster for his family. It was located on the west side of South Market Street, between West South Street and Henry Street. The property was a half block wide and the house had 32 rooms. Ephraim Quinby's descendents lived in it until it was razed in 1931.

Ephraim Quinby's mansion which stood on the northwest corner of Market and Henry. It was razed in 1931

Ephraim Quinby desired to bring the culture of larger cities to Wooster, so in the mid 1870s he chaired a committee of like-minded gentlement to commission a design for an opera house. Architects C.M. Amsden and D. Graham submitted the design that was approved. On February 1, 1877, the opera house opened. In spite of his protests, it was called the Quinby Opera House. It was located on the southeast corner of North Buckeye Street and East Larwill Street. It had a seating capacity of 1000. Plays were put on by both local troupes of amateur thespians as well as traveling troupes of professionals. Typical ticket prices were 25₵ for children and 50₵ for adults. It stood for 33 years until being supplanted by an improved venue at City Hall.

The Quinby Opera House stood on the southeast corner of Buckeye and Larwill. It was razed in 1900

Quinby was instrumental in bringing College of Wooster to this town. In 1866, the Presbyterian Synods of Ohio were searching for a town suitable for a college. They required a subscription of $100,000, which included the value of land for the college building. Knowing the value of having a university located in town, an effort was immediately started to raise the required funds. At the outset, Ephraim Quinby donated $10,000. But as the last pledges came in, the effort fell $32,000 short of their goal. The Presbyterian Synods gathered to meet in Wooster to review the site and the fund raising effort. They agreed to accept the 20 acre site as a donation of $25,000 from Ephraim Quinby and a $75,000 subscription from the city. They further agreed to accept the shortfall of funds as a guaranty from Quinby and other citizens in Wooster, and the university was born. From the day that it opened, and throughout the rest of his life, Ephraim Quinby supported the college both financially, and with his matured sphere of influence. Wooster would not be same had it not been for him.

Ephraim Quinby was also a pivotal person in bringing the first railroad to Wooster. On October 16, 1845 the first meeting was held to discuss the need to bring rail traffic to Wooster. The meeting was presided over by Cyrus Spink, with Quinby acting as secretary. This meeting resulted in another public meeting to gain support from all citizens of the county. The team of advocates, including John Larwill, Dr. S.F. Day, John Mc Sweeney, J.P. Jeffries, Jesse Straugham and Ephraim Quinby went to work making speeches throughout the county to drive public support.

J.P. Jeffries issued an open letter to the public:

"That the stock will be profitable, there is not the possibility of a doubt that it will net to the stockholders over ten per cent, per annum, is in our opinion just as certain. Nearly every man in the county is able to take one share, and this he should do, particularly the owner of real estate, because he will be benefited just in proportion to his business, be it great or small. Should every man in the county who subscribes a share of $50 lose it entirely, he will still be the gainer, from the fact that the value of his land, his labor, and the price of his produce will be greatly enhanced; and the business of the merchant and mechanic will increase in proportion to that of the farmer, and thus the benefit of

the road will be reaped."

Their campaign was successful in raising the funds necessary and on August 10, 1852, the first passenger train rolled into Wooster. It was a great achievement for Quinby and the rest of the committee who had fought so hard to make it happen. The celebration of that first train was epic. Here is what Douglass wrote:

"The arrival of the first passenger train in Wooster, Tuesday afternoon, August 10, 1852, was an event not soon to be forgotten, and in the future will be reverted to as such, not merely for the satisfaction a knowledge of the date will afford, but as a circumstance and occasion by which other occurrences and incidents may be identified. On that day Wooster was in a paroxysm of bustle and excitement. A national salute was fired at sunrise. Four P. M. was the hour announced for the arrival of the train. At 2 P. M. the surging multitude began to gather at the depot, and by 3 o'clock it was estimated that from 15,000 to 20,000 persons were on the grounds. At 3 P. M. a dispatch was received from Massillon assuring us that two trains were coming with 600 passengers, 500 of whom were invited guests from Pittsburg and Allegheny. At ten minutes past 4 P. M. the train arrived. The scene was magnificent; the people shouted, cannons boomed thunderingly, whirlwinds of gladness swept over acres of clapping hands, and on faces young and aged, a " grand Homeric jubilation was radiant." It was the Pentecost of gayety. The fire companies never looked or behaved better; the martial music was inspiring and heroic, and the guests were happy and hilarious, both by choice and compulsion. It seemed, indeed, to many, like '' Curiosity's Benefit Day."

Such was the absolute importance of this event for Wooster. It meant the town could now grow and prosper, secure in the knowledge that it was connected to the outside world and corporations could safely do business here.

And without the efforts of two brothers from Warren, Ohio, one of which made his permanent home in Wooster, these things may not have come to pass. But they did, and Wooster owes them both a debt of gratitude.

The Apple Creek Brewing Company

Joseph Ramseyer built a brewery in 1860, locating in Wooster Township, just outside of Wooster city, at the intersection of Dalton Road (now Old Lincoln Way), Apple Creek Road (Sylvan Road) and Pittsburgh Avenue. This area was known as Soaptown. He named his company Apple Creek Brewing Company because of its proximity to the creek of the same name. The water from the creek was used for the production of both ale and lager.

At first the brewery produced only small quantities beer. By the mid 1870s production was over 2000 barrels per year. The building was three stories in height and had an attached ice house, which was used to store ice taken in the winter a large pond that adjoined the brewery. The dam which created the pond was called Sprucies Dam, which was a popular swimming location through the 1950s.

Over the years the brewery was owned and operated by several men. In 1870 it was purchased by Martin Rich and Jacob Roth. Roth sold his interest to Jacob Mougey in 1874. Rich sold his interest to John Graber in 1879. Graber and Mougey were brothers-in law. Mougey sold his interest to George Renner, Sr. and his son George Renner, Jr. in 1882. By 1884 Graber had bought both Renner shares and operated the plant alone until 1888, selling it to Frederick Weis. Weis bought the plant on land contract, where he agreed to make payments to Graber. In 1890 Weis defaulted on the loan and Graber assumed ownership. At this point Graber renamed to company Wooster Brewing Company. In 1895 Graber once again sold the brewery, this time to Robert Weisman, of Chicago, and F. Runge, who was a former superintendent of a brewery in Monterey, Mexico. One year later Graber bought the brewery for a third time.

By this time a well had been drilled, which provided a more adequate supply of water for the growing company. Also, the pond ice had been replaced by mechanical ice production. In 1903 a stock company was formed the company became know as the Wooster Artificial Ice and Brewing Company. The investors were all local restaurant and saloon owners. All served Wooster Lager at their establishments, which at the time came in quart bottles which sold for a nickel. Graber's son, Samuel, remained with the company and eventually became it's president.

In 1908, the Rose Law was passed, which allowed rural Wayne County townships to vote to be dry. This had a negative affect on the company's brewing profits. Luckily, the ice business was strong and allowed the company to stay afloat.

The Mougey Ice Company was formed in 1913 by Jacob Mougey. It was located at 545 Pittsburgh Avenue. Its source of ice was the brewery.

When prohibition was enacted in 1918, brewing operations ceased and Graber sold the company to Mougey Ice. The Mougey Beverage Company was formed in the mid  1920s, bottling cola in the old plant.  In 1927 the Mougey companies closed. The company's assets were sold to Andrew Smith, who continued to use the facilities to produce ice. Upon his death in 1937, the property became part of his estate and was eventually sold to the State of Ohio.

The old brewery building stood until the early 1960s. The were razed to make way for the US30 bypass.

 Today, Wayne County once again is producing fine beer. JAFB Wooster Brewery is in operation and making fresh, handcrafted and award winning brews.