[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 217 (Sunday, December 20, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1188-E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF WILLIAMS 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 Williams 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 Williams 
County an outstanding example of American ingenuity.
  On February 12, 1820, the Ohio Legislature enacted legislation 
creating fourteen new counties in northwestern Ohio. The fourteenth new 
county came to be known as Williams County, honoring the Revolutionary 
War hero David Williams. Williams aided in the 1780 capture of British 
Major John Andre, who was convicted and executed for spying with 
Benedict Arnold. When Williams County was officially established in 
1820 it originally contained roughly 720 square miles, but it currently 
encompasses 420 square miles. A pivotal point in Williams County's 
history was the twenty-year dispute over the northern part of Williams 
County which contributed to the Ohio and Michigan war. Eventually, the 
territory lines between the Indiana line and Lake Erie were settled, 
giving Williams County its first beginnings as a county in the great 
state of Ohio.
  By remembering the 200th Anniversary of Williams County, community 
members and Ohio residents recognize the outstanding achievements, 
maintain our pioneer attitude, and strive to better our county on the 
principles on which it was founded. Thank you and congratulations to 
Williams County on this significant milestone.

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