Vermilion's Kane Family
DESKTALK: This week we have another great desktop pic. This picture is of the front yard of the Edgar Kane house looking east on Liberty toward downtown Vermilion. Sarah Jones Kane - granddaughter of Sophia Pelton - is sitting with her son Robert Kane and Alice Kane and their seamstress is the lady in the middle with the smile on her face. Bill Brandon, Edgar’s great-grandson, provided “Views” with this information.
Bill wrote: “Robert Kane was probably 12 in this picture and he became treasurer of Wakefield Brass. His daughter was my grandma. Also his son Bill Kane - married Polly Line - Bill worked for a US Steel ore Boat and later Lyman boats but he built a house on the Line property, which I found in an aerial photo from 308 "Kaneview"[VV ED. NOTE: This refers to an aerial pic that was in “VV” issue #308.] Polly’s mother Nellie line owned 40 acres and she sold the property to the Kyles for the Car Dealership. George Wakefield also built a house on the lake next to Bill Kane’s property. My grandma was a good friend with Ruth Wakefield and I have some pictures of Ruth’s house across from her fathers on the river. These were Fourth of July 1953?? Those pictures are of my grandma and Ruth on her porch and kids watching July 4 festivities – a familiar river view – also my great grandpa with my grandma and Polly Line Kane at the lakefront home also in summer early 50's.
The Kanes moved to Amherst Ohio from the Isle of Man in 1840. Edgar and Eugene were the first children born to William Kane. Edgar served in the Civil War and after the war he got a Job in a Grocery owned by Orange Leonard in Vermilion. Orange Leonard was the first son of Sophia Leonard and who later married Josiah Pelton and she e known as Sophia Pelton. Sarah Jones was living with Orange Leonard. Sarah was the daughter of Eliza Leonard who died. So Edgar met Sarah Jones in the Grocery and they married and built a house on the corner of Decatur and Lake road. The house appeared in your publication as a "then and now photo" with the curved glass windows and porch. Edgar also appeared with the Civil War veterans and FW Wakefield. [Another “VV” pic.] My mom took me to Bill Kane’s next to Kyle motors for summer vacation until the late 70's. Doc Dickason lived next to Bill as well as George Wakefield. I have slides of this area. It was very undeveloped and a beautiful place to sleep and play as a child. We had 20 acres of corn and all the perch we could eat. Rays tavern was across the street. Today its all mansions and my uncle’s house was picked up and moved. Doc’s is surrounded and he has no view – whoever is in his house. Catherine Kane alerted me to your website and I had fun looking at pictures of Edgar Kane, Wakefields and others of interest. My mom remembers tornados and other events...”
A NEW CARRIER: For months I’ve been searching for a 35mm microfilm carrier for my Canon 60 Microprinter / reader. I found one Wednesday, and received it Friday. It’s not motorized – you have to crank it by hand – but it works just fine.
SURPRISE, SURPRISE: I just received word last night from Apple Computer that the hard-drive on my iMac needs to be replaced. It took me by surprise. I’ve not noticed anything terribly wrong. I also don’t know what this means in relation to “VV”. I’ve other computers, but all the “stuff” I regularly use for “Views” is on this particular computer. If I can replace the drive myself, I will. If not I guess I’ll have to take it to Westlake, O. to the Apple Store. I’ve been using Mac computers for almost 17 years, and this is the first time that I’ve ever been confronted with anything that has (at least) the potential of becoming such a serious problem. C’est la vie dans la domaine de l’informatique.
Historically,
VHS CLASS OF 1955
CONTINUING: Now - back to the VHS Class of 1955. Though I remember most of these faces the one I knew best was Bill Lydic. Bill was certainly a good looking fellow. And he was a ball of laughs. But he died rather young. And that's a shame. I do see Betty Marks about town now and then. Her family lived just up the street (Perry Street) from my family when I was young. And who could ever forget pretty Nadine or the distinquished looking Jerry?
My how time flies away.
THE V.B.C. (and A.J.G.M.): PROLOGUE: My recollection of late Vermilionite Alice Jane Gegenheimer McClurkin is that of a pretty and very cordial woman, slight of figure, who was also a gifted classical musician. I seem to recall her playing a Debussy piece on the piano at church on at least one occasion. I remember it because along with Chuck Berry I am very partial to his works. Anyway, what I didn’t know until very recently is that A.J.G.M. was also a gifted journalist / historian. In a brief conversation with her niece, Vermilionite Lucile Hull Clark, who I ran into at store a few short months ago, I learned that Alice Jane’s major study in college had been journalism, and that after graduating she had not only written for The Vermilion News, but had also worked for several area daily papers.
My response to myself was a singular, “Duh.” I should have suspected as much. But it hasn’t been until just recently that I’ve been able to freely access all the old newspaper microfilm files from The Vermilion News, and that’s what was necessary for me to fully appreciate A.J.G.M.’s abilities.
I believe that the French phrase “joie de vivre”, roughly meaning a “joy of living” is the term that best describes A.J.G.M.’s writing. What follows is a story written by her that was published in The News on August 14, 1941. Coincidentally, it appears here just a few days shy of the 100th birthday of Vermilion’s Boat Club.
THE STORY: “You know, F.W., I’m afraid we’re going to lost all this boating interest here in Vermilion.” Tom Ball took a fresh cigar our of his vest pocket, and lighted it.
Mayor Wakefield turned quickly, grasping the thought.
“That should never happen.’ He said. “Our town is becoming important as a harbor for pleasure craft! Each summer since we’ve lived in Cleveland and sponsored races from this port more and more yachtsmen have been coming here. They like it – because it’s safe and friendly and a place to have fun.”
“Remember back in 1905,” Tom broke in, “seven years ago guess ’tis, when you and Mrs. Wakefield entertained all the Cleveland yachtsmen at your home Labor Day after the races? They all said they’d be coming out here every year. Even when you were commodore of the Cleveland club in 1903 they said that.”
He walked over to the window, glanced down on Division Street, a story below. He leaned over the sill to watch Jim Nolan walk in his saloon one door to the south.
“I’ll tell you what, F.W.” His eyes flashed as he wheeled around to face the mayor. “We should have a big club with big affairs and lots of ideas so we can hold these visitors here each summer. We can’t let the name of Vermilion drop after that reputation we’ve made from the annual Labor Day races.”
Tom Ball’s idea was no pipe dream. In 1912 it became a reality. The Boat club was organized and citizens were anxious to join this non-fraternal, democratic group. Those who had the welfare of the town at heart did not hesitate in giving support.
Meetings were held in the mayor’s office and Tom Ball was elected head of the organization. Walter Smith was secretary.
The summers were bringing distinction to Vermilion, for the town was becoming a resort center, a yachting, picnic, and fun center. However, it would have been hard to realize the summer season in the town without the Boat Club. It was the axis around which activities revolved.
Vermilion hummed like live telegraph wires the summer of 1915. According to plans of the Boat Club the Cleveland Yacht Club had scheduled a cruise to Vermilion for the weekend of August 13 and 14.
In addition, Lorain, Sandusky, Toledo and other Cleveland Clubs were invited. As time went on the affair was turning out to be a big open regatta.
One plan led to others and when arrangements were completed, a gala weekend, greatest in the history of our town, was planned. Even the Cleveland papers mentioned Vermilion’s being host to visiting yachtsmen.
When the big weekend came, our port was jammed with thirty-five to forty – and some estimated as high as ninety – pleasure crafts, mostly cruisers. The long distance sailboat races from Cleveland, which opened the program on Saturday, were dull because of no breeze. Some of the boats did not arrive until midnight.
Saturday evening the G.A.R. band gave a concert in the park and later the Yachtsmen’s Ball took place at Fischer’s Hall. About forty couples, although there were twice that number present, were in the Grand March led by Commodore Roberts, of Cleveland, Mrs. George Fischer, Commodore T.J. Ball and Mrs. F.W. Wakefield.
In the sailboat races Sunday morning five yachts participated, although there was hardly enough breeze to stir the flags. So the power boat race, of which there were three entries, was run off first in hopes the breeze would freshen. The sailboat winner was F.W. Wakefield, to whom was presented the first championship flag.
The water sports program Sunday afternoon, open only to local talent, proved exceptionally popular with the young people. Prizes, presented by businessmen, included various donations such as a thermos bottle, box of chocolates, cigars, a straw hat, two bushels of potatoes, ham, ton of coal. There were no trophies.
The single canoe race at the opening regatta was won by Dean Quigley; the tail end canoe race, by Everett Rose; men’s swimming race, by Mr. Dickman; men overboard, Mr. Reed; ladies swimming, Miss Mary Parsons, first Miss Anna Fay Fraley, second; diving, Everett Rose.
Committeemen in charge were:
General committee, C.F. Decker; publicity, Theodore Penning; reception, John Hunter; regatta, E.H. Wakefield; prize, Commodore Ball; dance, Gerald Basil; water sports, Albert Wakefield.
The opening regatta met with such immediate success that before the weekend was over, there was talk of an annual regatta in place of the Labor Day races discontinued five years before. It was an expense to the club but the organization was satisfied if the citizens were pleased. As an informal civic-minded club, it accomplished a purpose, which appealed to our citizens.
For twenty-seven years [in 1941] the South Shore Regatta has appealed not only to Vermilion citizens, but to thousands of others in the United States. The Boat Club has made the words Vermilion and Regatta synonymous.
SHOPTALK: The desktop pic this week at the museum is that of Capt. E.A. Hill. I’d not heard of him until a few years ago when a local woman sent me a newspaper pic (in fact this one) with a little article saying that he was missing on Lake Huron. I’d thought that he was the master of the vessel, (the McGean) but according to the News article below he must have been First Mate. Whenever articles appeared about him or his wife in the News he was called “Captain” Hill.
Anyway here’s what the article said:
From: THE VERMILION NEWS – NOVEMBER 13, 1913
Word has just been received of th loss of the steamer M’Gean of the Hutchinson Line, Master, C.R. Ney and Mate, E.A. Hill of Vermilion and crew are downed. The 20 bodies have been recovered and identified.
During my first search of this accident I didn’t find much. What I did find is that the McGean was not the only vessel that went down in what must have been a wicked November storm across the Great Lakes; and Capt. Hill was not the only sailor that was lost.
Such were / are the perils of the Great Lakes.
THE VISITORIUM (THIS WEEK): This week a couple from Southern Ohio, a young fellow with his son (who’s currently building a house in town); Dana Buell Wheeler and husband Barry, and Vermilionites Franklin Homitz and Barb Ruggles visited the museum.
I’d not seen Dana for a long time. We were in the same graduating class at VHS. Frank was also a classmate. Barb graduated ahead of us. I consider all to be my friends.
THE MUSEUM LIBRARY: This week Roy Smith (Les’s brother) sent me 2 Vermilion High School Log books (1961 and ’58) that I’ve added to the museum library. I hope, someday, to have a complete collection of Vermilion High School annuals – both “Hi-Times” and the “Log”. To my knowledge there were a few years during WW2 when no books were printed. 1944 was (I know) one of those years.
Aside from the above listed books I have the “Hi-Times” from 1919, 1921, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935,1936, 1937, and a 1945-46 Log.
If anyone has a book that will help fill the gaps we’d appreciate hearing from ye.
It’s great fun to wander through these books.
TAXING TAX STUFF: Even nonprofits have to file tax statements. That we’re a brand new agency doesn’t matter. In an attempt to keep ahead of things I thought it best to file such a statement for the museum now because our status is retroactive from November 2011.
We’re such a new and small organization how difficult could it be?
In truth, it’s a relatively easy thing. But it’s only easy if you pay attention, and don’t go rushing into things. To make a long story short; I spent several hours working on the wrong “EZ 990”form, and became exceptionally frustrated. I kept wondering why anyone would call it the “EZ” form. (And I still don’t know.)
But after settling down and thinking about it I discovered that is actually and “easier” form. It’s called “EZ 900N”. It took two minutes to fill-out, and less than 30 for the IRS to acknowledge receipt and approve it.
I’ve always been a slow learner.
SPONSORSHIPS: Although we’ve yet to make a definite list of museum needs that persons wishing to sponsor can help us with we’ve already received a wonderful donation from one person. The VNPSM will be acquiring a plaque very soon, and the name of this person will be the first placed on it. Thanks Mrs. Z.
FIVE-OH-ONE-CEE-THREE:It’s now official. The museum is officially a 501(c)(3) organization. Consequently, all donations to the museum are tax deductible. This is retroactive to November of 2011. (Thank heaven. Now I can fret about something else for months on end.)
VISITING HOURS: The museum is now open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4 PM. On Saturday the museum it is open from 11 AM to 2 PM. A small admission donation of $3 (for adults) is requested. Children under the age of 11 will be admitted for free.
POST OFFICE BOX: Please note that the MUSEUM has a post office box now. Now we won’t have to use our home address, nor the one at the shop for mail.
MEMBERSHIPS: Memberships to the VERMILION NEWS PRINT SHOP MUSEUM are now available. Funds generated will go toward the aforementioned renovations and maintenance of the shop.
If you would like to become a member the VNPSM you can send a check or money order to:
Vermilion Print Shop Museum P.O. Box 792 Vermilion, Ohio 44089
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:Take the time to visit us on Facebook. Click on the badge below and stop in. We'll keep adding pix as we go along. If you're in the area come on in. I try to be there in the a.m. most everyday. If you see a Chevy Silverado out front with the plate "MRCOOKR" stop by and see what's cooking.
AGAIN - ANOTHER NEW (NOW OLD) THING: Initially I said that "This will not take the place of the "Macabre" stuff all the time - but will supplement whilst I search for more macabre stories to tell." But methinks that it's carved out a niche for itself and the "Macabre stuff" with have to find another.
So stay tuned...
Vol. VIII,NO.24. – NOVERMBER 17, 1904.
Marriage license – Harley J. Clawson, 24, and Edith Ann Grover, 22, both of Vermilion.
Wm J. Spear has filed a petition or [sic] divorce from his wife. They have been married twenty years and formerly resided at Berlin Heights.
Ellen M. Barney of Brownhelm has filed petition for divorce from her husband John C. Barney on grounds of brutality.
During the past week a change has taken place in the well-known firm of Nuhn & Trinter, Mr. Trinter retiring. The young men have won many friends in their business transactions here and hope to continue to receive their patronage in the branches each has chosen.
Mr. Nuhn will continue in the drug business while Mr. Trinter has taken the insurance department and will pay exclusive attention to that in the future. At present he has his office at his residence. We wish them both success.
Vermilion fishermen suffered somewhat from the recent storm. Leidheiser Bros. had several of their Pound nets considerably damaged. The gill nets were not damaged to any extent.
A fair catch of fish is expected.
We wish to call the attention of our many friends and patrons to the fact that the “NEWS” outfit has been removed from the Wells Building to the NEWS Building third door south of the Lake Shore Railway, Grand street.
All or machinery and material has been successfully placed and in a few days we will be better prepared than ever before to furnish first class printing promptly.
[VV ED. NOTE: This story is in some conflict with the plaque on the front of the building today indicating that the building was built in 1905. The discrepancy may be due paperwork that was not filed until 1905. Or perhaps the ’05 date marks the first tax year for the business / building.]
Vermilion is to have a third Meat Market.
Guy S. Davis has rented the Harris Bld. For one month and is closing out the balance of his stock.
The American Shipbuilding Co. has bought 22 acres of land and will double the ship yard at Lorain.
Miss Carrie Mattison has tendered her resignation at the local telephone exchange to take effect December 1st.
Mrs. E.A. Hill returned home Wednesday after spending several days with her husband at Toledo and friends at Norwalk.
The Library Social to be held at Mrs. Franc Parsons will be postponed until Tuesday evening, Nov. 29th.
Mrs. Anson Pease received word Tuesday of the serious illness of her mother, Mrs. Amy Stevenson at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Winglemire at Holly, Mich. She left for that place this morning.
Many characters, but one person. The Irish, Scotch, Negro, etc. All found in Mrs. Sanger Hall, Saturday night Nov. 19th at Town Hall.
A parcel post service has been established between this country and Germany by which articles to the value of $50 may be sent to Germany at the rae of 12 ½ c a pound. The limit of these packages will be 4 ½ pounds and will be subject to custom inspection.
A.W. Leadrach, the Axtel cheese maker, expects to spend some time at Denver, Col.in the near future.
Katherine Kishman spent Saturday and Sunday with Anna Reiber.
Katherine Ruggles was absent from school Tuesday on account of sickness.
Lizzie Alheit was neither absent nor tardy during the fall term.
Carl, Willie and Jacob Croll spent Sunday with Vermie Kishman.
Lawrie Johnson visited his grandmother Mrs. Johnson Saturday.
Mr. Nuhn gave us a call Friday.
Ruth Whitney visited Allen Darby over Sunday.
Gladys Risdon spent Saturday afternoon at Willie Zilch’s. Matilda Krapp visited her sister Mrs. Kishmann Saturday.
Lawrence Sherod’s cousins from Illinois went home Wednesday.
No. 8 has had no tardy pupils this week.
Master Diedrick Sennhenn has a new watch.
Caroline Yeakel to Missionary Society of Euangelical [sic] Association of North America, lot 7, in Block 31, Linwood Park, Vermilion; $50.
Charles S. Ruggles to Eleanor E. Ruggles, lot 5, and part of lot 16, Berlin tp., Crescent View, $500.
Charles S. Ruggles to Frances T. Ruggles, lot 6 and part of lot 18, Crescent View, $500.
Orlando Minkler to Conrad Nuhn, 102, 95 acres in outlots 9, 10, 13 and 14, sec. 3, Vermilion Tp. $3,500.
Hmmmmmm....
"... who bequeathed the lad in the photo his “shiner” 90 years back is unknown."
SWEET MEMORIES / THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS: I’m sorry, but I am unable to name all the faces in the accompanying photograph. I shan’t editorialize on the plethora of reasons it’s a terrible idea “not” to make a note of persons in your photographs – old or new. It should suffice for all to understand that things like that are what landfills are made on. The devil is in the details.
I received the concomitant photo, as well as four others, from a fellow named Gail Lyon last January (2012). He wrote:
“Don’t know if you remember me, but I lived in the old neighborhood. I lived on Decatur and Jefferson St. for most of my life while in Vermilion, oh so many years ago. At least it seems that way. I am currently living year round in The Villages, Florida. Anyway, I have always read your (stuff) and enjoy it very much. It always has a surprise or two for me. I have been working on my family history since I retired back in 1996. I currently have over 3000 people in my family tree. I have done a lot of research into my family history and I have gotten a lot of bits and pieces from (you). Thanks so much.
I did stumble on a bunch of old VHS class pictures that were my mother’s Florence Lyon and her sister’s Mildred Fitzpatrick. There are five of them 1920 1St Grade, 1922 4th Grade, 1922 6th, Grade, 1924 8th Grade, and 1926 7th Grade. My Mother and my aunt are in them.”
The photos are not, of course, VHS photos, but are rather those of Vermilion elementary school classes taken at State Street School during the aforementioned years. And, as already indicated, I am unable to name most of the students pictured. The only face I recognize in the 1922 photo is that of late Vermilion attorney and Postmaster Tom Williams Sr. Tom is the fifth boy standing in the bottom row from the left (or also the fifth from the right). I do recognize some of the other faces, but the names that belong to them currently escape me.
Because these photographs are digital photos – that is to say they are not pictures printed on photographic paper – but are rather digitized images sent via a computer – they allow one an opportunity to examine them quite closely. Generally, that’s no big deal. But in this case it turned up an amusing detail.
Spring was springing in 1922 when these shadows of yesteryear were captured. In New York City construction was beginning on the “house that Ruth built” – Yankee Stadium. The “Babe” himself was suspended for one day and fined $200 for tossing dirt on an umpire. And Harry Greb – “The Pittsburgh Windmill” handed Gene Tunney his teeth on a platter in the only pro boxing loss in his career.
But just who bequeathed the lad in the photo his “shiner” 90 years back is unknown. And it’s not an imperfection in the print. It’s real. Though we’ll obviously never know the story behind it, it should be understood that it does not necessarily indicate that the boy had been, like Tunney, runner-up in a boxing match. Who knows? Maybe he fell down a stairway. But as the voice of experience I can honestly state that some times young lads tussle, and winners get black eyes too. Although memories of the yesteryear may be sweet – sometimes, just some times, the devil is in the details.
As a Peace Corps nurse during the 1960s in Togo, West Africa, Ann Moore saw African mothers do something that she found very interesting: they carried their babies in fabric slings tied securely on their backs. Moore liked the closeness between babies and their mothers when carried in this way. She observed how the babies seemed so calm because they felt secure and near to their mothers.
When Moore came back home to the United States and decided to have her own child, she wanted to carry her baby in the same manner. After her daughter Mandela was born, Moore attempted to secure the baby on her back just as she had seen in Africa, but the child kept slipping. Starting from a simple backpack and then refining it to their needs, Moore and her mother designed a carrier similar to the ones used by the women in Togo. Together, they came up with the original soft baby carrier, the Snugli®, as well as other kinds of specialized carrying cases.
Due to their invention, mothers and fathers all over the world are able to ride bikes, cook and run errands while carrying their babies close to them
THE FIRE-LANDS: I found the following information re: the early inhabitants of our area to be extremely informative. Methinks you will also.
I am getting better at transcribing these passages so there are fewer mistakes. But I like to read as I go - and sometimes I fill in the blanks. So tread carefully this trail through yesteryear.
The following series will take thee to the townships south of Vermilion. Methinks you'll find this history quite fascinating.
…pike a few miles south of Sandusky City, where he now lives; Rouse, where he now resides on the south part of lot number five; George, first on the north part of his father's farm, but now lives southeast of Norwalk, in Norwalk township; Giles is deceased.
Shadrach Husted and several sous settled north of Hunt's corners, on lot number one, about the year 1821. His death was caused by a fish bone lodging in his throat. His son Alonzo occupies the south part of the farm.
Dr. Stephens came about 1822, and purchased lot nine. He sold the east half to Francis Holton, about 1832 or 1833, soon after which he died. His son, Jacob, sold to Alvah Nickerson, who occupied it until 1867 or '68, and then sold to Wm. Holton.
George Hanford came in 1824, and purchased the south part of lot thirteen, on Strong's ridge, on which he built and resided for about ten years, when he sold and removed to Sandusky county.
In the year 1823, Samuel Bemiss and his sons, Elijah and Rodney, with others, came from Onondaga county, New York, and at first took up their abode with the Rash brothers. They subsequently purchased and settled on east part of the Strong tract, where some of the family has since resided.
Richard L. McCurdy, son of one of the original owners, came from Lyme, Connecticut, to Ohio, in the spring of 1823. He first stopped in Bazetta, Trumbull county, Ohio, where he remained a few months, and came to Lyme, locating on the farm now occupied by his widow. He became agent for his father, and sold much of the land in the McCurdy tract. June 19, 1826, he married Julia Ann Woodward, daughter of Amos Woodward. Soon after he built a portion of the house his widow now occupies, and in December, 1827, moved into it. Mr. McCurdy was extensively connected with the affairs of the township. At his own expense, he laid out the road, or the greater part of it, from Bellevue to Monroeville. They have had no children. Mr. McCurdy died August 28, 1869.
Westley Knight came about 1825. For some time he drove stage, and worked at different places. He bought a small lot of Stephen Russell, west of the meetinghouse, on which he built a small house. He sold out in a few years, to Winthrop Ballard, and bought on the section line about two miles north of the ridge. Some three years later he again sold Dr. Boise.
John Seymour, one of the oldest residents of the township at the present time, came to Huron county from Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, with his family, accompanied by Deacon Moses Thacher and wife, the parents of Mrs. Seymour, in October, 1825. Mr. Seymour bought out Martin Vrooman at Cooke's Corners where he resided for nine years, when he sold to Lewis Stone and Noah Young. He spent the following summer at Milan, and the next winter in Massachusetts, when, in April 1835, he returned and settled in Lyme, opposite the meeting house, where he still resides. Mr. Seymour was engaged here in farming, broom making, and, in a small way, in merchandise, until 1870, when the infirmities of age required cessation from active labor. Mr. Seymour was born in Kensington, Hartford county, Connecticut, July 27, 1791, and January 5, 1820, married Sarah A. Thacher. To them have been born three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living. Eliza Ann married D. W. Ballard who is deceased, and she now resides in Chicago. William Henry resides in Hardin county, Ohio. George W. lives in Lyme with his father. John A. is a Presbyterian clergyman, located at Cleveland. Sarah M. is the wife of William Blair, a wealthy hardware merchant of Chicago, and Ellen, is the wife of James M. Stults, of Lyme.
Mr. Seymour held the office of township clerk for thirty-three years, and has been a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church in Lyme for over fifty years.
In 1826 Colonel James Smith moved in with his family, from Gibson, Pennsylvania, and after living with John Seymour, at Cooke's corners, for one year, removed to Lyme, and settled on the ridge, north of the meeting house. Subsequently he sold, and moved into Ridgefield, locating near the east line of Lyme.
A few years after, he returned to this township, and purchased the Francis Strong place, where he afterwards resided. He died October 6, 1866, and Mrs. Smith, July 9, 1868. There were seven children, six sons and one daughter, as follows: James D., Martin, Robert, Eugene, Chas. D., Edwin and Emma. James was engaged for several years in the forwarding business at Milan. He married a daughter of George Lockwood, and subsequently removed to Toledo, where he resided until his death. His wife and seven children survived him. Martin went to California, and still resides there. Robert, who married Frances C. Wright, occupies the old homestead, in Lyme. Eugene married Emily Morey, and was engaged in trade, in Bellevue, for many years. Chas. D. lives on the place formerly occupied by Dr. Smith. He married Mary Choat. Mary became the wife of James D. Follett, formerly of Bellevue, now of Allegan, Michigan.
In 1826 or '27, William Fitch came from near New London, Connecticut, and settled on the corner where the road running from Hunt's corners crosses the ridge. He resided there until his death, in 1850. Philo H. Schuyler, who married a daughter of Mr. Fitch, now lives on the place.
An Englishman, by the name of Mapes came in about 1827, and made a beginning on the ridge, south of the Monroe road, and near the township line. He became discouraged, and removed to Fremont. Caleb C. Williams subsequently settled on the place, and resided there until his death, about 1867.
A little further north, near the corner of the Monroeville and east line road. Jonathan Prentiss settled…
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
CANCELED CHECK: I'm not sure why The Vermilion News would have a canceled check from another organization. I found it (among other things) in a box while working in the bindery room at the museum. I assume that "D.F. (or T.) French - the signee was my old friend Dudley's, and Mary Smith's, father.
Methinks that the Bank of Vermilion went belly-up during the Great Depression. That bank was located on Liberty Avenue in what eventually became the Williams Law Office.
Are you worried now about how to stay stressed? You'll have no trouble if you practice the following clinically proven methods:
NEVER EXERCISE. Exercise wastes a lot of time that could be spent worrying.
EAT ANYTHING YOU WANT. Hey, if cigarette smoke can't cleanse your system, a balanced diet isn't likely to.
GAIN WEIGHT. Work hard at staying at least 25 pounds over your recommended weight.
TAKE PLENTY OF STIMULANTS. The old standards of caffeine, nicotine, sugar, and cola will continue to do the job just fine.
GET RID OF YOUR SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEM. Let the few friends who are willing to tolerate you know that concern yourself with friendships only if you have time, and you never have time. If a few people persist in trying to be your friend, avoid them.
PERSONALIZE ALL CRITICISM. Anyone who criticizes any aspect of your work, family, dog, house, or car is mounting a personal attack. Don't take time to listen, be offended, then return the attack!
MALES AND FEMALES ALIKE - BE MACHO. Never ever ask for help, and if you want it done right, do it yourself!
BECOME A WORKAHOLIC. Put work before everything else, and be sure to take work home evenings and weekends. Keep reminding yourself that vacations are for sissies.
DISCARD GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS. Schedule in more activities every day than you can possibly get done and then worry about it all whenever you get a chance.
PROCRASTINATE. Putting things off to the last second always produces a marvelous amount of stress.
WORRY ABOUT THINGS YOU CAN'T CONTROL. Worry about the stock market, earthquakes, the approaching Ice Age, you know, all the big issues.
BECOME NOT ONLY A PERFECTIONIST BUT SET IMPOSSIBLY HIGH STANDARDS......and either beat yourself up, or feel guilty, depressed, discouraged, and/or inadequate when you don't meet them.
THROW OUT YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR. Staying stressed is no laughing matter, and it shouldn't be treated as one.
NADA: I may begin doing the podcasts again; but I'm thinking of just doing audio readings. The videos on-line are just becoming too redundant unless they really show something special. The short videos that appear on the VNPSM Facebook page are more purposeful. You might want to check them out.
Persons interested in the history of the Lake Shore Electric Railway (which was the subject of a recent past podcast series) - "the greatest electaric railway system on the planet" may want to go to Amazon.com and purchase a book called "Images of Rail - Lake Shore Electric Railway". It was put together by Thomas J. Patton with the help of my friends Dennis Lamont and Albert Doane. It'd make a nice gift.
Another great book with Vermilion Roots is, "Grandmas’ Favorites: A Compilation of Recipes from Margaret Sanders Buell" by Amy O’Neal, Elizabeth Thompson and Meg Walter (May 2, 2012). This book very literally will provide one with the flavor of old Vermilion. And ye can also find it at Amazon.com. Take a look.
Also, please note that all the video (MP4 and MOV) podcasts (when used) are done in the "Quicktime MP4 / MOV" formats. If you don't have a "Quicktime" it's easy to find and free to download.
LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: After giving it much thought this link has been "put-down". During the last year most of the folks who used to use this page as a bulletin board have acquired their own and, consequently, no longer need this forum from "Views". I have, however, kept links (in the links section) to Larry Hohler's "Hope Homes" in Kenya - and to Bette Lou Higgins' Eden Valley Enterprises sites. They are historically and socially relevant projects. I suggest that you visit these sites on a regular basis to see "what's shakin'".
THE BEAT GOES ON: This page is generated by a dreaded Macintosh Computer and is written and designed by (me) Rich Tarrant. It will change weekly ~ usually on Saturday. Bookmark the URL (Universal Resource Locater) and come back at your own leisure. Send the page to your friends (and enemies if you wish). If you have something to share with those who visit this page, pass it on. And if you see something that is in need of correction do the same. My sister, Nancy, is a great help in that respect. It only takes me a week to get things right. And follow the links. You might find something you like. If you experience a problem with them let me know. Also, if you want to see past editions of this eZine check the new archives links below.
If you're looking for my old links section (pictured) I've replaced it with a pull-down menu (visible in the small box next to the word "Go"). If you're looking for links to more Vermilion history check that menu.
How the old links menu looked
or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)
Vol.10, Issue 32 - October 20, 2012
© 2012 Rich Tarrant