Page:Women of Ohio; a record of their achievements in the history of the state (Vol. I).djvu/56

52 SALLY WAIT came to Franklinton in 1805 with her father, Jenks Wait, from Jamestown, N. Y. A few years later came young William Merion from Massachusetts, taking up quarters at the Voris Inn. The two were married, much to the satisfaction, apparently, of their romance loving community, in 1809. They lived a short time in Franklinton, then on a large tract in what was then outlying district. Their cabin was located at what is now the corner of High and Moler Sts. , Columbus, Ohio. In 1818 they built a very spacious brick house, from which, it is said, no one in need, man, woman or child, was ever turned away. It is of the spirit that ruled this home that special record should be made. Sally Merion was, it is stated, utterly without fear. Once she was overtaken by darkness when returning home on horseback. She was alone. A pack of wolves caught the scent, pursued closely, and chased Sally to her very door. But even this could not frighten her. “Nothing could overtake my horse,’ ’ she explained. “I knew that. What was there to be afraid of?”

Sally was a famous housekeeper, her home immaculate, her table a constant demonstration of her culinary skill. Nobody in the community could obtain baking soda so Sally evolved a formula for making her own. She leached hickory ashes, boiled the lye into potash, baked the product until it was dry and white. With this she was able to evolve buttermilk biscuits that were the talk of the country-side.

MURIEL BRODERICK was another Franklinton born girl that is credited by Ruth Young White with having helped to build Columbus. She married John Macy Walcutt, who conducted a chair shop at High and Town Sts. They had 16 children, eleven of them reaching maturity. Three of her sons became noted artists, one a distinguished general, one a naval captain who accompanied Commodore Perry on his famous voyage to Japan. Her five daughters shared the family heritage of energy and ability. One of them became a school teacher and on her death bequeathed a fortune to establish a home in Columbus for retired teachers. This foundation is known as the Gay bequest, much publicized and commended by educational publications throughout the country.

The married name of BETSY GREEN DESHLER was among those destined to grow in importance as the young state capital developed in importance.

It should be realized that Columbus was chosen as the seat of Ohio’s government by specific act of the General Assembly. This took place Feb. 25, 1812. Nor was this selection by any means unanimous. Howe tells us that among others, Col. James Kilbourne worked enthusiastically for selection of Worthington—which was even more nearly the geographical center of Ohio.

Kilbourne, according to Howe, thought he had the choice cinched, with even a vote to spare. But when the crucial moment came, not only one but