This excerpt was taken from the History
of Fulton County, published by Chas. C. Chapman & Co. in 1879, pages 940-941.
The number of acres of land in the township is 23,000, being the largest Congressional township in the county except Cass. The number of acres of land under cultivation is 12,280. The total value of land is $278,929. There are of horses 549, valued at $19,849; cattle 1,552 valued at $16,251; mules 37 ; sheep 656; hogs 2,687, valued at $5,516.
J. N. Hasson, deceased, came to the county in 1835, and taught school considerably. The first winter he taught school in Woodland township. While teaching here during this winter Mr. H. shot and killed 16 deer while going to and from his house to the school-house, a distance of 3 miles. To do this he never left the beaten road over 200 yards. In this way he furnished all the fresh meat for his family. He never went hunting but carried a gun on his way to school. This to an extent shows the abundance of game in this township in an early day.
As we give such a general historical sketch of the township in the personal sketches of the pioneers and leading citizens given below, we will not repeat here, but proceed to detailing the history of the only town within its borders.
Summum is a small village situated upon section 4. It was laid out as a town about 1851, by James M. Onion. Long years prior to this, however, Peter "Summy" kept a postoffice here, and the same time attended to his farm duties. He was well known throughout this section. From this fact the nickname of Summum was applied to the town when platted. "Summum" is a Latin word and means summit, hence one would infer from the name that the town was situated upon an eminence. The meaning of the Latin word, however, evidently had no part in giving the place this name. Mr. "Summy's" successor was James Gasaway.
The town obtained no importance whatever until after its organization. It was laid out, and James M. Onion erected a frame building and laid in an assortment of dry-goods. Washington Shields also displayed considerable enterprise in the erection of two substantial frame buildings. Next in order came Richard Lane, then Fraley and Severns, who all actively engaged to build up the new town. John Shank was the first Postmaster after the town was laid out, and from him this sketch is obtained.
As is well known, Summum is an inland town, having no railroad communications, yet its prosperity will compare favorably with other towns of like situation and similar size. Among the more representative men of the place are James M. Onion, John Baumgartner, Dr. J. H. Breeden, Joel Onion, Joel Barnes, John Langston, Dr. L. L. Wakefield, Christ. McLaren, John Shank and others. The village has a population of about 200 inhabitants, No saloons are tolerated or anything that will bring discord to the peaceful community. In the town are 3 stores, postoffice, blacksmith shop, saw-mill and cabinet-shop. Joel A. Barnes, grain dealer, presides over the only flour and feed store. James M. Onion is the owner of the mill, and he secures a good trade as do the merchants of the place, of whom we give further notice among the personal sketches. By way of explanation we will state that the proper name of the town is Oberlin. It is not generally known that it was platted as such. By some means this name fell into disuse and very few of the people would recognize the place by that name. There are three Churches in the place. The Baptist people organized and built a church edifice in 1867. Rev. Odell, Pastor. The membership numbers about 100. There is also a German Reformed Church, which is in a prosperous condition and has a membership of 100. The Christian Church structure was erected in 1865. The congregation has no regular pastor at present. The Robinson school-house was built in 1859, and is noted for the excellent school held there.
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