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CHAPTER XXVIII
JOHNSON'S ISLAND
Three miles north of Sandusky, in her land-locked bay, lies Johnson's
Island. Its area is about 300 acres; nearly a mile long and half that in
breadth, gradually rising in the center to a height of fifty feet. It was
originally covered with heavy timber, and a favorite resort of the
Indians, who came here in the fishing season, engaged in festivities, and
brought their captives for torture.
Its first owner was E. W. Bull, and it was called Bull's Island, until
1852, when it was purchased by L. B. Johnson and its name changed
to Johnson's Island.
In 1811 an effort was made to found a town on the island, and steps
taken to lay out village lots; the custom house of the port was located
here, but the attempt was unsuccessful and abandoned.
The first historical mention of Johnson's Island is by Joshua R. Giddings,
AVIIO enlisted in the War of 1812 AA'hen only sixteen years old and
on October 1, 1812, Avrote his parents a letter describing the landing on
Johnson's Island (then called Bull's Island) from which the following
quotation is taken:
"October 1,1812.
"Honored parents,
"Having got a little refreshed I take my pen in hand to inform you
of the last battle that has taken place in our troops in which some of
our countrymen have lost their lives to maintain the freedom of our
country. One Aveek ago 150 of our men volunteered to go to Sandusky
to fetch some property aAvay from there. They accordingly arrived there
on Friday. On Saturday four boats set sail from there loaded with
salt fish and apples. On Sunday night they landed on Bull's Island near
the middle of Sandusky Bay &."
The Register of August 8, 1884, described a visit of Joshua R. Giddings
to Sandusky in 1853. He was nearly seven feet high, and in order
to honor him Captain Orr's Island, Queen Avas chartered, and Eleutheros
Cooke, Henry D. Cooke, Earl Bill and Toby Green and other prominent
citizens formed a party and Mr. Giddings pointed out to them on Johnson's
Island the spot Avhere General Harrison's army party encamped.
In 1861 the property Avas leased by the Government as a depot for
rebel prisoners. The necessary buildings having been erected, the first
prisoners were installed in their quarters in April, 1862, under the charge
of Company A, Hoffman Battalion, which was subsequently increased
to a full regiment, the 128th 0. V. I.
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