Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Today in History - January 31

On this day in 1865, US Congress passed the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, which abolished slavery.

On this day in 1917, Germany became the first country to employ the large scale use of poison gas in warfare.

On this day in 1930, Scotch Tape is first marketed by the 3M corporation.

On this day in 1950, President Harry S. Truman announced that a program is in place to develop the hydrogen bomb.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1894, Mr. and Mrs. Will Wright had a baby girl.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Today in History - January 30

On this day in 1649, Charles I of England was beheaded.

On this day in 1790, the first boat designed specifically as a life raft was tested on the River Tyne.

On this day in 1835, Richard Lawrence attempted to assassinate President Andrew Jackson, but he was unsuccessful. This was the first recorded assassination attempt on a sitting US President.

On this day in 1862, the US Navy launched its first ironclad vessel, the USS Monitor.

On this day in 1933, Adolf Hitler was sworn in as chancellor of Germany.

On this day in 1969, the Beatles preformed their last public concert - an impromptu performance on the roof of Apple Records in London. London police broke up the concert.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1892, it was reported that Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Magill have visitors this week.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Today in History - January 29

On this day in 1845, the New York Evening Mirror published Edgar Allen Poe's poem, The Raven.

On this day in 1825, the U. S. Congress created the Oklahoma Territory.

On this day in 1861, Kansas was admitted to the Union as the 34th State. Kansas was admitted as a Free State providing a catalyst for the American Civil War.

On this day in 1886, Karl Benz patented the first gasoline powered automobile.

On this day in 1936, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York welcomed its first class of inductees.

On this day in 1963, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio welcomed its first class of inductees.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1892, it was reported that Mr. and Mrs. Joel Fairbanks spent last Wednesday in Marysville.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Today in History - January 28

On this day in 1547, King Henry VIII dies, and his nine year old son, Edward VI ascends to the throne. King Edward VI was the first Protestant monarch of England.

On this day in 1813, Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice, was published in England.

On this day in 1851, Northwestern University in Illinois was chartered.

On this day in 1902, the Carnegie Institute was founded with a $10 million contribution from Andrew Carnegie.

On this day in 1915, the United States Coast Guard was created by Congress.

On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on television in the United States.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1892, it was reported that no services were held at Lewis Chapel last Sunday due to Reverend Mann being ill.

Friday, January 27, 2012

The Presbyterian Church in Union Township

The first church in Union County, Ohio was the Upper Liberty Presbyterian Church. It was founded in Samuel Reed's house in 1807 as a part of the Washington County, Kentucky Presbytery. Founding members included David and Martha Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Mitchell 2nd, David and Elizabeth Carey, Robert and Jane Snodgress, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Reed 1st, and William and Catherine Gabriel, David and Margaret Reed. The first pastor was Reverend Samuel Woods. This church was located at the site of the Woods-Reed Cemetery on Orchard Road. Land for this church and subsequent cemetery was donated by both the Woods and Reed families.

In 1809 the congregation built a log church. Between 1822 and 1823 an addition was built onto the original church. By 1834, the congregation decided to erect its next house of worship in nearby Milford Center. A brick church was erected in town adjacent to the Milford Center Cemetery. In 1835, the congregation joined the Marion Presbytery. On April 8, 1838 the name of the church was changed from Upper Liberty Presbyterian Church to Milford Center Presbyterian Church. By 1869 the brick edifice had become unusable. So, the congregation used the Milford Center Methodist Episcopal Church until 1871. On March 26 1871, the congregation dedicated a new building. By 1881, the congregation found itself remodeling its church once again.

Today in History - January 27

On this day in 1785, the first public university is founded as the University of Georgia.

On this day in 1825, the U. S. Congress created the Oklahoma Territory.

On this day in 1967, the Outer Space Treaty was signed by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union limiting the use of the Moon to peaceful missions only. It also prohibited the deployment of nuclear weapons in space.

On this day in 2006, Western Union ended its Telegram Service.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1892, it was reported that Lou and Emma Rausch were in the the neighborhood visiting relatives.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Today in History - January 26

On this day in 1837, Michigan became the 26th state admitted to the Union.

On this day in 1838, Tennessee enacted a statewide prohibition.

On this day in 1870, Virginia rejoined the Union.

On this day in 1920, the Lincoln Motor Company was founded by Henry Leland a former Ford Motor Company executive. He later sold this company to Ford.

On this day in 1924, the city of St. Petersburg, Russia was renamed Leningrad.

On this day in 1978, the Great Blizzard of '78 struck the United States. This marked the lowest ever recorded non-tropical atmospheric pressure in the US. Heavy snow struck the Great Lakes region of the US, including all of Ohio. Winds reached up to 100 mph during this storm.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1893, it was reported that Madison Mitchell held a farm sale last week. He is planing a move to Marysville.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Today in History - January 25

On this day in 1533, King Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn in secret.

On this day in 1881, Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell corroborated to form the Oriental Telephone Company.

On this day in 1945, the Battle of the Bulge ended.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1893, David Kent spent last week in Virginia.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Today in History - January 24

On this day in 1848, gold is discovered at Sutter's Mill near Sacremento, California by James W. Marshall.

On this day in 1984, the first Apple Macintosh went on sale to the public.

On this day in 2003, the United States Department of Homeland Security started to operate.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1894, Henry Brown was in town recently visiting friends.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Today in History - January 23

On this day in 1789, Georgetown University was founded in Georgetown, Maryland.

On this day in 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell received her M. D. from Geneva Medical College in New York. She was the first female doctor in the United States.

On this day in 1997, Madeleine Albright became the first female secretary of state in the United States.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1902, it was reported that misfortune struck Conrad Nicol last week when he lost a work horse.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

A Sunday Drive to Norwalk, Ohio

Earlier today we headed north to Norwalk, Ohio. My brother-in-law lost his father on Wednesday to cancer. So, we made the journey to Norwalk to pay our final respects to him. And, as you can well imagine, I scoured the countryside for historic markers or interesting buildings.

On the drive north I saw many signs, but the most interesting sign was one welcoming visitors to the Firelands. So, what are the Firelands? And what do they have to do with Norwalk? What I have discovered is a very interesting story in American history.

Norwalk, Ohio and the Firelands

The story of the Firelands begins in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1779. The town was burned by Tories resulting in massive losses to the residents. Compensation was offered in 1780 in the form of land in the Western Reserve in the Ohio Country. Originally the lands in the Western Reserve were called the Sufferers Lands. In 1808 the name was changed to the Firelands.

The first surveys were done in 1806. But, fears of British attacks during the War of 1812 halted surveys and settlements in the area. In 1815, Platt Benedict from Danbury purchased 1,300 acres of land at the present day site of Norwalk, Ohio. His plan was to establish a town. In 1817 he returned with his family and built a house, becoming the first residents of Norwalk. Norwalk became the county seat of Huron County in 1818. Platt Benedict became the first postmaster of Norwalk in 1818.

Over the years, Norwalk grew from a small settlement to a city. On April 12, 1881, Norwalk was incorporated as an Ohio city. In 2010 there were over 17,000 residents of Norwalk.

One of Norwalk's most famous sons was Paul Brown, legendary football coach and founder of both the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. Another tie to Americana was through Flora Call. Flora Call was born near Norwalk in 1868. In 1888 she married Elias Disney. The Disneys moved to Chicago a year later. in 1901 they had a son named Walt. And, born in the village of Milan, a north of Norwalk, was Thomas Alva Edison.

Today in History - January 22

On this day in 1901, Queen Victoria of England dies, leaving the British throne to her son, Edward VII.

On this day in 1917, President Woodrow Wilson announces the neutrality of the US in WWI.

On this day in 1973, the US Supreme Court issued its ruling the the controversial Roe v. Wade effectively legalizing abortion in all fifty states.

On this day in 1984, Apple introduces the Apple Macintosh computer by commercial during Super Bowl XVIII. This was the famous "1984" commercial. The Apple Macintosh was the first consumer computer to utilize the computer mouse and a graphical user interface.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1896, it was reported that Rev. and Mrs. Knust had a baby boy.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Today in History - January 21

On this day in 1793, Kind Louis XVI of France was executed by the guillotine.

On this day in 1861, Jefferson Davis resigned as a US Senator.

On this day in 2008, stock markets world wide plummeted in a modern-day Black Monday. Some markets dropped by up to 14%.

On this day in 1978, the last German made Volkswagen Beetle leaves the VW plant in Emden, Germany.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1891, it was reported that Mrs. Horace Bidwell died last week of consumption. She died at her residence located 1/2 mile east of Chuckery. Her funeral was held at Lewis Chapel with Rev. Mann officiating.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Today in History - January 20

On this day in 1885, the roller coaster was patented by L. A. Thompson.

On this day in 1887, the U. S. Navy began its lease on Pearl Harbor.

On this day in 1981, Ronald Reagan became the oldest man to be inaugurated US. President.

On this day in 1978, the last German made Volkswagen Beetle leaves the VW plant in Emden, Germany.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1887, it was reported that Mr. Scheiderer was very ill.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Today in History - January 19

On this day in 1861, Georgia seceded from the Union.

On this day in 1883, the first overhead electric lighting system was built by Thomas Alva Edison in Roselle, New Jersey.

On this day in 1942, Japan invaded Burma.

On this day in 1977, snow fell in Miami, Florida, marking the only time in recorded history that this has happened in the city.

On this day in 1978, the last German made Volkswagen Beetle leaves the VW plant in Emden, Germany.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1887, it was reported that Miss Emma Rausch, who has been very ill, was finally able to attend school again.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The LaRue Oorang Indians

Today marks the anniversary of the IOC reinstating the medals won by the legendary athlete, Jim Thorpe. And, upon reading a little about Jim Thorpe I remembered from my long ago Ohio History class that the town of LaRue, Ohio was the smallest town or city to ever have an NFL franchise. And, the coach of this team was none other than Jim Thorpe.


This team had quite an interesting background, indeed! The team was created by Walter Lingo of LaRue to promote his dog kennel - the Oorang Kennel, which sold and promoted the Airedale breed of dog. The Oorang Indians team boasted a roster comprised entirely of Native Americans.

The franchise license was purchased in June 0f 1922 for $100. But, this was seen as money well spent because Lingo sold his dogs for $150 a piece. And, the players also worked in Lingo's Oorange Kennel business.

The Oorange Indians played just one "home" game during their existence. But, even that game was not a true home game as it was played in nearby Marion, Ohio. The team was only in existence for two seasons. And, in those two years, the team won only three games. This was partially because the emphasis of the games was not on the actual game itself, but rather the pregame and halftime festivities. During pregame and halftime, the players and the airedale dogs would provide entertainment for the crowd. In fact, some credit Walter Lingo with staging the first halftime shows in the NFL. Due to their poor performance on the field, the Oorang Indians were not seen a a very good or popular team. So, Walter Lingo did not renew the franchise license for the 1924 season.

Today in History - January 18

On this day in 1778, explorer James Cook became the first known European to discover the Hawaiian Islands. He named the the Sandwich Islands.

On this day in 1903, US President Theodore Roosevelt sent a radio message to King Edward VII. This marked the first transatlantic transmission to be sent that originated in the United States.

On this day in 1983, Jim Thorpe's Olympic medals were restored to his family by the International Olympic Committee.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1899, it was reported that Joseph Brothers narrowly escaped tragedy last Thursday while on the way back to Chuckery from the Milford Creamery. His mules were startled and started to run. And, Mr. Brothers assumed the only escape was to jump. But, when he jumped, his clothes caught the wagon. Mr. Brothers was pulled under the wagon. The wagon wheel ran over his foot at least twice. When the mules finally stopped, they were just feet from the old Chuckery bridge abutment. If they had ran just a few more feet, Mr. Brothers, his mules, and his wagon would have fallen into the creek.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Today in History - January 17

On this day in 1917, the United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark for a sum of $25 million.

On this day in 1945, Soviet forces capture Warsaw.

On this day in 1982, temperatures in the United States drop to the lowest point in over 100 years. This is remembered as Cold Sunday.

On this day in 1991, Operation Desert Storm began with Iraqi forces firing Scud missiles at Israel.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1894, it was reported the the Methodists at Lewis Chapel are holding a Protracted Meeting.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Today in History - January 16

On this day in 1547, Ivan the Terrible became Czar of Russia.

On this day in 1919, the 18th amendment to the US Constitution was ratified. This authorized Prohibition a year after the ratification of the amendment.

On this day in 2001, former US President Theodore Roosevelt was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during the Spanish-American War.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1894, Miss Elva Magill recently returned home from an extended visit to Galion.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Today in History - January 15

On this day in 1559, Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England.

On this day in 1844, Notre Dame University in Indiana received its charter.

On this day in 1943, the Pentagon was dedicated.

On this day in 2001, Wikipedia went online.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1894, it was reported that Charles Kerns from Irwin recently visited George B. Mitchell.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Newton, Ohio and the Raymond Post Office

I have often wondered by the historical society in Raymond, Ohio was called the Newton Historical Society. I was sure there had to be a story somewhere, so I have been digging around in old local history books to see if I could find an explanation. And, this is what I have discovered.

A village in Liberty Township, Union County, Ohio was surveyed and platted for David Paul on August 25, 1838. This village was named Newton. Less than a year later, on February 1, 1839, Nathanial and Melissa Raymond had the town resurveyed.

The first house in Newton was built by Hezekiah David. A house was soon built in the village by John Raymond. A post office was established in the village on May 6, 1839, and John Raymond was named the first postmaster. Over time the post office became known as Raymond's Post Office, while the village continued by the name Newton.

January 13, 1896 was the last day that the post office was called Raymond's Post Office. Since January 14, 1896, the post office has simply been the Raymond Post Office. Today the post office remains in service with a zip code of 43067.

At one time the town was quite a bustling village. There was a shoe shop, three churches, a photography studio, a harness shop, two general stores, a hotel, a school, a furniture shop, two blacksmiths, and a drug store. Over the years, the name of the village was transitioned to the name Raymond. Today there is still a school in Raymond. It is an elementary for the Marysville Exempted Village School District.

Newton, and later Raymond, was never formally incorporated as a town or a village. So, the only government in the village has always been at the township level. Today the village continues to thrive with several churches in the vicinity and several business in the town.

Today in History - January 14

On this day in 1784, the US Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris.

On this day in 1943, FDR became the first US President to fly in an airplane while in office.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1887, two of Jake Morse's children have croup.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Today in History - January 13

On this day in 1733, James Oglethorpe and 130 colonists arrived in Charleston, South Carolina. They then headed south where they founded Georgia. The colony was founded with the idea of accepting all religions except for Catholicism.

On this day in 1830, the Great Fire of New Orleans began.

On this day in 1942, Henry Ford patented a plastic automobile.

On this day in 1968, Johnny Cash performed live at Folsom State Prison.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1887, it was reported that several farmers in the neighborhood were putting up ice.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Today in History - January 12

On this day in 1915, the US House of Representatives rejected a proposal to give women the right to vote.

On this day in 1991, the US Congress authorized the use of military force to drive Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1887, it was reported that Mr. and Mrs. E. Converse had a baby girl.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The Darby Creek Post Office

Along with my fascination for history, I also love to look at maps. Old maps, new maps, it does not matter. I like to read the maps. My husband often laughs at my collection of these maps, telling me that the GPS in my van will get me wherever I need to go. But, I like to tell him that I do not need to know where I am going - just where I have been. And, for me, that is the tale that these maps tell.

So, it is of no surprise that I have copies of old maps. Quite often I will take out an old map
to study, while comparing it to a modern day map. And, often times I find fascinating notations. Today my (re)discovery has been the Darby Creek Post Office of Union County, Ohio.

The Darby Creek Post Office was first opened on January 11, 1811 on early Post Road near the south bank of the Big Darby Creek. The first postmaster was James Ewing. It carried the distinction of being the first post office in Union County, Ohio. Over the years, this post office would find its home in many locations, under many names. Today it can be found on Maple Street.

After the village of Westminster was duly surveyed and recorded in 1818 by David Chapman for Dr. Isaac Bigelow, the Darby Creek post office was moved into the village and renamed the Westminster Post Office. In 1823, the village was renamed Pleasant Valley, and the post office changed its name again. In 1877, the village was renamed for its final time. The new name was Plain City, reflecting the location of the village on the edge of the expansive Darby Plains. And, the name of the post office was changed once again. The post office remains open today with a zip code of 43064.

Today in History - January 11

On this day in 1805, the Michigan Territory was created.

On this day in 1861, Alabama seceded from the Union.

On this day in 1922, insulin was first used to treat diabetes in a human patient.

On this day in 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1893, Miss Cora Lombard from Mechanicsburg was in the neighborhood to visit friends and relatives.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Today in History - January 10

On this day in 1776, Thomas Paine published Common Sense.

On this day in 1861, Florida seceded from the Union.

On this day in 1879, Standard Oil was incorporated by John C. Rockefeller.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1895, Mr. and Mrs. George Mitchell had a baby girl last week.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Today in History - January 9

On this day in 1788, Connecticut became the fifth state of the United States.

On this day in 1861, Mississippi became the second state to secede from the Union.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1895, it was reported that Swain Kennedy and Miss Emma King were married last week.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Pharisburg, Union County, Ohio

Pharisburg was founded by Allen Pharis. It is located at the site of a community once known as Scott's Corners. The town was platted by William B. Irwin on July 21, 1847. The first store in the village was operated by Merilla Cameron. A Methodist Protestant Church was organized at Pharisburg early in the village's history. The congregation built its first house of worship here in approximately 1850. The church built a new building in 1875. For a period of time, the Methodist Church building also was the house of worship for the Pharisburg Universalist Church. This town once supported three stores, two blacksmiths, and a school. A school house was erected in the village in the early 1880s. The Pharisburg United Methodist Church is still located in Pharisburg today. There is no longer a school in the village since the district was eventually consolidated into the North Union School District. Today there is also a convenience store/gas station in the village.

Today in History - January 8

On this day in 1790, President George Washington delivered the first State of the Union Address in New York, New York.

On this day in 1982, A T & T was forced to split itself into twenty-seperate companies, breaking up the Bell System.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1890, it was reported that J. F. Fairbanks was on the sick list.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Today in History - January 7

On this day in 1608, Jamestown, Virginia was destroyed by fire.

On this day in 1980, the Chrysler Corporation received a bailout from the US government. This $1.5 billion bailout was authorized by President Jimmy Carter.

On this day in 1999, the US Senate impeachment trial of President Clinton began.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1897, Cavilla Brothers, daughter of Joseph Brothers, was diagnosed with tonsillitis.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Today in History - January 6

On this day in 1912, New Mexico was admitted to the Union as the 47th US state.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1904, it was reported that Christmas Tree service held two weeks ago at the German church was well attended.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Pottersburg United Methodist Church

In 2006, the Pottersburg United Methodist Church celebrated its 125th Anniversary. But, by 2008 it closed its doors forever. How sad it was that Union County lost one of its quaint country churches.

The Pottersburg United Methodist Church had a proud history that was entwined with the rise and fall of the village of Pottersburg. The church was established in 1877 as the Postterburg Methodist Episcopal Church at the Pottersburg school house. Reverend Frank Lloyd was the first pastor for the congregation. Founding members included Clinton and Nancy Leonard, F. J. and Allis F. Robinson, Mrs. Mary Bergandine, Samuel and Jane Bergandine, Andrew and Nancy Palmer, William Robinson, Oliver and Ruth Grubbs, Eli Norviel, and Willis and Sarah Epps.

The Pottersburg Church was built in 1880 by members of the congregation. This white frame church was dedicated on September 5, 1880. It should be noted that the congregation was a part of the North Lewisburg Circuit from 1877-1880. In 1880 it became a part of the Newton Circuit. In 1947, the church was jacked up and moved about 50 feet to a foundation with a basement. This was quite an exciting day in the village!

In 2006, the Pottersburg United Methodist Church celebrated its 125th anniversary. But, its membership was on the decline. By 2008 there were just two members. Average attendance on Sundays was just 5. So, on December 28, 2008 the congregation held its last service. And, Union County lost a gem.  For more on the closure of this church, check out this article on the Columbus Dispatch website.

Today in History - January 5

On this day in 1759, George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis.

On this day in 1781, traitor Benedict Arnold lead British forces in the burning of Richmond, Virginia.

On this day in 1933, workers in California began work on the Golden Gate Bridge.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1898, Miss Kittie Baker of Chuckery married Perry Young of Gillivan on Wednesday.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Today in History - January 4

On this day in 1847, Samuel Colt began to sell revolver pistols to the US government.

On this day in 1896, Utah became the 45th US state.

On this day in 1974, US President Richard Nixon defied a subpoena from the Senate Watergate Committee and refused to turn over requested materials.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1898, it was reported that A. G. Baker spent last weekend visiting friends near Gillivan.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Today in History - January 3

On this day in 1521, Martin Luther was excommunicated by Pope Leo X.

On this day in 1777, George Washington defeated General Charles Cornwallis at the Battle of Princeton.

On this day in 1861, Delaware voted not to secede for the Union.

On this day in 1870, construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1898, it was reported that John Bishop and family from near Milford spent a day last week visiting Emanuel Bishop and family of this neighborhood.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Today in History - January 2

On this day in 1788, George was the fourth state to ratify the US Constitution.

On this day in 1945, Nuremberg, Germany was bombed by the Allied Forces.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1887, it was reported that many of the area schools were on vacation over the past week.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Today in History - January 1

On this day in 1773, the hymn that became known as Amazing Grace was played for the first time in Olney, England.

On this day in 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation took affect in the Confederate States.

On this day in 1890, the very first Tournament of Roses Parade was held in Pasadena, California. In the early years, the actual Tournament of Roses consisted of races and polo games. The first Rose Bowl Game was not held until 1902, and it was a match between Michigan and California.

On this day in 1934, Alcatraz Island became a US federal prison.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1887, D. Lombard and family spent New Years Day with Cal Dillow.