Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-11-04
Napoleon Thirty.Four Years Ago.

Napoleon Thirty. Four Years Ago.
The following description of Napoleon ap-
peared in the second number of the NoRTH-
WEST, issued Sept. 18th, 1852. 1t will be read
with interest by old and young:
We unintentionally neglected to give de-
seription of this place in last weeks paper.
1t is located on an eminenoe on the north side
of the Maumee river. The site was laid out
by H. G. Phillips & Co., some sixteen years
since, but owing to the lands for five miles
back from the river being held by the State
and spectators, the State lands not being in
market, and the spectators held their land at
such high rates that emigrants by going into
Western States they could purchase consid-
cradle cheaper, retarded the progress and i'm
provement of the town; but this is now rem
edied, and most or nearly all of the State
lands have gone into the hands of actual set
tiers at one half and two-thirds of the ap-
praised value. The day is not far distant
when this will be town of no minor size and
Importance. 1t possesses water and other
privileges second to no other place, in our
opinion, in Northwestern Ohio. The facili-
ties for transporting the products of and i'm
porting anything necessary for the consump-
tion of the county are good.
The land in Henry county is generally roll
ing and very productive, well timbered. The
timber is principally black walnut, poplar,
white and burr oak, which when converted
into lumber and staves, command high
price, and cash in hand is readily paid when
delivered on the bank of the canal or river.
The county is well supplied with saw mills;
but not grist mills, better location for a
grist mill than at Napoleon, we do not know
of, and one is greatly needed here, there be-
ing none; in fact, we need every kind of me-
chanics and business men here, the opening
and inducements are excellent, many of the
most useful mechanics we have not in the
village. The county is fast filing up with
good and industrious farmers. We say to all
mechanics and business men who are in
search of a location, come to Napoleon and
examine the place and county before locating
elsewhere.
Another thing which impeded the progress |
of this village, was an attempt by aportion of
the citizens north of this to have the county |
seat removed to a village below this on the |
Maumee river. This question was agitated |
for number Of years and those who at |
tempted to have it removed felt sanguine it |
would be removed. The fear that it would be,
and the removal would very much iniure this |
place, kept many from locating here. That
question Is now considered by all settled and |
Napoleon is the county seat. 1t contains
three lawyers, three physicians, one printing |
office, two dry good stores, two grocery stores,
one hotel, one saw mill, one ashery, two cab
met makers, one saddle and harness maker,
two boot and shoe makers, one blacksmith,
etc.
The following mechanics, ETC., it does not
contain, which are needed very much: A tin
ner, wagonmaker, tanner and currier, iron
founder, ETC., etc.
Napoleon contains about three hundred in
labitants. Mostly good, substantial build
ngs, number of which would be ornaments
% considerable larger place, particularly
he Court House, which is got up in excellent
style; it is an ornament to the town, and
speaks we'll for the skill Of the builder. Con-
7enient to the Court House are the county
,fices, which are now occupied by the county
,fficers; this building is built fire proof. The
,itizens are courteous, energetic and indus
rious. The village has improvednearly one
lalf within the last two years, number of
rood dwelling and business houses have been
rected within that time, and others are in
ourse of erection. The Wabash and Erie
anal passes through the village, affording an
asy and cheap conveyance of the products
# the county to either anorthernor southern
market.