Civil War artifacts and personal memorabilia once owned by Wauseon native, Edwin Lewis Hayes, fourth cousin to President Rutherford B. Hayes, are being donated by his great-great-great grandson to the Fulton County Historical Society in a ceremony at 6:30pm on the South Stage of the Wauseon Homecoming on Friday, August 6. Hayes’ daughter, Hortensia, is attributed with naming the town after the native chief, Wa-se-on.

E.L. Hayes sword donated to the Fulton County Historical Society.

Among the collection is a presentation sword, commissioned by the town of Wauseon in the summer of 1862 from Tiffany & Company in New York City. The sword was presented by Mayor Jewell to then, Major E.L. Hayes, who was leaving his post as city councilman and his downtown business to recruit Fulton County men to form the 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The 100th fought throughout the south, and were even held as prisoners of war at one point during the war.

The collection will be part of the Fulton County Museum’s special exhibit, “Hell & Homefront: Civil War Through Fulton County Eyes”, opening in the spring of 2011 as part of the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the United States Civil War. This five year project will contain exhibits, educational programs, and a publication on the      history of Fulton County from the underground railroad movement in the 1830s through the reconstruction era. The project will not be a glorification of war, or particular battles, but show visitors the viewpoints of Fulton County citizens, both on the battle field, and those left behind at home. The museum’s extensive collection of Civil War era artifacts will be the centerpiece of this commemoration.

The Fulton County Museum features 14 rooms showcasing permanent exhibits and changing displays dating from about 1820-1960.  The museum and archives research room is located at 229 Monroe Street in downtown Wauseon, OH, 2 blocks west of N. Fulton St. on State Route 2 (Elm St), then one half block north on Monroe. Through Labor Day, the museum is open on Tuesdays from 1 – 7pm, Wednesday through Friday from 10am – 4pm, and on Saturdays from 10am – 2pm. For more information, call (419)337-7922 or visit the museum web site, at www.fultoncountyhs.org.