“History of Mercer County Ohio,” authored by Bronshart H. Gilberg and published in 1959 by the Mercer County Historical Society, serves as a comprehensive journey through the annals of Mercer County, Ohio. This book emerges from a deeply felt need among the residents of Mercer County for a cohesive and detailed account of their county’s past—a narrative that had been missing from local educational and cultural institutions.
The inception of the Mercer County Historical Society, Inc. in February 1958 marked a pivotal moment for local history enthusiasts. With its establishment, the society aimed to fulfill a vital objective: the creation of a historical record that encapsulates the significant events, developments, and anecdotes that shaped Mercer County. This book is a testament to that goal, crafted to support the educational needs of schools and libraries within the county and to enrich history courses and academic research.
Gilberg’s narrative is not just a chronicle of dates and events; it is a voyage back in time, tracing the region’s history from its geological beginnings long before the last Ice Age. The narrative delves into the era of the Mound Builders, the dramatic changes brought about by the glaciers, and the rich tapestry of the Great Northwest Territory’s opening. It recounts the turbulent times of the Indian Wars, the establishment of Mercer County, and the enduring spirit of its pioneer settlers.
Beyond the recounting of early exploration and settlement, the book also touches upon the modern era, providing a snapshot of Mercer County as it stood in the late 1950s. Through its pages, readers are invited to explore not just the grand sweep of history but also the smaller, yet equally fascinating stories of community life, industry, natural disasters, and the remarkable individuals who have left their mark on Mercer County.
Table of Contents
- Foreword, p. 5
- Introduction, p. 5
- The Norsemen, p. 5
- Mound Builders, p. 6
- River Teays, p. 6
- Moraines, p. 7
- Mound Builders in Mercer County, p. 8
- The Northwest Territory, p. 10
- Early Explorers, p. 11
- Indian Tribes, p. 11
- Wars, 1776 and 1812, p. 11
- The Indian War, p. 12
- General Arthur St. Clair’s Defeat, p. 12
- General Anthony Wayne’s Campaign, p. 13
- Mercer County’s Establishment, p. 16
- Mercer County’s Court Houses, p. 18
- James W. Riley, p. 20
- Justin Hamilton, p. 21
- Grand Lake, p. 21
- Citizens Cut West Bank, p. 22
- Fishing and Hunting, p. 24
- Ice Harvesting, p. 25
- Recreation, p. 25
- Rivers and Creeks, p. 26
- Physical Features, p. 26
- Transportation, p. 28
- Railroads, p. 28
- Waterways, p. 29
- Oil and Gas Fields, p. 29
- The Chopping Bee, p. 30
- Military History, p. 31
- War of 1812, p. 31
- Mexican War, p. 31
- Civil War, p. 31
- Spanish-American War, p. 32
- World War I, p. 32
- World War II, p. 34
- Korean War, p. 34
- First Officials, p. 34
- Early Court Procedures, p. 35
- First Churches, p. 38
- First Schools, p. 39
- Colleges, p. 42
- Libraries, p. 42
- Coldwater, p. 42
- Rockford, p. 43
- Fort Recovery, p. 43
- Celina, p. 43
- Hospitals, p. 44
- Gibbons, Celina, p. 44
- Otis, Celina, p. 44
- Mercy, Coldwater, p. 44
- Industry, p. 46
- Celina, p. 46
- Coldwater, p. 48
- Rockford, p. 49
- Fort Recovery, p. 50
- St. Henry, p. 50
- Miscellaneous Industry, p. 51
- Utilities, p. 51
- Insurance Companies 52
- Mercer County’s Famous Sons, p. 52
- Unusual Personalities, p. 53
- Johnny Appleseed, p. 53
- Mexican John, p. 54
- Prof. James Rhoades, p. 56
- Crazy John, p. 56
- Immortal J. N., p. 57
- William H. Berry, p. 57
- Disasters, p. 58
- Tornadoes, p. 58
- Celina Fire, 1894, p. 60
- Diphtheria Epidemic, p. 62
- Cholera Epidemics, p. 62
- Fort Recovery Explosion, p. 63
- Mendon Fires, p. 64
- Vanishing Communities, p. 64
- Stories That Made Headlines, p. 64
- Secaur Murder and Lynching, p. 64
- Reservoir Bulkhead Dynamited, p. 66
- Rockford Bank Robbery, p. 66
- Other Major Crimes, p. 66
- William Simison, p. 69
- The Macedon Story, p. 70
- The Guenther House Mystery, p. 72
- First Medical School, p. 73
- The Chattanooga Story, p. 73
- The Chickasaw Story, p. 74
- The Erastus Story, p. 77
- Miscellaneous Subjects, p. 77
- Mercer County’s “Firsts”, p. 80
- Cities and Towns, p. 82
- Celina, p. 82
- Coldwater, p. 84
- Rockford, p. 84
- Mendon, p. 85
- Fort Recovery, p. 86
- St. Henry, p. 86
- The. Fourteen Townships, p. 87-97
