Auglaize County, Ohio

Auglaize County, Ohio
County courthouse in Wapakoneta
Seal
Location in the U.S. state of Ohio
Ohio's location in the U.S.
Founded	February 14, 1848[1]
Named for	Auglaize River
Seat	Wapakoneta
Largest city	Wapakoneta
Area
• Total	402 sq mi (1,041 km2)
• Land	401 sq mi (1,039 km2)
• Water	0.5 sq mi (1 km2), 0.1%
Population
• (2010)	45,949
• Density	114/sq mi (44/km²)
Congressional district	4th
Time zone	Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website	www.auglaizecounty.org

Auglaize County /ˈɔːɡleɪz/^[2] is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2010 census, the population was 45,949.^[3] Its county seat is Wapakoneta.^[4]

The county is named for the Auglaize River. Some sources say it is a corruption of the French description of the clay (glaise) water (eau),^[5] whereas others say it comes from a Native American word meaning 'fallen timbers'.^[1][6] Another weak possibility according to Lakehistory.info is that it could have been the French term la glace [*aux glaces?], which means 'mirror', or 'ice' ['at the ices'?].^[7]

There is something to be said for the unattested eau glaise 'clay water' (as if 'dirty water'), like attested terre glaise 'clay soil', but both Ramsey^[8] and Stewart^[9] agree that Auglaize (and variants, implying "*aux glaises") is American French for 'at the lick(s)', literally 'at the clays', where wild beasts came to lick salt and minerals from the soil, and fulfilling the lacuna in standard French for a "salt lick." The spelling "glaize" is archaic (as in Cotgrave's French-English dictionary of 1611). In addition, in Arkansas there is a creek and mountain Glazypeau, from French glaise à Paul 'Paul's lick'. The assumed indigenous American (Algonquian) "'fallen timbers' or 'overgrown with brush'" has no support without any attested etymons supplied and would not match phonetically in the case of Shawnee.

Auglaize County comprises the Wapakoneta, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lima-Van Wert-Celina, OH Combined Statistical Area.

History

Under the terms of the Treaty of Greenville signed in 1795, northwestern Ohio was reserved for Native Americans. The area now comprising Allen County was officially off-limits to European settlement until the Treaty of Maumee Rapids in 1817.[24] Under the terms of this treaty, the Shawnee tribe was assigned reservations at Wapakonetta and at their "Hog Creek" settlement along the Ottawa River; this comprised most of what is the present-day Shawnee Township. The latter treaty opened the way for the Ohio Legislature on March 1, 1820 to create fourteen counties, including Allen,[24] which was defined as Ranges 5 through 8 east and Towns 3 through 6 south.

The first permanent settlement within the present-day bounds of Allen County took place in 1824, when Christopher S. Wood and his family settled in section 7 of Bath Township.[25] The organization of Bath Township predates that of Allen County, with its first township meeting held on March 2, 1829. On Feb. 12, 1829, an act of the legislature set aside land for a "county town".[26] Wood was appointed commissioner to determine the location of this "seat of justice" for Allen County. This was done on March 3, 1831, with Wood appointed as Town Director. He laid out plots of land to be sold in section 31 of Bath Township,[27] and the plat was filed April 20, 1831, founding what developed as the city of Lima, Ohio.

The organization of Allen County dates from the first meeting of the county commissioners, held on June 6, 1831. Present at this meeting were commissioners James Daniels, John G. Wood, and Samuel Stewart. Also present were William G. Wood, county auditor; Adam White, county treasurer; and Henry Lippincott, sheriff.[28]

The first court of justice was held in August 1831,[28] and it is believed that the assembly of men, in informal session, selected the name for the seat of justice by drawing names from a hat. The meeting was held at the cabin of James Daniels, which was located on the bank of the Ottawa River near the current location of Market Street.[28] Patrick G. Goode of Montgomery County, special prosecuting attorney at that session, is credited with suggesting the name of "Lima" (capital of Peru and source of the quinine used to treat the malaria prevalent in the area of the Great Black Swamp). At the County Commission session on June 6, 1831, the formation of a second township, Jackson, was approved.[28]

In 1832 the Shawnees, including those living in the Hog Creek reservation (present day Shawnee Township), were removed to eastern Kansas. They received payment of $30,000 in fifteen annual installments for their lands, which had an estimated value of over $200,000 at that time.[29] They arrived at their new home with few provisions and immediately suffered an epidemic of cholera, due in part to the poor sanitation in their new territory.[29]

Lima was established as a village in 1841, and the town of Lima was organized March 29, 1842. Henry DeVilliers Williams was elected the first mayor and Amos Clutter was elected the first town marshal.

In 1848, the boundaries of Allen County were reduced after Auglaize County, Ohio was organized from the southern half of the original county. Town 2S, Range 7E (Monroe Twp.); Town 2S, Range 8E (Richland Twp.); the southern half of Town 2S, Range 5E, and the southern half of Town 2S, Range 6E (Sugar Creek Twp.) were transferred from Putnam County to Allen County. Parts of Van Wert and Mercer counties were also transferred to Allen to form Spencer Township and part of Marion Township. In May, 1853, Allen and Putnam counties agreed on a cash settlement for Putnam's loss.[30]

Following these changes Lima, the county seat, was located in what became the center of the county, rather than in the northern quarter. The western part of the county gained a significant stretch of the Miami and Erie Canal, which was completed in 1845. The reorganization also brought the towns of Spencerville, laid out in 1844 and located on the canal,[13] and Bluffton within the bounds of the county.

In 1885, oil was discovered in Lima. This began a boom in Allen County which lasted until after 1910.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 402 square miles (1,040 km²), of which 401 square miles (1,040 km²) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.3 km²) (0.1%) is water.^[10] It is the second-smallest county in Ohio by total area.

The county is crossed by the Auglaize River and the Miami and Erie Canal. The headwaters of the Saint Marys River, the Great Miami River and the Scioto River as well as portions of Grand Lake St. Marys and Lake Loramie are located within the county.^[11]

Adjacent counties

• Allen County - north
• Hardin County - east
• Logan County - southeast
• Shelby County - south
• Mercer County - west
• Van Wert County - northwest

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.		%±
1850	11,338		—
1860	17,187		51.6%
1870	20,041		16.6%
1880	25,444		27.0%
1890	28,100		10.4%
1900	31,192		11.0%
1910	31,246		0.2%
1920	29,527		−5.5%
1930	28,034		−5.1%
1940	28,037		0.0%
1950	30,637		9.3%
1960	36,147		18.0%
1970	38,602		6.8%
1980	42,554		10.2%
1990	44,585		4.8%
2000	46,611		4.5%
2010	45,949		−1.4%
Est. 2016	45,894	[12]	−0.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[13] 1790-1960[14] 1900-1990[15] 1990-2000[16] 2010-2013[3]

2000 census

As of the census^[17] of 2000, there were 46,611 people, 17,376 households, and 12,771 families residing in the county. The population density was 116 people per square mile (45/km²). There were 18,470 housing units at an average density of 46 per square mile (18/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.12% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. 0.67% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 59.5% were of German, 10.9% American, 6.9% Irish and 6.3% English ancestry according to Census 2000. 97.9% spoke English and 1.2% Spanish as their first language.

There were 17,376 households out of which 35.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.10% were married couples living together, 7.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.50% were non-families. 23.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the county, the population was spread out with 27.60% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 28.20% from 25 to 44, 22.00% from 45 to 64, and 14.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $43,367, and the median income for a family was $50,024. Males had a median income of $37,024 versus $23,809 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,593. About 4.90% of families and 6.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.20% of those under age 18 and 6.40% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 45,949 people, 17,972 households, and 12,749 families residing in the county.^[18] The population density was 114.5 inhabitants per square mile (44.2/km²). There were 19,585 housing units at an average density of 48.8 per square mile (18.8/km²).^[19] The racial makeup of the county was 97.8% white, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% black or African American, 0.2% American Indian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.2% of the population.^[18] In terms of ancestry, 53.0% were German, 12.6% were Irish, 8.9% were American, and 8.0% were English.^[20]

Of the 17,972 households, 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.9% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.1% were non-families, and 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.02. The median age was 40.0 years.^[18]

The median income for a household in the county was $52,018 and the median income for a family was $60,318. Males had a median income of $44,267 versus $30,591 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,290. About 5.8% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.^[21]

Politics

Presidential Elections Results^[22]

Year	Republican	Democratic	Third Parties
2016	78.4% 18,658	16.7% 3,980	4.9% 1,156
2012	73.2% 17,169	24.9% 5,831	1.9% 449
2008	69.7% 16,414	28.6% 6,738	1.7% 407
2004	73.9% 17,016	25.6% 5,903	0.5% 115
2000	69.2% 13,770	28.0% 5,564	2.8% 558
1996	51.8% 10,169	33.9% 6,652	14.3% 2,811
1992	51.5% 10,455	24.4% 4,960	24.1% 4,891
1988	73.4% 13,562	25.7% 4,756	0.9% 161
1984	77.7% 14,766	21.6% 4,102	0.7% 132
1980	65.3% 11,537	28.4% 5,022	6.2% 1,098
1976	61.2% 9,772	36.6% 5,840	2.2% 353
1972	69.8% 11,900	27.1% 4,617	3.1% 530
1968	57.0% 9,368	33.7% 5,550	9.3% 1,529
1964	48.0% 7,954	52.0% 8,632
1960	64.0% 11,183	36.0% 6,282
1956	72.1% 11,453	27.9% 4,438
1952	67.3% 10,599	32.7% 5,149
1948	54.5% 6,818	45.3% 5,670	0.3% 34
1944	64.8% 8,980	35.3% 4,888
1940	61.1% 8,953	38.9% 5,704
1936	38.6% 5,526	54.8% 7,835	6.6% 944
1932	38.2% 5,039	60.8% 8,036	1.0% 135
1928	60.9% 7,794	38.7% 4,954	0.4% 50
1924	51.9% 5,507	37.2% 3,952	10.9% 1,159
1920	57.5% 6,752	40.8% 4,792	1.8% 208
1916	38.5% 2,763	57.5% 4,124	4.0% 288
1912	21.0% 1,401	55.8% 3,726	23.2% 1,549
1908	38.6% 3,001	59.4% 4,622	2.1% 161
1904	44.6% 3,049	53.0% 3,619	2.4% 163
1900	37.1% 2,895	61.6% 4,812	1.3% 99
1896	36.8% 2,900	62.6% 4,939	0.7% 52
1892	33.7% 2,113	60.2% 3,774	6.2% 386
1888	35.6% 2,212	63.1% 3,928	1.3% 83
1884	34.2% 2,026	65.6% 3,882	0.2% 14
1880	33.7% 1,837	66.0% 3,599	0.3% 15
1876	29.9% 1,521	70.0% 3,560	0.1% 6
1872	31.1% 1,180	66.9% 2,535	2.0% 77

Government

Auglaize County is governed by an elected Board of Commissioners.

Judiciary

Courthouse

The county's first courthouse, built in 1851 at a cost of $11,499, was in use until 1894, when the current Courthouse first opened to the public. Occupying an entire city block, the Courthouse and its adjacent powerhouse cost the then-princely sum of $259,481.00. Some 85 men took 18 months for its construction, commencing on July 2, 1893. Built of Berea sandstone with tile floors, the Courthouse was highly fire-resistant. The boilers for heating and power generation, a significant cause of fire at the time, were located in a separate powerhouse. Also there were the steam-driven dynamos that produced the electricity which, along with steam for heating and hot water, was fed to the building via an underground conduit. The Courthouse marked its centennial in 1994, and continues in its role as seat of the county's courts,^[23] along with the much newer West Municipal Court in St. Mary's.^[24]

Judges

Three elected judges sit in Auglaize County, presiding over five courts.

Courts

• The Court of Common Pleas handles the bulk of the county's caseload, including all felony criminal cases, and civil cases of all kinds, involving claims typically in excess of $15,000 or claims for injunctive relief, as well as appeals from state agencies.^[25]
• The Probate Court handles estates, adoptions, legal guardianships, name changes, mental illnesses, approves minor personal injury settlement claims, approves wrongful death settlements, and issues marriage licenses. Additionally, the Court keeps all vital statistics records prior to 1908.^[26]
• The Domestic Relations Court oversees all divorces, dissolutions of marriage, civil domestic protective orders, post-divorce decree motions, modifications of parental rights and responsibilities, modifications of child support and visitation arrangements, and contempt actions.^[27]
• The Juvenile Court handles all juvenile complaints dealing with delinquent and unruly children, juvenile traffic offenders, dependent, neglected and abused children, parentage cases and custody cases.^[28]
• The Municipal Court sits in both Wapakoneta and St. Marys^[29] and hears misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic cases, civil claims less than $15,000, and cases involving violations of the municipal codes.

Related entities

• The elected clerk of courts directs the staffing, record keeping, and administration of all the county courts, as well as registering vehicle titles.^[30] The Clerk of Courts also issues writs to carry out court orders. Some of these writs include summons, subpoenas, warrants to arrest and to convey to penal institutions, and signing the execution warrant in capital cases. A clerk of courts also accepts bonds, calls juries & grand juries, certifies the commissions of notaries public, administers oaths, and files judgment and state tax liens.^[31]
• The county's law library provides legal reference services to the judges and attorneys of the county.^[32]
• The county prosecuting attorney and his staff prosecute felony offenses, along with all misdemeanor, criminal and traffic offenses in violation of the Ohio Revised Code. The prosecutor also participates in the presentation of cases of delinquency, unruly, juvenile traffic offenses, and abuse, neglect and dependency offenses involving juveniles in the Juvenile Court. The prosecutor serves as the legal advisor to county elected officials and departments.^[33]
• The county's public defender is responsible for providing legal representation to indigent persons facing criminal charges within the county court system.^[34]

Economy

Auglaize County's economy is based in manufacturing.^[35] Employers with more than 400 employees are Crown Equipment Corporation, Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, the Minster Machine Company, Setex, Inc, AAP-St. Mary's Corporation (a division of Hitachi Metals), Veyance Technologies, Inc (Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company), and the Dannon Company.^[36]

Communities

Cities

• Saint Marys
• Wapakoneta (county seat)

Villages

Townships

Census-designated places

• New Hampshire
• Saint Johns
• Uniopolis

Unincorporated communities

Ghost towns

• Bay
• Pusheta Town
• Rineharts

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Auglaize County, Ohio
• Ohio county government

References

• Auglaize County Engineer's Office. Official Highway Map 2004. Wapakoneta, Ohio: The Office, 2004.

24.^ a b Harrison, R. H. (1880). Atlas of Allen County, Ohio from Records and Original Surveys. Philadelphia: R.H. Harrison. pp. 20. 25.^ History of Allen County, Ohio. Chicago: Warner, Beers & Company. 1885. pp. 417–418. 26.^ Knapp, H. S. (1875). History of Allen County in Historical Atlas of Allen County, Ohio. Chicago: H.H. Hardesty & Co.. pp. 19. 27.^ Harrison, R. H. (1880). Atlas of Allen County, Ohio from Records and Original Surveys. Philadelphia: R.H. Harrison. pp. 33 1/4. 28.^ a b c d Knapp, H. S. (1875). History of Allen County in Historical Atlas of Allen County, Ohio. Chicago: H.H. Hardesty & Co.. pp. 15. 29.^ a b Harrison, R. H. (1880). Atlas of Allen County, Ohio from Records and Original Surveys. Philadelphia: R.H. Harrison. pp. 19. 30.^ History of Allen County, Ohio. Chicago: Warner, Beers & Company. 1885. pp. 280–281. 31.^ Harrison, R. H. (1880). Atlas of Allen County, Ohio from Records and Original Surveys. Philadelphia: R.H. Harrison. pp. 30.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Auglaize County, Ohio.

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Auglaize County.

• Official Auglaize County website
• Auglaize County Historical Society
• Auglaize and Mercer County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

Adjacent places of Auglaize County, Ohio
	Van Wert County	Allen County
	Mercer County		Hardin County
		Auglaize County, Ohio
	Darke County	Shelby County	Logan County

Coordinates: 40°34′N 84°13′W / 40.56°N 84.22°W / 40.56; -84.22