Two lecture series are planned as part of Bluffton's Sesquicentennial Celebration, both in the third floor of Town Hall.
Monday, June 27, 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, June 30, 7-9 p.m.
"Riley Creek and the little-known facts about Captain James Riley" by Dr. Darrell Groman, historian
Bluffton history books of 1961 and 1986 only mention James Riley as being the original surveyor of the area and that Riley Creek was likely named for him. This lecture will present fascinating facts about James Riley's life five years earlier as a sea captain and his Sufferings in Africa from shipwreck and enslavement in Africa.
The video documentary "Skeletons On The Sahara," produced by the History Channel and based upon Captain Riley's own personal account in his Narratives, will be shown. It is advised the film may not be suitable for young children. Joyce Alig, President of the Mercer County Historical Society and writer of a book on Captain Riley will offer comments during the Monday lecture.
This lecture will reveal interesting facts how Riley's Narratives influenced the young Abe Lincoln and how his book influenced the thoughts of slavery in the decades preceding the Civil War. History comes alive as we learn about Captain Riley in his roles as farmer, sea captain, deputy surveyor, frontiersman, and representative to the Ohio House. Come to the lecture to learn the location of Deer Creek and the historical reason for naming it Riley Creek.
Tuesday, June 28 at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, June 29 at 2 p.m.
"The Three Joseph DeFords and Shannon Town" by Dr. Darrell Groman, historian
The Bluffton history books of 1961 and 1986 mention the town of Shannon was platted in 33 lots by Joseph DeFord in 1838, after building a cabin in 1832 and grist mill in 1833 along the banks of Riley Creek. Little-known facts reveal there were actually three Joseph DeFords: the eldest, his son and grandson, all so named without designations of Sr., Jr., nor I, II and III.
This lecture will present interesting facts about the DeFords and how they found their way to settle along the banks of the Riley. Which Joseph DeFord platted Shannon and why was it named Shannon? Is the official historical marker on the edge of town, noting Bluffton being established as a Swiss Settlement, accurate? Early history of Shannon Town, Croghan Post Office and General Store and the incorporating of the village as Bluffton will be discussed as History comes Alive!
