The arrogance of England had compelled the United States to declare war, and, in June, 1812, the edict was sent forth. Gov. Meigs called for troops, and Franklinton, Urbana and Dayton were designated as general places of rendezvous for this portion of Ohio. Capts. John Moore and Elias Langham were recruiting officers at London. The militia of Madison County were divided into classes, so as to be in readiness when called upon. All able-bodied men, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, were required to respond to such a call. A company of seventy men was raised soon after the war broke out, and sent to Mill Creek, in what is now the southern part of Union County. A block-house was built on the north bank of the stream, and general preparations made to defend the county against the Indians. Jonathan Alder was in this company, and, after remaining there about four weeks, he and John Johnson concocted a scheme to break up the camp and return to their homes. They were sent out scouting, and after making many moccasin tracks in the vicinity of a mud hole, returned to the camp and reported that Indian signs were numerous, at the same time offering to conduct a squad to the place, for the purpose of investigating the matter. This news created consternation among the men, and Alder, Johnson and Andrew Clerno were detailed on picket duty that night. Clerno was informed of the plot, and, about 11 o'clock, while the camp was in repose, all three fired off their guns at an imaginary foe, and rushed back to the fort. A general stampede ensued, the men running like a frightened herd of cattle, pell-mell, in every direction through the forest. The shouts of the officers calling upon them to halt were of no avail. Many ludicrous scenes took place, as well as a few accidents through coming in contact with the trees; while two brave (?) boys plunged across Mill Creek irrespective of danger by drowning. The ruse succeeded, for, by 10 o'clock the following morning, all of the men were discharged and on their way to their homes. Much sport has been made of this event, and many of the worthy pioneer fathers were the butt of the jokers throughout their lives on account of their participation in this first campaign of the war.
As late as 1813, the Indian boundary was only about sixty miles from London. There was a great feeling of relief, therefore, when, on June 21, of that year, the Indians, at a council held in Franklinton, solemnly agreed to remain at peace, thus satisfying the spirit of all former treaties. An eloquent description of this council has been prepared, and as the event formed a pleasant scene, which practically concludes the Indian history of this part of the State, we cannot do better than to present it to the reader. The council was held on the grounds of Lucas Sullivant. The memorial says:
"The Delaware, Shawnee, Wyandot and Seneca tribes were represented by about fifty warriors. Gen. Harrison represented the Government, and with him were his staff and a brilliant array of officers in full uniform. Behind them was a detachment of soldiers. In his front were the Indians. Around all were the inhabitants of this region, far and near. The object was to induce these tribes, who had heretofore remained neutral in the war, to take an active part in the ensuing campaign for the United States, or at least give a guarantee of their peaceful intention by remaining with their families within the settlements.
"The General began to speak in calm and measured tones, befitting the grave occasion, but an undefined oppression seemed to hold all in suspense, as with silent and almost breathless attention, they awaited the result of the General's words. These seemed to fall on dull ears, as the Indians sat with unmoved countenances and smoked on in stolid silence. At length the persuasive voice of the great commander struck a responsive chord, and Tarhe, or the Crane, the great Wyandot chief, slowly rose to his feet. Standing for a moment in a graceful and commanding attitude, he made a brief reply. When he, with others, passed forward to grasp the hand of Harrison, in token not only of amity, but in agreement to stand as a barrier on our exposed frontier, a terrible doubt and apprehension were lifted from the hearts of all. Jubilant shouts rent the air, women wept for joy, and stalwart men thrilled with pleasure as they thought of the assured safety of their wives and children from a cruel and stealthy foe. They prepared at once, with alacrity, to go forth to the impending battles."
The Indians were faithful to this agreement, and the country was spared a re-enactment of the bloody scenes of her earlier history.
During the siege of Fort Meigs, in May, 1813, runners were sent throughout the State, urging the male inhabitants to assemble immediately at certain points and take measures to relieve the besieged fort. The militia from this county hurried to Urbana, where a large force was organized under the command of Col. Duncan McArthur. It started for Fort Meigs, but after a four days' forced march through the wilderness, was met by William Oliver, John McAdams and Capt. John, the Shawnee chief, who brought the intelligence that the siege had been abandoaed. The troops returned to Urbana and were discharged. Maj. David Gwynne, one of the Gwynne brothers, who settled in Deer Creek Township, was then a Paymaster in the regular army, with headquarters at Urbana.
Soon afterward, they were again called out and marched to Sandusky, where they remained for a short time. A portion of the men were discharged, the balance subsequently returned to Franklinton and were sent to their homes. At a special term of the Court of Common Pleas, held October 4, 1813, a number of military fines were remitted. They had been assessed by the County Board of Military Officers, for neglect of duty in the prosecution of the war, then being waged against England. It is not our intention in this article to attempt to give the names of the volunteers from Madison County who fought in many of the battles of that war. At this late day, success, in such an undertaking would be impossible; but many of their names will be found recorded in the biographical sketches given by their descendants, and the memory of their deeds will be cherished as long as the nation lives.
After the return of peace, in 1815, Congress passed a law, re-organizing the militia and making it obligatory for all males, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, to perform military duty. This county was divided into military divisions, and certain points designated in each for the militia to meet and receive instruction in the art of war. This was called "Company Muster." Once a year the different companies throughout the county were required to meet at London, or some other point, to attend to what was called the "General Muster." The militia could not draw military equipments from the Government, but at these musters armed themselves with rifles, shot guns, broom-handles, sticks, or any implement by which they could be put through the manual exercise. The law also provided that if any company would furnish their own uniforms, and otherwise comply with the law, the State should supply them with arms and munitions. Several companies of this class were organized in the county. They were required to perform military duty for seven years in time of peace, which, complied with, exempted them from poll tax. Training days, among all classes, were looked upon with much favor; they were days of recreation, social joys and friendly greetings.