[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 217 (Sunday, December 20, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF VAN WERT COUNTY'S 200TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. ROBERT E. LATTA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Sunday, December 20, 2020

  Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bicentennial 
of Van Wert County, Ohio. The perseverance of pioneers and settlers to 
overcome the challenges faced during the early years of the county's 
history has persisted throughout the past 200 years. The hard work and 
spirit shown by generations of county residents have made Van Wert 
County an outstanding example of American ingenuity.
  On February 12, 1820, the Ohio Legislature enacted legislation 
creating fourteen new counties in northwestern Ohio. One of the 
counties was named Van Wert, honoring the American Revolutionary hero, 
Isaac Van Wart. Van Wart aided in the 1780 capture of British Major 
John Andre, who was convicted and executed for spying with Benedict 
Arnold. Van Wert County contains roughly 410 square miles, and it was 
officially established in 1820. A noteworthy part of Van Wert County's 
history is the establishment of the Brumback Library. The library was 
founded in 1890 as the first countywide public library to exist in the 
United States, and it continues to serve over 29,000 residents. Van 
Wert County is an asset to the great State of Ohio through its many 
contributions in the fields of agriculture and manufacturing.
  By remembering the 200th Anniversary of Van Wert County, community 
members and Ohio residents recognize the outstanding achievements, 
maintain our pioneer attitude, and strive to better our county through 
the principles on which it was founded. Thank you and congratulations 
to Van Wert County on this significant milestone.

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