[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 68 (Thursday, April 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE BICENTENNIAL OF WILLIAMS COUNTY, OHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2024

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a very historic occasion 
for the people of Williams County, ``nestled in the extreme Northwest 
corner of Ohio.'' The community will begin a weekend of celebration to 
commemorate the milestone.
  Williams County was named for David Williams, a Revolutionary War 
hero involved in the capture of British officer Major John Andre. 
Originally encompassing a larger area of Northwest Ohio, Williams 
County was part of territory set aside for Native American people in 
the Treaty of Greenville. Part of the territory was also disputed 
between Ohio and Michigan, a dispute settled in 1836 which placed the 
county in Ohio.
  The land was part of the ``Great Black Swamp'' and was the last in 
Ohio to be settled. Because it was swampland, the earliest settlers 
faced severe hardship with travel, farming, and insects. Towering 
native trees blocked sunlight, and conditions were harsh. Yet these 
hardy Ohioans persevered, turning this corner of Northwest Ohio into an 
abundant fertile watershed.
  The Williams County Courthouse, today on the National Registry of 
Historic places, was completed in 1891. It replaced an original log 
structure and one completed in 1845. The latter was considered the best 
such structure in Northwest Ohio at that time.
  With rail and telegraph came opportunities for trade and development, 
leading to ``vibrant economic growth of the 1800's and 1900's, through 
to the diversified local economy of today,'' according to the history. 
Today, Williams County is home to 2,399 businesses including 111 
manufacturing companies offering solid employment and good wages for a 
diverse and skilled workforce. Famously, Williams County is home to 
Ohio Art--and Etch-A-Sketch--and Spangler Candy which originated and 
produces Dum Dum lollipops and other nostalgic treats.
  Williams County, Ohio is made up of hardy farmers and pleasant towns 
including Alvordton, Blakeslee, Bryan, Edgerton, Edon, Holiday City, 
Kunkle, Lake Seneca, Melbern, Montpelier, Nettle Lake, Pioneer, 
Pulaski, and Williams Center: lovely communities all.
  Well known to most Ohioans is the late Ohio State University football 
coach Woody Hayes. Coach Hayes said, ``I speak at a lot of banquets in 
small towns, because small towns have so many great people.'' I 
couldn't agree with him more. I have been privileged to represent 
Williams County and can attest to the character and kindness of its 
people. As they take a peek at yesteryear during a weekend of 
ceremonial and enjoyable events, I know they also look to the future 
with hope and celebration. We stand on the shoulders of those who came 
before us and we build the community forward together.
  Onward.

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