Lower Sandusky freeman. (Lower Sandusky [i.e. Fremont, Ohio]) 1849-1849, 1849-04-14


see no impropriety in doing So and the subject may
not be unnteresting TO our readers; it may be use
full to them:
A Short Sketch of Life,
In relatioa TO TIC subject Of Going Bail
Amid the din of political discussions, the brilliant
displays of the arts and sciences the loud plaudits
on mechanical inventions, subjecting the very eie
ments to obedience using stp electricity to trans
NIT intelligence with the rapdity of thought; all
conducting to ameierate the hard condition of man,
in lfs's labyrinths of sin and misery it may not be
Improbable TO consider our social and moral inter-
course with our fellow men, and come to some con-
clusion how far we are bound to lend helping
hand to those under peouniary embarfassments, or
to those who are aspiring to wealth, and soliciting
the means of Others as pledge that they will per-
form their contracts with fidelity and strict honesty
This inquiry, perhaps, will resuitin no benefit to
the sagacious, prudent and experienced but as the
rising generation will be surrounded by the same
bland allurments and temptations as their predi-
cessors, the experience of an old pioneer in this
metropolis of Sandusky county, on whose arrival,
found it inhabited By fortune seekers without capi
tai. much like himself may be of some Importance
to them in fixing bounds to their patronage, and
generosity in assisting others
At the early day of which speak the surround
ing country was but howling and almost track
less wilderness so that my history since that time
might in some respects be identified with that of
the place. particularly that portion which relates to
the lending my name for supposed benefits to the
public as well as individuals, till at length be-
came nvolvedin very serious pecuniary difficulties,
while bending too under the weight of years and
their attendant nfrmities.
It is not only the loss of property have to suf
fer, but the geering, scorn, and contempt of the
more provident and wise for my folly, simplicity,
and misplaced confidence in men, These the har-
dest, most chagrining, and cruel blows of ALL are
what elicit detail of my career in going bail The
first instance there was, when little village was
selected as the county seat which had nothing to
render it memorable, but Croghan's glorious victo-
ry, when we all became elated with the hope of a
rapid growth of our place, and determined that a
Court House should be speedily erected. The con-
tract was let to Mr.. G. Hulburd; the Commission
ers required bail; went it; he failed; they sued
on the bond and recovered Judgment of 1900
He appeared not the least disconnected, said he
would yet bring them to amicabie terms l sug-
gested the propriety of giving me an indemnifying
mortgage which he honorably did.
Mr. Hulburd soon after deceased. My only safe
ty was to foreclose the mortgage, bid off the pro-
perty and settle with the Commissioners Mr.. E.
Smith proposed to build house to the acceptance
of the Commissioners for the said Western house
property; the bargain was made but had to stand
bail for his performance. He was successful, and
became liberated; ali! had I but continued so
Soon after the jurisdiction of cur county was es
tablshed, certain Dorson Knapp and wife were
arrested and committed to jail for several petit lar
cenies They had been but little above the grade
of panperism, would not be able to pay fine, the
children having to be fed by the neighbors- Il wa
deemed best TO bail them out Ibecame bail with
two Others who afterwards were entirely irrespon-
sible The consequence was Knapp and wife clear
ed out and though the magistrates and many
others said it would be well to be rid of them ant
save the county farther expense, the bonds were
prosecuted and judgment obtained of $500, which
wholly devolved on to settle or pay. Some
commiserated my iluck Mr.. S. Treat advised
to petition the Commissioners to remit the judg
ment paying costs accrued, all the citizens of tn
county signed it, but unfortunately the Commis
soners had scruples, were fearful they would b
censured for not adding to the treasures of tn
county. What was there to be done? To pa'
six hundred dollars at that time would have broker
me down. The philanthropy of MSa-R. Dickinson
then prosecuting attorney. would not allow me t
be sacrificed without farther trial. He urged me +
petition the legislature to commute the judgmen
on the condition of the other. Mr.. Lockwood, ou
Representative, presented it. act was passed 70
my relief and got clear by paying about a hun
dred dollars costs. To the memories of those tw
gentleman owe tribute of sincere gratitude
Well that story is got along with, the discipEn
ceased, yet it was always SO vivid in my recollec
ton that have ever since refused 10 oalI tnoS
guilty of crime, but could not withhold my hant
when public officers or those engaged in publ
business must have bail Could not refuse a Ger
tain little Constable who collected money. than ra
away with it. which Mr.. Hawkins and I had t
pay; but some years after, he ran back and refun
ded the greater part
We now arrive at a period when population dig
nifty and wealth, rendered it expedient to have
more commodous Court House. The Hon
Knapp took the job, solicited my Signature, it wa
readily granted l had fears the house wa
built with that dispatch and elegance which gav
satisfaction to all parties Had my wreckless cours
of going bail stopped here, it would have saved m
much modification and many dollars.
Whether it had become notorious and provel
bial that 1 would go bail on all occasions kno
not but certain it is, that one John Kestler coul
rent farm and mills of DR.. F. Williams, Ad'r
Banks estate if would go bail; the habit had b
come too familiar, my name was down
In process Of time. the said John left the coul
try. / was sued on the bond for a thousand do
lars With much persuasion got John back
settle with the Doctor when was found his dr
$3.50 Being on the boad could do no less ths
sign este with Kestle-. which he said he coul
and would pay. The note when das, was sued ar
have it 70 pay with interests and costs, amour
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