Chapter 65 of the History of Richland County, Ohio, by A. A. Graham

Quoted from Chapter 65 of the History of Richland County, Ohio, by A. A. Graham.
Mansfield, Ohio: A..A, Graham & Co., Publishers. 1807-1880.
Website Richland County History Chapter 65.

"This township was surveyed by Maxfield Ludlow, and bears the name of
President Polk. It once belonged to old Richland, but is below the
southeastern township of Crawford County. It contains twenty-one sections of
land, considered among the richest in Central Ohio. Galion, the only important
town, is located in the southern part of the township. Its many settlers were
principally from New York and Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Leveredge and his sons, James and Nathaniel, together with George
Wood and David Gill, came in 1817, and were the first settlers on the present
site of Galion. To these were added, in 1818, Benjamin Sharrock, and, in 1819,
Asa Hosford. The Leveredges did the first clearing and put up the first
cabins. Benjamin Leveredge's cabin was erected of unhewn logs, near the
spring, now within the corporation limits, on Atwood street. That of James
Leveredge stood on the site now occupied by David Mackey's fine brick
residence on Atwood street, and Nathaniel's stood near the center of the
present public square. The old well on the square, filled up several years
ago, was dug by him, and was but a few yards from his cabin door.

The vicinity was heavily timbered in those days, and rather swampy. This was
twelve years before Galion was laid out.

The Whetstone Creek (formerly called the Olentangy) passes a little north of
Galion, and upon land north of this creek, George Wood and David Gill settled
in 1818, erecting then cabins near the old army road over which troops passed
in 1812, which was, probably, the first road cut through the township by white
men. The site of these cabins is yet marked by a few apple-trees.

In those early days, the Wyandot Indians had a camp on the south side of the
Whetstone, east of the Catholic Cemetery. They were peaceable, and rendered
valuable assistance to the whites at their log rollings, and in the
construction of their primitive homes.

Asa Hosford, yet living near Galion, relates that he employed these Indians to
assist him at a log rolling, the only pay required for their services being a
plentiful supply of whisky. In the evening, after working hard all day, and
being slightly intoxicated, they, at his request, executed a war-dance at his
house. They placed one of their number, named "Buckwheat," in the center of
the cabin floor, and began their dance in a circle around him. They became
greatly excited, but Mr. Hosford had taken the precaution to conceal their
arms that they might not be able to commit any serious outrage. After a time,
they dragged Buckwheat roughly from his seat, threw him upon the floor, and
one of them, placing his foot on his neck, imitated the operation of taking
his scalp, and of plunging their knives into him; and Buckwheat played his
part well, going through all the necessary motions of a dying white man.

These early settlers were followed in 1820 by Nathaniel Story and Father
Ketteridge, the latter living with the former, who was a trapper and hunter,
and erected his cabin near Reisinger's Corners, west of town. Rev. James
Dunlap came in 1822, and Nathan Merriman in 1824, the latter erecting, in the
following year, the first distillery in Polk Township. It was located near the
spring, before mentioned, and was familiarly known throughout the settlement
as the " still house."

About the same year, the first grist-mill in the township was erected by John
Hibner on the land now owned by John Burgener. The buhrs were made of "nigger
heads." Near the railroad bridge may yet be seen the ruins of this mill. The
next mill was built by Asa Hosford, a few years after, on his farm southwest
of Galion, which is yet in operation and owned by him.

The first hotel was kept by Asa Hosford in 1824, on the J. R. Clymer property
west of town. The large orchard adjoining the property was raised from the
seed by Mr. Hosford. He was elected in 1826, the first Justice of the Peace,
and was, from the time of his location, one of the prominent men, visiting the
State capital frequently in the interest of this section, which owes much of
its prosperity to his efforts. He circulated a petition to have a road cut
through the woods from Mansfield to Upper Sandusky, and was afterward
instrumental in getting a north and south road, from Columbus to Lower
Sandusky, through this settlement. The opening of these roads aided largely in
developing and settling the country. These roads intersect at Reisinger's
Corners, and Main street, in Galion, was formed by that portion of the east
and west road, which passed within the present limits of the corporation. Its
original course was, however, changed nearly fifty years ago. When laid out,
it diverged to the northward at the corner of East Main and North Columbus
streets, following the meanderings of Whetstone Creek to a point beyond the
present eastern limits of Galion.

The first schoolhouse was erected near the residence of C. S. Crim, on West
Main street. in 1822. It was of round logs, and was modeled after the
generality of cabins in those days. The first school teacher was David Gill,
who, however, only taught two or three weeks, when Asa Hosford took the school
and continued it to the end of the term. The next schoolhouse was of "scutched
logs " (which means that the logs were lightly hewed on the outside after the
building was erected) and stood on the ground now occupied by the old
graveyard on West Main street. This building was also used for religious
worship. This building having been destroyed by fire, the next school was
taught in a log building on the site of Joel Riblet's residence.

The first religious meeting in the township was held in Benjamin Leveredge's
cabin, near the spring. It was a Methodist meeting, at which Russel Bigelow,
who organized many churches through this county, in an early day, preached a
most eloquent sermon. Though possessing a limited education, Bigelow was very
eloquent, and one of the most remarkable of the pioneer preachers.

Galion was laid out September 10, 1831, by Michael and Jacob Ruhl, whose
father had entered several quarter-sections of land in the neighborhood. The
original plat consisted of thirty-five lots, and extended from the Ristine
Block, which covers Lot No. 1, to the alley west of the old frame
meeting-louse on West Main street.

The first post office was established in 1824, and Horace Hosford was first
Postmaster. Mr. Hosford says if they averaged one letter per day, they did
well. When this office was established, the inhabitants could not agree upon a
name for the town. It had previously been numerously and variously named, but
was best known as Goshen, Greensburg, Moccasin and Hardscrabble. The matter
was submitted to the Postmaster General, who christened it Galion.

The first store was kept by Horace Hosford, who carried a general stock. At
this time, the town was situated at Reisinger's Corners, but buildings were
rapidly erected upon higher ground, to the eastward, where the new town had
been laid out by the Ruhls. The public square became the favorite spot, and
the best buildings at the Corners were removed thither. In 1832, Asa Hosford
erected upon this square the first frame house in the township. He also
erected the first frame barn on what is known as the I. R. Clymer property,
west of town, where he had kept the first tavern.

At this time, Jacob Ruhl kept a tavern where the Sponhauer Block stands, and
his brother Michael kept the village store in a double log cabin on the
Central Hotel corner. The first saw-mill in the township was erected by Jacob
Ruhl in 1836, on North Market street, near the bridge.

In the log schoolhouse on Joel Riblet's lot, was organized the first Sabbath
school in Galion by Mrs. Sarah Buhl and Mrs. Dr. Johnson. They were Lutherans,
and the first religious services of the Lutherans were held in this building.

In 1839, the first brick block was erected by Davis & Bloomer, in which they
carried on the dry-goods business for many years. The building is yet standing
on the northeast corner of the public square.

The old red brick church, that stood many years on the corner of North Union
and West Church streets, was erected in 1840, by the Lutheran and German
Reformed congregations. The Lutherans afterward purchased the Reformed
interest. This was the first church, and the Rev. F. J. Ruth, yet living and
preaching, officiated at the laying of the comer-stone. The first Pastor was
Rev. John Stough.

The same year work was commenced upon the old Methodist Church, yet standing
on West Main street, and it was the first fully completed and ready for
worship. The ground upon which it stands was donated by Father Fellows, who
was an active worker in the church for many years.

Rev. Francis Clymer held the first United Brethren services in 1851, in the
old Lutheran Church.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church on East Main street, though no longer used for
worship, was erected in 1851. Rev. Peter Kreush of the Shelby settlement was
the visiting Pastor.

There are at present, eleven churches in Galion, viz.: the Methodist
Episcopal, corner of Columbus and Walnut streets ; United Brethren, Walnut
street, between South Market and Columbus streets ; English Lutheran, Columbus
street, between Main and Walnut ; Baptist, Walnut street, between South Market
and Union , Presbyterian, South Market street; German Reformed, West Main
street; German Lutheran, South Market street ; German Methodist, corner of
South Market and Atwood streets ; Episcopal, Union street, between Atwood and
Walnut; St. Patrick's Catholic, North Liberty street, and St. Joseph's
Catholic, North Washington street.

Galion became an incorporated village about the year 1840. Joel Tod was the
first Mayor. 

Between 1850 and 1854, two railroads, the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis, and
the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati, were completed to Galion. These were
afterward consolidated, and have been for years tinder one management. Their
shops were located at Galion, and these, employing a large number of hands,
have materially added to the wealth of the place. The Atlantic & Great Western
Railroad put in an appearance at Galion in 1863. These three roads with their
immense business and shops constitute the life and vitality of the town, which
has made some mighty strides since they were completed. Sixty-five per cent of
its population, of over five thousand, are railroad employes, and the average
monthly sum paid out by these roads, to these employes, is over $40,000.

Many large, fine brick residences, churches and business blocks have been
erected in Galion within a few years. In 1854, the brick schoolhouse on the
comer of Liberty and Church streets was completed, and the first union schools
organized by David Kerr, Superintendent. In 1869, the present large, brick
school building was erected, costing over $75,000.

The First National Bank was organized in 1864, and the Citizens Bank in July,
1866. 

The Galion Weekly Times was started in 1855, by John H. Putnam, who moved the
office here from Union City, Ind. The first numbers were printed in the
building now owned by James Martin, on East Main street. Dr. D. Alger became a
partner, and the name was changed to the Galion Weekly Train. It was
independent in politics. In a short time, I. V. D. Moore bought out Alger.
When the campaign of 1856 opened, Mr. Moore retired and Jacob Riblet became a
partner. The paper became Democratic, and was called the Galion District
Democrat. In 1857, Andrew Poe purchased Mr. Riblet's interest. Mr. Putnam soon
after left it, and it was sold out on execution. In 1864, it was bought by
Matthias brothers, and the paper edited by P. Schnur, who was soon succeeded
by H. S. Z. Matthias, and the name changed to Galion Democrat. The paper was
soon after abandoned, and the office continued as a job office until July 6,
1865; when the Weekly Review was established by Mr. Matthias as an independent
sheet. In 1871, it was purchased by John C. Covert, of the Cleveland Leader,
who changed it to a Republican paper, and its name to the Galion Democrat. In
1872, it was purchased by G. W. De Camp, and in 1874, passed into the hands of
its present proprietors, A. D. Rowe and F. E. Coonrod, and given its present
name, Galion Review. 

October 31, 1872, the Galion Sun, an independent weekly newspaper, was
established by its present editor and owner, George T. Ristine, and was soon
enlarged to its present size. Steam power was introduced in December, 1875,
making it the first steam printing house in Galion."

Their deaths are listed in Sandusky Twp, Richland, Ohio.  They lived in
Galion, Ohio, which was originally in Richland County but is present-day
Crawford County.

Another account is given in the History of Crawford County, Chapter 12:
GALION was laid out September 10, 1831, by Michael and Jacob Ruhl. At this
time, it was in Sandusky Township, Richland County. The original plat
consisted of thirty-five lots, and extended from Lot No. 1, on which the
Ristine Block stands, to the second alley on West Main street. The first
addition was made by the same parties December 14, 1833, and consisted of
thirty-three lots. Over sixty separate and distinct additions have since been
made. The nearest towns to Galion, when it first made its appearance as a
geographical location, were Mansfield, Upper Sandusky, New Haven and Mount
Gilead, and by calling them towns at that time they received a dignity; that
would hardly be accorded them now. Galion was the natural inheritor of what
little business and enterprise existed at the Corners. About the public square
was higher ground and a more desirable location in every respect for a
village; the Corners were built upon low, swampy ground; they were in close
proximity to the sluggish head-waters of the Olentangy, and the land rose
higher on every side of the settlement; nothing but the crossing of the roads
ever gave that spot any prestige over any other locality. The business was not
long in being transferred to the vicinity of the square, and the plat of the
old settlement was taken up. It was, as we have intimated, known by numerous
names; but when a post office was established in 1824, it began to curtail
some of the titles, and select one upon which there could be some unanimity.
The petition signed by the residents, named Goshen as the most euphonious, but
the Postmaster General informed the good people of the burg that there was
already more than one Goshen, and with their permission he named the new post
office Galion. The name can be found nowhere else in the world. What suggested
it, or whether it was arbitrary upon his part. is unknown. John Ruhl, the
father of Michael and Jacob Ruhl, had entered several quarter-sections in the
vicinity of Galion. He came from York County, Penn., direct to Galion and
moved into a log cabin at the Corners. The cabin was without a floor, except
the earth; the family consisted of father, mother, Michael, Jacob, Levi,
Henry, Peter and Rebecca; the daughter, Rebecca, was married to Mr. J. Criley,
who lived on a farm, which now forms the southeast portion of the city; the
west line of this farm is now South street, on the corner of which stands the
residence of Samuel Myers Mr Criley had a carding machine and fulling, mill;
the motive power of this machinery was a steam engine, the first that ever did
service in Galion. Mr. Ruhl. Sr., was possessed of considerable means in lands
and money; he purchased and sold to Jacob, his son, the northeast quarter of
Section 31, and to Michael the southeast quarter of the same section. Henry
Ruhl owned the Gill farm and Levi owned the land that was known as the
Brewery- land, on the State road, and Peter Ruhl owned a farm east of Asa
Hosford's mill. Jacob Ruhl was an active member and a zealous worker in the
Lutheran Church and gave much of his time and influence toward the erection of
the first public edifice that was dedicated to God in Galion. He erected the
first saw-mill in Polk Township or near vicinity of Galion. James Nail had
erected a saw-mill at a much earlier date, but, as near as can be determined,
it was just without the present south line of Polk Township. Mr. Ruhl's
saw-mill was on North Market street, at the creek: traces of the old race and
dam are yet remaining east of the street. Michael Ruhl kept a store on the
square in a frame house: Jacob Ruhl kept a tavern where the Sponhauer Block
is. This was the first frame house erected in Galion or Polk Township. It had
been built by Asa Hosford, who, some time before, had erected a frame barn
near the old Corners, which was also the first frame barn in the township This
barn was entitled to special recognition, as its walls and rafters had been
witness to the word of God and hymns and prayer long before any building had,
been specially consecrated to Him.

Michael Ruhl kept a varied stock in his store south of the square goods of all
descriptions that could be wanted in a frontier town were there. It has been n
said of him, however, that he inclined to drugs, and that he carried quite a
stock of medicines, patent and otherwise: also that he possessed as much
medical skill as was possible without a special preparation for the practice,
and was always proud to be able to assist in alleviating suffering and pain.
John Ruhl. the father, died in Galion. Jacob and Michael are both dead, and
Peter yet resides in Galion. Jacob has three daughters living in Galion. Mrs.
O. T. Hart, Mrs. Seth Cummings and Miss Mary Ruhl. The latter lady has her
home with her sister, Mrs. Seth Cummings. Mrs. O. T. Hart, while a young girl,
went to school at the old log schoolhouse on Main street. One day, while they
were conning over their lessons and deep in the mysteries of Webster's old
speller, a man on horseback came riding from the west, at a breakneck speed;
his hair was disheveled, his clothing hung in the wind, and his countenance
had an appearance of abject terror. He shouted and gesticulated in a load and
excited manner, saying that the Indians were coming in force, and bidding each
one seek safety in flight. School was promptly dismissed, and the little ones
fled with unabated sped to their homes for safety. No Indians came, and the
excitement died away. No one has ever accounted for the origin of the alarm.
Soon after the arrival of the Ruhls, they began to plan the work, which they
afterward accomplished. They already possessed a manifest advantage in the
great quantity of valuable land they possessed. and it was soon known that
they were in possession of money with which they could purchase more: and they
determined to possess more they bought of others such pieces as they would
need to carry out their enterprise or that would sell at a good advance after
their improvements were made. They were considered good men, of an
enterprising nature, and valuable additions to the little community There were
others in the settlement who had hoped to do much, and contemplated the very
work that the Ruhls were a evidently engaged in. But they knew they could not
compete with the new-comers and their wealth. The result was that they
combined their labor with the Ruhls and honestly aided them in the furtherance
of their plans. It is not known that any of the Ruhl family ever took
advantage of any man's poverty or financial embarrassments when they bid for
their lands. When Col. Kilbourn was surveying his road from Columbus to
Portland, he tried hard to get the road through James Leveredge's land, so the
two road would cross considerably east of where the crossing now is. Leveredge
positively refused to allow it. It had been whispered around that Col.
Kilbourne intended to lay out a village about half way between Columbus and
the lake, and Leveredge was bound that his farm should not be cut up into
lots. In this eo showed the childish fear of a surveyor that pertains to the
Indians, for the latter have a superstitious dread of surveyors. The Colonel
wanted to avoid the swamp, and talked up the matter of a village to Mr.
Hosford. This gentleman had not the means to do anything but became the warm
friend of Col. Kilbourne. The latter had stopped a few nights with Leveredge,
who charged him a high price for his entertainment. Col. Kilbourne was a
little soured, and, perhaps, justly incensed against the indifference of
Galion, and when his compass came to the last sight before reaching Gabon; it
pointed farther west, and the road took its present location. Col. Kilbourne
was bound to have his town. Soon after, he ran the road from Columbus through
where Bucyrus now is, and there he planted his town. It has done well, and
perhaps but for the railroad interest here, would have been much ahead of
Galion, as, in fact, she was for many years. By his influence, the road became
a stage route to the lake.

Thus it was that the Ruhls took up the work that Col. Kilbourne had planned,
and that Asa Hosford had afterward contemplated. In nearly every instance they
(the Ruhls) paid the price asked, and closed the bargain with ready cash or
its equivalent. We are unable to find any of the deeds, or any records of
their transfers, with the exception of one, which is in the possession of Hon.
O. T. Hart, of Galion, a son-in-law of Jacob Ruhl. It is a curious article of
agreement between Samuel Brown and John Ruhl. At the time of the transfer, the
land in question was in Sandusky Township, Richland County, the western line
of the township of Sandusky being located on the west line of J. R. Clymer's
orchard, and the west line of the farm in question, was the north and south
quarter line, on the east line of Gill's farm. The land had been entered by
Cracraft and sold to Samuel Brown. The document reads as follows:

Article of agreement, made and entered into this first day of August, A. D.
1831, between Samuel Brown, of Sandusky Township, Richland Co., Ohio, yeomen,
of the one part, and John Ruhl, of Sandusky Township, and Crawford County and
State aforesaid, yeoman, of the other part; Witnesseth, That the said Samuel
Brown, for the consideration hereinafter mentioned, doth grant, bargain and
sell unto the said John Ruhl, a certain tract of land, with all thereunto
belonging (excepting one acre in the southeast corner of it, which being sold
for a church yard), situated in Sandusky Township, Richland County, aforesaid,
being the northeast quarter of section 31, Township 20, Range 20 and
containing -acres, and adjoining the public road leading from Mansfield to
Bucyrus, Frederick Dickson and others, for which the said John Ruhl is to pay
unto the said Samuel Brown, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, in the manner
following, viz.: Eight hundred dollars in hand on the first day of September
next, and seven hundred dollars on the first day of September, in the year of
our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty-three. The said John Ruhl is to have six
geese, six hens and one rooster, to be delivered up to the said Ruhl when said
Brown gives full possession, and the said Ruld is to have liberty to cut
timber, dig, etc., on said land from the date hereof, and the said Brown is to
give the said Ruhl a good right and title for said tract of land when he pays
the hand money. But the said Brown is to have the crops now on the ground, and
have privilege to live on the said land until the first day of April next ;
then he is to deliver up all unto the said John Ruhl, excepting the house now
on the State road (now occupied as a schoolhouse), which, in case said Brown
would not move on the first day of April next, he is to have the privilege of
living in two months after, and Sarah Brown is to have stuff for a new frock
when she signs the writing. The said Brown is to have the privilege of sugar
camp next to the house, and all the pasture on the farm, excepting the
six-acre meadow. But Ruhl is to have privilege to plow the fields. For the
true performance of the above agreements, both parties bind themselves, their
heirs, executors or administrators, one to each other, in the sum of thirty
hundred dollars. In witness whereof, hoth have hereunto set their hands and
seals, the day and the year first above written.
Witnesses: SAMUEL BROWN. [SEAL],ASA HOSFORD,JOHN BUHL [SEAL],BENJ. GROVE

The burying-ground referred to is the old one east of the German Reformed
Church; the schoolhouse named above was the second one built and referred to
before. It was a custom in former days, that holds now in some communities, to
present the wife stuff for a new frock whenever called upon to sign a deed.
From this piece of land, and a corresponding piece on the south, was laid out
the public square, and the first thirty-five lots of Galion. It will riot be
unfair to say that the Ruhls had no idea nor fall conception of the extent to
which their new town would prosper. They could have had no knowledge of the
coming of railroads, for it was not till the year 1844 or 1845 that Mr.
Hosford was intrusted with the developing of an interest in railroads in favor
of Galion They could not have known that the Columbus and Portland wagon road
would cease to be the highway to market, for the railroad from Sandusky to
Mansfield had not been built. After all, they must have had undaunted courage,
and strong faith in the future. At this very time, one could look around and
see but few houses about the square, and fewer people, while, looking down
West Main street toward the Corners, there could be seen on the
north-and-south road and about the hotel and little cluster of buildings
there, in almost unceasing stream of wagon, fairly blocking the roads at
times. The bustle and activity of the roads crossing here had, of course,
trade it an excellent tavern stand and location for post office and
blacksmithshop. Otherwise, it was a poor site for a growing town or city. Any
one having a proper idea of the development of our country and the growth of
the State, would never have laid out a town at the Corners; but this could be
known to no one. The first railroad would stub the travel to market on the
wagon road, and travelers would at once have better egress and ingress at a
less cost than by staging over rough roads and deep mud. Mansfield was
growing; surrounding towns gave evidence of advancement; foreigners were
arriving in great numbers, and the land was being rapidly taken up; travelers
were numerous everywhere, and the stages and hotels were crowded with men,
whose purpose and business it was to put their shoulder to the wheel, and,
with mighty efforts, crowd the line of the frontier on to the west-through
forest and prairie and over river and mountain. This spot where Galion now
stands has grown beyond all former expectations, and the whole State now
occupies a position among her sister States that is enviable in the extreme.
Nor is the end yet. The city of Galion has an inherent property pertaining to
its potential powers and possibilities that few realize. There are large
opportunities here for manufacture and wholesale and shipping facilities that
should be utilized to a far greater extent then they are at the present time.
We believe that a few more years of time will give to moneyed men a realizing
sense of their golden opportunities.

However, returning to the Ruhls, they found their lots were having a fair
sale, and quite a little business began to exist, which made some stir around
the square. The business was gradually transferred from the Corners to the new
plat, although it is a mistake to think that any of the buildings were
removed. In the winter of 1833, the Rulds put on another addition of
thirty-three lots, and they were much pleased with the prosperity of their
young city. In the year 1836, Jacob Ruhl erected a saw-mill at the creek on
North Market street. The timber was heavy, and the ground wet and swampy; the
handling of the timber was an herculean task, yet paid well for the
investment. It was the only saw-mill in the hear vicinity, and furnished most
of the sawed timber for the early-buildings on the first and second plats. The
panic of 1837 had little bad effect in Galion. The Ruhls had paid, and paid
well, for all they got; they had bought out Asa Hosford's hotel and nine
acres; they had bought the southwest corner of the square and the frame
building that was the first erected in Galion. East of the square, Samuel
Brown owned on the north side, and Asa Hosford had purchased south and east of
the square. Mr. Hosford had his own idea of about what he intended to do, but
had no idea that any other person contemplated doing just the same thing. He
had had a talk with Samuel Brown, and the two had agreed that they together
would lay out a plat and become the proprietors of a village. Hosford was full
of this plan and was feeling quite positive of success. Imagine his chagrin
when he found that Mr. Brown had sold to the Ruhls, and the latter were at his
door in a quiet, gentle and most apologetic manner in the world, begging to
know how much Mr. Hosford desired for this last piece of ground. Mr. Hosford
would like to have founded a town; but he was yet comparatively young and
other opportunities might present themselves more favorably than the present.
He accordingly asked a good high price for the land. Mr. Ruhl paid the price,
and the platting went on. Thus, when the panic of 1837 came, the Ruhls were
out of debt. The farmers were mostly out of debt, and the city passed through
the panic with colors flying, as she did during the panic of 1873.
...