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HISTORY
or
ALLEN COUNTY,
OHIO.
Containing A History of the County, its Townships, Towns,
Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, etc.; Portraits of
Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies;
History of the Northwest Territory; His-
tory of Ohio; Statistical and Mis-
cellaneous Matter, etc., etc.
IXjXj"CrSTie;-A.TEinD.
CHICAGO:
WARNER, BEERS & CO.,
1885.
^^'^' Digitized by Google
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1 ••• • • •••••••
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PREFACE.
THAT the history of the past should be commemorated, aud that of the
present placed on record form a dual duty to civilization. A consider-
ation of the people and events connected with the settlement and progress
of any political or geographical division of this country, must be a work of
deep interest to the writers as well as to those who made subject for history.
Even more, it must be an enduring memorial, formed to give pleasure and
instruction to the people who will come after us; teaching them the value and
beauty of industry, and inciting them to excel in the labors which brought
such rich rewards to the people of this county within a half century after
the era of progress was introduced.
In local history is foond the power to accomplish all this. Steel may
wear away, rust efface the inscription on iron, wood decay, and even the
marble rock break to pieces, but the page of history, once printed, is car-
ried down the river of time unchanging and unchangeable. How swiftly
are those men and women, who entered the wilderness in their youth, pass-
ing away! The great majority, even now, are in the homes of the silent,
and few remain who can give all the details of the earliest settlement.
Fortunately, their recollections are now preserved. A few more years and
the whole unwritten history of Allen County should remain unwritten — lost
for ever. Another few years and the brilliant story of progress would have
to be based on fragmentary relations — disconnected, unsatisfactory, aggravat
ing. Local history comes forward to rescue ten thousand facts and
names from oblivion, and place them where the historian of the future may
grasp the whole Union and give to each of its parts a complete sketch. Not
alone should the history of pioneer times be treated fully and impartially,
but also the present The whole fabric of society, — ^the home, school,
church, governmental and benevolent organizations, and all these industries
and associations which bind men's interests together — should be traced
down from the humble b^innings of 1831 to our- own days, making a
record complete and impartial for the future. This age of progress is
reviewed and compared with the quiet, unostentatious long ago. Commer-
cial, military and political enterprises are detailed, nothing which might be
thought worthy of mention is omitted, and thus every name and deed are
entwined with the history of the country.
In presenting this volume to the people of Allen County, we feel
that another valuable contribution to the history of Ohio has been
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i? PREFACE.
added to the record of settlement and progress. The First Part, de-
voted to the early history of the Northwest, contains direct references
to this portion of Ohia The Second Part treats on the military, politi-
cal and civil history of Ohio. In this section of the work the history
of Indian occupation is very fully related, and to it the reader is referred
for much of the history of the Shawnees and their warriors. The history of
Allen County, forming the Third Part, contains many most important chap-
ters, each one treating fully the subject, so far as names or events are iden-
tified with this county. In the Political Chapter the vote of the county,
alone, is given; so with the military history, the names of Allen County
soldiers, only, finding mention. The Pioneer history, contained in the chap-
ter on Occupation and Settlement, embraces the tax roll of the county in
1884 The history of Townships, Cities and Villages embraces the history of
land purchases, early industries, schools, churches and societies. This sec-
tion of the work is so closely allied with the general history of the county,
great care had to be manifested in distinguishing between the varied items,
which belonged specially to each township, and those which had a direct
bearing on the history of the whole county. An instance of this may be
adduced. In the history of Lima a simple mention of the court house and
jail is made. This is not discriminating against Lima; for the history of
these buildings belongs to the whole county, even as do the buildings them-
selves, and has special reference to the Organic Chapter, in which it appears.
So with the tax roll of 1834, it would not bear distribution without mutila-
tion, and thus it was necessary to make it a part of the general history.
The history of the county and townships was written and compiled from
most authentic records by the general historian, M. A Leeson. The
Biographical history is embraced in the Fourth Pari This important
branch of history has claiiped a great deal of attention: it has been col-
lected and compiled at great expense, the work faithfully performed by
our staff of biographical historians, corrected as far as possible by direct cor-
respondence with the parties concerned, and then edited and sent through
the press under the closest supervision.
To the people who made the publication of a work of this magnitude
possible, we extend our hearty thanks. To the county officers, who aided
the general historian so materially, we express our gratitude; to the gentle-
men of the press, our indebtedness for the unanimity of their support, and
to all the people, a hope that the history of the first half -century of their
couniy shall prove itself authentic and be acceptable.
THE PUBLISHERS.
CmcAoo, August 1, 1885.
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CONTENTS.
PAETI
HISTOBY OF THE NOBTHWEST TEBBITOBY.
^eosnphical Position «.
Eany Explorations.
DisooTerr of the Ohio -^
English £zploratlons and Settlements..
PAOB.
.... 17
.... 17
.... 26
«.. 28
PAOB.
American Settlements 58
IHTision of the Northwest Territory 58
Teoumsehand the War of 1812. 61
Blaok Hawk and the Blaok Hawk War 64
PAET n.
HISTOBY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Histoij of Ohio _ 78
Frenon History 76
Ordinance of 1787, No. 82 87
Comments apon the Ordinance of 1787, from the
Statntes of Ohio, Edited hj Salmon P.
Chase, and Published in the year 1888 ».. 91
The War of 1812 ^..^ 107
Banking — 111
The Canal System........ ....^ 118
Ohio Land Tracts... ^ «.„ 114
ImfffOTements. 119
€tsu Boundaries..... 121
Organisation of Counties. ..« 122
Description of Counties 122
Early Erents - 122
GoTemors of Ohio. <»...... 148
Andent Works 157
Some General Characteristics...... 160
Outline Geology of Ohio. 162
Ohio's Bank Duringthe War of the Rebellion... 166
A Brief Mention of Prominent Ohio General8.». 172
Some Discussed Subjects. 177
Conclusion 181
PAET m.
HISTOBY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
CHAPTER L—ToPOOBAPBnr— Physical Chab-
ACTKEISTICS—RrVEBS AND Cbexks. 187-190
Boundaries— Area— Railroads— Pike Roads
—Villages— Beriew of Surlitce Features and
BoU— Fort Amanda^-Ship-Yard— ^i0ifioii<a.
CHAPTER n— Natural Hutobt— Gboloot—
BoTAJTY— Zoology— Abcujbolooy 1 90-197
Niagara System— Waterlime Conformation
— DrUt Formation— Economical Geology—
Mineral 8prin0— Gas Fountains— Indige-
nous Trees and Shrubs— Flora— Deer and
Elk— Bear, Panther, Wolf and WUd Hog—
Fur-bearing Animals— B 1 r d a— Reptiles—
Mound-Builders— Waterlime and Niagara
Conformations— Fossils— Burial Mounds.
CHAPTER nL— Thb Ikdliks 198-215
Shawnees— Their Early History— Home of
the Tribe— Their Wars— William Penn— So-
ciety of Friends— Chronological Record—
Wapakonetta— Hog Creek Reservation— Re-
moTsl to Kansas— Indian Biomphy— Te-
cumseh — Elsquatawa-LeatherlTps— Round-
head—Logan and Other Noted Chieft— Bur-
ial of Pht (Pe-aitch-U)— Beminlscenoes.
CHAPTER rV.— OccuPATiOH ahd Sbttle-
MBHT.... ».. » 215-280
Fort Amanda— Gen.Harrlson—ColJPo«gue
—Fort Auglaiae— Saw-mill and Nary Yard
—Gen. Wayne— Military Road s— Wayne's
Trace— Frands Deuchoquette— Pioneer
Vanguard— Pioneer Reminiscenoes— T h e
Big Snows— The Black Days— TerrifVing
Atmospheric Phenomena— A Pioneer Meet-
ing—MarshaU Reminiscences 1829-38— ''Ah!
Billy Lippincott"— A Special Process of In-
duction—A Wolf Story— Jacobs' Reminis-
cences—A Strange Judgment by a Generous
Justice— John Amstuts— Indian Neighbors
1829-31— Isaac Shockey's Reminiscenoes—
Review.
CHAPTER v.— PlOKEEB HiSTOBY...... 280-275
Assessment Roll of 1884— Bath— Amanda-
German — Jackson — Au^laixe — Deucho-
quette—Marion— Perry— Dnion and Wayne
—Permanent Settlers of the Pioneer Period
(alphabetically arranged)— Marriage Record
of Pioneer Days.
CHAPTER VX— Oboanio Histoby 275-288
Transactions of Commissioners of Mercer
County in re Allen County (See Amanda
Township)— Transactions of the Commls-
siooeTs' Board, 1831-1858— Reorganisation
of 1848— County Buildings, Past and Present
—Tower Clock— C^ontract for Building Pio-
neer Jail— County Infirmary.
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CONTENTS.
PAOB.
CHAPTER VII.— Political History- 289-314
Review of National Campaigns, — Countj
Officials. 1881-1843 — Lima Convention of
1836— Election Returni, 1844-16— Successful
Candidates, 1847-49— Election Returns, 1850
—Vote for License and Names of Officers
Elected, 1851— Elections, 1852— Question ol
Railroad Aid— Conventions and Elections,
1853— Political Meetings and Elections, 1854
—Know Nothings and Elections, 1865— For-
mation of Republican Party and Elections,
1856— Election Returns. 1857-1884.
CHAPTER VIII.-JuDiaARY- 814-318
Courts and Bar of Allen County — Circuit
Court and Judses— Court of Common Pleas
—Members of tne Old Bar— Roll of Lawyers
1831-1884.
CHAPTER IX.— Military History 818-878
Introduction — Local War Measures —
Early Organisation of Soldiers— MiliUry
Committee and Aid Society— Establishment
of Camp Lima— Statistics— Roster and Rec-
ord of Officers— Roster and Record of Non-
commissioned Officers and Men— Statistical
Review— Ohio National Guard — Cavalry
Regiments— Light Artillery— Heavy Artil-
lery—Independent Batteries— Ladies' Aid
Societies, etc
CHAPTER X.— The Press - 878-882
Lima Newspapers — Herald^ Porcupine^
Argut, Reporter^ Western Oazette, OoMeUe,
Doily Oazette, Ptopl^i Pretty Democrat, Sun,
JVbon, AUm Qmnty Republican, DailyR^mbli-
can, VolkMatt, Oourier, Democratic Tim4s and
Daily Time*. Delphos Newspapers— /SeeMon
Ten Budget^ Oracle, Norihwettem Rfjmblioan,
Herald, Cburant, Daily Budget and Holiday
Trwmpei. Bl union newspapers — 7Yme«,
SUxnaard, Newt and Ootpel lAghl. Spencer-
ville Newspaper— Jbuma/.
CHAPTER XL— Churches
Introduction— Establishment of Churches
—Early Visits of Ministers of the Christian
Religion, and Mormon Elders — First
Churches Founded— Methodist Episcopal-
Presbyterian— Baptist— Evangelical Luther-
an—Catholics— A nrioan Methodist Episoo*
pal — German Evangelical Lutheran —
Church of Christ— ProtesUnt Episcopal-
Grace Methodist Episcopal— Second Presby-
terian — Reformea English — Reformed
Evangelical Lutheran— Second Baptist (Col-
ored)—Review.
CHAPTER XIL— Schools-
Pioneer Schools— Lima Early Schools-
Township Schools— How Conducted— Statis-
tics — School Appropriations — Common
School System — Subscription Schools —
School Tax Bills— School Lands and School
Funds— School Commissioners, Superinten-
dents and Examiners— Separate (Colored)
Schools.
CHAPTER XIII.— PhysiciaHS 894-895
Pioneer Physicians— Medical Men of the
Present Day in the County— Alphabetical
List.
CHAPTER Xrv.— First Industries, Canals,
Railroads, etc 395
Primitive Mills— Hominy Blocks— Corn-
Crackers— Robert Bowers' Reminiscences-
Early Grist and Saw-Mills— Canal between
the Ohio River and Lake Erie— Miami A
Erie Canal— Wabash A Erie Canal -Miami
Extention —Samuel Forrer — Propeller
" Niagara "—Railroad Charters— Dayton &.
Michigan Railroad Company — Ohio dt In-
diana Railroad— Toledo, Cincinnati di St
PAGE.
Louis Railroad— Cleveland, Delphos A St.
Louis Railroad— Chicago & Atlantic Rail-
road.
CHAPTER XV.-Statistics 399-4(»
Population of Allen County, 1830-1880,
with Decennial CTensus Returns— Miscella-
neous Statistics— Agricultural and other
Statistics — Manufactures — Financial Sta-
tistics.
CHAPTER XVI.— Amanda Township 403-ilO
Early History— Fort Amanda— First Set^
tiers— United Stetes Lands Entered in
Amanda, 1822-1854 — Schools — Churches-
Villages —Organization— Census— Railroads
—Postoffices— Physical Characteristics.
CHAPTER XVII.— Auglaize Township.... 411-416
Organisation— Villages— Population— Pio-
neers—United States Lands Entered in Au-
flaize. 1830-1852— First White Womai|—
Irst Cabin— First Township Board— Schools
— Churches — Maysville — Westminster —
West Newton— Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XVIII.— Bath Township „416-428
Topography— Seat of Justice— Organiza-
tion—Pioneers— Biography of Christopher
Wood— Original Land Buyers— Churches —
Schools— Railroads— Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XIX.-Oerman Township 424-488
Topography — Ottawa River — Original
Land Buyers— Organization— Schools— Eli-
da Village— Schools— Churches— Allen-
town Village— Churches— Railroads and
Postoffices in German Township.
CHAPTER XX.— Jackson Township .433-440
Physical Features — Streams— Maysville
Village — Stone Quarries — Populauon —
Organization— Pioneers— List of Original
Land Entries— ^hools— Lafayette Vil-
lage—Organization— Officials — Physicians
—Churches— Societies— Railroads and Post-
offices in Jackson Township.
CHAPTER XXI. — Marion . Township and
Delphos 441-461^
Boundarie8,Area and Population— Streams
—Railroad Viaduct— Lumber and Bark In-
dustry—Soil—Organic History — List of
Original Land Entries— What Mr. Harrison
Savs— Schools— Delphos— Its Favorable Lo-
cation and Many Advantages — Social and
Intellectual Status — Malaria and Cholera
Troubles— Miami & Erie Canal— Railroads-
Railroad Shops— Original Town Plats— First
Houses— First Saw-mill and Grist-mill-
First White Child— Physicians— First Elec-
tion—Mayors, Recorders, Treasurers, Mar-
shals and Councilmen since 1852— Postmas-
ters—Churohes— Schools— Societies, etc.—
Industries— Banks, etc.— Hotels— Landeck
Village— Its Location— Catholic Churoh-
Railroads and Postoffices in Marion Town-
ship.
CHAPTER XXII.— Monroe Township 465-471
General Description— Organization — Pio-
neers—List of Original Entries— Schools—
West Cairo Village— Original Town-
Additions— Cairo Village— Organization
—Mayors — Present Officers — Schoolhouse
—Hotel— Merohants— Industries— Elevator
—Churches— RocKPORT Village— Locality
—Presbyterian Church — Railroads and Post-
offices in Monroe Township.
CHAPTER XXIIL — Ottawa Township and
Lima City 471-«16^
1 ntroductory— Topography— Organization
—List of Original Entnes— Cole Reminiscen-
ces—Lima City— Early History— Phvsical
Characteristics — Original Town of Lim
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CONTENTS.
PAOB.
Chiistopber Wood^Organic and Official
Historj— Finances of Luna—Lima Fire De-
Mitment—Pioneer Sketches— S c h o o 1 s —
ChuTehes—Postoffice—Preae- Masonic His-
toiy— Knights of Pythias— Odd Fellows-
Other Societies— Principal Buildings of Li-
Tom — Faurot's Opera House Building— The
Opera House and Music Hall— Reriew of
ComnMrce and manufactures— Railroads-
Bank.
CHAPTER XXIV.— Perry Township 516-521
Establishment and Organization— Popula-
tion— ^Market Town— Church Buildings —
School Interests— Pioneers— List of Original
Entries— Schools— South Warsaw Villagk
— Amhkrst Village— Railroad and Post-
oAoee in Perry Township.
CHAPTER XXV.— Richland Towhship... 521-537
Physical Features— Streams— Waterlime
and. Niagara Formations— Stone Quarries-
POTulation— Organization— Pioneer History
—Record of Land Buyers— Schools-
Churches— Blufpton Village- Its First
Name— Original Village— Additions —
Creeks— Families at Croghan Postoffice —
Organization— Village Officials— Churches-
Societies— Industries— Bbavkr Dam Vil-
PAOB.
LAGS— Original Town— Additions— Origin
of Name— Railroad— Organization— Officuds
• —Postoffice and Postmasters — Churches-
Lodge 1. 0. O. F.— Railroads and Postoffices
in Richland Township.
CHAPTER XXVI.— Shawnee Town8HIP....687-544
Past and Present— Organization— Pioneers
—List of Original Entries— Hume Village
— Reminiscences of Settlement in the Town-
ship—The Shawnees— Schools— Churches —
Railroads and Postoffices.
CHAPTER XXVII.— Spencer Township..J544-654
Topography— Streams — Canal— Kailrosd —
Fore^s— Stone Quarries — Population — Or-
ganic History — Pioneer History— List of
Original Entries— Schools— Spencerville
Village — Incorporation — Officials —
Churches— Postmasters— G. A. R.— Hotel-
Newspaper— Societies— Schools and Church-
es—Rauroads and Canal.
CHAPTER XXVIII. — Sugar Creek Toww-
.QHIP 554-558
Name — Population— Streams— Organ Ization
—Pioneers — List of Original Entries-
Schools— Churches— Postoffice— Gomer ViL-
LAOE— Its Additions-Physicians — Churches.
PART IV.
BIOOBAFHICAL SKETCHES.
Amanda Township 561
Auglaize Township....^^ 570
Bath Township 574
German Township 590
Jackson Township... ^ 601
HarioQ Township.. 618
Monroe Township 662
Ottawa Township 677
Perry Township 784
Richland Township ^ 751
Shawnee Township 784
Spencer Township... 799
Sugar Creek Township 817
PORTBAITS.
Altstetter, Jacob. Monroe Township 455
Bowdle, J. L., Perry Township. 319
Chipman, J. B., Shawnee Township 489
Cole, John J., Ottawa Township 217
Ereraole, Lemuel, Jackson Township 251
Jacobs, J. P.» Perry Township 386
Jacobs, Mrs. Elizabeth, Perry Township 887
Keeth, Johnzey, Spencer Township 421
Morris, Henry* Monroe Township 285
Nicholas, James, Sugar Creek Township 183
Watkins, W.E., Marion Township », 523
MISCELLANEOUS.
Map of AUen County _ 12-18
Population of the United SUtes 69
Area of the United States 69
Area of tlie Principal Countries in the World... 69
Population of Principal Countries in the World 69
Population of Ohio, by Counties^ ^ 70
List of Ohio's Gorernors 72
Population of Allen County, by Townships 400
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THE
NEW V(.^RK
[public LlBUAKVl
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PARTL
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
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The Northwest territory.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION.
When the Northwegtem Territory was ceded to the United States
by Virginia in 1784, it embraced only the territory lying between the
Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers, and north to the northern limits of the
United States. It coincided with the area now embraced in the States
of Ohio, Indiana, . Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and that portion of
Minnesota lying on the east side of the Mississippi River. The United
States itself at that period extended no farther west than the Mississippi
River ; but by the purchase of Louisiana in 1808, the western boundary
of the United States was extended to the Rocky Mountains and the
Northern Pacific Ocean. The new territory thus added to the National
domain, and subsequently opened to settlement, has been called the
"New Northwest," in contradistinction from the old "Northwestern
Territory."
In comparison with the old Northwest this is a territory of vast
magnitude. It includes an area of 1,887,850 square miles ; being greater
in extent than the united areas of all the Middle and Southern States,
including Texas. Out of this magnificent territory have been erected
eleven sovereign States and eight Territories, with an aggregate popula-
tion, at the present time, of 18,000,000 inhabitants, or nearly one-third of
the entire population of the United States.
Its lakes are fresh-water seas, and the larger rivers of the continent
flow for a thousand miles through its rich alluvial valleys and far-
stretching prairies, more acres of which are arable and productive of the
highest percentile of the cereals than of any other area of like extent
on the globe.
For the last twenty years the increase of population in the North-
west has been about as three to one in any other portion of the United
States.
EARLY EXPLORATIONS.
In the year 1541, DeSoto first saw the Great West in the New
World. He, however, penetrated no farther north than the 85th parallel
Digitized by LjOOQIC
18 THE NORTHWEST TBERITORY.
of latitude. The expedition resulted in his death and that of more than
half his army, the remainder of whom found their way to Cuba, thence
to Spain, in a famished and demoralized condition. DeSoto founded no
settlements, produced no results, and left no traces, unless it were that
he awakened the hostility of the red man against the white man, and
disheartened such as might desire to follow up the career of discovery
for better purposes. The French nation were eager and ready to seize
upon any news from this extensive domain, and were the first to profit by
DeSoto's defeat. Tet it was more than a century before any adventurer
took advantage of these discoveries.
In 1616, four years before the pilgrims ^^ moored their bark on the
wild New England shore," Le Caron, a French Franciscan, had pene-
trated through the Iroquois and Wyandots (Hurons) to the streams which
run into Lake Huron ; and in 1684, two Jesuit missionaries founded the
first mission among the lake tribes. It was just one hundred years from
the discovery of the Mississippi by DeSoto (1541) until the Canadian
envoys met the savage nations of the Northwest at the Falls of St. Mary,
below the outlet of Lake Superior. This visit led to no permanent
result ; yet it waa not until 1659 that any of the adventurous fur traders
attempted to spend a Winter in the frozen wilds about the great lakes,
nor was it until 1660 that a station was established upon their borders by
Mesnard, who perished in the woods a few months after. In 1665, Claude
AUouez built the earliest lasting habitation of the white man among the
Indians of the Northwest. In 1668, Claude Dablon and James Marquette
founded the mission of Sault Ste. Marie at the Falls of St. Mary, and two
years afterward, Nicholas Perrot, as agent for M. Talon, Governor Gen-
eral of Canada, explored Lake Illinois (Michigan) as far south as the
present City of Chicago, and invited the Indian nations to meet him at a
grand council at Sault Ste. Marie the following Spring, where they were
taken under the protection of the king, and formal possession was taken
of the Northwest. This same year Marquette established, a mission at
Point St. Ignatius, where was founded the old town of Michillimackinac.
During M. Talon*s explorations and Marquette's residence at St.
Ignatius, they learned of a great river away to the west, and fancied —
as all others did then — that upon its fertile banks whole tribes of God's
children resided, to whom the sound of the Gospel had never come.
Filled with a wish to go and preach to them, and in compliance with a
request of M. Talon, who earnestly desired to extend the domain of his
king, and to ascertain whether the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico
or the Pacific Ocean, Marquette with Joliet, as commander of the expe-
dition, prepared for the undertaking.
On the 18th of May, 1673, the explorers, accompanied by five assist-
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THE K0BTHW£8T TBBRITOBY. 19 •
ant French Canadians, set out from Mackinaw on their daring voy^e of
discovery. The Indians, who gathered to witness their departure, were
astonished at the boldness of the undertaking, and endedvored to dissuade
them from their purpose by representing the tribes on the Mississippi as
exceedingly savage and cruel, and the river itself as full of all sorts of
frightful monsters ready to swallow them and their canoes together. But,
nothing daunted by these terrific descriptions, Marquette told them he
was willing not only to encounter all the perils of the unknown region
they were about to explore, but to lay down his life in a cause in which
the salvation of souls was involved ; and having prayed together they
separated. Coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, the
adventurers entered Green Bay, and passed thence up the Fox River and
Lake Winnebf^o to a village of the Miamis and Kickapoos. Here Mar-
quette was delighted to find a beautiful cross planted in the middle of the
town, ornamented with white skins, red girdles and bows and arrows,
which these good people had offered to the Great Manitou, or God, to
thank him £Dr the pity he had bestowed on them during the Winter in
giving them an abundant *^ chase.'' This was the farthest outpost to
which Dablon and Allouez had extended their missionary labors the
year previous. Here Marquette drank mineral waters and was instructed
in the secret of a root which cures the bite of the venomous rattlesnake.
He assembled the chiefs and old men of the village, and, pointing to
Joliet, said : ^* My friend is an envoy of -France, to discover new coun-
tries, and I am an ambassador from God to enlighten them with the truths
of the Grospel."' Two Miami guides were here furnished to conduct them
to the Wisconsin River, and they set out from the Indian village on
the lOth of June, amidst a great crowd of natives who had assembled to
witness their departure into a region where no white man had ever yet
ventured. The guides, having conducted them across the portage,
returned. The explorers launched their canoes upon the Wisconsin,
which they descended to the Mississippi and proceeded down its unknown
waters. What emotions must have swelled their breasts as.they struck
out into the broadening current and became conscious that they were
now upon the bosom of ihe Father of Waters. The mystery was about
to be lifted from the long-sought river. The scenery in that locality is
beautiful, and on that delightful seventeenth of June, must have been
clad in all its primeval loveliness as it had been adorned by the hand of
Nature. Drifting rapidly, it is said that the bold bluffs on either hand
^* reminded them of the castled shores of their own beautiful rivers of
France." By-and-by, as they drifted along, great herds of buffalo
appeared on the banks. On going to the heads of the valley they could
see a country of the greatest beauty and fertility, apparently destitute of
Digitized by LjOOQIC
20 THB NOETHWBST TEBBTTOBY.
inhabitants, yet presenting the appearance of extensive manors, under
the fastidious cultivation of lordly proprietors.
On June 25, they went ashore and found some fresh traces of men
upon the sand, and a path which led to the prairie. The men remained in
the boat, and Marquette and Joliet followed the path till they discovered a
village on the banks of a river, and two other villages on a hill, within a
half league of the first, inhabited by Indians. They were received most
hospitably by these natives, who had never before seen a white person.
After remaining a few days they re-embarked and descended the river to
about latitude 88^, where they found a village of the Arkansas, and being
satisfied that the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico, turned their course
up the river, and ascending the stream to the mouth of the Illinois,
rowed up that stream to its source and procured guides from that point
to the lakes. " Nowhere on this journey," says Marquette, ** did we see
such grounds, meadows, woods, stags, buffiiloes, deer, wildcats, bustards,
swans, ducks, parroquets, and even beavers, as on the Illinois River."
The party, without loss or injury, reached Green Bay in September, and
reported their discovery— one of the most important of the age, but of
which no record was preserved save Marquette's, Joliet losing his by
the upsetting of his canoe on his way to Quebec. Afterward Marquette
returned to the Illinois Indians by their request, and ministered to them
until 1675. On the 18th of May, in that year, as he was passing the
mouth of a stream — going with his boatmen up Lake Michigan — ^he asked
to land at its mouth and celebrate Mass. Leaving his men with the canoe,
he retired a short distance and began his devotions. As much time
passed and he did not return, his men went in search of him, and found
him upon his knees, dead. He had peacefully passed away while at
prayer. He was buried at this spot. Charlevoix, who visited the place
fifty years after, found the waters had retreated from the grave, leaving
the beloved missionary to repose in peace. The river has since been
called Marquette.
While Marquette and his companions were pursuing their labors in
the West, two men, differing widely from him and each other, were pre-
paring to follow in his footsteps and perfect the discoveries so well begun
by him. These were Robert de LaSalle and Louis Hennepin.
After LaSalle's return from the discovery of the Ohio River (see
the narrative elsewhere), he established himself again among the French
trading posts in Canada. Here he mused long upon the pet project of
those ages — a short way to China and the East, and was busily planning an
expedition up the great lakes, and so across the continent to the Pacific,
when Marquette returned from the Mississippi. At once the vigorous mind
of LaSalle received from his and his companions* stories the idea that bytfol-
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THB NORTHWEST TSBBITOlLY. 21
lowing the Great River northward, or by turning up some of the numerous
western tributaries, the object could easily be gained. He applied to
Frontenac, Gbvenior General of Canada, and laid before him the plan,
dim but gigantic. Frontenac entered warmly into his plans, and saw that
LaSalle's idea to connect the great lakes by a chain of forts with the Gulf
of Mexico would bind the country so wonderfully together, give un-
measured power to France, and glory to himself, under whose adminis-
tration he earnestly hoped all would be realized.
LaSalle now repaired to France, laid his plans before the King, who
warmly approved of them, and made him a Chevalier. He also received
from all the noblemen the warmest wishes for his success. The Chev-
alier returned to Canada, and busily entered upon his work. He at
once rebuilt Fort Frontenac and constructed the first ship to sail on
these fresh-water seas. On the 7th of August, 1679, having been joifaed
by Hennepin, he began his voyage in the Griffin up Lake Erie. He
passed over this lake, through the straits beyond, up Lake St. Clair and
into Huron. In this lake they encountered heavy storms. They were
some time at Michillimackinac, where LaSalle founded a fort, and passed
on to Green Bay, the *^ Bale des Puans " of the French, where he found
a large quantity of furs collected for him. He loaded the Griffin with
these, and placing her under the care of a pilot and fourteen sailors,
started her on her return voyage. The vessel was never afterward heard
of. He remained about these parts until early in the Winter, when, hear-
ing nothing from the Griffin, he collected all the men — thirty working
men and three monks — and started again upon his great undertaking.
By a short portage they passed to the Illinois or Kankakee, called by
the Indians, *^ Theakeke," wolif^ because of the tribes of Indians called
by that name, commonly known as the Mahingans, dwelling there. The
French pronounced it Kiakihi^ which became corrupted to Kankakee.
*^ Falling down the said river by easy journeys, the better to observe the
country," about the last of December they reached a village of tha Illi-
nois Indians, containing some five hundred cabins, but at that moment
no inhabitants. The Sieur de LaSalle being in want of some breadstufGs,
took advantage of the absence of the Indians to help himself to a suffi-
ciency of maize, large quantities of which he found concealed in holes
under the wigwams. This village was situated near the present village
of Utica in LaSalle County, Illinois. The corn being securely stored,
the voyagers again betook themselves to the stream, and toward evening,
on the 4th day of January, 1680, they came into a lake which must have
been the lake of Peoria. This was called by the Indians Ptm-t-^-m, that
is, a flcLce where thert are many fat beasts. Here the natives were met
with in large numbers, but they were gentle and kind, and having spent
Digitized by LjOOQIC
S2 THB NORTHWEST TEBBITOBY.
some time with them, LaSalle determined to erect another fort in that
place, for he had heard rumors that some of the adjoining tribes were
trying to disturb the good feeling which existed, and some of his men
were disposed to complain, owing to the hardships and perils of the travel.
He called this fort ^* Crevecomr " (broken-heart), a name expressive of the
very natural sorrow and anxiety which the pretty certain loss of his ship.
Griffin, and his consequent impoverishment, the danger of hostility on the
part of the Indians, and of mutiny among his own men, might well cause
him. His fears were not entirely groundless. At one time poison was
placed in his food, but fortunately was discovered.
While building this fort, the Winter wore away, the prairies began to
look green, and LaSalle, despairing of any reinforcements, concluded to
return to Canada, raise new means and new men, and embark anew in
the enterprise. For this purpose he made Hennepin the leader of a party
to explore the head waters of the Mississippi, and he set out on his jour-
ney. This journey was accomplished with the aid of a few persons, and
was successfully made, though over an almost unknown route, and in a
bad season of the year. He safely reached Canada, and set out again for
the object of his search.
Hennepin and his party left Fort Crevecoeur on the last of February,
1680. When LaSalle reached this place on his return expedition, he
found the fort entirely deserted, and he was obliged to return again to
Canada. He embarked the third time, and succeeded. Seven days after
leaving the fort, Hennepin reached the Mississippi, and paddling up the
icy stream as best he could, reached no higher than the Wisconsin River
by the 11th of April. Here he and his followers were taken prisoners by a
band of Northern Indians, who treated them with great kindness. Hen-
nepin's comrades were Anthony Auguel and Michael Ako. On this voy-
age they found several beautiful lakes, and **saw some charming prairies."'
Their captors were the Isaute or Sauteurs, Chippewas, a tribe of the Sioux
nation, who took them up the river until about the first of May when
they reached some falls, which Hennepin christened Falls of St. Anthony
in honor of hb patron saint. Here they took the land, and traveling
nearly two hundred miles to the northwest, brought them to their villages*
Here they were kept about three months, were treated kindly by their
captors, and at the end of that time, were met by a band of Frenchmen,
headed by one Sieur de Luth, who, in pursuit of trade and game, had pene-
trated thus far by the route of Lake Superior ; and with these fellow-
countrymen Hennepin and his companions were allowed to return to the
borders of civilized life in November, 1680, just after LaSalle had
returned to the wilderness on his second -trip. Hennepin soon after went
to France, where he published an account of his adventures.
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THE NOBTHWBST TBBBITOBY. 28
The Mississippi was first discovered by De Soto in April, 1541, in his
vain endeavor to find gold and precious gems. In the following Spring,
De Soto, weary with hope long deferred, and worn out with his wander-
ings, fell a victim to disease, and on the 21st of May, died. His followers,
reduced by fatigue and disease to less than three hundred men, wandered
about the country nearly a year, in the vain endeavor to rescue them-
selves by land, and finally constructed seven small vessels, called brig-
antines, in which they embarked, and descending the river, supposing it
would lead them to the sea, in July they came to the sea (Gulf of
Mexico), and by September reached the Island of Cuba.
They were the first to see the great outlet of the Mississippi ; but,
being so weary and discouraged, made no attempt to claim the country,
and hardly had an intelligent idea of what they had passed through.
To La Salle, the intrepid explorer, belongs the honor of giving the
first account of the mouths of the river. His great desire was to possess
this entire country for his king, and in January, 1682, he and his band of
explorers left the shores of Lake Michigan on their third attempt, crossed
the Portage, passed down the Illinois River, and on the 6th of February
reached the banks of the Mississippi.
On the 13th they commenced their downward course, which they
pursued with but one interruption, until upon the 6th of March they dis-
covered the three great passages by which the river discharges its waters
into the gulf. La Salle thus narrates the event :
** We landed on the bank of the most western channel, about three
leagues (nine miles) from its mouth. On the seventh, M. de La Salle
went to reconnoiter the shore of the neighboring sea, and M. de Tonti
meanwhile examined the great middle channel. ' They found the main
outlets beautiful, large and deep. On the eighth, we reascended the
river, a little above its confluence with the sea, to find a dry place beyond
the reach of inundations. The elevation of the North Pole was here
about twenty-seven degrees. Here we prepared a column and a cross,
and to the column were affixed the arms of France with this inscription :
**Loiilt Le Grand, Bol de Frftnce et de Kayarre, regne ; Le neuTleme April, 1682."
The whole party, under arms, chanted the Te Deum^ and then, after
a salute and cries of ^^ Vive le Boi^^^ the column was erected by M. de
La Salle, who, standing near it, proclaimed in a loud voice the authority
of the King of France. La Salle returned and laid the foundations of the
Mississippi settlements in Illinois ; thence he proceeded to France, where
another expedition was fitted out, of which he was commander, and in
two succeeding voyages failed to find the outlet of the river by sailing
Digitized by LjOOQIC
24 THE NORTHWEST TEERITOEY.
along the shore of the gulf. On the third voyage he was killed, through
the treachery of his followers, and the object of his expeditions was not
accomplished until 1699, when D'Iberville, under the authority of the
crown, discovered, on the second of March, by way of the sea, the mouth
of the *^ Hidden River." This majestic stream was called by the natives
^* Malbouchia^^^ and by the Spaniarda, ^^ la PaU»9ad4^^^ from the great
number of trees about its mouth. After traversing the several outlets,
and satisfying himself as to its certainty, he erected a fort near its western
outlet, and returned to France,
An avenue of trade was now opened out which was fully improved. In
1718, New Orleans was laid out and settled by some European colonists. In
1762, the colony was made over to Spain, to be regained by France under
the consulate of Napoleon. In 1803, it was purchased by the United
States for the sum of fifteen million dollars, and the territory of Liouisiana
and commerce of the Mississippi River came under the charge of the
United States. Although La Salle's labors ended in defeat and death,
he had not worked and suffered in vain. He had thrown open to France
and the world an immense and most valuable country ; had established
several ports, and laid the foundations of more than one settlement there.
^^ Peoria, Easkaskia and Cahokia, are to this day monuments of LaSalle's
labors ; for, though he had founded neither of them (unless Peoria,
which was built nearly upon the site of Fort Crevecoeur,) it was by those
whom he led into the West that these places were peopled and civilized.
He was, if not the discoverer, the first settler of the Mississippi Valley,
and as such deserves to be known and honored.*'
The French early improved the opening made for them. Before the
year 1698, the Rev. Father Oravier began a mission among the Illinois,
and founded Kaskaskia. For some time this was merely a missionary
station, where none but natives resided, it being one of three such vil-
lages, the other two being Cahokia and Peoria. What is known of these
missions is learned from a letter written by Father Gabriel Marest, dated
^^ Aux Cascaskias, autrement dit de Tlmmaculate Conception de la Sainte
Vierge, le 9 Novembre, 1712." Soon after the founding of Kaskaskia,
the missionary, Pinet, gathered a flock at Cahokia, while Peoria arose
near the ruins of Fort Crevecoeur. This must have been about the year
1700. The post at Vincennes on the Oubache river, (pronounced Wft-bS,
meaning summer cloud moving swiftly ^^ was established in 1702, according
to the best authorities.* It is altogether probable that on LaSalle's last
* There la considerable dUpute about thla date, some tMertlng It wm founded m Ute u 1743. When the
new court bouae at Vincennes was erected, aU authorities on the subject were carefully examined, and 1702 fixed
upon as the correct date. It was accordingly engrared on the comer-stone of the court hoose.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
THE NOETHWEST TEBEITORY 25
trip he established the stations at Kaskaskia and Cahokia. In July,
1701, the foundations of Fort Ponchartrain were laid by De la Motte
Cadillac on the Detroit River. These stations, with those established
further north, were the earliest attempts to occupy the Northwest Terri-
tory. At the same time efforts were being made to occupy the Southwest,
which finally culminated in the settlement and founding of the City of New
Orleans by a colony from England in 1718. This was mainly accom-
plished through the efforts of the famous Mississippi Company, ei^ablished
by the notorious John Law, who so quickly arose into prominence in
France, and who with his scheme so quickly and so ignominiously passed
away.
From the time of the founding of these stations for fifty years the
French nation were engrossed with the settlement of the lower Missis-
sippi, and the war with the Chickasaws, who had, in revenge for repeated
injuries, cut off the entire colony at Natchez. Although the company
did little for Louisiana, as the entire West was then called, yet it opened
the trade through the Mississippi River, and started the raising of grains
indigenous to that climate. Until the year 1750, but little is known of
the settlements in the Northwest, as it was not until this time that the
attention of the English was called to the occupation of this portion of the
New Worid, which they then supposed they owned. Vivier, a missionary
among the Slinois, writing fropi *^ Aux Dlinois," six leagues from Fort
Chartres, June 8, 1760, says: *' We have here whites, negroes and
Indians, to say nothing of cross-breeds. There are five French villages,
and three villi^es of the natives, within a space of twenty-one leagues
situated between the Mississippi and another river called the Karkadaid
(Easkaskias). In the five French villages, are perhaps, eleven hundred
whites, three hundred blacks and some sixty red slaves or savages. The
three Illinois towns do not contain more than eight hundred souls all
told. Most of the French till the soil ; they raise wheat, cattle, pigs and
horses, and live like princes. Three times as much is produced as can
be consumed ; and great quantities of grain and fiour are sent to New
Orleans." This city was now the seaport town of the Northwest, and
save in the extreme northern part, where only furs and copper ore were
found, almost all the products of the country found their way to France
by the mouth of the Father of Waters. In another letter, dated Novem-
ber 7, 1760, this same priest says : " For fifteen leagues above the
mouth of the Mississippi one sees no dwellings, the ground being too low
to be habitable. Thence to New Orleans, the lands are only partially
occupied. New Orleans contains black, white and red, not more, I
think, than twelve hundred persons. To this point come all the lumber,
bricks, salt-beef, tallow, tar, skins and bear's grease ; and above all, pork
Digitized by LjOOQIC
26 THE N0ETHWB8T TBEBITORY.
and flour from the Illinois. These things create some commerce, as forty
vessels and more have come hither this year. Above New Orleans,
plantations are again met with ; the most considerable is a colony of
Germans, some ten leagues up the river. At Point Coupee, thirty-five
leagues above the German settlement, is a fort. Along here, within five
or six leagues, are not less than sixty habitations. Fifty leagues farther
up is the Natchez post, where we have a garrison, who are kept prisoners
through fear of the Chickasaws. Here and at Point Coupee, they raise
excellent tobacco. Another hundred leagues brings us to the Arkansas,
where we have also a fort and a garrison for the benefit of the river
traders. ♦ ♦ ♦ From the Arkansas to the Illinois, nearly five hundred
leagues, there is not a settlement. There should be, hower, a fort at
the Oubache (Ohio), the only path by which the English can reach the
Mississippi. In the Illinois country are numberless mines, but no one to
work them as they deserve." Father Marest, writing from the post at
Yincennes in 1812, makes the same observation. Yivier also says : ^^ Some
individuals dig lead near the surface and supply the Indians and Canada.
Two Spaniards now here, who claim to be adepts, say that our mines are
like those of Mexico, and that if we would dig deeper, we should find
silver under the lead ; and at any rate the lead is excellent. There is also
in this country, beyond doubt, copper ore, as from time to time large
pieces are found in the streams.
At the close of the year 1750, the French occupied, in addition to the
lower Mississippi posts and those in Illinois, one at Du Quesne, one at
the Maumee in the country of the Miamas, and one at Sandusky in what
may be termed the Ohio Valley. In the northern part of the Northwest
they had stations at St. Joseph's on the St. Joseph's of Lake Michigan^
at Fort Ponchartrain (Detroit), at Michillimackanac or Massillimacanac,
Fox River at Green Bay, and at Sault Ste. Marie. The fondest dreams
of LaSalle were now fully realized. The French alone were possessors of
this vast realm, basing their claim on discovery and settlement. Another
nation, however, was now turning its attention to this extensive country,
and hearing of its wealth, began to lay plans for occupying it and for
securing the great profits arising therefrom.
The French, however, had another claim to this country, namely, the
DISCOVERY OF THE OHIO.
This " Beautiful " river was discovered by Robert Cavalier de La-
Salle in 1669, four years before the discovery of the Mississippi by Joliet
and Marquette.
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THS N0BTHWB8T TBBRITOBY. 27
While LaSalle was at his trading post on the St. Lawrence, he found
leisure to study nine Indian dialects, the chief of which was the Iroquois.
He not only desired to facilitate his intercourse in trade, but he longed
to travel and explore the unknown regions of the West. An incident
soon occurred which decided him to fit out an exploring expedition.
While conversing with some Senecas, he learned of a river called the
Ohio, which rose in their country and flowed to the sea, but at such a
distance that it required eight months to reach its mouth. In this state-
ment the Mississippi and its tributaries were considered as one stream.
LaSalle believing, as most of the French at that period did, that the great
rivers flowing west emptied into the Sea of California, was anxious to
embark in the enterprise of discovering a route across the continent to
the commerce of China and Japan.
He repaired at once to Quebec to obtain the approval of the Gov-
ernor. His eloquent appeal prevailed. The Governor and the Intendant,
Talon, issued letters patent authorizing the enterprise, but made no pro-
vision to defray the expenses. At this juncture the seminary of St. Sul-
pice decided to send out missionaries in connection with the expedition,
and LaSalle offering to sell his improvements at LaChine to raise money,
the offer was accepted by the Superior, and two thousand eight hundred
dollars were raised, with which LaSalle purchased four canoes and the
necessary supplies for the outfit.
On the 6th of July, 1669, the party, numbering twenty-four persons,
embarked in seven canoes on the St. Lawrence ; two additional canoes
carried the Indian guides. In three days they were gliding over the
bosom of Lake Ontario. Their guides conducted them directly to the
Seneca village on the bank of the Genesee, in the vicinity of the present
City of Rochester, New York. Here they expected to procure guides to
conduct them to the Ohio, but in this they were disappointed.
The Indians seemed unfriendly to the enterprise. LaSalle suspected
that the Jesuits had prejudiced their minds against his plans. After
waiting a month in the hope of gaining their object, they met an Indian
from the Iroquois colony at the head of Lake Ontario, who assured them
that they could there find guides, and offered to conduct them thence.
On their way they passed the mouth of the Niagara River, when they
heard for the first time the distant thunder of the cataract. Arriving
among the Iroquois, they met with a friendly reception, and learned
from a Shawanee prisoner that they could reach the Ohio in six weeks.
Delighted with the unexpected good fortune, they made ready to resume
their journey ; but just as they were about to start they heard of the
arrival of two Frenchmen in a neighboring village. One of them proved
to be Louis Joliet, afterwards famous as an explorer in the West. He
Digitized by LjOOQIC
28 THE NOBTHWBST TEEBITOBT.
had been sent by the Canadian Grovemment to explore the copper mines
on Lake Superior, but had failed, and was on his way back to Quebec.
He gave the missionaries a map of the country he had explored in the
lake region, together with an account of the condition of the Indians in
that quarter. This induced the priests to determine on leaving the
expedition and going to Lake Superior. LaSalle warned them that the
Jesuits were probably occupying that field, and that they would meet
with a cold reception. Nevertheless they persisted in their purpose, and
after worship on the lake shore, parted from LaSalle. On arriving at
Lake Superior, they found, as LaSalle had predicted, the Jesuit Fathers,
Marquette and Dablon, occupjring the field.
These zealous disciples of Loyola informed them that they wanted
no assistance from St. Sulpice, nor from those who made him their patron
saint ; and thus repulsed, they returned to Montreal the following June
without having mside a single discovery or converted a single Indian.
After parting with the priests, LaSalle went to the chief Iroquois
village at Onondaga, where he obtained guides, and passing thence to a
tributary of the Ohio south of Lake Erie, he descended the latter as far
as the falls at Louisville. Thus was the Ohio discovered by LaSalle, the
persevering and successful French explorer of the West, in 1669.
The account of the latter part of his journey is found in an anony-
mous paper, which purports to have been taken from the lips of LaSalle
himself during a subsequent visit to Paris. In a letter written to Count
Frontenac in 1667, shortly after the discovery, he himself says that he
discovered the Ohio and descended it to the fells. This was regarded as
an indisputable fact by the French authorities, who claimed the Ohio
Valley upon another ground. When Washington was sent by the colony
of Virginia in 1753, to demand of Gordeur de St. Pierre why the French
had built a fort on the Monongahela, the haughty commandant at Quebec
replied : " We claim the country on the Ohio by virtue of the discoveries
of LaSalle, and will not give it up to the English. Our orders are to
make prisoners of every Englishman found trading in the Ohio Valley.'*
ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS.
When the new year of 1750 broke in upon the Father of Waters
and the Great Northwest, all was still wild save at the French posts
already described. In 1749, when the English first began to think seri-
ously about sending men into the West, the greater portion of the States
of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota were yet
under the dominion of the red men. The English knew, however, pretty
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THE KOBTUWE8T TEBBITOBY* 29
oonclusivelj of the nature of the wealth of these wilds. As early as
1710, Grovemor Spotswood, of Virginia, had commenced movemdnts to
secure the country west of the Alleghenies to the English crown. In
Pennsylvania, Governor Keith and James Logan, secretary of the prov-
ince, firom 1719 to 1731, represented to the powers of England the neces-
sity of securing the Western lands. Nothing was done, however, by that
power save to take some diplomatic steps to secure the claims of Britain
to this unexplored wilderness.
England had from the outset claimed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, *
on the ground that the discovery of the seacoast and its possession was a
discovery and possession of the country, and, as is well known, her grants
to the colonies extended " from sea to sea." This was not all her claim.
She had purchased from the Indian tribes large tracts of land. This lat-
ter was also a strong argument. As early as 1684, Lord Howard, Gov-
ernor of Virginia, held a treaty with the six nations. These were the
great Northern Confederacy, and comprised at first the Mohawks, Onei-
das, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas. Afterward the Tuscaroras were
taken into the confederacy, and it became known as the Six Nations.
They came under the protection of the mother country, and again in
1701, they repeated the agreement, and in September, 1726, a formal deed
was drawn up and signed by the chiefs. The validity of this claim has
often been disputed, but never successfully. In 1744, a purchase was
made at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, of certain lands within the " Colony of
Virginia," for which the Indians received £200 in gold and a like sum in
goods, with a promise that, as settlements increased, more should be paid.
The Commissioners from Virginia were Colonel Thomas Lee and Colonel
William Beverly. As settlements extended, the promise of more pay was
called to mind, and Mr. Conrad Weiser was sent across the mountains with
presents to appease the savages. Col. Lee, and some Virginians accompa-
nied him with the intention of sounding the Indians upon their feelings
regarding the English. They were not satisfied with their treatment,
and plainly told the Commissioners why. The English did not desire the
cultivation of the country, but the monopoly of the Indian trade. In
1748, the Ohio Company was formed, and petitioned the king for a grant
of land beyond the Alleghenies. This was granted, and the government
of Virginia was ordered to grant to them a half million acres, two hun-
dred thousand of which were to be located at once. Upon the 12th of
June, 1749, 800,000 acres from the line of Canada north and west was
made to the Loyal Company, and on the 29th of October, 1751, 100,000
acres were given to the Greenbriar Company. All this time the French
were not idle. They saw that, should the British gain a foothold in the
West, especially upon the Ohio, they might not only prevent the French
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80 THE NOBTHWBST TBBBITOBY.
settling upon it« but in time would come to the lower posts and so gain
poss*ession of the whole country. Upon the 10th of May, 1747, Vaud-
reuil, Governor of Canada and the French possessions, well knowing the
consequences that must arise from allowing the English to build trading
posts in the Northwest, seized some of their frontier posts, and to further
secure the claim of the French to the West, he, in 1749, sent Louis Cel-
eron with a party of soldiers to plant along the Ohio River, in the mounds
and at the mouths of its principal tributaries, plates of lead, on which
were inscribed the claims of France. These were heard of in 1752, and
within the memory of residents now living along the ^^ Oyo," as the
beautiful river was called by the French* One of these plates was found
with the inscription partly defaced. It bears date August 16, 1749, and
a copy of the inscription with particular account of the discovery of the
plate, was sent by DeWitt Clinton to the American Antiquarian Society,
among whose journals it may now be found.* These measures did not,
however, deter the English from going on with their explorations, and
though neither party resorted to arms, yet the conflict was gathering, and
it was only a question of time when the storm would burst upon the
frontier settlements. In 1750, Christopher Gist was sent by the Ohio
Company to examiuQ its lands. He went to a village of the Twigtwees,
on the Miami, about one hundred and fifty miles above its mouth. He
afterward spoke of it as very populous. From there he went down
the Ohio River nearly to the falls at the present City of Louisville,
and in November he commenced a survey of the Company's lands. Dur-
ing the Winter, General Andrew Lewis performed a similar work for the
Greenbriar Company. Meanwhile the French were busy in preparing
their forts for defense, and in opening roads, and also sent a small party
of soldiers to keep the Ohio clear. This party, having heard of the Eng-
lish post on the Miami River, early in 1652, assisted by the Ottawas and
Chippewas, attacked it, and, after a severe battle, in which fourteen of
the natives were killed and others wounded, captured the garrison.
(They were probably garrisoned in a block house). The traders were
carried away to Canada, and one account says several were burned. This
fort or post was called by the English Pickawillany. A memorial of the
king's ministers refers to it as ^^ Pickawillanes, in the center of the terri-
tory between the Ohio and the Wabash. The name is probably some
variation of Pickaway or Picqua in 1773, written by Rev. David Jones
Pickaweke."
• The followliig is ft trftoslfttlon of the Inscription on the plate; **In the year 1749. reign of Louis XV^
King of France, we, Celeron, commandant of a detachment by Monsieur the Marquis of GalUsonlere, oom-
mander-ln-chlef of New France, to establish tranquility In certain Indian Tillages of these cantons, have
burled this plate at the confluence of the Toradakoln. this twenty- ninth of July, near the river Ohio, otherwise
Beautiful Biver, as a monument of renewal of possession which we have taken of the said river, and all Its
tributaries; Inasmuch as the preceding Kings of France have enjoyed it, and maintained it by their arms aod
treaties; eepeeiaUy by those of Byswick, Utrecht; and Aix La Chapeila**
Digitized by LjOOQI^
THE KOBTHWEST TEBBTTOBY* 81
This was the first blood shed between the French and English, and
occurred near the present City of Piqua, Ohio, or at least at a point about
fortjHseven miles north of Dayton. Each nation became now more inter-
ested in the progress of events in the Northwest. The English deter-
mined to purchase from the Indians a title to the lands they wished to
occupy, and Messra. Fry (afterward Commander-in-chief over Washing-
ton at the commencement of the French War of 1775-1763), Lomax and
Patton were sent in the Spring of 1752 to hold a conference with the
natives at Logstown to learn what they objected to in the treaty of Lan-
caster already noticed, and to settle all difficulties* On the 9th of June,
these Commissioners met the red men at Logstown, a little village on the
north bank of the Ohio, about seventeen miles below the site of Pitts-
burgh. Here had been a trading point for many years, but it was aban-
doned by the Indians in 1750. At first the Indians declined to recognize
the treaty of Lancaster, but, the Commissioners taking aside Montour,
the interpreter, who was a son of the famous Catharine Montour, and a
chief among the six nations, induced him to use his influence in their
favor. This he did, and upon the 13th of June they all united in signing
a deed, confirming the Lancaster treaty in its full extent, consenting to a
settlement of the southeast of the Ohio, and guaranteeing that it should
not be disturbed by them. These were the meand used to obtain the first
treaty with the Indians in the Ohio Valley.
Meanwhile the powers beyond the sea were trying to out-manoeuvre
each other, and were professing to be at peace. The English generally
outwitted the Indians, and failed in many instances to fulfill their con-
tracts. They thereby gained the ill-will of the red men, and further
increased the feeling by failing to provide them with arms and ammuni-
tion. Said an old chief, at Easton, in 1758 : '' The Indians on the Oh\o
left you because of your own fault. When we heard the French were
coming, we asked you for help and arms, but we did not get them. The
French came, they treated us kindly, and gained our affections. The
Grovernor of Virginia settled on our lands for his own benefit, and, when
we wanted help, forsook us."
At the beginning of 1653, the English thought they had secured by
title the lands in the West, but the French had quietly gathered cannon
and military stores to be in readiness for the expected blow. The Eng-
lish made other attempts to ratify these existing treaties, but not until
the Summer could the Indians be gathered together to discuss the plans
of the French. They had sent messages to the French, warning them
away ; but they replied that they intended to complete the chain of forts
already begun, and would not abandon the field.
Soon after this, no satisfaction being obtained from the Ohio regard-
t
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82 THE NORTHWEST TEBBITOBT.
ing the positions and purposes of the French, Governor Dinwiddie of
Virginia determined to send to them another messenger and learn from
them, if possible, their intentions. For this purpose he selected a young
man, a surveyor, who, at the early age of nineteen, had received the rank
of major, and who was thoroughly posted regarding frontier life. This
personage was no other than the illustrious George Washington, who then
held considerable interest in Western lands. He was at this time just
twenty-two years of age. Taking Gist as his guide, the two, accompanied
by four servitors, set out on their perilous march. They left Will's
Creek on the 10th of November, 1758, and on the 22d reached the Monon-
gahela, about ten miles above the fork. From there they went to
Logstown, where Washington had a long conference with the chiefs of
the Six Nations. From them he learned the condition of the French, and
also heard of t&eir determination not to come down the river till the fol-
lowing Spring. The Indians were non-committal, as they were afraid to
tura either way, and, as far as they could, desired to remain neutral.
Washington, finding nothing could be done with them, went on to
Venango, an old Indian town at the mouth of French Creek. Here the
French had a fort, called Fort Machault. Through the rum and flattery
of the French, he nearly lost all his Indian followers. Finding nothing
of importance here, he pursued his way amid great privations, and on the
11th of December reached the fort at the head of French Creek. Here
he delivered Governor Dinwiddle's letter, received his answer, took his
observations, and on the 16th set out upon his return journey with no one
but Gist, his guide, and a few Indians who still remained true to him,
notwithstanding the endeavors of the French to retain them. Their
homeward journey was one of great peril and suffering from the cold, yet
they reached home in safety on the 6th of January, 1754.
From the letter of St. Pierre, commander of the French fort, sent by
Washington to Governor Dinwiddie, it was learned that the French would
not give up without a struggle. Active preparations were at once made
in all the English colonies for the coming conflict, while the French
finished the fort at Venango and strengthened their lines of fortifications,
and gathered their forces to be in readiness.
The Old Dominion was all alive. Virginia was the center of great
activities ; volunteers were called for, and from all the neighboring
colonies men rallied to the conflict, and everywhere along the Potomac
men were enlisting under the Governor's proclamation — which promised
two hundred thousand acres on the Ohio. Along this river they were
gathering as far as Will's Creek, and far beyond this point, whither Trent
had come for assistance for his little band of forty-one men, who were
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THE NORTHWEST TEEBITOBY. 88
working away in hunger and want, to fortify that point at the fork of
the Ohio, to which both parties were looking with deep interest.
" The first birds of Spring filled the air with their song ; the swift
river rolled by the Allegheny hillsides, swollen by the melting snows of
Spring and the April showers. The leaves were appearing ; a few Indian
scouts were seen, but no enemy seemed near at hand ; and all was so quiet,
that Frazier, an old Indian scout and trader, who had been left by Trent
in command, ventured to his home at the mouth of Turtle Creek, ten
miles up the Monongahela. But, though all was so quiet in that wilder-
ness, keen eyes had seen the low intrenchment rising at the fork, and
swift feet had borne the news of it up the river ; and upon the morning
of the 17th of April, Ensign Ward, who then had charge of it, saw
upon the Allegheny a sight that made his heart sink — sixty batteaux and
three hundred canoes filled with men, and laden deep with cannon and
stores. * * * That evening he supped with his captor, ContrecoBur,
and the next day he was bowed off by the Frenchman, and with his men
and tools, marched up the Monongahela."
The French and Indian war had begun. The treaty of Aix la
Chapelle, in 1748, had left the boundaries between the French and
English possessions unsettled, and the events already narrated show the
French were determined to hold the country watered by the Mississippi
and its tributaries ; while the English laid claims to the country by virtue
of the discoveries of the Cabots, and claimed all the country from New-
foundland to Florida, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The
first decisive blow had now been struck, and the first attempt of the
English, through the Ohio Company, to occupy these lands, had resulted
disastrously to them. The French and Indians immediately completed
the fortifications begun at the Fork, which they had so easily captured,
and when completed gave to the fort the name of DuQuesne. Washing-
ton was at Will's Creek when the news of the capture of the fort arrived.
He at once departed to recapture' it. On his way he entrenched him-
self at a place called the " Meadows," where he erected a fort called
by him Fort Necessity. From there he surprised and captured a force of
French and Indians marching against him, but was soon after attacked
in his fort by a much superior force, and was obliged to yield on the
morning of July 4th. He was allowed to return to Virginia.
The English Government immediately planned four campaigns ; one
against Fort DuQuesne; one against Nova Scotia; one against Fort
Niagara, and one against Crown Point. These occurred during 1755-6,
and were not successful in driving the French from their possessions.
The expedition against Fort DuQuesne was led by the famous General
Braddock, who, refusing to listen to the advice of Washington and those
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84 THE NOBTHWE8T TEBEITOBY.
acquainted with Indian warfare, suffered such an inglorious defeat. This
occurred on the morning of July 9th, and is generally known as the battle
of Monongahela, or ^^Braddock's Defeat." The war continued with
various vicissitudes through the years 1756-7 ; when, at the commence-
ment of 1758, in accordance with the plans of William Pitt, then Secre-
tary of State, afterwards Lord Chatham, active preparations were made to
carry on the war. Three expeditions were planned for this year : one,
under General Amherst, against Louisburg ; another, under Abercrombie,
against Fort Ticonderoga ; and a third, under General Forbes, against
Fort DuQuesne. On the 26th of July, Louisburg surrendered after a
desperate resistance of more than forty days, and the eastern part of the
Canadian possessions fell into the hands of the British. Abercrombie
captured Fort Frontenac, and when the expedition against Fort DuQuesne,
of which Washington had the active command, arrived there, it was
found in flames and deserted. The English at once took possession,
rebuilt the fort, and in honor of their illustrious statesman, changed the
name to Fort Pitt.
The great object of the campaign of 1759, was the reduction of
Canada. General Wolfe was to lay siege to Quebec ; Amherst was to
reduce Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and General Prideaux was to
capture Niagara. This latter place was taken in July, but the gallant
Prideaux lost his life in the attempt. Amherst captured Ticonderoga
and Crown Point without a blow ; and Wolfe, after making the memor-
able ascent to the Plains of Abraham, on September 13th, defeated
Montcalm, and on the 18th, the city capitulated. In this engagement
Montcolm and Wolfe both lost their lives. De Levi, Montcalm's successor,
marched to Sillery, three miles above the city, with the purpose of
defeating the English, and there, on the 28th of the following April, was
fought one of the bloodiest battles of the French and Indian War. It
resulted in the defeat of the French, and the fall of the City of Montreal.
The Governor signed a capitulation by which the whole of Canada was
surrendered to the English. This practically concluded the war, but it
was not until 1763 that the treaties of peace between France and England
wer^ signed. This was done on the 10th of February of that year, and
under its provisions all the country east of the Mississippi and north of
the Iberville River, in Louisiana, were ceded to England. At the same
time Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain.
On the 13th of September, 1760, Major Robert Rogers was sent
from Montreal to take charge of Detroit, the only remaining French post
in the territory. He arrived there on the 19th of November, and sum-
moned the place to surrender. At first the commander of the post,
Beletre, refused, but on the 29th, hearing of the continued defeat of the
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THE N0BTHWB8T TEBBITOBY. 85
French anns, snrrendered. Rogers remained there until December 28d
under the personal protection of the celebrated chief, Pontiac, to whom,
no doubt, he owed his safety. Pontiac had come here to inquire the
purposes of the English in taking possession of the country. He was
assured that they came simply to trade with the natives, and did not
desire their country. This answer conciUated the savages, and did much
to insure the safety of Rogers and his party during their stay, and while
on their journey home.
Rogers set out for Fort Pitt on December 23, and was just one
month on the way. His route was from Detroit to Maumee, thence
across the present State of Ohio directly to the fort. This was the com-
mon trail of the Indians in their journeys from Sandusky to the fork of
the Ohio. It went from Fort Sandusky, where Sandusky City now is,
crossed the Huix>n river, then called Bald Eagle Creek, to ^* Mohickon
John's Town" on Mohickon Creek, the northern branch of White
Woman's River, and thence crossed to Beaver's Town, a Delaware town
on what is now Sandy Creek. At Beaver's Town were probably one
hundred and fifty warriors, and not less than three thousand acres of
cleared land. From there the track went up Sandy Creek to and across
Big Beaver, and up the Ohio to Logstown, thence on to the fork.
The Northwest Territory was now entirely under the English rule.
New settlements began to be rapidly made, and the promise of a large
trade was speedily manifested. Had the British carried out their promises
with the natives none of those savage butcheries would have been perpe-
trated, and the country would have been spared their recital.
The renowned chief, Pontiac, was one of the leading spirits in these
atrocities. We will now pause in our narrative, and notice the leading
events in his life. The earliest authentic information regai-ding this
noted Indian chief is learned from an account of an Indian trader named
Alexander Henry, who, in the Spring of 1761, penetrated his domains as
far as Missillimacnac. - Pontiac was then a great friend of the French,
but a bitter foe of the English, whom he considered as encroaching on his
hunting grounds. Henry was obliged to disguise himself as a Canadian
to insure safety, but was discovered by Pontiac, who bitterly reproached
him and the English for their attempted subjugation of the West. He
declared that no treaty had been made with them; no presents sent
them, and that he would resent any possession of the West by that nation.
He was at the time about fifty years of age, tall and dignified, and waa
civil and military ruler of the Ottawas, Ojibwas and Pottawatamies.
The Indians, from Lake Michigan to the borders of North Carolina,
were united in this feeling, and at the time of the treaty of Paris, ratified
February 10, 1763, a general conspiracy was formed to fall suddenly
Digitized by LjOOQIC
36 THE NORTHWEST TEBEITOEY.
upon the frontier British posts, and with one blow strike every man dead.
Pontiac was the marked leader in all this, and was the commander
of the Chippewas, Ottawas, Wyandots, Miamis, Shawanese, Delawares
and Mingoes, who had, for the time, laid aside their local quarrels to unite
in this enterprise.
The blow came, as near as can now be ascertained, on May 7, 176*^*
Nine British posts fell, and the Indians drank, " scooped up in the hollow
of joined hands," the blood of many a Briton.
Pontiac's immediate field of action was the garrison at Detroit.
Here, however, the plans were frustrated by an Indian woman disclosing
the plot the evening previous to his arrival. Everything was carried out,
however, according to Pontiac's plans until the moment of action, when
Major Gladwjm, the commander of the post, stepping to one of the Indian
chiefs, suddenly drew aside his blanket and disclosed the concealed
musket. Pontiac, though a brave man, turned pale and trembled. He
saw his plan was known, and that the garrison were prepared. He
endeavored to exculpate himself from any such intentions ; but the guilt
was evident, and he and his followers were dismissed with a severe
reprimand, and warned never to again enter the walls of the post.
Pontiac at once laid siege to the fort, and until the treaty of peace
between the British and the Western Indians, concluded in August, 1764,
continued to harass and besiege the fortress. He organized a regular
commissariat department, issued bills of credit written out on bark,
which, to his credit, it may be stated, were punctually redeemed. At
the conclusion of the treaty, in which it seems he took no part, he went
further south, living many yeais among the Illinois.
He had given up all hope of saving his country and race. After a
time he endeavored to unite the Illinois tribe and those about St. Louis
in a war with the whites. His efforts were fruitless, and only ended in a
quarrel between himself and some Kaskaskia Indians, one of whom soon
afterwards killed him. His death was, however, avenged by the northern
Indians, who nearly exterminated the Illinois in the wars which followed.
Had it not been for the treachery of a few of his followers, his plan
for the extermination of the whites, a masterly one, would undoubtedly
have been carried out.
It was in the Spring of the year following Rogers* visit that Alex-
ander Henry w^nt to Missillimacnac, and everywhere found the strongest
feelings against the English, who had not carried out their promises, and
were doing nothing to conciliate the natives. Here he met the chief,
Pontiac, who, after conveying to him in a speech the idea that their
French father would awake soon and utterly destroy his enemies, said :
^ Englishman, although you have conquered the French, you have not
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THE NOBTHWBST TEBBITOBY. 87
yet conquered us I We are not your slaves I These lafces, these woods,
these mountains, were left us by our ancestors. They are our inheritance,
and we will part with them to none. Your nation supposes that we, like
the white people, can not live without bread and pork and beef. But you
ought to know that He, the Great Spirit and Master of Life, has provided
food for us upon these broad lakes and in these mountains."
He then spoke of the fact that no treaty had been made with them,
no presents sent them, and that he and his people were yet for war.
Such were the feelings of the Northwestern Indians immediately after
the English took possession of their country. These feelings were no
doubt encouraged by the Canadians and French, who hoped that yet the
French arms might prevail. The treaty of Paris, however, gave to the
English the right to this vast domain, and active preparations were going
on to occupy it and enjoy its trade and emoluments.
In 1762, France, by a secret treaty, ceded. Louisiana to Spain, to pre->
vent it falling into the hands of the English, who were becoming masters
of the entire West. The next year the treaty of Paris, signed at Fon-
tainbleau, gave to the English the domain of the country in question.
Twenty years after, by the treaty of peace between the United States
and EIngland, that part of Canada lying south and west of the Great
Lakes, oomprehending a large territory which is the subject of these
sketches, was acknowledged to be a portion of the United States ; and
twenty years still later, in 1803, Louisiana was ceded by Spain back to
France, and by France sold to the United States.
In the hidf century, from the building of the Fort of CrevecoBur by
LaSalle, in 1680, up to the erection of Fort Chartres, many French set-
tlements had been made in that quarter. These have already been
noticed, being those at St. Vincent (Vincennes), Kohokia or Cahokia,
Kaskaskia and Prairie du Rocher, on the American Bottom, a large tract
of rich alluvial soil in Illinois, on the Mississippi, opposite the site of St.
Louis.
By the treaty of Paris, the regions east of the Mississippi, including
all these and other towns of the Northwest, were given over to England;
but they do not appear to have been taken possession of until 1765, when
Captain Stirling, in the name of the Majesty of England, established him-
self at Tort Chartres bearing with him the proclamation of General Gage,
dated December 80, 1764, which promised religious freedom to all Cath-
olics who worshiped here, and a right to leave the country with their
effects if they wished, or to remain with the privileges of Englishmen.
It was shortly after the occupancy of the West by the British that the.
war with Ppntiac opened. It is already noticed in the sketch of that
chieftain. By it many a Briton lost his life, and many a frontier settle-
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88 THE NOBTHWEST TERBITOBY.
ment in its infancy ceased to exist. This was not ended until the year
1764, when, failing to capture Detroit, Niagara and Fort Pitt, his confed-
eracy became disheartened, and, receiving no aid from the French, Pon-
tiac abandoned the enterprise and departed to the XUinois, among whom
he afterward lost his life.
As soon as these difficulties were definitely settled, settlers began
rapidly to survey the country and prepare for occupation. During the
year 1770, a number of persons from Virginia and other British provinces
explored and marked out nearly all the valuable lands on the Mononga-
hela and along the banks of the Ohio as far as the Little Kanawha. This
was followed by another exploring expedition, in which George Washing-
ton was a party. The latter, accompanied by Dr. Craik, Capt. Crawford
and others, on the 20th of October, 1770, descended the Ohio from Pitts-
burgh to the mouth of the Kanawha ; ascended that stream about fourteen
miles, marked out several large tracts of land, shot several buffalo, which
were then abundant in the Ohio Valley, and returned to the fort.
Pittsburgh was at this time a trading post, about which- was clus-
tered a village of some twenty houses, inhabited by Indian traders. This
same year, Capt. Pittman visited Kaskaskia and its neighboring villages.
He found there about sixty-five resident families, and at Cahokia only
fort^-five dwellings. At Fort Chartres was another small settlement, and
at Detroit the garrison were quite prosperous and strong. For a year
or two settlers continued to locate near some of these posts, generally
Fort Pitt or Detroit, owing to the fears of the Indians, who still main-
tained some feelings of hatred to the English. The trade from the posts
was quite good, and from those in Illinois large quantities of pork and
flour found their way to the New Orleans market. At this time the
policy of the British Government was strongly opposed to the extension
of the colonies west. In 1763, the King of England forbade, by royal
proclamation, his colonial subjects from making a settlement beyond the
sources of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean. At the instance
of the Board of Trade, measures were taken to prevent the settlement
without the limits prescribed, and to retain the commerce within easy
reach of Great Britain.
The commander-in-chief of the king's forces wrote in 1769 : " In the
course of a few years necessity will compel the colonists, should they
extend their settlements west, to provide manufactures of some kind for
themselves, and when all connection upheld by commerce with the mother
country ceases, an independency in their government will soon follow."
In accordance with this policy. Gov. Gage issued a proclamation
in 1772, commanding the inhabitants of Vincennes to abandon their set-
tlements and join some of the Elastern English colonies. To this they
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THB 270BTHWEST TERBITOBY. 39
strenuously objected, giving good reasons therefor, and were allowed to
remain. The strong opposition to this policy of Great Britain led to its
change, and to such a course as to gain the attachment of the French
population. In December, 1773, influential citizens of Quebec petitioned
the king for an extension of the boundary lines of that province, which
was granted, and Parliament passed an act on June 2, 1774, extend-
ing the boundary so as to include the territory lying within the present
States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan*
In consequence of the liberal policy pursued by the British Govern-
ment toward the French settlers in the West, they were disposed to favor
that nation in the war which soon followed with the colonies ; but the
early alliance between France and America soon brought them to the side
of the war for independence.
In 1774, Gov. Dunmore, of Virginia, began to encourage emigration
to the Western lands. ^ He appointed mj^trates at Fort Pitt under the
pretense that the fort was under the government of that commonwealtji.
One of these justices, John Connelly, who possessed a tract of land in the
Ohio Valley, gathered a force of men and garrisoned the fort, calling it
Fort Dunmore. This and other parties were formed to select sites for
settlements, and often came in conflict with the Indian^, who yet claimed
portions of the valley, and several battles followed. These ended in the
fEunous battle of Kanawha in July, where the Indians were defeated and
driven across the Ohio.
During the years 1775 and 1776, by the operations of land companies
and the perseverance of individuals, several settlements were firmly estab-
lished between the Alleghanies and the Ohio River, and western land
speculators were busy in Illinois and on the Wabash. At a council held
in Easkaskia on July 5, 1773, an association of English traders, calling
themselves the ^^ Illinois Land Company," obtained from ten chiefs of the
Easkaskia, Cahokia and Peoria tribes two large tracts of land lying on
t^e east side of the Mississippi River south of the Illinois. In 1775, a mer-
chant from the Illinois Country, named Viviat, came to Post Vincennes
as the agent of the association called the ^^ Wabash Land Company." On
the 8th of October he obtained from eleven Piankeshaw chiefs, a deed for
37,497,600 acres of land. This deed was signed by the grantors, attested
by a number of the inhabitants of Vincennes, and afterward recorded in
the office of a notary public at Easkaskia. This and other land com-
panies had extensive schemes for the colonization of the West ; but all
were frustrated by the breaking out of the Revolution. On the 20th of
April, 1780, the two companies named consolidated under the name of the
^^ United Illinois and Wabash Land Company." They afterward made
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40 THE NOBTHWB8T TEBBITORY.
strenuous efforts to have these grants sanotioned by Congress, but all
signally failed.
When the War of the Revolution commenced, Kentucky was an unor-
ganized country, though there were several settlements within her borders.
In Hutchins' Topography of Virginia, it is stated that at that time
*^ Kaskaskia contained 80 houses, and nearly 1,000 white and black in-
habitants— the whites being a little the more numerous. Cahokia con-
tains 50 houses and 800 white inhabitants, and 80 negroes. There were
east of the Mississippi River, about the year 1771 '* — ^when these observa-
tions were made — ^^ 800 white men capable of bearing arms, and 230
negroes."
From 1775 until the expedition of Clark, nothing is recorded and
nothing known of these settlements, save what is contained in a report
made by a committee to Congress in June, 1778. From it the following
extract is made :
*^ Near the mouth of the River Kaskaskia, there is a village which
appears to have contained nearly eighty families from the beginning of
the late revolution. There are twelve families in a small village at la
Prairie du Rochers, and near fifty families at the Kahokia Village. There
are also four or five families at Fort Chartres and St. Philips, which is five
miles further up the river."
St. Louis had been settled in February, 1764, and at this time con-
tained, including its neighboring towns, over six hundred whites and one
hundred and fifty negroes. It must be remembered that all the country
west of the Mississippi was now under French rule, and remained so until
ceded again to Spain, its original owner, who afterwards sold it and the
country including New Orleans to the United States. At Detroit there
were, according to Capt. Carver, who was in the Northwest fix)m 1766 to
1768, more than one hundred houses, and the river was settled for more
than twenty miles, although poorly cultivated — the people being engaged
in the Indian trade. This old town has a history, which we will here
relate.
It is the oldest town in the Northwest, having been founded by
Antoine de Lamotte Cadillac, in 1701. It was laid out in the form of an
oblong square, of two acres in length, and an acre and a half in width.
As described by A. D. Frazer, who fii*st visited it and became a permanent
resident of the place, in 1778, it comprised within its limits that space
between Mr. Palmer's store (Conant Block) and Capt. Perkins' house
(near the Arsenal building), and extended back as far as the public bam,
and was bordered in front by the Detroit River. It was surrounded by
oak and cedar pickets, about fifteen feet long, set in the ground, and had
four gates — east, west, north and south. Over the first three of these
Digitized by LjOOQIC
THE NOETH WEST TEBBITOBY. 41
gates were block houses provided with four guns apiece, each a six-
pounder. Two six-gun batteries were planted fronting the river and in a
parallel direction with the block houses. There were four streets running
east and west, the main street being twenty feet wide and the rest fifteen
feet, while the four streets crossing these at right angles were from ten
to fifteen feet in width.
At the date spoken of by Mr. Frazer, there was no fort within the
enclosure, but a citadel on the ground corresponding to the present
northwest comer of Jefferson Avenue and Wayne Street. The eitadel was
inclosed by pickets, and within it were erected barracks of wood, two
stories high, sufficient to contain ten officers, and abo barracks sufficient
to contain four hundred men, and a provision store built of brick. The
citadel also contained a hospital and guard-house. The old town of
Detroit, in 1778, contained about sixty houses, most of them one story,
with a few a story and a half in height. They were all of logs, some
hewn and some round. There was one building of splendid appearance,
called the *^ King's Palace," two stories high, wliich stood near the east
gate. It was built for Governor Hamilton, the first governor commissioned
by the British. There were two guard-houses, one near the west gate and
the other near the Government House. Each of the guards consisted of
twenty-four men and a subaltern, who mounted regularly every morning
between nine and ten o'clock. Each furnished four sentinels, who were
relieved every two hours. There was also an officer of the day, who par-
fiormed strict duty. Each of the gates was shut regularly at sunset ,
even wicket gates were shut at nine o'clock, and all the keys were
delivered into the hands of the commanding officer. They were opened
in the morning at sunrise. No Indian or squaw was permitted to enter
town with any weapon, such as a tomahawk or a knife. It was a stand-
ing order that the Indians should deliver their arms and instruments of
every kind before they were permitted to pass the sentinel, and they were
restored to them on their return. No more than twenty-five Indians were
allowed to enter the town at any one time, and they were admitted only
at the east and west gates. At sundown the drums beat, and all the
Indians were required to leave town instantly. There was a council house
near the water side for the purpose of holding council with the Indians.
The population of the town was about sixty families, in all about two
hundred males and one hundred females. This town was destroyed by ^
fire, all except one dwelling, in 1805. After which the present '*' new ''
town was laid out.
On the breaking out of the Revolution, the British held every post of
importance in the West. Kentucky was formed as a component part of
Virginia, and the sturdy pioneers of the West, alive to their interests^
Digitized by LjOOQIC
42 THB NOBTHWB8T TEBBITOBY*
and recognizing the great benefits of obtaining the control of the trade in
this part of the New World, held steadily to their purposes, and those
within the commonwealth of Kentucky proceeded to exercise their
civil pnvileges, by electing John Todd and Richard Grallaway^
burgesses to represent them in the Assembly of the parent state.
Early in September of that year (1777) the first court was held
in Harrodsburg, and Col. Bowman, afterwards major, who had arrived
in August, was made the commander of a militia organization which
had been commenced the March previous. Thus the tree of loyalty
was growing. The chief spirit in this far-out colony, who had represented
her the year previous east of the mountains, was now meditating a move
unequaled in its boldness. He had been watching the movements of the
British throughout the Northwest, and understood their whole plan. He
saw it was through their possession of the posts at Detroit, Vincennes^
Kaskaskia, and other places, which would give them constant and easy
access to the various Indian tribes in the Northwest, that the British
intended to penetrate the country from the north and soutn, ana annihi-
late the frontier fortresses. This moving, energetic man was ColoneU
afterwards General, George Rogers Clark. He knew the Indians were not
unanimously in accord with the English, and he was convinced that, could
the British be defeated and expelled from the Northwest, the natives
might be easily awed into neutrality ; and by spies sent for the purpose^
he satisfied himself that the enterprise against the Illinois setUementa
might easily succeed. Having convinced himself of the certainty of the
project, he repaired to the Capital of Virginia, which place he reached on
November 6th. While he was on his way, fortunately, on October 17th,
Burgo}rne had been defeated, and the spirits of the colonists greatly
encouraged thereby. Patrick Henry was Governor of Virginia, and at
once entered heartily into Clark's plans. The same plan had before been
agitated in the Colonial Assemblies, but there was no one until Clark
came who was sufficiently acquainted with the condition of affairs at the
scene of action to be able to guide them.
Clark, having satisfied the Virginia leaders of the feasibility of hia
plan, received, on thew2d of January, two sets of instructions— one secret,
the other open — the latter authorized him to proceed to enlist seven
companies to go to Kentucky, subject to his orders, and to serve three
months from their arrival in the West. The secret order authorized him
to arm these troops, to procure his powder and lead of General Hand
at Pittsburgh, and to proceed at once to subjugate the country.
With these instructions Clark repaired to Pittsburgh, choosing rather
to raise his men west of the mountains, as he well knew all were needed
in the colonies in the conflict there. He sent CoL W* B. Smith to Hol-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
TEm NOBTHWEST TEBBTTOBY. 43
8ton for the same purpose, but neither succeeded in raising the required
number of men. The settlers in these parts were afraid to leave their
own firesides exposed to a vigilant foe, and but few could be induced to
join the proposed expedition. With three companies and several private
volunteers, Clark at length commenced his descent of the Ohio, which he
navigated as far as the Falls, where he took possession of and fortified
Corn Island, a small island between the present Cities of Louisville,
Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana. Remains of this fortification may
yet be found. At this place he appointed Col. Bowman to meet him
with such recruits as had reached Kentucky by the southern route, and
as many as could be spared from the station. Here he announced to
the men their real destination. Having completed his arrangements,
and chosen his party, he left a small garrison upon the island, and on the
24th of June, during a total eclipse of the sun, which to them augured
no good, and which fixes beyond dispute the date of starting, he with
his chosen band, fell down the river. His plan was to go by water as
far as Fort Massac or Massacre, and thence march direct to Kaskaskia.
Here he intended to surprise the garrison, and after its capture go to
Cahokia, then to Vincennes, and lastly to Detroit. Should he fail, he
intended to march directly to the Mississippi River and cross it into the
Spanish country. Before his start he received two good items of infor-
mation : one that the alliance had been formed between France and the
United States ; and the other that the Indians throughout the Illinois
country and the inhabitants, at the various frontier posts, had been led to
believe by the British that the " Long Knives" ot Virginians, were the
most fierce, bloodthirsty and cruel savages that ever scalped a foe. With
this impression on their minds, Clark saw that proper management would
cause them to submit at once from fear, if surprised, and then from grati-
tude would become friendly if treated with unexpected leniency.
The march to Kaskaskia was accomplished through a hot July sun,
and the town reached on the evening of July 4. He captured the fort
near the village, and soon after the village itself by surprise, and without
the loss of a single man or by killing any of the enemy. After sufficiently
working upon the fears of the natives, Clark told them they were at per-
fect liberty to worship as they pleased, and to take whichever side of the
great conflict they would, also he would protect them from any barbarity
from British or Indian foe. This had the desired effect, and the inhab-
itants, so unexpectedly and so gratefully surprised by the unlocked
for turn of affairs, at once swore allegiance to the American arms, and
when Clark desired to go to Cahokia on the 6th of July, they accom-
panied him, and through their influence the inhabitants of the place
surrendered, ancl gladly placed themselves under his protection. Thus
Digitized by LjOOQIC
44 THB NORTHWEST TEBBITOBY.
the two important posts in Illinois passed from the hands of the English
into the possession of Virginia.
In the person of the priest at Easkaskia, M. Gibault, Clark found a
powerful ally and generous friend. Clark saw that, to retain possession
of the Northwest and treat successfully with the Indians within its boun-
daries, he must establish a government for the colonies he had taken.
St. Vincent, the next important post to Detroit, remained yet to be taken
before the Mississippi Valley was conquered. M. Gibault told him that
he would alone, by persuasion, lead Vincennes to throw off its connection
with England. Clark gladly accepted his offer, and on the 14th of July,
in company with a fellow-townsman, M. Gibault started on his mission of
peace, and on the 1st of August returned with the cheerful intelligence
that the post on the ^^ Oubache " had taken the oath of allegiance to
the Old Dominion. During this interval, Clark established his courts,
placed garrisons at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, successfully re-enlisted his
men, sent word to have a fort, which proved the germ of Louisville,
erected at the Falls of the Ohio, and dispatched Mr. Rocheblave, who
had been commander at Kaskaskia, as a prisoner of war to Richmond.
In October the County of Illinois was established by the Legislature
of Virginia, John Todd appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Civil Governor,
and in November General Clark and his men received the thanks of
the Old Dominion through their Legislature.
In a speech a few days afterward, Clark made known fully to the
natives his plans, and at its close all came forward and swore alle-
giance to the Long Knives. While he was doing this Governor Hamilton,
having made his various arrangements, had left Detroit and moved down
the Wabash to Vincennes intending to operate from that point in reducing
the Illinois posts, and then proceed on down to Kentucky and drive the
rebels from the West. Gten. Clark had, on the return of M. Gibault,
dispatched Captain Helm, of Fauquier County, Virginia, with an attend-
ant named Henry, across the Illinois pvairies to command the fort.
Hamilton knew nothing of the capitulation of the post, and was greatly
surprised on his arrival to be confronted by Capt. Helm, who, standing at
the entrance of the fort by a loaded cannon ready to fire upon his assail-
ants, demanded upon what terms Hamilton demanded possession of the
fort. Being granted the rights of a prisoner of war, he surrendered to
the British General, who could scarcely believe his eyes when he saw the
force in the garrison.
Hamilton, not realizing the character of the men with whom he was
contending, gave up his intended campaign for the Winter, sent his four
hundred Indian warriors to prevent troops from coming down the Obio^
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THB NORTHWEST TBBBITOEY. 46
and to annoy the Americans in all ways, and sat quietly down to pass the
Winter. Information of all these proceedings having reached Clark, he
saw that immediate and decisive action was necessary, and that unless
he captured Hamilton, Hamilton would capture him. Clark received the
news on the 29th of January, 1779, and on February 4th, having suffi-
ciently garrisoned Easkaskia and Cahokia, he sent down the Mississippi
a '* battoe," as Major Bowman writes it, in order to ascend the Ohio and
Wabash, and operate with the land forces gathering for the fray.
On the next day, Clark, with his little force of one hundred and
twenty men, set out for the post, and after incredible hard marching
through much mud, the ground being thawed by the incessant spring
rains, on the 22d reached the fort, and being joined by his '* battoe," at
once commenced the attack on the post. The aim of the American back-
woodsman was unerring, and on the 24th the garrison surrendered to the
intrepid boldness of Clark. The French were treated with great kind-
ness, and gladly renewed their allegiance to Virginia. Hamilton was
sent as a prisoner to Virginia, where he was kept in close confinement.
Duriiig his command of the British frontier posts, he had offered prizes
to the Indians for all the scalps of Americans they would bring to him>
and had earned in consequence thereof the title *' Hair-buyer General,"
by which he was ever afterward known.
Detroit was now without doubt within easy reach of the enterprising
Vii^inian, could he but raise the necessary force. Governor Henry being
apprised of this, promised him the needed reinforcement, and Clark con-
cluded to wait until he could capture and sufficiently garrison the posts.
Had Clark failed in this bold undertaking, and Hamilton succeeded in
uniting the western Indians for the next Spring's campaign, the West
would indeed have been swept from the Mississippi to the Allegheny
Mountains, and the great blow struck, which had been contemplated from
the commencement, by the British.
" But for this small army of dripping, but fearless Virginians, the
union of all the tribes from Georgia to Maine against the colonies might
have been eflfected, and the whole current of our history changed."
At this time some fears were entertained by the Colonial Govern-
ments that the Indians in the North and Northwest were inclining to the
British, and under the instructions of Washington, now Commander-in-
Chief of the Colonial army, and so bravely fighting for American inde-
pendence, armed forces were sent against the Six Nations, and upon the
Ohio frontier. Col. Bowman, acting under the same generaFs orders,
marched against Indians within the present limits of that State. These
expeditions were in the main successful, and the Indians were compelled
to sue for peace.
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46 THE N0BTHWB8T TEBRTTOBY.
During this same year (1779) the famous " Land Laws" of 'Virgmia
were passed. The passage of these laws was of more consequence to the
pioneers of Kentucky and the Northwest than the gaining of a few Indian
conflicts. These laws confirmed in main all grants made, and guaranteed
to all actual settlers their rights and privileges. After providing for the
settlers, the laws provided for selling the balance of the public lands at
forty cents per acre. To carry the Land Laws into effect, the Legislature
sent four Virginians westward to attend to the various claims, over many
of which great confusion prevailed concerning their validity. These
gentlemen opened their court on October 13, 1779, at St. Asaphs, and
continued until April 26, 1780, when they adjourned, having decided
three ^thousand claims. They were succeeded by the surveyor, who
came in the person of Mr. Greorge May, and assumed his duties on the
10th day of the month whose name he bore. With the opening of the
next year (1780) the troubles concerning the navigation of the Missis-
sippi commenced. The Spanish Government exacted such measures in
relation to its trade as to cause the overtures made to the United States
to be rejected. The American Government considered they had a right
to navigate its channel. To enforce their claims, a fort was erected below^
the mouth of the Ohio on the Kentucky side of the river. The settle-
ments in Kentucky were being rapidly filled by emigrants. It was dur-
ing this year that the first seminary of learning was established in the
West in this young and enterprising Commonwealth. ^
The settlers here did not look upon the building of this fort in a
friendly manner, as it aroused the hostility of the Indians. Spain had
been friendly to the Colonies during their struggle for independence,
and though for a while this friendship appeared in danger from the
refusal of the free navigation of the river, yet it was finally settled to the
satisfaction of both nations.
The Winter of 1779-80 was one of the most unusually severe ones
ever experienced in the West. The Indians always referred to it as the
^^ Great Cold." Numbers of wild animals perished, and not a few
pioneers lost their lives. The following Summer a party of Canadians
and Indiana attacked St. Louis, and attempted to take possession of it
in consequence of the friendly disposition of Spain to the revolting
colonies. They met with such a determined resistance on the part of the
inhabitants, even the women taking part in the battle, that they were
compelled to abandon the contest. They also made an attack on the
settlements in Kentucky, but, becoming alarmed in some imaccountable
manner, they fled the country in great haste.
About this time arose the question in the Colonial Congress con-
cerning the western lands claimed by Virginia, New York, Massachusetts
Digitized by LjOOQIC
THE KOBTHWBST TEBBETOBY. 49
and Connecticut. The agitation concerning this snbject finally led New
York, on the 19th of February, 1780, to pass a law giving to the dele-
gates of that State in Congress the power to cede her western lands for
the benefit of the United States. This law was laid before Congress
daring the next- month, but no steps were taken concerning it until Sep-
tember 6th, when a resolution passed that body calling upon the States
claiming yrestem lands to release their claims in favor of the whole body.
This basis formed the union, and was the first after all of those legislative
measures which resulted in the creation of the States of Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In December of the same
year, the plan of conquering Detroit again arose. The conquest might
have easily been effected by Clark had the necessary aid been furnished
him. Nothing decisive was done, yet the heads of the Gk)vemment knew
that the safety of the Northwest from British invasion lay in the capture
and retention of that important posti the only unconquered one in the
territory.
Before the close of the year, Kentucky was divided into the Coun*
ties of Lincoln, Fayette and JeGEerson, and the act establishing the Town
of Louisville was passed. This same year is also noted in the annals of
American history as the year in which occurred Arnold's treason to the
United States.
Virginia, in accordance with the resolution of Congress, on the 2d
day of January, 1781, agreed to yield her western lands to the United
States upon certain conditions, which Congress would not accede to, and
the Act of Cession, on the part of the Old Dominion, failed, nor was
anything farther done until 1783. During all that time the Colonies
were busily engaged in the struggle with the mother country, and in
consequence thereof but little heed was given to the western settiements.
Upon tiie 4th of July, 1778, the first birth north of the Ohio River of
American parentage occurred, being that of John L. Both, son of John
Roth, one of the Moravian missionaries, whose band of Christian Indians
suffered in after years a horrible massacre by the hands of the frontier
settlers, who had been exasperated by the murder of several of their
ndghbors, and in their rage committed, without regard to humanity, a
deed which forever afterward cast a shade of shame upon their Uves.
For this and kindred outrages on the part of the whites, the Indiana
committed many deeds of cruelty which darken the years of 1771 and
1772 in the history of the Northwest.
During the year 1782 a number of batties among the Indians and
frontiersmen occurred, and between the Moravian Indians and the Wyan-
dots. In these, horrible acts of cruelty were practised on the captives, '
many of such dark deeds transpiring under the leadership of the notorious
3
Digitized by LjOOQIC
50 THE NOBTHWBST TBBBITORY.
frontier outlaw, Simon Girty, whose name, as well as those of his brothers^
was a terror to women and children. These occurred chiefly in the Ohio
valleys. Cotemporary with them were several engagements in Kentucky,
in which the famous Daniel Boone engaged, and who, often by his skill
and knowledge of Indian warfare, saved the outposts from cruel destruc-
tion. By the close of the year victory had perched upon the American
banner, and on the SOth of November, provisional articles of peace had
been arranged between the Commissioners of England and her uncon-
querable colonies. Cornwallis had been defeated on the 19th of October
preceding, and the liberty of America was assured. On the 19th of
April following, the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, peace was
proclaimed to the army of the United States, and on the Sd of the next
September, the defiMite treaty which ended our revolutionary struggle
was concluded. By the terms of that treaty, the boundaries of the West
were as follows : On the north the line was to extend along the center of
the Great Lakes ; from the western point of Lake Superior to Long Lake ;
thence to the Lake of the Woods ; thence to the head of the Mississippi
River ; down its center to the 31st parallel of latitude, then on that line
east to the head of the Appalachicola River ; down its center to its junc-
tion with the Flint ; thence straight to the head of St. Mary's River, and
thence down along its center to the Atlantic Ocean.
Following the cessation of hostilities with England, several posts
were still occupied by the British in the North and West. Among these
was Detroit, still in the hands of the enemy. Numerous engagements
with the Indians throughout Ohio and Indiana occurred, upon whose
lands adventurous whites would settle ere the title had been 'acquired by
the proper treaty.
To remedy this latter evil. Congress appointed commissioners to
treat with the natives and purchase their lands, and prohibited the settle-
ment of the territory until this could be done. Before the close of the
3^ ear another attempt was made to capture Detroit, which was, however,
not pushed, and Virginia, no longer feeling the interest in the Northwest
she had formerly done, withdrew her troops, having on the 20th of
December preceding authorized the whole of her possessions to be deeded
to the United States. This was done on the 1st of March following, and
the Northwest Territory passed from the control of the Old Dominion.
To Gen. Clark and his soldiers, however, she gave a tract of one hundred
and fifty thousand acres of land, to be situated any where north of the
Ohio wherever they choose to locate them. They selected the region
opposite the falls of the Ohio, where is now the dilapidated village of
Clarksville, about midway between the cities of New Albany and Jeflfer-
sonville, Indiana.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
.THE NORTHWEST TEREITORT. 6l
WhUe the frontier remained thus, and Gen. Haldimand at Detroit
refused to evacuate, alleging that he had no orders from his King to do
so, settlers were rapidly gathering about the inland forts. In the Spring
of 1784, Pittsburgh was regularly laid out, and from the journal of Arthur
Lee, who passed through the town soon after on his way to the Indian
council at Fort Mcintosh, we suppose it was not very prepossessing in
appearance. He says:
^^ Pittsburgh is inhabited almost entirely by Scots and Irish, who
live in paltiy log houses, and are as dirty as if in the north of Ireland or
even Scotland. There is a great deal of trade carried on, the goods being
brought at the vast expense of forty-five shillitigs per pound from Phila-
delphia and Baltimore. They take in the shops flour, wheat, skins and
money. There are in the town four attorneys, two doctors, and not a
priest of any persuasion, nor church nor chapel.''
Kentucky at this time contained thirty thousand inhabitants, and
was beginning to discuss measures for a separation from Virginia. A
land office was opened at Louisville, and measures were adopted to take
defensive precaution against the Indians, who were yet, in some instances,
incited to deeds of violence by the British. Before the close of this year,
1784, the military claimants of land began to occupy them, although no
entries were recorded until 1787.
The Indian title to the Northwest was not yet extinguished. They
held large tracts of land, and in order to prevent bloodshed Congress
adopted means for treaties with the original owners and provided for the
surveys of the lands gained thereby, as well as for those north of tha
Ohio, now in its possession.
On January 31, 1786, a treaty was macie with the Wabash Indians.
The treaty of Fort Stanwix had been made in 178J. That at Fort Mc-
intosh in 1785, and through these much land was gained. The Wabash
Indians, however, afterward refused to comply with the provisions of the
treaty made with them, and in order to compel their adherence to its
provisions, force was used.
During the year 1786, the free navigation of the Mississippi came up
in Congress, and caused various discussions, which resulted in no definite
action, only serving to excite speculation in regard to the western lands.
Congress had promised bounties of land to the soldiers of the Revolution,
but owing to the unsettled condition of affairs along the Mississippi
respecting its navigation, and the trade of the Northwest, that body had,
in 1783, declared its inability to fulfill these promises until a treaty could
be concluded between the two Governments.
Before the close of the year 1786, however, it was able, through the
treaties with the Indians, to allow some grants and the settlement
Digitized by LjOOQIC
62 THB NORTHWEST TBBBITOBY. ,
thereon, and on the 14th of September, Connecticut ceded to the General
Grovemment the tract of land known as the ^^Connecticut Reserve,"
and before the close of the following year a large tract of land north
of the Ohio was sold to a company, who at once took measures to
settle it.
By the provisions of this grant, the company were to pay the United
States one dollar per acre, subject to a deduction of one-third for bad
lands and^ other contingencies. They received 760,000 acres, bounded
on the south by the Ohio, on the east by the seventh range of townships,
on the west by the sixteenth range, and on the north by a line so drawn
as to make the grant cemplete without the reservations. In addi-
tion to this. Congress afterward granted 100,000 acres to actual set-
tlers, and 214,285 acres as army bounties under the resolutions of 1789
and 1790.
While Dr, Cutler, one of the agents of the company, was pressing
its claims before Congress, that body was bringing into form an ordinance
for the political and social organization of this Territory. When the
cession was made by Virginia, in 1784, a plan was offered, but rejected.
A motion had been made to strike from the proposed plan the prohibition
of slavery, which prevailed. The plan was then discussed and altered,
and finally passed unanimously, with the exception of South Carolina.
By this proposition, the Territory was to have been divided into states
by parallels and meridian lines. This, it was thought, would make ten
states, which were to have been named as follows — beginning at the
northwest comer and going southwardly : Sylvania, Michigania, Cher-
8onesus,As8enisipia, Metropotamia, lUenoia, Saratoga, Washington, Poly-
potamia and Pelisipia. *
There was a more serious objection to this plan than its category of
names, — the boundaries. The root of the difiBculty was in the resolu-
tion of Congress passed in October, 1780, which fixed the boundaries
of the ceded lands to be from one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles
square. These resolutions being presented to the Legislatures of Vir-
ginia and Massachusetts, they desired a change, and in July, 1786, the
subject was taken up in Congress, and changed to favor a division into
not more than five states, and uQt less than three. This was approved by
the State Legislature of Virginia.
The subject of the Government was again taken up by Congress in
1786, and discussed throughout that year and until July, 1787, when the
famous ^^ Compact of 1787 " was passed, and the foundation of the gov-
ernment of the Northwest laid. This compact is fully discussed and
explained in the history of Ohio in this book, and to it the reader is re-
ferred.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
THE N0BTHWE8T TSBBITOBY. 58
The passage of this act and the grant to the New England Company
was soon followed by an application to the Government by John Cleyes
Symmes, of New Jersey, for a grant of the land between the Miamis.
This gentleman had visited these lands soon after the treaty of 1786, and,
being greatly pleased with them, offered similar terms to those given to
the New England Company. The petition was referred to the Treasury
Board with power to act, and a contract was concluded the following
year.
During the Autumn the directors of the New England Company
were preparing to occupy their grant the following Spring, and upon the
23d of November made arrangements for a party of forty*seven men,
under the superintendency of G^n. Rufus Putnam, to set forward. Six
boat-builders were to leave at once, and on the first of January the sur-
veyors and their assistants, twenty-six in number, were to meet at Hart-
ford and proceed on their journey westward ; the remainder to follow as
soon as possible. Congress, in the meantime, upon the 8d of October,
had ordered seven hundred troops for defense of the western settlers, and
to prevent unauthorized intrusions ; and two days later appointed Arthur
St. Clair Qovemor of the Territory of the Northwest.
AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS.
The civil organisation of the Northwest Territory was now com-
plete, and notwithstanding the uncertainty of Indian afiSairs, settlers from
the East began to come into the country rapidly. The New England
Company sent their men during the Winter of 1787-8 pressing on over
the Alleghenies by the old Indian path which had been opened into
Braddock^s road, and which has since been made a national turnpike
from Cumberland westward. Through the weary winter days they toiled
on, and by April were all gathered on the Youghiogheny, where boats had
been built, and at once started for the Muskingum. Here they arrived
on the 7th of that month, and unless the Moravian missionaries be regarded
as the pioneers of Ohio, this little band can justly claim that honor.
Qen. St. Clair, the appointed Grovemor of the Northwest, not having
yet arrived, a set of laws were passed, written out, and published by
being nailed to a tree in the embryo town, and Jonathan Meigs appointed
to administer them.
Washington in writing of this, the first American settlement in the
Northwest, said: "No colony in America was ever settled under such
favorable auspices as that which has just commenced at Muskingum,
Information, property and strength will be its characteristics. I know
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64 THE NORTHWEST TEBBITOBY.
many of its settlers personally, and there never were men better calculated
to promote the welfare of such a community."
On the 2d of July a meeting of the directors and agents was held on
the banks of the Muskingum, ^^ for the purpose of naming the new-born
city and its squares." As yet the settlement was known as the ^^ Mus-
kingum," but that was now changed to the name Marietta, in honor
of Marie Antoinette, The square upon which the block-houses stood
was called ^^ CamptM Marttua;^^ square number 19, ^^ Capitolium ;^^
square number 61, ^^ Cecilia ;^^ and the great road through the covert
way, " Sacra ViaJ^ Two days after, an oration was delivered by James
M. Yarnum, who with S. H. Parsons and John Armstrong had been
appointed to the judicial bench of the territory on the 16th of October,
1787. On July 9, Gov. St. Clair arrived, and the colony began to assume
form. The act of 1787 provided two district grades of government for
the Northwest, under the first of which the whole power was invested in
the hands of a governor and three district judges. This was immediately
formed upon the Governor's arrival, and the first laws of the colony
passed on the 25th of July. These provided for the organization of
the militia, and on the next day appeared the Governor's proclamation,
erecting all that country that had been ceded by the Indians east of the
Scioto River into the County of Washington. From that time forward^
notwithstanding the doubts yet existing as to the Indians, all Marietta
prospered, and on the 2d of September the first court of the territory was
held with imposing ceremonies.
The emigration westward at this time was very great. The com-
mander at Fort Harmer, at the mouth of the Muskingum, reported four
thousand five hundred persons as having passed that post between Feb-
ruary and June, 1788 — many of whom would have purchased of the
^* Associates," as the New England Company was called, had they beeii
ready to receive them.
On the 26th of November, 1787, Symmes issued a pamphlet stating
the terms of his contract and the' plan of sale he intended to adopt. In
January, 1788, Matthias Denman, of New Jersey, took an active interest
in Symmes* purchase, and located among other tracts the sections upon
which Cincinnati has been built. Retaining one-third of this locality, he
sold the other two-thirds to Robert Patterson and John Filson, and the
three, about August, commenced to lay out a town on the spot, which
was designated as being opposite Licking River, to the mouth of which
they proposed to have a road cut from Lexipgton. The naming of the
town is thus narrated in the " Western Annals " : — " Mr. Filson, who had
been a schoolmaster, was appointed to name the town, and, in respect to
its situation, and as if with a prophetic perception of the mixed race that
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THB l^OBTHWBST TEBBITOBY. 65
were to inhabit it in after days, he named it Losantiville, which, being
interpreted, means : vUle^ the town ; anti^ against or opposite to ; os^ the
mouth ; L. of Licking."
Meanwhile, in July, Symmes got thirty persons and eight four-horse
teams under way from the West. These reached Limestone (now Mays-
yille) in September, where were several persons from Redstone. Here
Mr. Symmes tried to found a settlement, but the great freshet of 1789
caused the ^^ Point," as it was and is yet called, to be fifteen feet under
water, and the settlement to be abandoned. The little band of settlers
reMoyed to the mouth of the Miami. Before Symmes and his colony left
the ^^ Point," two settlements had been made on his purchase. The first
was by Mr. Stiltes, the original projector of the whole plan, who, with a
colony of Redstone people, had located at the mouth of the Miami,
whither Symmes went with his Maysville colony. Here a clearing had
been made by the Indians owing to the great fertility of the soil. Mr.
Stiltes with his colony came to this place on the 18th of November, 1788,
with twenty-six persons, and, building a block-house, prepared to remain
through the Winter. They named the settlement Columbia. Here they
were kindly treated by the Indians, bat sufiEered greatly from the flood
of 1789.
On the 4th of March, 1789, the Constitution of the United States
went into operation, and on April 30, George Washington was inau-
gurated President of the American people, and during the next Summer,
an Indian war was commenced by the tribes north of the Ohio. The
President at first used pacific means ; but these failing, he sent General
Harmer against the hostile tribes. He destroyed several villages, but
was defeated in two battles, near the present City of Fort Wayne,
Indiana. From this time till the close of 1795, the principal events were
the wars with the various Indian tribes. In 1796, General St. .Clair
was appointed in command, and marched against the Indians; but while
he was encamped on a stream, the St. Mary, a branch of the Maumee,
he was attacked and defeated with the loss of six hundred men.
General Wayne was now sent against the savages. In August, 1794,
he met them near the rapids of the Maumee, and gained a complete
victory. This success, followed by vigorous measures, compelled the
Indians to sue for peace, and on the 30th of July, the following year, the
treaty of Greenville was signed by the principal chiefs, by which a large
tract of country was ceded to the United States.
Before proceeding in our narrative, we will pause to notice Fort
Washington, erected in the early part of this war on the site of Cincinnati.
Nearly all of the great cities of the Northwest, and indeed of the
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56 THB K0BTHWE8T TERBITOBY.
whole country, have had their nudei in those rude pioneer structures,
known as forts or stockades. Thus Forts Dearborn, Washington, Pon*
chartrain, mark the original sites of the now proud Cities of Chicago,
Cincinnati and Detroit. So of most of the flourishing cities east and west
of the Mississippi. Fort Washington, erected by Doughty in 1790, was a
rude but highly interesting structure. It was composed of a number of
strongly-built hewed log cabins. Those designed for soldiers' barracks
were a story and a half high, while those composing the officers quarters
were more imposing and more conveniently arranged and furnished.
The whole were so placed as to form a hollow square, enclosing about an
acre of ground, with a block house at each of the four angles.
The logs for the construction of this fort were cut from the ground
upon which it was erected. It stood between Third and Fourth Streets
of the present city (Cincinnati) extending east of Eastern Row, now
Broadway, which was then a narrow alley, and the eastern boundary of
of the town as it was originally laid out. On the bank of the river,
immediately in front of the fort, was an appendage of the fort, called the
Artificer's Yard. It contained about two acres of ground, enclosed by
small contiguous buildings, occupied by workshops and quarters of
laborers. Within this enclosure there was a large two-story frame house,
familiarly called the " Yellow House," built for the accommodation of
the Quartermaster General. For many years this was* the best finished
and most commodious edifice in the Queen City. Fort Washington was
for some time the headquarters of both the civil and military governments
of the Northwestern Territory.
Following the consummation of the treaty various gigantic land spec-
ulations were entered into by different persons, who hoped to obtain
from the Indians in Michigan and northern Indiana, large tracts of lands.
These were generally discovered in time to prevent the outrageous
schemes from being carried out, and from involving the settlers in war.
On October 27, 1795, the treaty between the United States and Spain
was signed, whereby the free navigation of the Mississippi was secured.
No sooner had the treaty of 1795 been ratified than settlements began
to pour rapidly into the West. The great event of the year 1796 was the
occupation of that part of the Northwest including Michigan, which was
this year, under the provisions of the treaty, evacuated by the British
forces. The United States, owing to certain conditions, did not feel
justified in addressing the authorities in Canada in relation to Detroit
and other frontier posts. When at last the British authorities were
called to give them up, they at once complied, and General Wayne, who
had done so much to preserve the frontier settlements, and who, before
the year's close, sickened and died near Erie, transferred his head-
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THE NOBTUWEST TEBBITOBT. 57
qnarters to the neighborhood of the lakes, where a county named after
him was fonned, which included the northwest of Ohio, all of Michigan,
and the northeast of Indiana. During this same year settlements were
formed at the present City of Chillicothe, along the Miami from Middle-
town to Piqua, while in the more distant West, settlers and speculators
b^an to appear in great numbers. In September, the City of Cleveland
was laid out, and during the Summer and Autumn, Samuel Jackson and
Jonathan Sharpless erected the first manufsu^tory of paper — the *^ Red-
stone Paper Mill" — in the West. St. Louis contained some seventy
houses, and Detroit over three hundred, and along the river, contiguous
to it, were more than three thousand inhabitants, mostly French Canadians,
Indians and half-breeds, scarcely any Americans venturing yet into that
part of the Northwest.
The election of representatives for the territory had taken place,
and on the 4th of February, 1799, they convened at LosantiviUe — now
known as Cincinnati, having been named so by Gk>v. St. Clair, and
considered the capital of the Territory — ^to nominate persons from whom
the members of the Legislature were to be chosen in accordance with
a previous ordinance. This nomination being made, the Assembly
adjourned until the 16th of the following September. From those named
the President selected as members of the council, Henry Vandenburg,
of Vincennes, Robert Oliver, of Marietta, James Findlay and Jacob
Burnett, of Cincinnati, and David Vance, of Vanceville. On the 16th
of September the Territorial Legislature met, and on the 24th the two
houses were duly organized, Henry Vandenburg being elected President
of the Council.
The message of Grov. St. Clair was addressed to the Legislature
September 20th, and on October 13th that body elected as a delegate to
Congress Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison, who received eleven of the votes
cast, being a majority of one over his opponent, Arthur St. Clair, son of
Gren. St. Clair.
The whole number of acts passed at this session, and approved by
the Grovemor, were thirty-seven — eleven others were passed, but received
his veto. The most important of those passed related to the militia, to
the administration, and to taxation. On the 19th of December this pro-
tracted session of the first Legislature in the West was closed, and on the
30th of December the President nominated Charles Willing Bryd to the
office of Secretary of the Territory vice Wm. Henry Harrison, elected to
Conc:re8S. The Senate confirmed his nomination the next day.
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58 THE KOBTHWB8T TEBBTTOBY.
DIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
The increased emigration to the Northwest, the extent of the domun,
and the inconvenient modes of travel, ipade it very difficult to conduct
the ordinary operations of government, and rendered the efficient action
of courts almost impossible. To remedy this, it was deemed advisable to
divide the territory for civil purposes. Congress, in 1800, appointed a
committee to examine the question and report some means for its solution.
This committee, on the 3d of March, reported thai :
^^In the three western countries there has been but one court having
cognizance of crimes, in five years, and the immunity which offenders
experience attracts, as to an asylum, the most vile and abandoned crim-
inals, and at the same time deters useful citizens from making settlements
in such society. The extreme necessity of judiciary attention and assist-
ance is experienced in civil as well as in criminal cases. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ To
minister a remedy to these and other evils, it occurs to this committee
that it is expedient that a division of said territory into two distinct and
separate governments should be made ; and that such division be made
by a line beginning at the mouth of the Great Miami River, running
directly north until it intersects the boundary between the United States
and Canada. "^
The report was accepted by Congress, and, in accordance with its
suggestions, that body passed an Act extinguishing the Northwest Terri-
tory, which Act was approved May 7. Among its provisions were these :
" That from and after July 4 next, all that part of the Territory of
the United States northwest of the Ohio River, which lies to the westward
of a line beginning at a point on the Ohio, opposite to the mouth of the
Kentucky River, and running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north
until it shall intersect the territorial line between the United States and
Canada, shall, for the purpose of temporary government, constitute a
separate territory, and be called the Indiana Territory."
After providing for the exercise of the civil and criminal powers of
the territories, and other provisions, the Act further provides :
" That until it shall otherwise be ordered by the Legislatures of the
said Territories, respectively, Chillicothe on the Scioto River shall be the
seat of government of the Territory of the United States northwest of the
Ohio River ; and that St. Vincennes on the Wabash River shall be the
seat of government for the Indiana Territory."
Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison was appointed Governor of the Indiana
Territoiy, and entered upon his duties about a year later. Connecticut
also about this time released her claims to the reserve, and in March a law
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THE N0BTHWE8T TEBBITOBY. 59
#
iras passed accepting this cession. Settlements had been made upon
thirty-five of the townships in the reserve, mills had been built, and seven
hundred miles of road cut in various directions. On the 3d of November
the Greneral Assembly met at Chillicothe. Near the close of the year,
the first missionary of the Conuecticut Reserve came, who found no
township containing more than eleven families. It was upon the first of
October that the secret treaty had been made between Napoleon and the
King of Spain, whereby the latter agreed to cede to France the province
of Louisiana.
In January, 1802, the Assembly of the Northwestern Territory char-
tered the college at Athens. From "the earliest dawn of the western
colonies, education was promptly provided for, and as early as 1787,
newspapers were issued fix>m Pittsburgh and Kentucky, and largely read
throughout the frontier settlements. Before the cIosq of this year, the
Congress of the United Stated granted to the citizens of the Northwestern
territory the formation of a State government. One of the provisions of
the " compact of 1787" provided that whenever the number of inhabit-
ants within prescribed limits exceeded 45,000, they should be entitled to
a separate government. The prescribed limits of Ohio contained, from a
census taken to ascertain the legality of the act, more than that number,
and on the 30th of April, 1802, Congress passed the act defining its limits,
and on the 29th of November the Constitution of the new State of Ohio,
so named from the beautiful river forming its southern boundary, came
into ezbtence. The exact limits of Lake Michigan were not then known,
but the territory now included within the State of Michigan was wholly
within the territory of Indiana.
Gen. Harrison, while residing at Vincennes, made several treaties
with the Indians, thereby gaining large tracts of lands. The next year is
memorable in the history of the West for the purchase of Louisiana from
Prance by the United States for W5,000,000. Thus by a peaceful mode,
the domain of the United States was extended over a large tract of
country west of the Mississippi, and was for a time under the jurisdiction
of the Northwest government, and, as has been mentioned in the early
part of this narrative, was called the *'New Northwest." The limits
of this history will not allow a description of its territory. The same year
large grants of land were obtained from the Indians, and the House of
Representatives of the new State of Ohio signed a bill respecting the
College Township in the district of Cincinnati.
Before the close of the year. Gen. Harrison obtained additional
grants of lands from the various Indian nations in Indiana and the present
limits of Illinois, and on the 18th of August, 1804, completed a treaty at
St. Louis, whereby over 61,000,000 acres of lands were obtained from the
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60 THE KOBTHWBST nSBBITOBY.
aborigines. Measures were also taken to learn the condition of affairs in
and about Detroit.
C. Jouett, the Indian agent in Michigan, still a part of Indiana Terri-
toiy, reported as follows upon the condition of matters at that post :
"The Town of Detroit. — The charter, which is for fifteen miles
square, was granted in the time of Louis XIV. of France, and is now,
from the best information I have been able to get, at Quebec. Of those
two hundred and twenty-five acres, only four are occupied by the town
and Fort Lenault. The remainder is a common, except twenty-four
acres, which were added twenty years ago to a farm belonging to Wm.
Macomb. ♦ ♦ ♦ A stockade infcloses the town, fort and citadel. The
pickets, as well as the public houses, are in a state of gradual decay. The
streets are narrow, straight and regular, and intersect each other at right
angles. The houses are, for the most part, low and inelegant."
During this year, Congress granted a township of land for the sup-
port of a college, and began to offer inducements for settlers in these
wilds, and the country now comprising the State of Michigan began to
fill rapidly with settlers along its southern borders. This same year, also,
a law was passed organizing the Southwest Territory, dividing it into two
portions, the Territory of New Orleans, which city was made the seat of
government, and the District of Louisiana, which was annexed to the
domain of Gen. Harrison.
On the 11th of January, 1805, the Territory of Michigan was formed,
Wm. Hull was appointed governor, with headquarters at Detroit, the
change to take effect on June 30. On the 11th of that month, a fire
occurred at Detroit, which destroyed almost every building in the place.
When the oflBcers of the new territory reached the post, they found it in
ruins, and the inhabitants scattered throughout the country. Rebuild-
ing, however, soon commenced, and ere long the town contained more
houses than before the fire, and many of them much better built.
While this was being done, Indiana had passed to the second grade
of government, and through her General Assembly had obtained large
tracts of land from the Indian tribes. To all this the celebrated Indian,
Tecumthe or Tecumseh, vigorously protested, and it was the main cause
of his attempts to unite the various Indian tribes in a conflict with the
settlers. To obtain a full account of these attempts, the workings of the
British, and the signal failure, culminating in the death of Tecumseh at
the battle of the Thames, and the close of the war of 1812 in the Northwest,
we will step aside in our story, and relate the principal events of his life»
and his connection with this conflict.
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THE K0BTHWB8T TBBBITOBY. 61
TECUMSEH, AND THE WAR OF 1812.
This £amouB Indian chief was bom about the year 1768, not far from
the site of the present city of Springfield, Ohio. His father, Puckeshinwa,
was a member of the Kisopok tribe of the Swanoese nation, and his
mother, Methontaske, was a member of the Turtle tribe of the same
people. They removed from Florida about the middle of the last century
to the birthplace of Tecumseh. In 1774, his father, who had risen to be
chief, was shun at the battle of Point Pleasant, and not long after Tecum-
seh, by his bravery, became the leader of his tribe. In 1795 he was
declared chief, and then lived at Deer Creek, near the site of the
present City of Urbana. He remained here about one year, when he
returned to Piqua, and in 1798, he went to White River, Indiana. In
1805, he and his brother, Laulewasikan (Open Door), who had announced
himself as a prophet, went to a tract of land on the Wabash River, given
them by the Pottawatomies and Kickapoos. From this date the chief
comes into prominence. He was now about thirty-seven years of age,
was five feet and ten inches in height, was stoutly built, and possessed of
enormQus powers of endurance. His coimtenance was naturally pleas-
ing, and he was, in general, devoid of those savage attributes possessed
by most Indians. It is stated he could read and write, and had a confi-
dential secretary and adviser, named Billy Caldwell, a half-breed, who
afterward became chief of the Pottawatomies. He occupied the first
house built on the site of Chicago. At this time, Tecumseh entered
upon the great work of his life. He had long objected to the grants of
land made by the Indians to the whites, and determined to unite all the
Indian tribes into a league, in order that no treaties or grants of land
could be made save by the consent of this confederation.
He traveled constantly, going &om north to south ; from the south
to the north, everywhere urging the Indians to this step. He was a
matchless orator, and his burning words had their effect.
Gren. Harrison, then Grovemor of Indiana, by watching the move-
ments of the Indians, became convinced that a grand conspiracy was
forming, and made preparations to defend the settlements. Tecumselfs
plan was similar to Pontiac's, elsewhere described, and to the cunning
artifice of that chieftain was added his own sagacity.
During the year 1809, Tecumseh and the prophet were actively pre-
paring for the work. In that year. Gen. Harrison entered into a treaty
with the Delawares, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Miamis, Eel River Indians
and Weas, in which these tribes ceded to the whites certain lands upon
the Wabash, to all of which Tecumseh entered a bitter protest, averring
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62 THE NORTHWEST TEEEITOEY.
as one principal reason that he did not want the Indians to give up any
lands north and west of the Ohio River. .
Tecumseh, in August, 1810, visited the General at Vincennes and
held a council relating to the grievances of the Indians. Becoming unduly
angry at this conference he was dismissed from the village, and soon after
departed to incite the southern Indian tribes to the conflict.
Gen. Harrison determined to move upon the chiefs headquarters at
Tippecanoe, and for this purpose went about sixty-five miles up the
Wabash, where he built Fort Harrison. From this place he went to the
Prophet's town, where he informed the Indians he had no hostile inten-
tions, provided they were true to the existing treaties. He encamped
near the village early in October, and on the morning of November 7, he
was attacked by a large force of the Indians, and the famous battle of
Tippecanoe occurred. The Indians were routed and their town broken
up. Tecumseh returning not long after, was greatly exasperated at his
brother, the Prophet, even threatening to kill him for rashly precipitating
the war, and foiling his (Tecumseh's) plans.
Tecumseh sent word to Gen. Harrison that he was now returned
from the South, and was ready to visit the President as had at one time
previously been proposed. Gen. Harrison informed him he could not
go as a chief, which method Tecumseh desired, and the visit was never
made. In June of the following year, he visited the Indian agent at
Fort Wayne. Here he disavowed any intention to make a war against
the United States, and reproached Gen.^Harrison for marching against his
people. The agent replied to this ; Tecumseh listened with a cold indif-
ference, and after making a few general remarks, with a haughty air drew
his blanket about him, left the council house, and departed for Fort Mai*
den, in Upper Canada, where he joined the British standard.
In the Summer of 1818, Perry's victory on Lake Erie occurred, and
shortly after active preparations were made to capture Maiden. On the
27th of September, the American army, under Gen. Harrison, set sail for
the shores of Canada, and in a few hours stood around the ruins of Mai-
den, from which the British army, under Proctor, had retreated to Sand-
wich, intending to make its way to the heart of Canada by the Valley of
the Thames. On the 29th Gen. Harrison was at Sandwich, and Gen.
McArthur took possession of Detroit and the territory of Michigan.
The pursuit of Proctor began October 2. He was overtaken on the
5th at the Thames. Tecumseh fell * in that battle and British power
was forever broken, Canada alone being left them, as the Americans had
no orders to follow up their victory eastward. Burr's incipient
insurrection of 1805 was quelled, and the murderer of the eloquent
Hamilton driven from his beautiful island fortress in the Ohio River.
« Soppoeed at the bands of Col. B. M. Jobnson of Kentacky.
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THE K0BTHWB8T TEBBITOBY. 63^
In January, 1807, Governor Hull, of Michigan Territory, made a
treaty with the Indians, whereby all that peninsula was ceded to the
United States. Before the close of the year, a stockade was built about
Detroit. It was also during this year that Indiana and Illinois endeavored
to obtain the repeal of that section of the compact of 1787, whereby
slavery was excluded from the Northwest Territory. These attempts,
however, all signally failed.
In 1809 it was deemed advisable to divide the Indiana Territory.
This was done, and the Territory of Illinois was formed from the western
part, the seat of government being fixed at Kaskaskia. The next year^
the intentions of Tecumseh manifested themselves in open hostilities, and
tiien began the events already narrated.
While this war was in progress, emigration to the West went on witL
surprising rapidity. In 1811, under Mr. Roosevelt of New York, the
first steamboat trip was made on the Ohio, much to the astonishment of
the natives, many of whom fled in terror at the appearance of the
" monster." It arrived at Louisville on the 10th day of October. At the
close of the first week of January, 1812, it arrived at Natchez, after being
nearly overwhelmed in the great earthquake which occurred while on ita
downward trip.
The battle of the Thames was fought on October 6, 1813. It
effectually closed hostilities in the Northwest, although peace was not
fully restored until July 22, 1814, when a treaty was formed at Green-
ville, under the direction of Greneral Harrison, between the United States
and the Indian tribes, in which it was stipulated that the Indians should
cease hostilities against the Americans if the war were continued. Such,
happily, was not the case, and on the 24th of December the treaty
of Ghent was signed by the representatives of England and the United
States. This treaty was followed the next year by treaties with varioua
Indian tribes throughout the West and Northwest, and quiet was again
restored in this part of the new world.
On the 18th of March, 1816, Pittsburgh was incorporated as a city.
It then had a population of 8,000 people, and was already noted for ita
manufacturing interests. On April 19, Indiana Territory was allowed
to form a state government. At that time there were thirteen counties
organized, containing about sixty-three thousand inhabitants. The first
election of state oflftcers was held in August, when Jonathan Jenninga
was chosen Gx)vemor. The officers were sworn in on November 7, and
on December 11, the State was formally admitted into the Union. For
some time the seat of government was at Corydon, but a more central
location being desirable, the present capital, Indianapolis (City of Indiana),,
was laid out January 1, 1825.
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64 THE NORTHWEST TEBBIT0B7.
Oq the 28th of December the Bank of niinois, at Shawneetown, was
chartered, with a capital of $300,000. At this period ail banks were
under the control of the States, and were allowed to establish branches
at different conyenient points.
Until this time ChUlicothe and Cincinnati had in turn enjoyed the
privileges of being the capital of Ohio. But the rapid settlement of the
northern and eastern portions of the State demanded, as in Indiana, a
more central location, and before the close of the year, the site of Col-
umbus was selected and surveyed as the future capital of the State.
Banking had begun in Ohio as early as 1808, when the first bank was
chartered at Marietta, but here as elsewhere it did not bring to the state
the hoped-for assistance. It and other banks were subsequently unable
to redeem their currency, and were obliged to suspend.
In 1818, Illinois was made a state, and all the territory north of her
northern limits was erected into a separate territory and joined to Mich-
igan for judicial purposes. By the following year, navigation of the lakes
was increasing with great rapidity and affording an immense source of
revenue to the dwellers in the Northwest, but it was not until 1826 that
the trade was extended to Lake Michigan, or that steamships began to
navigate the bosom of that inland sea.
Until the year 1832, the commencement of the Black Hawk War,
but few hostilities were experienced with the Indians. Roads were
opened, canals were dug, cities were built, common schools were estab-
lished, universities were founded, many of which, especially the Michigan
University, have achieved a world wide-reputation. The people were
becoming wealthy. The domains of the United States had been extended,
and had the sons of the forest been treated with honesty and justice, the
record of many years would have been that of peace and continuous pros*
perity.
BLACK HAWK AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR.
This conflict, though confined to Illinois, is an important epoch in
the Northwestern history, being the last war with the Indians in this part
of the United States.
Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or Black Hawk, was born in the principal
Sac village, about three miles from the junction of Rock River with the
Mississippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa or Pahaes ;
his grandfather's, Na-na-ma-kee, or the Thunderer. Black Hawk early
distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of fifteen was permitted
to paint and was ranked among the braves. About the year 1783, he
went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one
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THE NOBTHWB8T TEBBITOBT. 65
of whom he killed and scalped, and for this deed of Indian bravery he was
permitted to join in the scalp dance. Three or four years after he, at the
head of two hundred braves, went on another expedition against the
Osages, to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to
his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce
battle ensued, in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The
Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. He next attacked the Cherokees
for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them, near the present City
of St. Louis, his father was slain, and Black Hawk, taking possession of
the ^^ Medicine Bag," at once announced himself chief of the Sac nation.
He had now conquered the Cherokees, and about the year 1800, at the
head of five hundred Sacs and Foxes, and a hundred lowas, he waged
war against the Osage nation and subdued it. For two years he battled
successfully with other Indian tribes, all of whom he conquered.
Black Hawk does not at any time seem to have been friendly to
the Americans. When on a visit to St. Louis to see his *^ Spanish
Father," he declined to see any of the Americiuis, alleging, as a reason^
he did not want two fathers.
The treaty at St. Louis was consummated in 1804. The next year the
United States Grovemment erected a fort near the head of the Des Moines
Rapids, called Fort Edwards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk, who
at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the west side of
the Bfississippi above the mouth of the Des Moines River. The fort was
garrisoned by about fifty men. Here he was defeated. The difficulties
with the British Government arose about this time, and the War of 1812
followed. That government, extending aid to the Western Indians, by
giving them arms and ammunition, induced them to remain hostile to the
Americans. In August, 1812, Black Hawk, at the head of about five
hundred braves, started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing on
his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn Massacre
had a few days before occurred. Of his connection with the British
Grovemment but little is known. In 1813 he with his little band descended
the Mississippi, and attacking some United States troops at Fort Howard
was defeated.
In the early part of 1815, the Indian tribes west of the Mississippi
were notified that peace had been declared between the United States
and England, and nearly all hostilities had ceased. Black Hawk did not
sign any treaty, however, until May of the following year. He then recog-
nized the validity of the treaty at St. Louis in 1804. From the time of
signing this treaty in 1816, until the breaking out of the war in 1832, he
and his band passed their time in the common pursuits of Indian life.
Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and Fox
4
Digitized by VjOOQIC
66 THE NOBTHWBST TERBTTORT.
Indians were urged to join the lowas on the west bank of the Father of
Waters. All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of
which Black Hawk was leader. He strenuously objected to the removal,
and was induced to comply only after being threatened with the power of
the Government. This and various actions on the part of the white set-
tlers provoked Black Hawk and his band to attempt the capture of his^
liative village now occupied by the whites. The war followed. He and
his actions were undoubtedly misunderstood, and had his wishes been
acquiesced in at the beginning of the struggle, much bloodshed would
have been prevented.
Black Hawk was chief now of the Sac and Fox nations, and a noted
warrior. He and his tribe inhabited a village on Rock River, nearly three
miles above its confluence with the Mississippi, where the tribe had lived
many generations. When that portion of Illinois was reserved to them^
they remained in peaceable possession of their reservation, spending their
time in the enjoyment of Indian life. The fine situation of their village
and the quality of theit lands incited the more lawless white settlers, who*
from time to time began to encroach upon the red men's domain. From
one pretext to another, and from one step to another, the crafty white
men gained a foothold, Until through whisky and artifice they obtained
deeds from many of the Indians for their possessions. The Indians were
finally induced to cross over the Father of Waters and locate among the
lowas. Black Hawk was strenuously opposed to all this, but as the
authorities of Illinois and the United States thought this the best move, he
was forced to comply. Moreover other tribes joined the whites and urged
the removal. Black Hawk would not agree to the terms of the treaty
made with his nation for their lands, and as soon as the military, called to
enforce his removal, had retired, he returned to the Illinois side of the
river. A large force was at once raised and marched against him. On
the evening of May 14, 1832, the first engagement occurred between a
band from this army and Black Hawk's band, in which the former were
defeated.
This attack and its result aroused the whites. A large force of men
was raised, and Gen. Scott hastened from the seaboard, by way of the
lakes, with United States troops and artillery to aid in the subjugation of
the Indians. On the 24th of June, Black Hawk, with 200 warriors, was
repulsed by Major Demont between Rock River and Galena. The Ameri-
can army continued to move up Rock River toward the main body of
the Indians, and on the 21st of July came upon Black Hawk and his band,
and defeated them near the. Blue Mounds.
Before this action, Gen. Henry, in command, sent word to the main
army by whom he was immediately rejoined, and the whole crossed the
Digitized by LjOOQIC
THE NORTHWEST TERBITOEY. 67
Wisoonsin in porsuit of Black Hawk and his band who were fleeing to the
Mississippi. They were overtaken on the 2d of August, and in the battle
which followed the power of the Indian chief was completely broken. He
fled, but was seized by the Winnebagoes and delivered to the whites.
On the 21st of September, 1832, Gen. Scott and Gov. Reynolds con-
cluded a treaty with the Winnebf^oes, Sacs and Foxes by which they
ceded to the United States a vast tract of country, and agreed to remain
peaceable with the whites. For the faithful performance of the provi-
sions of this treaty on the part of the Indians, it was stipulated that
Black Hawk, his two sons, the prophet Wabokieshiek, and six other chiefs
of the hostile bands should be retained as hostages during the pleasure
of the President. They were confined at Fort Barracks and put in irons.
The next Spring, by order of the Secretary of War, they were taken
to Washington. From there they were removed to Fortress Monroe,
^^ there to remain until the conduct of their nation was such as to justify
their being set at liberty." They were retained here until the 4th of
June, when the authorities directed them to be taken to the principal
cities so that they might see the folly of contending against the white «
people. Everywhere they were observed by thousands, the name of the
old chief being extensively known. By the middle of August they
reached Fort Armstrong on Rock Island, where Black Hawk was soon
after released to go to his countrymen. As he passed the site of his birth-
place, now the home of the white man, he was deeply moved. His villa^q^e
where he was born, where he had so happily lived, and where he had
hoped to die, was now another's dwelling place, and he was a wanderer.
On the next day after his release, he went at once to his tribe and
his lodge. His wife was yet living, and with her he passed the remainder
of his dayB. To his credit it may be said that Black Hawk always re-
mained true to his wife, and served her with a devotion uncommon among
the Indians, living with her upward of forty years.
Black Hawk now passed his time hunting and fishing. A deep mel-
ancholy had settled over him from which he could not be freed. . At all
times when he visited the whites he was received with marked atten-
tion. He was an honored guest at the old settlers' reunion in Lee County,
Illinois, at some of their meetings, and received many tokens of esteem.
In September, 1838, while on his way to Rock Island to receive his
annuity from the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted
in a fatal attack of bilious fever which terminated his life on October 3.
His faithful wife, who was devotedly attached to him, mourned deeply
during his sickness. After his death he was dressed in the uniform pre-
sented to him by the President while in Washington. He was buried iu
a grave six feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. ^^ The
Digitized by LjOOQIC
68 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture, upon a
seat constructed for the purpose. On his left side, the cane, given him
by Henry Clay, was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it.
Many of the old warrior's trophies were placed in the grave, and some
Indian garments, together with his favorite weapons/' /
No sooner was the Black Hawk war concluded than settlers began
rapidly to pour into the northern parts of Illinois, and into Wisconsin,
now free from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had
grown to a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into prominence.
In 1835, the formation of a State Grovemment in Michigan was discussed,
but did not take active form until two years later, when the State became
a part of the Federal Union.
The main attraction to that portion of the Northwest lying west of
Lake Michigan, now included in the State of Wisconsin, was its alluvial
wealth. Copper ore was found about Lake Superior* For some time this
region was attached to Michigan for judiciary purposes, but in 1836 was
made a territory, then including Minnesota and Iowa. The latter State
was detached two years later. In 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as a
State, Madison being made the capital. We have now traced the various
divisions of the Northwest Territory (save a little in Minnesota) from
the time it was a unit comprising this vast territory, until circumstances
compelled its present division.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
69
POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATEa
BqCABX
Alab«ti» -
Fiorlda ,.-
Eentuckf .,« — ,..
MurUod ^.... ....
KBdubafctti .....
K«b»fc«., ...
^_t^■m lluictpihkv..
Jfew Jei»«j.. .-
2iiw Y'^ork — .
Olufi ...,.
55,7^2
02, IDS
2,130
41,346
Ul.TTe
n.lB4
7.SM0
56,451
B3,591
47,1M
75,995
I12,09<i
8,32U
4T,ti0a
S0,7D4
»,964
POPULATIOX,
IfiTO,
996,993
184,471
mSM7
IftSO,
fi^,4M
]2G,015
lll7,?4a,
1,1S1,109'
i,539iS9l
i.eso.ea'J
1,1&1.792
7a6*9JS
Sa6,!>15
1,457,351
i,ia4.^>&d
4j4»,70e
827*&aa
1,721,293
123,9da
42,41)1
31S,30(f
4,3S'JJ5S
1,071,381
2,G6S,2«0
1812.
1,802
I,262,fi06
aftl,634:!*^6
lM,32r 2,274
fi^.7(«
2e!^,49a
1,512,160
H,077,^71
l,yT8.301
l,54a.6W
278
793
2,5P1
8,325
4*764
«,112
a,718
1,714
99S
4»:^.4a;i
G2.a0b
34G,;»9]
i.m.iifl
5,062,871
1,3S9,7GO
3,198,002
S48.it3fl 1,02J
934,^^.047
l,783.05i'il 1,934
7H:>,T73 3,cta(J
l,lSl,a!»7 1,231
2,168.3804,2;]
STATES AlfC
Oregon ^...,
re(diifl>LTaDia
Hhodt! IftUiid.........
Sdutb f'aniUna....,^
Teaoefiaett
Tevu..
Virginia
Wesi Vir^giDiiu......
Wtocopsln-
ToUl Eta.Ua .
2,310
1,7S3
6,278
1,613
6,ft63
TERBITOniKB.
I ArUtiua.H ^
CoIotadA .,,,
Iiakotp. ,.,,
DbEriciofColumbi*
IdillCJ ,.,......
Sew .Mexio<i™*....
Utah
WiLihiDgton ,.
ue.'j^oas
TcrtftlTerritoriei.
Aggregate of U. S... 2*915,203
MILLS.
95,244
46 .OW
i,;*o6
29,3gft
45,600
2S7,604
10,212
40,9(M
23vQ0O
09,934
1,950,171
in,9l6
104,500
147,490
60
50,932
143,776
121^1
90,066
69.944
99,107
FiOPUU^TIOII,
1870.
38SO.
90,9*231
3,521,791
21T,»«3
T05,6OS
1,25S,&20,
»1§,&79'
330,&5l
1,225,163,
442^014 I
1,054,67*
174,76&
4,232,891
27&,5ai
996,577
].542,;i59
l,59l,74H
332,286
1,512,065
618,427
l,315,4fl7
B. ft.
1883.
35,1 13^3631.,
9,65i
319, B64
14,1&J
131,700
14,990
ill, 874
86,7 1$€
23,955
9,1[8
40,440
135,177
177,634
32,610
59 J 59
119,565
143,W$
75,110
30,7M9
443.730.
38,605,983 GO, 1S«J83
6,eao
1,4B3
l,S7a
5,344
915
2,193
711
3,4U
i.flaa
975
908
479
5sa
PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD.
POPULATION AlVD AULA.
COUNTRIES.
iTidi*-..-
Gcrmaa Empirci ....t.,..
'Tiakej^. .....»„««.....
AufUik 4Dd EimgKrr .- ..,
Fivoee ~^..,.. ,.... ,...».».,....
JSMD -+^*-- .1 +- . »... . . .-F,. - *.,<", p^.».. . ».
«>nAt BrlUln Mud Iraluid.....
11*1 J ..-.«*.. .. — ....„ .„
f«TP«
mitito ^.^...^ ....«.*.
and Norway .
niA
F<MlMc»l *,...
Hfeminloa of Cuiada..
iFclAflTU&ds ^ . ..
BmtQ&fk .....,....^.. ....... ......
Arff ntiue GoniMenttitkii .
SmS» ^ ..
^^
AREA OF
POPULATION
3^
^VAKK
MH^Ea.
SftO,e27,J^ 1881
4,413,788
254, 899,. -51 fi
18B1
1,425,723
mr2^7,4»7
1S79
s,;-t87.ei6
00,442,066
1880
3,602,990
45,334,061
18^1
212.0*^1 ,
42.21 3.409
1881
2,39(1,092
37,786,^46 18^
mt,i^42
37,405,240
1881
2(M.O02
35.925,313
1879
14a,700
d5,Wl,7G%
1881
120.879
1^.452,638
ie«i
114,296
16,902,000
1875
1.4€6,250
10,625,800
1877
182,750
10,020*&49
1881
743,948
9,883,622
I8T2
3.2SrF.96a
7,653,600
mi
610,000
6,497,245
I8S1
293.Na
5^19,t»44
1880
11,373
0,290,000
1878
48,.io:
4,348,601
is-s
38,510
4,SM,810
1881
3,470.392
4,114,077
U81
12,648
2,846,102
1880
15.992
3,609,845
1876
503,71S
2,300,(KK)
3,228,434
.1. ......
207,3eo
£,070,240
1881
439,120
1,979,^05
1881
25,0*1
1,9R9,039
t8M
13,784
l,S09,68S
1869
1,204,486
1,700,211
188D
20,850
1,^52,497
1881
4l,&CiO
1,066,137
isns
248,372
i.oed.ooo
.........
14,a0i^
800.000
.........
10,204
tmjus
1H7S
7,22IS
438.245
IBSO
73.538
BCO.iiOft
.........
49,5mi
aeo,ooo
. ***■
S9,60(;t
8O0.O0O
%ma
1ft. [14.^
180,000
26,040
CAPITAla.
Pekld
Calcutta
St Felersburg (1881)...
WBflhlDgton ........,„...,
Berlin..
ConsUutmople .,„,m#>.
Y lea Oft ...H ,.
Paria
Yeddo
LODdOQ ......,.,
Florence
Ciiiro
Madrid
M«je1(» .......... ,....
Klci de Janlero ..........
Teberaa.. ,.„
Stock h Lnhu ^ ,. ... ... .. ..«.
BnuBGlfl. ....,*«,.,,,.........
Boclmrest ..................
Li Bbo Um .... ..».,„ , ., „
mtavA
AiQAterdua
fiencva ,.,...«......«......
L* Pto
^Santt&go ........... .p.,.,,......,
r»rftccMi
.Vtheufl . . . ........ ..„.. „
Copemhacon ., .,
BuBDM Afreg (1861)
Belgrade
Santiago de QiiatciiiHla .
Qdito.
Moil rt^vln ...,.,.,. .. ..
Port au Priaca ..............
Sail SaJ: v ador „. . . ..„.»
MoTj tcTldeo ..... H ♦ ., .
Maii&^m ,
Tegucign]|>a...
SaD J>&miogO....*H*.......«
8aii Jo&e »..........,.,„ .......
POPTJ-
LATIOK.
2.000,000
500,000
B76,575
147,293
1,122,360
AJO.OOO
1,103,857
2,269.023
200,000
4.764,312
169.000
250,000
3U7,6»0
315.996
274.972
200,000
168,775
350,0()0
231,»|J5
246,343
27,4i2
328,047
68,320
101,488
387,0ei
60,000
83,374
234,860
289,925
27,000
65,728
79,000
13.000
22,000
1S,600
T3,S5S
g,000
12,000
10,000
2,900
^Soogle
Digitized by
POPULATION OF OHIO BY COUNTIES.
1820
1830
1840
1881)
Tbe State .
6614S4 I M7903
1S1M67
1980829
Oil
S1980C2
1 Adams
2AlleD
8 Ashland
4Aahtabala....
8 Athens
6AugIalse ....
7 Belmont....
8Brown
9BaUer
10 Carroll
11 Champaign ..
12 Clark
IS Clermont . . . .
14 Clinton
ISColambiaoa .
leCoehoctou ...
17 Crawford ....
18Cayahoga ...
19 Darke
ao Defiance
Si Delaware....
aErle
38 Fairfield
MFajette
a5FrankUn
26 Fulton
27 6alIU
2B(}eaaga
29 Greene ,
806aemsey .....
81 Hamilton ....
82 Hancock
88 Hardin
84 Harrison
85 Henry
88Hlghf&nd*"*.
87 Hocking ,
88 Holmes
89 Huron ,
40 Jackson
4lJeffer8on
42 Knox
48 Lake
44 Lawrence ..
49 Licking
46 Logan ,
47 Lorain
43 Lucas
49Maili8on
50 Mahoning . . . .
51 Mnrlon
^Medina
58Mcl8[8
J4 Mercer
59 Miami
56 Monroe
57 Montgomery. ,
58 Morsan
59 Morrow
60 Muskingum . ,
61 Noble
62 0tuwa
63 Paulding
64 Perry
65 nckaway . . .
66 Pike
67 Portage
68 Preble
69 Putnam
70 Richland
71 Ross
ra Sandusky ....
73 Scioto
74 Seneca
75 Shelby
76 Stark
77 Summit
78 Trumbull ....
79 Tuscarawas . .
SOUnlon
81 Van Wert....
82 Vinton
I Warren .
10106
20829
18856
21746
84 Washington .
WWayTttk"
86 Williams
87Wood
88i Wyandot .
8»79
9588
15820
8085
toss
7086
8717
'7689*
16688
6316
10282
7U98
7TO1
10S29
9>292
81764
14845
12808
2180
6675
8746
18581
8499
11861
8181
8082
4480
8851
4645
5297
'17824*
8429
U149
10095
10237
9169
20619
nso
2106
12406
15546
8828
1996
17887
10425
11988
783
12^81
578
13183
9079
14584
9787
28724
19109
17867
27143
12181
18114
20466
11436
85f92
11161
4791
10878
6204
80901
22715
28178
18108
16721
16882
28106
15719
40873
«1S90
18152
26506
18282
11504
24786
8182
14741
22060
12599
81924
10984
28049
9788
15813
14801
18086
62817
818
210
90916
262
16845
4008
9185
18341
5941
22489
17085
5867
20609
6440
6190
lS4i4
i^m
biU4S
25* "it
]^^
fiT44
1^19
14015
JS4^
98K2
6551
7560
6158
1110
12807
8768
24862
11800
14765
18352
11452
8277
19688
18521
81938
2085^
29884
88749
1--^
|]^
^tim
1 7(165
14H88
3aB3L
ism
2iai7
12Ti!-.
42!li}^
T^l
ITtJfiS
178:*T
2l1Md
lMa44
167!IJ
aoi57
»4S1
14U*)
1^19
mm
2tt8TJ
uau
mm
VJ39S
23735
r*US
:w«l
I7a7l
mi
4Ml4i
161
4897D
16001
6024
18826
16291
280
24006
24068
2851
8740
5159
26158
14290
3192
49
124U
l(m
imu
19725
Z^9«S
iMas
44531
mm
10182
1L1«2
ism
lam
wm
a?io7
21468
11781
887
1102
86808
4465
6867
8808
1766
20775
21006
10953
34419
21786
7221
80679
82074
14805
18428
27104
18958
89678
27485
80190
81761
12204
4793
9953
25560
39540
82981
8018
9157
11194
20809
31BJ4
2584CJ
3l1i>^
U14«L
SSXf
244tj
imz
2a«43
I5i3|7
3»ia7
24474
19310
1HI5T
2S^1A
17J41
arrav
1M7IJ
3"ini
2?n*
I3.:n5
2£mi
iww
22SI7
36!m
um
29ftl9
25T41
Slf^
K119
30145
44M6
7>)16
4$45
13fi43
UKH
128W
ssim
ai429
2*m
174SI3
439711
mu
Sim
16507
vma
18681
3IN02
R- ■ ! -
2310S
30041
39^U
a(MB
39V12
144*11
mm
saoTo
aisi4
mm
2S55«
1321110
Sait78
15719
«175
mm
17170
ipfl*
2»ia
2!^T
1I7U
i8«a
14008
'il730
»(9I
139!ft
4*7721
1M33
310U1
201 )»i
SUMS
ITJ&4
3^^740
^3779
etooti
44 Sift
1»W9
i3*S4
S5i4
l!J45a
*<«75
15 M7
24a»i
iTom
32^16
S;0fl7
^^
20748
l.y.'N^ I 18888
24005
81814
2888;]
87139
28411
25444
49688
82911
42579
16416
27817
41948
86713
24756
486U?
26642
805^:1
196943
4049»f
22515
27381
821-40
81284
208M
86797
21053
28124
14251
81819
271 S»7
818374
27784
27023
20»A
20505
80281
21126
20776
81609
28686
88018
274S1
16&M
88()KS
40450
2IW7
855-.:6
673::
20r.''J
42871
205f;5
2145.1
82325
218U8
86I.'i8
264%
78550
20074
190:2
49774
21188
1976i
18485
28214
27415
I79i7
275UI
24533
28713
86806
40807
82QS7
88511
86947
24187
64061
48788
44880
40196
22875
28028
17228
28392
48244
40076
Digitized by
Goog
It
PART II.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
gitized by LjOOQIC
OOVXIRirORek
From the organisation of the fizst dTil gorenunent in the Northwest TBafUuf, of whldi the State of Ohio
was a part, ontiTtheyear 1884.
Term, Two Yeara.
NAME.
OOUHTT.
TBaM.
NAME.
OOmfTT.
TKBM.
Arthur St. Clair (1)
Charles W. Byrd (2)
Edward Tiffin (3) ««
Thomas Kirker (4)
Return Jonathan Meigs (6)..
Othniel Looker* - -Z.
Ross ^
Adams. .M...
Trumbull -
Washington.....
Hamilton..
Ross
Hamilton
Highland
Warren ~.
Highland
Ross
Pike.
Champaign
Warren ......
Belmont
Richland «
1788-1802
1802-1808
180B-1807
1807-1808
1808-1810
1810-1814
1814
1814-1818
1818-1822
1822
1822-1826
182&-1880
1880-1882
1882-1836
1886-1888
1838-1840
184(m842
1842-1844
1844
Mordecai Bartiey.^
William Bebb....^~
Richland
Butler. ...^^.
Hamilton
Franklin
Bfahoning........
Cuyahoga.
Montgomery....
TrumbulL
Hamilton
Hamilton........
Ross
Sandusky ...... ~
Hamilton ^
Hamilton.. . —
1844-1846
1846-1849
Seabury Ford (8)
Reuben Wood (9L »
WUllam Medill (10)
Salmon P. Chase
William Dennison.
1849-1860
1860-1868
1858-1856
1866-1860
1860-1862
Thomas Worthington.....^..
Ethan Allen Brown (6)
Allen Trimble* «....
David Tod ~
John Brough (11) ^.......
^Charles Andersonf. ...... ......
Jacob D. Cox „....
Rutherford B. Hayes
Edward F. Noyes.
William Allen.
Rutherford B. Hayes (12)....
Thomas L. Youngt~»*—
Richard M. Bishop ~
1862-1864
1864-1866
1866-1866
Jeremiah Morrow.......^......
Allen Trimble. «..«-
1866-1868
1868-1872
1872-li74
1874-1876
Duncan McArthur „«.-
Robert Lucas.
Joseph Vance ^...
Wilson Shannon.......^... —
Thomas C^rwln
1876-1877
1877-1878
1878-1880
Wilson Shannon <7) ....^...
Thomas W. Bartley*....^ ..
Charles Foster. — «
Geonre HoadW........
1880-1884
1884-
(1) Arthur St CHalr, of Pennsylyania, was QoTemor of the Northwest Territory, of which Ohio was a part»
from July 18, 1788, when the first ciril goTemment was established in the Tarritory, until about the dose of
the year 1802. when he was remoyed by the President.
(2) Secretary of the Territory, and was acting Goremor of the Territory after the removal of <^t. St.
Gair.
(8) Resigned March 8, 1807, to aooept the office of United States Senator.
(4) Return Jonathan Meigs was elected (^Temor on the second Tuesday of October, 1807, over Nathaniel
Massie, who contested the election of Meigs on the ground " that he had not been a resident of this State for
four years next preceding the election as required by the (institution,** and the General Assembly, in Joint
conyention, decided that he was not eligible. The office was not given to Massie, nor does it appear from the
records that he claimed it, but Thomas Kirker, Acting Governor, continued to discharge the duties of the office
nntil December 12, 1808, when Samuel Huntington was inaugurated, he having been elected on the second
Tuesday of October in that year.
(6) Resigned March 26, 1814, to aooept the office of Postmaster-General of the United States.
(6) Redgned January 4, 1822, to aooept the office of United SUtes Senator.
(7) Resigned Apr]) 18, 1844, to aooept the office of Minister to Mexico.
(8) The result of the election in 1848 was not finally determined in Joint convention of the two houses of
the (General Assembly until January 19, 1849, and the inauguration did not take plaoa until the 22d of that
month.
(9) Resigned July 16, 1868, to accept the office of 0>nsul to Valparaiso.
(10) Elected in October, 1868, for the regular term, to commence on the second Monday of January, 1864.
(11) Died August 29, 1866.
(12) Redgned March 2, 1877, to accept the office of President of the United States.
* Acting (Governor. Succeeded to office, being the Speaker of the Senate.
t Acting (Governor. Sucoeeded to office, being the lieutenantpGovemor.
72
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HISTOET OF OHIO.
IT is not our province in a volume of this description, to delineate the chronol-
ogy of prehistoric epochs, or to dwell at lengA upon those topics pertaining
to the scientific causes which tended to the formation of a continent, undiscov-
ered for centuries, by the wisdom and energy of those making a history of the
Old World, by the advancement of enlightenment in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Naturally, the geological formation of the State of Ohio cannot be entirely
separated from facts relative to the strata, which, in remote ages accumulated
one layer above the other, and finally constituted a "built-up" America, from
a vast sea. The action of this huge body of water washed sediment and what-
ever came in its way upon primitive rocks, which were subjected to frequent
and repeated submersions, emerging as the water subsided, thus leaving a
stratum or layer to solidify and mark its number in the series — a system of
growth repeated in trees of the forest — in those descemible rings that count so
many years. The southeastern part of North America emerging a second
time from the Silurian Sea, which extended west to the Rocky Mountains and
north to the primitive hills of British America, a succession of rock-bound,
salt-water lakes remained. These covered a large portion of the continent, and
their water evaporating, organic and mineral matter remained to solidify. This
thick stratum has been designated by geologists as the water-lime layer. This
constitutes the upper layer of rock in the larger portion of the west half of
Ohio. In other sections it forms the bed rock.
Following the lime-rock deposit, must have been more frequent sweeps of
the great sea, since the layers are comparatively thin, proving a more speedy
change. During this scientific rising and falling of the sea, other actions were
taking place, such as volcanic and other influences which displaced the regular-
ity of the strata, and occasionally came out in an upheaval or a regular perpen-
dicular dip. A disturbance of this character formed the low mountain range
extending from the highlands of Canada to the southern boundary of Tennes-
see. This "bulge" is supposed to be the consequence of the cooling of the
earth and the pressure of the oceans on either side of the continent. Qeolo-
gists designate this as the Cincinnati arch. This forms a separation between
the coal fields of the Alleghanies and those of Illinois.
Passing over several periods, we reach the glacial, during which the topog-
raphy of the continent was considerably modified, and which is among the
latest epochs of geology, though exceedingly remote as compared with human
78
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74 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
history. Previously, a torrid heat prevailed the entire Northern hemisphere.
Now the temperature of the frigid zone crept southward until it reached Cincin-
nati. A vast field of ice, perhaps hundreds of feet thick, extended from the
north pole to this point. As this glacial rigor came southward, the flow of
the St. Lawrence River was stopped, and the surplus water of the great lake
basin was turned into the Ohio and Mississippi. This glacial sea wasby.no
means stationary even after its southern limit had been reached. It possessed
the properties of a solid and a fluid. Its action was slow but powerful, grind-
ing mountains to powder and forming great valleys and basins. Separating
into two glacial portions, one moved toward -the watershed north of the Ohio
River ; and, continuing westerly, it hollowed out the basin of Lake Erie and
crushed the apex of the Cincinnati arch. From this point, it turned south-
ward and swept with a regular course through the Maumee and Miami Valleys
to the Ohio River. The southern border constantly melting, and flowing toward
the Gulf of Mexico, the great field was pressed forward by the accumulation^
of ice in the northern latitudes. Thus for ages, this powerful force was fitting
the earth for the habitation of man. The surface was leveled, huge rocks
broken and reduced to pebbles, sand, clay, etc., other soil and surface-material —
while the debris was embedded at the bottom. In some sections, as the ice
melted and freed the bowlders and rocks, the lighter material was swept away.
The glacier moving forward, and the forces proving an "equilibrium," Ae
edge of this ice-field was held in a solid stronghold, and the material thus de-
posited forms a ridge, called by geologists "terminjal moraine," first exemplified
in Ohio by the " Black Swamp," in the Maumee Valley.
The most extreme rigor of this period beginning to wane, the ice of the
Maumee and Miami Valleys began to move slowly forward, toward the north,
reaching the points now termed Hudson, Mich.; Fort Wayne, Ind., and Kenton,
Ohio— reaching somewhat further south than Lima and Van Wert. The edge of
the glacier was defined in outline by the present western border of Lake Erie, and
panJlel with it. Climatic influences " acting and counteracting," the glacial
force was concentrated, the Maumee Valley being subjected to a grinding proc-
ess, and a deposit of material going on, which now forms the boundary of the
" Black Swamp." As our readers are aware, the waters of the St. Joseph and
St. Mary's meet at Fort Wayne, and their united waters form the Maumee;
thence the turn is northwest, and, wearing an outlet through the ridge, it
reaches the head of Lake Erie.
The torrid zone yet gaining the ascendency, the ice-fields continuing, their
reverse motion, and retreating toward the north, the basin of the great lakes
was formed ; and the blocks of ice melting therein, a vast sea of fresh water was
formed, which gradually overflowed a portion of Canada and Michigan. But
the St. Lawrence, that important outlet, was under the restraint of im ice
blockade, and the surplus water of the fresh sea was turned into the Ohio and
and Mississippi.
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO. 75
Later, mountains of ice-float were drifted from the north by winds and cur-
rents, into temperate latitudes, and melting, deposited rocks, stones and general
debris. Following the iceberg-drift, came the permanent elevation above the ocean-
level. The St. Lawrence outlet was formed. The inland sea was assuming its
division into lakes. The united waters of Erie and Huron flowed through the
Wabash YaUej and into the Ohio, until, through some agency, that section was
dry, and the lakes drained in another direction. The action of the glacial
period in the Erie basin vicinity created what is known afi the '^ Niagara lime-
stone," by grinding upper strata and drifting the debris elsewhere. This seems
to have occurred at intervals, exposures being made in Seneca, Sandusky and
Wood Counties, and beneath the axis of the Cincinnati arch. Oriskany lime-
stone is also available in another stratum, which has been brought to the sur&ce.
Again, there is a carboniferous stratum of lunestone, and along the Maumee is
a thin exposure of the Hamilton limestone and shale.
A glacier having both fluid and solid properties, it will readily be compre-
hended that obdurate projections of rock resisted its action, and created currents
in other directions, for its forces. When this specified epoch had ceased to be,
Ohio was a rough, irregular and crude mixture of ridges and knobs and pinnacles,
which were ^^ leveled up " and finished by iceberg-drift and inland-sea deposits.
This settled and accumulated, and die work of hundreds of years produced a
beautiful surface, its inequalities overcome, the water having receded and "terra
firma " remaining. A deep bed of clay, sufficiently compact to hold the germs
of organic matter, and sufficiently porous to absorb moisture, was especially
adapted to encourage the growth of vegetation. These seeds had been brought
by the winds and waves and natural agencies, and now began to produce plants
and shrubs, which withered to enrich the soil, after scattering broadcast seeds
that would again perpetuate verdure. Worms, land crabs and burrowing ani-
mals assisted in the creation of soil, while the buffalo, deer and bear followed,
as soon as forestry appeared. Decomposed foliage and fidlen timber aided in
the great work of preparing the present State of Ohio for the habitation of man.
Prairie, marsh, forest, rivers and lakes were formed, which, in turn, were modi-
fied and prepared for a grand destiny by other influences.
Li glancing over the compiled histories of Ohio, those containing details of
her early struggles, afflictions and triumphs, we are especially impressed with
its near and sympathetic relation with the great Northwest, and the republic of
the United States of America. From the early years when white men built
their rude cabins in the then tangled wilderness, to the opulent and magnificent
present of this united nation, Ohio has been stanch, loyal and earnest, both
in action and principle.
' We shall endeavor to trace the history of the State concisely and accurately,
according to t^e data given by the most reliable historians. We are obliged to
^ean the prominent events only, our space being limited, compared with the
multitudinous interests connected with this important part of the United States.
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76 HISTORY OP THE STATE OP OHIO.
FRENCH HISTORY.
All through early French history, is the &ct especially prominent, that in
their explorations and expeditions, they united piety and business. They were
zealous in sending out their missionaries, but they were always attended by
traders and those who were as skilled in the world's profit and loss, as their
companions were in propagating Christianity. ^
Prior to the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers upon Plymouth Rock, the
Upper Lakes were visited by the French, and records prove that during the first
half of the seventeenth century, a vagabondish set, working in the interests of
the fur company of New France, understood the geographical position of the
lakes and their tributary streams. M. Perrot, an intelligent explorer, made
overtures of peace to the Indian tribes around these bodies of water, and
effected a treaty, which, it is claimed, established the right for the French, in
the name of their king, to hold the place near St. Mary's Falls. They further
assert that the Mississippi was discovered by the French from Lake Superior^
but this is not authenticated, and Father Marquette and M. Joliet are accepted
as the first who found this large stream, in 1763. The good missionary won
his way with his patient and sympathetic nature.
Ohio was, like the other portions of the West, originally in the possession,
of aborigines or Indians. Of their origin, many suppositions are advanced,
but no certainties sustained. From practical evidences, the Mound-Builders-
were active in Ohio, and here as elsewhere, their work marked retrogression
rather than advancement. The territory of Ohio was claimed by the French,
and included in that wide tract between the Alleghanies and the Rockies, held
by them under the name of Louisiana. Before the year 1750, a French trad-
ing-post was established at the mouth of the Wabash, and communication was.
established between that point and the Maumee, and Canada. Between the
years 1678 and 1682, the intrepid La Salle and Father Hennepin, assisted by
Fondi, an Italian, with a small band of followers, inaugurated a series of
explorations about the great lakes and the Mississippi, building forts on their
way and planting the French priority. In 1680, La Salle erected a stockade at
the foot of the rapids of the Maumee, which was a general rendezvous for mission-
aries, traders and explorers, besides constituting a primitive ^^ stock exchange."
The English colonies were at this time east of the Alleghanies, while the
French were establishing themselves west of this range, gaining an entrance
north and south, the two portions separated by hostile and barbarous foes.
La Salle's spirit of adventure led him into new fields, but Father Hennepin
was detailed to investigate that part of the world now known as the State of
Ohio. The records assert that he published a volume containing an account of
his observations "in the country between New Mexico and the frozen ocean,"
in 1684, together with maps of Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan, and « plat
of the larger streams in Ohio.
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 77
Apparently, the French more speedily comprehended the value of their
adyantagee in the New World than[the English, and vigorously inaugurated and
sustained commercial and religious projects. They were essentially benefited
by the mediation of the Catholic priests between settlers and Indians, this
really earnest class everywhere ingratiating themselves with the savages. The
Order of Jesuits were very vigorous, and representatives were stationed at every
trading-post, village and settlement. The English colonists engaged mostly in
agriculture, while the French took a lively interest in the fur trade with the
natives, probably from their former settlement in Quebec and thereabouts, where
the climate is advantageous for this business. This added to the influence of
the priests, and the natural assimilation of French and the Indians, through
the tact and amiability of the former, the French possessions gained more
rapidly than the English or Spanish. They courted their daughters and
married them. They engaged in feasts and trades, and took advantage of
those unimpeded times to extend their dominion with surprising celerity. A
chain of trading, missionary and miUtary posts extended from New Orleans to
Quebec, by way of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, thence via Mackinaw and
Detroit to Lakes Erie and Ontario. This route was shortened thereafter by
following the Ohio River to the Wabash, follo^ng the latter upward, and
down the Maumee to Lake Erie.
About the same time, and to check the advancement of the French, the
Ohio Company was formed by the English. This was an outgrowth of the
contest between these two nations for the ascendency, whether empire, settle-
ment or individual. After thirty years' peace between these two nations,
" King George's War" opened the campaign in 1744, but terminated in 1748,
the treaty at Aix-la-Chapelle unfortunately omitting a settlement of any division
of claims in America. The English, French and Spanish were the first to
enter America, and the right of possession by each monarch or empire was
held by right of a first discovery. The only right that England could advance
r^arding Ohio was that the portion of the Six Nations found in the Ohio
Valley had placed some of their lands under British jurisdiction, and that other
portions had been purchased at Lancaster, Penn., by means of a treaty with
the same nations. All this was strenuously denied and ignored by the French.
Thus several conflicting influences swept carnage over fidr Ohio. The Indians were
allied to one side and the other, and were against each other. The ^dians and
French would advance against the English, and they, in retaliation, would
make a raid into the Indian territory and overcome a French settlement.
Whenever they could as well, Indians would take the cause in their own keep-
ing and fight each other. The wide, verdant fields of Ohio were drenched
ghastly red under a glowing sun, and the great forests echoed moans from the
dying and distressed. The English colonists had partially overcome their
deprivation, caused by a struggle for subsistence, and means to guard against
the savages — this distress augmented by campaigns against Canada — ^by their
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78 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
increased numbers and wealth, but were now alarmed by tlie French rule in
America, which gained so rapidly^ unmolested as it was by Indian raids and
other devastating circumstances. A constant conflict was going on between
Lake Erie and the Upper Ohio. Atrocities and massacres were committed
indiscriminately, which opened the way for a desperate class of marauders and
villains from the colonies and European States. These people enlisted with,
the Indians on either side for the purpose of leadership and plunder. Every
fortification, trading-post and settlement was garrisoned or deserted, and the
ground between the Alleghanies and the Maumee became a conflict field, rife
with thrilling deeds, sacrifice and adventures, the half never having been
chronicled, and many heroes filling uncrowned by even a lasting memory, since
during these times the people kept few annals, and cared less for historical
memories than anything on earth. They were living, and dying, and struggling,
and that was more than they could carry through safely. The French formed
a road from the Ohio River to Detroit, via the foot of the Lower Rapids of the
Maumee, and the foot of the Lower Rapids of the Sandusky.
The Ohio Company obtained a charter under English views, from the
British Government, with a grant of 6,000 acres of land on the Ohio. The
English now reverted to the times of the Cabots, and protested that by right
they held the entire country between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, bounded
by those parallels of latitude defining their Atlantic coast settlements. France
claimed the region drained by the Mississippi and tributaries, the great lakes
and their tributaries, the area being west of the Alleghanies. Ohio was thus
included in the disputed tract.
The Ohio Company was formed in 1748, by a number of Virginians and
Londoners, two brothers of George Washington taking conspicuous parts in the
movement ; Thomas Lee was especially active. When the surveys were begun,
the Governor of Canada entered vigorous protests, and indicated his displeasure
by a prompt line of posts from Erie to Pittsburgh, named respeptively, Presque
Isle, Le Boeuf, Vedango, Kittaning and Du Quesne. The latter was begun
by the English, captured by the French, and by them completed.
The first English settlement of which we can find traces was a block-house
at Piqua, about the year 1752. It was attacked, and a bitter struggle ensued,
resulting in the death of fourteen of the assailants. Those within the garrison
suffered severely, many being burned, and the remainder captured and dis-
patched to Canada.
In 1763, the French and Indian war actively began. It did not extend
beyond the American continent until 1756, when the home governments took
an interest in its progress beyond encouraging their respective colonists to pur-
sue the war-path to a direful finale for their adversaries. For four years, the
French captured and conquered, spreading terror wherever they went, and
they followed every Englishman that set his foot on Ohio soil to the death.
We may state that these people had not retained their civilized habits, and
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HISTORY OF THE OTATE OF OfflO. 79
constant association with sayages had embned them with barbarous methods of
warfare which were sickening and revolting to the English, and to which they
could not resort It is highly probable that French success was vastly brought
about by these means, together with the assistance of their Indian allies. In
1758, when the English hope was almost exterminated, the elder Pitt being
placed at the head of the administration, a new and energetic system was
inaugurated, wise measures instituted, and military science triumphed over
savage cunning and French intrigue. The first brilliant English achievement
was the conquest of Canada. When the home governments interfered, the
war assumed the character of a French and English cpnflict, regardless of
Indian right, yet the tribes continued to participate in the carnage.
A certain Christian, Frederick Post, a Moravian missionary, located upon
the Muskingum, near Beavertown. Heckewelder consented to become his
associate. The Indians receiving them kindly, under conditions that Post
should serve as tutor, this missionary began clearing a field for the purpose of
planting com for sustenance. This did not accord with Indian logic. They
had stipulated that he teach and he was planting com, which to them was a
signal of the coming of other whites, the building of a fort and encroachments
upon the Indians. They referred to the French priests, who were in good
physical condition, did not till land, but were in charge of the Great Spirit
who provided for them, a conclusive proof to them that when divine work waa
acceptable to the Great Spirit, priests were somehow sustained by other than
the plans which disturbed their great hunting-grounds. However, they
allowed him a small space, and he remained with them, preaching and teaching
during the summer of 1762, when, accompanied by one of the principal chie&,
he returned to Lancaster, Penn., where a treaty was concluded. On his return
to his post, he was met by Heckewelder, who imparted the tidings that friendly
Indians had warned him that the war was about to sweep over their section,
and destruction awaited them if they remained. The mission was accordingly
abandoned. This fisulure was not so bitter as the English effort to sustain their
trading-post in 1749, on the Great Miami, afterward called Laramie's store.
It pursued a feeble existence until 1752, when a French raid upon the Twig-
twees and English colonists proved fatal.
A European treaty now excluded the French from any rights to make
treaties with the Indians, and .the English, in their flush of victory after Pitt's
succession, assumed the authority over Indians and lands. The savages did
not accept the situation with anything resembling the gentle spirit of resigna-
tion, and the Ottawa chief, Pontiac, led the several tribes into a general war
against the intruders. It was no longer French and English, but Indian and
English, the former being instigated and assisted many times by the French,
now desperate and unscrupulous in a mad spirit for revenge.
The intention of the Indians was to drive the whites east of the mountains,
destroying their numerous strongholds in Pennsylvania and Virginia, if they
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80 HISTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO.
&iled in their hope of utterly exterminating them. Pontiac had effected a
consolidation of the tribes ranging from Mackinaw to North Carolina, thus
being enabled to swoop down upon all the settlements simultaneously. A
deadly beginning was made in the Ohio Valley, and only two or three English
traders escaped out of the one hundred and twenty located in that vicinity.
The forts at Presque Isle, St. Joseph and Mackinaw, were captured amid scenes
of slaughter too terrible to perpetuate in description. The years 1763 and
1764 were literally drenched in human carnage and anguish. Ohio was a
great field of crime, murder, pain and horror. The expeditions of Bradstreet
and Bouquet crushed the war in 1764, and Pontiac with his Ottawaa removed
to the Maumee and settled. English settlement now progressed with great
rapidity, but this was destined to be disturbed in 1774, by tiie action of Lord
Dunmore, who led an expedition against the tribes of the Ohio country, termi-
nated by his treaty on the Scioto plains. At this period, the colonists were not
in strict harmony with England, and the spirit of revolution was spreading
every day.
When Lord Dunmore made his treaty, the affirmation was made and gained
ground that he, being a thorough loyalist, had compromised under such terms
as held the Lidians British allies against the settlers. Directly following this
treaty, was the deliberate murder of a number of Indians, near Wheeling,
including the fiunily of the great chief, Logan — ^which inaugurated retaliating
atrocities.
In the year 1778, July 4, the first white child was bom within the
present limits of Ohio, and was christened John L. Roth, son of a Mora-
vian missionary. All the settlers of these Moravian towns on the Muskingum
were made prisoners in September of the same year. Heckwelder was trans-
ported to Detroit, but English tyranny failed to find any evidence against him
or his colaborers, and they were reluctantly released, and returned to their fam-
ilies in Sandusky. Poverty added to their sufferings, and in the forlorn
hope of finding a remnant of their property at the old settlements, which might
assist in mitigating their necessities, they wearily went thitherward. They
began gathering their grain, but the Wyandots attacked them, and many lives
were lost. Frontiersmen had also grown jealous of them, and a body of about
ninety marched out together, for the fiendish purpose of pillaging, slaughtering
and laying waste all Moravian towns and posts. With the wily insidiousness of
savages, they went about their diabolical plan. The Moravians were cordial and
bade this band welcome, when they reached their towns in the guise of friend-
ship. Williamson, the leader, and the gleaners, were called from the fields,
when, to the dismay of these trusting and firank people, they were all bound,
and only fifteen out of the marauding band of ninety were in fiivor of even
sparing the lives of these hapless men, women and children. Forty men,
twenty-two women and thirty-four children were then cruelly and heartlessly
murdered, their sufferings laughed to scorn, and the last sound that fell on their
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HISTORY OF THB STATE OF OHIO. 88
ears was exultant derision. Sncoeeding this tragic event was the expedition
against the Indian towns npon the Sandusky. The hostile Indians had been
making freqnent incursions npon the settlements of Western Pennsylvania and
Virginia, destroying both life and property. There seemed to be no bounds
to their bloody work, and it became necessary, tor the peace and safety of the
s^^ers, to take some measures to prevent their outrages. Aooordingly, in
Hay, 1782, Gen. William Irvine, who was then commander of the Western
Military Department, with headquarters at Fort Pitt, called a council of the
officers of his department to meet at Fort Pitt. At this meeting it was de-
cided to form and equip a body of men, and make an expedition into the
Indian country. Upper Sandusky, then the rendezvous of the hostile Wyan-
dots, Delawares, Shawanese and Mingoes, was to be the point of attack.
CoL William Crawford led the expedition, which counted 480 men. ^ Warn-
ing had in some manner reached the towns, and the troops found them de-
serted. But the Indians were incensed, and their wrath had not driven them
to hiding-places, but to a preparation to meet their foes. They fought desper-
ately, and Crawford's troops were defeated and scattered, many being capt-
ured« and among them CoL Crawford himself. It is hardly probable that
Crawford could justly expect much mercy at the hands of his captora Ac-
counts state that Crawford implored the aid of Girty, and at last secured a
promise to use his power to obtain the Colonel's pardon. However, this was of
no avail, and it is doubtful whether Girty was disposed to interceda The
prisoners were tortured and put to death, and Crawford's agonies were pro-
tracted as long as possibla Dr. Knight managed to disable the Indian who
had him in charge, and made his escape to the settlements, where he related
the result of the expedition and the tortures of the captured.
On October 27, 1784, a treaty was concluded at Fort Stanwix, with the
sachems and warriors of the Mohawks, Onondagas, Senecas, Cayugas, Onei-
das and Tuscaroras, and the Six Nations then ceded to the Colouial Govern-
ment all claims to the country west of a line defined by the western boundary
to the Ohio — ^thus rendering the Indian claim to a large portion of Ohio lands
practically extinct.
Although the French and Indian war was a series of heart-rending events,
it was a serious and remarkable school of discipline for the untrained troops
which soon engaged in the Revolutionary struggle. On the fields of Ohio, many
valuable officers, who earned distinction in the war of independence, learned
their first lessons in intrepid valor.
During the Revolution, the colonial troops were engaged east of the mount-
ains, and western settlements and frontier people were left alone to defend
themselves and their property against encroachments and attacks.
The Indian tribes again became belligerent, and united with the English
against the ^ Americans." The latter held a line of posts along the Upper
Ohio, while the British were stationed in the old French strongholds on the
lakes and the Mississippi. The unscrupulous whites and Indians ranged at ran-
dom between this boundary and the Cuyahoga, thence southerly to the Ohio,
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84 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
thus including the Scioto and Miami Valleys. Southeastern Ohio constituted
"the neutral ground."
Gren. Clarke's expedition, although chiefly confined to Indiana and Illinois,
greatly influenced the settlement of Ohio. His exploits and the resolution of
his troops were chiefly instrumental in holding the country west of the Alle-
ghanies, and insuring its possession by the United States during the Revolution.
The British had been emphatic, in the Paris treaty, at the time of the settlement
of the French and English difficulties, in demanding the Ohio River as the
northern boundary of the United States. The American Commissioners relied
upon Gen. Clarke's valor and energy in holding the country west of the Alle-
ghanies, which he had conquered, and the British Commissioners were compelled
to give their consent, under civil and military measures. In 1783, by the
treaty of Paris, at the close of the Revolutionary war, the English relinquished
all rights to the fertile territory between the Alleghanies and the Mississippi,
and the United States held undisputed possession.
January 10, 1786, Gens. Rufus Putnam and Benjamin Tupper circulated a
•'pamphlet, proposing the formation of a company for the purpose of settling the
Ohio lands, and soliciting the attention and consideration of all those desiring a
future home and prosperity. A meeting was also called, to assemble during the
follovmig February, and select delegates to represent each county in Massachu-
setts. These dignitaries should convene during the month of March, at the
" Bunch of Grapes " tavern, in Boston, for the purpose of definitely forming the
association, and adopting such measures as would benefit all directlysinterested.
The meeting and ^^ convention " followed, and the subscription books were opened.
One million dollars, chiefly represented by Continental certificates, was the
price of the land. The shares were valued at $1,000 each, and there was a
division of a thousand shares. The first payment was to be $10 per share, this
money to be set aside for such expenses as might accrue. A year's interest was
to be devoted to the establishment of the settlement, and those fiunilies who
were tmable to incur the expense of moving were to be assisted. Those who
purchased shares to the number of twenty were entitled to a representation by
an agent, who waa permitted to vote for Directors. This plan matured and was
acted upon during the following year. It may be that the action of Connecti-
cut, in ceding her territorial claims to the General Gt>vemment, with few excep-
tions, greatly encouraged this new undertaking. That tract was, until recently,
designated the ^^ Western Reserve " — an extent 170 miles from the western
boundary of Pennsylvania, and parallel thereto, being reserved.
On October 27, 1787, a contract was made between the Board of the Treas-
ury, for the United States, and Manasseh Cutler and Winthrop Sargent, agents
for the Directors of the New England Ohio Company, for the purchase of a tract
of land, bounded by the Ohio, and from the mouth of the Scioto to the inter-
section of the western boundary of the seventh townships, then surveying ;
thence by said boundary to the northern boundary of the tenth township from
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 86
the Ohio ; tl^ence, by a due west line, to the Scioto ; thence, by the Scioto, to
the beginning.
However fertile and attractive Ohio was known to have been, settlement did
not gain rapidly after the close of the war with England, although the United
States has gained her freedom. It was more than six years after Comwallis
laid down his sword, before a white settlement was formed on the Ohio side of the
river. The French and Indian war had incited the English to be jealous of her
colonial conquests, andmistrusting their loyalty, they had, so soon as the French
claims were annulled, taken measures to crush all colonial claims also, and a
royal proclamation rescinded all colonial land grants and charters, holding all
the country west of the sources of the Atlantic rivers under the protection and
sovereignty of the king of Great Britain, for the use of the Indians. All white
persons were forbidden to remain or settle within the prescribed limits. Parlia-
ment then attached this tract to Quebec, and the English Government felt assured
that the thirteen colonies were restricted and held secure east of the Alleghaniee.
The result of the war between the colonies and England did not constitute
an Indian treaty. Although England signed over her title and right, the sava-
ges held the land and ignored all white agreements, one way or the other.
Whenever an attempt at settlement was undertaken, Indian depredations proved
disastrous. The tribes were encouraged by the English fur traders, and the
English commandant at Detroit incited them to destroy all Americans who
attempted to usurp the rights of red men.
Added to this serious di£Bculty was the unsettled debate regarding State
claims, which rendered a title precarious. A treaty, signed at Fort Mcintosh,
previous to the war, and authenticated, shows that during the conflict the Dela-
wares and Wyandots occupied the Indian and British frontier, on the southern
shore of Lake Erie, from the Cuyahoga to the Maumee, and from the lake to
the sources of its tributaries. Later, these two tribes ceded to the United
States ^^the neutral ground," by warranty deed, and by quit-claim, the terri-
tory south and west of the described tract, set apart for Uieir use.
By special measures, the grant of Congress in the matter of the Ohio Com-
pany extended to nearly 5,000,000 acres, valued at ^,500,000. The original
Ohio Company obtained 1,500,000 acres, the remaining being reserved by indi-
viduals, for private speculation.
The same year. Congress appointed Arthur St. Clair, Governor, and Win-
throp Sargent, Secretary, of the Territory.
Fort Harmar had previously been built, at the mouth of the Muskingum,
and in 1788, a New England colony attempted the " Muskingum settlement,"
on the opposite side, which was afterward named Marietta. In July, 1788, the
Territorial officers were received in this village, and there established the first
form of civil government, as set forth in the Ordinance of 1787. Three United
Stat^ Judges were appointied, and Courts of Common Pleas, Probate and
Justice were established.
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86 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
If the stormy times were supposed to be of the past, that composure was
rudely broken by the utter disregard of the Shawnee and other Indian tribes,
who soon induced the Delawares and Wyandots to repudiate their consent in the
matter of settlement. The miseries of frontier horrors were repeated. The
British commandant at Detroit instigated many of these hostilities, yet the
American Govemment took honorable action in assuring the English represent-
ative that American military preparations in the West was not an expedition
against Detroit, or other British possessions, although the possession of Detroit
by that nation was in direct opposition to the treaty of 1783. Gov. St. Clair,
to avert the direful consequences of a border war, dispatched a Frenchman,
Gameline, to the principal Indian towns of the Wabash and Maumee countries,
to request them to meet the United States agents, and make a compromise for
the benefit of both parties, at the same time reiterating the desire of the General
Government to adhere to the Fort Harmar treaty. The Miamis, Shawnees,
Ottawas, Kickapoos and Delawares received this representative kindly, but
declined the wampum sent by the Governor, and deferred giving an answer
until they had considered the subject with the " father at Detroit."
Blue Jacket, chief of the Shawnees, informed the Frenchman that the Indi^
ans doubted the sincerity of the Americans. The new settlement on the Ohio
was a proof that the whites intended to crowd further and further, until the
Indians were again and again robbed of their just right. He then emphatically
asserted that unless the north side of the river was kept free from these inroads
there could be no terms of peace with the Shawnees, and many other tribes.
Blue Jacket was unusually intelligent and sagacious, and expressed himself '
eloquently. He was persistent in his determination to engage in the war of
extermination, should the white settlements continue north of the Ohio.
These overtures were continued, but they failed in producing any arrange-
ment that permitted the whites to locate north of the Ohio.
Congress called upon Kentucky and Pennsylvania to lend the aid of their
militia. Gen. Harmar was instructed to destroy the Miami villages at the
head of the Maumee. Late in the fall of 1790, he executed this order.
The Indians had stored a large quantity of provisions, in expectation of -a
campaign, and this dependence was devastated. Without authority, and with
undue carelessness, he divided his army and attempted to achieve other victo-
ries. He more than lost what he had gained. Two raids upon the Wabash In-
dians, thereafter, proved successful, but the campaign under Gt>v. St. Clair was
not calculated to establish peace or obtain power, and was deemed but little less
than a failure.
The year 1792 was a series of skirmishes, so fisu: as a settlement was con-
cerned, but 1793 succeeded well enough to convene a meeting of United States
Commissioners and representatives of the hostile tribes, at the rapids of the
Maumee. It is highly probable that a satisfisLCtory treaty might have been
arranged, had it not been for the intervention and malicious influence of the
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHia 87
British Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Col. McKee, his assistant Capt.
Elliott, and the notorious Capt. Simon Girty, who instigated the savages to
deeds more horrible than their own barbarisms.
It was evident that a severe struggle must ensue, and Capt. Wayne, in
179$, appointed to the command of the Western army, was called upon to con-
duct the campaign. He exhibited his wisdom in the beginning, by preparing
his men in military discipline and fully equipping them before marching to meet
a savage foe in a wilderness. Various causes detained the army, and it was not
until the fall of 1793, that the force marched from Fort Washington (Cincin-
nati) to begin the battle*
It was already late in the season, and, before any progress had been made,
the army went into winter quarters at Greenville, on a branch of the Big
Miami.
In the mean time, the Ohio Company had not matured its practical ^^ settle-
ment plan," although a generous grant had been obtained. In 1792, they
received a clear title to 750,000 acres of land, for which the full price had pre-
viously been paid, in Continental currency. Congress set aside 214,285 acres
as army bounties, and 100,000 acres to actual settlers. The two latter appro-
priations joined that of the Ohio Company.
There had been numerous conventions, discussions and other fruitless
attempts to somehow form a plan for the government of the Northwest Terri-
tory, but it was not until July 13, 1787, that an ordinance was passed, and that
was the result of Dr. Cutler's efforts. Every State sustained its measures.
This ordinance was the foundation of the constitution of the future State of
Ohio, and indeed, permeates the entire Northwestern creed.
ORDINANCE OF 1787.— No. 82.
Ax Okduiasce for ths GovERifXBNT or THB Terbitort or THB UmriD Btatb, NoRTBWiST or
THB Ohio Rivsr.
B€ U ordamed hy the United States m Oongreu ammbUdf Thftt Uie said Territory, for Uie por-
poee of goyemment, be one district; subject, howerer, to be divided into two districts, as fiitore dr-
cumstanoes may, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient
B€ it ordained by the mUhority aforeeaid, That the estates of both resident and non-resident
proprietors in the said Territory, dying intestate, shall descend to and be distributed among their
children and the descendants of a deceased child, in equal parts; the descendants of a deceased
child or grandchild to take the share of their deceased jMurent in equal parts among them. And
when there shall be no children or descendants, then in equal parts to the next of kin in equal
degree ; and among collaterals, the children of a deceased brother or sister of the intestate shall
have, in equal parts among them, their deceased parent's share; and there shall in no case be a
distribution between kindred of the whole and half blood, saying in all cases to the widow of
intestate, her third part of the real estate, for life, and one-third part of the personal estate; and
this law relative to descents and dower, shall remain in fVill force until altered by the Legis^
lature of the district And until the Goyemor and Judges shall adopt laws as hereinafter
mentioned, estates in said Territory may be derised or bequeathed by wills in writing, signed
and sealed by him or her in whom the estate may be (being of fUll age), and attested by three
witnesses; and real estate may be conyeyed by lease and release, or bargain and sale, signed and
sealed, and deliyered by the person (being in ftill age) in whom the estate may be, and attested
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88 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
by two witnesses, proyided such wills be duly proyed, and such conveyances be acknowledged, or
the execution thereof duly proved and be recorded within one year after proper magistrates,
courts and registers shall be appointed for that purpose. And personal property may be trans-
ferred by deliyery, saying, howeyer, to the French and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers of
the Kaskaskias, St. Vincent's and the neighboring yillages, who haye heretofore professed them-
selyes citizens of Virginia, their laws and customs now in force among them, relative to the
descent and oonyeyance of property.
B9 U ordained by the authority aforeeaid, That there shall be appointed from time to time, by
Congress, a Goyemor whose commission shall continue in force for a term of three years, unless
sooner revoked by Congress. He shall reside in the district and have a freehold estate therein,
of a thousand acres of land while in the exercise of his office.
There shall be appointed from time to time by Congress, a Secretary whose commission shall
continue in force for two years, unless sooner revoked. He shall reside in the district, and shall
have a freehold estate therein in 600 acres of land, while in the exercise of his office. It shall be
his duty to keep and preserve the acts and laws passed by the Legislature, and the public records
of the district, and the proceedings of the Governor in his executive department, and transmit
authentic copies of such acts and proceedings every six months, to the Secretary of Congress.
There shall also be appointed a court to consist of three Judges, any two of whom to form a
court, who shall have a conunon law jurisdiction and shall reside in the district and have each
therein a freehold estate in 600 acres of land, while in the exercise of their office, and their
commissions shall continue in force during good behavior.
The Governor and Judges, or a majority of them, shall adopt and publish in the district
such laws of the original States, criminal and civil, as may be necessary and best suited to the
circumstances of the district, and report them to Congress from time to time, which laws shall be
in force in the district until the organization of the General Assembly therein, unless disapproved
by Congress. But afterward, the Legislature shall have authority to alter them, as they shall
think fit.
The Governor, for the time being, shall be commander-in-chief of the militia, appoint and
commission all officers in the same, below the rank of general officers. All general officers shall
be appointed and commissioned by Congress.
Previous to the organization of the General Assembly, the Governor shall appoint such mag-
istrates and other civil officers in each county or township, as he shall find necessary for the
preservation of the peace and good order in the same. After the General Assembly shall be
organized, the powers and duties of magistrates and other civil officers shall be regulated and
defined by the said Assembly, but all magistrates and other civil officers not herein otherwise
directed, shall, during the continuance of this temporary government, be appointed by the
Governor.
For the prevention of crimes and iiguries, the laws to be adopted or made shall have force
in all parts of the district, and for the execution of process, criminal or civil, the Governor shall
make proper divisions thereof, and he shall proceed fh>m time to time as circumstances may
require, to lay out the parts of the district in which the Indian titles shall have been extin-
guished, into counties and townships, subject, however, to such alterations as may thereafter be
made by the Legislature. So soon as there shall be 6,000 f^*ee male inhabitants of fall age in the
district, upon giving proof thereof to the (Jovemor, they shall receive authority with time and
place, to elect representatives from their counties or townships, to represent them in the General
Assembly. Provided^ That for every 600 firee male inhabitants, there shall be one representative,
and so on progressively with the number of free male inhabitants, shall the right of representa-
tion increase, until the number of representatives shall amount to twenty-five. After which, the
number shall be regulated by the Legislature. Provided, That no person be eligible or qualified
to act as a representative unless he shall have been a citizen of one of the United States three
years, and be a resident in the district, or unless he shall have resided in the district three
years, and in either case, shall likewise hold in his own right in fee simple 200 acres of land
within the same.
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HISTORY OF THfi STATE OF OHIO. 89
ProMedy Also, that a freehold in 60 acres of land in the diatriot, haring been a citizen of
one of the States, and being a resident in the district, or the like freehold and two years' resi-
dence in the district, shall be necessary to qualiQr a man as an elector of a representatiTc.
The representatiTes thus elected, shall serre for the term of two years. And in case of the
death of a representative or remoyal from office, the Qoyemor shall issue a writ to the county or
township for which he was a member, to elect another in Ms stead, to serre for the residue of the
term.
The General Assembly or Legislature shall consist of the Goyemor, Legislative Council, and
a House of Representatives. The Legislative Council shall consist of five members, to continue
in office five years, unless sooner removed by Congress ; any three of whom to be a quorum.
And the members of the Council shall be nominated and appointed in the following manner, to wit :
As soon as representatives shall be elected, the Governor shall appoint a time and place for
them to meet together, and when met, they shall nominate ten persons, residents in the distri^
and each person in a freehold in 600 acres of land, and return their names to Congress, five of
whom Congress shall appoint and commission as aforesaid. And whenever a vacancy shall hap-
pen in the Council by death or removal from office, the House of Representatives shall nominate
two persons, qualified as aforesaid, for each vacancy, and return their names to Congress, one of
whom Congress shall appoint and commission for the residue of the term. And every five years,
Ibur months at least before the expiration of the time of service of the members of the Council,
the said House shall nominate ten persons qualified as aforesaid, and return their names to
Congress, five of whom Congress shall appoint and commission to serve as members of the
Council five years, unless sooner removed. And the Goveilior, Legislative Council and House
of Representatives shall have authority to make laws in all cases, for the good government
of the district, not repugnant to the principles and articles in this Ordinance, estabHshed and
declared.
And all bills having passed by a migority in the House, and by a minority in the Council,
shall be referred to the Governor for his assent. But no bill or legislative act whatever, shall be
of any force without his assent The Governor shall have power to convene, prorogue and dis-
aolve the General Assembly, when in his opinion it shall be expedient
The Governor, Judges, Legislative Council, Secretary, and such other officers as Congress
shall appoint in the district, shall take an oath or affirmation of fidelity and of office. The Gov-
ernor before the President of Congress, and all other officers before the Governor.
As soon as a Legislature shall be formed in ihe district, the Council and House assembled
in one room, shall have authority by joint ballot to elect a delegate to Congress, who shall
have a seat in Congress, with a right of debating, but not of voting, during this temporary gov-
ernment.
And for extending the frmdamental principles of civil and religious liberty, which forms
the basb whereon these republics, their laws and constitutions, are created ; to fix and establish
those principles as the basis of all laws, constitutions and governments, which forever hereafter
shall be formed in said Territory. To provide for the establishment of States, and permanent
governments therein, and for their admission to a share in the Federal Council on an equal footing
with the original States, at as early periods as may be consistent with the general interest
It it hereby ordained and declared by the authority a/oretaidf That the following articles shall
be considered as articles of compact between the original States and the people, and States in
said Territory, and forever remain unaltered unless by common consent, to wit :
Abticli II. The inhabitants of said Territory shall always be entitled to the benefits of the
writ of habeas eorpui, and of the trial by jury ; of a proportionate representation of the people
in ike Legislature, and of judicial procedure according to the course of common law. All per-
sons shall be bailable, except for capital offenses, where the proof shall be evident or the pre-
sumption great All fines shall be moderate, and no cruel or unreasonable punishment shall be
inflicted. No man shall be deprived of his liberty or property, but by the judgment of his peers
or the law of the land. And should the public exigencies make it necessary for the common
preservation, to take any person's property, or to demand his particular services, frill compensation
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90 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
shall be made for the same. And in the just preservation of rights and property, it is under-
stood and declared that no law aught erer to be made or haye force in the said Territory,
that shall in any manner whatcTer interfere with or e£fect private contracts or engagements bona
fide and without fraud, previously formed.
Ajlt. ni. Religion, morality and knowledge being necessaiy to good govemment and the
happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. The
utmost good futh shall always be observed toward the Indians; their lands and property shall
never be taken fh>m them without their consent ; and in their property, rights and liberty they
shall never be invaded or disturbed, unless in just and lawAil wars authorized by Congress. But
laws founded in justice and humanity, shall from time to time be made for preventing wrongs
being done to them, and for preserving peace and friendship with them.
Abt. IV. The said Territory and the States which may be formed therein, shall ever remain
a part of the confederacy of the United States of America, subject to the articles of confedera-
tion, and to such alterations therein as shall be constitutionally made, and to all the acts and
ordinances of the United States in Congress assembled conformable thereto. The inhabitants and
settlers in said Territory shall be subject to pay a part of tfie f^eral debts contracted or to be
contracted, and a proportional part of the expenses of the Government, to be apportioned on
them by Congress, according to the same common rule and measure by which appordonments
thereof shall be made on the other States, and the taxes for paying their proportion shall be laid
and levied by the authority and directions of the Le^lature of the district or districts or new
States, within the time agreed upon by the United States in Congress assembled. The Legisla-
tures of those districts or new States, shall never interfere with the primary disposal of the soil
by the United States in Congress assembled, nor with any regulations Congress may find neces-
sary for securing the title in such soil to the bima-fide purchasers. No tax shall be imposed on
lands the property of the United States, and in no case, shall non-residents be taxed higher than
residents. The navigable waters leading into the Mississippi and St Lawrence, and the carry-
ing places between the same, shall be common highways, and forever free as well to the inhabi-
tants of the said Territory as to the citizens of the United States and those of any other States
that may be admitted into the confederacy, without any tax, impost or duty therefor.
Abt. v. There shall be formed in said Territory not less than three, nor more than five,
States, and the boundaries of the States, as soon as Virginia siiall alter her act of cession and
consent to the same, shall become fixed and established as follows, to wit: The western State in
the said Territory shall be bounded by the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Wabash Rivers ; a direct
line drawn from the Wabash and Post St. Vincent, due north to the Territorial line between the
United States and Canada ; and by the said Territorial line to the Lake of the Woods and Missis-
sippi. The middle State shall be bounded by the sud direct line, the Wabash from Post St. Vin-
cent to the Ohio, by the Ohio, by a direct line drawn due north flrom the mouth of the Qreat
Miami to the said Territorial line. The eastern State shall be bounded by the last-mentioned
direct line, the Ohio, Pennsylvania and said territorial line. /VovidSaJ, however, and it is ftirther
understood and declared, that the boundaries of those three States shall be subject so fiur to be
altered, that, if Congress shall hereafter find it expedient, they shall have authority to form one
or two States In that part of the said Territory which lies north of an east and west line drawn
through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan. And whenever any of the said States
shall have 60,000 free inhabitants therein, such State shall be admitted by its delegates into the
Congress of the United States on an equal footing with the original States in all respects what-
ever, and shall be at liberty to form a permanent constitution and State government Provided,
The constitution and government so to be formed, shall be represented, and in conformity to the
principles contained in these articles ; and so far as it can be consistent with the general interest
of the confiBderacy, such admission shall be allowed at an earlier period, and when there may be
a less number of free inhabitants than 60,000. /
Abt. VI. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said Territory,
otherwise than in the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.
Provided alway*. That any person escaping into the same from whom labor or service is lawfrilly
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HISTORY OP THE STATE OF OHIO. 91
daimed in one of the original States, each Aigitire may be lawfblly claimed and conyejed to the
penon claiming his or her labor or Bervicee as aforesaid.
B9 it ordained by the authoritiy aforeeaidf That the resolutions of the 28d of April, 1784,
relative to the subject of this ordinance, be and the same are hereby repealed and declared null
and void.
COMMENT BY S. P. CHASE 1888.
It would be difficult to find a more oomprehensiye review of the founda-
tions of our system of laws than is given in the ^^ Preliminary Sketch of the
History of Ohio/' by this distinguished representative of the bench and the
bar of America. The work is now out of print, and is not easily obtained;
besides, its great author has passed away; so these extracts are made more
with a view of preserving old historical literature, than of introducing new;
furthermore, the masses of the people have never had convenient access to the
volumes, which, for the most part, have been in the hands of professional men
only. The publication of the work first brought its compiler before the public,
and marked the b^inning of that career which, during its course, shaped the
financial system of our country, and ended upon the Supreme Bench of the
nation.
^^By the ordinance of 1785, Congress had executed in part the great national
trust confided to it, by providing for the disposal of the public lands for the
common good, and by prescribing the manner and terms of sale. By that of
1787, provision was made for successive forms of Territorial government,
adapted to successive steps of advancement in the settlement of the Western
country. It comprehended an intelligible system of law on the descent and
conveyance of real property, and the transfer of personal goods. It also con-
tained five articles of compact between the original States, and the people and
States of the Territory, establishing certain great fundamental principles of
govemm^ital duty and private right, as the basis of all future constitutions and
legislation, unalterable and indestructible, except by that final and common
ruin, which, as it has overtaken all former systems of human polity, may yet
overwhelm our American imion. Never, probably, in the history of the world,
did a measure of legislation so accurately fulfill, and yet so mightily exceed
the anticipations of the. legislators. The ordinance has been well described, as
having been a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, in the settlement and
government of the Northwestern States. When the settlers went into the
wilderness, they found the law already there. It was impressed upon the soil
itself, while it yet bore up nothing but the forest. The purchaser of land
became, by that act, a party to the compact, and bound by its perpetual cove-
nants, so fiur as its conditions did not conflict with the terms of the cessions of
the States.
This remarkable instrument was the last gift of the Congress of the old
confederation to the country, and it was a fit consummation of their glorious
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92 HISTORY OP THE STATE OP OHIO.
labors. At the time of its promulgation, the Federal Constitation was under
discussion in the convention ; and in a few months, upon the organization of
the new national government, that Congress was dissolved, never again to re-as-
semble. Some, and indeed most of the principles established by the articles of
compact are to be found in the plan of 1784, and in the various English and
American bills of rights. Others, however, and these not the least important,
are original. Of this number are the clauses in relation to contracts, to slavery
and to Indians. On the whole, these articles contain what they profess to con-
tain, the true theory of American liberty. The great principles promulgated
by it are wholly and purely American. They are indeed the genuine princi-
ples of freedom, unadulterated by that compromise with circumstances, the
effects of which are visible in the constitution and history of the Union.
♦ ♦ ♦ 4c. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
The first form of civil government, provided by the ordinance, was now
formally established within the Territory. Under this form, the people had no
concern in the business of government. The Governor and Judges derived
their appointments at first firom Congress, and afler the adoption of the Fed-
eral Constitution, firom the President. The commission of the former officer
was for the term of three years, unless sooner revoked ; those of the latter
were during good behavior. It was required that the Governor should reside
within the Territory, and possess a freehold estate there, in one thousand acres
of land. He had authority to appoint all officers of militia, below the rank of
Generals, and all magistrates and civil officers, except the Judges and the Sec-
retary of the Territory ; to establish convenient divisions of the whole district
for the execution of progress, to lay out those parts to which the Indian
titles might be extinguished into counties and townships. The Judges, or any
two of them, constituted a court with common law jurisdiction. It was neces-
sary that each Judge should possess a freehold estate in the territory of five
hundred acres. The whole legislative power which, however, extended only to
the adoption of such laws of the original States as might be suited to the cir-
cumstances of the country, was vested in the Governor and Judges. The laws
adopted were to continue in force, unless disapproved by Congress, until re-
pealed by the Legislature, which was afi;erward to be organized. It was the
duty of the Secretary to preserve all acts and laws, public records and executive
proceedings, and to transmit authentic copies to the Secretary of Congress
every six months.
Such was the first government devised for the Northwestern Territory. It
is obvious that its character, as beneficent or oppressive, depended entirely upon
the temper and disposition of those who administrated it. All power, legisla-
tive, judicial and executive, was concentrated in the Governor and Judges, and
in its exercise they were responsible only to the distant Federal head. The
expenses of the Government were defrayed in part by the fJnited States, but
were principally drawn from the pockets of the people in the shape of fees.
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BISTORT OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 93
This temporary ByBtem, however unfriendly as it seems to liberty, was,
periiaps, so established upon sufficient reasons. The Federal Constitution had
not then been adopted, and there were strong apprehensions that the people of
the Territory might not be disposed to organize States and apply for admission
into the Union. It was, therefore, a matter of policy so to frame the Territorial
system as to create some strong motives to draw them into the Union, as States,
in due time.
The first acts of Territorial legislation were passed at Marietta, then the
only American settlement northwest of the Ohio. The Qovemor and Judges
did not strictly confine themselves within the limits of their legislative author-
ity, as prescribed by the ordinance. When they could not find laws of the
original States suited to the condition of the country, they supplied the want
by enactments of their own. The earliest laws, from 1788 to 1795, were all
thus enacted. The laws of 1788 provided for the organization of the militia ;
for the establishment of inferior courts ; for the punishment of crimes, and for
the limitations of actions ; prescribed the duties of ministerial officers ; regu-
lated marriages, and appointed oaths of office. That the Gk>vemor and Judges
in the enactment of these laws, exceeded their authority, without the slightest
disposition to abuse it, may be inferred from the fact that except two, which
had been previously repealed, they were all confirmed by the first Territorial
Legislature.
*♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
At this period there was no seat of government, properly called. The
Governor resided at Cincinnati, but laws were passed whenever they seemed to
be needed, and promulgated at any place where the Territorial legislators hap-
pened to be assembled. Before the year of 1795, no laws were, strictly speak-
ing, adopted. Most of them were framed by the Governor and Judges to
answer particular public ends ; while in the enactment of others, including all
the laws of 1792, the Secretary of the Territory discharged, under the author-
ity of an act of Congress, the functions of the Governor. The earliest laws,
as has been already stated, were published at Marietta. Of the remainder, a
few were published at Yincennes, and the rest at Cincinnati.
In the year 1789, the first Congress passed an act recognizing the binding
force of the ordinance of 1787, and adapting its provisions to the Federal Con-
stitution. This act provided that the communications directed in the ordinance
to be made to Congress or its officers, by the Governor, should thenceforth be
made to the President, and that the authority to appoint with the consent of
the Senate, and commission officers, before that time appointed and commis-
sioned by Congress, should likewise be vested in that officer. It also gave the
Territorial Secretary the power already mentioned, of acting in certain cases,
in the place of the Governor. In 1792, Congress passed another act giving to
the Governor and Judges authority to repeal, at their discretion, the laws by
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94 HISTORY OP THE STATE OF OHIO.
them made ; and enabling a single Judge of the general court, in the absence
of his brethren, to hold the terms.
At this time the Judges appointed by the National Executive constituted the
Supreme Court of the Territory. They were commissioned during good
behayior ; and their judicial jurisdiction extended over the whole region north*
west of the Ohio. The court, thus constituted, was fixed at no certain place,
and its process, civil and criminal, was returnable wheresoever it might be in
the Territory. Inferior to this court were thcCounty Courts of Common Pleas,
and the Gteneral Quarter Sessions of the Peace. The former consisted of any
number of Judges, not less than three nor more than seven, and had a genend
common-law jurisdiction, concurrent, in the respective counties, with that of
the Supreme Court ; the latter consisted of a number of Justices for each
county, to be determined by the Governor, who were required to hold three
terms in every year, and had a limited criminal jurisdiction. Single Judges of
the Common Pleas, and single Justices of the Quarter Sessions were alsa
clothed with certain civil and criminal powers to be exercised out of court
Besides these courts, each county had a Judge of Probate, clothed with the
ordinary jurisdiction of a Probate Court
Such was the original constitution of courts and distribution of judicial
power in the Northwestern Territory. The expenses of the system were
defrayed in part by the National Government, and in part by assessments upon
the counties, but principally by fees, which were payable to every officer con-
cerned in the administration of justice, firom the Judges of the General Court
downward.
In 1795 the Governor and Judges undertook to revise the Territorial laws,
and to establish a complete system of statutory jurisprudence, by adoptions
from the laws of the original States, in strict conformity to the provisions of
the ordinance. For this purpose they assembled at Cincinnati in June, and
continued in session until the latter part of August The judiciary system
underwent some changes. The General Court was fixed at Cincinnati and Mari-
etta, and a Circuit Court was established with power to try in the several coun-
ties, issues in fact depending before the superior tribunal, where alone causes
could be finally decided. Orphans* Courts, too, were established, with jurisdic-
tion analogous to but more extensive than that of a Judge of Probate. Laws were
also adopted to regulate judgments and executions, for limitation of actions,
for the distribution of intestate estates, and for many other general purposes.
Finally, as if with a view to create some great reservoir, from which, whatever
principles and powers had been omitted in the particular acts, might be drawn,
according to the exigency of circumstances, the Governor and Judges adopted
a law, providing that the common law of England and all general statutes in
aid of the common law, prior to the fourth year of James I, should be in full
fbrce within the Territory. The law thus adopted was an act of the Virginia
Legislature, passed before the Declaration of Independence, when Virginia was
•
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 95
yet a British colony, and at the time of its adoption had been repealed so fiur as
it related to the English statntes.
The other laws of 1795 were principally derived from the statute book of
Pennsylvania. The system thus adopted was not without many imperfections
and blemishes, but it may be doubted whether any colony, at so early a period
after its first establishment, ever had one so good.
♦ *♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
And how gratifying is the retrospect, how cheering the prospect which even
this sketch, brief and partial as it is, presents ! On a surface covered less
than half a century ago by the trees of the primeval forest, a State has grown
up from Colonial infiucy to freedom, independence and strength. But thirty
years have elapsed since that State, with hajrdly sixty thousand inhabitants, was
admitted into the American Union. Of the twenty-four States which form
that Union, she is now the fourth in respect to population* In other respects
her rank is even higher. Already her resources have been adequate, not only
to the expense of government and instruction, but to the construction of long
lines of canals. Her enterprise has realized the startiing prediction of the
poet, who, in 1787, when Ohio was yet a wilderness, foretold the future connec-
tion of the Hudson with the Ohio.
And these results are attributable mainly to her institutions. The spirit of
the ordinance of 1787 pervades them all. Who can estimate the benefits
which have flowed from the interdiction by that instrument of slavery and of
legislative interference with private contracts? One consequence is, that the
soil of Ohio bears up none but freemen ; another, that a stem and honorable
regard to private 'rights and public morals characterizes her legislation. There
is hardly a page in the statute book of which her sons need be ashamed. The
great doctrine of equal rights is •everywhere recognized in her constitution and
her laws. Aln^ost every fiitther of a family in this State has a freehold interest
in the soil, but this interest is not necessary to entitle him to a voice in the
concerns of government. Every man*may vote ; every man is eligible to any
office. And this unlimited extension of the elective franchise, so far from pro-
ducing any evil, has ever constituted a safe and sufficient check upon injurious
l^islation. Other causes of her prosperity may be found in her fertile sbil, in
her felicitous position, and especially in her connection with the union of the
States. All these springs of growth and advancement are permanent, and
upon a most gratifying prospect of the future. They promise an advance in
population, wealth, intelligence and moral worth as permanent as the existence
of the State itself. They promise to the future citizens of Ohio the blessings
of good government, wise legislation and universal instruction. More than all,
they are pledges that in all future, as in all past circumstances, Ohio will cleave
&8tto the national constitution and the •national Union, and that her growing
energies will on no occasion, be more wiUingly or powerfully put forth, than in
the support and maintenance of both in unimpaired vigor and strength."
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96 HISTORY OP THE STATE OP OHIO.
INFLUBNCE OP THE ORDINANCE OF 1787.
The passage of this ordinance, since known as the " Ordinance of 1787,^
was immediately followed by an application to the Government, by John Cleves
Symmes, of New Jersey, in behalf of the country, between the Miamis, and a
contract was concluded the following year. The Ohio Company were exceed-
ingly energetic in inaugurating settlements. Gen. Putman, with a party of
forty-seven men, set out on an exploring expedition, accompanied by six boat
builders. On the 1st of January, 1788, twentynaix surveyors followed, from
Hartford, Conn. They arrived in Ohio on the 7th of April, 1788, and their
active energy founded the permanent beginning of this great Western State-
When we review the dangerous experiments that have been made, in this land
west of the AUeghanies, the horrors which had overwhelmed every attempt, we
can faintly realize the stalwart courage that sent these men on their way, and
sustained them in their pioneer hardships. With characteristic vigor, they
began their little town. Enthusiastic and happy, they did not rest from their
toilsome march over the old Indian roads, but kept busily at work to estab-
lish an oasis in this wide expanse of wilderness, before they should take nec-
essary ease to recuperate their strength.
The wise men met on the 2d of May, and the little town was named
Marietta. Situated as it was, in the midst of danger, they had used precaution
to build and equip a fortified square, which was designated Campus Martins ;
Square No. 19 was Capitolium, and Square No. 61 was Cecelia, and the main
street was Sacra Via.
Marietta was especially fortunate in her actual ^^ first fitmilies." Ten of the
forty-eight men had received a thorough college education ; the remaining were
individuals of sterling merit, honorable, and several had already attained reputations
for superior excellence of abilities. Patriotic and brave, the settlement certainly
possessed a foundation that promised well for the friture. The following 4th of
July was an auspicious event, and the Hon. James M. Yamum was the eloquent
orator of the occason.
The opening of the court, on the 2d of September, was a solemn ceremonial,
the High SherifT leading with drawn sword, followed by citizens, with an escort
of officers from Fort Harmar, the members of the bar, the Governor and Clergy-
men, the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas — Gen. Rufiis Putman and
Benjamin Tupper — ^all these constituted an imposing spectacle, as they pro-
gressed over a path which had been cut through the forest to Campus Martins
Hall, the edifice of law and order.
The Judges took their seats, a prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Cutler,
and immediately the Sheriff, Col. Ebenezer Sprout, proclaimed the response,
and the court of impartial justice was convened.
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 9T
This ceremonial was, perhaps, made all the more impressive by the presence
of several powerful Indian chie&, who had journeyed to Marietta for the pur-
pose of making a treaty.
The settlement now increased rapidly, new cabins were erected constantly.
On the 17th of December, a society event occurred, in the form of a grand ball,
fifteen ladies being present.
John Gleves Symmes had contracted for 2,000,000 acres of land, and suc-
ceeded in obtaining his grant, but circumstances prevented him from meeting
his part of the obligations, and the specification was reduced to 1,000,000.
After vain attempt to make his payments, a settlement was finally efiected for
248,540 acres, and Symmes was prepared to dispose of clear titles to new-com-
ers. In 1788, a town was established within the boundaries of his grant, at the
mouth of the little Miami, known as Columbia, and in the early part of 1787
another was formed opposite the mouth of the Licking River, by name Losanti-
ville, analyzed by a frontier scholar — vUUy the town ; antty opposite to ; m, the
mouth of; X, Licking.
Judge Symmes had projected building his main toiln at North Bend. This
plan was frustrated by reason of Ensign Luce — who had been commissioned by
Gren. Harmar to erect a fort— deciding that North Bend was not suitable for the
purpose. He selected Losantiville for the purpose, and Fort Washington was
the result. In 1790, Gov. St. Glair was called to inspect the settlement, and
proceeded to organize Hamilton County, at the same time calling the town
Oincinnati.
It will be remembered that Connecticut ceded most of her western lands to
General Government, retaining, however, a minor portion. As the settlements
began to increase on the ^^ Virginia Reserve" and between the Scioto and Miami
Rivers, all those holding claims were not disposed to part with them, while
others were anxious to secure grants for the purpose of speculation, rather than
the advancement of civilization. The Scioto Company was a questionable ad-
herent of the Ohio Company, and began operations, which resulted well, what-
ever their purpose may have been.
Gen. Putnam cleared the land and directed the building of 100 dwellings and
six block-houses. During 1791, the colony arrived, consisting of 500 persons.
Only ten of these were tillers of the soil. Viscount Malartie ventured into the
wilderness, but instead of settling, joined Gen. St Clair's army, and was ulti-
mately his aid-de-camp. Indian conquests were not to his taste, and he soon
returned to France. This new colony was essentially French, and its location
was Grallia County. The name ^^ Gtdlipolis " was selected.
These settlers, being unaccustomed to severe toil, and disinclined to learn
its hard lesson, soon became demoralized, through deprivation and absolute
want. Congress came to their aid with a land grant of 24,000 acres, but few
of them cared to enter claims, and soon all traces of the old town were lost, and
its inhabitants scattered.
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98 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Gen. St. Clair having become unpopular, through repeated fidlures in Indian
campaigns, and Gen. Anthony Wayne having wintered at Fort Washington,
the spring of 1793 was opened by a march of the army, well disciplined and
led by ^^ Mad Anthony," on a campaign that must cru^h the rapidly increasing
depredations of the Indians, notwithstanding which these new settlements had
been made. All winter, Gen. Wayne had dispatched scouts, spies and hardy
frontiersmen on errands of discovery, and his plans were, therefore, practically
matured. His army cut its way through the forests, gathering horses, provis-
ions, etc., as they marched, and finally came nearly up to the enemy before dis-
covery. They again returned to Fort Washington, as the Commander-in-Chief,
under the order of the Executive, had proclaimed inaction 'until the Northern
or British Commissioners and Indians should convene and discuss the situation
and prospects. Gen. Wayne, meantime, drilled his men at ^' Hobson's Choice,*'
a place near Fort Washington.
The Commissioners came from Detroit, and assembled at Capt. Matthew
Elliot's house, at the mouth of the Detroit River.
A meeting was called at Sandusky, and twenty Indian representatives were
present, to argue the grounds of a treaty. Simon Girty acted as interpreter,
and has been vehemently accused of unfSsdthfulness in this trust, since he did
not advocate the adjustment of matters on any grounds. The Indians reiterated
their rights and wrongs, and ofiered to receive the half of the purchase money,
provided the actual settlers would accept it as the price of the land, move away,
and leave the original owners the proud possessors of their lands. The Govern-
ment would then expend less money than they would have done in a full Indian
purchase, or a long and cruel war. This being out of the question and rejected,
a decided specification was made that the Ohio boundary was to be obliterated,
and a new one adopted, that encompassed a mere fraction of territory. This
was also rejected. The Indians indignantly bade the Americans to go back to
their father, and they would return to their tribes.
The council was terminated in confusion. It is highly probable that some
settlement might have been made, had it not been for English influence which
instigated the savages, in the hope of ultimately making conquests for them-
selves. The commander at Detroit evinced great uneasiness whenever there
was a shadow of an opportunity for a peaceful understanding.
On Christmas Day, 1793, a detachment of the army encamped on the
identical ground made memorable by St. Clair's horrible defeat. A reward was
ofiered for every human skull that was found, and 600 were gathered. The
bones of the victims were removed from the spot where they built Fort Recovery.
This point was left in charge of Alexander Gibson.
Early in the year 1794, Lord Dorchester addressed the Commissioners in
behalf of the English. Even at this time. Gen. Wayne, to avoid the terrors of
a great war, again made overtures of peace, dispatching Freeman, Trueman and
Hardin, all initiated in savage tactics, on errands of mercy — ^and the three men
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 99
were inhmnioily murderecL The English went so fisir as to order Qoy. Simcoe
to erect a fort, in April, 1794, on the Rapids of the Maumee, thus rousing the
Indians by a bold proof that they had espoused their cause. In May, the
Spanish, who were ever jealous of colonial encroachments, were willing to aid
in a general raid against the Americans.
In June, a scouting party from Fort Recovery, fell into an Indian ambush
and suffered severely, their foes following them to the very entrance. The siege
continued for two days. It was plainly evident that white men augmented the
Indian force ; ounce balls and buck-shot surely came from their rifles. Again,
the Indians immediately began a search beneath the logs where pieces of artillery
were hidden during the great battle of St. Clair, but fortunately. Fort Recovery
had the use of them and they accomplished much.
On July 26, Scott joined Wayne at Greenville, with 1,600 mounted
Kentuokians, and on the 28th, the legion took up its line of deadly march.
Halting at Girty's Town, they built Fort Mary's, later on Fort Adams. ' Throw-
ing the enemy off their guard by feints and counter-marching, the troops, surprised
the Indians, and without the slightest resistance took possession of their villages
at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee. They found provision in
abundance, and tarried a week building Fort Defiance. ^^*^^ " 7 C>
Again Gen. Wayne would have made terms of peace, on xne principle of the
Government to arrest bloodshed, but the Indians were rendered cruelly intent
on war by an addition of a body of British militia from Detroit, and by regulars
stationed at a fort they had built on the left bank of the river, below the rapids,
cilled Fort Miami. The ^^ Fallen Timber" ground was selected as the field
9)T a battle by the savages, in the expectation that the trees cast down by a
tornado and there remaining, would seriously impede American progress.
August 15th, Wayne marched down the river, and at Roche de Boeuf, erected
a fortification for their stores and luggage, naming it ^^ Fort Deposit.'' On the
20th, the American army began the attack. Maj. Price and Maj. Gen. Scott
were heroic in their assistance, and after a sharp, deadly conflict, the enemy
was routed, fleeing in conftision, and leaving their dead and wounded strewn
thickly over the field. The savages were pressed to the front always, and when
the carnage was painftd, the British troops not engaged looked on coolly from the
fort and offered no assistance, aiding their own, however, when possible. Gen.
Wayne being an ardent soldier, was apt to forget his position, and impetuously
place himself constantly in danger. Lieut. Harrison is reported to have
requested the General not to forget to give him field orders, in his own partici-
paticm in the battle, and to have received the reply that the standing order was
aJways to charge layonets.
Notwithstanding the treaty of 1788, and the fact that the British were tres-
passing, they encroached upon the Ohio soil, and essayed to vindicate their
actk>n by discarding American claims and recognizing the Indian rights, whereby
tiiey might seek their own colonization and make treaties.
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100 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Maj* Campbell was iu command at Fort Miami, and when he saw the sava-
ges being cut down ahnost mercilessly, he not only refrained from offering aid,
but when, in their desperate retreat, they attempted to enter the fort for pro-
tection, he ordered the doors closed in their faces.
On the following day, Campbell sent a message to Wayne, demanding a
reason for hostile action, adding that Great Britain was not now at war with the
United States. He received a characteristic reply*
During the Revolution, Detroit was an important British point, and the
Maumee was its outlet. Therefore, the English clung tenaciously to this pos-
session, giving, as it did, the advantage of the great frir trade. The English
Government evidently regretted ceding so much of her ^rritory in the West,
and were searching for an excuse to quarrel and attempt to regain at least a part
of what they had lost. Their policy was to sustain the bitter hatred between
the Indians and the Americans.
The settlement of the Maumee Valley had been rapid, but the very name
was an agony of remembrance of frightful massacres and atrocities. Col.
McKee, the British Indian agent, and his assistant, Capt Elliott, were from
Pennsylvania, but being Tories, they had assimilated with the Indians. They
joined the Shawnee tribe and married Indian wives, and made their fortunes,
thereby, through British appointments to secure the savage interests. The
Indians were directly served by McKee and Elliott, with ammunition and sup-
plies, during the Wayne conflict.
Several skirmishes ensued, but severe weather approaching, the troops
moved for quarters, and on the 14th day of September, they attacked the Miami
villages, captured them with provisions and stores, and erected a fort, leaving
it in charge of Lieut. Col. Hamtramck. With cheers and riflenshooting, this post
was named Fort Wayne. The main army marched into Greenville and went inte
winter quarters.
Wayne had achieved a brilliant victory, but his success did not overcome his
practical reasoning, and he was unwilling to subject his men to a severe winter's
campaign unless necessity was peremptory.
Gov. Simcoe, Col. McKee and a few of the most savage Indian chie&
attempted to rally the Indians for a new attack. Gov. Simcoe, of Detroit, waa
aware that the mounted volunteers under Wayne had been allowed to return
home, and that the term of service of a portion of the ^^ Legion " was about te
expire.
The British and Indians held a conference, but the latter were weary with
fighting for the glory of the Great Father at Detroit, and did not enter into the
plan. The winter proved most poverty stricken to them, the English failing to
supply them, and their crops and sustenance having been destroyed by Wayne.
They were then frdly prepared to listen to the fidntpst signal from Wayne to
conciliate affairs, and the Wyandots and Delawares were the first to confer with
him on the subject. Their position was exposed and they had suffered severely..
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I
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 101
They soon influenced other tribes to consider the question. As a mass, they
were convinced of their inability to overcome the Americans, and had become
impatient and disgusted with the duplicity of their British friends, who had not
hesitated to sacrifice them in every instance, and who deserted them in their
hour of distress. United, they sued for peace. Terms were made, and about
the Ist of August, the famous Greenville treaty was ratified and established,
and the old Indian war in Ohio terminated.
The Wyandots, Delawares, Shawnees, Chippewas, Ottawas, Pottawatomies,
Miamis, Eel Rivers, Weas, Eickapoos, Piankeshaws and Kaskaskias were thus
conciliated. The old Indian boundary line, settled upon at the Fort Mcintosh
treaty, was retained, and the southwestern line was prolonged from old Fort
Recovery, southwest of the Ohio River.
^^ The general boundary lines between the lands of the United States and
the lands of the said Indian tribes shall begin at the mouth of the Cuyahoga
River, and thence run up the same to the portage between that and the Tus-
carawas Branch of the Muskingum ; thence .down that branch to the crossing-
place above Fort Laurens ; thence westerly to a fork of that branch of the
Great Miami River (running into the Ohio), at or near which fork stood Lar-
amie's store — Mary's River, which is a branch of the Miami that runs into Lake
Erie ; thence a westerly course to Fort Recovery, which stands on a branch of
lie Wabash ; thence southwesterly on a direct line to the Ohio, so as to inter-
sect that river opposite the mouth of the Kentucky or Cuttawa River."
This boundary line has, ever since this memorable treaty, been a prominent
landmark, and may now be traced as the southern boundary line of Stark, Ash-
land, Richland and Marion Counties, and the northern line, in part, of Tuscar-
awas and Knox. Old Fort Recovery was located in Mercer, near the Indiana
line. Laramie's store was in Shelby.
Within the Indian Reservation, the United States held sixteen distinct sec-
tions of land, for the purpose of military posts, so arranged that the Govern-
ment had full right of way north and west.
The " Joy treaty " between England and the United States was ratified early
in 1796, and the British were obliged to vacate Detroit and Fort Miami, and recall
the tact that they had no claim or right to either points. Gen. Wayne received
them, and accompanied by Gov. St. Clair, proceeded to Detroit. Here the lat-
ter laid out a county, calling it Wayne, and designated Detroit as its seat of
justice. This was the fifth county in the Northwest Territory, north of the
Ohio River. Washington County, with Marietta as a seat of justice, was first
established ; next Hamilton, with Cincinnati as a county seat. Wayne County
was organized in 1796, and included about twenty-six of the present counties,
in tlie northwest part of the State, covering about a quarter of its area, besides
parts of Indiana and Michigan.
In other parts of the State, the population was rapidly increasing. In May,
1795, the Legislature authorized a committee to institute measures for the
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102 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
disposal of their Western lands. The Virginia and Connecticut Reservations
required some action on the part of Government, inasmuch as ceding a portion
and re-selling had in a measure disturbed free titles. FiftjHsix persons negoti-
ated and purchased lands, receiving quit-claim titles and entire rights. They
re-sold to John Morgan and John Caldwell and Jonathan Bruce, in trust. Thus
3,000,000 acres were prepared for settlement. Upon the quit-claim deeds of.
these representatives, the full title of lands included within the old Western
Reserve rests.
Judge Symmes began his active operations in 1796, and by the close of
1797 all lands east of the Cuyahoga were laid out in townships, five miles square.
The agent of the Connecticut Land Company was Gen. Moses Cleveland, and in
his honor the leading city in the Reserve was named. Some townships were
retained for private sale, and others were disposed of by lottery, in 1798.
Wayne's treaty led to the formation of Dayton, and the peopling of that
section. A difficulty arose regarding the original Symmes grant and its modifi-
cation. Symmes had sold land titles, in good faith, beyond his vested power,
and Congress was now called upon to adjust these claims and titles. Seventeen
days after the Wayne or Greenville treaty, St. Clair, Wilkinson, Dayton and
Ludlow contracted with Symmes for seven and eight ranges, between the Mad
and Little Miami Rivers. November 4, 1795, Mr. Ludlow laid out Dayton.
During the years 1790 and 1795, the Governor and Supreme Judges of the
Northwest Territory had published sixty-four statutes. Thirty-four of these
were ratified at Cincinnati, for the purpose of forming a complete statutory. It
was termed the " Maxwell Code."
Mr. Nathaniel Massie founded a town on the Scioto, which was called
Chillicothe. The Iroquois treaty had previously invited settlement;, and embryo
towns had begun as early as 1769, under the protection of the Connecticut
Company. A land company was organized in Hartford, Conn., in 1795, sending
out forty-three surveyors to divide the townships of that part of the Western
Reserve, east of the Cuyahoga, five miles square. The first resident of the town
of Cleveland was Mr. Job Stiles and family, and Mrs. Stiles was the mother of
the first white child bom on the Reserve. Some other parts of the territory
progressed more rapidly in population.
Along the Muskingum, Scioto and Miami, towns began to spring up, which
might perhaps better be termed farming settlements.
Cincinnati was increasing, and in 1796, had reached 100 cabins, 15 frame
houses and 600 persons, with prospects for a firm future.
The Virginia Military Land District was between the Little Miami and
Scioto, and was rapidly increasing in population.
Mr. Massie was unceasing in his efforts to advance the West, and laid out
Manchester, offering inducements that could not fail to attract settlers.
Ebenezer Zane procured a grant in consideration of opening a bridle path
fit>m the Ohio River at Wheeling, over the country via Chillicothe, to Limestone,
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 108
in Kentucky. The year following, the United States mail was taken over
this route.
The comparatively tranquil condition of the country and the inducements it
had to offer encouraged a rapid settiement of the Territory. A prominent
feature of the early growth of Ohio was the general prevalence of reliable,
stanch principle. The people were of the good colonial stock.
In 1800, Chillicothe was denominated the seat of the Territorial govern-
ment, and the first stone edifice in the State was begun in this town, soon after
this appointment. About this time, a serious difficulty suddenly occurred to
those individuals who had taken lands on the Western Reserve of Connecticut.
That Eastern power had, it is true, ceded a part of her daim to the General
Grovemment, and had stipulated for the sale of certain other tracts. At the
same time, the State had not signed away her jurisdiction over some sections of
her claim, and those unfortunate people in and about Dayton found themselves
without any government upon which they might depend in a case of emergency.
The matter was, accordingly, presented to the Territorial government, which
interceded with the Eastern State, and, sanctioned by the Assembly at Congress,
Connecticut relinquished her jurisdiction in 1800.
Cleveland was an important point, and was growing in the mean time. How-
ever, it had suffered exceedingly from the ravages of fever and ague. For a
period of two months, there was not an individual, but a boy thirteen years
of age, able to procure food for the others. Flour was out of all rational con-
sideration, and the meal upon which they lived was pounded by hand. In
1799, Williams and Myatt erected a grist-mill at the fiJls, near Newbury.
A startling agitation occurred in 1801, which in these days would cause but a
ripple in the political sea, but happening during a time when legislative dignity
and state authority were regarded with reverential awe, it created the most
intense feeling. Great indignation was openly expressed.
The Governor and several legislators felt that they had been insulted in
the performance of their respective duties, at Chillicothe, while the Assembly
was in session in 1801. No measures being taken by the authorities at the
capital to protect the Executive, a law was passed removing the seat of govern-
ment to Cincinnati.
This circumstance led to a general consideration of the advantages of a
State government, and a popular desire was expressed for a change in this
respect. Gt>v. St. Clair had Mien into dis&vor through his failure as a military
leader and his fiulures in the Indian campaigns, and from his assuming powers
which were not vested in him, especially the subdivision of counties. He was
also identified with the Federal party, which was not popular in Ohio. The
opposition was strong in the Assembly, but was in the minority in the House of
fiepreeentatives. The boundary question was agitated at the same time. The
intention was to thus effect the limits of Ohio that a State government would
necessarily have to be postponed. Against this measure, Tiffin, Worthington,
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104 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Langham, Darlington, Massie, Donlavy and Morrow strenuously objected. After
considerable discussion^ Thomas Worthington obtained leave of absence from
the session, and journeyed to Washington in behalf of a State government. It
was obvious that the Territory, under the ordinance, was not entitled to a
change. Massie suggested the feasibility of appointing a committee to address
Congress on the subject. This the House refused to pass.
An effort was then made to take a census, but any action on this subject
was postponed until the next session.
During all this ineffectual struggle, Worthington was doing his best in Wash-
ington, and succeeded so well that on March 4, a report was made to the House
in fisivor of the State government. This report was made on a basis that the
census, in 1800, summed up over 46,000 for Ohio.
April 30, Congress passed a law carrying into effect the views expressed on
this subject. A convention met on November 1. Its members were generally
Jeffersonian in their views. Gov. St. Clair proposed to address them as their
chief executive magistrate. Several members resolutely opposed this action,
insisting upon a vote, which, through courtesy and not a sense of right, resulted
in permitting him to address them. He advised the postponement of the State
government until the original eastern portion of the State was sufficiently pop-
ulated to demand this right. Only one, out of thirty-three, voted to sustain
the Governor in these views.
The convention agreed to the views of Congress. November 29, the agree-
ment was ratified and signed, as was the constitution of the State of Ohio.
The General Assembly was ordered to convene the first Tuesday of March, 1803.
This was carried into effect. A constitution was firamed for the new State,
adhering to the Ordinance of 1787. The rights and duties of citizens were
plainly set forth, and general business was transacted. The new State consti-
tution was signed by :
Edward Tiffin, President and Representative from Ross County.
Adams County — Joseph Darlington, Israel Donalson, Thomas Yinker.
Belmont County — James Caldwell and Elijah Woods.
Clermont County — ^Philip Qtitcli and James Sargent.
Fairfield County — Henry Abrams and Emanuel Carpenter.
Hamilton County — John W. Brown, Charles Willing Byrd, Francis Dun-
lavy, William Goforth, John Gitchel, Jeremiah Morrow, John Paul, John Riley,
John Smith and John Wilson.
Jefferson County — Rudolph Blair, George Humphry, John Milligan, Nathan
Updegraff and Bezaleel Wells.
Ross County — ^Michael Baldwin, James Grubb, Nathaniel Massie and F.
Worthington.
Washington County — ^Ephraun Cutler, Benjamin Ives Gilman, John Mc-
Intyfe and Rufiis Putnam.
Thomas Scott, Secretary.
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 105
The first Legislature of the State, under the new constitution, created eight
new counties, viz., Gallia, Scioto, Franklin, Columbiana, Butler, Warren,
Greene and Montgomery.
The first State officers were : Michael Baldwin, Speaker of the House ; Na-
thaniel Massie, President of the Senate; William Creighton, Secretary of
State ; Col. Thomas Gibson, Auditor ; William McFarland, Treasurer ; Return
J. Meigs, Jr., Samuel Huntington and William Sprigg, Judges of the Supreme
Court ; Francis Dunlavy, Willis Silliman and Calvin Pease, Judges of the Dist-
rict Court.
The General Assembly held a second session in December, at which time
the militia law was revised, also giving aliens equal proprietary rights with native
citizens. The revenue system was modified and improved. Acts authorizing
the incorporation of townships were passed, and for the establishment of coun-
ties. Furthermore, Jacob White, Jeremiah Morrow and William Ludlow were
authorized to locate a township for collegiate purposes, according to previous
specified terms of Congress. The Symmes grant and the college specification
collided materially, but the irregularity of the former was not to create any
inconvenience for the latter. Mr. Symmes had in good faith marked off this
township, but circumstances preventing the perfection of his plans, that lapsed
with the others, and the original township was now entered by settlers.
Accordingly, thirty-six sections, west of the Great Miami, were selected,
«nd are now held by tiie Miami University.
Gov. St Clair, notwithstanding his unpopularity, was re-appointed.
Ohio was under a system of government which guaranteed the beet improve-
ments ; her Legislature being composed of her best statesmen, and the laws
passed having the general interest of the people embodied in them.
A bill was passed, appropriating the net proceeds of the land lying within
said State, sold by Congress after the 20th day of June, 1802, after deducting
all expenses incident to the same, to be applied to the laying-out of roads,
leading from the navigable waters emptying into the Atlantic to the Ohio, to
the said State, and through the same ; such roads to be laid out under the
authority of Congress, with the consent of the several States through which the
road shall pass. In conformity with these provisions, steps were taken, in 1805,
which resulted in the making of the Cumberland or National road.
Burr, at this time, began an organization for the ostensible purpose of
making a settlement on the Wachita, but his party being armed and his plans
not being frankly disclosed, an investigation proved that his real design was a
mutinous revolt against Governmental powers, and to gratify his ambition by
founding his own kingdom in Mexico, and defeating the Spanish. If success
crowned his efforts, his ultimate victory was to rupture the Union by forcing the
Western States to withdraw from their allegiance. By gaining an influence
over the noble but misguided Blennerhasset, he established his headquarters on
his island in the Ohio. The history of Burr's expedition is already well known.
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106 HISTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO.
The final capture by Gt>y. Ti£Ein, of ten boats loaded with stores, on the Mus-
kingum, and four near Marietta, decided the fate of this scheme, and Burr was
finally arrested and put on trial May 22, 1807.
The advancement of the settlement of the State was in no manner impeded,
and towns sprang up, farms were |aid out, and all other improvements inaugu-
rated which tended to a permanent prosperity.
In 1808, Tecumseh left Greenville to join the Prophet on the banks of the
Tippecanoe, a tributary of the Upper Wabash, on a tract of land granted herein
by the Pottawatomies.
The Indians were virtually by treaty allowed but a small proportion of land
within the boundaries of the State, and were maintaining peaceful attitudes
toward the whites, with exceptional border depredations, which were settled by
mutual understanding.
Although the United States had gained independence, and was treating with
England as with other foreign powers, the British persisted in violating the
'national rights of the United States, impressing American seamen into the
British service, seizing American vessels engaged with France in trade, and
otherwise violating the rights of an independent nation, at peace with the Brit-
ish power.
The mission upon which Henry was sent by the British, to create disturb-
ance between the States, and thus broken, to weaken the strength of the Gen-
eral Government, added fuel to the fire, and united indignation cried for war.
British agents again bargained with the Indians of the Wabash and Maumee
Valleys, desiring them to inaugurate another war upon the western sections and
to make a desperate attack upon the settlements south of the lakes. The Brit-
ish agent at Maiden negotiated in rifles, powder, ball, merchandise, lead, blank-
ets and shirts. The Indians were inspired again with the hope that the whites
would be driven back, and that all the country north of the Ohio would again
revert to them.
The Canadians in league with the English, gave the savages unlimited
quantities of whisky, which naturally aroused their fierce natures to acts of
violence and blood. It is highly probable that the use of liquor was the main
cause of the deterioration of the best traits of the Indian character, after the
Revolution. Again, many unscrupulous men upon the frontier did not hesi-
tate to commit the most merciless crimes against the Indians, such was the
prejudice against them, and the courts invariably failed to indict them for these
atrocities. This error on the part of the Americans served to influence the
savages against them. \
At this time, the seats of justice were distant over a hundred miles each
from the other, uninhabited tracts frequently extending between them which were
absolute wildernesses. The routes were in many cases difficult and circuitous.
As early as 1808, there was a mail communication for the people on the
Lower Maumee, many days elapsing between the arrivals and departures of
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HISTORY OP THE STATE OP OfflO. 107
the same, however. Horace Gunn was the carrier. Benoni Adams brought
the news from Cleveland to the same point, his trip requiring a fortnight. It
must be remembered that this journey was mostly made on foot. The Black
Swamp could not be traversed in any other manner.
THE WAR OP 1812.
The war of 1812 can be called a continuation of the Revolution, with all
justice. Although rumors had reached Ohio, that active preparations were
being made for general action, no official tidings had been sent to Hull, com-
mander-in-chief of the Western forces.
The Secretary of War, instead of sending a special messenger directly to
Hull, communicated with the post adjacent, depending upon a continuation of
the news from that point At the same time, advices were sent the British
post at Maiden and Detroit. Hull sent out a packet with official papers, stores,
etc., the day previous to that on which the official intelligence arrived that an
open rupture existed between the two powers, and this was of course captured.
The .Western forces marched to Detroit and crossed over to Sandwich, pre-
paratory to attacking Maiden, a post most &vorable for the transportation of
stores, troops, etc. which was therefore considered valuable.
Peter Minard first gave the news to the settlers of the Maumee. He had
heard fit)m a Delaware chief, who assured him a general massacre was to take
place in the valley. Maj. Spafford paid no heed to this ^4dle fear," until a
few days thereafter a messenger came to his quarters, reporting a band of fifty
Pottawatomiee on the march to join the hostile tribes near Maiden. They had
plundered and burned Monclova, and had nearly reached the rapids.
The Major, with his family and settlers, immediately launched a barge on
the river and were able to reach old Fort Miami just as the savages reached
Maumee City. They could plainly witness the flames that devoured their old
homes. They kept on their way in their miserable craft;, until they reached
Milan, where they learned that the entire country was in danger.
Although the Indians were defeated in the battle of Tippecanoe in the ML
of 1811, they plotted vigorously with the English for the invasion of Ohio.
Gen. William Hull marched fi*om the southwestern part of the State
directly north, crossing the counties of Champaign, Logan, Hardin, Hancock
and Wood, establishing military posts along the route and cutting a way
through the wilderness of the unsettled portions. He crossed the Maumee on
the 1st of July, and marched to Detroit.
Hull was evidently actuated in his succeeding disgraceftil &ilures by two
fears — ^lack of confidence in the ability of his troops, and the belief that they
might desert him in action. He proclaimed freedom, and a necessity of sub-
mitting to the Canadians under existing circumstances. He held out induce-
ments to the British regulars to desert their cause and essayed to pacify the
savages, but he accomplished nothing beyond jeopardizing the American cause
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108 HISTORY OP THE STATE OF OHIO.
And disgracing his annj. His men became restless. Col. Miller and Col.
Cass were delighted when detailed on scouting expeditions, and did not hesi-
tate to attack advancing squads of the enemy. At last, an attack was made on
the Niagara frontier, and Hull speedily abandoned his project and collected his
forces at Detroit.
Meantime, Col. Proctor had reached Maiden, and quickly perceiving the
^vantage of a post at that point, whereby he could cut off supplies and starve
Hull into subjection, he massed his forces about this section, captured Van
Horn and his two hundred men, and withstood the attack of Miller, although
he gained nothing by so doing. Again Hull displayed his weakness by recall-
ing his forces from further molestations.
Gen. Brock, however, reached Maiden on the 13th of August, 1812, and
b^an war preparations.
Gen. Dearborn placed a force on the Niagara frontier, but an armistice was
made with the British. Hull dispatched a third party under McArthur, to
open communications to the Raisin River.
Gen. Brock appeared at Sandwich and began to erect batteries, which Hull
would not allow to be molested. The result was, that on the 26th of August
Detroit was surrendered to the enemy, and not a blow had been struck in its
defense.
By this dastardly act, 1,400 brave men who had not been permitted to
make a single effort to sustain the American cause, were surrend^ed to 800
English regulars, 400 Canadians and their Indian allies. Gen. Hull was, in
<H>nsequence of this series of ^^ mistakes," accused of treason and cowardice,
and convicted of the latter. By the middle of August, the British had gained
the control over most of the Northwestern Territory.
The appointment of William Henry Harrison to the position of com-
mander in chief of the Western forces, was most opportune. He speedily
raised a vigorous army, and advanced by three routes to the foot of the rapids.
Gen. Harrison commanded the right wing, and marched by the way of Upper
Sandusky, where he located his depot of supplies. Gen. Tupper commanded
the center, Fort McArthur, in Hardin County, being his base, while Gen. Win-
chester marched from Fort Defiance down the Maumee to the foot of the rapids.
A large force of British and Indians moved up the left bank of the Mau-
mee toward Fort Wayne, and Gen. Harrison, to intercept them, marched to
the confluence of the Auglaize with the Maumee.
Harrison was aware that the enemy would be also hemmed in by Win-
i^hester. The weather was rainy, and the prospects were that a most unfortun-
ate season was to follow the expected engagements. Harrison heard that
Winchester had reached Fort Defiance, and that the Indians and British were
retreating down, the Maumee. He followed, and marched to Winchester's
€amp, where he arrived in season to quell a mutiny under command of Col.
Allen, of the Kentucky troops.
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HISTORY OP THE STATE OF OHIO. 109
In January, 1813, Winchester had reached the rapids, where he received
tidings that Frenchtown was menaced and exposed. Without orders, he sent a
party to the rescue, which defeated the enemy. The weather was intensely
cold, and the company lay within eighteen miles of Maiden, where the enemy
was collected in fiill force, consequently re-enforcements must be dispatched
immediately or the town again left to its fate.
Winchester then mardied with a force of 259 men, and upon arriving at
night&U, insisted upon remaining on open ground, although warned repeatedly
that this would be a most dangerous experiment.
In the morning, he was surprised by the enemy, massed directly before
him, with a battery within three hundred yards of his camp, and a shower of
bombs, balls and grape-shot fidling among his exposed troops, and the yells of
Indians reminding him of his fiEital error. Lewis, who led the party out in the
b^inning and had i^rehended the danger, bravely defended himself behind
garden pickets. Winchester was defeated on the 22d of January, 1813, and
the Indians were permitted to massacre the prisoners and the settlers.
Harrison fell back to the foot of the rapids. On the 1st of February, he
b^an the construction of Fort Meigs. On the 27th of April, Proctor and
Tecumseh attacked this fort, and laid siege with the full expectation of success.
The stipulation was that Gen. Harrison was to be delivered to Tecumseh.
While the balls and bombs were making havoc with the fort, the Indians were
^dimbing trees and pouring a galling fire down upon the troops. Gen. Proctor
invited Harrison to surrender, which was politely declined, with the assurance
that the British General would have the opportunity to distinguish himself as a
soldier before such a proceeding was enacted^
Gen. Clay was descending the Maumee with 1,200 Kentuckians in fiat
boats. Orders went firom Harrison that 800 men should land on the left bank,
take and spike the British cannon, and then to enter the fort, from which
soldiers were to issue to assist the re-enforcements.
Gapt. Hamilton was to pilot Gen. Clay to the fort, cutting their way
through. All succeeded, Col. Dudley taking the batteries and spiking the
cannon. But his men, too much elated by their success, against orders, and
against the repeated expostulations of Col. Dudley, insisted on pursuing the
Indians. Col. Dudley would not desert them. This act proved their ruin.
By a decoy, they were led into a defile which proved an ambush, and the men
fcund themselves surrounded by savages, without means of escape.
A most fi:ightful massacre began, and every man would have fallen had not
Tecumseh sternly forbidden the cowardly carnage. One of his principal chie&
ignored this order, and the next instant the great warrior buried his hatchet in
his head. The brave Col. Dudley was, however, tomahawked and scalped.
There were no immediate signs that the fort would be surrendered, and the
siege was raised on the 9th of May. It was renewed on the 20th of July, and
abandoned a few days later. The enemy decided this stronghold was invulnerable.
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110 HISTORY OP THE STATE OF OHIO.
On the Ist of Augnst, the enemy proceeded to Fort Stevenson, at Lower
Sandusky, garrisoned by 150 men under Maj. Croghan. The fort had the
use of but one piece of cannon. The enemy with Tecumseh's Indians num-
bered 3,300 strong, with six pieces of cannon.
Gen. Proctor again tendered the offer to surrender, adding that a refusal
would only bring about a useless resistance, and a massacre by the Indians.
The reply was, that before the fort went over to the British, not an American
would be left to be massacred, as they should hold out to the last man. Proc-
tor opened fire. The first movement was an assault upon the northwest angle
of the fort, as if to make a breach and thus carry the works. The command-
ant strengthened that point by bags of sand, and during the night stealthily
placing his one cannon in a concealed position, he filled it with slugs.
The following day, the fire again swept the northwest comer, and, evening
approaching, a column of 350 men swept up within twenty yards of the walls.
They were met by the musketry, which had little effect, and the ditch was soon
filled with men. The next instant the hidden cannon, so placed as to sweep
the ditch, suddenly began action, and the surprised assailants quickly recoiled,
and the fort was saved, with the loss of only one man.
The next morning, the enemy had disappeared, evidently in haste, as guns^
clothing and stores were left behind. They had lost over one hundred and
fifty men by this useless attempt. Croghan had previously received orders to
evacuate the fort firom Gen. Harrison, and his determination to hold the position
merited Harrison's reprimand and remand of commission. Such was the sev-
erity of military law. However, the rank of Colonel was immediately conferred
upon him by the President, for his gallantry. The ladies of Chillicothe pre-
sented him with an elegant testimonial in the shape of a sword.
It was decided to make a naval war&re effectual in the recovery of the
Northwestern Territory, and accordingly vessel-building began under Commo-
dore Perry's supervision.
The British looked upon this proceeding with derision, fully intending to
use these boats for their own purpose. They publicly proclaimed their intention.
By the 1st of August, 1813, Commodore Perry set sail a flotilla, the Law-
rence and the Niagara, of twenty guns each, with smaller vessels following.
Some difficulty was encountered in launching the larger vessels, on account of
the shallowness of the water.
Perry's first destination was Put-in-Bay, thirty miles from Maiden, where
the British fleet lay under the guns of the fort. On the 10th of September,
the British fleet— exceeding the American by ten guns — under Commodore
Barclay, appeared off Put-in-Bay, distant about ten miles. Perry immediately
set sail. The wind shifting, the Americans had the advantage.
Perry hoisted the Union Jack. A general preparation was made for the
conflict. An ominous silence settled over all as the fleets approached. A
bugle sounded on the enemy's ship Detroit, and a furious fire was opened upon
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. Ill
the Lawrence. The fiightfal and desperate battle that ensued is so familiar
that it is not necessary for us to repeat its details. It forever remains in his-
tory as a prominent, desperate struggle that turned the tide most decisively in
£iTor of the Americans. Hand to hand, for three hours, this furious struggle
surged, resulting in a pronounced victory for the Americans.
Commodore Perry immediately requested parole for his severely wounded
antagonist, Commodore Barclay. Capt. Elliott was at this engagement highly
commended by Perry for his bravery.
G^n. Harrison now made preparations to follow Proctor, and reached Mai-
den on the 27th of September.
Proctor had retreated to Sandwich, and thence Harrison followed him,
overtaking the enemy on the 9th of October, on the bank of the Thames. An
engagement ensued, which was not particularly marked in its events, but which
practically terminated the war in the Northwest.
Tecnmseh fell during this battle, and his death disheartened the savages to
such an extent that they were willing to make terms of peace. Accordingly
a treaty was concluded on the 22d of July, 1814, with the Wyandots, Dela-
wares, Shawneee, Senecas and Miamis, the tribes engaged in hostilities.
Again Ohio was able to turn her attention to the improvements within her
own boundaries. Weary and disabled though she was, her ambition and
en^gy were unimpaired. The struggle had been severe, but a grand reward
had been won, and peace and independence belonged to these sturdy, earnest,
pioneers.
In 1815, a town was founded near Fort Meigs, and, in 1816, Gen. John
E. Hunt and Judge Robert A. Forsythe located at Maumee.
BANKING.
Up to the year 1817, Ohio had no banking system, and on the 28th of
January of that year, the United States Bank opened a branch at Cincinnati,
and yet another during the following October at Chillioothe. These branches
found a large amount of business to transact, and while being of assistance in
various ways to the State, also received a fine revenue themselves. The State
therefore resolved upon a tax levy, and, in 1819, the branches were to pay
$50,000 each, and the State Auditor was authorized to issue his warrant for
the collection of the same.
The bank branches demurred, but the State was decided, and the banks
accordingly filed a bill in chancery, in the United States Circuit Court, setting
forth reasons whereby their prayer that Ralph Osbom, State Auditor, should
be restrained from making such collection, should be seriously considered.
Osbom being counseled not to appear on the day designated in the writ, an
injunction was obtained, with the security given in the shape of bonds from the
bank, to the amount of $100,000. On the 14th of September, the bank sent a
commissioner to Columbus, who served upon the Auditor a copy of the petition
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112 HISTORY OP THE STATE OP OHIO.
for the injunction, and a subpoena to make an appearance before the court
on the first Monday in the following January. Osbom submitted both the
petition and the injunction to the Secretary of State, with his warrant for col-
lecting the tax. Legally, the matter was somewhat complicated.
The Auditor desired the Secretary of State to take legal advice, and if the
papers did not actually amount to an injunction, to give orders for the execu-
tion of the warrant.
The decision was that the papers did not equal a valid injunction. The State
writ for collection was therefore given over to John L. Harper, with directions
to enter the banking-house and demand the payment of the tax. In case of a
refusal, the vault was to be entered and a levy made upon the amount required.
No violence was to be used, and if force was used to deter the act, the
same was to be reported to a proper magistrate and an affidavit made to that
fact.
On September 17, Mr. Harper went about his errand, taking with him T.
Orr and J. MacGollister. After securing access to the vault, a demand was.
made for the payment of the tax. This was promptly refused, and a notice
given of the granting of the injunction. This was disregarded, and the officer
seized J98,000 in gold, silver and notes. This was pjaced in charge of the
State Treasurer, Mr. H. M. Curry.
The officers were arrested and imprisoned by the United States Circuit
Court, and the money returned to the bank. The case was reviewed by
the Supreme Court, and the measures of the Circuit Court were sustained. The
State, therefore, submitted. In the mean time, the Legislature had prepared
and passed a resolution, as follows:
Retohted, by the General Aeeembly of the State of OMo, That in respect to the powers of the
GoYemments of the seyeral States that compose the American Union, and the powers of the Fed-
eral GoTcmment, this General Assembly do recognize and approYC the doctrines asserted by the
Legislatures of Kentucky and Virginia in their resolutions of NoTember and December, 1798,
and January, 1800, and do consider their principles haye been recognized and adopted by a^
majority of the American people.
Reeolved further, That this General Assembly do assert and will maintain by all legal and
constitutional means, the rights of States to tax the business and property of any priyate corpo-
ration of trade, incorporated by the Congress of the United States, and located to transact its-
corporate business within any State.
Reeolved further. That the bank of the United States is a priyate corporation of trade, the
capital and business of which may be legally taxed in any State where they may be found.
Reeolved further, That the General Assembly do protest against the doctrines that the politi-
cal rights of the separate States that compose the American Union and their powers as soTereign
States, may be settled and determined in the Supreme Court of the United States, so as to con-
clude and bind them in cases contriyed between indiyiduals, and where they are, no one of them,
parties direct.
The bank was thus debarred from the aid of State laws in the collection of
its dues and in the protection of its rights. An attempt was made to effect a-
change in the Federal constitution, which would take the case out of the.
United States Courts. This, however, proved ineffectual.
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HISTORY OP THE STATE OP OfflO. US
The banking system in Ohio has, by reason of State surveillance, not been
subjected to those whirlwind speculations and questionable fidlures which have
marked many Western States, in the establishment of a firm basis upon which
a banking law could be sustained, with mutual benefit to the institution and the
people.
THE CANAL STSTEM.
In the first part of 1817, the Legislature considered a resolution relating
to a canal between Lake Erie and the Ohio River. No action was taken and
the subject was not again agitated until 1819. Gov. Brown appointed three
commissioners in 1820, for the purpose of employing an efficient engineer and
such assistants as he deemed necessary, for the purpose of surveying a practical
route for this canal. The commissioners were restricted in their actions until
Congress should accept a proposition in behalf of the State, for a donation and
sale of the public lands lying upon and near the route of the proposed canal.
A delay was thus occasioned for two years.
In 1822, the matter was referred to a committee of the House, of Repre-
sentativee. This committee approved and recommended the employment of the
engineer. They furthermore added illustrations to prove the feasibility of the
project.
James Geddes, a skillful engineer of New York, was in due time appointed
to the position and instructed to make the necessary examinations and sur-
veys.
The surv^s were made, and estimates given of the expenses, which docu*
ments were laid before the Legislature at several sessions.
In 1825, an act was passed providing for the internal improvement of the
State by navigable canals. Directly thereafter, the State set vigorously about
the woik of constructing two canals, one leading firom the Ohio to Lake Erie,
by way of the valleys of the Scioto and Muskingum, the other from Cincinnati
to Dayton.
The first canal-boat from Cincinnati to Dayton, reached her destination in
1829, on the 25th of January. This outlet of communication was extended
to Lake Erie, and was completed in 1845. The largest artificial lake now
known is on the elevation between the Ohio and the lake, in Mercer County,
and supplies the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Canal, about three miles dis-
tant, eastwardly. This reservoir is about nine miles long, and from two to
four broad.
Two walls of earth, firom ten to twenty feet high, were formed, on the east
and west, which united with the elevations north and south, surrounded this
basin. When the water was admitted, whole farms were submerged, and the
*' neighbors" complained lest this overflow should tempt miasma. So great
was the excitement, that over one hundred and fifty residents of the county
united, and with shovels and spades, made a breach in the embankments
Many holding prominent positions in the county were engaged in this work>
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114 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
and all laid themselves liable to the State laws, which made the despoiling of
public works a penitentiary offense.
The matter was taken up by the courts, but a grand jury could not be
found in Mercer County to find a bill of indictment.
The ofiEicers who had charge of the work, ignored the law requiring the cut-
ing and saving of the timber on lands appropriated, for canal reservoirs. The
trees were ruthlessly girdled, and thousands of acres of valuable timber that
might have been highly desirable in the building of bridges, etc., were
destroyed. However, an adjustment was finally effected, and the work was
prosecuted with the entire approbation of the people, who were convinced that
convenient transportation was to be desired.
OHIO LAND TRACTS.
After the 'Indians relinquished all claims against the lands of those States
west of the Alleghanies, as they had been obtained by conquest, the United
States, as a government, owned the soil. When Ohio was admitted into the
Union, a stipulation was made that the fee simple to all the lands within its
boundaries, with the exception of those previously sold or granted, should vest
in the General Government. At the present writing, but few tracts remain
that can be caUed ^^ public lands." In this, as in other States, tracts are des-
ignated by their pioneer signification or the purpose to which they were origi-
nally devoted. In Ohio, these tracts are known as :
1.
Congress Lands.
8.
Symmes' Purchase.
16.
Maumee Road.
2.
United States Military.
9.
Reftigee Tract
16.
School Lands.
8
Virginia MiUtary.
10.
French Grant
17.
College Lands.
4.
Western Reseire.
11.
Dohrman's Grant
18.
Ministerial Lands.
6.
Fire Lands.
12.
Zane*B Grant
19.
Morarian Lands.
6.
Ohio Company's Purchase.
18.
Canal Lands.
20.
Salt Sections.
7.
Donation Tract.
14.
Turnpike Lands.
The lands sold by the direct officers of the Government, under the direc-
tion of Congress, according to the laws, are known as Congress lands. They
are properly surveyed, and laid out in townships six miles square, under the
direction of the Government, and the expense incurred settled by Congress.
These townships are subdivided into sections, containing 640 acres. One sec-
tion is reserved, in every township, for educational purposes, to be utiUzed in
any manner approved by the State as being the best to aid the cause for which
they are assigned.
The Western Beierve will be remembered as the tract originally belonging to
Connecticut. It lies in the northeast quarter of the State. A half-million acres
were donated by the old Eastern State, when her claim wasin force, to sufferers
firom fire during the Revolutionary war, which created the name, " fire lands."
Many settled here whose homes were destroyed by the British during the war.
It will be remembered, that on account of discoveries by subjects of empires,
in the New World, the " Old World '* kings laid claim to different portions
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HISTORY OP THE STATE OF OHIO. 117
of the young oontinent. At that period, European knowledge of American
geographical positions and limits was exceedingly meager, which occasioned
several wars and more discussions. These Old- World sovereigns also assumed
the authority to sell or present tracts of land to their subjects, in those terri-
tories they deemed their own.
King Charles II of England granted to his loyal subjects the colony of
Connecticut, in 1662, placing with them a charter of right to all lands Within
certain prescribed boundaries. But these " boundaries " frequently conflicted
with those of others, and sometimes extended to the Pacific Ocean, or ^' South
Sea," as it was then termed. Ccnonecticut, by her original charter rights, held
all lands between the forty-first and forty-second parallels of north latitude, and
finom Providence Plantation on the east, to Pacific Ocean on the west, except-
ing the New York and Pennsylvania colonies. As late as the establishment of
the United States as an independent government, those colliding claims fre-
quently engendered confusion and warm discussion between the nation and
Connecticut, regarding the original colony claim. This was compromised by
the national claims being relinquished in regard to the territorial claim in Ohio,
and Connecticut holding the 8,800,000 acres described as the " Western Reser-
vation." The (Jovemment held the right of jurisdiction.
In 1796, Congress set aside a certain division of land, to satisfy the claims
of oflicers and soldiers of the Revolutionary war. It includes the 2,500,000
acres between the Greenville treaty line and the Congress and reAigee lands,
and " Vn ranges of townships," on the east, and the Scioto River, west. This
constitutes the " Military Tract." The " Virginia Military Tract " lies between
the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers, and extends south to the Ohio.
James I, in his authorized charter to the Virginia colony, in the year
1609, made rather visionary boundary lines, sweeping over the continent, west
of the Ohio River, " of the north and south breadth of Virginia." Virginia
reconciled the matter by relinquishing all her claims northwest of the Ohio
River, with the exception of a tract for the purpose of donating the same to her
troops of the Revolution — ^their claims demanding such a return in some section.
Unfortunately, this tract was not regularly surveyed, and conflicting " lines "
have given rise to litigation ever since that stipulation was made.
The Ohio Company's Purchase has alr^y been described — as has the
Symmes Purchase.
The Refugee Tract covers an area of 100,000 acres, extending eastwardly
firom the Scioto River forty-eight miles, in a strip of country four and one-haJf
miles broad, north to south. ColumbuB^ the capital of the State, is situated in
Ae western portion. This land was donated by Congress to those individuals
who left the British dominions and rule, during the Revolution, and espoused
tiie American cause.
The French Tract borders on the Ohio River, in the southeastern quarter
of Scioto County. It includes 24,000 acres, and was ceded to those French
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118 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
fiunilies that lost their daiins at Qallipolis, through invalid titles ; 1,200 acres
were added, after the above grant of 1795.
Dohrman's Grant includes a section, six miles square, in the southeastern
portion of Tuscarawas County. It was granted to Arnold Henry Dohrman, a
Portuguese merchant, as a token of appreciation of the aid and shelter he ren-
dered American cruisers and vessels of war, during the Revolution.
The Moravian Lands were originally grants by the old Continental Con*^
grees, in 1787, and confirmed by the act of the Government Congress, in 1796,
to the Moravian Brethren, of Bethlehem, Penn., in sacred trust, and for the
use of those Indians who embraced Christianity and civilization, desiring to live
and settle thereon. These three tracts include 4,000 acres each, and are situ-
ated in Tuscarawas County. In 1823, the Indians relinquished their rights to
the 12,000 acres in this county, for 24,000 acres, in a territory designated by
the United States, together with an annuity of 9400.
Zane's Tracts included a portion of land on the Muskingum, whereon Zaneo*
ville was built ; another at the crossing of the Hocking, on which Lancaster is
located ; and yet another on the left bank of the Scioto River, opposite Chilli-
cothe. These grants were made to Ebenezer Zane, by Congress, in 1796, a« a.
reward for opening a road from Wheeling, Va., to Maysville, Ky. In 1802,
Mr. Zane received three additional tracts, one square mile each, in considera-
tion of being captured and held a prisoner, during the Revolutionary war,
when a boy, by the Indians. He lived with these people most of his life, secur-
ing many benefits for the Americans. These tracts are located in Champdgn
County.
The Maumee Road Lands extend the length of the road, from the Maumee
River, at Perrysburg, to the western limits of the Western Reserve, a distance
of forty-six miles — in a strip two miles wide. This includes about 60,000^
acres. These lands were ceded by the Indians, at the treaty of Brownstown, in
1808. The original intention of Congress was to mark a highway through this
strip, but no definite action was taken until 1823, whe a the land was ceded te
the State of Ohio, under an obligation that the State make and sustain the pro-
jected road, within four years after the transfer.
The Turnpike Lands extended over 31,360 acres along the western side of
the Columbus 4; Sandusky Turnpike, in the eastern parts of Seneca, Craw-
ford and Marion Counties. They were designed for the transportation of mail
stages, troops and other United States property, free from toll. The grant waa
made in 1827.
" The Ohio Canal Lands " comprise about 1,000,000 acres, set aside for the
purpose of canal construction.
When Ohio was admitted to the Union, a guarantee was given that the State
should not tax Government lands until they should have been sold for five years.
That the thirty-sixth part of all territory within the State limits should be de-
voted to educational purposes, for the general benefit of the population. In
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 119
ord^ to secure tracts which would prove available, and thus insure returns,
they were selected in small lots. No. 16 was designated as the sectional portion,
in each township of Congress lands, the Ohio Company's and Symmes Pur-
chases, the United States Military Lands, the Connecticut Reserve, and a num-
ber of quarter townships. These school lands were selected by the Secretary
of the Treasury.
The college townships are thirty-six miles square. A section, thirty-six
miles square, in the center of Jackson County, in the vicinity and containing
the Scioto Salt Licks, was also reserved by Congress, together with a quarter-
mile township in Delaware County. This swept over 27,040 acres. In 1824,
Congress audionzed the State to sell these lands. The proceeds were to be
devoted to literary requirements, such as might be specified by Congress.
IMPROVEMENTS.
We have heretofore briefly alluded to the canal system of Ohio, which in
the beginning caused considerable anxiety to settlers directly in the course of
its survey. The Legislature passed the ^^ Internal Improvement by Navigable
Canals " act, in 1825, and the work was immediately inaugurated and hastened.
The ^^ Ohio Canal " extends from the lake to the Ohio, and the '^ Miami '* con-
nects Cincinnati with Dayton. The latter was completed to Toledo in 1844, a
length of 493 miles. Its total cost, including reservoir cutting and feeders, was
17,500,000. The Ohio Canal was finished in 1833.
During the construction of these canals, the curiosities which have attracted
antiquarians and scientists, in the State of Ohio, were found in various places.
Relics were discovered that must have belonged to a giant race. Nearly 3,000
graves were found, of the " mound type."
A third canal was begun in 1836, reaching firom Walhonding, in Coshocton
County, to Roscoe, its length being twenty-five miles, involving an expense of
J610,000. This was completed in 1842. The Hocking Canal, between Car-
roll, in Fairfield County, -and Athens, in Athens County, a distance of fifty-
six miles, was also cut, about the same time, at a cost of nearly 91)000,000.
The Muskingum improvements were also being carried forward. Locks and
dams were requisite for the perfection of navigation in this water-course, from
Dresden to Marietta, a distance of ninety-one miles. This added an expense
of $1,630,000 to the caU for improvement appropriations. To the Miami Canal
was added a feeder, known as the Warren County Canal — extending firom
Franklin to Lebanon, which was not completed, although over (250,000 were
expended in its construction as &r as it went.
Railway transportation was a subject which engrossed the attention of those in-
terested in State perpetuity and general prosperity. About the year 1831, the Leg-
islature received applications for railway charters. The first one granted was the
" Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad," on June 5, 1832. The " Sandusky,
Mansfield & Newark Railroad '* obtained a charter in 1836, March 11, followed.
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120 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
three days thereafter, by the ^^ Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad.*'
The ^^ Little Miami *' was begun in 1887. Notwithstanding these chartered
rights, but 129 miles were completed in 1847, and in operation. In 1878,
the mileage had increased to 6,264. The valuation of the operating roads
was estimated the same year, at ^76,113,500. Their taxation summed up
^1,128,116.
No State in the Union has been more zealous in her educational interests than
Ohio. Public lands were generously granted by Congress, and the State added
her afiEirmation. However, no practical and effectual system was adopted until
1825.
An act was then passed to tax all real property one-half mill per dollar for
the establishment of schools in each township, and the support of the same.
An act of 1829, increased the tax to three-fourths of a mill. Trustees of
townships were instructed to make divisions and locate convenient school dis-
tricts. Householders were to elect three school directors, a clerk and treasurer
annually. Privileges and restrictions were enjoined in all cases. The house-
holders were allowed their discretion, governed accordingly, in imposing taxes
for the erection of school buildings. The Courts of the Common Pleas
appointed a committee to examine the qualifications of those individuals mak-
ing application for the position of teachers. The school extended equal privi-
leges to all white children. Those of colored parentage were excluded, and no
tax was levied for school purposes upon colored parents. An amendment has
admitted the children of colored parents. The system has continued the same,
with a few amendments. A State Commissioner of Common Schools is elected
every third year, who has general charge of the interests of public schools. A
State Board of Examiners, composed of three persons, appointed by the State
Commissioner, for two years' term, is authorized to issue life certificates of high
qualifications, to such teachers as it may find to possess the requisite scholarship,
character, experience and ability. These certificates, signed by the Commis-
sioner, are viJid throughout the State. A County Board of Examiners, of
three members, is formed in each county. Boards of education, for cities, are
made up of one or two members from each ward. City Boards of Examiners
are also appointed. Section 4 of the law of 1873, was amended in 1877, which
made the territory annexed to an incorporated village, at the option of the
voters of the village and tributary section, whether it be included with the vil-
lage as one school district, or left as two school districts. Section 56 of the law was
amended, in its bearing upon cities of 30,000 to 75,000 inhabitants, by limiting
to five mills on the dollar of taxable property, the levies in such cities for con-
tinuing schools, for purchasing sites for schoolhouses, for leasing, purchasing,
erecting and furnishing school houses, and for all school expenses. The public
funds are subject to the discretion of voters, and boards are authorized, under
instructions, to make the best use of such funds. Taxation is subject to the
discretion of the State, certain limits being prescribed.
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 121
In 1878, the number of youth of the school age numbered 1,041,968.
On the rolls, 740,194 names were recorded. In the year 1878, 23,891 teach-
ers were employed, receiving 94,956,514.46 for their services.
Ohio not only sustains her public schools on a broad, liberal basis, but she
encourages educational pursuits in superior universities and colleges throughout
the State. These institutions are not aided by State funds, but are sustained by
society influence, added to their self-supporting resources. Ohio also possesses
a large number of normal schools, academies, seminaries and business colleges.
These are not entitled to the privileges of the school Aind. Scientific, profes-
sional, theological, legal and medical instructions are in no manner limited in
their facilities. Industrial and reformatory schools are especially thorough.
Institutions for the instruction of the deaf and dumb, and blind, and feeble-
minded, are und^ the best discipline.
We may add, many female seminaries have been established which are entirely
sustained by oth^ than State aid. Ohio has, from its inception, been solid and
vigorous in whatever tended toward improvement and enlightenment.
We have also referred to the banking system of this State, as being first
established on a basis through a contest between t£e State and the General
Government. Authorities difier regarding the exact date and location of the
very first house established in the State for the purpose of transacting banking
business. It is highly probable that Marietta is more directly associated with
that event than any other town. There are at present ov^ one hundred and
sixty-seven national banks, with an aggregate capital of (27,794,468. It also
has eighteen banks of deposit^ incorporated under the State banking laws of
1845, representing an aggregate capital of 9539,904. Twenty-three savings
banks, incorporated under the State act of 1875, with an aggregate capital of
91,277,500. Of private banks it has 192, with an aggregate capital of
15,663,898. The State represents in her banking capital over 936,275,770.
The First National of Cincinnati has a capital stock of over 919000,000.
The others fidl below that sum, their capital diminishing from 10,000 shares of
9100 each. The valuation for taxation is 9850,000 — Merchant's National of
Cincinnati — ^to the valuation of a tax of 95,000 on the First National of
Beverly.
BOUNDARY LINES.
We must not omit the subject of the State boundaries. Ohio was especially
the field for most animated discussions, relative not only to State limits but
county lines and township rights. In 1817, a severe controversy arose, which
was settled only after violent demonstrations and Government interference.
In primitive times, the geographical position, extent and surface diversities
were but meagerly comprehended. In truth, it may be asserted they could not
have been more at variance with actual fiu5ts had they been laid out " hap-
hazard." The ordinance of 1787 represented Lake Michigan far north of its
real position, and even as late as 1812, its size and location had not been
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122 HISTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO.
definitely ascertained. During that year, Amos Spafford addressed a clear, com-
prehensive letter to the Governor of Ohio, on this subject, relative to the
boundary lines of Ohio. Several lines of survey were laid out as the first
course, but either Michigan or Ohio expressed disapproval in every case. This
culminated in 1885, when the party beginning a ^'permanent" survey began
at the northwest comer of the State, and was attacked by a force of Michigan
settlers who sent them away badly routed and beaten. No efibrt was made to
return to the work until the State and various parties had weighed the subject,
and finally the interposition of the Government became necessary.
A settlement resulted in Ohio being bounded on the north by Lake Erie
and the State of Michigan, on the east by Pennsylvania and West Virginia, on
the south by the Ohio River, and on the west by Indiana.
It is situated between the 38^ 25' and 42^ north latitude, and 84° 50'
west longitude from Greenwich, or 8° 80' and 7° 50' west from Washington.
From north to south, it extends over 210 miles, and from east to west 220
miles— comprising 89,964 square miles.
The State is generally higher than the Ohio River. In the southern
counties, the surfiwe is greatly diversified by the inequalities produced by the
excavating power of the Ohio River and its tributaries. The greater portion
of the State was originally covered with timber, although in the central and
northwestern sections some prairies were found. The crest or watershed
between the waters of Lake Erie and those of the Ohio is less elevated than
in New York or Pennsylvania. Sailing upon the Ohio the country appears
to be mountainous, blufis rising to the height of two hundred and fifty to six
hundred feet above the valleys. Ascending the tributaries of the Ohio, these
precipitous hills gradually lessen until they are resolved into gentle undulations,
and toward the sources of the river the land is low and marshy.
Although Ohio has no inland lakes of importance, she possesses a &vorable
river system, which, aided by her canals, gives her prestige of a convenient
water transportation. The lake on her northern boundary, and the Ohio
River on her southern limit, afibrd most convenient outlets by water to impor-
tant points. Her means of communication and transportation are superior in
every respect, and are constantly being increased.
ORGANIZATION OP COUNTIES AND BARLY BVBNTS.
Adams County was named in honor of John Adams, second President of
the United States. Gov. St. Clair proclaimed it a county on July 10, 1797.
The Virginia Military Tract included this section, and the first settlement made
within its boundaries was in this county in 1790-91, between the Scioto and Little
Miami, at Manchester, by Gen. Nathaniel Massie. In this town was held the
first court of the county.
West Union, the present county seat, was laid out by the Hon. Thomas
Kirker. It occupies the summit of a high ridge. The sui&ce of this county is
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BISTORT OF THB STATE OF OHIO. 128
billy and broken, and tbe eastern part is not fertile. It produces com, wheat, oata
and pork. Beds of iron are found in the eastern part. Its hills are composed of
aluminous shale. The barren hills afford a range for cattle and hogs. A sort
of vagrant class derive a support by collecting stones, hoop-poles and tanners'
barks firom these hills.
Ashland County is (me of the finest agricultural sections. It was formed.
February 26, 1846. Wheat comprises its principal crop, although large quan-
tities of oats, com, potatoes, grass and fruit are raised. Ashland is its county
seat, and was laid out by William Montgomery in 1816. It was caUed Union-
town for several years. Daniel Carter raised the first cabin within the county
limits in 1811.
Auglaize County was formed in February, 1848, from Allen and Mercer
Counties. Wapakoneta is its county seat.
Allen County was formed from the Indian Territory April 1, 1820. Lima
is its county seat.
Ashtabula County was formed June 7, 1807, and was organized January
22, 1811. The surface is level near the lake, while the remainder is undulat-
ing. The soil is mostly clay. Very little wheat is raised, but considerable
com and oats. Butter and cheese are the main marketable productions. This
was the first county settled on the Western Reserve, and also the earliest in
ITorthem Ohio. On the 4th of July^ 1796, the first surveying party arrived
At the mouth of Conneaut Creek. Judge James Kingsbury was the first who
%intered there with his fiunily. He was the first man to use a sickle in the
first wheat-field in the Western Reserve. Their child was the first born on the
Western Reserve, and was starved to death. The first regular settlement was
At Harpersfield, in 1798.
Jefferson is the county seat. Ashtabula is pleasantly situated on the river,
with a fine harbor two and a half miles from the village.
The first church on the Western Reserve was founded at Austinburg in
1801.
Athens County was formed from Washington March 1, 1805. It produces
wheat, com, oats and tobacco. The surfiu^ is hilly and broken, with rich bot-
tom lands between. Coal, iron ore and salt add materially to its commercial
value. It has the advantage of the canal, as well as other transportation.
Athens, its county seat, is situated on the Hocking River. The Ohio Uni-
versity, the first college founded in the State, is located here. We have
mentioned the ancient mounds found in this county, heretofore. Yellow pine is
abundant in the lower part of the Hocking Valley.
Brown County was formed March 1, 1818, from Adams and Clermont. It
produces wheat, com, rye, oats and pork. The southern part is prolific in
grain, while the northern is adapted to grazing purposes. The surfiice is undu-
lating, with the exception of the Ohio River hills. Over this county Tecumseb
imce held sway
Digitized by LjOOQIC
124 HISTORY OP THE STATE OF OHIO.
Georgetown is the county seat, and was laid out in 1819. Ripley is the larg-
est business town in the county.
Belmont County was announced by Gov. St. Clair September 7, 1801. It
produces large crops of wheat, oats, com and tobacco, an annual crop of over
2,000,000 pounds of the latter being the average. It also trades largely in
wool and coal. It is a picturesque tract of country, and was one of the
pioneers in the early settled portions.
In 1790, Fort Dillie was erected on the west side of the Ohio. Baker's
Fort was a mile below the mouth of the Captina. Many desperate Indian bat-
tles were fought within the limits of this county, and the £unous Indian scout,
Lewis Wetzel, roamed over the region.
St. Clairsville is the county seat, situated on the elevation of land, in a fer-
tile district. Capt. Eorkwood and Elizabeth Zane, of historic fiune, were early
pioneers here.
Butler County was formed m 1808, from Hamilton. It is within the blue
limestone formation, and one of the most fertile sections of Ohio. It produces
more com than any other county in the State, besides fine crops of wheat,
oats and large quantities of pork. Hamilton, the county seat, is situated on the
Great Miami. Its hydraulic works furnish superior water-power. Rossville,
on the opposite side of the Miami, is a large mercantile town.
St. Clair passed through this county on his Indian campaigns in 1791,
building Fort Hamilton on the Miami.
Champaign County was formed March 1, 1805, from Greene and Franklin.
It is drained by Mad River and its tributaries, which furnishes extensive mill
privileges. Nearly a half is undulating, a quarter rolling, a fifUi hilly, and
5 per cent wet prairie. The soil is fertile, and produces wheat, com, oats,
barley, hay, while beef and wool add to the general wealth. Urbana, the
county seat, was laid out in 1805, by Col. William Ward. He was chief owner
of the land and donated many lots to the county, under condition that their
proceeds be devoted to public improvements. Joseph Vance and George
Fithian were the first settlers. The Methodists built the first church in 1807.
The main army of Hull concentrated at this point before setting out for Detroit.
Many Indian councils were called here, and Tecumseh was located for a time
near Deer Creek.
Carroll County was formed from Columbiana in 1832-38. It produces
wheat, oats and com, and valuable coal and iron. The sur&ce is hilly. Car-
roUton is its county seat. At Harlem is a celebrated chalybeate spring.
Clark County was formed March 1, 1817, from Champaign, Madison and
Oieene. Its second settlement was at Kreb's Station, in 1796. It is highly culti-
vated, well watered and very fertile. The Mad River, Buck and Beaver Creeks
furnish abundant water-power. It produces principally wheat, cbm and oats.
Tecumseh, the old Indian warrior, was born at the ancient Indian vil-
lage of Piqua, on the Mad River, on the site of New Boston. Piqua was
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HISTOBT OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 125
destroyed by Qea. George Rogers Clarke. Skeletons, beads, gun barrels,
tomahawks, kettles, etc., have be^i found in the vicinity.
Springfield, the county seat, is sitaated on the National road. It has con-
renient transportation facilities, is handsomely laid out, and is noted for its
cultured citizens. It is near Mad River, and Buck Creek runs through it.
Clinton County was formed in 1810. It produces chiefly wheat, oats,
wool and pork. Its surfiu^ is undulating, in some parts hilly, and the soil fer-
tile. Its streams furnish desirable water-power. The county was settled in
1798-99. Wilmington is the county seat, and was laid out in 1810. The first
kg house was built by William Hobsin.
Clermont County was the eighth formed in the Northwest Territory, by
proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, December 9, 1800. The soil is exceedingly
rich, and the sur&ce is broken and, near the Ohio, hilly. Wheat, com, oatSy
hay, potatoes, tobacco, barley, buckwheat and rye form the main crops, while
beef, pork, flour, hay and whisky constitute its main exports. Its streams
furnish good water-power. Batavia, its county seat, is situated on the Little
Miami River, and was laid out in 1820, by George Ely.
Columbiana County was formed March 25, 1803, firom Jefierson and Wash-
ington. Its soil is very fertile, producing wheat, com, oats and potatoes. It
is wealthy in mineral deposits, coal, iron ore, lime and fi^estone being abun-
dant. Its water-lime stone is of superior quality. Salt water is found on Yel-
low and Beaver Creeks. This is also the great wool-producing county of
the State. It was settled in 1797. New Lisbon, its county seat, is well
built.
The first paper-mill in Ohio was erected in this county, on Little Beaver
Creek, by John Coulter and John Bever.
Coshocton County was organized April 1, 1811. Its principal products are
wheat, com, oats and wool. Hills and valleys alternate along the Muskingum
River. Abrupt changes are strongly marked — a rich alluvum being overhung
by a red bush hill, while directly beside it may be seen the poplar and sugar
tree. Coal and iron ore add to its general importance, while salt wells have
proven remunerative.
Coshocton, the county seat, is built on four wide, natural terraces, at the
junction of the Tuscarawas with the Walhonding.
Cuyahoga County was formed June 7, 1807, from G^uga. Near the lake,
the soil is sandy, while a clayey loam may be found elsewhere. The valleys
near the streams produce wheat, barley and hay. Fruit is successfully grown,
and cheese, butter, beef and wool are largely exported. Bog iron is found in
the western part, and fine grindstone quarries are in operation. The sandstone
from tiiese quarries is now an important article of commerce. As early as
1775, there was a French settlement within the boundaries of Cuyahoga. In
1786, a Moravian missionary came to the present site of Cleveland, and set-
tled in an abandoned village of the Ottawas. Circumstances prevented a
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126 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
permanent settlement, and the British tacitly took possession, even remaining
upon the lake shores after the Revolution.
The first permanent settlement was made at Cleveland in 1796. Mr. Job
y. Stiles and family and Edward Paine passed the first winter there, their log
cabin standing where the Commercial Bank is now located. Bodolphus
Edwards and Nathaniel Doane settled here. The town was, in 1813, a depot
of supplies and a rendezvous for troops engaged in the war.
Cleveland, the county seat, is situated at the northern termination of the
Ohio Canal, on the lake shore. In 1814, it was incorporated as a village, and
in 1836, as a city. Its elevation is about a hundred feet above the lak^. It
is a lovely city, and has one of the best harbors on Lake Erie.
Ohio City is another important town, nearly opposite Cleveland, on the
Cuyahoga. It was incorporated in 1836.
Crawford County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory.
The entire county is adapted to grazing. The soil is generally composed of
rich vegetable loam, and in some parts the subsoil is clay mixed with lime.
Rich beds of shell marl have been discovered. It produces wheat, com, oats,
clover, timothy seed, wool and cattle. Fine limestone quarries are worked with
success.
Bucyrus is the county seat, and was laid out February 11, 1822, by Samuel
Norton and James Kilboum, original owners of the land. The first settler in
the town proper was Samuel Norton. A gas well has been dug in Bucyrus,
on the land of R. W. Musgrove, which bums in a brilliant light when con-
ducted to the surfsM^ by means of pipes. Crawford's Sulphur Springs are
located nine miles from Bucyrus. The water is impregnated with sulphuretted
hydrogen. It deposits a reddish-purple sediment. In its nature the water is a
cathartic, and is diuretic and diaphoretic in its effects. A few rods away is a
burning spring. The Annapolis Sulphur Spring is clear and has gained consid-
erable fame by its curative qualities. Opposite Bucyrus is a chalybeate spring
of tonic qualities.
There are some beds of peat in the county, the most extensive one being a
wet prairie called Cranberry Marsh, containing nearly 2,000 acres.
Darke County was organized in March, 1817, from Miami County. It is
abundantly timbered with poplar, walnut, blue ash, hickory, beech and sugar
maple. It yields superior wheat, and is well adapted to grazing. In this
county occurred the lamentable defeat of St. Clair, and the treaty of Greenville.
Greenville is the county seat, and was laid out August 10, 1808, by Robert
Gray and John Dover. In December, 1793, Wayne built Fort Greenville on
this spot, which covered about the same extent as the present town.
Delaware County was formed Febmary 10, 1808, from Franklin. It pro-
duces mainly wheat, com, oats, pork and wool.
Delaware is the county seat, and was laid out in the spring of 1808, by
Moses Byxbe. The Delaware Spring in the village is of the white sulphur or
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 127
oold hydro-Biilpharoiis nature, valuable for medicinal qualities in cases of bilious
derangements, dyspepsia, scrofulous affections, etc.
Defiance County was inaugurated March 4, 1845, firom Williams, Henry
and Paulding. The Maumee, Tiffin and Auglaize flow through it. The Black
Swamp covers much of its area.
Defiance, the county seat, is situated on the Maumee. It was laid out in
1822, by B. Level and H. Phillips. A large Indian settlement occupied its
gite in very early times. Wayne arrived here August 8, 1794, captured the
place, finding about one thousand acres of com, peach and apple orchards, and
v^tables of all varieties. Here he built Fort Defiance.
Erie County was formed in 1838, from Huron and Sandusky. The soil is
alluvial, and yields large crops of wheat, com, oats and potatoes. It possesses
inexhaostable quarries of limestone and freestone. Immense quantities of bog
iron are also found. The Erie tribe is said to have once occupied the land, and
were extirpated by the Iroquois. As early as 1754, the French had built set-
tlements. In 1764, the county was besieged. Pontiac came here with warlike
demonstrations, but made peace with the whites. Erie was included in the
**fire lands" of the Western Reserve.
Sandusky City is the county seat, and was laid out in 1817, then termed
Portland. At that time it contcdned two log huts. The town is finely situated,
and is based upon an inexhaustible quarry of thct finest limestone. In the
'^ patriot war" with the Canadians, tiiis city was the rendezvous for the
"patriots."
Franklin County was formed April 80, 1808, from Boss. It contains
much low wet land, and is better adapted to grazing than agricultural purposes.
It was in early times occupied by the Wyandot Indians. Its first white set-
tlement was made in 1797, by Bobert Armstrong and otiiers. Franklinton
was laid out in 1797, by Lucas Sullivan. Worthington was settled by the
Scioto Company in 1801. Col. Kilboum, who was interested in the work,
constructed the first map of Ohio during his explorations, by uniting sectional
diagrams.
Columbus, the capital of the State of Ohio, is also the county seat of
Franklin County. After the organization of a State govemment, the capital
was "portable" until 1816. In 1810, the sessions were held at Chillicothe,
in 1811 and 1812 at Zanesville, removing again to Chillicothe, and, in 1816,
being located at Columbus. The town was laid out during the spring of 1812.
A penitentiary was erected in 1813, and the State House was built in 1814.
It was incorporated as "the borough of Columbus," Febmary 10, 1816. The
iitj charter was granted March 8, 1834.
It is beautifully located on the east bank of the Scioto. The Columbus
Institute is a classical institution. A female and a theological seminary also
add to its educational advantages. The Ohio Lunatic Asylum is also located
here — also the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind. East of the
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128 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
State House is the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Deaf and
Dumb.
Fairfield County was formed by proclamation of Gov. St. Claire December
9, 1800.
The soil is yaried, being in some parts exceedingly rich, and in others very
sterile. It produces principally wheat, com, rye, oats, buckwheat, barley,
potatoes and tobacco.
Lancaster is the county seat, laid out by Ebenezer Zane in 1800. In 1797,
he opened the road known as "Zane*s Trace,** from Wheeling to Limestone —
now Maysville. It passed through Lancaster, at a fording about three hundred
yards below the present turnpike bridge. Near the turn stands an imposing
eminance called ^^ Standing Stone. ' * Parties of pleasure frequently visit this spot.
Fayette County was formed from Boss and Highland in 1810. Wheat,
com, cattle, hogs, sheep and wool comprise its main productions. ^^ The bar-
rens ** are situated in the northeastern part. This tract is coyered by a growth,
of grass.
Washington is its county seat, laid out in 1810.
Col. Stewart was active in the interests of this section, and his memory is
sacredly revered. Jesse Milliken was prominent in public affairs.
Fulton County, bordering on Michigan, was organized in 1850. It is
drained by Bean Creek and^ other small affluents of the Maumee Biver. The
sur&ce is nearly level, and a large part of it is covered with forests of ash,
beech, elm, hickory, white oak, black walnut, etc., frimishing excellent timber.
The soil is fertile. Wheat, com, oats and hay are the staple products. Wau-
seon is the county seat.
Guernsey County was organized in March, 1810. Wool is a staple prod>
uct, together with beef, horses and swine. It produces wheat, com and oats.
Cambridge is the county seat and was laid out in June, 1806. Mr.
Graham was the first settler on the site of the town, and his was the only
dwelling between Lancaster and Wheeling.
The first cannel coal found in the county was discovered near Mill's Creek.
Greene County was formed May 1, 1803, from Hamilton and Boss. It
produces wheat, com, rye, grass-seed, oats, barley, sheep and swine. The
streams ftimish good water-power. There are five limestone quarries, and &
marble quarry of variegated colors. The Shawnee town was on the Little
Miami, and was visited by Capt. Thomas Bullit in 1773. When Daniel Boone
was captured in 1778, he was brought to this town, and escaped the following
year. Gen. Clarke invaded this county and the Indians reduced the town to ashes.
Xenia, the county seat, was laid off in the forest in 1803, by Joseph C.
Vance. The first cabin was erected in April, 1804, by John Marshall. The
Bev. James Fowler built the first hewed-log cabin. David A. Sanders built
the first frame house. Nine miles north of the town, on the Little Miami
Biver, are the Yellow Springs, which are impregnated with sulphur.
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 129
Greauga County was formed in 1805 firom Trumbull. It exports sheep,
catde, butter and cheese. It is situated at the head of Ghargrine, Cuyahoga and
a part of Grand Rivers, on high ground, and is subjected to snowstorms more
frequently than any other part of the Reserve. Its first settlement was made
in 1798, at Burton. Chardon is fourteen miles from Lake Erie, and is 600
feet above it. It was laid out as the county seat in 1808.
Gallia County was formed April 30, 1803, from Washington. Its princi-
pal crops are wheat, com, oats and beans. The surfSetce is generally broken.
Its first settlement was made in 1791, by a French colony, at Gallipolis. This
colony was sent out under the auspices of the Scioto Company. This town is
now the county seat.
Hamilton County was the second established in the Northwestern Territory
by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, January 2, 1790. Its surface is gen-
erally rolling. It produces the ordinary farm products, and a great variety
of fruits and vegetables for the Cincinnati market. Vineyards thrive well
within its limits, and the manufi&cture of wine is carried on to a considerable
extent.
This county was the second settled in Ohio, and the first within the Symmes
purchase. Settlers arrived at the spot now occupied by Cincinnati, and three
or four log cabins were erected. Gen. Arthur St. Clair arrived here in Janu-
ary, 1790. The army of Wayne encamped here later, at Fort Washington.
Mr. Maxwell established in 1793 the Sentinel of the Nbrthweetem Territory j
the first newspaper printed north of the Ohio River. In 1796, Edward Free-
man became its proprietor, and changed the name to Freeman'e Journal.
January 11, 1794, two keel-boats sailed from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, making
r^ular trips every four weeks. In 1801, the first sea vessel built at Mari-
etta came down the Ohio.
Cincinnati, the county seat, was incorporated January 2, 1802. It was char-
tered as a city in 1819. The city is beautifrdly laid out and delightfrdly situ-
ated. Its public buildings are elegant and substantial, including the court
house and many literary and charitable institutions.
The Cincinnati College was founded in 1819. It stands in the center of
the city. It is built in Grecian-Doric style, with pilaster fironts and facade of
Dayton marble. Woodward College is also popular.
The Catholics have founded the St. Xavier's College. Lane Seminary, a
theological institution, is at Walnut Hills, two miles from the center of the city.
It has over 10,000 volumes in its libraries. No charge is made for tuition.
Rooms are provided and furnished at $5 per year, and board ranges from 62^
cents to 90 cents a week. The Cincinnati Law School is connected with Cin-
dnnati College. The Mechanics' Institute was chartered in 1828, and is in all
respects well supplied with apparatus. A college for teachers was established in
1831, its object being to perfect those contemplating entering that profession in
their studies and system.
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130 HISTOEY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
The Cincinnati Orphan Asylum is an elegant building, and has a library
and well-organized school attached. The Catholics of the city have one male
and female orphan asylum. The Commercial Hospital and Lunatic Asylum of
Ohio was incorporated in 1821.
Cincinnati is a large manu&cturing city, and possesses fine water-power
facilities. It communicates with the world by means of its canal, river, turnpikes,
and railways. North Bend is another prominent town in this county, having
been the residence of Gen. William H. Harrison, and the site of his burial
place. The town was of considerable importance in the early settlement of the
State. About thirty yards from Harrison's tomb is the grave of Judge
Symmes.
Hancock County was formed April 1, 1820. It produces wheat, oats, com,
pork and maple sugar. The surface is level and its soil is fertile. Blanchard's
Fork waters the central and southern part of the county. Findlay, the county
seat, was laid out by ex-Qov. Joseph Vance and Elnathan Corry, in 1821. It
was relaid in 1829. William Vance settled there in the &11 of 1821. At the
south end of the town, are two gas wells. In the eastern part, is a mineral
spring, and west of the bridge, is a chalybeate spring.
Hardin County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory.
It produces, principally, wheat, com and swine. A portion of the surfiice is
level, and the remainder undulating. Fort McArthur was built on the Scioto
River, but proved a weak stockade. Kenton is the county seat, situated on the
Scioto Riven
Harrison County was formed from Jefierson and Tuscarawas January 1^
1814. The surfistce is hilly, abounding in coal and limestone. Its soil is clayey.
It is one of the important wool-growing counties in Ohio. It produces large
quantities of wheat, com, oats and hay, besides a considerable number of horses,
cattle and swine.
In April, 1799, Alexander Henderson and &mily settled in this county, and
at the same time, Daniel Peterson and his &mily resided at the forks of Short
Creek. The early settlers were much annoyed by Indians and wild beasts.
Cadiz is the county seat, and was laid out in 1803 and 1804, by Messrs. Briggs
and Beatty.
Henry County was formed from the old Indian Territory, April 1, 1820.
Indian com, oats, potatoes, and maple sugar constitute the main products.
The county is well supplied with running streams, and the soil is unusually rich.
The greater portion of this county is covered by the " Black Swamp."
Throughout this swamp are ridges of limestone, covered with black walnut, red
elm, buttemut and maple. The soil is superior for grain. Fruit thrives and
all varieties of vegetables are produced in large quantities. Simon Qirty, noto-
rious for his wicked career, resided in this county. Girty led the attack on
Fort Henry, in September, 1777. He demanded the surrender of the fort,
and menaced its inmates with an Indian massacre, in case of refusal. The
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 181
action be^m, but the fort gained the victory. He led a ferocious band of Indi-
ans, and committed the most fiendish atrocities.
Napoleon, the county seat, is situated on the Maumee River.
Highland County was formed in May, 1805, from Boss, Adams and Cler-
mont. It is a wealthy, productive county. Its wheat commands a high mar-
ket price. The crops consist of wheat, com, oats, maple sugar, wool, swine
and cattle. Its first settlement began in 1801, at New Market, by Oliver Ross,
Robert Eeeston, George W. Barrere, Bernard Weyer and others. Simon Ken-
ton made a trace through this county in early times. Hillsboro is the
county seat, and was laid out in 1807, by David Hays, on the land of Benja-
min Ellicott. It is situated on the dividing ridge, between the Miami and Sci-
oto. The Hillsboro Academy was founded in 1827.
Hocking County was formed March 1, 1818, from Ross, Athens and Fair-
fidd. Its principal products are com, wheat, tobacco and maple sugar. Its
8ur&ce is broken and hilly, but is level and fertile beside the streams.
The Wyandots once occupied this tract, jand built a large town herein. In
1798, a few white fiEunilies ventured to settle. Logan is its county seat, and is
situated on the Hocking River.
Holmes County was formed from Coshocton, Tuscarawas and Wayne, Janu-
ary 20, 1824. It produces wheat, com, oats, potatoes, maple sugar, swine,
sheep and cattle. The southwestem portion is broken. Thomas Butler waa
the first settler, in 1810. Millersburg is the county seat, and was laid out in
1830.
Huron County was organized in 1815. It produces hay, wheat, com, oats,
barley, buckwheat, flaxseed, potatoes, butter, cheese, wool and swine. Nor-
walk is the county seat.
Jackson County was organized March, 1816. The country is rich in min-
erals and abounds in coal and iron ore. The exports are cattle, wool, swine,
hoFsee, lumber, millstones, tobacco and iron. Jackson, the county seat, was
laid out in 1817. The old Scioto salt-works were among the first worked in
Ohio by the whites. Prior to this period, the Indians came some distance to
this section to make salt When Daniel Boone was a prisoner, he spent some
time at these works.
Jefferson County was proclaimed by Gk)v. 8U Clair July 29, 1797, and
was the fifth county established in Ohio. It is one of the most important
manufiMSturing counties in the State. Its resources in coal are also extended*
The snrfiM» is hilly and the soil fertile, producing wheat, com and oats. The
old "Mingo" town was on the present fiurms of Jeremiah Hallock and Mr.
Daniel Potter. The troops of Col. Williamson rendezvoused at this point,
when th^ set out in their cmel Moravian campaign, and also the troops of
CoL Crawford, when they started on the campaign against the Sandusky .
Indians. Here Logan, the powerful and manly chief of the Mingo nation,
onee resided. He took no active part in the old French war, which closed in
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182 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
1760, except that of a peacemaker. He waa a stanch friend of the whites
until the abominable and unprovoked murder of his fSeither, brother and sister,
which occurred in 1774, near the Yellow Greek. He then raised the battle
cry and sought revenge.
However, Logan was remarkably magnanimous toward prisoners who fell
into his hands. The year 1793 was the last spent in Indian war&re in Jeffer-
son County.
Fort Steuben .was erected on the present site of Steubenville, the county seat,
in 1789. It was constructed of block-houses, with palisade fences, and was dis-
mantled during Wayne's campaign. Bezaleel Wells and Hon. James Boss laid
the town out in 1798. It was incorporated February 14, 1805. It is situated
upon an elevated plain. In 1814, Messrs. Wells and Dickerson built a wool^i
manufactory, and introduced merino sheep to the county.
* Knox County was formed March 1, 1808, from Fairfield. It is drained by
the Vernon River. It produces wheat, com, oats, tobacco, maple sugar, pota-
toes and wool. Mount Vernon was laid out in 1805. The early settlers found
two wells on the Vernon River, built of hammered stone, neatly laid, and near
by was a salt-lick. Their direct origin remains a mystery. Oilman Bryant,
in 1807, opened the first store in Mount Vernon. The court house was built
in 1810. The Indians came to Mount Vernon in large numbers for the pur-
pose of trading in furs and cranberries. Each Saturday, the settlers worked
on the streets, extracting stumps and improving the highway. The first settler
north of the place was N. M. Young, who built his cabin in 1803. Mount
Vernon is now the county seat, beautifully situated on Vernon River. Kenyon
College is located at Gambler. It is richly endowed with 8,000 acres, and is
valued at $100,000. This institution was established under the auspices of
Bishop Chase, in July, 1826, in the center of a 4,000-acre tract belonging to
Kenyon College. It was chartered as a theological seminary.
Lucas County is of comparatively recent origin. A large portion is covered
by the '^ Black Swamp." It produces corn, wheat, potatoes and oats. This
county is situated in the Maumee Valley, which was the great arena of histori-
cal events. The frightful battle of Wayne's campaign, where the Indians found
the British to be traitors, was fought near Fort Miami, in this county. Maumee
City, once the county seat, was laid out in 1817, as Maumee, by Maj. Wm. Oliver
and others. It is situated on the Maumee, at the head of navigation. The
surfitce is 100 feet above the water level. This town, with Perrysburg, its neighbor,
is exceedingly picturesque, and was in early times frequented by the Indians.
The French had a trading station at this point, in 1680, and in 1794, the Brit-
ish Fort — Miami — ^was built. Toledo is on the left bank of the Maumee, and
covers the site 'of a stockade fort, known as Fort Industry, erected in 1800.
An Indian treaty was held here July 4, 1805, by which the Indians relinquished
all rights to the '^ fire lands.*' In 1832, Capt. Samuel Allen gave an impetus
to the place, and Maj. Stickney also became interested in its advancement.
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 188
Speculation in lots began in 1834. The Wabash k Erie Canal interest arose in
1836. Mr. Mason and Edward Bissel added their energies to assist the growth
of the town. It was incorporated as a city in 1836. It was the center of the
military operations in the '^ Ohio and Michigan war," known as the " boundary
conflict."
The Ordinance of 1787 provided for the division of the Northwestern Terri-
tory into three or five States. The three southern were to be divided from the
two northern by a line drawn east and west through the southern point of Lake
Michigan, extending eastward to the Territorial line in Lake Erie. The consti-
tution of Ohio adds a provision that if the line should not go so fiur north as the
north cape of Maumee Bay, then the northern boundary of Ohio should be a
line drawn firom«the southerly part of Lake Michigan to the north cape of the
Maumee Bay.
The line of the ordinance was impossible, according to its instructions and
the geography of the country.
When Michigan became a Territory, the people living between the " Fulton **
and '* Harris " lines found it more to their wishes to be attached to Michigan.
They occupied disputed ground, and were thus beyond the limits of absolute
law. In 1835, the subject was greatly agitated, and J. Q. Adams made a warm
speech before Congress against the Ohio claim. The Legislature of Ohio dis-
cussed the matter, and an act was passed to attach the disputed section to Ohio,
according to the constitutional decree. An active campaign opened between
Michigan and Ohio. Gov. Lucas came out with the Ohio troops, in the spring
of 1835, and Gov. Mason, of Michigan, followed the example. He marched
into Toledo, robbed melon-patches and chicken-houses, crushed in the front
door of Maj. Stickney's house, and carried him away prisoner of war. Embas-
sadors were sent from Washington to negotiate matters — Richard Rush, of Penn-
sylvania and Col. Howard, of Maryland. At the next session of Congress, the
matter was settled. Samuel Vinton argued for Ohio, in the House, and Thomas
Ewing in the Senate. Michigan received an equivalent of the large peninsula
between I^kes Huron, Michigan and Superior. Ohio received the disputed
strip, averaging eight miles in width. Manhattan, Waterville and Providence
are all flourishing towns.
Lorain County was formed from Huron, Cuyahoga and Medina, on Decem-
ber 26, 1822. The soil is generally fertile, and the surfiwje level. . Wheat,
grass, oats, com, rye and potatoes constitute the principal crops. Bog-iron ore
is found in large quantities. A curious relic has been found in this county, bear-
ing the date of 1533. Elyria is the county seat, and was laid out in 1817.
The first settler was Mr. Heman Ely. Oberlin is situated about eight miles
southwest of Elyria. The Oberlin Collegiate Institute has attained a wide
celebrity. '
Logan County was formed March 1, 1817. The surface is broken and hilly
near the Mad River, but is generally level. The soil is fertile, producing
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184 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO
wheat, corn, rye, oata, clover, flax and timothy seed. The Shawnee Indians
were located here, and built several villages on the Mad River. These towns
were destroyed in 1786, by a body of Kentuckians, under Gen. Benjamin
Logan. The whites surprised the towns. However, they returned after the
work of destruction had been completed, and for many years frequented thQ
section. On the site of Zanes field was a Wyandot village. By the treaty of
September 29, 1817, the Senecas and Shawnees held a reservation around
Lewistown. April 6, 1832, they vacated this right and removed west. Isaac
Zane was bom about the year 1753, and was, while a boy, captured and after-
ward adopted by the Wyandots. Attaining the age of manhood, he had no
desire to return to his people. He married a Wyandot woman, who was half
French. Afl;er the treaty of Greenville, he bought 1,800 acres on the site of
Zanesville, where he lived until the year 1816, when he died, lamented by all
his friends.
Logan County was settled about the year 1806. During the war of 1812,
it was a rendezvous for friendly Indians. Bellefontaine, the county seat, was
laid out March 18, 1820, on land owned by John Tulles and William Powell.
Joseph Gordon built a cabin, and Anthony Ballard erected the first frame
dwelling.
Gen. Simon Kenton is buried at the head of Mad River, five miles from
Bellefontaine. He died April 29, 1836, aged eighty-one years and twenty-six
days. This remarkable man came West, to Kentucky, in 1771. He probably
encountered more thrilling escapes than any other man of his time. In 1778,
he was captured and suffered extreme cruelties, and was ransomed by the British.
He soon recovered his robust health, and escaped firom Detroit the following
spring. He settled in Urbana in 1802. He was elected Brigadier General of
the militia, and in the war of 1812, joined Gen. Harrison's army. In the year
1820, he removed to Mad River. Gen, Vance and Judge Burnet secured him
a pension, of $20 per month
Licking County was formed from Fairfield March 1, 1808. The surface is
generally level, diversified by slight hills in the eastern portion. The soil is
fertile, producing wheat, com, oats and grass. Goal and iron ore of good
quality add to the wealth of the county. Wool and dairy productions are also
staples. Newark is the county seat, and is situated at the confluence of the
three principal branches of the Licking. It was laid out by Gen. William C.
Schenk, George W. Burnet and John M. Cummings, who owned this military
section of 4,000 acres, in 1801. In 1802, Samuel Elliott and Samuel Parr
built hewed-log houses. The picturesque "Narrows of the Licking" are in
the eastern part of the county, which have elicited general praise from scenic
hunters.
Lawrence County was organized March 1, 1816. There are many high
and abrupt hills in this section, which abound in sand or freestone. It is rich
in mineiub, and the most important section of Ohio for iron manufacture.
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HISTORY OP THE STATE OF OHIO. 185
Coal is abundant, and white clay exists in the western part suitable for pot-
tery purposes. Agricultural productions are not extensive.
The county was settled in 1797 by the Dutch and Irish. The iron region
extends through the west part of this county. Lawrence County produces a
superior quality of irop, highly esteemed for castings, and is equal to Scotch
pig for furnace purposes. Burlington is the county seat.
Lake County was formed from Geauga and Cuyahoga March 6, 1840. The
soil is good and the surfisice rolling. It produces wheat, com, oats, buckwheat,
barley, hay and potatoes. Dairy products, cattle and wool are also staples.
Its firuits — ^apples, peaches, pears, plums and grapes are highly prized. As
early as 1799, a settlement was formed at Mentor. Painesville, the county
seat, is situated on Grand River, in a beautiful valley. The Painesville Acad-
emy is a classical institution for the education of both sexes. Near the town
is the Geauga furnace. Painesville was laid out by Henry Champion in 1805.
At Fairport, the first warehouse in this section, and probably the first on the
lake, was built by Abraham Skinner in 1803. This town has a fine harbor,
and has a light-house and beacon. Kirtland, southwest from Painesville, was,
in 1834, the headquarters of the Mormons. At that time, they numbered
about three thousand. The old Mormon temple is of rough stone, plastered
over, colored blue, and marked to imitate regular courses of masonry. As is
well known, the Mormons derive their name from the book of Mormon, said to
have been translated firom gold plates found in a hill in Palmyra, N. Y.
Madison County was organized in March, 1810. The surface is generally
level. It produces grass, com, oats and cattle — the latter forming a chief
staple, while wool and pork add to the general wealth.
Jonathan Alder was much interested in the settlement of the county. He,
like some other whites, had lived with the Indians many years, and had formed
a lasting afiection for them, and had married a squaw, with whom he became
dissatisfied, which caused him to desire finding his own family. He suc-
ceeded in this through the assistance of John Moore. He left his wife and
joined his people.
This county was first settled in 1795. Benjamin Springer made a clearing
and built a cabin. He settled near Alder, and taught him the English lan-
guage. Mr. Joshua Ewing brought four sheep to this place, and the Indians
exhibited great astonishment over these strange animals. When the hostilities
of 1812 b^an, the British offered inducements to the Indians to join them, and
they consulted Alder regarding the best policy to adopt. He advised them to
preserve neutrality until a later period, which they did, and eventually became
firm friends of the Americans.
London is the county seat, and was laid out in 1810-11, by Patrick McLene.
Marion County was organized March 1, 1824. The soil is fertile, and pro-
duces extensive fiurm crops. The Delaware Indians once held a reservation
here, and conceded their claims in 1829, August 3, and removed west of the
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186 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Mississippi. Marion^ the county seat, was laid out in 1821, by Eber Baker
and Alexander Holmes. Gen. Harrison marched through this section during
his campaign.
Mahoning County was formed in 1846, from Trumbull and Columbiana.
The surface is rolling and the soil generally fertile. The finer qualities of wood
are produced here. Bituminous coal and iron wre found in large quantities.
Col. James Hillman came to the Western Reserve in 1786. The settlement
of the county went forward. Canfield is the county seat.
Medina County was formed from the Western Reserve February 12, 1812.
The surface is rolling and the soil is fertile, producing fine agricultural prod-
ucts. The first trail made through the county was made by George Poe,
Joseph H. Larwell and Roswell M. Mason. The first settlement was made
by Joseph Harris in 1811. He was soon joined by the Burr brothers. Me-
dina is the county seat.
Meigs County was formed from Gallia and Athens April 1, 1819. The
general character of the soil is clayey, producing large quantities of wheat, oats,
com, hay and potatoes. Vast quantities of salt are made and exported. Pom-
eroy, the county seat, is situated under a lofty hill, surrounded by picturesque
scenery. Mr. Nathaniel Clark was the first settler of the county. He arrived in
1816. The first coal mine opened in Pomeroy was in 1819, by David Bradshaw.
Mercer County was formed from the Indian Territory in 1820. The sur-
&ce is generally flat, and while covered with forests, inclined to be wet ; but,
being cleared, it is very fertile, and adapted to producing &rm crops. St.
Clair's Battle was fought on the boundary line between this and Darke County.
The Hon. Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur made a treaty at St. Mary's with
the Wyandots, Shawnees and Ottawas, in 1818. The odious Simon Girty lived
at one time at St. Mary's. Wayne built St. Mary's Fort, on the west bank of
the river. John Whistler was the last commander of the fort. The largest
artificial lake in the world, so it is asserted, is formed by the reservoir sup-
plying the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Extension Cansd. It is about nine
miles long, and from two to four broad. Celina is the county s^t.
Miami County was formed January 16, 1807, from Montgomery. It abounds
in excellent limestone, and possesses remarkable water-power &cilities. Its agri-
cultural products rank highly in quality and quantity. John Knoop came into this
section about the year 1797, and its first settlement began about this time. Troy,
the county seat, is situated upon the Great Miami. Piqua is another lovely
town. The Miami River affords delightfrd scenery at this point.
Monroe County was formed January 29, 1818, from Belmont, Washington,
and Guernsey. A portion of its surface is abrupt and hilly. Large quantities
of tobacco are raised, and much pork is exported. Wheat and com grow well
in the western portion. Iron ore and coal abound. The valleys of the streams
are very narrow, bounded by rough hills. In some places are natural rock
grottoes. The first settlement was made in 1799, near the mouth of the Sunfish.
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO. 187
At this time, wolves were nomerous, and caused much alarm. Yolney entered
this county, but was not prepossessed in its favor. One township is settled by
the Swiss, who are educated and refined. Woodsfield is the county seat.
Montgomery County was formed from Ross and Hamilton May 1, 1808.
The soil is fertile, and its agricultural products are most excellent. Quarries of
grayish^-white limestone are found east of the Miami.
Dayton is the county seat, situated on the Oreat Miami, at the mouth of Mad
River. A company was formed in 1788, but Indian wars prevented settlement.
After Wayne's treaty, in 1795, a new. company was formed. It advanced
rapidly between the years 1812 and 1820. The beginning of the Miami Canal
, renewed its prosperity, in 1827. The first canal-boat from Cincinnati arrived
at Dayton on the 25th of January, 1829. The first one arrived from Lake
Erie in June, 1Q45. Col. Robert Patterson came to Dayton in 1804. At one
time, he owned Lexington, Ky., and about one third of Cincinnati.
Morgan County was organized in 1818, March 1. The surfiELce is hilly and
the soil strong and fertile, producing wheat, com, oats and tobacco. Pork is a
prolific product, and considerable salt is made. The first settlement was made
in 1790, on the Muskingum. McConnelsville is the county seat. Mr. Ayres
made the first attempt to produce salt, in 1817. This has developed into a
large industry.
Morrow County was organized in 1848. It is drained by the Vernon
River, which rises in it, by the East Branch of the Olontangy or Whetstone
River, and by Walnut Creek. The surfiaice is undulating, die soil fertile.
The staple products are com, wheat, oats, hay, wool and butter. The sugar
maple abounds in the forests, and sandstone or freestone in the quarries.
Mount Oilead, the county seat, is situated on the East Branch of the Olen-
tangy River.
Muskingum County was formed from Washington and Fairfield. The sur-
fikce is rolling or hilly. It produces wheat, com, oats, potatoes, tobacco, wool
and pork. Large quantities of bituminous coal are found. Pipe clay, buhr-
stone or cellular quartz are also in some portions of the State. Salt is made in
large quantities — the fine being obtained from a stratum of whitish sandstone.
The Wyandots, Delawares, Senecas and Shawanoese Indians once inhabited this
section. An Indian town occupied the site of Duncan's Falls. A large Shawan-
oese town was located near Dresden.
Zanesville is the county seat, situated opposite the mouth of the Licking.
It was laid out in 1799, by Mr. Zane and Mr. Mclntire. This is one of the
principal towns in the State, and is surrounded by charming scenery.
Noble County, organized in 1851, is drained by Seneca, Duck and Wills
Creeks. The surfiM^e is undulating, and a large part of it is covered with for-
ests. The soil is fertile. Its staples are com, tobacco, wheat, hay, oats and
wool. Among its mineral resources are limestone, coal and petroleum. Near
Caldwell, the county seat, are found iron ore, coal and salt.
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188 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Ottawa County waa formed from Erie, Sandusky and Lucas, March 6, 1840,
It is mostly within the Black Swamp, and considerable of its land is prairie and
marsh. It was very thinly settled befere 1830. Extensive plaster beds exist
on the peninsula, which extends into Lake Erie. It has also large limestone
quarries, which are extensively worked. The very first trial at arms upon the
soil of Ohio, during the war of 1812, occurred upon this peninsula. Port Clin-
ton, the county seat, was laid out in 1827.
Perry County was formed fix)m' Washington, Fairfield and Muskingum,
March 1, 1817. Fine tobacco is raised in large quantities. Wheat, com, oats,
hay, cattle, pork and wool add to the general wealth. This county was first set-
tled in 1801. First settler was Christian Binckley, who built the first cabin in
the county, about five miles west of Somerset, near the jpresent county line.
New Lexington is now the county seat.
Paulding County was formed from old Indian territory August 1, 1820.
It produces com, wheat and oats. Paulding is the county seat.
Pickaway County was formed from Fairfield, Ross and Franklin, January
12, 1810. The county has woodland, barren, plain and prairie. The barrens
were covered by shrub oaks, and when cleared are adapted to the raising of com
and oats. The Pickaway plains are three and a half miles west of Circleville,
and this tract is said to contain the richest land in Ohio. Here, in the olden
times, bumed the great council fires of the red man. Here the allied tribes met
Gen. Lewis, who fought the battle of Point Pleasant. Dunmore's campaign
was terminated on these plains. It was at the Chillicothe towns, after Dun-
more's treaty, that Logan delivered his famous speech. Circleville, the county
seat, is situated on the Scioto River and the Ohio Canal. It was laid out in
1810, by Daniel Dresbach. It is situated on the site of ancient fortifications.
Portage County was formed June 7, 1807, from Tmmbull. It is a wealthy,
thriving section. Over a thousand tons of cheese are annually produced. It
also produces wheat, com, oats, barley, buckwheat, rye, butter and wool.
Ravenna is the county seat, and was originally settled by the Hon. Benjamin
Tappen in June, 1799. In 1806, an unpleasant difficulty arose between the
settlers and a camp of Indians in Deerfield, caused by a horse trade between a
white man and an Indian. David Daniels settled on the site of Palmyra in 1799.
Pike County was organized in 1816. The surface is generally hilly, which
abound with freestone, which is exported in large quantities for building pur-
poses. Rich bottom lands extend along the Scioto and its tributaries. John
Noland and the three Chenoweth brothers settled on the Pee Pee prairie about
1796. Piketown, the former county seat, was laid out about 1814. Waverly,
the present county seat, is situated on the Scioto River.
Preble County was formed March 1, 1808, from Montgomery and Butler.
The soil is varied. Excellent water-power fecilities are frimished.
Eaton, the county seat, was laid out in 1806, by William Bmce, who owned
the land. An overflowing well of strong sulphur water is near the town, while
directly beside it is a limestone quarry. Holderman's quarry is about two
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 189
miles distant, from which is obtained a beautifnlly clouded gray stone. Fort St.
Clair was built near Eaton, in the winter of 1791-92. Gen. Harrison was an En-
sign at the time, and commanded a guard every other night for three weeks, during
the building. The severe battle of November 6, 1792, was fought under its very
guns. Little Turtle, a distinguished chief of the Miamis, roamed over this county
for a time. He was witty, brave and earnest, and, although engaged in several
severe contests with the whites, he was inclined toward peace. But when his
warriors cried for war he led them bravely.
Putnam County was formed April 1, 1820, from old Indian territory. The
soil is fertile, its principal productions being wheat, com, potatoes and oats.
Large quantities of pork are exported. Kalida, once the county seat, was laid
out in 1834. Ottawa is the county seat.
Ross County was formed August 20, 1798, by the proclamation of Ck)v. St.
Clair, and was the sixth county formed in the Northwestern Territory. The
Scioto River and Paint Creek run through it, bordered with fertile lands.
Much water-power is obtained from the many streams watering it. The main
«K)pe are wheat, com and oats. It exports cattle and hogs.
The Rev. Robert W. Finley, in 1794, addressed a letter of inquiry to Col.
Nathaniel Massie, as many of his associates had designed settling in the new
State. This resulted in packing their several effects and setting out A triv-
ial Indian encounter was the only intermption they met with on their way.
Afiier Wayne's treaty. Col. Massie and many of these early explorers met
again and formed a settlement — in 1796 — at the mouth of Paint Creek. In
August of this year, Chillicothe was laid out by Col. Massie, in a dense forest.
He donated lots to the early settlers. A ferry was established over the Scioto,
and the opening of 2iane's trace assisted the progress of settlement.
Chillicothe, the county seat, is situated on the Scioto. Its site is thirty
feet above the river. In 1800, it was the seat of the Northwestem Territorial
Government. It was incorporated as a city in January, 1802. During the w%r
of 1812, the dty was a rendezvous for the United States troops. A large num-
ber of British were at one tilne guarded here. Adena is a beautiful place, and
the seat of Gov. Worthington's mansion, which was built in 1806. l^Tear this
is Fruit Hill, the residence of the late Gen. McArthur, and latterly the home
of his son-in-law, the Hon. William Allen. Eleven miles from Chillicothe^ on
the road to Portsmouth, is the home of the hermit of the Scioto.
Richland was organized March 1, 1813. It produces wheat, com, oats, hay,
potatoes, rye, hemp and barley. It was settled about 1809, on branches of the
Mohican. Two block-houses were built in 1812. Mansfield, the county seat,
is charmingly situated, and was laid out in 1808, by Jacob Newman, James
Hedges and Joseph H. Larwell. The county was at that period a vast wilder-
ness, destitute of roads. From this year, the settlement progressed rapidly.
Sandusky County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory.
The soil is fertile, and country generally level. It mainly produces com, wheat.
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140 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
oats, potatoes and pork. The Indians were especiallj delighted with this tract.
Near Lower Sandusky lived a band of Wyaadots, called the Neutral Nation.
These two cities never failed to render refuge to any who sought their protec-
tion. They preserved their peacemaking attributes through the Iroquois
conflicts. Fremont, formerly called Lower Sandusky, the county seat, is
situated at the head of navigation, on the Sandusky, on the site of the old
reservation grant to the Indians, at the Greenville treaty council. Fort
Stephenson was erected in August, 1818, and was gallantly defended by Col.
Croghan.
Summit County was formed March 8, 1840, from Medina, Portage and
Stark. The soil is fertile and produces excellent fruit, besides large crops of
com, wheat, hay, oats and potatoes. Cheese and butter may be added as
products.
The first settlement made in the county was at Hudson, in 1800. The old
Indian portage-path, exterding through this county, between the Cuyahoga, and
Tuscarawas Branch of the Muskingum. This was a part of the ancient boundary
between the Six Nations and the Western Indians. Akron, the county seat, ia
situated on the portage summit. It was laid out in 1825. In 1811, Paul
Williams and Amos and Minor Spicer settled in this vicinity. Middlebury was
laid out in 1818, by Norton & Hart.
Stark County was formed February 13, 1808. It is a rich agricultural
county. It has large quantities of mineral coal, iron ore, flocks of the finest
sheep and great water-power. Limestone and extensive beds of lime-marl exist.
The manufacture of silk has been extensively carried on. Frederidc Post, the
first Moravian missionary in Ohio, settled here in 1761.
Canton is the county seat, situated in IJie forks of the Nimishillen, a tribu-
tary of the Muskingum. It was laid out in 1806, by Bezaleel Wells, who
owned the land. Massillon was laid out in March, 1826, by John Duncan.
Shelby County was formed in 1819, from Miami. The southern portion is
undulating, arising in some places to hills. Through the north, it is a flat table-
land. It produces wheat, com, oats and grass. The first point of English set^
dement in Ohio was at the mouth of Laramie's Creek, in this county, as early
as 1752. Fort Laramie was built in 1794, by Wayne. The first white family
that settled in this county was that of James Thatcher, in 1804. Sidney, the
county seat, was laid out in 1819, on the farm of Charles Starrett.
Seneca County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory.
Its principal products are com, wheat, grass, oats, potatoes and pork.
Fort Seneca was built during the war of 1812. The Senecas owned
40,000 acres of land on the Sandusky River, mostly in Seneca County.
Thirty thousand acres of this land was granted to them in 1817. at the treaty
held at the foot of the Maumee Rapids. The remaining 10,000 was granted
the following year. These Indians ceded this tract, however, to the Govern-
ment in 1831. It was asserted by an old chief, that this band was the remnant
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HIBTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 141
of Logan's tribe. Tiffin, the ooontj seat, was laid out by Josiah Hedges in
the year 1821.
Scioto County was formed May 1, 1808. It is a good agricultural section,
besides producing iron ore, coal and freestone. It is said that a French fort
stood at the mouth of the old Scioto, as early as 1740. In 1785, four fieanilies
settled where Portsmouth now stands. Thomas McDonald built the first cabin in
the county. The '^ French grant" was located in this section — a tract com-
prising 24,000 acres. The grant was made in March, 1795. Portsmouth, the
county seat, is located upon the Ohio.
Trumbull County was formed in 1800. The original Connecticut Western
Reserve was within its limits. The county is well cultivated and very wealthy.
Coal is found in its northern portion. We have, in our previous outline, given
a history of this section, and it is not, therefore, necessary to repeat its details.
Warren, the county seat, is situated on the Mahoning River. It was laid out
by Ephraim Quinby in 1801. Mr. Quinby owned the soil. Bis cabin was built
here in 1799. In August, 1800, while Mr. McMahon was away from home,
a party of drunken Indians called at the house, abused the &mily, struck a
child a severe blow with a tomahawk and threatened to kill the £amaily. Mrs.
McMahon could not send tidings which could reach her husband before noon
the following day. The following Sunday morning, fourteen m^n and two
boys armed themselves and went to the Indian camp to settle the difficulty.
Quinby advanced alone, leaving the remiainder in concealment, as he was better
acquainted with these people, to make inquiries and ascertain their intentions.
He did not return at once, and the party set out, marched into camp, and found
Quinby arguing with Capt George, the chieC Capt (George snatched his
tomahawk and declared war, rushing forward to kill McMahon. But a bullet
from the frontierman*s gun killed him instantly, while Storey shot '^ Spotted
John*' at the same time. The Indians then fled. They joined the council at
Sandusky. Quinby garrisoned his house. Fourteen days thereafter, the
Indians returned with overtures of peace, which were, that McMahon and
Storey be taken to Sandusky, tried by Indian laws, and if found guilty, pun-
ished by them. This could not be done. McMahon was tried by Gen. St
Clair, and the matter was settled. The first missionary on the Reserve was the
Rev. Joseph Badger.
Tuscarawas County was formed February 15, 1808, from Muskingum. It
is well cultivated with abundant supplies of coal and iron.
The first white settlers were Moravian missionaries, their first visits dating
back to 1761. The first permanent settlement was made in 17^8. Miss Mary
Heckewelder, the daughter of a missionary, was bom in this county April 16,
1781. Fort Laurens was built during the Revolution. It was the scene of a
fearful carnage. It was established in the &11 of 1778, and placed under the
command of Gen. Mcintosh. New Philadelphia is the county seat, situated on
the Tuscarawas. It was laid out in 1804 by John Knisely. A German
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142 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
colony settled in this county in 1817, driven from their native land by religious
dictation they could not espouse. They called themselves Separatists. They
are a simple-minded people, strictly moral and honest.
Union County was formed from Franklin, Delaware, Logan and Madison in
1820. It produces com, grass, wheat, oats, potatoes, butter and cheese.
Extensive limestone quarries are also valuable. The Ewing brothers made the
first white settlement in 1798. Col. James Curry, a member of the State Leg-
islature, was the chief instigator in the progress of this section. He located
within its limits and remained until his death, which occurred in 1834. Marys-
yille is the county seat.
Van Wert County was formed from the old Indian territory April 1, 1820.
A great deal of timber is within the limits of this county, but the soil is so
tenacious that water will not sink through it, and crops are poor during wet
seasons. The main product is corn. Van Wert, the county seat, was founded
by James W. Riley in 1887. An Indian town had formerly occupied its site.
Capt. Riley was the first white man who settled in the county, arriving in 1821.
He founded Willshire in 1822.
Vinton County was organized in 1850. It is drained by Raccoon and Salt
Creeks. The surface is undulating or hilly, and is extensively covered with
forests in which the oak, buckeye and sugar maple are found. Com, hay, but-
ter and wool are staple products. Bituminous coal and iron ore are found.
McArthur is the county seat.
Washington County was formed by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair July 27,
1788, and was the first county founded within the limits of Ohio. The sur&ce
is broken with extensive tracts of level, fertile land. It was the first county
settled in the State under the auspices of the Ohio Company. A detachment
of United States troops, under command of Maj. John Doughty, built Fort
Harmar in 1785, and it was the first military post established in Ohio by
Americans, with the exception of Fort Laurens, which was erected in 1778.
It was occupied by United States troops until 1790, when they were ordered
to Connecticut. A company under Capt. Haskell remained. In 1785, the
Directors of the Ohio Company began practical operations, and settlement
went forward rapidly. Campus Martins, a stockade fort, was completed in
1791. This formed a sturdy stronghold during the war. During the Indian
war there was much suffering in the county. Many settlers were killed and
captured.
Marietta is the county seat, and the oldest town in Ohio. Marietta College
was chartered in 1835. Herman Blannerhassett, whose unfortunate association
with Aaron Burr proved fatal to himself^ was a resident of Marietta in 1796.
About the year 1798, he began to beautify and improve his island.
Warren County was formed May 1, 1803, from Hamilton. The soil is
very fertile, and considerable water-power is furnished by its streams. Mr.
Bedell made the first settlement in 1795. Lebanon is the •ounty seat. Henry
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 143
Taylor settled in this vioinity in 1796. Union Village is a settlement of
Shakera They eame here abont 1805.
Wayne Gonnty was proclaimed by Got. St. Olair Aogost 15, 1796, and
was the third oonnty in the Northwest Territory. The settlement of this sec-
tion has already been briefly delineated. Wooster is the county seat It was
laid oat daring the fall of 1808, by John Beaver, William Henry and Joseph
H. Liarwell, owners of the land. Its site is 337 feet above Lake Erie. The
first mill was bailt by Joseph Stibbs, in 1809, on Apple Greek In 1812, a
block- hoase was erected in Wooster.
Wood Oonnty was formed from the old Indian territory in 1820. The soil
is rich, and large crops are produced. The county is situated within the Man-
mee Valley. It was the arena of brilliant military exploits during early times.
Bowling Green is the county seat
Williams County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory.
Bryan is the county seat It was laid out in 1840.
Wyandot County was formed February 3, 1845, from Marion, Hardin, Han-
cock and Crawford. The sorface is level, and the soil exceedingly fertile.
The Wyandot Indians occupied this section, especially the reservation, from
time immemorial until 1843. The treaty of 1817, by Hon. Lewis Cass and
Hon. Duncan McArthur, United States Conunissioners, granted to the Indians
a reservation twelve miles square, the central point bein^ Fort Ferree, now
within the corporate limits of Upper Sandusky. The Delaware Beserve was
ceded to the United States in 1829. The Wyandots ceded theirs March 17,
1842. Col. John Johnston, the United States Commissioner, conducted the
negotiations, and thus made the Indian treaty in Ohio. It was the scene of
CoL Crawford's defeat and tragic death, June 11, 1782. The Wyandots were
exceedingly brave, and several of their chiefs were distinguished orators and
men of exalted moral principles.
Upper Sandusky is the county seat, and was laid out in 1843. Gen. Har-
rison had built Fort Ferree on this spot during the war of 1812. Gk>v. Meigs,
in 1813, encamped on this river with several thousand of the Ohio militia
The Indian village of -Crane Town was originally called Upper Sandusky.
The Indians, after the death of Tarhe, or ^ the Crane,'* transferred their town
to Upper Sandusl^.
OOVEBNOBS OF OmO.
The Territorial Governors we have already mentioned in the course of our
brief review of the prominent events of the State of Ohio. After the Terri-
iorj was admitted as a State, in 1802, Edward Tifi^ was elected to that posi-
tion, and again received the same fionor in 1804 and 1806. In 1807, circum-
stances led him to resign, and Thomas Eirker, Speaker of the Senate, acted as
Governor until the close of the term.
Edward Tiffin was bom in Carlisle, England, coming to this country in
1784, at the age of eighteen. He entered the University of Pennsylvania, and
affiled himself to the study of medicine, graduating and beginning his practice
at the age of twenty, in the State of Virginia. In 1789, he married Mary,
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144 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
daughter of Col. Worthington, and sister of Thomas Worthington, who subse-
quently became Governor of Ohio. In his profession, Gov. Tiffin was highly
esteemed, and his public labors were carried forward with a zealous earnestness
which marked his career as one of usefulness. He settled in Chillicothe, Ohio,
in 1796, where he died, in 1829.
Samuel Huntington, the recipient of the honor of third Governor, was
inaugurated in 1808. He was an American by birth, Norwich, Conn.^
being his native place. He was a diligent student in Tale College, graduating
in 1785. He removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1801. He attained a reputation
for integrity, ability and rare discretion. As a scholar, he was eminently supe-
rior. He resided in Cleveland at the time of his death, in 1817.
Return Jonathan Meigs followed Gov. Huntington. He was bom in Mid-
dletown. Conn., in 1765. He was also a student in Tale College, graduating
in 1785, with the highest honors. He immediately entered the study of law,
and was admitted to practice in his twenty-third year. He married Miss Sophia
Wright, and settled in Marietta, Ohio, in 1788. He took his seat as Gover-
nor in 1810, and was re-elected in 1812. In 1813, President Madison appointed
him to the position of Postmaster General, which occasioned his resignation as
Governor. Othniel Looker, Speaker of the Senate, acted as Governor during
the remainder of the term. Mr. Meigs died in 1825, leaving as a memento of
his usefulness, a revered memory.
Thomas Worthington, the sixth Governor, was bom in Jefferson County ^
Ya., in 1769. He gained an education in William and Mary's College.
In 1788, he located at Chillicothe, and was the first Senator from the new
State. He was also the first man to erect the first saw-mill in Ohio. He
served two terms as Senator, from 1803 to 1815, resigning in 1814, to take his
position as Govemor. In 1816, he was re-elected. He was exceedingly active
in paving the way for the future prosperity of Ohio. His measures were famoua
for practical worth and honesty. Chief Justice Chase designated him as ^^ &
gentleman of distinguished ability and great influence.*' He died in 1827.
Ethan Allen Brown followed Mr. Worthington. His birthplace was on the
shore of Long Island Sound, in Fairfield County, Conn., July 4, 1766. Hia
education was derived under the most judicious instruction of a private tutor.
In classics, he became proficient. Directly he had reached the required stand-
ard in general education, he began the study of law, at home. After becoming
conversant with preliminary requirements, he entered the law oflSce of Alex-
ander Hamilton, who at that time was a national pride, as a scholar, lawyer and
statesman. Opportunities coming in his way, which promised a fortune, he
abandoned the law, and achieved success and a fortune. He then decided to
retum to his study, and was admitted to practice in 1802. Thereafter, he was
seized with an exploring enthusiasm, and with his cousin as a companion, set
out upon a horseback tour, following the Indian trails from east to west, through
Pennsylvania, until they reached Brownsville, on the Monongahela River. Here
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 145
they purchased two fiatboats, and fully stocking them with provisions and
obtaining efficient crews, started for New Orleans. Beaching that city, they
found they could not dispose of their cargoes to any advantage, and shipped the
floor to Liverpool, England, taking passage in the same vessel. They succeeded
in obtaining good prices for their stock, and set sail for America, arriving in Bal-
timore nine months after first leaving ^^ home,*' on this adventure. Mr. Brown's
&ther decided to secure a large and valuable tract of Western land, as a per-
manent home, and authorized his son to select and purchase the same for him.
He found what he desired, near Bising Sun, Ind. After this, he settled in
Cincinnati, and engaged in the practice of law, speedily achieving prominency
and distinction. Financially, he was most fortunate. In 1810, he was elected
Judge of the Supreme Court, which position he filled with honor, until he was
diosen (jovemor, in 1818. He was re-elected in 1820. In 1821, he received
the honor of Senator, and served one term. Allen Trimble, Speaker of the
Senate, acted as Governor the remainder of the term. In 1880 he was
appointed Minister to Brazil. He remained there four years, and returning,
was appointed Commissioner of Public Lands, by President Jackson, holding
this position two years. At this time, he decided to retire firom public life.
Since he never married, he was much with his relatives, at Bising Sun, Ind.,
during the latter part of his life. His death was sudden and unexpected, occur-
ring in February, 1852, while attending a Democratic Convention, at Indianap-
olis, Ind. He was interred near his fisither, at Bising Sun.
Jeremiah Morrow, the ninth Governor of Ohio, was bom at Gettysburg,
Penn., in October, 1771. His people were of the " Scotch-Irish " class, and his
early life was one of manual labor upon his father's &rm. During the winter,
he had the privilege of a private school. With, a view of establishing himself
and securing a competency, he bade the old home fiurewell, in 1795, and set out
for the ^^ Far West." A flatboat carried him to a little cluster of cabins, known
by the name of Columbia, six miles firom Fort Washington — Cincinnati. He
devoted himself to whatever came in his way, that seemed best and most worthy
— teaching school, surveying and working on &rms between times. Having
accumulated a small capital, he ascended the Little Miami, as &r as Warren
County, and there purchased an extensive &rm, and erected an excellent log
house. In the spring of 1799, he married Miss Mary Packtrell, of Columbia.
The young couple set out upon pioneer &rming. Gaining popularity as well as
a d^drable property, he was deputized to the Territorial Legislature, which met
at Chillicothe, at which time measures were inaugurated to call a Constitutional
Convention, during the following year, to organize the State of Ohio. Mr.
Morrow was one of the Delegates to this convention, and steadfiistly worked in the
interests of those who sent him, until its close in 1802. The following year,
he was elected to the Senate of Ohio, and in June of the same year, he was
i^pomted the first Bepresentative to the United States Congress firom the new
State.
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146 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Ohio wafl then entitled to but one Representative in Congress, and could not
add to that number for ten years thereafter. During these years, Mr. Morrow
represented the State. In 1813, he was sent to the United States Senate, and
ig, 1822, was elected Governor of Ohio, almost unanimously, being re-elected in
1824. It was during his administration that work was begun on the Ohio
Canal. Mr. Morrow received the national guest. La Fayette, with an earnest
and touching emotion, which affected the emotions of the generous Frenchman
more profoundly than any of the elaborate receptions which paved his way
through America. On the 4th of July, 1839, Gov. Morrow was appointed to
lay the comer stone of the new State capitol, at Columbus, and to deliver the
address on this occasion. Again, in 1840, he was in the House of Representa-
tives, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. Thomas Corwin.
He was elected for the following term also. He died at his own homestead, in
Warren County, March 22, 1853.
Allen Trimble was a native of Augusta County, Va. The date of his birth
was November 24, 1783. His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish origin, and were
among the early settlers of Virginia. His father moved to Ohio in 1804, pur-
chasing a tract of land in Highland County. His cabin was remarkably spa-
cious, and elicited the admiration of his neighbors. He cleared six acres of
land for an orchard, and brought the trees on horseback, from Kentucky. Be-
fore this new home was completed, Allen, then a young man of twenty, took
possession. This was in the year 1805. Four years thereafter, he occupied
the position of Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Recorder of High-
land County. He was serving in the latter capacity at the breaking out of the
war of 1812. Naturally enthusiastic and patriotic, he engaged a competent
person to perform his civil duties, while he went into active service as Colonel
of a regiment he had summoned and enlisted. He wa« always eager to be in
the front, and led his men with such valor that they were termed soldiers who
did not know the art of flinching. His commanding General lavished praises
upon him. In 1816, he was in the State Senate, representing Highland
County. He occupied the same position for four terms, two years each. In
1818, he was Speaker of the Senate, over Gen. Robert Lucas. He remained
in this office until elected to the United States Senate, to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of his brother, Col. Willkm A. Trimble* When Cbvemor Brown
resigned to accept the office of United States Senator in 1822, he succeeded to
the office, acting as Governor the remainder of the term. In October, 1826,
he was elected Governor of Ohio, by an astonishing majority. The united vote
of his three competitors was but one-sixth of the vote polled. Gov. Trimble
was an earnest Henry Clay Whig. In 1828 he was re-elected. Gov. Trimble
was married in 1806 to Miss Margaret McDowell. Three years thereafter
she died, leaving two children. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel
Woodrow, and they lived together sixty years, when he died, at home, in Hills-
boro, Highland County, Feb. 8, 1870. His wife survived him but a few months.
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HISTOBY OP THE STATE OF OHIO. 147
Duncan McArthnr, the tenth (Governor of Ohio^ was born in Dutchess
County, N. Y., in 1772. While yet a child, his parents removed to the west-
em part of Pennsylvania, where they entered upon the hard life of pioneers.
While there, young Duncan had the meager advantages of a backwoods school.
His life was a general routine until his eighteenth year, when he enlisted under
Gren. Harmer for the Indian campaign. His conduct and bravery won worthy
laurels, and upon the death of the commander of his company, he was elected
to that position, although the youngest man in the company. When his days
of service had expired, he found employment at salt-making in Maysville, Ky.,
until he was engaged as chain-bearer in Gen. Massie's survey of the Scioto
Valley. At this time, Indian atrocities alarmed the settlers occasionally, and
his reputation for bravery caused him to be appointed one of the three patrols '
of the Kentucky side of the Ohio, to give the alarm to scattered cabins in case
of danger. This was during the summer of 1798. Gen. Massie again secured
his services, this time as assistant surveyor. He was thus engaged for several
years, during which time he assisted in platting Chillicothe. He purchased a
large tract of land just north of town, and under his vigorous and practical
management, it became one of the finest estates of Ohio, which reputation it
sustains at the present time. He amassed wealth rapidly, his investments
always being judicious. In 1805, he was elected to the State Legislature.
He was a Colonel of an Ohio regiment, and accompanied Gen. Hull to Detroit
in 1813. At Hull's surrender he was a prisoner, but released on parole,
returned to Ohio in a state of indignation over his commander's stupidity.
Soon thereafter he was sent to Congress on the Democratic ticket. Soon there-
after he was released firom parole by exchange, and, greatly rejoiced, he
resigned his seat, entered the army as a Brigadier General under Gen. Harri-
son, and the following year succeeded him as commander of the Northwestern
forces. At the termination of the war, he was immediately returned to the
State Legislature. He occupied State offices )intil 1822, when he was again
sent to Congress. Serving one term, he declined re-election. In 1830, he
was elected Governor of Ohio. When his term expired, he decided to enjoy
life as a citizen on his &rm, '^ Fruit Hill," and lived there in contentment until
1840, when he died.
Robert Lucas was another Virginian, having been bom in 1781, in Jeffer-
son County of that State. While a boy, his fisither liberated his slaves, moving
to Chillicothe as one of the early settlers. He procured a proficient tutor for
his children. Robert became an expert in mathematics and surveying. Before
he reached his majority, he was employed as surveyor, earning liberal compen-
sation. At the age of twenty-three, he was appointed Surveyor of Scioto
County. At twenty-five, he was Justice of the Peace for Union Township,
Scioto County. He married Miss Elizabeth Brown in 1810, who died two
years thereafter, leaving a young daughter. In 1816, he married Miss Sum-
n^. The same year he was elected a member of the Ohio Legislatur^u For
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148 HISTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO.
nineteen consecutive years he served in the House or Senate. In 1820 and
1828) he was chosen one of the Presidential electors of Ohio. In 1832,
he was Chairman of the National Convention at Baltimore, which nom-
inated Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. In 1832, he
became Governor of Ohio, and was re-elected in 1834. He declined a third
nomination, and was appointed by President Van Buren Territorial Governor
of Iowa and Superintendent of Indian Affairs. On the 16th of August,
1838, he reached Burlington, the seat of government. He remained in Iowa
until his death, in 1853.
Joseph Vance, the twelfth Governor of Ohio, was bom in Washington
County, Penn., March 21, 1781. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and his
father emigrated to the new Territory when Joseph was two years of age. He
located on the southern bank of the Ohio, building a solid block house. This
formed a stronghold for his neighbors in case of danger. In 1801, this pioneer
decided to remove north of the Ohio River, and eventually settled in Urbana.
Joseph had the primitive advantages of the common schools, and became pro-
ficient in handling those useful implements — the plow, ax and rifle. The first
money he earned he invested in a yoke of oxen. He obtained several barrels
of salt, and set out on a speculative tour through the settlements. He traveled
through a wilderness, over swamps, and surmounted serious difficulties. At
night he built a huge fire to terrify the wolves and panthers, and laid down to
sleep beside his oxen, frequently being obliged to stand guard to protect
them from these ferocious creatures. Occasionally he found a stream so swol-
len that necessarily he waited hours and even days in the tangled forest, before
he could cross* He often suffered from hunger, yet he sturdily persevered and
sold his salt, though a lad of only fifteen years. When he attained his major-
ity, he married Miss Mary Lemen, of Urbana. At twenty-three, he was
elected Captain of .a rifle company, and frequently led his men to the front to
fight the Indians prior to th^ war of 1812. During that year, he and his
brother piloted Hull's army through the dense forests to Fort Meigs. In 1817,
with Samuel McCullough and Henry Van Meter, he made a contract to supply
the Northwestern army with provisions. They drove their, cattle and hogs
many miles, dead weight being transported on sleds and in wagons. He
engaged in mercantile business at Urbana and Fort Meigs — now Perrysburg.
While thus employed, he was elected to the Legislature, and there remained
four years. He then purchased a large tract of land on Blanchard's Fork,
and laid out the town of Findlay. He was sent to Congress in 1821, and was
a member of that body for fifteen years. In 1836, he was chosen Governor of
Ohio. Again he was sent to Congress in 1842. While attending the Consti-
tutional Convention in 1850, he was stricken witji paralysis, and suffered
extremely until 1852, when he died at his home in Urbana.
Wilson Shannon was a native of Belmont County, Ohio. He was born
during 1803. At the age of fiftieen, he was sent to the university at Athens,
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 151
where he remained a year, and then changed to the Transylvania Uniyersityy
at Lexington, Ey. He continued his studies two years, then returning home
and entering upon reading law. He completed his course at St. Clairsville,
Belmont County, and was admitted to practice. He was engaged in the courts
of the county for eight years. In 1832, the Democrats nominated him to Con-
gress, but he was not elected. He received the position of Prosecuting Attor-
ney in 1884, in which position his abilities were so marked that in 1888 he was
elected Governor by a majority of 8,6U0. He was re-nominated in 1840, but
Tom Corwin won the ticket. Two years thereafter he was again nominated and
elected* In 1848 he was appointed Minister to Mexico, Thomas W. Bartley,
Speaker of the Senate, acting as Cbvemor the remainder of the term. When
Texas was admitted as a State, Mexico renounced all diplomatic relations with the
United States. Mr. Shannon returned hom and resumed the practice of law. He
was sent to Congress in 1852. President Pierce conferred upon him the posi-
tion of Territorial Governor of Kansas, which duty he did not perform satis-
fiu^torily, and was superseded after fourteen months of service. He settled in
Lecompton, Kan., and there practiced law until his death, which occurred in
1877.
Thomas Corwin, the fourteenth Governor of Ohio, was bom in Bourbon
County, Ky., July 29, 1794. His fetiier settied at Lebanon in 1798. The
country was crude, and advantages meager. When Thomas was seventeen
years of age, the war of 1812 was inaugurated, and this young man was
engaged to drive a wagon through the wilderness, loaded with provisions, to
Gen. Harrison's headquarters. In 1816, he began the study of law, and
achieved knowledge so rapidly that in 1817 he passed examination and was
admitted to practice. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of his county, in*
1818, which position he held until 1880. He was elected to the Legislature of
Ohio in 1822. Again, in 1829, he was a member of the same body. He was
sent to Congress in 1830, and continued to be* re-elected for the space of ten
years. He became Governor of Ohio in 1840. In 1845, he was elected to
the United States Senate, where he remained until called to the cabinet of Mr.
Fillmore, as Secretary of the Treasury. He was again sent to Congress in
1858, and re-elected in 1860. He was appointed Minister to Mexico, by Pres-
ident Lincoln. After his return, he practiced law in Washington, D. C ,
where he died in 1866.
Mordecai Bartley was bom in 1783, in Fayette County, Penn. There he
remained, on his father's &rm, until he was twenty-one years of age. He mar-
ried Miss Wells in 1804, and removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he
purchased a fium, near Cross Creek. At the opening of tiie war of 1812, he
enlisted in a company, and was elected its Captain. He entered the field under
Harrison. At the close of the war, he removed to Richland County, and opened
a clearing and set up a cabin, a short distance from Mansfield. He remained
on his fiurm twenty years, then removing to Mansfield, entered the mercantile
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152 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
business. In 1817, he was elected to the State Senate. He was sent to Con*
gress in 1828, and served four terms. In 1844, he became Governor of Ohio,
on the Whig ticket. He declined a re-nomination, preferring to retire to his
home in Mansfield, where he died in 1870.
William Bebb, the seventeenth Governor, was firom Hamilton County, Ohio.
He was bom in 1804. His early instructions were limited, but thorough. He
opened a school himself, when he was twenty years of age, at North Bend,
residing in the house of Gen. Harrison. He remained thus employed a year,,
during which time he married Shuck. He very soon began the study of law,
continuing his school. He was successful in his undertakings, and many pupils-
were sent him from the best families in Cincinnati. In 1881, he was admitted
to practice, and opened an office in Hamilton, Butler County, remaining thus,
engaged for fourteen years. In 1845, he was elected Governor of Ohio. In
1847, he purchased 5,000 acres of land in the Rock River country, HI., and
removed there three years later. On the inauguration of President Lincoln, he
was appointed Pension Examiner, at Washington, and remained in that positioa
until 1866, when he returned to his Illinois &tm. He died at Rockford, 111.^
in 1873.
Seabury Ford, the eighteenth Governor of Ohio, was bom in the yeas 1802,
at Cheshire, Conn. His parents settled in Burton Township. He attended
the common schools, prepared for college at an academy in Burton, and entered
Yale College, in 1821, graduating in 1825. He then began the study of law,
in the law office of Samuel W. Phelps, of Painesville, completing his course
with Judge Hitchcock. He began practice in 1827, in Burton. He married
Miss Harriet E. Cook, of Burton, in 1828. He was elected by the Whigs to
*the Legislature, in 1836, and served six sessions, during one of which he waa
Speaker of the House. He entered the State Senate in 1841, and there
remained until 1844, when he was again elected Representative. In 1846, he
was appointed to the Senate, and in 1848, he became Governor of Ohio. On
the first Sunday after his retirement, he was stricken with paralysis, firom which
he never recovered. He died at his home in Burton in 1855.
Reuben Wood, the nineteenth Governor, was a Vermonter. Bom in 1792,
in Middleton, Rutland County, he was a sturdy son of the Green Mountain
State. He was a thorough scholar, and obtained a classical education in Upper
Canada. In 1812, he was drafted by the Canadian authorities to serve against
the Americans, but being determined not to oppose his own land, he escaped
one stormy night, accompanied by Bill Johnson, who was afterward an Ameri-
can spy. In a birchbark canoe they attempted to cross Lake Ontario. A
heavy storm of wind and rain set in. The night was intensely dark, and they
were in great danger. They fortunately found refuge on a small island, where
they were storm-bound three days, suffering from hunger and exposure. They
reached Sacket's Harbor at last, in a deplorable condition. Here they were
arrested as spies by the patrol boats of the American fleet. They were prisonera
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 158
four days, when an uncle of Mr. Wood*s, residing not fiur distant, came to
their rescue, vouched for their loyalty, and they were released. Mr. Wood
then went to Woodville, N. Y., where he raised a company, of which he was
elected Captain. They marched to the northern frontier. The battles of
Plattsburg and Lake Champlain were fought, the enemy defeated, and the com-
pany returned to Woodville and was disbanded.
Young Wood then entered the law office of Gen. Jonas Clark, at Middle-
biHry, Vt. He was married in 1816, and two years later, settled in Cleveland,
Ohio. When he first established himself in the village, he possessed his wife,
infant daughter and a silver quarter of a dollar. He was elected to the State
Senate in 1825, and filled the office three consecutive terms. He was appointed
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was promoted to the Bench of the
Supreme Court, serving there fourteen years, the latter portion of the term as
Chief Justice. He was termed the "Cayuga Chief," from his tall form and
courtly bearing. He was elected Governor in 1850, by a majority of 11,000.
The new constitution, which went into effect in March, 1851, vacated the office
of Governor, and he was re-elected by a majority of 26,000. The Democrats
holding a national convention in Baltimore in 1852, party division caused fifty
unavailing votes. The Virginia delegation offered the entire vote to Gov.
. Wood, if Ohio would bring him forward. The opposition of one man pre-
vented this. The offer was accepted by New Hampshire, and Frank Pierce
became President. Mr. Wood was appointed Consul to Valparaiso, South
America, and resigned his office of Governor. He resigned his consulship and
returned to his fine fiurm near Cleveland, called "Evergreen Place." He
expected to address a Union meeting on the 5th of October, 1864, but on the
1st he died, mourned by all who knew him.
William Medill, the twentieth Cbvemor^ was bom in New Castle County,
Del., in 1801. He was a graduate of Delaware College in 1825. He began
the study of law under Judge Black, of New Castle, and was admitted to the
bar in 1882. He removed to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1880. He was elected Rep-
resentative from Fairfield County in 1835. He was elected to Congress in
1838, and was re-elected in 1840. He was appointed Assistant Postmaster
General by President Polk. During the same year, he was appointed Com-
missioner of Indian AffiEurs. In 1851, he was elected Lieutenant Governor, and,
in 1868, he became Ctevemor. He occupied the position of First Comptroller
of the United States Treasury in 1857, under President Buchanan, retaining the
office until 1861, when he retired from public life. His death occurred in
1865.
Salmon P. Chase was a native of Cornish, N. H. He was bom in 1808.
He entered Dartmouth College in 1822, graduating in 1826. He was there-
after successful in establishing a classical school in Washington, but finan-
cially it did not succeed. He continued to teach the sons of Henry Clay,
William Wirt and S. L. Southard, at the same time reading law when not busy
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154 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
•
as tutor. He was admitted to practice in 1829, and opened a law office in Cin-
cinnatii He succeeded but moderately, and during his leisure hours prepared
a new edition of the ^^ Statutes of Ohio." He added annotations and a well-
written sketch of the early history of the State. This was a thorough success,
and gave the earnest worker popularity and a stepping-stone for the future.
He was solicitor for the banks of the United States in 1834, and soon there-
after, for the city banks. He achieved considerable distinction in 1837, in the
case of a colored woman brought into the State by her master, and escaping
his possession. He was thus brought out as an Abolitionist, which was further
sustained by his defense of James G. Bimey, who had suffered indictment for
harboring a fugitive slave. In 1846, associated with William H. Seward, he
defended Van Zandt before the Supreme Court of the United States. His
thrilling denunciations and startling conjectures alarmed the slaveholding
States, and subsequently led to the enactment of the fugitive-slave law of 1850.
Mr. Chase was a member of the United States Senate in 1849, through the
coalition of the Democrats and Free-Soilers. In 1855, he was elected Gover-
nor of Ohio by the opponents of Pierce's administration. He was re-elected
in 1859. President Lincoln, in 1861, tendered hun the position of Secretary
of the Treasury. To his ability and official management we are indebted for
the present national bank system. In 1864, he was appointed Chief Justice of
the United States. He died in the city of New York in 1878, after a useful
career.
William Dennison was bom in Cincinnati in 1815. He gained an educa-
tion at Miami University, graduating in 1835. He began the study of law in
the office of the &ther of George H. Pendleton, and was qualified and admitted
to the bar in 1840. The same year, he married a daughter of William Neil,
of Columbus. The Whigs of the Franklin and Delaware District sent him to
the State Senate, in 1848. He was President of the Exchange Bank in Cin-
cinnati, in 1852, and was also President of Columbus & Xenia Railway. He was
elected the twenty-second Gh)vemor of Ohio in 1859. By his promptness and
activity at the beginning of the rebellion, Ohio was placed in the firont rank of
loyalty. At the beginning of Lincoln's second term, he was appointed Post-
master General, retiring upon the accession of Johnson. He then made his
home at Columbus.
David Tod, twenty-third Governor of Ohio, was bom at Youngstown, Ohio,
in 1805. His education was principally obtained through his own exertions.
He set about the study of law most vigorously, and was admitted to practice in
1827. He soon acquired popularity through his ability, and consequently was
financially successful. He purchased the Briar Hill homestead. Under Jack-
son's administration, he was Postmaster at Warren, and held the position until
1838, when he was elected State Senator by the Whigs of Trumbull District, by
the Democrats. In 1844, he retired to Briar Hill, and opened the Briar Hill
Coal Mines. He was a pioneer in the coal business of Ohio. In the Cleveland
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 155
k Mahoning Railroad, he was largely interested, and was its President, after the
death of Mr. Perkins, He was nominated, in 1844, for Governor, by the Dem-
ocrats, but was defeated. In 1847, he went to Brazil as Minister, where he
resided for four and a half years. The Emperor presented him with a special
commendation to the President, as a testimonial of his esteem. He was also the
recipient of an elegant silver tray, as a memorial from the resident citizens of
Rio Janeiro. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, which
met at Charleston in 1860. He was Vice President of this Convention. He
was an earnest advocate for Stephen A. Douglas. When the Soathem members
withdrew, the President, Caleb Cashing, going with them, the convention
adjourned to Baltimore, when Mr. Tod assumed the chair and Douglas was nom-
inated. He was an earnest worker in the cause, but not disheartened by its
defeat. When Fort Sumter was fired upon, he was one of the most vigorous
prosecutors of the war, not relaxing his active earnestness until its close. He
donated fiiU uniforms to Company B, of the Nineteenth Regiment, and contrib-
uted largely to the war fund of his township. Fifty-five thousand majority
elected him Governor in 1861. His term was burdened with war duties,
and he carried them so bravely as Oovemor that the President said of him :
'^ Governor Tod of Ohio aids me more and troubles me less than any other Gov-
ernor." His death occurred at Briar Hill during the year 1868.
John Brough was a native of Marietta, Ohio. He was bom in 1811. The death
of his fieither left him in precarious circumstances, which may have been a discipline
for future usefulness. He entered a printing o£5ce, at the age of fourteen, in
Marietta, and after serving a few months, began his studies in the Ohio Uni-
versity, setting type mornings and evenings, to earn sufficient for support. He
occupied the leading position in classes, and at the same time excelled as a
type-setter. He was also admired for his athletic feats in field amusements.
He completed his studies and began reading law, which pursuit was interrupted
by an opportunity to edit a paper in Petersburg, Va. He returned to Marietta
in 1831, and became editor and proprietor of a leading Democratic newspaper
— ^the Washington County Bepublican. He achieved distinction rapidly,
and in 1833, sold his interest, for the purpose of entering a more extended field
of journalism. He purchased the Ohio JEagUy at Lancaster, and as its editor,
held a deep influence over local and State politics. He occupied the position
of Clerk of the Ohio Senate, between the years 1835 and 1838, and relinquished his
paper. He then represented the counties of Fairfield and Hocking in the Leg-
islature. He was then appointed Auditor of State by the General Assembly,
in which position he served six years. He then purchased the Phoenix news-
paper in Cincinnati, changed its name to the Enquirer ^ placing it in the care
of his brother, Charles, while he opened a law office in the city. His editorials
in the Enquirery and his activity in political affairs, were brilliant and strong.
He retired firom politics in 1848, sold a half-interest in the Enquirer and carried
on a prosperous business, but was brought forward again by leaders of both
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156 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
political parties in 1863, through the Vallandigham contest, and was elected
Ctevemor the same year, by a majority of 101,099 votes in a total of 471,648.
He was three times married. His death occurred in 1865^-Charles Anderson
serving out his term.
Jacob Dolson Oox, the twenty-sixth Governor, was bom ih 1828, in Mon-
treal, Canada, where his parents were temporarily. He became a student of
Oberlin College, Ohio, in 1846, graduating in 1851, and beginning the practice
of law in Warren in 1852. He was a member of the State Senate in 1859,
from the Trumbull and Mahoning Districts. He was termed a radical. He
was a commissioned Brigadier General of Ohio in 1861, and, in 1862, was pro-
moted to Major General for gallantry in battle. While in the service he was
nominated for Governor, and took that position in 1865. He was a member of
Grant's Cabinet as Secretary of the Interior, but resigned. He went to Con-
gress in 1875, from the Toledo District.
Rutherford B. Hayes, the nineteenth President of the United States, and
the twenty-seventh Governor of Ohio, was bom at Delaware, Ohio, in 1822. He
was a graduate of Kenyon College in 1842. He began the study of law, and,
in 1848, pursued that course in the Cambridge University, graduating in 1845.
He began his practice at Fremont He was married to Miss Lucy Webb in
1852, in Cincinnati. He was Major of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer
Infimtry in 1861, and in 1862, was promoted to Colonel on account of bravery
in the field, and eventually became Major General. In 1864, he was elected to
Congress, and retired from the service. He remained in Congress two terms,
and was Governor of Ohio in 1867, being re-elected in 1869. He was again
elected in 1875, but resigned in 1877, to accept the office of President of the
United States, Thomas L. Toung acting as Governor the remander of the term.
Edward F. Noyes was bom in Haverhill, Mass., in 1882. While a lad of
fourteen, he entered the office of the Morning Star^ published at Dover, N. H.,
in order to learn the business of printing. At the age of eighteen, he entered
the academy at Kingston, N. H. He prepared for college, and entered
Dartmouth in 1853, graduating with high honors in 1857. He had begun the
study of law, and continued the course in the Cincinnati Law School, and began
to practice in 1858. He was an enthusiast at the opening of the rebellion and
was interested in raising the Twentieth Regiment, of which he was made Major.
He was promoted to Colonel in 1862. At the conflict at Rufi^'s Mills, in
Georgia, in 1864, he was so unfortunate as to lose a leg. At the time, amputa-
tion was necessary, but was unskilUuUy performed. He was brought to Cincin-
nati, and the operation was repeated, which nearly cost him his life. He reported
three months later, to Gen. Hooker for duty, on crutches. He was assigned to
command of Gamp Dennison. He was promoted to the full rank of Brigadier
General, and while in discharge of his duty at that place, he was elected City
Solicitor of Cincinnati. He occupied the position until 1871, when he was
elected Governor, by a majority of 20,000.
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HISTOEY OP THE STATE OF OHIO. 157
William Allen, the twenty-ninth Governor of Ohio, was bom' in 1807, in
Chowan County, N. 0. While an infimt, he was left an orphan, and his sister
superintended his education. He was placed in a private school at Lynchburg,
Ya., at the age of fourteen. Two years later he joined his family at Chilli-
cothe, and attended the academy a year, when he entered the law office of
Edward King. Before he was twenty-five he was sent to Congress by a strong
Whig district. He was elected United States Senator in 1887 and served
until 1849. In 1845 he married Effie McArthur, who died soon after the
birth of their daughter. In 1878 he was elected Governor. His administra-
tion gave general satisfaction. He died at his home at ^^ Fruit Hill," in 1879.
Richard M. Bishop, the thirty-first Gh>vemor of Ohio, was bom November
4, 1812, in Fleming County, Ky. For several years he devoted himself to
mercantile business in his native State. In 1848 he engaged in the wholesale
grocery business at Cincinnati, and subsequently admitted his three sons part-
ners, under the firm name of R. M. Bishop & Sons. He was a member of the
Council of Cincinnati, and in 1859 was its Mayor, holding that office until 1861.
In 1877 he was nominated by the Democrats and elected Governor of Ohio.
Charles Foster, the thirty-second Governor of Ohio, was bom in Seneca
County, Ohio, April 12, 1828. He was educated at the common schools and
the aoBidemy at Norwalk, Ohio. Engaged in mercantile and banking business
at Foetoria, and never held any. public office until he was elected to the Forty-
seoond Congress; was re-elected to the Forty-third Congress, and again to the
Forty-fourth Congress as a Republican. In 1879 he was nominated by the
Republicans and elected Governor of the State, was re-elected in 1881, and
served through both terms winning the esteem of all political parties.
George Hoadly, the thirty-third Governor of Ohio, was bom at New
Haven, Conn., July 81, 1826. His parents, George and Mary Ann (Woolsey)
Hoadly, names well known in the educational circles of Connecticut, were inti-
mately connected with the commercial and social progress of that State. Gov.
Hoadly completed his education at what is now known as Adelbert College, of
which he is a LL. D., while in 1884 he received the same honor from Yale. In
1844 he entered the law school of Cambridge, Mass.; in 1846 entered the
office of Chase & Ball, Cincinnati, Ohio ; was admitted to the bar in August
following ; elected Judge of the Cincinnati Superior Court in 1851, succeeded
Judge Gholson on the bench of the present Superior Court in 1859, and was
re-elected in 1864 ; refused a seat on the Supreme bench in 1856 and again in
1862 ; was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention 1873-74. He
was nominated by the Democrats for Governor in 1888 and elected.
ANCIENT WORKS.
Ohio has furnished a prolific field for antiquarians and those interested in
scientific explorations, either for their own amusement and knowledge,^ or for
the records of '* fiicts and formations.'*
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158 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
It is well known that the ^^ Monnd Builders " had a wide sweep through this
continent, but absolute facts regarding their era have been most difficult to
obtain. Numerous theories and suppositions have been advanced, jet they are
emphatic evidences that thej have traced the origin and time of this primeval race.
However, they have left their works behind them, and no exercise of fidth
is necessary to have confidence in that part of the story. That these works are
of human origin is self-evident. Temples and military works have been found
which required a considerable degree, of scientific skill on the part of those early
architects and builders.
Evidently the Indians had no knowledge of these works of predecessors,
which differed in all respects from those of the red men. An ancient cemetery
has been found, covering an area of four acres, which had evidently been laid
out into lots, from north to south. Nearly 3,000 graves have been discovered,
containing bones which at some time must have constituted the framework of
veritable giants, while others are of no unusual size. In 1815, a jaw-bone was
exhumed, containing an artificial tooth of silver.
Mounds and fortifications are plentiful in Athens County, some of them
being of solid stone. One, differing in the quality of stone from the others, is
supposed to be a dam across the Hocking. Over a thousand pieces of stone
were used in its construction. Copper rings, bracelets and ornaments are
numerous. It is also evident that these people possessed the knowledge of
hardening copper and giving it an edge equal to our steel of to-day.
In the branch formed by a branch of the Licking River and Raccoon Creek,
in Licking County, ancient .works extend over an area of several miles. Again,
three miles northwest of this locality, near the road between Newark and Gran-
ville, another field of these relics may be found. On the summit of a high hill
is a fortification, formed to represent an alligator. The head and neck includes
32 feet ; the length of the body is 73 feet ; the tail was 105 feet ; from the termini of
the fore feet, over the shoulders, the width is 100 feet ; from the termini of
the hind feet, over the hips, is 92 feet ; its highest point is 7 feet It is composed
of clay, which must have been conveyed hither, as it is not similar to the clay
found in the vicinity.
Near Miamisburg, Montgomery County, are other specimens. Near the
village is a mbund, equaled in size by very few of these antiq^ities. It meas-
ures 800 feet around the base, and rises to a height of sixty-seven feet. Others
are found in Miami County, while at Circleville, Pickaway County, no traces
remain.
Two forts have been discovered, one forming an exact square, and the other
describing a circle. The square is flanked by two walls, on all sides, these
being divided by a deep ditch. The circle has one wall and no ditch. This is
sixty-nine rods in diameter, its walls being twenty feet high. The square fort
measures fifty-five rods across, with walls twelve feet high. Twelve gateways
lead into the square fort, while the circle has but one, which led to the other, at
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 159
the point where the walls of the two came together. Before each of these
entranceB were mounds of earth, from four to five feet high and nearly forty
feet in diameter. Evidently these were designed for defenses for the openings^
in cases of emergency.
A short distance from Piketon, the turnpike runs, for several hundred feet,
between two parallel artificial walls of earth, fifteen feet high, and six rods
apart. In Scioto County, on both sides of the Ohio, are extensive ancient
works.
** Fort Ancient " is near Lebanon in Warren County. Its direct measure-
ment is a mile, but in tracing its angles, retreating and salient, its length would
be nearly six miles. Its site is a level plain, 240 feet above the level of the
river. The interior wall varies in height to conform with the nature of the
ground without — ^ranging from 8 to 10 feet On the plain it reaches 100 feet.
This fort has 58 gateways, through one of which the State road runs, passing
between two mounds 12 feet high. Northeast from these mounds, situated on
the plain, are two roads, about a rod wide each, made upon an elevation about
three feet high. They* run parallel to each other about a quarter of a mile,
when they each form a semicircle around a mound, joining in the circle^ It is
probable this was at some time a military defense, or, on the contrary, it may
have been a general rendezvous for games and high holiday festivities.
Near Marietta, are the celebrated Muskingum River works, being a half-
mile from its juncture with the Ohio. They consist of mounds and walls of
earth in circular and square forms, also tracing direct lines.
The largest square fort covers an area of 40 acres, and is inclosed by a wall
of earth, 6 to 10 feet in height, and from 25 to 30 feet at its base. On each
side are three gateways. The center gateways exceed the others in size, more
especially on the side toward the Muskingum. From this outlet runs a covered
means of egress, between two parallel walls of earth, 231 feet distant from each
other, measuring from the centers. The walls in the interior are 21 feet high
at the most elevated points, measuring 42 feet at the base, grading on the exte-
rior to about five feet in heigth. This passage-way is 360 feet in length, lead-
ing to the low grounds, which, at the period of its construction, probably reached
the river.
At the northwest comer, within the inclosure, is a plateau 188 feet long,
132 feet broad and 9 feet high. Its sides are perpendicular and its sur&ce
level. At the center of each side is a graded pathway leading to the top, six
feet wide. Another elevated square is near the south wall, 150x120 feet square,
and 8 feet high, similar to the other, with the exception of the graded walk.
Outside and next the wall to ascend to the top, it has central hollow ways, 10
feet wide, leading 20 feet toward the center, then arising with a gradual slope to
the top. A third elevated square is situated at the southeast comer, 108x54
feet square, with ascents at the ends. This is neither as high or as perfect as
the others.
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160 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Another ancient work is found to the southeast, covering an area of 20 acres
yrith, a gateway in the center of each side, and others at the comers — each of
these having the mound defense.
On the outside of the smalls fort, a mound resembling a sugar loaf was
formed in the shape of a circle 115 feet in diameter, its height being 30 feet. *
A ditch surrounds it, 15 feet wide and 4 feet deep. These earthworks have
contributed greatly to the satisfactory results of scientific researches. Their
builders were evidently composed of large bands that have succumbed to the
advance of enlightened humanity. The relics found consists of ornaments,
utensils and implements of war. The bones left in the numerous graves convey
an idea of a stalwart, vigorous people, and the conquests which swept them away
from the &ce of the country must have been fierce and cruel.
Other mounds and fortifications are found in difierent parts of the State, of
which our limited space will not permit a description.
Many sculptured rocks are found, and others with plainly discernible
tracery in emblematical designs upon their sur&ce. The rock on which the
inscriptions occur is the grindstone grit of the Ohio exports — ^a stratum found
in Northern Ohio. Arrow-pdnts of flint or chert have been frequently found.
From all investigations, it is evident that an extensive flint bed existed in Lick-
ing County, near Newark. The old pits can now be recognized. They
extended over a hundred acres. They are partially filled with water, and sur-
rounded by piles of broken and rejected fragments. The flint is a grayish-
white, with cavities of a brilliant quartz crystal. Evidently these stones were
chipped into shape and the material sorted on the ground. Only clear, homo-
genous pieces can be wrought into arrow-heads and spear-points. Flint chips
extend over many acres of ground in this vicinity. Flint beds are also found
in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties. In color it varies, being red, white, black
and mottled. The black is found in Coshocton County.
BOMB GENEBAL GHARACTBBISTICS.
Ohio, as a State, is renowned as an agricultural section. Its variety, quality
and quantity of productions cannot be surpassed by any State in the Union. Its
commercial importance ranks proudly in the galaxy of opulent and industrious
States composing this Union. Her natural resources are prolific, and all improve-
ments which could be instituted by the ingenuity of mankind have been added.
From a quarter to a third of its area is hilly and broken. About the head-
waters of the Muskingum and Scioto, and between the Scioto and the two
Miami Rivers, are wide prairies ; some of them are elevated and dry, with fertile
soil, although they are frequently termed "barrens." In other parts, they are
low and marshy, producing coarse, rank grass, which grows to a height of five
feet in some places.
The State is most fortunate in timber wealth, having large quantities of
black walnut, oak of different varieties, maple, hickory, birch, several kinds of
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 161
1>eech, poplar, sycamore, papaw, several kinds of ash, cherry, whitewood and
buckeye.
The summers are usually warm, and the winters are mild, considering the
latitude of the State. Near Lake Erie, the winters are severe, corresponding
with sections in a line with that locality. Snow falls in sufficient quantities
in the northern part to afford several weeks of fine sleighing. In the southern
portion, the snowstorms are not frequent, and the fSsdl rarely remains long on
the ground.
The climate is generally healthy, with tlM exception of small tracts lying
near the manAiw md irtngntmt waters.
The Ohio River washes the southern border of the State, and is navigable
for steamboats of a large size, the entire length of its course. From Pitts-
burgh to its mouth, measuring it meanderings, it is 908 miles long. Its current
is gentle, having no falls except at Louisville, Ky., where the descent is twenty-
two and a half feet in two miles. A canal obviates this obstruction.
The Muskingum is the largest river that flows entirely within the State. It
is formed by the junction of the Tuscarawas and Walhonding Rivers, and enters
the Ohio at Marietta One hundred miles of its length is navigable.
The Scioto is the second river in magnitude, is about 200 miles long, and
lows into the Ohio at Portsmouth. It affords navigation 130 miles of its length.
The Oreat Miami is a rapid river, in the western part of the State, and is 100
miles long. The Little Miami is seventy miles in length, and enters the Ohio
«even miles from Cincinnati.
The Maumee rises in Indiana, flows through the northwestern part of the
State, and enters Lake Erie at Maumee Bay. It affords navigation as &r as
Perrysburg, eighteen miles from the lake, and above the rapids, it is again nav-
igable.
The Sandusky rises in the northern part of the State, is eighty miles long,
and flows into Lake Erie, via Sandusky Bay.
Lake Erie washes 150 miles of the northern boundary. The State has sev-
eral fine harbors, the Maumee and Sandusky Bays being the largest
We have, in tracing the record of the earlier counties, given the educational inter-
-ests as exemplified by different institutions. We have also given the canal system
of the State, in previous pages. The Ck)vemor is elected every two years, by
the people. The Senators are chosen biennially, and are apportioned according
to the male population over twenty-one years of age. The Judges of the
Supreme and other courts are elected by the joint ballot of the Legislature, for
^e term of seven years.
During the early settlement of Ohio, peifect social equality existed among the
settlers. The line of demarkation that was drawn was a separation of the good
from the bad. Log-rollings and cabin-raisings were mutual affairs. Their
sport usually consisted of shooting, rowing and hunting. Hunting shirts and
buckskin pants were in the fashion, while the women dressed in coarse material.
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162 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
woven by their own hands. A common American cotton check was con-
sidered a magnificent addition to one's toilet. In those times, however, the
material was $1 per yard, instead of the shilling of to-day. But five yards
was then a large "pattern," instead of the twenty-five of 1880. In cooking
utensils, the pot, pan and frying-pan constituted an elegant outfit. A few plain
dishes were added for table use. Stools and benches were the rule, although &
few wealthy families indulged in splint-bottom chairs. The cabin floors were
rough, and in many cases the green sward formed the carpet. Goods were very
expensive, and flour was considered a great luxury. Goods were brought by
horses and mules from Detroit, or by wagon from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh,,
and then down the Ohio. Coarse calicoes were $1 per yard ; tea $2 to $3 per
pound; cofiee 75 cents ; whisky, from $1 to $2 per gallon, and salt, ^ to $&
per barrel. In those towns where Indian trade constituted a desirable interest,
a bottle was set at each end of the counter — ^a gratuitous ofiering to their red
friends.
OUTLINE GEOLOGY OF OHIO.
Should we group the rocks of Ohio, according to their lithological characters,,
we should give five distinct divisions. They are marked by difierence in appear*
ance, hardness, color and composition :
1 — Limestone.
2 — ^Black shale.
3 — Fine-grained sandstone*
4 — Conglomerate.
5 — Coal series.
They are all stratified and sedimentary. They are nearly horizontal. The
lowest one visible, in a physical as well as a geological sense, is ^^ blue lime-
stone."
The bed of the Ohio River near Cincinnati is 133 feet below the level of
Lake Erie. The strata incline in all directions from the southwestern angle of
the State. In Scioto County may be seen the outcropping edges of all these
rocks. They sink at this point in the direction south 80^^ east ; easterly at the
rate of 37^ feet per mile. The cliff limestone, the upper stratum of the lime-
stone deposit, is 600 feet above the river at Cincinnati ; at West Union, in
Adams County, it is only 350 feet above the same level. *
The finely grained sandstone found on the summit of the hills east of Brush
Creek and west of the Scioto sinks to the base of the hills, and appears beneath
the conglomerate, near the Little Scioto. Although the rock formations are the
same in all parts of the State, in the same order, their thickness, mass and dip,
are quite different.
Chillicothe, Reynoldsburg, Mansfield, Newburg, Waverly and Rockville, are
situated near the western border of the " fine-grained limestone." Its outcrop
forms a continuous and crooked line from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. In the
southwest portion of the State is the ^'blue limestone," occupying a circular
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 168
space from West Union via Dayton, to the State line. The conglomerate is to
the east of the given towns, bending around from Cuyahoga Falls to Burton, in
Geauga County, and then eastward into Pennsylvania. Near this outcrop are
the cool-bearing rocks which occupy the east and southeastern portions of Ohio.
From Rockville to Chillicothe, the course is north, about 10^ east, and nearly
corresponds with the. line of outcrop of the fine-grained sandstone for an equal
distance. The dip at Rockville, given by Charles Whittlesey, is 80^^, almost
at a right angle, and at the rate of 37 feet per mile.
At Chillicothe, the other end of the line, the general dip is south 70^ east,
30 feet to the mile, the line curving eastward and the dip line to the southward.
This is the universal law.
The northern boundary of the great coal fields passes through Meadville, in
Pennsylvania, and turning south arrives at Portage Summit, on the summit of
the AUeghanies, 2,500 feet above the ocean level. It then plunges rapidly to
the westward. From the AUeghanies to the southwest, through Pennsylvania,
Virginia and Tennessee, sweeps this great coal basin.
Much of the county of Medina is conglomerate upon the sur&ce, but the
streams, especially the South Branch of the Rocky River, set through this sur-
fiice stratum, and reach the fine-grained sandstone. This is the case with
Rocky, Chagrin, Cuyahoga and Grand Rivers — ^also Conneaut and Ashtabula
Creeks. This sandstone and the shale extend up the narrow valleys of these
streams and their tributaries. Between these strata is a mass of coarse-grained
sandstone, without pebbles, which furnishes the grindstones for which Ohio is
noted. In Lorain County, the Coarse sandstone grilr nearly displaces the fine-
grained sandstone and red shale, thickening at Elyria to the black shale. South
of this point, the grindstone grit, red shale and ash-colored shale vary in thick-
ness. The town of Chillicothe, the village of Newburg, and a point in the west
line of Crawford County, are all situated on the "black shale."
Dr. Locke gives the dip, at Montgomery and Miami Counties, at north 14^,
east, six feet to the mile ; at Columbus, Whitelesey gives it, 81^ 52' east, 22i^
feet to the mile. The fine-grained sandstone at Newburg is not over eighty
feet in thickness ; at Jacktown and Reynoldsburg, 500 ; at Waverly 250 to
300 feet, and at Brush Creek, Adams County, 343 feet. The black shale is
251 feet thick at Brush Creek ; at Alum Creek, 250 to 300 feet thick ; in Craw-
ford County, about 250 feet thick. The conglomerate in Jackson County is
200 feet thick ; at Cuyahoga Falls, 100 to 120 feet ; at Burton, Geauga County,
300 feet. The great limestone formation is divided into several numbers. At
Cincinnati, at the bed of the river, there is :
1 — ^A blue limestone and slaty marlite.
2 — Dun-colored marl and layers of lime rock.
8 — ^Blue marl and layers of blue limestone.
4 — ^Marl and bands of limestone, with immense numbers of shells at the
sur&ce.
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164 HISTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO.
In Adams County, the detailed section is thus :
1 — ^Blue limestone and marl.
2 — ^Blue marl.
3 — Flinty limestone.
4 — ^Blue marl.
S^CliflF limestone.
The coal-fields of Ohio are composed of alternate beds of coarse-grained
sandstone, clay shales, layers of ironstone, thin beds of limestone and numer-
ous strata of coal. The coal region abounds in iron. From Jacktown to Con-
cord, in Muskingum County, there are eight, beds of coal, and seven strata of
limestone. The distance between these two points is forty-two miles. From
Freedom, in Portage County, to Poland, in Trumbull County, a distance of
thirty-five miles, there are five distinct strata. Among them are distributed
thin beds of limestone, and many beds of iron ore. The greater mass of coal
and iron measures is composed of sandstone and shale. The beds of sandstone
are from ten to twenty or eighty feet thick. Of shale, five to fifty feet thick.
The strata of coal and iron are comparatively thin. A stratum of coal three
feet thick can be worked to advantage. One four feet thick is called a good
mine, few of them averaging five. Coal strata are found from six to ten and
eleven feet. There are four beds of coal, and three of limestone, in Lawrence
and Scioto Counties. There are also eight beds of ore, and new ones are con-
stantly being discovered. The ore is from four to twelve inches thick, occasion-
ally being two feet.- The calcareous ore rests upon the second bed of limestone^
from the bottom, and is very rich.
The most prominent fossils are trees, plants and stems of the coal-bearing
rocks, shells and corals and crustaceae of the limestone, and the timber, leaves
and dirt-beds of the "drift" — ^the earthy covering of the rocks, which varies
from nothing to 200 feet. Bowlders, or " lost rocks," are strewn over the State.
They are evidently transported from some remote section, being fragments of
primitive rock, granite, gneiss and hornblende rock, which do not exist in
Ohio, nor within 400 miles of the State, in any direction. In the Lake Supe-
rior region we find similar specimens.
The superficial deposits of Ohio are arranged into four geological formations :
1 — The ancient drift, resting upon the rocks of the State.
2 — The Lake Erie marl and sand deposits.
8 — The drift occupying the valleys of large streams, such as the Great Miami^
the Ohio and Sciota
4— The bowlders.
The ancient drift of Ohio is meager in shell deposits. It is not, therefore^
decided whether it be of salt-water origin or fresh water.
It has, at the bottom, blue clay, with gravel-stones of primitive or sedimen-
tary rocks, containing carbonate of lime. The yellow clay is found second.
Above that, sand and gravel, less stratified, containing more pebbles of the
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHia 165
sedimentary rooks, such as limestone and stone, iron ore, coal and shale. The
lower layer contains logs, trees, leaves, sticks and vines.
The Lake Erie section, or ^^ Lake Erie deposits," may be classed in the
following order :
1 — ^From the lake level upward, fine, blue, marly sand — ^forty-five to sixty
feet.
2 — Coarse, gray, water-washed sand — ^ten to twenty feet.
8 — Coarse sand and gravel, not well stratified, to surfitce — ^twenty to fifty feet.
Stratum first dissolves in water. It contains carbonate of lime, magnesia,
iron, alumina, silez, sulphur, and some decomposed leaves, plants and sticks..
Some pebbles are found. Li contact with the water, quicksand is formed.
The Hickory Plains, at the forks of the Great Miami and White Water, and
also between EUgore's Mill and New Richmond, are the results of heavy dilu-
vial currents.
In presenting these formations of the State, we have quoted firom the experi-
ence and conclusions of Charles Whittlesey, eminent as a geologist, and whe
was a m^nber of the Ohio Geological Corps.
OHIO'S RANK DURING THE WAR.
The patriotism of this State has been stanch, unswerving and bold, ever
since a first settlement laid its comer-stone in the great Western wilder-
ness. Its decisive measures, its earnest action, its noble constancy, have earned
the laurels that designate it ^^a watchword for the nation." In the year 1860,
Ohio had a population of 2,343,739. Its contribution of soldiers to the great
conflict that was soon to surge over the land in scarlet terror, was apportioned
310,000 men. In less than twenty-four hours after the President's proclama-
tion and call for troops, the Senate had matured and carried a bill through, •
appropriating $1,000,000 for the purpose of placing the State on a war footing.
The influences of party sentiments were forgotten, and united, the State
unfurled the flag of patriotism. Before the bombardment of old Fort Sumter
has fisurly ceased its echoes, twenty companies were offered the Governor for
immediate service. When the surrender was verified, the excitement was
tumultuous. Militia officers telegraphed their willingness to receive prompt
orders, all over the State. The President of Kenyon College — ^President
Andrews — ^tendered his services by enlisting in the ranks. Indeed, three
months before the outbreak of the war, he had expressed his readiness to the
(Governor to engage in service should there be occasion. He was the first citi-
sen to make this offer.
The Cleveland Grays, the Rover Guards, the State Fendbles, the Dayton
Light Guards, the Governor's Guards, the Columbus Yidettes and the Guthrie
Grays — the best drilled and celebrated militia in the State — ^telegraphed to
Columbus for orders. Chillicothe, Portsmouth and Circleville offered money
and troops. Canton, Xenia, Lebanon, Lancaster, Springfield, Cincinnati^
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166 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Dayton, Cleveland, Toledo and other towns urged their assistance upon the State.
Columbus began to look like a great army field. The troops were stationed
wherever they could find quarters, and food in suflScient quantities was hard to
procure. The Governor soon established a camp at Miamiville, convenient to
C^cinnati. He intended to appoint Irvin McDowell, of the staff of Lieut.
Gen. Scott, to the leading command, but the friends of Capt. McClellan became
enthusiastic and appealed to the Governor, who decided to investigate his case.
Being satisfied, he desired Capt. McClellan to come up to Columbus. But that
officer was busy and sent Capt. Pope, of the regular army, in his stead. This
gentleman did not suit Gov. Dennison. The friends of McClellan again set
forth the high qualities of this officer, and Gov. Dennison sent an earnest
request for an interview, which was granted, and resulted in the appointment
of the officer as Major General of the Ohio militia. Directly thereafter, he
received an invitation to take command of the Pennsylvania troops, but Ohio
could not spare so valuable a leader.
For three-years troops were soon called out, and their Generals were to be
appointed by the President. Gov. Dennison advised at once with the War
Department at Washington, and McClellan received his appointment as Major
General in the regular army.
Cincinnati and Louisville became alarmed lest Kentucky should espouse the
Confederate cause, and those cities thus be left insecure against the inroads of a
cruel foe. Four hundred and thirty-six miles of Ohio bordered Slave States.
Kentucky and West Virginia were to be kept in check, but the Governor pro-
claimed that not only should the border of Ohio be protected, but even beyond
that would the State press the enemy. Marietta was garrisoned, and other river
points rendered impregnable. On the 20th of May, 1861, official dispatches
affirmed that troops were approaching Wheeling under the proclamation of
Letcher. Their intention was to route the convention at Wheeling.
Military orders were instantly given. Col. Steedman and his troops crossed
at Marietta and crushed the disturbance at Parkersburg — swept into the country
along the railroad, built bridges, etc. Col. Irvine crossed at Wheeling and
united with a regiment of loyal Virginians. At the juncture of the two tracks
at Grafton, the columns met, but the rebels had retreated in mad haste. The
loyal troops followed, and, at Philippi, fought the fi^t little skirmish of the war.
The great railway lines were secured, and the Wheeling convention protected,
and West Virginia partially secured for the Union.
Aft;er preliminary arrangements, McClellan's forces moved in two columns
upon the enemy at Laurel Hill. One remained in front, under Gen. Morris,
while the other, under his own command, pushed around to Huttonsville, in
their rear. Gen. Morris carried his orders through promptly, but McClellan
was late. Rosecrans was left with McClellan's advance to fight the battle of
Rich Mountain, unaided. Gumett being alarmed at the defeat of his outpost,
retreated. McClellan was not in time to intercept him, but Morris continued
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HISTORY OF THB STATE OF OHIO. 167
the chase. Steedman overtook the rear-guard of Gamett's army at Carrick's
Ford, where a sharp skirmish ensued, Ghimett himself filling. The scattered
portions of the rebel army escaped, and West Virginia was again free from
armed rebels — and was the gift of Ohio through her State militia to the nation
at the beginning of the war.
At this period. Gen. McClellan was called to Washington. Gen. Rose-
crans succeeded him, and the three-years troops left in the field after the dis-
banding of the three-months men, barely sufficed to hold the country. He
td^raphed Gov. Dennison to supply him immediately with re-enforcements, the
request being made on the 8th of August. Already had the Confederate lead-
ers realised the loss they had sustained in Western Virginia, and had dispatched
their most valued General, Robert E. Lee, to regain the territory. Rosecrans
again wrote: "If you. Governor of Indiana and Governor of Michigan, will
lend your efforts to get me quickly 50,000 men, in addition to my pi'esent
force, I think a blow can be struck which will save fighting the rifled-cannon
batteries at Manassas. Lee is certainly at Cheat Mountain. Send all troops
you can to Grafton." Five days thereafter, all the available troops in the
West were dispatched to Fremont, Mo., and the plans of Rosecrans were
foiled.
Heavy re-enforcements had been sent to the column in Eanawha Valley
under Gen. Cox. He became alarmed, and telegraphed to Gov. Dennison.
Rosecrans again appealed to Gov. Dennison, that he might be aided in march-
ing across the country against Floyd and Wise to Cox's relief^ "I want to
catch Floyd while Cox holds him in front."
The response was immediate and effective. He was enabled to employ
twenty-three Ohio regiments in clearing his department from rebels, securing
the country and guarding the exposed railroads. With this achievement, the
direct relation of the State administrations with tlie conduct and methods of
campaigns terminated. The General Government had settled down to a sys-
tem. Ohio was busy organizing and equipping regiments, caring for the sick
and wounded, and sustaining her home strength.
Grov. Dennison's staff officers were tendered better positions in the national
service. Camps Dennison and Chase, one at Cincinnati and the other at
Columbus, were controlled by the United States authorities. A laboratory was
established at Columbus for the supply of ammunition. During the fall and
early winter, the Ohio troops suffered in Western Virginia. The people of
their native State responded with blankets, clothing and other supplies.
In January, 1862, David A. Tod entered upon the duties of Governor.
The first feature of his administration was to care for the wounded at home,
sent from Pittsburg Landing. A regular system was inaugurated to supply
stores and clothing to the suffering at home and in the field. Agencies were
established, and the great and good work was found to be most efficacious in
alleviating the wretchedness consequent upon fearful battles. A. B. Lyman
10
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168 HISTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO.
had charge of afiairs in Cincinnati, and Royal Taylor held the same position
in LouisviUe. J. C. Wetmore was stationed at Washington, F. W. Bingham
at Memphis, Weston Flint at Cairo and St. Louis. Thus the care which Ohio
extended over her troops at home and in the battle-field, furnished a practical
example to other States, and was the foundation of that commendable system
all over the Union. Stonewall Jackson's sudden advent in the valley created
the greatest consternation lest the safety of the capital be jeopardized, and the
War Department called for more troops. Gov. Tod immediately issued a
proclamation, and the people, never shrinking, responded heartily. At Cleve*
land a large meeting was held, and 250 men enlisted, including 27 out of 32
students attending the law school. Fire bells rang out the alarm at Zanesville,
a meeting was convened at 10 in the morning, and by 3 in the afternoon, 800
men had enlisted. Court was adjourned 9ine die^ and the Judge announced
that he and the lawyers were about to enter into military ranks. Only three
unmarried men between the ages of eighteen and twenty-three were left in the
town of Putnam. Five thousand volunteers reported at Camp Chase within
two days aft;er the proclamation.
Again in June, the President called for troops, followed by yet another call.
Under these calls, Ohio was to raise 74,000 men. The draft system was
advised to hasten and fisu;ilitate filling regiments. It has always been a repul-
sive measure. To save sections from this proceeding, enormous sums were
offered to induce men to volunteer, and thus fill the quota.
Counties, townships, towns and individuals, all made bids and urged the
rapid enlistment of troops. The result was, that the regiments were filled rap-
idly, but not in sufficient numbers to prevent the draft. Twenty thousand four
hundred and twenty-seven men were yet lacking, and the draft was ordered,
September 15. At the close of the year, Ohio was ahead of her calls. Late
in the fisdl, the prospect was disheartening. The peninsula campaign had failed.
The Army of Northern Virginia had been hurled back nearly to Washington.
The rebels had invaded Maryland ; Cincinnati and Louisville were threatened^
and the President had declared his intention to abolish slavery, as a war meas-
ure. During the first part of 1862, artillery, stores and supplies were carried
away mysteriously, from the Ohio border ; then little squads ventured over the
river to plunder more openly, or to bum a bridge or two. The rebel bands
came swooping down upon isolated supply trains, sending insolent roundabout
messages regarding their next day's intentions. Then came invasions of our
lines near Nashville, capture of squads of guards within sight of camp, the seizure
of (Jallatin. After Mitchell had entered Northern Alabama, all manner of depre-
dations were committed before his very eyes. These were attributed to John
Morgan's Kentucky cavalry. He and his men, by the middle of 1862, were
as active and dangerous as Lee or Beauregard and their troops. Morgan was a
native of Alabama, but had lived in Kentucky since boyhood. His fiaither was
large slave-owner, who lived in the center of the " Blue Grass Country." His
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HISTORY OP THE STATE OP OHIO. 169
life had been one of wild dissipation, adventure and recklessness, altbongh in
his own family he had the name of being most considerate. The men who fol-
lowed him were accustomed to a dare-devil life. They formed and independent
band, and dashed madly into the conflict, wherever and whenever inclination
prompted. Ohio had just raised troops to send East, to assist in the overthrow
of Stonewell Jackson. She had overcome her discouragements over failures,
for the prospects were brightening. Beauregard had evacuated Corinth ; Mem-
phis had &llen ; Buell was moving toward Chatt^ooga ; Mitchell's troops held
Northern Tennessee and Northern Alabama ; Kentucky was virtually in the
keeping of the home guards and State military board. And now, here was
Morgan, creating confusion in Kentucky by his furious raids ! On the 11th of
July, the little post of TompkinsviUe fell. He issued a call for the Kentuckians
to rise in a body. He marched toward Lexington, and the southern border of
Ohio was again in danger. Cincinnati was greatly excited. Aid was sent to
Lexington and home guards were ready for duty. Morgan was not prominent
for a day or so, but he was not idle. By the 9th of July, he held possession of
TompkinsviUe and Glasgow; by the 11th, of Lebanon. On the 13th, he
entered BLarraldsburg ; Monday morning he was within fifteen miles of Frank-
fort. He had marched nearly 400 miles in eight days. Going on, toward
Lexington, he captured the telegraph operator at Midway, and his messages
also ! He was now aware of the plans of the Union armies at Lexington,
Louisville, Cincinnati and Frankfort. In the name of the operator, he sent
word that Morgan was driving in the pickets at Frankfort ! Now that he
had thrown his foes off guard, he rested his men a couple of days. He
decided to let Lexington alone, and swept down on Cynthiana, routing a few
hundred loyal Kentucky cavalrymen, capturing the gun and 420 prisoners, and
nearly 300 horses. Then he was off to Paris ; he marched through Winchester,
Richmond, Crab Orchard and Somerset, and again crossed the Cumberland River.
He started with 900 men and returned with 1,200, having captured and paroled
nearly as many, besides destroying all the Government arms and stores in seven-
teen towns. The excitement continued in Cincinnati. Two regiments were
hastily formed, for emergencieSf known as Cincinnati Reserves. Morgan's raid
did not reach the city, but it demonstrated to the rebel forces what might be
accomplished in the " Blue Grass " region. July and August were passed in
gloom. Bragg and Buell were both watchful, and Chattanooga had not been
taken. Lexington was again menaced, a battle fought, and was finally deserted
because it could not be held.
Louisville was now in danger. The banks sent their specie away. Railroad
companies added new guards.
September 1, Gen. Kirby Smith entered Lexington, and dispatched Heath
with about six thousand men against Cincinnati and Covington. John Morgan
joined him. The rebels rushed upon the borders of Ohio. The failure at Rich-
mond only added deeper apprehension. Soon Kirby Smith and his regiments
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170 HISTOEY OP THE STATE OF OHIO.
occupied a position where only a few nnmanned siege guns and the Ohio
prevented his entrance through Covington into the Queen City. The city was
fully armed, and Lew. Wallace's arrival to take command inspired all with
fresh courage. And before the people were hardly aware that danger was so
near, the city was proclaimed under strict martial law. ^^ Citizens for labor,
soldiers for battle."
There was no panic, because the leaders were confident. Back of Newport
and Covington breastworks, riflepits and redoubts had been hastily thrown up,
and pickets were thrown out. From Cincinnati to Covington extended a pon-
ton bridge. Volunteers marched into the city and those already in service
were sent to the rescue. Strict military law was now modified, and the city
being secured, some inconsiderate ones expressed themselves as being outraged
with '^ much ado about nothing.'* But Gen. Wallace did not cease his vigilance.
And Smith's force began to move up. One or two skirmishes ensued. The
city was again excited. September 11 was one of intense suspense. But
Smith did not attack in force. He was ordered to join Bragg. On the Mon-
day following, the citizens of Cincinnati returned to their avocations. In the
spring of 1863, the State was a trifle discouraged. Her burdens had been
heavy, and she was weary. Yicksburg was yet in the hands of the enemy.
Rosecrans had not moved since his victory at Stone River. There had been
fearful slaughter about Fredericksburg.
But during July, 1863, Ohio was aroused again by Bragg's command to
Morgw, to raid Kentucky and capture Louisville. On the 3d of July, he was
in a position to invade Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. • He continued his depre-
dations, bewildering the militia with his movements. His avowed intention
was to bum Indianapolis and ^^ take Cincinnati alive." Morgan's purposes
were never clear. It was his audacious and sudden dashes, here and there,
which gave him success. Before Cincinnati was aware, he was at Harrison —
13th of July. He expected to meet the forces of Bumside and Judah, and to
cut his way through. His plans here, as everywhere, were indefinable, and he
succeeded in deceiving everybody. While printers in Cincinnati were setting
up ^^ reports " as to his whereabouts, he was actually marching through the sub-
urbs, near troops enough to devour them, and yet not encountered by a single
picket! They fed their horses within sight of Camp Dennison. At 4
o'clock that day, they were within twenty-eight miles of Cincinnati — Shaving
marched more than ninety miles in thirty-five hours.
The greatest chagrin was expressed, that Morgan had so easily eluded the
great military forces. A sudden dash was made to follow him. There was a
universal bolting of doors, burying of valuables, hiding of horses, etc., all along
the route of the mad cavalryman and his 2,000 mounted men. They plundered
beyond all comparison. They made a principle of it. On the 14th of July,
he was feeding his horses near Dennison ; he reached the ford at BuflSngton
Island on the evening of the 18th ; he had encountered several little skirmishes,
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HISTORY OP THE STATE OF OHIO. 171
but he had marched through at his own will, mostly ; all the troops of Kentucky
had been outwitted. The IndiiMia forces had been laughed to scorn. The
50;000 Ohio militia had been as straws in his way. The intrepid band would
soon be upon friendly soil, leaving a blackened trail behind. But Judah was
up and marching after him, Hobson followed and Co]. Runkle was north of
him. The local militia in his advance began to impede the way. Near Pome-
roy, a stand was made. Morgan found militia posted everywhere, but he suc-
ceeded in running the gantlet, so &r as to reach Chester. He should have
hastened to cross the ford. Fortunately, he paused to breathe his horses and
secure a guide. The hour and a half dius lost was the first mistake Morgan is
known to have made in his military career. They reached Portland, and only
a little earthwork, guarded by about 800 men, stood between him and safety.
His men were exhausted, and he feared to lead them to a night attack upon a
position not understood perfectly; he would not abandon his wagon train, nor
his wounded; he would save or lose all. As Morgan waa preparing next
morning, having found the earthworks deserted through the night, Judah came
up. He repulsed the attack at first, capturing Judah's Adjutant Oeneral, and
ordering him to hold the force on his front in check. He was not able to join
his own company, until it was in full retreat. Here Lieut. O'Neil, of the Fifth
Indiana, made an impulsive charge, the lines were reformed, and up the Chester
road were Hobson's gallant cavalrymen, who had been galloping over three
States to capture this very Morgan ! And now the tin-dad gunboats steamed
up and opened fire. The route was complete, but Morgan escaped with 1,200
men! Seven hundred men were taken prisoners, among them Morgan's brother,
Cols. Ward, Duke and Huffinan. The prisoners were brought to Cincinnati^
while the troops went afler the fugitive. He was surrounded by dangers ; his
men were exhausted, hunted down ; skirmishes and thrilling escapes marked a
series of methods to escape — ^his wonderful sagacity absolutely brilliant to the
very last — which was his capture, on the 26th, with 346 prisoners and
400 horses and arms. It may be added, that after several months of con-
finement, Morgan and six prisoners escaped, on the 27th of November. Again
was he firee to raid in the " Blue Grass " country.
John Brough succeeded Gov. Tod January 11, 1864. His first prominent
work was with the Sanitary Commission. In February, of the same year, the
President called for more troops. The quota of Ohio was 51,465 men. The
call of March added 20,995. And in July was a third demand for 50,792. In
December, the State was ordered to raise 26,027. The critical period of the
war was evidently approaching. GK)V. Brough instituted a reformation in the
^^ promotion system " of the Ohio troops. He was, in many cases, severe in his
measures. He ignored ^^ local great men " and refused distinction as a bribe.
The consequence was that he had many friends and some enemies. The acute-
ness of his policy was so strong, and his policy so just, that, after all his severe
administration, he was second to no statesman in the nation during the struggle.
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172 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Ohio during the war was most active in her relief and aid societies. The most
noted and extensive organization was the Cincinnati Branch of the United
States Sanitary Commission. The most efficient organization was the Soldiers'
Aid Society of Northern Ohio.
When the happy tidings swept over the land that peace was proclaimed, an
echo of thanksgiving followed the proclamation. The brave sons of Ohio
returned to their own soil — those who escaped the carnage. But 'mid the
rejoicing there was deepest sadness, for a fragment only remained of that brave
army which had set out sturdily inspired with patriotism.
A BRIEF MENTION OF PROMINENT OHIO GENERALS.
George Briton McCleUan, the first General appointed in Ohio, was bom
December 8, 1826, in Philadelphia. His &ther was a physician of high stand-
ing and Scottish descent. Young George was in school in Philadelphia, and
entered West Point at the age of sixteen. At the age of twenty, he was a bre-
vet Second Lieutenant, tracing lines of investment before Vera Cruz, under the
supervision of Capt. B. E. Lee, First Lieut. P. G. T. Beauregard, Second Lieut.
G. W. Smith. At the close of the Mexican war, old Col. Totten reported in
favor of them all to Winfield Scott. He had charge of an exploring expedition
to the mountains of Oregon and Washington, beginning with the Cascade Range.
This was one of a series of Pacific Railway explorations. Returning to Wash-
ington, he was detailed to visit the West Indies and secretly select a coaling sta-
tion for the United States Navy. He was dispatched by Jefierson Davis,
Secretary of War, to Europe, with instructions to take full reports of the organ-
ization of military forces connected with the Crimean war. This work elicited
entire satisfstction. He returned in January, 1857, resigned as regular army
officer, and was soon installed as engineer of Blinois Central Railroad. In 1860,
he was President of the Ohio & Mississippi. He removed to Cincinnati, where
he was at the opening of the war.
William Starke Rosecrans was bom September 6, 1819, in Delaware County,
Ohio. His people were firom Amsterdam. He was educated at West Point,
When the war opened, he espoused the cause of the Union with enthusiastic
seal, and was appointed by McClellan on his staff as Engineer. June 9, he
was Chief Engineer of the State under special law. Soon thereafter, he was
Colonel of the Twenty-third Ohio, and assigned to the command of Camp
Chase, Columbus. On May 16, his commission was out as Brigadier General
in the United States Army. This reached him and he was speedily sum-
moned to active service, under Gen. McClellan. After the battle of Rich Moun-
tain, he was promoted to the head of the department
In April, 1862, he was succeeded by Fremont, and ordered to Wash-
ington to engage in immediate service for the Secretary of War. About the
15th of May, he was ordered to Gen. Halleck, before Corinth. He was
relieved firom his command December 9, 1864.
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 173
Ulyssee S. Grant, whose history we cannot attempt to give in these pages,
was bom on the banks of the Ohio, at Point Pleasant, Clermont Co., Ohio,
April 27, 1822. He entered West Point in 1839.
'^ That the son of a tanner, poor and unpretending, without influential friends
until his performance had won them, ill-used to the world and its ways, should
rise — not suddenly, in the first blind worship of helpless ignorance which made
any one who understood regimental tactics illustrious in advance for what he
was going to do, not at all for what he had done — ^but slowly, grade by grade,
through all the vicissitudes of constant service and mingled blunders and suc-
cess, till, at the end of four years' war he stood at the head of our armies,
crowned by popular acclaim our greatest soldier, is a satisfistctory answer to
criticism and a sufficient vindication of greatness. Success succeeds."
" We may reason on the man's career ; we may prove that at few stages has
he shown personal evidence of marked ability ; we may demonstrate his mis-
takes ; we may swell the praises of his subordinates. But after all, the career
stands wonderful, unique, worthy of study so long as the nation honors her
benefactors, or the State cherishes the good fiune of the sons who contributed
most to her honor."
Lieut. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman was another Ohio contribution to
the great Union war. He was bom at Lancaster February 8, 1820. He
\ entered West Point in June, 1836. His ^^ march to the sea " has fiilly brought
out the details of his life, since they were rendered interesting to all, and we
refrain from repeating the well-known story.
Philip H. Sheridan was bom on the 6th of March, 1831, in Somerset,
Perry Co., Ohio. He entered West Point in 1848. During the war, his
career was brilliant His presence meant victory. Troops fighting under his
command were inspired. Gen. Rosecrans said of him, ^^ He fights, he fights."
A staff officer once said, ^^ He is an emphatic human syllable."
Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson was bom in Sandusky County, town of
Clyde, November 14, 1828.
Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore was bom Febraary 28, 1825, at Black River,
Lorain Co., Ohio.
Maj. Gen. Lrvin McDowell was bom at Franklinton, Ohio, October 15,
1818.
Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell was bom near Marietta on the 23d of March,
1818. His grandfather on the maternal side was one of the first settlers of
Cincinnati.
Maj. Gen. 0. M. Mitchell was a native of Kentucky, but a resident of
Ohio from the age of four years.
Maj. Gen. Robert C. Schenck was bom October 4, 1809, in Franklin,
Warren Co., Ohio.
Maj. Qen. James A. Garfield, was bom in Orange, Cuyahoga Co.^ Ohio,
November 19, 1881.
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174 lOTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO.
Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox was bom in Canada in 1828, and removed to
Ohio in 1846.
Maj. Gen, James B. Ste^dman was bom in Pennsylvania July 30, 1818,
and removed to Toledo in 1861.
Maj. Gen. David S. Stanley was bom in Wayne County, Ohio, June 1,
1828.
Maj. Gen. George Crook was bom in Montgomery County, Ohio, Septem-
ber 8, 1828.
Maj. Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett was bom in New York April 19, 1831,
and emigrated to Ohio, in 1847.
Brevet Maj. Gen. John C. Tidball was bora in Virginia, but removed while
a mere lad to Ohio with his parents.
Brevet Maj. Gen. John W. Fuller was bom in England in 1827. He
removed to Toledo in 1858.
Brevet Maj. G^n. Manning F. Force was bom in Washington, D. C, on
the 17th of December, 1824. He became a citizen of Cincinnati.
Brevet Maj. Gen. Henry B. Banning was bom in Knox County, Ohio,
November 10, 1834.
We add the names of Brevet Maj. Gens. Erastus B. Tyler, Thomas H.
Ewing, Charles R. Woods, August V. Elautz, Rutherford B. Hayes, Charles
C. Walcutt, Kenner Garrard, Hugh Ewing, Samuel Beatty, James S. Robinson,
Joseph W. Keifer, Eli Long, William B. Woods, John W. Sprague, Benjamin
P. Runkle, August Willich, Charles Griffin, Henry J. Hunt, B. W. Brice.
Brig. Gens. Robert L. McCook, William H. Lytle, William Leroy
Smith, C. P. Buckingham, Ferdinand Van Derveer, George P. Este, Joel A.
Dewey, Benjamin F. Potts, Jacob Ammen, Daniel McCook, J. W. Forsyth,
Ralph P. Buckland, William H. Powell, John G. Mitchell, Eliakim P. Scam-
mon, Charles G Harker, J. W. Reilly, Joshua W. Sill, N. C. McLean, Will-
iam T. H. Brooks, George W. Morgan, John Beatty, William W. Bums, John
S. Mason, S. S. Carroll, Henry B. Carrington, M. S. Wade, John P. Slough,
T. K. Smith.
Brevet Brig. Gens. C. B. Ludlow, Andrew Hickenlooper, B. D.
Fearing, Henry F. Devol, Israel Garrard, Daniel McCoy, W. P. Richardson,
G. F. Wiles, Thomas M. Vincent, J. S. Jones, Stephen B. Yeoman, F. W.
Moore, Thomas F. Wilder, Isaac Sherwood, C. H. Grosvenor, Moses E.
Walker, R. N. Adams, E. B. Eggleston, I. M. Kirby.
We find numerous other names of Brevet Brigadier Generals, mostly of late
appointments, and not exercising commands in accordance with their brevet
rank, which we omit quoting through lack of space. They are the names of
men of rare abilities, and in many cases of brilliant achievements.
In looking over the "War Record of Ohio," we find the State a great
leader in men of valor and heroic deeds. It was the prolific field of military
geniuses.
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HISTOBT OF TH£ STATE OF OHIO. 175
Ohio was draped with the garb of moaming at the dose of the war. Her
hnmaii sacrifice in behalf of the nation had been bitter. There were tears and
heart-aches all oyer the land. Her ranks were swept by a murderous fire, from
which they neyer flinched, and many officers fell.
Col. John H. Patrick will be remembered as opening the battle of Lookout
Mountain. He fell mortally wounded, during the Atlanta campaign, May
15, 1862, while activiely engaged. He was struck by a canister i^ot, and
expired half a hour thereafter.
Col. John T. Toland, in July, 1863, was placed in command of a mounted
brigade, including his regiment, and was instructed to destroy the Virginia k
Tennessee Railroad. He reached Wytheville, Ya., on the afternoon of the
18th of July. The rebels were safely intrenched in the house, and poured a
galling fire into the national troops. Col. Toland was on horseback, at the
head of his command. A sharpshooter sent a bullet with fatal certainty, and
he fell on the neck of his horse, but was instantly caught by his Orderly
Sergeant, who heard the fervent words : ^^ My horse and my sword to my
mother."
Lieut. Col. Barton S. Kyle accompanied his regiment to the battle of Pitts-
burg Landing. The regiment was forced back, though resisting bravely.
Lieut. Col. Kyle was at his post of duty, encouraging his men, when he received
a bullet in his right breast. He Survived five hours.
CoL William G. Jones was engaged m the battle of Chickamauga, June,
1868. His regiment, the Thirty-sixth Ohio, was included in Turchin's Brigade
of the Fourteenth Corps. He wrote in his pocket memoranda : ^^ Off to the
left ; merciftd Father, have mercy on me and my regiment, and protect us from
mjury and death " — at 12 o'clock. At 5 that afternoon, he was fittally wounded
and expired at 7 that same evening, on the battle-field His remains were
taken by the rebels, but in December, 1863, they were exhumed and interred
in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati.
Col. Fred. C. Jones held command of the Tenth Brigade, in October, 1862,
marching from Wild Cat, Ky., to Nashville, through a perpetual skirmish.
During the battle of Stone River, Col. Jones' regiment, the Twenty-fourth, waa
on the front and left of the line. During the afternoon, when the rebel assault
upon the left became fturious, CoL Jones ordered his men to lie down and hold
fire, which was obeyed. They rose to pour a deadly volley into the rebel ranks,
and rush forward in a fierce diarge. The capture of an entire rebel regiment was
thus effected, but Col. Jones was shot in the right side. He was carried to the
rear. '^ I know it ; I am dying now ; pay no attention to me, but look after
my wounded men." He survived about ten hours. His remains are buried in
Spring Grove, Cincinnati.
Col. Lorin Andrews went with his command to Western Virginia, where
he succumbed to exposure and severe duty. He was removed to his home^
Gambler, Ohio, where he died surrounded by friends September 18, 1861.
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176 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Col. Minor Milliken was sent to repel the attacks of the rebels at the rear.
He led a superb cavalry charge against the enemy, vastly superior in numbers,
and was cut off with a small portion of his regiment. He disdained to sur-
render, and ordered his men to cut their way out. A hand-to-hand conflict
ensued. Col. Milliken, being an expert swordsman, was able to protect himself
with his saber. While parrying the strokes of his assailant, another shot him.
The regiment, again charging, recovered his body, stripped of sword, purse and
watch.
Col. George P. Webster, with his regiment, the Ninety-eighth, left Steu-
ben ville for Covington, Ky., August 23, 1862, marching from that point to Lex-
ington and Louisville. He was placed at the command of the Thirty-fourth
Brigade, Jackson's division, Cooke's corps. He fell in the battle of Perryville,
and died on the field of battle.
Col. Leander Stem was appointed Colonel of the One Hundred and First
Ohio Infantry August 30, 1862. His premonitions that he should &11 during
his first regular engagement proved too true. As the army was advancing on
Murfi-eesboro, the engagement of Knob Crap occurred, when Col. Stem's regi-
ment charged and took a rebel battery, with several prisoners. The army
closed around Murfireesboro, and on the evening of the 30th, the One Hun-
dred and First was engaged in demonstrations against the enemy. Next
morning, the battle of Stone River began in earnest. When Col. Stem's r^-
ment began to waver, he called out: ^' Stand by the flag now, for the good
old State of Ohio ! " and instantly fell, fiitaUy wounded.
Lieut. Col. Jonas D. Elliott held his position in May, 1863. During the
summer of 1864, he commanded the left wing of the regiment at Dodsonville,
Ala.; in September, he was sent after Wheeler, and was ordered into camp at
Decatur. On the 23d, he was dispatched to Athens, to participate in the attack
of Gen. Forrest, of the rebels. Col. Elliott was sent out, with 800 men, and
being surrounded by Gen. Forrest, with vastly superior numbers, a forced resist-
ance enabled them to sustain their own ground, until a fresh brigade of rebels
arrived, under Gen. Warren. This officer instructed one of his men to shoot
Lieut. Col. Elliott, and a moment later he fell. He lingered nineteen days.
Col. Joseph L. Eirby Smith took command of the Forty-third Ohio Regi-
ment. He fell at the battle of Corinth, under Rosecrans.
Lieut. Col. James W. Shane fell, June 27, 1864, in an assault upon the
enemy's works at Kenesaw. He survived but forty minutes.
Col. Augustus H. Coleman displayed the abilities of a successftil commander.
He was in the first charge on the bridge across Antietair Creek. He was
fiitally wounded. His last words were inquiries regarding his men.
Col. J. W. Lowe commanded the Twelfth Ohio, and was ordered to assist
the Tenth in the battle of Camifex Ferry. Cheering his men, in the thickest
of the fight, a rifle ball pierced his forehead, and he fell dead — ^the first field
officer from Ohio killed in battle in the war for the Union.
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HIJ3T0RY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 177
Lieat. Col. Moses F. Wooster was engaged with his regiment, the One Hun-
dred and First Ohio, at Perryville. He was mortally wounded on the 31st
of December, 1862, in the grand effort to stem the tide, of defeat at Stone
Biver.
The list of staff officers we refrain from giving, through lack of space.
At the opening of the war, William Dennison was Governor of Ohio, David
Tod succeeded him. John Brough was the third War Governor.
Secretary Edwin M. Stanton was one of the most popular war Ministers.
He was bom in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1815 ; he was engaged in the United
States Circuit Court, in 1860, in a leading law suit, at Cincinnati, known as the
Manny and McCormick reaper trial ; on the 20th of January, 1862, he was
^pointed Secretary of War by Mr. Lincoln.
Ex-Secretary Salmon P. Chase's public services in Ohio have already been
mentioned in these pages. In 1861, he was appointed Secretary of the Treas-
ury, in Mr. Lincoln's cabinet.
United States Senator B. F. Wade made his reputation in Ohio. This
Senator of the State stood at the head of the Committee on the Conduct of the
War throughout its duration.
United States Senator John Sherman was a leading member of the Finance
Committee, during the war. For some time he was its Chairman.
Jay Cooke was the financial agent of the Government, furnishing money for
the payment of the thx)ps. He was bom in Portland, Huron Co., Ohio.
In our brief review of the war record of Ohio, we have omitted a vast
amount of detail information that would prove interesting to our readers. We
believe we have been accurate in whatever we have given, taking as our authority,
that accepted ^^ encyclopedia " of Ohio war &cts — ^Whitelaw Reid, who has pub-
lished a valuable volume on the subject.
SOME DISCUSSED SUBJECTS.
It may be well in glancing over the achievements of Ohio, her momentous
labors and grand successes, to refer to the Ordinance of 1787, more minutely
than we have done, in relation to many events, since its inherent principles are
not only perpetuated in the laws of the entire Northwest, but have since been
woTcn into the general Constitution of the United States. It made permanent
the standard and character of immigration, social culture and political and edu-
cational institutions. It was thoroughly antislavery and denounced involuntary
servitude, which was sanctioned in every other State at that time, with the
exception of Massachusetts. It protected religion and property. As late as
1862, Gen. William Henry Harrison, Governor of Indiana, called a convention
for the purpose of considering the slavery question, and the feasibility of intro-
ducing the system in the new States and Territories being formed. There
was at this time a spirited contest, and Illinois, Indiana and possibly Ohio,
barely eecaped a decision that a full support should be given its introduction
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178 HISTORT OF THE STATE OP OHIO
into these States. Its adoption was based upon certain specifications and
limits of time, which upon a deeper consideration was deemed perplexing and
impractical.
An animated discussion arose not long since, regarding the correct author,
ship of this important ordinance, and its chief worker in gaining its sanction
by Congress.
Mr. Webster ascribed its authorship to Mathew Dane, of Massachusetts^
which statement was immediately refuted by Mr. Benton, of Mississippi, who
laid claim to it as the birthright of Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia.
It has been almost impossible to obtain accurate reports of the actions of the
old Continental Congress, from the &ct that its meetings were held in secret,
and any reports either narrated or shown in schedules or lists, were deemed a
striking lack of trust on the part of the person who furnished the information.
It was sufficient that its acts and conclusions be proclaimed without any prelude
or reasoning process. Hence it has been difficult to obtain early Congressional
documents. But it has been conclusively proven that the great motive power
in gaining the approbation of the Ordinance of 1787, was neither Dane nor
Jefferson, but Dr. Cutler.
He arrived at New York, July 5 of that year, after a journey from Ipswich,
Mass., in his sulky. He obtained lodgings at the ^^ Plow and Harrow,'* and
saw that his good horse was properly cared for and fed at the same place.
Congress was then in session, and he had come on a mission for the Ohio Com»
pany, to negotiate their grant and its privileges in the new Territory of Ohio.
He remained in New York three weeks, constantly engaged in the work vital to
the interests of the future great State. But he secured the installment of the
principles deemed the comer-stone of a future powerful State constitution. Mr.
Poole, Librarian of the Chicago Public Library, searched assiduously for con-
clusive proof of Dr. Cutler's right to this honor, and in the North American
Review, Vol. 122, this is emphatically set forth with substantiating proof under
his signature.
Other facts have been discussed and proven at a very recent date, relative
to the State of Ohio, which heretofore have been omitted, and nearly lost from
the historic thread which unites the present with the past.
The first settlement of the lands of the Northwest is necessarily surrounded
with interest. But those were exciting, troublesome times, and a few links
were passed over lightly. However, the years are not so far removed in the
past but the line may be traced.
Mr. Francis W. Miller, of Cincinnati, has supplied some missing chapters.
The earliest documentary trace extant, regarding the southern settlement at
Cincinnati, is an agreement of partnership between Denman, Filson and Pat-
terson, in the fractional section of land to which the city of Cincinnati was
originally limited* It bears the date August 25, 1788. This was entered on
the records of Hamilton County, Ohio, October 6, 1808.
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HISTORY OP THE STATE OP OHIO. 179
A letter fix>m Jonathan Dayton to the Hon. Judge Sjmmes, dated Septem-
ler 26, 1789, says: "You have been selling your lands, I am told, for two
shillings specie, the acre. The price at this moment is, and seems to be, and
undoubtedly is, a good one; but as much cannot be said of it when you find
hereafter that in consequence of the rise of certificates, another acre, in another
payment, may cost you in specie two shillings and sixpence.''
A letter from John C. Symmes to Capt. Dayton, dated April 80, 1790,
says : " The land in the resenred township is held at much too high a price.
Not a foot of land beyond the five-acre lots will sell. Five shillings, specie,
or two dollars in certificates, is the utmost ihey will bring, and they will rarely
sell at that'*
This state of affairs was in a large degree brought about by the breaking-up
of North Bend and a removal of the town to Fort Washington, or Cincinnati,
later. A search through the old letters and other preserved documents prove
that North Bend was at one time the beginning of the great city on the Ohio,
rather thaii Cincinnati. Judge Symmes wrote, May 18, 1789: ^^ I have not as
yet been able to make a decisive choice of a plat for the city, though I have
found two pieces of ground, both eligible, but not upon the present plan of a
regular square. It is a question of no little moment and difficulty to deter-
mine which of these spots is preferable, in point of local situation. I know
that at first thought men will decide in fskvor of that on the Ohio, from the
supposition that Ae Ohio will command more trade and business than the
Miami. m m n^ -Qj^^ if |^ ^^^e built on the Miami, the settlers
throughout the purchase would find it very convenient."
Another of the earliest selections of town sites was adjacent to the most
southerly point of what is now Delhi Township. To this the name of South
Bend was given. Judge Symmes reports November 4, 1790, of this place,
over forty fiumed and hewed-log two-story houses, since the preceding spring.
Ensign Luce is said to have taken his troops to North Bend, but decided to
r^nove to Cincinnati, on account of the object of his affections having settled
there— the wi& of a settler. But this story is refuted by contradictory evi-
dence from Judge Symmes' letters, which illustrate the &ct that the post of
North Bend was abandoned by Ensign Luce and his men in consequence of a
panic, caused by Indian attacks. The removi^ of the troops caused a general
decline of the town. Again, history and letters from the same eminent Judge,
assert that Fort Washington wais completed and garrisoned by Maj. Doughty
before the close of that same year, and was begun by him during the summer,
that Ensign Luce must have still been at his post at the bend at that time. It
has been, therefore, recently accepted that the traditional ^^ black eyes" and
the ^'Lidian panic," had nothing to do with the founding of Cincinnati, and
that the advantages of the position gained the victory.
Cincinnati has advanced, not only in prosperity and culture, but in national
agufioance. Our readers must have observed, in perusing these pages, that
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180 HISTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO.
from this city and the State which it represents, have emanated some of the
superior intellects which have used their wise faculties and talents, tempered by
a wise judgment, in behalf of the American Union.
The originality of the Senecas and Wyandots have been debated at some
length, while others have called the tribes the same, having two branches. We
have searched the earlier records and have found an authenticated account of
these two tribes.
The Indian tribes of Ohio were originally bold, fierce and stalwart. The
country watered by the Sandusky and its tributaries was frequented by the
Wyandot tribe, who came from the north side of the St. Lawrence River. The
Senecas were blood relatives of this tribe. Both tribes were numbered by the
thousands. A war originated between them, in this manner.: A Wyandot
chief desired to wed the object of his affections, who laughed him to scorn,
because he had taken no scalps, and was no warrior ^^ to speak of." To change
her opinion, he led out a party, and falling upon a number of Senecas, slaugh-
tered them mercilessly, that he might hasten to the side of his dusky belle, with
his trophies. This act inaugurated hostilities, which extended through a century.
The Wyandots began to fear extermination, and, gathering their entire effects^
the natives escaped to Green Bay, and settled in several villages. But the Sen-
ecas made up a war party and followed them, killing many Wyandots and burn-
ing some of their villages. They then returned to Canada. Soon thereafter,
they secured fire-arms from the French. Again they followed the Wyandots,
firing their guns into their huts, and frightening them severely. They did not
succeed as well as they expected. But the third party nearly exterminated the
villages, because the young warriors were nearly all gone to war with the Foxes.
The few at home escaping, promised to return with the Senecas, but desired
two days for preparation. The Wyandots sent word to the two villages left
undisturbed, and held a consultation. They decided to go as near the Senecas
as possible, unobserved, and discover their real motive. They found them feast-
ing on two roasted Wyandots, shouting over their victory. They danced nearly
all night, and then fell asleep. A little before daylight, the Wyandots fell on
them, leaving not one to carry back the news.
The Wyandots then procured guns, and began to grow formidable. They
set out to return to their own country, and proceeded on their way as far as
Detroit, where they met a party of Senecas, on the lake. A fierce conflict
ensued, and the Wyandots beheld the Senecas &11, to the last man, suffering
fearful carnage themselves. They soon settled in this part of the world, their
principal village being on the Sandusky. Northwestern Ohio was particularly
dangerous with new Indian tribes, and the Wyandots were cruelly aggressive.
The death of their chie^ and their total defeat by Harrison, destroyed their
power forever.
On the 29th of September, 1817, a treaty was held, at the foot of the rapids
of the Miami of Lake Erie, between Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur^
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HISTORY OF THE STATE OP OHIO. 181
Gommiflsioners of the United States, and the sachems, chie& and warriors of the
Wyandot, Seneca, Delaware, Shawnee, Potawattomie, Ottawa and Chippewa
nations. All their lands in Ohio were ceded to the United States forever.
There was really not a Seneca in the Seneca nation. They were chiefly
Oayugas, Mohawks, Onondagas, Tuscarawas, Wyandots and Oneidas. But the
Mingoes were originally Cayugas, and their chief was the celebrated Logan.
After the murder of his family by the whites, the Mingoes were scattered over
the territory northwest of the Ohio.
The notorious Simon Girty was adopted by the Senecas. Girty's name was
a terror and fiendish horror for many years. He not only led the Indians in
their atrocities, but he added barbarism to their native wickedness.
CONCLUSION.
When peace was proclaimed, after the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee to
Gen. U. S. Grant, the volunteer troops disbanded, and a return to home indus-
tries instituted, Ohio, like many other States, gave direct attention to the inter-
ests of returned soldiers. The thrift of the State was augmented by a spasmodic,
and thereafter recognized as a fictitious, demand for products, commercial and
industrial pursuits redoubled their forces. But the great wave of stagnation
swept over this fidr land — the re-action of a war excitement. Laborers were
many, but wages were inadequate. Deeper and deeper settled this lethargy —
called by many " hard times" — ^until the wheels of commercial life revolved
slowly, and from the workshops and the fitctories went up the echoes of priva^
tion and distress. There was no &mine, no fever, no epidemic, it was simply
exhaustion. In the larger cities there was much sufiering. Idle people loitered
about, barely seeking employment, the task seeming worse than hopeless.
During the years 1870, 1871 and 1872, the stringent measures brought
about by die depressed state of business retarded any material advancement in
general matters. The years 1878-74 were marked by a preceptible improve-
ment, and a few factories were established, while larger niunbers were employed
in those already founded. The year 1875 was under the direction of a Demo-
cratic Legislature. It was marked in many respects by a ^^ reverse motion '' in
many laws and regulations.
The Legislature which convened in 1876, January 3, was Republican in the
main. It repealed the ^'Geghan Law" passed by the preceding body. At
the time of its adoption, there was the most intense feeling throughout the State,
the charge being made that it was in the interests of die Catholics. Among
the general enactments were laws re-organizing the government of the State insti-
tutions, which the previous Legislature had ordered according to their own belief
to follow new doctrines. The office of Comptroller of the Treasury was abolished.
The powers of municipal corporations to levy taxes was limited, and their
authority to incur debts was limited. Furthermore, this body prohibited any
municipal appropriations, unless the actual money was in the Treasury to meet
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182 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
the same in full. A law was passed for the protection of children under fourteen
years of age, exhibited in public shows.
The temperance cause receiyed more vigorous and solid support than was
ever rendered by the State previously. A common-sense^ highly moral and
exalted platform was formed and supported by many leading men.
This year witnessed the serious ^^ strikes" among the miners in Stark and
Wayne Counties. The consequences were painful— distress, riots and distrac-
tion of property.
The State Mine Inspector reported 300 coal mines in the State, with only
twenty-five in operation. Not over 3,000,000 tons of coal were raised during
the year, owing to the dullness of the times.
The State charities reported the aggregate number under public care to be
29,508. The taxation for the maintenance of these classes was one and one
six-hundredth of a mill on each dollar of taxable property.
The reports given of the year 1877 indicated a revival of business interests
and prosperity. . The State produced of wheat, 27,306,566 bushels ; rye,
914,106 bushels; buckwheat, 225,822 bushels; oats, 29,325,611; barley^
1,629,817 bushels ; com, 101,884,305 bushels ; timothy, tons of hay, 2,160,334 ;
clover, tons of hay, 286,265; flax, pounds of fiter, 7,343,294; potatoes,
10,504,278 bushels; sweet potatoes, 126,354^ bushels; tobacco, 24,214,950
pounds; sorghum, sugar, 7,507^ pounds; syrap, 1,180,255 gallons; maple
sugar, 1,625,215 pounds; maple syrap, 324,036 gallons; honey, 1,534,902
pounds.
The growth of manufactunng industries, the remarkable annual increase
in stock and in agricultural products since 1877, leave no room to doubt the
rapid advancement of Ohio in general wealth.
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PART III.
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
II
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
TOPOGRAPHY.
ALLEN COXTNTT is bounded on the north by Pntnam, south by
Auglaize, east by Hancock and Hardin, and west by Van Wert
The elevation at Delphos is only 188 feet aboTe the level of Lake Erie,
while at Lima depot the altitude is 268 feet The area is about 408 square
milee, and the present (1885) population estimated at 40,000. As set off
in 1820, it claimed an area of 548 square miles. Lima, the seat of jus-
tice, is almost in the geographical center of the county. The Pennsyl-
yania Bailroad system connects this city with the northwestern townships;
the Chicago & Atlantic with the western towns; the Lake Erie & Western
and the Dayton & Michigan Railroads afford communication with the
southwest and the south; while the eastern and northwestern extensions
of these railroads also bring the townships along the eastern line of the
county into direct communication with the coxmty seat. The Toledo,
Delphos & Indianapolis Railroad and the Miami & ErieOanal run south
from Delphos. The number of pike roads, together with thii9 net-work
of railroads, renders travel in this county agreeable and economical.
Delphos in the northwestern corner, and Bluffton in the northeastern
portion of the county, are two important villages. Spencerville in the
southwest part of the county is a village which shows many evidences of
progress. Throughout the county a number of small but prosperous
business centers exist Nearly every township boasts of at least one
prosperous village.
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188 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
PHTSIOAL CHABA0TBBI8TIC8.
The physical appearance of the coanty, as presented to the traveler
by railroad, is misleading in many respects. Owing to the great extent
of the hardwood forests, which indicate a fertile soil, the cleared lands
of the connty are hidden away, so to speak. Prof. Winchell, in his
review of surface features and soil, states: ''The western half of the
county is flat, and presents the common features of the Black Swamp.
The banks, left by erosion of the streams, are from ten to fifteen feet in
height above the summer stage of the water. The Auglaize, below Cra-
mersville (Section 3, Marion), has frequent exposures of the rock. Also,
in the township of Amanda, near the county line, the rock forms the bed
of the river. In general, however, the bed of the river is on the drift
materials. The same is true of the Ottawa. The soil of this portion of
the county is usually a close, heavy clay. There are places, however,
where considerable alluvium is spread over the surface of the drift, ind-
dent to the overflow of the streama Occasionally, as in the Van Wert
Bidge, which passes through the townships of Marion and Sugar Greek,
gravelly soils appear in the midst of the prevailing clay. Such tracts
are uniformly more elevated, and slightly rolling. The eastern portion
of the county has a different general contour. It is separated from that
already described by, and is co-extensive with, the westward course of
the streams. It is undulating or gently rolling, and in the southeastern
comer of the county is characterized by prominent gravelly ridges and
knolls, the result, no doubt, of a great glacial flow. The undulating
surface prevails over most of the township of Sugar Greek, but is more
or less wanting in Bichland and Monroe Townships. There are likewise
some flat and prairie-like tracts even in Auglaize and Perry Townships.
In the former, Sections 11, 12, 13 and 14 have this character. In the
latter there is much flat land in the vicinity of Amherst. The soil in the
eastern portion of the county is generally the same as that of the western.
Its chief element is clay, yet it contains much more gravel, and some-
times stones or bowlders. In the settlement of the county these elevated
knolls and ridges were first selected. That tract of rolling land known
as the ' Dividing Bidge,' in the southeastern part of the county, is at*
the present time in marked contrast with much of the adjoining county.
It is occupied by handsome, well-drained and well- cultivated farms, the
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. Iftft^
native timber having been nearly all removed, while on either side much
of the oonntry is still in its primeval state. Throughout this tract the
rook is occasionally seen in the beds of the streams. The banks of the
streams are osaally higher than in the western part of the county. The
banks of the Ottawa at Lima are about thirty feet, and continue of that
height for two miles above the city, the water running on the surface of
the rook.'' The rivers and streams flow west and southwest in the eastern*
portion of the county and northwest in the western towns.
BIVEBS AND. GREEKS.
The Auglaize is one of the historical streams of Ohio. Along its
banks the tro(^ of the Revolution and of the war of 1812 camped and*
fought and reveled. In its neighborhood were the villages of Indian chiefs^
whose names are synonymous with much of all that was sanguinary
and diabolical in the warfare of the English of that day. Here, too»
in 1812, Fort Amanda was constructed, and a ship-yard established.
The Auglaize has its source in Hardin Goimty, flows through the town-
ships of Auglaize, Perry, Amanda and Marion; thence in a circuitous
course through the counties of Putnam, Paulding tmd Deflance, and
enters the Maumee River in the town of Defiance. Although the Auglaize
of to-day is what may be termed a diminutive river, in the past it was a
navigable stream, capable of floating heavily-laden flat-boats or scows.
The improvement of the country, its canals, ditches and local drainage
have all conspired to reduce its volume of water, and bring what was
<moe a great river into the category of creeks.
The Ottawa River was named after the tribe of the same name, whose
hunting grounds extended' along the course of that stream. The upper*
river is known as Hog Greek.
Hog Greek, the swinonia of the old lawyer, Gount Go£Snberry, was
named in 1817 by the first settlers. It appears that an attempt was mad^
in 1812 by some settlers at Piqua to drive a lot of hogs to the military,
posts on the Maumee, but on roaohing this creek the drovers became
alarmed and fled back to the settlements, leaving the hogs at liberty tct
roam through this district This stream has its source in the marshes of
Hardin Gounty, and flows thence through the townships of Jackson, Batb«
Ottawa, Shawnee, German and Sugar Greek, entering Paulding Gounty^
where it forms a confluence with the Auglaize.
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190 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Bilej Greek, which waters the northeast corner of the connty, has its
main source on the north border of Hog Creek Marsh, with tributary
feeders between Beaver Dam and Blufiton. It flows northwest to Blan-
chard's Fork of the Auglaize.
Sugar Greek derives its name from the numerous maple groves along
its banks. This stream has its sources between Beaver Dam and Gran-
berry, flows in a tortuous course northwest, and enters the Ottawa a few
miles south of Ealida.
Plum Greek rises in the extreme northern part of the county, flows
northwest and enters the Ottawa below Ealida.
Granbeny Greek may be said to have its source at a point just north-
west of Granberry or Eockport Village, whence it flows into the Blan-
chard north of Glandorf .
Dog Greek rises in Van Wert, flows through a part of Spencer and
the southwest part of Marion, and thence parallel with the Miami &
Erie Ganal.
CHAPTER n.
NATURAL HISTORY.
/^ EOLOGY teaches that the continents of the world were separated
VIT^ from the wastes of water, then submerged, and, by the workings
of nature, gradually elevated, until the great physical divisions of our
globe were formed. At the close of the Gomiferous Period a great up-
heaval of sea bottom formed a tract of land extending from the southern
old land belt of Ohio to the central line of the Lower Peninsula of Mich*
igan. The great geological age, the Mesozoic, dates from this tima
It was marked by activity in the animal and vegetable kingdoms, mild
climates and myriads of reptiles, which rolled over the lands or swarmed
in the rivers. The Tertiary period succeeded the Mesozoic — it was an
age of beautiful climates and high development of mammals. The
scene was changed— the Glacial period came on, robing Nature in its
whiteness, and robbing the land of lifa Then came the Drift to fit the
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 191
earth for habitation and bequeath to man the wealth of Nations — a fertile
BoiL
NIAGARA 8T8TSH.
This conformation has been only partially explored in Allen Ooonty.
In the Bontheastern part of the county it rises rapidly from its position
below the water-lime, dipping northwardly. It is, in fact, a thick-
bedded, bluish-gray crystalline limestone from two to four inches thick,
blotched with blue and gray, slightly porous and fossilif erous, yet firm,
and good for building purposes as well as for the manufacture of quick-
lime. Prof. N. H. Winchell in his geological report on Allen County,
states that 'The Niagara is quarried by Alex K Kerr, Section 80,
Auglaize Township. It presents the features of the Guelph phase, in
Yesicular beds of two or three inches, and lies horizontal or dips gently
toward the north. It is of a bluish-gray color, and some portions of it
are firm and crystalline. About eighty rods northwest from Eerr^s
quarry is that of Alexander Oreps, where the stone is slightly different
from Mr. Kerr's. ' There was not sufficient exposure to indicate whether
it be Niagara or water- lime, although the evidence was, so far as seen,
in faTor of the latter. The Niagara is again seen in the bed of a small
tributary to the Auglaize, on Hay's land, northeast quarter of Section
22, and in a similar situation on Harrison Olawson's land, northeast
quarter of Section 21, both of the same township. Mr. Hay has not
opened his for use, but Olawson has taken a few stones from his for
ordinary foundations. So far as seen, this stone is the same as that in the
quarry of Kerr in Section 80."
WATEB-Lim OOMTOBICATION.
This flag-rock is found in every division of the county varying in
thickness of slate from one to nine inches. The rock is laminated^ bitu-
minous, pyritiferous and blue or dark blue in color. The beds or layers
expose themselves along the banks of the creeks, with a continuous dip
toward the southwest 'They are," says ' Geologist Winchell, '*h<Mno-
geneouB, tough, thin, sometimes having so much bituminous matter as to
appear like the great black slate. The thinnest beds are, however,
streaked with alternations of dark drab and bituminous brown. When
wet the brown is almost black; when dry and weathered it sometimes
assumes a blue color, and if long weathered, it becomes chocolate.
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192 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
There are oocasional patches of thicker, eyen drab flag-rock, which
Anally become so persistent upward as to require a special designation."
When the bitomiuons matter is not evenly divided, the stone is called
bine slate, and gives in many instances a large, smooth flag for sidewalk
nses. When the bitumen is divided equally, instead of merely showing
in partings or crevices, the beds are thicker, affording a good building,
stone. In any of the villages or towns of the county the flagging and
building water-lime may be seen in use.
In Amanda Township the chief exposures of the water- lime are in the
Auglaize near the county line. It occurs in blue layers on the land of
Samuel Stewart, northeast quarter of Section 9. Oii the northeast quar-
ter of ^Section 15 it lies in thin blue layers on the land of William Bice;
and on the southeast quarter of the same section, between James Sunder-
land's and Samuel Anderson's farms, the following section may be taken
from the bed of the river:
No. 1. Soft, porous, gray and chalky in spots; in every respect sim-
ilar to No. 1 of section taken from Anderson's quarry on Section 22, Pitt,
Wyandot County; eight inches.
No. 2. Hard, massive or thin bedded; dark drab, flinty; laminations
irregular, sometimes coalescent This is the equivalenl o( No. 2 of
Anderson's in Pitt, Wyandot County. Irregular surface exposure, show-
ing a perpendicular section of perhaps six inches.
In Auglaize Township the water-lime appears, and has been some-
what used for general purposes and for lime, on the land of David Crall,
Section 17, taken from the bed of the stream. Beds here are about two
inches in thickness.
In Bath Township the quarry of Alexander Miller, southwest quarter
of Section 29, supplies an even-bed flat stone of a blue color, about
three inches in thickness, which is largely used at Lima and other places
for flagging. The beds, however, occasionally become six inches thick,
when they are valuable for walls, and command a high price for all uses.
They are easily cut and broken by the usual means into such sizes and
shapes as maybe needed, ttie fracture being straight and running like the
fracture of glass under a diamond. The best stone is delivered at Lima
for 11.50 per perch. The amount of exposure here is about three feet
perpendicular, the beds lying horizontal.
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 198
On the Bonihwest qaarter of Section 28 Dagae & Brothers have a
quarry in the water-lime. Another oooors on the land of G. Fetter,
northwest qaarter of Section 26. That of J. Caster is on the soathwest
qaarter of Section 24. It famishes a roagh, dark drab-stone in beds of
three to six inches, with more or less interstratification of thinner and
more bitominoas layers. One mile below Castor's is Samael McCIaer's
qoarry. Daniel Miller's qaarry is on Section 8 in the bed of Sagar
Creek, the stone sapplied being a fair representation of the Tymochtee
slate. It lies in thin, blae layers, with black, bitominoas lilms separat-
ing the beds. The edges of the bedding are sometimes horizontally
streaked with blaish-drab. The best stone here is three inches thick.
It brings $1 per parch for walls at the qaarry. Second grade stone for
walling is sold at the qaarry for 62^^ cents per perch; the third grade for
walls {^ inch to one inch), 87 cents per perch.
In G^man Township, along the coarse of the Ottawa, water-lime
flags oatcrop. Formerly stone was qaarried from the banks and bed of
this stream on Section 29, near Allentown.
In the township of Marion, the water-lime shows in the bed of the
river, nOTtheast qaarter of Section 28, and on David Robinson's land,
sootheast qaarter of Section 21. Some has been taken oat at the latter
place in blocks six inches thick. The abatments of the highway bridge
over the Aaglaize at this place are of water- lime blocks, twelve to six-
teen inches thick, like the stone obtained from Boehmer's qaarry at Fort
Jennings, in Patnam Coanty. They are capped with sawn blocks of
Lower Comiferoas from Charloe, in Paalding Coanty, and angled with
blae Niagara from Piqaa, in Miami Coanty. The water-lime has been
slightly worked in the bed of the Aaglaize at varioas points near Cra-
mersville (Section 8).
At Lima, in Ottawa Township, the qaarries of Dalzell and Overmyer,
and of Williams and Bowers, are situated in the Ottawa, and are princi-
pally occapied in lime baming. At the former aboat foar and a half
feet are seen in beds of one to two inches. Some of it is roagh and
vesicalar bat in beds not over six inches. Stone has also been taken
trom the bed of the Ottawa, at Lima, on the T. E. Jacobs estate.
In Bichland Township *the following persons work the water-lime
exposed in the bed of Beilly Creek, near BlafRon, viz.:. Beese and Sid-
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194 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
dall, for oommon stone and for lime burning; Barney Hollinger, and J.
H. Eaton. Mr. Eaton also barns lime. John Shoemaker has a working
in the same stone three miles northwest from BlofiFbon, in the bed of the
creek.
In Spencer Township the water-lime appears in the bed of Jennings'
Creek, in Section H» where it is quarried for quick-lime. The beds are
two to four inches in thicknesa
Near Gomer, in Sugar Greek Township, the bed of the Ottawa is
rocky. It may be seen on the land of Isaac H. Olevenger, Section 20,
where it lies in thin, horizontal beds; also on the land of David Roberts,
near the county line, where the beds are three to four inches, and dip
south.
THB DBIFT VOBMATIOH.
This conformation consists of brown clay and sand stratified, brown
clay stratified, brown hard pan, blue clay and sand stratified, blue hard
pan and fine blue clay, simple brown and blue clays, decomposed matter
or debriSf boulders, agglutinated sand, forest remains. The surface of
the drift is ashen color, stratified or unstratified, forming the soil. Prof.
Winchell, in his reference to this formation in Allen County, says:
'' There is a more frequent occurrence of stratification and assortment
of the drift in the eastern half of the county, where the streams all flow
toward the west or southwest, than in the western half. It seems also to
be arranged in a series of broad northeast and southwest ridges or swells,
the intervening valleys being occupied by the streams, which necessarily
conform to the direction of the main valleys. The average thickness of
the drift in the county cannot be stated, but it is probably not over
seventy-five feet. It seems thicker in the eastern than in the western
half of the county. At Lima gravel beds are seen in the drift, and in
some instances near there the gravel rises to within three or four feet of
the surface. It shows the seam of tortuous glacial stratification, and is
embraced within^ the St Mary's ridga It is utilized by Alexander Mil-
ler and Dr. E. Ashton for road-making, the finer parte being used for
mortar. In the construction of pikes in Allen County it is largely used
for surface dressing, and makes the roads more solid and less rough for
travel.**
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 195
ECONOMICAL aEOLOGT.
Nature has given the county a wealth of fertile soil which never can
be overestimated. Apart from what the drift has accomplished in this
connection, Dame Nature has not been overlavish in her bestowal of geo-
logical wealth, although liberal enough in giving what a people might actu-
ally require for small local buildings, such as Niagara and water-lime rocks,
brick.clay, sand and gravel. The State Geologist fully realizes this fact,
and in his report on this county, states: ''The Niagara, in the south-
eastern part of Auglaize Township, is of the Guelph or upper portion of
that great member of the Silurian age, and is an inferior stone for build-
ing. For quicklime it is well adapted. It affords a strong white lime,
whioh acts quickly and is easily burned. The quarries which have been
opened in it have not been systematically prosecuted, a fact which has
served not only to reduce the derivable income, but also to discourage
others from similar industry. Where the overlying water-lime occurs in
thick beds it would be profitably worked, but there are no considerable
openings in such beds within the county. The formation is chiefly
wrought in its thinner blue layers, owing to the exenness of the stone, and
the ease with which it can be obtained. Much of this kind' of stone is
used for flagging at Lima, Blnffton and Delphos. Some of the best quar-
riee are located at Lima, and afford also a handsome stone for wells and
foundations. The quicklime made from water- lime at Lima not only sup-
plies the local demand, but is used in the surrounding country. The pro-
duct of- a single firm, Dalzell & Overmyer, amounts to about 20,000
buahels per year. Other kilns would increase the annual product of
quicklime to at least 85,000 bushels. In the summer of 1871 the retail
price per bushel was 25 cent& In wholesale amounts the price of lime
delivered on the oars was 22 cents per bushel.
'In the eastern part of the county, gravel for roads and sand for mor-
tar are not uncommon in the knolls and short ridges of the rolling tracts.
Olay also, suitable for red brick and pottery, is abundant in all parts of
the county. There are, probably, but few square miles, if any, within
the county from which good brick could not be manufactured — a state-
ment which is equally applicable to most of the Fourth District of the
State. Brick-yards are met with at many points, the clay being taken
from the surface of drift"
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196 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
HINEBAL BPRINaS.
The springs of the county, some of which produce magnetic waters
are found in Bath, Bichland and Marion Townships respectively. The
water flows directly from the water-lime rock, which is charged with its
current from the Niagara formation. On Sections 7 and 8, Bath Town-
ship, white sulphur springs are the'rule rather than the exception; while
the artesian well at Bluffton (129 feet in depth), affords a good ^pply of
water, strongly impregnated with valuable chemical properties.
In almost any portion of the county wat«r for domestic purposes may
be found at a depth of from ten to thirty feet In Spencer, South Marion,
Amanda, part of German and Sugar Creek Townships, a good supply of
good water is found on penetrating the bed-rock; while in North Marion,
on the Van Wert Bidge, water is found in the gravel above the modified
drift
GAS FOUNTAINa
Throughout the county evidences of gas wells are manifest Their
development is a subject for the enterprise of the future.
BOTANT.
All the trees and shrubs indigenous to Northwestern Ohio are found
in Allen County in the highest state of botanical development Among
the leading trees those named in the following list attain the limit of
growth here : Beach, sugar maple, white oak, sycamore, shag- bark hickory,
white ash, flowering dog- wood, American elm, prickly ash, red oak, blue
ash, June berry, thorn, swamp white oak, honey locust, water beech,
black walnut, iron wood, black willow, mulberry, basswood, cottonwood,
buckeye, burr oak, large toothed aspen, plum, swamp maple, black ash,
Kentucky coffee bean, black cherry, trembling aspen, sumach, black
thorn, balm of Gilead, pin oak, paw- paw, and a species of butternut In
the history of Marion Township, reference is made to the lumber manu-
facturing industries which the hardwood forests of the county supply. In
earlier years an important market for barks, roots and leaves was estab-
lished at ]!>elphos — a village that must be considered the beginning of
this market in the entire northwest
The flora of the county comprises no less than 881 genera, embracing
about 860 species.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. * 197
ZOOLOaT.
This oouDtj, like all others of northern Ohio, was fnlly stocked with
all the animals and reptiles of the Western wilderness. In 1831 the
larger animals were nomerons, as is evidenced by the fact that daring
that year a deer made his appearance in the street of Lima settlement.
The elk was not an inhabitant at this time, thoogh little donbt can esist
of his stay here np to the close of the first quart-er of this centnry.
The bear and panther were old residents of the district, and regular
Tisitants for many years after settlement The wolf continued to make
tiie county his home up to a few years ago ; so also was the red deer an
old and friendly neighbor of the pioneers. The wild-hog, just as wild
and coarse as the name suggests, roamed through the county as late as 1833.
A hundred species of fur- bearing animals could be found in the primeval
wilderness, a thousand species of beautiful birds in the forests while the
marsh and creek and river and forest and opening were inhabited by
TenomouB reptiles. With the departure of the Indians all the large ani-
mals as well as the most dangerous of the reptile species disappeared.
ABCHAOLOGT. >>
It has been truly said that no portion of Ohio is without its souve-
nirs of that mysterious race called the Mound-Builders. In this county
stone hammers, axes and chisels have been found. 'Flint spear -heads
and stone figures have been unearthed.
In the excavations made in waterlime and Niagara conformations,
prints of leaves, and tracks of animals unknown to our present botanists
and geologists have been discovered. Fossils are found in both hard
clay and rock. Bemains of the megalosaurus and lesser lizards, the
megalonyx or great sloth, mastodon, dinotherium and other huge ani-
mals known to us only by their gigantic fossil remains, are discovered at
long intervals.
The burial mounds of the Indians of our own times were leveled in
1832-38 by the savages, before their migration westward.
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198 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
CHAPTER m.
THE INDIANS.
THE origin of the American Indian is a sabject of deep interest to the
etlinologist, even as it is one of instruction and entertainment to
the general reader. The era of their establishment as a distinct and in-
sulated people must be credited to a period immediately subsequent to
the division of the Asiatic people and the origin of languages. No
doubt whatever can exist when the American Indians are regarded as of
Asiatic origin. They are descended directly from the survivors of that
people who, on being driven from their fair possessions, retired to the
wilderness in sorrow, reared their children under the saddening influ-
ences of their unquenchable griefs, and, dying, bequeathed them only
the habits of the wild, cloud-roofed homes of their exile. From that
time forward the American Indian, as we know him, has existed.
THE BHAWANOES OR SHAWNEES.
The early history of the Chaouanons (Shawano, changed to Shaw-
anoes, Shawanee and ultimately to Shawnee), belongs to that of the
great Algonquin family of the St Lawrence country. The home of this
division of the tribe, within the historic period, was the Valley of the
Cumberland. Here they lived in savage grandeur until the Iroquois
took the war path in 1655, when they were called upon to defend their
hunting grounds. From this time to 1672 a relentless war was waged
which resulted in their defeat and expulsion. They fled southward,
some locating in the Carolinas, others at the head of the Mobile River in
Florida, while others wandered into New Spain. After a few years,
however, the remnants of the tribe were collected, and all joined in the
enterprise of repossessing their ancient hunting grounds. In 1682 a
peace was concluded between the Iroquois and Shawnees, and the same
year the former entrusted the latter tribe with the care of thc/Treaty-
parchment on which their agreement with William Penn was recorded.
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HISTOBY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 199
How well the Shawnees observed this trust is shown by the fact that
during the year 1715 Opessah, a Shawnee ohief, presented the original
treaty to a cpreat oonnoil held at Philadelphia. After the coonoil of recon-
ciliation was held^ the chiefs of this itinerant tribe gave some proof of their
readiness to occupy some one district, rather than continue their travels
and ^icroachments. They looked westward and ^eat numbers flocked
into the coxmtry of the Miamies and Wyandots, so that during Father
Marquette's travels in the Lower Ohio region, they appeared so numer-
ous that he entered in his journal —
# » » » jq gQ^li numbers that they appear as many as twenty-three vll-
la^8 in one district, and fifteen in another, lying quite near each other.
Again during La Salle's explorations, it is related that he was accom-
panied by thirty Ohaonanons from the Ouibach country.
The treaty between William Penn and the Indians made in 1682,
was the first treaty with white people in which the Shawnees partici-
pated. From that time up to 1832 the Quakers took a lively interest in
this tribe. Li 1706 one Thomas Ohalkley was sent out by the London
Society of Friends to report on the habits, customs and wants of those
Indians. In his report he speaks very highly of the savages, and does
not forget to point out the position of their women. He states of one
of their tribal councils: '^In this council was a woman who took part
in the deliberations of the council, as well as upon all important occa-
sions. On the interpreter being questioned why they permitted a
woman to take so responsible a part in their council, he replied that
some women were wiser than some men, and that they had not done any-
thing for years without the counsel of this grave woman, who spoke
much in this council. '^
During the French and British wars and the wars for independence,
the Quaker mission among the Shawnees did not exist. After the peace
of 1814, however, the Society of Friends renewed their friendship with
Uiose Indians, established a school, a saw-mill, a flour-mill and house
of worship among them at Wapakonetta, with the zealous Henry Har-
vey in charge, which was continued down to the period of the Indian
exodus. An Irish lady also presented a sum of $500 to be expended in
furthering the interests of the Shawnees here by Col. Johnson.
In the following chronological record the story of the Shawnees is
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200 HISTORY OF ALLBN COUNTY.
told. In 1701 the conference between Wapatha, representing the Indi.
ana, and Penn, representing the whites, was held at Philadelphia. No
treaty was under consideration. It was rather a friendly meeting, called
under peculiar circumstances, each to pledge his party to carry out the
principles of peace and friendship. In 1715 the Chief Opessah repre-
sented this tribe at Philadelphia in the inter-tribal council He was,
xmdoubtedly, the first chief of the Shawnees inhabiting northwestern
Ohio, where, by this time, they pretended to have a title to some of the
Wyandot and Miami hunting grounds. Through his diplomacy his
nation attained strength and an aggressive name, which rendered the tribe
remarkable among the Western savages. The Shawnees encroached not
only upon the hunting grounds, but also upon the personal rights of the
Miamies and Wyandots. Indeed, wherever the impudent Shawnee
found enterance, there he made his home. Dr. George W. Hill, in his
dealings with the history of this tribe, says: "The depredations of the
Shawnees upon the settlements in Virginia ^ caused Gov. Dnnmore
in 1774 to send an army for the invasion of the Indian tribes on
the Scioto and Little Miami in Ohio. In September, 1774, a
great buttle was fought at the junction of the Great Kanawha with the
Ohio, in which the Shawnees and their alliee were defeated and com-
pelled to beat a hasty retreat across the Ohio Biver. The Shawnees were
led by Oomstalk, a great chief, aided by the celebrated chief and warrior
Blackboof, equally distinguished for his bravery, oratory, shrewdness and
generosity. In the fall of 1774 Gov. Dunmore held a treaty, being the
last English Governor of Virginia, with the Shawnees and their allies,
not far from the present site of Giroleville, Ohio, in which Cornstalk,
Blackhoof, Logan, the Grenadier Squaw, and other noted Indians par-
ticipated. Peace was proclaimed, but was of short duration. The arri-
val of Boone, the McAfees, the Harrods, the Hendersons, the Bullets,
Hancocks, Floyds, and others in Kentucky from 1773 to 1776 again
inflamed the jealousy of the Shawnees, and repeated raids were made
against the new settlers to exterminate them. British agents fomented
the discontent of the Ohio Indians, and in some instances planned and
headed their expeditions against the white settlementa
' ' In 1777 the Shawnees became somewhat divided on the policy of con-
tinuing the war against the revolted colonies then seeking independence
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HISTORY OF ALLBN COUNTY. 201
from the mother coantrj. Cornstalk, celebrated as ohief and leader,
headed the anti-war party, and visited an American block-house at the
month of the Great Kanawha to warn the Virginians of the approaching
storm, and if possible avert the calamity of border invasion. He was
aooompanied by another chief called Bed-Hawk. Those messengers of
peace w^re immediately seized and confined in the block-honse as host-
ages, to prevent the expected depredations of the Shawnees. While thus
oonfined his son, Ellinipsico, who had also fonght in the great battle at
Point Pleasant in 1774, came to the fort to learn the fate of Oomstalk,
his father. He had become nneasy at his long absence, and prompted by
filial affection had come to seek him out in his exila While in the fort
a few soldiers, who had crossed the Kanawha to hunt, were attacked by
strange Indians, and a soldier by the name of Gilmore was killed. The
result was that a party of soldiers, in revenge for the death of Gilmore,
proceeded to the block-house and shot Oomstalk, Bed-Hawk and Ellin-
ipsico ! This act — barbarous and unjustifiable — terminated all uncer-
tainty, and precipitated the Shawnees upon the borders of Virginia and
Kentncky, and was the occasion of repeated invasions from 1777 to the
peace of 1795, under Gen. Wayne, at Ghreenville."
There were present at the treaty of Ghreenville in the fall of 1795 the
following-named speakers from among the Shawnees: Blue Jacket, Bed
Pole, Pock-se-kaw, * Black Wolf, Lame Hawk, Blackhoof, Kee-a-hah,
Kekia-pil-athy, and Captain Johnny; among the Delawares, Buck-ong-
a-he-las and three others. Captain Pipe, who cruelly caused the torture
and death of Col. Crawford, on the Tymochtee, in 1782, is believed to
have died just before the treaty, though his death is a mystery. It is
o(Hitended that he lived as late as the war of 1812, on the Mohican.
After the treaty, in the years 1807-^9-10, the Shawnees l)egan to
fall back on their reserves. Prior to the treaty of 1795 they were scat-
tered pretty much all over Ohio, and along the streams in Indiana. Up
to that treaty they had been induced to sell portions of their hunting
grounds in exchange for lands in the West, and certain sums of money
to be paid yearly. When the chiefs and warriors attended such treaties,
they were often made drunk and badly cheated by the agents sent out by
the Government It was easily to be seen that the Indian title to all
their lands in Ohio would soon be extinguished. Their Ohio hunting
la
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202 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
grounds were the choicest upon the continent, and their leading chiefe
found it necessary to take proper steps to prevent the whites from get-
ting all such landa
While residing on Mad Biver, the Shawnees were divided into four
tribes or bands: the Mequachake, the Chillicothe, the Eiskapocoke and
the Piqua. The priesthood was confided to the Mequachake, and the
ofiSce of chief was hereditary. In other tribes the office of chief was
bestowed from merit or achievements in war. Their towns were scat-
tered alpng the banks of the Scioto, the Mad Biver, and the Little
Miami, in southern Ohio. Cornstalk, the great chief, so cruelly assas-
sinated at Point Pleasant, resided east of the Scioto Biver,^on Sippo
Greek, in what is now Pickaway County, and his sister, the Grenadier
Squaw, who was six feet high, resided near him on the opposite side of
the stream, in Squaw Town. The principal town, Old Chillicothe, was
located near the mouth of Massie's Creek, three miles north of the pres-
ent site of Xenia. Piqua, memorable as the birthplace of Tecumseh
and Elsqua-ta-wa, was situated on the north bank of Mad Biver, seven
miles west of the present site of the city of Springfield, in Clark
County. Upper and Lower Piqua, in Miami County, were not far from
the present site of the city of Piqua.
When the troops under Gen. Logan destroyed the Mequachake towns
on Mad Biver in 1786, the Shawnees fled toward ttie wilderness at the
head of the Auglaize and Ottawa Bivers, where game abounded, and
where they would have time and protection to concoct their plans. This
was the time of their iirst settlement in what is now Allen County.
In the fall of 1811 a good deal of uneasiness existed among the
Shawnees, Delawares, Wyandots, and other western tribes, and British
agents were very active in their endeavors to seduce the Ohio Lidians
into the British service, in case of a war with the United States. Tecum-
seh, Blue Jacket, and the Prophet employed all their arts to induce
the Little Turtle, Blackhoof, Buck-ong-a-he-las, and other noted chiefs, to
join the league; but the Turtle, having been over-ruled by the Blue
Jacket, in the battle of "Fallen TimbelB,'' refused to follow the lead of
the wily Shawnee again. /
Dr. Hill, in his references to the first treaty of Maumee, says : By
a treaty held at the Maumee Bapids, in 1817, by Gen. Lewis Cass and
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 208
Duncan MoArthar, the Sbawnees were given a reservation around Wa-
pakonetta, in the name of Blaokhoof , and along Hog Creek, of ten miles
square; and in 1818, at the treaty of St. Mary's, twenty-five square
miles, to be so laid out that Wapakonetta should be the center. At the
same treaties, the Sbawnees and Seuecas, in what is now Logan CountjfC,
in and around Lewistown, received a reservation of forty square miles.
The founder of the latter village is believed to have been the Chief
John I/ewis, who married Mary, the Indian sister of the captive Jonathan
Alder. The Sbawnees continued to reside on these reservations until
their final removal west of the Mississippi. None of the band of Tecum-
seh was ^included in the schedule of names appended in the treaty
of 1817, at the Maumee Bapids, nor at St. Mary's. They had forfeited
all right to protection by the Government of the United States, having
joined the British in 1812.
As the Wapakonetta band was at the time of removal within the
limits of Allen County, the names of the Sbawnees of that reservation
are as follows : '' Qua- tu-wa- pee, or Captain Lewis, of Lewistown, forty
square miles. Tracts at Wapakonetta divided among the following^:
Blackhoof,Pam-thee or Walker, Pea-se-ca or Wolf, Shem-an-ita or Snake,
Athel-wak-e-se-ca or Yellow Clouds, Pem-thew-tew or John Perry, Ca-ca-
lawa or End of the Tail, Que- la- we. War Chief, Sa-ca-cbew-a, We rew-
e-la, Wa-sa-we-tah or Bright Horn, Otha-ra-sa or Yellow, Tep-e-te-seca,
New-a-be-tucca, Ca-awar-icho, Tha-cat-chew-a, Silo-cba-be-ca, Tapea or
Sanders, Me-she-raw-ah, To-lea-pea, Poc-he-caw, Alawe-meta-buck oar
Lullaway or Perry, Wa-wel-ame, Ne-me-cashe, Ne-ru-pene-sbe-qual or
Cornstalk, Shi-che, Sbe-a-law-he, Nam-ska-ka, Tha-cas-ka or David Mo-
Nair, Sha-pu-ka-ha, Qua-co-wawnee, Neco-sbe-cu, Thu-cu-sen or Jim
Blue Jacket,^ Cho-welas-eca, Qua-ha-ho, Kay-ketcb-be-ka or William
Perry, Sew-a-pen, Peetah or Davy Baker, Ska-poa-wab or George Mc-
Dougal, Che-po-cu-ra, She-ma or Sam, Che-a-has-ka or Capt. Tommy,
Gen. Wayne, The-way, Ghawee, We-a re-cab, Capt. Reed, Law-ay-tu-
cheh or John Wolf, Te-cu-tio or Gnrge, Ske-ka-cump-ske-kaw, Wisb-e-
maw, Mug-way-mano-treka, Quas-kee, Thoe-wa, Bap-tis-ta, May-we-ali-
ape, Perea-cumme, Choch-ke-lake or Dam, Kewa-pea, Ega-ta-cum-sbe-
qua, Wal-upe, Aqua-sbe-qua, Pemata, Nepabo, Tape-sbe-ka, La- tho- way-
no-ma, Saw-a-co-tu or Yellow Clouds, Mem-bis-he-ka, Asb-e-lu-kab, O-
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204 HISTORT OF ALLEN COUNTY.
biprwah, Tha-pae-oa, Chn-ca-toh, Ne-ka-ke-ka, Thit-hoe-ea-ln, Pe-la-ool.
he, Pe-Ias-ke, She-sho-lon, Qnan-a-ko, Hal-koo-ta, Langh-she-na, Gap-a-
wah, Ethe-wa-case, Qaa-he-thn, Ca-pia, Thuoa-tron-wab or the Man
Going np Hill, Mag-a-thn, Te-com-te-qna, Tete-oo-patha, Kek-os-the,
€heat-wah, Sheale-war-ron» Hagh-ke-Ia, Aka-pee or Heap np Anything,
Lamo-to-the, Ka-ska, Pan-hoar, Penitoh-tham-tah or Peter Cornstalk,
Capea, Shua-gnnme, Wa-wal-ep-ee-sheo-co, Cale-qna, Teto-to, Tas-his-
heo, Nawe-bes-he-co or White Feather, Sheper-kis-co-she, Nartekah,
8he-makih, Pee-he-to, Theat-she-ta, Mil-ham-et*ohe, Gha-ood, Lawath-
aka, Pa-che-tah, Away-baris-ke-caw, Hato-cnino, Thomas-hes-haw-kah,
Pepa-co-she, Oshas-he, Qnel-ao-shn, Me-with-a-qnin, AgeupehyQaellime."
The foregoing contains the names of all males at Wapakonetta, in 1817,
being 126. Each person was allowed about five hundred acres.
The following are the names of the Shawnees to whom the Hog
Creek Reservation was assigned, many of whom resided at the village
where the council-house was built, afterward the Ezekiel Hover fann.
Each Indian owned about 500 acres of land : Pe-aitch-tha, Orero-i-mo
or Little Fox, On-a-was-kine, Pama-thaw-wah or George Williams,
WapeS'ke-ka-ho-thew, Pa-haw-e-ou, Shin-a-gaw-ma-she, Ne-qua-ka-buch-
ka, Pe-lis-ka, Ee-tu-che-pa, La-wet-che-to, E-paun-nee, Ea-nak-hih,
Joso or Joseph Parks, Law-noe-tu-chu or Billy JParks, Shaw-na-ha, Way-
ma-tal-ha-way, Ee-to-aw-sa, She-she-co-pea, Le-cu-seh, Quil-na, Que-
das-ka. These were the males residing on Hog Greek in 1817, and
numbered about twenty-one at the time of their removal in 1882.
The treaty of Maumee Rapids further provided that 640 acres should
be set off for the children of Spamagelabe, Capt. Logan, on the east
side of the Auglaize, adjoining the ten mile reservation at Wapakonetta.
In negotiating this treaty of 1831 the services of Francis Deuchoquette
were dispensed with, and in his place was appointed a man who would
not fail to misrepresent the true meauing of the written worda As a
result, the Indians found themselves the victims of Gardner's treachery.
A deputation visited Washington to seek redress, but failed to receive jus-
tice. During the journey thither Deuchoquette died, and the Indians lost
their most disinterested and true friend. The story of this treaty is told
in Dr. Hill's relations of Indian history as follows: ''In the year 1831,
Hon. John Mcllvaine, Indian agent for the Shawnees and Senecasof
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 206
Ohio, was instracted by the Department at Washington to approach
tiioee tribes on the qaestion of disposing of their reservations, and re*
moval west of the Missouri, and it* was done through James B. Qardner,
as special commissioner. The Shawnees had but little confidence in the
integrity of Mr. Gardner, and entered into the proposed consultation with
reluctance. OoL John Johnston, of Piqua, the old agent, who had served
the Shawnees and other tribes included in his agency for over thirty
years, had been removed by the Piresident in consequence of his political
opinions. In the midst of their prosperity and peace Commissioner
Qardner sent a message to the Shawnees at Wapakonetta, informing them
that he would be there in a few days to make propposals for the pur-
chase of their lands. This was the first intimation of the kind that had
reached their ears since ihey had entered upon their reservations, which
the Gtovemment had declared they should occupy for an indefinite term
of years. The message greatly surprised and alarmed them, for they had
always dreaded such a contingency, guided by the history of the past,
though they did not expect it so soon, having been so repeatedly assured
by the Government that they shpuld forever remain upon and own their
lands without being molested by any one. Having full faith in the
guarantees of the Government, they had been induced to improve their
lands, and change their mode and manner of life. The message of Gard-
ner produced great confusion of mind and uncertainty of purpose. The
chiefs consulted their Quaker friends as to the proper steps to be taken.
It seemed almost incredible that the Gbvemment intended to thrust aside
the plighted faith of the nation, and dispossess this handful of helpless
Indians of so small a tract of land. Their Quaker friends advised them
to refuse to sell or part with their lands. In the mean time the traders,
and others having claims on the Indians, demanded immediate payment,
and commenced offering the chiefs large bribes to induce them to sell,
expecting to get their dues in that way, regardless of the fate of the poor
Indians. In this way the advice of the Quakers was overlooked, and the
Indians induced to part with their improvements and wild lands. In a
few days, Gardner notified the chiefs to meet him on a fixed day at Wapa-
konetta, and from that time until his arrival the utmost confusion, grief
and alarm prevailed among the Shawnees. The head men met him in
general council, when, through a new interpreter, G^ordner delivered a
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206 HISTORY OP ALLEN OOUNTT.
Itfkig harangue, 'desoribiDg the difficalties in the way of taxation, mak-
ing roads and the like, that were about to overtake them, adverting to
the fact, also, that mean white men would soon ruin them with bad
whiskey, that white men would collect debts from them under their laws
by seizing property, while an Indian's oath would amount to nothing;
that white men would turn their horses in the Indian's grain field, and
Indians be beaten by white men without remedy; and in this way con-
tinued to alarm their fears, until he had produced a desire in his hearers
to remove to the wilds of Kansas, where they could feast on buffalo, elk,
and other wild game, without working, as the whites did. If they would
consent to sell their lands and go West, the great Father, President
Jackson, would make them rich in a new and splendid country, which
would never be within the limits of any State, where they could live by
hnntingl (How fallacious!) If they would sell their reservations in
Ohio, the Government would give them 100,000 acres of beautiful land,
adjoining the tract of fifty miles square which Gov. Clark of Missouri had
ceded to their Shawnee brethren in 1825, and upon which they were
living.' "
BEMOVAL TO KANSAS.
As the time for the removal of the tribe to Kansas came nearer and
nearer, the Shawnees were observed to grow more dull and listless. With
the arrival of David Bobb and D. M. Workman among them, they real-
iaasd truly that they must leave their old hunting grounds forever, and
with this realization, each lodge entered on a special method of making
the occasion memorable. Many surrendered themselves to despair, and
plunged into a course of dissipation ; others, with more regard to the
legends of the tribe, collected their trophies, articles of the chase,
domestic utensils, and even leveled the mounds of the burial grounds of
the tribe. This accomplished, the sub-agents, Bobb and Workman, gave
the order to proceed on that long Western journey, and 700 members of
the Shawnee family, with half that number of Senecas, moved toward
the West in September, 1832, and traveled until Christmas of that year,
when they camped on their Kansas reservation. Joseph Parks, a Qua-
ker half-breed, conducted them from the Mississippi westward. John
Mcllvaine and James B. Oardner accompanied them to the Mississippi.
In 1883 fifiy left for Kansas. A large number of the Indians visited
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HISTORr OP ALLEN COUNTY. 207
among other tribes until 1883 and 1834, revisited their old home on the
Anglaize, and next followed the Western trail.
nn>IAN BIOOBAPHY.
Many references have been made In the first part of this chapter to
the Indian chie& who were once masters of this county and neighbor-
hood. Again in the first part of this book, devoted to a history of Ohio,
such names as Pontiac, Tecumseh, Logan, Blaekhoof — find a very full
mention. For these reasons the following personal notices of Indians
who were at once famous or notorious, are given in a most concise form,
each sketch containing only some important point or points not credited
in the first part of the history.
So much has been, written regarding Tecumseh (pp. 69 to 78), it is
only necessary here to make one reference to the man. Few there are
who have not read of the barbarity of the English troops during the
whole war of the Revolution, as well as the war of 1812; fewer still are
ignorant of the premium offered by the English commanders to their
soldiers and Indian allies. Who does not remember the massacres of
Fort Meigs and of the Biver Baisin ? Who has not heard of Oen. Proc-
tor's infamous doings there, of his order to kill all prisoners, of his
enttiusiasm in witnessing, for two hours, how ably his own troops and
kis Indiana carried out his diabolical command ? Tecomseh came on
the scene too late to save all, yet in time to cast a ray of light on his
own character, and save his Indian brothers from the obloquy which, to
this day, attaches itself to the white man. According to the chronicler,
he said: ^He sprang from his horse, caught one Indian by the throat
and the other by the breast, and threw them to the ground; then, draw-
ing his knife and hatchet, and running between the Indians and prison-
ers, brandished his weapons wildly and dared the attack on another pris-
oner. Maddened by the barbarity which he loathed, he sought Gen.
Proctor, and demanded why this massacre was allowed.
^Sir,** replied the General, "your Indians cannot be commanded."
"Begone !" answered the chief with a sarcastic sneer, "you are unfit
to command; go, you are not a man.** Let the rebuke be the reproach
of a savage; it is worthy of recognition to-day, for in the humanity of
manhood is the philosophy of life.
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208 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Elsqnatawa, the twin brother of Tecomseh, is known in history as
the Prophet. This false friend accompanied the renegade Shawnees
under the lead of Tecumseh, to the British service in Canada; returned
after the war to Wapakonetta; went west of the Mississippi with a large
number of his tribe in 1828, and died of cholera in 1883 in Kansas.
In a reference to him Jonathan Alder savs: ,^ I was very well acquainted
with the Prophet. He was not a warrior, but a low, cunning fellow. He
prophesied many things that did not come to pass. He was a vain man,
with a great amount of show, but with little sense. His powers of
prophecy were not well sustained by the Indians in general; in fact, they
had but little faith in him." After the treaty of Ft. Wayne in 1809, it
is related by Dr. Hill that the Prophet ordered the execution of Leather-
lips, a noted Wyandot chief, for pretended witchcraft, but really to get
rid of his influence. Six Wyandot warriors were sent to put him to
death. The warriors and their leader. Roundhead, went directly from
Tippecanoe to execute him. They found him encamped on a stream
about twelve miles above the present city of Columbus. When the war-
riors arrived, and their purpose was ascertained, several white men made
an ineffectual effort to save his life. A council took place, and the war-
riors resolved to kill the chief, as ordered. An Indian, with much
warmth, accused him of magic or witchcraft; but Leatherlips denied the
charge. When the sentence of death was passed upon him, he returned
to his camp, ate a dinner of jerked venison, washed and dressed in his
best Indian clothing, and painted his face. He was tall and dignified,
and his hair quite gray. When the time of his execution arrived, he
shook hands with those present, and turned from his wigwam and com-
menced to chant his death song. He then moved toward the point where
the warriors had dug a grave. When he got to the grave, he kneeled
down and prayed to the Great Spirit. When he finished, Roundhead
also knelt and prayed. Leatherlips again knelt and prayed, and when
he ceased, one of the warriors drew from his skirts a keen, new toma-
hawk, stepped up behind the chief and struck him on the head with his
whole strength. The chief fell forward in the agonies of death. The
executioner struck him again, once or twice, and finished his suffering.
The body was buried with all his Indian ornaments, and the warriors
and whites disappeared. An attempt has been made to fix the reeponsibilily
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 209
of this great crime upon the Wyandot chief Crane. Crane was the
friend of the whites, and opposed to the schemes of the treacherous
Prophet, and it is clear never could have authorized the execution of a
fellow Wyandot chief.
The Wyandot chief. Roundhead, had a village on the Scioto in the
southwest comer of Hardin County, where the town of Bound Head was
subsequently laid out. At what precise date the Indians started this
village is not known, but about the year 1800 Maj. James Galloway, of
Oreene County, visited them at this point, and says that there was then
quite a number of apple trees in the village, and that the Indians
raised many swine. Some of those trees, said to have been planted by
this old chief, are yet standing. Roundhead, whose Indian name was
Stiahta, was a fine looking man. He had a brother named John Battise,
a man of great size and personal strength. He was well remembered by
the pioneers of the Miami and Scioto Valleys on account of possessing an
enormous nose, which resembled in size and hue an immense blue potato
full of indentations, and when he laughed it shook like jelly. He lived
at a place called Battisetown some miles west of his brother's village,
joined the English in 1812, and was killed at the siege of Fort Meigs.
In 1807 Roundhead was present with Tecumseh and other chiefs at a
council held at Springfield, Ohio, between the whites and Indians to set-
tle a difficulty which arose over the killing of a white man named Myers,
a few miles west of Urbana. The execution of Leatherlips, a well-
known Wyandot chief, which took place twelve miles north of Colum-
*bus, Ohio, in 1810, on the charge of witchcraft, was intrusted by
Tecumseh to Roundhead, who at the head of six braves came from Tip-
pecanoe and did the deed.
The celebrated Mingo chief, Logan, with a band of followers, had a
village in the southeastern part of Hardin County as early as 1778. It
is probable that he moved from the lower Shawnee towns on the Scioto,
where his cabin stood in 1774, to this point, soon after Lord Dunmore's
campaign. The exact location of this village is not known, some old set-
tiers claiming that it stood in the vicinity of ^ Grassy Foint.^
CoL John McDonald, in his biography of Simon Kenton, when tell-
ing of his capture in 1778, says: ^ As the Indians passed from Wapa-
tomika to Upper Sandusky, they went through a small village on the
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210 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
Biver Scioto, where then resided the celebrated chief, Logan, of Jeffer-
son memory. Logan, unlike the rest of his tribe^ was hmnane as he
was brave. At his wigwam, the party who had the care of the prisoner,
stayed over night. ^ From this account it seems they also remained the
succeeding day and night, not leaving for Upper Sandusky until the sec-
ond morning after their arrival at Logan's village. The old Shawnee
trail crossed the Scioto near the residence of the late Judge Fortius
Wheeler, several miles northeast of Ghrassy Point, and as the Indian vil-
lage was on the Scioto, it is safe to infer that the wigwams of Logan and
his band were in the vicinity of the Shawnee ford and not at Grassy
Point The main reason why the latter place has been thought to have
been the site of the Mingoe camp, is that the Indians had cleared and
cultivated some land in that locality, which, upon subsequent abandon*
ment, had grown up in blue grass, hence the name, Ghrassy Point It is
more probable that the land i^eferred to was cultivated by the Shawnees
and Wyandots, who owned this territory in common, while the Mingoee
occupied it only by consent of these tribes, who loved it as one of their
favorite camping grounds, and a saored depository of their dead in by-
gone ages.
One of the most noted chiefs was the venerable Blackhoof —
Gul-the-we-ka-saw — in the raids upon Kentucky sometimes called Black-
foot He is believed to have been born in Florida, and, at the period
of the removal of a portion of the Shawnees to Ohio and P^uisylvania,
was old enough to recollect having bathed in the salt water. He was
present, with others of his tribe, at the defeat of Gen. Braddock, near
Pittsburgh, in 1755, and was engaged in all the wars in Ohio from that
time until the treaty of Greenville, in 1795. He was known far and
vride as the great Shawnee warrior, whose cunning, sagacity and experi*
ence were only equalled by the force and desperate bravery with which
he carried into operation his military plana He was the inveterate foe
of the white man, and held that no peace should be made nor negotiation
attempted, except on the condition that the whites should repass the
mountains, and leave the great plains of the West to the sole occupancy
of the red men. He was the orator of the tribe during the greater part
of his long life, and is said to have been an excellent speaker. Col.
John Johnston says he was probably in more battles than any living man
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 211
of his day, and was the most graceful Indian he had ever seen, and
possessed the most nataral and happy faculty of expressing his ideas.
He was well versed in the traditions of his people, and no one understood
better their relations to the whites, whose settlements were gradually
pressing them back, and could detail with minuteness the wrongs inflicted
by the whites on his people. He remembered having talked with some
of the aged chiefs who had been present at the treaty with William Penn
in 1682. He fought the battles against Harmar, St. Clair and Wayne,
hoping to retain his country; but when finally defeated in 1794, he
decided that further resistance was useless, and signed the treaty of
Greenville in 1795, and continued faithful to its stipulations until his
decease, which oc<^urred in the smnmer of 1881 at Wapakonetta, at the
advanced age of one hundred and twenty years I Blackhoof is said to
have been opposed to polygamy and the practice of burning prisoners.
He lived forty years with one wife, raising a large family of children,
who both loved and respected him. He was small in stature, not more
than five feet eight inches in height He was favored with good health
and unimpaired eye-sight to the period of his death.
Quasky, his elder son, was the successor to Blackhoof. He possessed
many of the qualities of his distinguished father. He went West with
his people in 1882, and was living in 1858. He, like his father, was a
fine speaker.
' La-wa-tu-cheh, John Wolf, was a Shawnee of some nota OoL John
Johnston hired of him a trading house at Wapakonetta, and he often
accompanied the Oolonel on his trading trips in the forest, among the
different tribes. He died at Wapakonetta.
Wa-the-the-wela, or Bright Horn, was another noted chief, who was
present when Logan was mortally wounded in the contest with Winemac
in 1812, and was severely wounded in the thigh in the same fight, but
recovered and lived at Wapakonetta He was, with Blackhoof, the
especial friend of Gen. Harrison, in the war of 1812. He was a brave
man, and of sound integrity. He fought like a hero for our cause in the
war of 1812. He was a large and commanding Indian in appearance,
and was quite shrewd and intelligent. He died in 1826, at Wapako-
netta.
Peter Cornstalk was a chief in succession to his father, who was
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212 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
assassinated at Pt. Pleasant, Ya. This Peter was a fine specimen of the
Indian, and a true friend of the settlers in the Auglaize country. He
moved to Kansas in 1828 with the Prophet
Nern-pe-neshe-qnah, also a son of Chief Cornstalk, went to Kansas
in 1882.
Henry Clay, son of Capt. Wolf, was educated under the supervision
of Col. John Johnston, at Upper Piqua, at the expense of the Quaker
friends. ' ' He afterward became a leading chief and married the daughter
of Jeremiah McLain, formerly a member of Congress from the Columbus
district, in 1835.
Waywel-ea-py was the principal speaker among the Shawnees at the
period of their removal. He was an eloquent orator, grave, gay or humor-
ous as occasion required. At times, his manner is said to have been
quite fascinating, his countenance so full of varied expression, and his
voice so musical, that surveyors and other strangers passing through the
country listened to him with delight, although the words fell upon their
ears in an unknown languaga During the negotiation for the sale of
their reserve, he addressed his people and Mr. Oardner several times.
His refutation of Gardner's assumed superiority over the Indian race was
complete and full of irony. Col. George C. Johnston often met this
chief at his trading post in Wapakonetta, and says he was a fine looking
Indian, and cultivated the friendship of the pioneers. He was the prin-
cipal speaker of the Shawnees, and delivered the opinions of the tribe at
treaties and[ in public assemblies. He removed West with his tribe,
where he died in 1843.
Lullaway, John Perry, head chief of the Shawnees, often traded at
the station of Col. Johnston. He signed the treaty of 1881, at Wapako-
netta. He could converse fluently in English. He was a man of influ-
ence with his tribe, and of good habits. He was much grieved when he
learned that the Shawnees had been deceived as to the value of their
reservations. He went West in 1882, and died in 1848.
The chief Oxonoxy resided where Charloe village now stands.
About the year 1827 this savage killed his son-in-law and grandson; he
was tried by a council of chiefs, sentenced to be beheaded, but instead of
carrying out the sentence one of deposition was substituted. His daugh-
ter was brought to Dr. John Evans, father of Dr. S. A. Evans, of Del-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 218
phoB, for treatment When her health was restored the chief presented
to the Doctor cue of his best horses.
Buck- ong-a-he- las, a noted old Delaware chief, mixed much with
the Shawnees. He is supposed to have been bom near Philadelphia,
Penn., a few years after the treaties with Penn, and, when he lived on the
Auglaize, was well advanced in age. In colonial days, with Jacobs and
other leading Delawares, he resided in western Pennsylvania, and is
believed at that time to have been identical with the "Shingess" who
entertained Washington, when a young man, in 1758. Shingess was
an active warrior when Fort Du Quesne was taken in 1759. Heckewelder
speaks of meeting him at the Tuscarora town on the Muskingum, as
early as 1760. As early as 1764 King Beaver, who was a brother of
Buck-ong-a-he-las, is met by Gen. Gibson at the mouth of Big Beaver.
Just what time he settled in western Ohio is not known. At the capture
of Ool. Hardin, Maj. Truman and others in 1792 as bearers of a flag of
trace from Washington, after having treacherously murdered Hardin,
the Indians arrived near the Indian town of Auglaize, and reported to
the old chief, ''who was very sorry they had killed the men, and said,
instead of so doing, they should have brought them along to the Indian
towns, and then, if what they had to say had not been liked, it would
have been time enough to have killed them. Nothing could justify them
for putting them to death, as there was no chance for them to escape."
This chief fought against Harmar, St. Glair and Wayna He signed the
treaty of 1795. He must have been over one hundred years old. He
died at the Ottawa village on the Auglaize in 1804.
The chief Blue Jacket, it will be remembered, commanded the
Indian army at the battle of '* Fallen Timber " in 1794, and with much
reluctance signed the treaty with Wayne at Ghreenville in 1795. He was
very bitter in his feelings toward the ** Long Knives," who were rapidly
settling upon the lands that formerly belonged to the red man. His
feelings were quite as intense as those of Tecumseh, though he did not
possess his abilities for organization. As a matter of prudence, he did
not join Tecumseh in the war of 1812. He is supposed to have died at
the Ottawa village, down the Auglaize, just prior to the treaty at Mau-
mee Rapids in 1817. It appears that Gens. Cass and McArthur, in that
treaty, made provision for his family at Wapakonetta, in which James,
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214 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
George and Charles Blue Jacket received each about one thousand acres
in the reservation.
Quilna, another chief, was actually popular among the white pio-
neers. He shared in all their sports and industries; was as good a work-
man as he was a hunter.
Little Fox, a brother of Pht, was an irreconcilable. Up to the
departure of this Indian for Kansas he could not believe that he was
doomed to leave Ohio.
Torkeyfoot, a peculiar formation, just as broad as he was long, was a
savage capable of entertaining and practicing the most diabolical ideas.
At times he would reduce himself to believe that he was on good terms
with the whites, and while in such a mood he would make a circuit of
all the white settlements.
Tu-taw was one of the first mail-carriers in the Northwest, having
been employed by Mad Anthony to carry letters and dispatches between
Piqua and Defiance. Smith Baxter relates the following story respecting
him: *' Old Tutaw was one day, in 1830, passing down the Auglaize in
his canoe loaded with bark, which grounded near Sam Baxter's cabin.
In an effort to float the canoe he got into the water and made such a
splash and dash therein that young Baxter ventured to have a laugh at
his expense. In 1846 he met Tutaw, who looked at him for an instant
and said, ' You bad boy, you laugh at old Tut when he got his canoe
fast' "
Pht or Fallen Timbers, the last chief of his tribe in Ohio, was as
peculiar in many respects as his name — which, by the way, is pronounced
Pe-aitch-ta. Under him the Council House was built in 1831, but not
completed. The wigwam or cabin of the old chief stood but a few rods
northwest of the council-house. Here the chief, after a long sickness,
died and was buried a short time before the removal of the tribe, in
1832. He was buried near his cabin in his garden. John F. Cole, now
residing in Lima, states that he was present at the burial of this old
chief. His grave was dug by his wife and daughter. Puncheons (d
proper size and thickness were split, and these substituted for a coffin.
They were placed on their edges at the bottcon of the grave, which was
not over two feet deep, and a third one placed over the corpse, thus form-
ing a rude coffin. There were many Shawnees present, and many little
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 215
trinkets were deposited with the body. All seemed to be deeply a£feoted.
After the burial of the chief, according to an old custom, the Shawnees
slanghtered a beef, cooked and prepared the meat, and held a sort of
feast. The old council-house was not fully completed until about 1882.
The Shawnees with their bitter feuds, their wars of extermination,
their alliances with the British, their invasions, their revenges, their
hates, are all gone. Seldom do the thoughts of the higher people, who
now own and cultivate their lands, turn toward the West in sympathy
with the aborigines. How different with the exiles? In their day-
dreams, far away in Kansas, they look toward the rising sun, and long
to return to the land where they passed their youth, to surround them-
selves again with the memoried scenes. May we not hope that in com-
ing years these children of Nature may learn from the Past; may arrive
at a high state of civilization and then come among uh to realize the bar-
barous condition of their fathers, and conceive the littleness of their
tribal glories?
CHAPTER IV.
OCCUPATION AND SETTLEMENT. "
rriHE initial point in the history of the settlement of Allen County
-L must be known as Fort Amanda. Here, in 1812, a post was estab*
lished and liberally garrisoned. One year later a ship-yard was founded
here and a number of large scows built for use on the Lower Miami^ as
well as for the navigation of the Auglaize. Four years after the found-
ing of this navy yard the pioneers of American settlement appeared upon
the scene, and there, within the block-houses of the Fort, made the
beginnings of that progress which has marked this division of the State.
As an introduction to the history of the pioneers, let us examine the
history of this ancient military post
FOBT AMANDA.
The appointment of Oen. W. H. Harrison was made September 17,
1812, and he, without delay, entered upon the duties of Commander-in-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
216 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
Chief of the Northwestern Axmj. He directed that troops be massed at
Wooster, Urbana, St. Marys and Defiance, and made the sonthem line of
the Black Swamps, from Upper Sandosky to St. Marys, the base or left
line of proposed operations. In the report of military affairs, following his
appointment, we find the first mention of the poets on the Auglaize.
Here also reference is made to the Ohio cavalry under CoL Finley, the
Kentucky cavalry under B. M. Johnson, and the infantry under Cols.
Poague, Barbee and Jennings — the former of whom erected Fort Amanda
and the latter Fort Jennings. From Gen. Harrison's letter of Febru-
ary 11, 1813, it is inferred that the forces under the officers just men-
tioned had been called in, prior to September 30, 1812, to join the main
army, and that their positions on the Auglaize would be taken up by a
battalion of Ohio militia, and a company of regular troops from Fort
Winchester. It is, therefore, conceded that CoL Poague, with his com-
mand, built a fort on the west bank of the Auglaize in September, 1812.
The pickets were about eleven feet high, forming a guard for four block-
houses. The second story of each house projected three or four feet over
the pickets. The block-house located in the southeast comer was the
largest, and was used for officers' quarters. In the center of the quad-
rangle was the store-house. A national pemetery was established here
in 1812-14, which has been continued by the settlers. Seventy-five
mounds mark the burial places of so many soldiers of the war of 1812.
The records of the garrison of this post fell into the hands of the
British and were destroyed by the vandals. Fort Auglaize, east of
Wapakonetta, was built by the French in 1748, was in existence in 1812-
15, and was used by troops and travelers passing north.
Fort Amanda was used as the first postoffice in Allen County, and
also as the first religious meetinghouse. It was named after CoL
Poague's wife — Amanda.
While Oen. Harrison was encamped at Wapakonetta, William Oli-
ver, who had a trading post at Fort Wayne, came to him and asked him
to notify the Fort Wayne garrison of Hull's surrender. Harrison stated
that he had no one to send. Oliver offered to go should anyone volun-
teer to accompany him. Logan, the Indian scout, offered his services.
Both set out on that dreary journey of 100 miles and arrived at Fort
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HISTOEY OP ALLBN COUNTY. 219
Wayoe in safety. This party passed ihroogh the wilderness of Allen,
bat no mention is made of Fort Amanda.
According to a statement made in Green Clay's letter, dated Oamp
Meigs, Jane 20, 1813, to Gen. Harrison, a large consignment of floar
in barrels was received from Fort Amanda throagh Ensign Gray. It is
said, with some degree of aathenticity, that one of the scows bailt here
in 1813 was sabeeqaently ased by Commodore Perry in baoying his large
ships oyer the shallows at Pat-in-Bay.
SAW-MILL AND KAVT TABD.
Daring the winter of 1812^13 the garrison of Fort Amanda was con-
stitated a ship-bailding company. A nomber of men were told off to
select trees, another company to cat them down, a third company to saw
them into boards and posts, and a foarth company to conyert the mana«
factored lamber into flat-boats. This work was accomplished by a com-
pany of Ohio militia and a few regalar troops from Fort Winchester,
who replaced Col. Poagae*s command. The boatis constracted at this
point were in ase for years, and are said to have eclipsed in constraction
and strength any or all the boats tamed oat of Fort Defiance Nayy Yard
at the same time. Years prior to this, howeyer, the genias of Mad
Anthony Wayne saw in the neighborhood a point of some military
importanca In the history of the war of 1794-1812, the flight of the
Ottawas on the Aoglaize, and the deetrnction of their antenanted yill^ige,
Aagast';8, 1793, are of record. It appears that when Fort Becoyery was
recaptared by the Union troops, Gen. Wayne ordered the constraction of
seyeral military roads, one of which was laid oat between the present yil-
lage of St Marys, the home of the Girty desperadoes, and a point on the
Aoglaize where stood the Ottawa yillage, near the spot where Fort
Amanda was bnili This formed a portion of the road known as Wayne's
Traca
Among the first white men who liyed at the Fort was Francis Deach6-
qaette, a Frenchman of excellent moald, who was yenerated by the
Indians and loyed by the settlers of later years. In 1817 Andrew Bas-
sell, Peter Diltz and William Van Aasdall came as the yangaard of set-
tlement, and then followed that band of pioneers whose names will be
13
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220 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
forever identified with the settlement and progress of this division of
Ohio.
PIONSEB BEMINISOENOES.
In speaking of the past, and particularly when retrospecting, it is
well to observe the fact that the good deeds of those who die, the sacri-
fices they made, the trials they endured, and the heritage they handed
down, should all be recorded on the page that never dies. In the pre-
ceding pages much information of an entirely historical character
has been given; yet ^the story of pioneer days would not be com-
plete unless a few, at least, of the stirring reminiscences of olden
times were added. For this reason the following sketches have been
written or collated to form a sequel to the Indian and pioneer his-
tory of this county. It is distinct from the numerous personal reminis-
cences to be found throughout the pages devoted to biography. With
these persona] sketches this little chapter of reminiscences forms a por-
tion of the work bearing the same relation to history which a flower gar-
den bears to the farm.
THE BIG SNOWS.
The traditions of the Shawnees and Wyandots point out the years
1766 and 1775 as the winters of the great snow& Those severe storms
which swept over the country within two decades, destroyed great num-
bers of forest animals, the bones of which, in after years, literally
encumbered the wilderness. Within the pioneer period, the snow of
1822-28 was the heaviest. Jt fell to a depth of four feet on the level,
and was accompanied with such an icy current that large numbers of
deer, wolves and bears perished before its withering advanca In
1830-81 the snow storms set in early in November, and continued
throughout the month, destroying the wild animals in large numbers
and inflicting many hardships on the Indians and pioneers. In the
month of August, 1881, a severe frost set in, which occasioned many
serious troubles and disappointments.
TER BLACK DATS.
On the morning of Sunday, November 8, 1819, the sun rose upon a
cloudy sky, which assumed as the light grew upon it, a strange greenish
tint, varying in places to an inky blackness. After a short time, the
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 221
whole sky became terribly dark; dense black clouds filled the atmos-
phere, and those changes were followed bj a down-poor of rain, which
appeared to be something of the nature of soapsuds, and which was
found to have deposited, after settling, a substance resembling soot.
The atmosphere assumed its usual form that afternoon, and the follow-
ing day was dry and frosty. On the morning of Tuesday, 10th, heavy
clouds again appeared, changed rapidly from a deep greeu to a pitchy
black, and the sun, when seen occasionally through them, was sometimes
of a dark brown, or an unearthly yellow color, and again bright orange
or a blood red. The clouds constantly deepened in color and density,
and later on a heavy vapor seemed to descend to the earth; the day
became as dark as night> and the gloom increased or diminished most
fitfully. The French traders looked on the phenomenon with a peculiar
curiosity, while the Indians were actually alarmed. The more sensible
concluded that the woods were ablaze, others that the recently explored
prairies were burning, while others stated that a vollsanic eruption was
in progress. The Indians quoted the prophecy that one day the country
would be destroyed by an earthquake, while others looked upon the signs
as signaling the close of this world. About the middle of the afternoon
a great body of clouds seemed to rush suddenly across the country, and
immediately everything was hidden in an appalling darkness. A pause
and hush succeeded for a moment, and then a most glaring flash of
electricity flamed over the land — next the thunder seemed to shake the
very earth to its center. Another pause followed, and then fell a slight
shower of rain similar to that which introduced the phenomenon two
days previously. After this shower, the day grew brighter, but an hour
later it was as dark as ever. Another rash of clouds, and another
flash of lightning introduced the climax of the scene. The sky above
and around was as black as ink; but right in one spot, in mid-air
above the Indian village, the lightning danced for some minutes in
a fairy circle, then rushed eastward and was not seen again. The
darkest hour had come and gone. The gloom gradually subsided and
gave place to dawn; the people grew less fearful; the real night came
oa, and when next morning dawned the elements were at peace, and
the world seemed as natural as before.
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222 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
A PIONKEB MEXTINO.
The settlement of the MoClner family on Section 28, Bath Township,
in 1826, and of the Wood family on Sn^^ar Greek, the year before, are
noticed in this chapter. Here they resided until Jane, 1826, each settle-
ment ignorant of the existence of the other. According to statements
made by Nathaniel McClaer, three white men, Morgan Lippincott, Joseph
Wood and Benjamin Dolph, came to his father's cabin in Jane, 1826. They
had left their homes tohant along the deer-lick, where Lima now stands;
bat while engaged in watching for game, they beheld a panther watching
them, and condaded to leave the pass in possession of that animal In
their flight, they lost their trail, and woald doabtless have lost themselyes
had not the sound of the woodman's ax saluted their ears. They adyanced
caatioasly in the direction from which the sound proceeded, and were
most agreeably surprised to find Samuel McCluer and his cabin ready to
receive them. Next day, MoCluer accompanied his three yisitors to their
settlement, five miles distant, and then for the first time learned that the
Woods, Lippincotts, Purdys, and Samuel Jacobs were actually within
yisiting distance without his knowledge of their existence.
HABSHALL BBMINISOBNOES 1829-33.
The contract to carry the mail from Piqua to Defiance, in 1829,
was awarded to Samuel Marshall for two years, and carried on horse-
back by Charles O. Marshall. Leaving Piqua he journeyed weekly
by Wapakonetta, thence to Sugar Grove on the Auglaize near the
mouth of Blanchard, and thence to Defiance, touching but three
settlements between Piqua and Defiance, the entire distance being
aboat ninety-five miles. He occasionally stopped at Fort Amanda,
and continued onto the Ottawa Village, now known as Charloe, formerly
the county seat of Paulding County. At that time Allen, Auglaize,
and Defiance Counties were filled with their native forests, through which
the Ottawas, Delawares, Wyandots and Shawnees roamed and hunted in
the utmost freedom. During this period, Mr. Marshall witnessed the
signing of the treaty for the purchase of the Shawnee reserves, includ-
ing the Wapakonetta Beservation, the Lewistown Beservation and the
Hog Creek Beservation. The treaty was made at Wapakonetta, James
B. Gardner and John Mollvaine acting as Special Commissioners for the
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 223
United States. In the meantime, Mr. Marshall became aoqaainted with
the celebrated chief and warrior, Black Hoof, who died in Angost, 1882,
and was buried near the Indian town of Wapakonetta. In these lonely
tripe he also met Oapt. Wolf, John Ferry, Oneissimo, alias Little Fox,
Ne-we-bes-he-co or White Feather, Qaa-tn-wapee or Capt. Lewis, the
sons of the great warriors Bine Jacket, Bright Horn, Henry Clay, Way-
weleapy. Spy beech and Francis Deachoquette, the old Frenchman, who h ad
liTed a long time among the Shawnees, and is said to have interceded
for the life of Dr. Knight, when Ool. William Crawford was homed by
the Delawares, near the Tymochtee in Wyandot County, after his capture
in 1782. This venerable Frenchman died when on his way to Washing-
ton Oity with a Shawnee delegation, at the city of Cumberland, Md., in
the summer of 1881. A large proportion of the Shawnees left Wapako-
netta in 1882, and about fifty in the spnng of 1838. In 1884 William
Brady and William Scott opened a road from the Auglaize River through
the Ten-Mile Woods, afterward known as Section Ten, now Delphos, to
Van Wert Not even one cabin was to be seen in all that distance when
those pioneers cut the road through.
ah! billt lippinoott.
The following story, told by Matthew Allison, in relation to Chief
Pht, is well worthy of record. It appears that Pht, accompanied by
Quilna and other hunters, came to the Allison cabin in Bath Township,
to complain of William Lippincott, a neighbor, who failed to keep his
solemn promise, and further denied that he owed Pht anything. The
Indians proceeded to Lippincott's cabin, where he essayed to explain the
nature of his errand, in doing which he brandished the scalping knife,
and made other signs, all evidently of a hostile nature. Lippincott
appeared before a Justice and secured a warrant for the arrest of Pht
This warrant was placed in the hands of Elmer Hartshorn to serve, and
the Constable, accompanied by Matthew Allison, proceeded eight miles
to the Indian settlement, where Pht surrendered, and further volun-
teered to accompany the Constable back to Sugar Creek. Before start-
ing out, however, the Indian knew that an interpreter would be required,
and sent for one to Wapakonetta. The facts in the case were that Lip-
pincott borrowed a horse-collar from the chief, failed to return it, and
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224 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
further when the chief called to get the property, had his words and
actions so misanderstoood by the white man, that the latter had the war- '
rant issued. When the matter was brought before the Justice^ the case
was dismissed, and Pht, turning toward his persecutor, addressed him
thus: ^Ah, Billy Lippincott, you be all one big lie.''
A SPECIAL PBOCESS OF INDUCTION.
A story related by Horace E. Enapp, respecting the court of Allen
County, in 1857, is valuable both on account of its personnel and inci-
dent ''In 1867," says Mr. Enapp, ''a new Sheriff was inducted into
office in Allen County. He was much inclined to waggery, and plumed
himself upon his success in the practical jokes he would get off on his
frieiida. Judge Bobb, who habitually takes everything in good humor,
and had been in several instances his victim, devised the following retal-
iatory scheme: Seeking a conversation with the new officer he informed
him that it was the smallest number of Sheriffs who understood the true
form of opening court. 'Now,' said Bobb, * while our Democrats may
not like the English Government and people altogether, it must never-
theless be admitted that we are indebted to them for the fundamental
principles of our admirable system of jurispradence. The more closely
we adhere to their venerated forms, the more imposing and sublime
appears the administration of justica' The Sheriff concurred in this view,
and Judge Bobb then proceeded to drill the officer in his method of
opening court, and having learned to ' speak his piece, ' Judge Metcalf ,
the bar and spectators were electrified the next morning to hear the new
Sheriff proclaim, in response to the order to open court — 'Oh yes I oh
yes! All manner of persons having anything to do with this Court of
nisi prius, held in this county of Allen, will draw near and give attoi-
tion. Gk>d save the Queen!' This drew out a long continued roar of
laughter at the expense of the Sheriff and the Queen and necessitated
the reopening of the court in due form. Bobb had his revenge."
A WOLF STOBT.
There are very few survivors of pioneer times who have not a real
wolf story to tell; some have a panther story, others a bear story, but for
wierd excellence nothing rises above the pioneer wolf story. Qoing
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 225
back to the earliest times we again qaote from Nathaniel McClner. He
najBi ''I had often heard father say he wished that the woWes would
attack him, for he would delight in a fight with them. So one night he
was boiling sugar water, there having been a splendid run of water for
about two days and nights. He was so busy that he had no time to sleep.
Mother desired to assist him, and required my services, and awakened
me about midnight to help her boil sugar, while father could return
home and take a good sleep. I accompanied mother, but father refused
my servieea I stayed a short time and started for home, but when I
had gone a few rods, the iire being made against a large log and a small
one being placed in front for a sort of f orestick, kept up such a cracking
and noise that I thought the whole forest abla^; suddenly my coon skin cap
nearly jumped off my head, for I was then a small boy and had hold of
mother's dress to keep from danger. In my fright I was greatly alarmed
at a pack of wolves that seemed hardly a quarter of a mile away, but
really appeared by the sound to be only a few feet distant The whole
forest was filled by the doleful sound, other packs answering from the
distance. Just then my attention was called to the pitiful bellowings of
a yearling calf that made me shudder to hear. Mother and I ran back
to the camp where father left us in care of the kettles of syrup, and ran
through the brush and water without hat, ax or club, followed by his two
hounds, to the rescue of the calf. The wolves had it down and held on
until he kicked them off. Placing the calf on his shoulder, he proceeded
toward camp, but the ravenous animals returned. His hounds, with hair
turned wrong end forward, fled through the forest, fearing the very sight
and smell of the wolves. Father, however, put them on the track of
the wolves, and they bellowed as if they meant business, but the wolves
miade a sudden dash for them and they returned faster than they advanced,
leaving father to give battle to the pack. Olubs broke in his hands so
that he had to kick the beasts off while holding the calf on his shoulder.
After this terrific battle, it is stated that wolves never ventured near his
cabin and always fled on his approach."
JACOBS' BEMINISOBNOIBS.
The late Thomas E. Jacobs arrived at Lima in 1838, when the
settlement of 1831 had grown to a village of 300 souls. Mr. Jacobs
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226 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
had a very distinct reoolleotion of the old settlers of Lima. Among
the pioneers were Gen. William Blackburn, Dr. William Canning-
ham, Ool. John Ward, Col. James Cunningham, Daniel Mosser, John
F. Cole, H. Watt, Dr. William MoHenry, E. Jolley, John Bashore,
Daniel Boyer, Daniel Tompkins, Abraham Bowen, Alexander Beaty,
H. D. v. Williams, James S. Cheever, David Tracy and families, Rich-
ard Thomas, J. W. Thomas, John Jackson, William Chaffee, (George
Sheldon, H. Davidson, John Keller, Charles Baker, F. H. Binkley.
Among the mechanics were Daniel Mosser, a blacksmith; F. Mason,
ditto; F. H. Binkley, D. D. Tompkins and J. C. Curtis, merchants;
David Tracy and Abraham Bowers, cabinet makers; David Tracy, also a
carpenter; T. K Jacobs (1888), Daniel Boyer and Elisha Jolley, tailors;
Samuel A. Baxter, hatter; Levi Saint and Alexander McCluer, tanners;
H. Wall, shoemaker; D. Musser and John J. Bashore, tavern keepers.
The taverns were frame, and stood on South Main Street, and east of
the public square. Dr. William Cunningham was then in practice
(1838). Dr. Samuel Black, Dr. William McHenry and Dr. William
Finley also. Does not remember which came first, but they were all
early settlers. They all continued some years in practice. Dr. Black
removed to Putnam County, and Dr. Cunningham died. They were
succeeded by others. The churches were a Methodist, a frame, on
Union Street; a Presbyterian, small brick, Elm Street; and a Baptist,
small frame, on Union Street There were no schoolhouses in town.
The schools were taught in the churches and other buildings in various
parts of the town. It was many years before the people of the town
would consent to the erection of schoolhouses, and when the district
finally did consent, they only built three or four small houses. The
names given above by the late Mr. Jacobs are those of persons with
whom he was intimata In the history of Lima city a complete list is
given."
A STRAKaX JUDGHXirr BT A OXNBBOUS JUSTIGK.
The following transcript from the docket of John Amstutz, Justice of the
Peace of Richland Township, Allen County, in the case of the State against
Levi Tope^ is given verbatim et literatim for the benefit of the reader:
This day appeared before me John AmBtuts, a Justice of the Peace of said
county, Isaac N. Mark, and made oath by an affidavit that Levi Tope assaulted and
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 227
Btrack at him in a menacing; manner. Therefore the said Isaac N. Mark was the
complainant and said Levi Tope the defendant A State warrant was therefore
issued forthwith against said Levi Tope, defendant, and the same was delivered by-
said Isaac N. Mark, to William Lewis, Constable of Richland Township. There
was also a subpoena issued for State witnesses against Joseph A. Murray, I.
McHenry. Charles E. Wilson, George Burget, John Fenton, Thomas Murray, Ira
Townsend, Erastus Thompson and Qeorge Ramer, who were commanded to appear
forthwith July 1, 1857. The said Levi Tope appeared before me at about half-past
9 o'clock, and requested me to issue a subpoena against A. W. Rokatch, Eben Rus-
sell, 8r.^ W. P. McDermott, William Vance, P. K. Mummer, Ralph Ewing, Samuel
Whissler, John Penton and Thomas Penton. Said witnesses were commanded to
appear forthwith, and were intended by the defendant to defend him before the
Justice's Court. Defendant likewise made a motion if I would want another Jus-
tice of the Peace assist me, in the proceedings of the action, that matter was there-
fore accepted by me. I therefore issued a notice to George W. Goble, a Justice of
the Peace in said Township of Richland.
Complainant gave himself and Erastus Thompson bail on a bond, taken and
acknowledged before me, for the costs of the action if the State should fail. Past
8 o'clock same day witnesses appeared. William Lewis, Constable, made his
retoms. Said George W. €k>ble, my assistant, also appeared. I therefore made it
known before we went into trial, to the complainant, and to all the presence that I
wfll have said €k>ble as my assistant, in every respect, during the trial, stating the
reasons such that things appear to be HoJdUh and dub%ou$ and eritieal, that I would
only have to bear half of the burdens, if I should go either way. It was therefore
accepted by the complainant and by the defendant, likewise before the presence
that the said €k>ble may be my assistant during the action in every respect.
The trial therefore began by asking Levi Tope, defendant, whether he was
guilty or not guilty of the fact charged against him. He therefore pleaded **not
guilty." Therefore, witnesses on behalf of the State were sworn; also, I. N. Mark
was sworn. L N. Mark, complainant, was the first witness to testify. Then the
witnesses for defendant were sworn. John Penton, William Vance and Peter E.
Mummer and another testified. The balance were not called. After the testimony,
allegation, examination and re-examination of the witnesses, and proceedings on
behalf of the State and for the defendant of the whole testimony, John Ewing,
Esq., attorney of complainant, opened the pleading debate. Charles N. Lamison,
Esq,, pleaded for defendant, and Isaac N. Mark, complainant, closed the matter.
After that, I, John Amstutz, and G^rge W. Gobel, my assistant, stepped off
into a separate room to consider on the matter, to render a judgment according to
testimony. After the absence of about half an hour, we concluded that the com-
plainant like defendant, were alike in our consideration, offence in fault. The
complainant, we finded him to be in the offence of provoking the defendant; and the
defended, we finded him to be in the offence of assaulting the complainant.
Therefore, our pure judgment would be to discharge defendant, and each of them
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228 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
would have to pay his own costs, proTided if they are satisfled and confess on it;
that is to S9y» as the law gaye us no power to give that kind of a composing
Judgment, what we considered to be the purest judgment according to our consider-
ation, we, therefore, consider that we will offer our pure judgment to the parties.
Therefore, I offered the said judgment to the parties, and they would accept it for
the costs matter. But the complainant want that the defendant shall confess that
he did wrong, nevertheless the complainant confessed before the whole crowd that
he was sorry toward the defendant, but defendant would not confess and com-
plainant would not withdraw his motion. Eyen I offered him to suffer loss of my
whole fees. We therefore considered that we will discharge the defendant, and the
complainant will hare to pay the costs. Therefore, in the name of us both, I dis-
charge the defendant, and complainant shall pay the costs of the whole action, and
this was our final judgment, and all what we could do accbrding to the law in the
case. But I, for my part, will never consider it a pure judgment according to the
whole transactions and circumstances between the complainant and defendant, at
both parties trespassed the civil action of reasonable men, and they ought to pay
for it alike as lessons.
This transcript was given to the complainant on his request His intention is
to reverse the judgment of this action, but the transcript itself will show that I
was trying to act in a way that might produce more than this course. As a matter
of course, I want to be satisfled as soon as possible before I am required to issue
execution, and that by the County Clerk and under seal. I do not care about my
fees. I said once that I would suffer my fees, and I say that yet, if I can only pro-
duce peace among my fellow citizens. I therefore will not charge any fees to the
complainant for this transcript, as he has already trouble enough. It shall be fre^
ffratis. Yours very respectfully,
John Axstutz.
The manner in which Jostioe Amstutz's good offices were received
no doubt taught him that justice and philanthropy are not entirely
synonymous. ^
INDIAN NUOHBOBS, 1829-1831.
When Francis Stephenson set out in 1829 for his new home in Auglaize
Township, he took an ox-team and a wagon load of com and meat, such
as hams, shoulders and side meat, and after the cabin was erected a clap-
board loft was placed in it, where the corn and meat were deposited for
the use of his family when they arrived in the following spring. At
that time the Shawnees ranged through the township in their hunting
parties, and were, doubtless, soon aware of the contents of the cabin loft.
In March Mr. Stephenson and family arrived to occupy the lonely cabin,
and prepare a future home. He was greatly surprised to find his com and
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 229
hams imdiskirbed by the Indians or the wild beasts of the forest. In a
few hoars an old Indian hnnter and his band made the family a visit.
Lest the young people and the female portion of the family might be
alarmed by the presence of the Indians, the cabin of Mr. Stephenson
being near the Auglaize, two of the band accompanied the chief to hold
a conversation with the new-comers, while the rest remained on the
opposite side of the stream. Mr. Stephenson desired to win the esteem
and friendship of his red neighbors, and met them very kindly and
entered into a " talk.'' The chief desired to buy com for his ponies, and
to purchase meat for the Indians. After talking a short time Mr. Steph-
enson informed him he could spare both com and meai In a few
moments the red speakers left the cabin, and, having gone a short dis-
tance, gave a few sharp whoops, and the balance of the band crossed the
stream and came to the cabin, where an ei change of venison was made
for the flesh of the ^Eoshkosh," and a few bushels of corn for their
ponies. Mr. Stephenson says that the Shawnees often visited his father's
family afterward, and he was often, required to notice the fact that the
Indians never entered a white man's cabin without first knocking. He
thinks that, although the Indians must have been aware of what the
cabin contained, yet not an ear of com had disappeared. These were
nature's children, and possessed the most unflinching sense of true hon-
esty. In these times of high moral ideas, it would be very doubtful
whether such a store would remain undisturbed by men of our own color.
Isaac Shockey, in his reminiscences, says, ^ The same leading chiefs
and hunters among the Shawnees, of whom Mr. Stephenson speaks, also
visited the Shockeys. The Shawnees accompanied the new settlers to
point out and select lands. They were aware of the quality of the lands
desired by the purchaser, and could point out the best selections. Mr.
Shockey states that the lands upon which he now resides were thought to
be excellent by the Indiana There are several fine springs, often visited
by the Indians, while they made sugar, from 1826 to 1832. The farm
his father selected on Section 30, and now occupied by Alexander Kerr,
his a fine spring of wat^, often resorted to during the days of the old
Shawnees. Mr. Shockey found the Indians good judges of land, and
very kind neighbors. He has often been at their camps and their wig-
wams, and stayed at one Indian cabin in Lewiston. He asked his bill
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230 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
the next morning, and the Indian charged nothing, bat seemed offended
because he desired to pay for his lodging. It was always the custom of
an Indian to give the alarm before entering a house. His way of gain-
ing admittance was by first giving a sort of low whoop."
The American pioneers fulfilled their mission. They entered the
land unaccompanied by civilization, yet lived in perfect peace amid their
uncouth and barbaric surroundings. They drew both health and pleniy
from the soil, and dwelt here while the wilderness, in which they settled,
cast off its primeval robes and assumed the dress of our own times. In
a word the greater number of those indefatigable children of industry
lived here to witness one of the most prosperous divisions of Ohio,
greater in everything, prouder, wealthier than their brightest day-dreams
ever led them to conceive.
CHAPTER V.
PIONEER HISTORY.
A PERIOD of time, bordering on three-fourths of a century,
has passed away since the American pioneers of this county
made their first settlement here. Those years have been replete with
change, social, pplitical, religious, even physical change< The visi-
tor of to-day, ignorant of the past history of Allen, could scarcely
realize the fact that within six or seven decades a population approx-
imating 40,000 grew up, where, in the second quarter of the
Nineteenth Century, Indian villages stood, and the savages them-
selves had worn the war-paint, and retailed their scalp belts. The
people have not only increased in number, but, also, in wealth, refine*
ment and all the characteristics of advancement, which mark the older
settlements of the North Atlantic States. Newspapers, schools, churches,
palatial dwellings, magnificent public buildings, extensive marts, busy
mills, cultivated fields, now occupy the village sites and hunting grounds
of a hundred aboriginal races, while a people endowed with the highest
faculties have taken the place of the Shawanees and Ottawaians hem-
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 231
Belree. There are bat few left of the old landmarks — still a smaller
nnmber of old settlers. Oivilization and its demands have conspired
to raze every monument of the red-man, to obliterate almost every trace
of his oocnpancy. Old Time, too, has not looked calmly on, bnt, by vray
of reprisal, has driven many a pioneer to the promised land beyond the
the grave, or led others from the old homestead westward in the track
of the Indians to re-enact beyond the Mississippi the drama of early
settlement
V As a general rale the men and women who first settled in this county
were fearless, self-reliant and industrious. No matter from what State
or what country they came, there was a similarity of character. In
birth, education, language, religion, there were differences; but such
differences did not interfere with harmony — on the contrary, they were
lost in association, forgotten in that common interest which united all.
In such a community there was a hospitality, a kindness, a benevolence,
and high above all, a charity, unknown and unpracticed among the
older, richer and more densely populated settlements of trans- Alleghany
counties, just in the same manner, perhaps, as there was a higher faith
animating the early Christians, than that which marks our latter-day
Christianity. The very nature of the surroundings of those pioneers
taught them to feel each other's woe, to share each other's joy, and live
in communal integrity. Therefore it is not strange that among the old
settlers of this county a deep-seated friendship existed and grew and
strengthened with their advancing years. The incidents peculiar to life
in a new country — the privations and trials of early settlement in the
wilderness of Allen County, were well calculated to test, not only the
physical powers of endurance, but, also, the moral, kind, generous
attributee of true womanhood and manhood, and bring to the surface all
that may be in them of good or evil. /
In this chapter an effort is made u> deal in a thorough manner with
the pioneers and old settlers of the county. The whole story is based
upon the authority of records, and thus, at least, claims authenticity, a
fact which must go far to compensate for the absence of legendary or
unauthenticated relations.
ASSESSMENT BOLL OF 1834.
The following assessment roll made in 1834 by Samuel Black, Auditor
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232 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
of Allen County, is selected for the reason that it is the oldest record of
assessments which Auditor Poling was able to discover among the old
books of his ofiSce. A recapitulation of assessments gives the following
footings: Number of acres of land, 18,956; assessed value, $16,783;
467 town lots valued at $12,823.50; 657 horses, valued at $27,000; 1,058
cattle, valued at $8,464; merchants' stock, assessed value $8,557; physi-
cians and lawyers were assessed at $2,875, giving a total assessed valua-
tion of $69,461. On this assessment the sum of $991.66 was levied, of
which $197.05 formed State and canal tax, $783.16 county and school
tax and $11.46 town tax. The delinquencies reported by collectors were
very few. The names of the tax-payers are arranged alphabetically
under township headings:
Bath^ 1834, — Anderson and Baker, James Anderson, Samuel Aldridge,
Oriffith Breese, Abram Bowers, Oalvin Bradley, John Bashore, David
Bailey, Elijah Bates, William Bomen, A. Beatty, Samuel Black, William
Chaffee, Joseph Crossley, Jesse CuUisson, Abe Clark, Thomas Cochran,
John F. Cole, Miles Cowan, Simon Cochran, Joseph Carpenter, Abram
W. Cochran, Bobert Casebolt, Handy Canon, Hugh Crawford, William
Crawford, John Crawford, William Obenoweth, Henry M. Carns, Joseph
Crandal, Joseph Carpenter, Squire Carlin, William Cunningham, Miles
Cowan, Hamilton Davison, Moses M Dixon, Abram Dover, Benjamin
Dolph, Cyrus Davis, James Daniels, Matthew Dobbins, Nathan Daniels,
Oliver Ellsworth, Isaac Erksine, Joseph Edwards, Ezra Edgeoomb^
William Fisher, Harvey Foster, Archie Fisher, John Franklin, Patrick
G. GkK)de, Joel Gass, Manuel Hover, Joseph Hover, Ezekiel Hover,
Benjamin Hanson, Samuel Homan, William L. Henderson, George M.
Hoofer, Bichard Huse, Jacob Hook, James Higgs, Ed Hartshorn, John
Jackson, William Jones, Thomas Jackson, Samuel B. Jacobs, Elisha
Jolley, Garrison Einnard, John Lowrie, Aaron Loomis, Joseph Lippin-
oott, Morgan Lippincott, John Lippincott, Samuel Lippinoott, Evan
Morgan, Andrew McLain, James McDonald, Daniel Musser, John
McEibbin, Henry Moyers, Isaac Moyers, Abram Miller, Ben jamin Moore,
John Mark, John P. Mitchell, Thurston Mosher, L. R Maulby^ Joshua
Murray, James T. Miller, John P. Mitchell, D. Musser, Jr., Jacob Nigh,
Thomas Nicholds, Abram Osman, Aaron Osman, Bargelia Osman and
son, Daniel Purdy, John Purdy, William W. Bodgers, Ezra Reed, Alfred
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 233
Bandall, Samuel Richards, M. I. Boss, Thomas Rhea, Michael Ridenoor,
John Rockhold, Roger Ryan, Stephen Roach, Philip Rombaugh, Samuel
Sprague, G^rge Shelden, John N. Slife, F. Shull, Oeorge Swigart, H.
B. Stephenson, Louis Sroafe, W. Stewart, Hugh Stephenson, David Shaw,
Elijah Standiford, Fred Schaefer, Tompkins and Clutter, Stephen
Thomas, Peter Tunget, Enos Terry, George W. Tolman, Robert Terry,
John Terry, D. D. Tompkins, William Taylor, Grain Valentine, Samuel
Van Netta, James Vaughn, Alex Vaughn, Richard Ward, Jacob
Ward, Asa Wright, Chris Wood, William G. Wood, William and
John Ward, Albert G. Wood, Joseph T. Wood, John G. Wood, Harmon
Wood, Hamilton Davison, John Watt, William Watt.
Amanda^ 1834, — Thomas Adams, Thomas Berryman, William Berry-
man, Rachel Berryman, Eli Bumfield, James Crozier, Solomon Carr,
Jacob Carr, Frederick Clawson, William Durham, William Hurst, Mar-
tin Hire, Daniel Hoak, William Hoak, James Hoak, Jacob Harter, John
Harter, George Eephart, Heland*s heirs, William Johnson, William
Morewan, Achiles Martin, Andrew Russell, Benjamin Russel], Dye Sun-
derland, William Sunderland, Thomas Sutton, Samuel Stewart, William
Stewart, Benjamin W. Vance, Samuel Washburn, Simon Whetstone,
William Winans, David Walter, William Woollery. Samuel Washburn
was taxed for ninety-one lots in Amanda, of which the assessed value
was $227.50. The total tax levied was $140.68.
German, 1834. — Casiah Baxter, John Brand, Isaac Bowyer, William
Bryan, Michael Bowers, George Coon, Jacob Carmene, Smith Carmene,
S. and P. Carlin, Daniel Conrad, Willfam Denniston, John East, Joseph
Edwards, Samuel Fritz, John Hamig, Jacob Hartman, Henry Huffer,
Andrew Hesler, John Ireland, Griffith John, James Johnson, William
Enittle, Ferdinand Miller, G^rge Miller, William Moyers) Michael
Noll, George Poppinmoyer, James Pettin, John Pool, George Rideman,
Benjamin Reed, John Sommersett, John Steaman, Christian Stukey,
Jacob Shackemiller (Sawmiller), Robert Tate.
Jacksorij 1834, — Alex Allison, Matthew Allison, Jacob Bresler,
George Balsinger, George Barber, Hector Carlisle, John Carlisle, John
Claybaugh, James Carter, Chancey Curtiss, Jacob Elder, Eyre Edgecomb,
ITrich Edgecomb, Jeremiah Evans, Tethro Fisher, Silas Faurot, Jacob
Hawk, John HaU, Anthony EbtU, Richard Hall, Joseph Hall, James Hall,
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284 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Jamee W. Hall, John Jamieson, Samnel Jamieson, Elijah Joaee, Samael
MoOaffertj, Benjamin Meek, Joseph Mash, Samael McOlore, Moses
McOlore, George May, William Neelej, Elizabeth Neeley, Thomas Nash,
Silas Osman, Enos Panlin, Samael Patterson, Jamee Prosser, John Rob-
inson, William Bambaagh, David Bambaogh, William Beese, William
Boberts, J. Bambaogh, James Bambaagh, William Bains, John Staley,
Jacob Staley, Peter Staley, Jr., Melohoir Staley, Peter Stalej, Bobert
Snodgrass, David Sasseton, Lemuel Taoker, William Watty James Watt,
Adam White, Tobias Woods, Samael Watt, Joseph G. Walton, Daniel
Woollett, Abram Ward, William Ward, John B. Walton, Joseph Ward,
Philip Woollett, George White.
The assessed valae of lands in Jackson in 1834 was $472, one steam-
mill valned at $160, valae of personal property $3,800. Total tax levied
$57.53.
Auglaize, 1834. -Joseph Asking, Alexander Oreps, George Goon, Fol-
som Ford, Thomas Ford, Bobert Grant, William Holt, Elijah Hardesty,
Samael Ice, Peter Jacobs, Nicholas D. Maas, William Patterson, David
Perks, Abner Smith, Alex F. Stedman, John Shockej, Jesse Stephen-
son, Francis Stephenson, William Stephenson, James Stephenson, Sam-
ael Shockey, Israel Shockey, Henry Shellenberger, George Underwood,
John YermiJlion, Jacob Weaver and Jacob YazelL Alex. Crops was
assessed $1.89 on thirty-six lots in the village of Westminster, on a vala-
ation of $172. The personal property valaation was $2,192, on which a
tax of $24.11 was levied.
Deuchoquette, 1834, — William Stockdale's lands were valned at $214
and yielded a tax of $2.93. Jonathan K. Wells, Peter Aaghenbaagh and
Joseph Barnett had lots and honses valaed at $6,816, on which a
$146.80 iitr was levied. The personal property of the town was valaed at
$11,716 and yielded a tax of $129.87. The taxpayers of Denchoqaette
in 1834 were Jeremiah Ayers, John Back, Jesse Back, Daniel Bitter,
Bobert Branham, John Bluest, John Bobb, Nicholas Bobb, George Bait-
zell, Benjamin Baker, Joseph Barnett & Co., owners of grist and saw
mill, Nicholas Connor, John Campbell, Joseph Cammins^ Co., Elijah C.
Case, John Cnmpton, William Capeland, James H. Coleman, John Cook,
James T. Chaney, Jamee Chaney, William Crawford, Joeiah Clawson,
Josiah Clawson, Jr., Thomas J. Defrees, James Elliott, William Ervin,
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HIlltoRy OF ALLEN COUNTY. 286
John Fausler, Dayid Fairfield, John Foats, Andrew Fall, Peter Fisher,
Thomas Fairfield, George Friman, John Gilbert, Samuel Howell, Joseph
Haskell, John and Jesse Jackson, Benjamin Julian, Job and Bachel
Johnson, B. Henry, William Hinton, Peter Hammell, Adam Heffers, John
Hentner, Abram Littlejohn, Eben Lucas, John Lenix, Israel Luous,
Shrock and Thomas Morton, Bobert and Archibald McCullough, Shad-
raoh Montgomery, Joseph Meyers, B. Mathem, Amos S. Nioholds, Fred-
erick Nonnemaker, Levi D. Northrup, Jane M. Patton, Charles Pumell,
William Byan, Charles Bont, W. and Bird Bichardson, D. Banney, James
and W. Spray, W. Stockdale, Archibald Sutton, B. J. Skinner, Adam
Snider, Conrad Shemal, Neil Shaw, W. Thatcher, John Tain, Isaac Ter-
willigett, Henry B. Thom, William Taylor, Jacob Yorees, T. B. Van
Horn, Dayid, Philip and Samuel YanBlaricom, John YanAntwerp, David
Woodrough, Edward Williams, Chris. Waggoner, William Williams,
Hiram Young.
Marion, 1834, — Bamabus Coon, Benjamin Cochran, William Cochran,
Daniel Enoop, Isaac Enoop, Samuel Moore, Samuel Miller, Jacob Miller,
Jesse Miller, Samuel Mannion, Sylvester Woollery, Norman Washburn
and John Waggoner were the taxpayers of Marion in 1834. Lands
were valued at $220 and personal property at $672, yielding a tax of
$^.81.
Perry in 1834. --The tax payers in 1834 were James IL Daniels,
Augustus Curtin, Thomas Crook, Thomas Franklin, Jacob Ice, Samuel
B. Lippencott, John C. Luce, John Logan, Elya Maus, George Sever,
John Stevenson, Daniel Shuler, and James McPherson. The value of
horses and cattle was estimated at $872, yielding a tax of $0.59.
Union Toumshipy 1834. — Joel Bailiff, John C. Baltzell, John Bailey,
Bichard Bailey, Joseph Brown, Lemuel Baooim, William Bethards, John
Corder, Benjamin Corder, James Coleman, John Carter, Monroe Hodges,
Aaron Howell, Joseph Howell, John Jacobs, Bichard Jones, Stephen
Kent, Joseph Lyons, Man Lusk, Charles Lusk, John Morris, William
Patterson, Andrew Perkins, Peter Prenchous, John M. Powell, John
Bogers, Benjamin Bunyan, John Shannon, George Swisher, Mathias
Spees, and James Watt. The assessed valuation was $2,568, yielding a
tax of $28.25.
Wayne Township in iSSi.— James Abemethy, Henry W. Bowdel, John
14
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236 HISTORY OP ALLEN COlfl^TY.
Bnrget, William Black, Daniel Black, Thomas Call, Eli Corson, Samuel
Cottrell, Robert Conrtenay, BazzleDay, Daniel Ellsworth, Thomas Ghreen,
Ezekiel Hover, JohnC. Hurley, Alex Kent, William Kent, James Mahon,
Samuel Morecraft, Simon Morecraft, John Bidenour, David Turner,
Jacob Williams, Amos Witham, Olis Witham, Valentine Peer's heirs,
and James Taylor's lands were assessed at $142.93 on a $10,050 valua-
tion. The personal property valued at $1, 864 yielded a tax of $20.50.
PERlfANEMT SETTLEBS OF THE PIONBKB FEBIOD.
The first permanent settlers in the county were Andrew Russell, Peter
Diltz and William Van Ausdall, all of whom were old residents of Mont-
gomery County, Ohio.
Matthew Allison, a Pennsylvanian, settled in Bath Township late in
1827, and purchased a tract of public lands on Section 2 in 1834
Alexander Allison, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in Bath Town-
ship in 1827. In 1830 he purchased Government lands on Section 8, and
made the county his home until his death in 1871.
Charles Baker settled at Lima in 1832, and erected the first frame
building in the village.
John Bashore settled at Lima in 1881, and may be named as the first
tavern-keeper of Lima.
Samuel Baxter settled in Amanda Township in 1828 with his sons,
Curtiss and Sdiith Baxter. The latter came with him when only four
years of age, and the former when six years old. His death took place
August 10, 1830, while Mrs. Baxter lived until August 26, 1854.
John Barber, a Pennsylvanian, settled with his wife in Bath Town-
ship in 1833. Mrs. Barber died in August, 1882, and John Barber
November 4, 1884. ^
D. B. Beardsley, one of the old settlers of Hancock Couniy, was also
a pioneer of Allen. For years he has served as Justice of the Peace of
Hancock County, and has written a book of historical reminiscences on
that division of the State.
William Belcher purchased a quarter of Section 28, Marion, in 1826.
Gen. William Blackburn, Receiver of the Land Office, was trans-
ferred to Lima in 1834, whence he moved to Allentown, where he died.
Samuel Bowers, father of Robert Bowers, settled at Lima lat« in
1834.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 237
Isaac Bowyer and bis wife Elizabeth purchased a farm on Section 18
in 1830, and a'year later became members of the first Methodist Church
of Elida.
Daniel Boyer, a Pennsylvanian, settled at Lima in 1836. In 1837
he was married to Miss Hnghes, a sister of Judge Hughes, who died here
in April, 1851. He died October 26, 1884, aged seventy- three years.
Griffith Breese settled on Section 10, Shawnee Township, in 1832.
This was the site of a Shawnee village, as then evidenced by seveu cab-
ins and eighty apple trees. This pioneer died in 1848. His widow died
in 1852, while his son, William D. Breese, who came with him in 1832,
is still a resident of the county.
William Bryan settled in German Township in 1830 with his wife
Elizabeth. Both of them were among the first members of the Methodist
Society organized there the following year.
Harvey Buckmister, one of the old traders of the Hollister Fur Com-
pany, a pioneeer of Hardin County, must be also credited with being an
old resident of Allen County.
John Chapman, or ^Johnny Appleseed," a Swedenborgian, was in Jef-
ferson County, Ohio, as early as 1801. He planted sixteen bushels of
apple seed on the Butler farm on the Walhonding Biver. On entering a
house he would lie down on the floor and ask the people, '' Will you have
some fresh news from heaven?" He was born in Boston in 1775. In
April, 1828, he leased a farm from William B. Hedges below Shanes-
villa His death took place near Fort Wayne in 1845, aged seventy-two
years. This Chapman was a composition of eccentricities. S. C. Mc.
Cullough, in his reminiscences, states that he visited a nursery on the
Sunderland farm in Amanda Township, soon after he commenced to clear
his own farm in 1835. He was told that the trees were planted by John
Chapman some years before; and further, that the old man had been
along the Ottawa and Auglaize Rivers seeking out alluvial lands to set
out orchards, before white men had effected a settlement in Allen County.
It is probable that "Johnny" carried out his benevolent work here even
prior to the building of Fort Amanda. That he was here about 1812-1813
is manifested in the number, variety and age of the trees which sprung
from the seeds planted by him along Wayne's trace.
James M. Candler and his parents settled near Lafayette in 1829;
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238 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
moYed to Liberty Township, Hardin Comity, in 1882, where his father
died in 1835.
Solomon Carr, who with his family settled in Marion Township in
1826, is now represented by his son, Abner Carr, one of the few survivors
of pioneer days.
Henry Carter, a native of Delaware, with Edward Cox and Thomas
Kane, settled in Bichland Township, in 1834.
William Chaffee, a Baptist preacher, settled at Lima about 1833.
{Vide History Baptist Chnrch.) He purchased a farm on Section 1,
Shawnee Township, in 1832. He amassed a fair sum of money; lost it
or wasted it, was sent to an insane asylum at Indianapolis, and there
died.
William S. Chenoweth, a Bevolutionary soldier, together with James
Chenowetb, came to Bath Township in 1827 or 1828, and purchased land
on Section 33, in 1831.
Josiah ClawsoD, who married a daughter of Martin Hine, in 1835,
in Marion Township, and purchased a farm on Section 28, in 1834, died
February 6, 1844. Andrew Clawson was another old settler, who resided
on Section 30.
^ Benjamin Clevenger, the miller of Sugar Creek, in 1832. William
Clevenger located lands on Section 20, in 1829.
William Cochran settled in Marion Township in 1825. He was ac-
companied by his wife and son, James Cochran. The latter married Miss
Julia A. Bussell, daughter of the pioneer, Andrew Bussell, in 1829.
This lady died in 1833. In 1834 he entered lands on Section 34, Marion.
Thomas Cochran, a Eentuckian, settled in German Township in 1831.
His father, Simon Cochran, served in the Revolutionary war, and died
in this township, aged ninety years. A. W. and John Cochran served in
the war of 1812.
John F. Cole, accompanied by his family, came to Allen County in
1831, and located near Lima, November 7, that year. A few months
later he was present at the burial of Chief Pht, and after that time he
continued to witness the removal by death of many if not all the early
settlers. He died in 1882. His son, also John F. Cole, is an old resident
of Lima.
' Mrs. Nancy Cole, widow of the late Joho F. Cole, settled with her
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 289
bosbaud in Bath Township in 1831, moved to Lima subsequently and
died here October 24, 1880.
George Coon, Sr., a Pennsylvanian, settled on Section 11, Shawnee,
in 1832, about the time that William Deniston and Thomas Flynn made
their settlement in that neighborhood. His death occurred in 1877.
John Orawford settled in Bath Township in 1828 ; purchased lauds
on Section 4, in 1831, and resided there until his death, in 1839.
Alexander Oreps and his wife Rebecca (Maus) Creps, came about
1832. In 1834 Alex. Creps founded the village of Westminster and
there died August 25, 1878.
Smith Cremean arrived in German Township in 1830, and settled on
lands which he purchased on Section 19, in 1830. Jacob Cremean was
also an early settler.
Charles Crites, a Pennsylvanian, settled in German Township in 1839.
Jacob Crites arrived in 1843.
Joseph Crossley, who settled at Lima in 1833, moved to Perry Town-
ship in 1834 and located his farm on Section 16. He was accompanied
by his step-son Henry J. Apple. Crossley was one of Wayne's soldiers^
and is said to have burned the first brick at Cincinnati) Chicago, Fort
Wayne, Dayton, and Lima.
Thomas Crooks arrived in Auglaize Township in 1831.
James Crozier was one of the first Associate Judges.
Archibald Cunningham settled at Lima in 1834 with his son, John
Cunningham, who conducted a school in the first court house from 1834
to 1888.
Dr. William Cunningham, a name so closely identified with the earlier
years of the county, settled at Lima iu 1831. He died in September,
1842. {Vide general history). In 1832 he purchased the Cunningham
homestead at Lima.
Theodore E. Cunningham, whose personal history appears in the
third part of this work, is one of the senior old residents, and even now
one of the ablest lawyers of the county. In 1866 he was delegate to
the Johnson Constitutional Convention. In 1873-74 he was a member of
the Ohio Constitutional Convention, and has for years taken a foremost
part in everything relating to the progress of this division of the State.
He came with his father. Dr. William Cunningham, to Lima in 1832.
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240 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Hamilton Davidson, the first resident attorney, is referred to so often
in the chapters of this work that the name only is necessary here. He
moYed to Defiance in 1845 or 1846.
James and Benjamin Daniels settled in Bath Township and purchased
lands on Section 81, in 1828.
Nathan Daniels, the first Recorder, was one of the first residents of
Lima.
W. P. Dehart, a settler of Amanda Township, in 1837, is a pioneer
of Spencer, having settled there in 1848, the year before Canover,
MoConnell and Tyler platted^the village of Spenoerville.
Peter Diltz arrived in January, 1817, and took up his residence in tl^e
small block-house on the northeast comer of the quadrangle or parade
ground of Fort Amanda. On September 20, 1817, Francis Diltz was bom
in this log-house, and here the family continued to reside until the
beginning of the summer of 1821, when Mr. and Mrs. Diltz and children
returned to Dayton. Previous to his leaving the county, however, he
erected a log-cabin for the Sunderland family in 1821.
Simon Doyle and family came to Allen County in 1829 and purchased
lands in Section 17, Bath Township, the same year.
William Durham purchased his farm in Amanda in 1827.
Francis Deuchoquette, the French interpreter, whose knowledge of
the Shawnees and their language was only equalled by his desire for
justice, was denied employment in 1831 by the wily and unprincipled
Indian Commissioner Gardner. He set out, that year, to accompany the
Shawnee delegation to Washington, but died en route and was buried
amid the lamentations of that people for whom he sought justica Deucho-
quette Township, formerly a portion of Allen County, is named after
him.
The late C. C. Marshall, in a reference to this man, says: **I became
acquainted in 1831 with Francis Deuchoquette, the old Frenchman who
had lived a long time among the Shawnees, and is said to have inter-
ceded for the life of Dr. Knight, when Col. William Crawford was
burned by the Delawaree near the Tymochtee, in Wyandot County, after
his capture in 1782. This venerable Frenchman died, when on his way
to Washington, with a Shawnee delegation, at Cumberland, Md., in the
summer of 1831.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 241
John East, son of Abraham, a German soldier, sold to the British by
his raler in 1774-76 to fight against the Americans, settled in German
Township in 1833 with his sons Samuel and Isaac. He died in 1802.
John East operated a carding-machine in early days in German Town-
bhip.
Uriah Edgeoomb moved to Bath Township in 1832, and located on
land which he pnrohased that year on Section 8. Ezra Edgeoomb also
entered a tract of land in the same section.
Michael Flynn, who located at Ada, in Hardin County in 1856, is an
old resident of Allen County.
Saul Faulkner, an old settler of Champaign County, settled on Sec-
tion 21, Perry Township, in 1832. In 1883 he purchased Goyemment
lands in Section 21.
Samuel Forrer, who surveyed the Shelby Canal in 1824, may be con*
sidered the pioneer of Marion Township, as he ultimately settled here,
and made Delphos his home until his death in 1874. In 1834 he pur-
chased a tract of land on Sections 20 and 18.
Tolson Ford settled in Auglaize Township in 1880. In the history
of first industries and again in the history of his township the name is
often referred ta
The Fulton brothers, pioneer physicians of Spencer Township, set-
tled there at Hartford about 1836 as pioneers of the oouniy.
Daniel Garde, a settler of Amanda in 1824, entered a small parcel
of land on Section 5, in 1828.
y^ Levi Goodenow and family settled on Section 20, Auglaize, in 1886.
He died in 1876.
Elisha Hall purchased a farm on Section 8, Bath, in 1880.
Justin Hamilton, who surveyed the original town of Lima in 1881,
was one of the pioneers of Mercer County.
Jacob Harter entered a parcel of land on Section 21, Marion, in 1825.
Henry Harter bought his lands on Section 28.
Jacob Harter, one of the early settlers of Amanda Township, entered
his lands on Section 4, in 1825.
Edward Hartshorn made an entry of a tract of land^on Section 7,
Bath, in 1829.
Merritt Harvey settled in Spencer in 1847. Prior to his coming
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242 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
John Barter, a merohant, Dr. Samnel Price, Abe Armitage, T. C. Bartle,
a carpenter, aDd William Young were settlers. Physicians Gray, Emer-
son and Wyat may be named among the early settlers.
The pioneer land-buyers of Spencer Township were Jacob Peter-
baugh, L. V. Van Horn, B. P. Southworth, George Young, Joseph
Brown, Solomon K Brown, J. Marks, in 1834; Samuel Purdy, Joe
Osborne and John Clifton in 1848; G. D. Coleman and John Hocken-
berry in 1845.
Joseph Higgs settled in Bath Township previous to 1832, and erected
the first saw-mill on Sugar Creek that year.
Martin Hire settled in Allen County in 1824.
Joseph Hover, a Pennsylvanian, arrived in 1833 and settled on Sec-
tion 1, Shawnee Township. Here he resided until his death in 1844.
W. U.^over accompanied his father and brother James A. Mr. Hover,
Sr., built the first frame house in the township.
Ezekiel Hover and Emanuel Hover, brothers of Joseph Hover, settled
in Shawnee in 1833. Ezekiel purchased the lands where the chief vil-
lage of the Shawneee stood, and there took up his residence in the old
council house.
Henry Huffer settled one and one-half miles from Elida in 1831 with
his wife and family. His daughter Delilah is the wife of Henry Eira-
cofe, himself an old settler.
James K Hueston settled with his family, in May, 1824, in the north-
eastern part of Hardin County. He died in 1834.
Thomas E. Jacobs, a Pennsylvanian, whose sudden death occurred
November 12, 1884, came to Lima in 1838. He with Daniel Boyer and
Elisha JoUey were the leading tailors of the county at that date. {Vide
sketch of Mr. Jacobs).
Samuel Jacobs was one of the earliest settlers. In the history of his
township the name is mentioned.
John Jackson, the first surveyor and subsequently Auditor, was one
of the first settlers of Lima. In 1833 he purchased a tract of land on
Section 11, Bath.
Frank Jamieson and his wife Rachel settled near the present site of
Elida in 1828. Mr. Jamieson died in 1872.
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 243
John Ireland settled in German Township in 1832, and was the first
Jostioe of the Peace elected in that township. ^
James Jennings and family settled in Jackson Township in 1836.
Gideon and John Jennings entered lands on Section 9, Bath Town-
ship, in 1834. Joseph, Asa and David Jennings, it is said, settled in
Bath Township about 1825.
Griffith Jc>hn, a Pennsylvanian, came to German Township in 1831,
and in the fall of that year located his farm on Section 7. Within the
quarter century followiog he purchased 1,640 acres of land in German,
Marion and Amanda Townships, of which he was sole owner up to the
period of his death in February, 1856. Jesse J. John, a resident of
Elida, is one of his sons. Jehu John was killed at Eenesaw Mountain,
June 19, 1864
Abraham Eessler settled in German Township in 1838. In 1834 he
purchased a tract of public lands on Section 32.
Abner Eelsey purchased land on Section 7 in 1825, near the Wood
farm in Bath Township.
George Eephart purchased his farm on Section 4, Amanda, in 1825.
William Kidd settled in Monroe Township in 1832, where he resided
until his death in 1855. N. G. Kidd, his son, came to the township
with his parents in 1832. In 1833 he opened the first school in the
township on Section 14
William Enittle, a Pennsylvanian, settled just north of Elida in
August, 1830. He was one of the men who, a year later, engaged in
cutting the Lima road through from £lida.
Isaac Enoop purchased lands in Amanda Township, Section 32, in
1828.
Henry Lippincott, who settled on Section 32, Bath, in 1830, was
elected Sheriff in 1831.
Morgan Lippincott and William Lippincott were members of the pio-
neer family of that name
Aaron Loomis came in 1825, and assisted in building the McOluer
cabin in Bath Township, and, in lS26, settled in the county with his
family.
Peter Loramie, a" French trader, who settled at Pickawillany in 1769,
and won for the place in later years the name of Loramie's Station, was
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244 HISTORY OF AliLEN COUNTY.
one of the few Frenchinen of that time who offered aid to the British.
His friendship for them was a purely basiness one; bat so material to
their interests that Gen. Clarke visited the post in 1782, carried off his
stock and bnmed the buildings. Loramie escaped and found a home
among the Shawnees, with whom he traded for years, until his death in
the far West.
Anthony Madore, another old resident of Shanesville, succeeded
Shane as trader, sold his store to Greayee in 1821, and accompanied the
Indians to Kansas during the first migration.
Horatio N. Maguire, elected Recorder of Allen Oounty in 1846, was
one of the early settlers. He died before his term of service expired,
but continued to make records of deeds up to the night before his de-
cease. His widow, known as Aunt Jane, still resides at Lima. His son,
an old resident of Montana Territory, now residing in the Gallatin Val-
ley, has held the ofi&ce of Probate Judge and other public positions in
the Territory.
John Mark was one of the three first residents of Lima. Little is
known of him, as he made only a short stay there.
Samuel Marshall and his son, the late Charles C. Marshall, may be
named among the pioneers of Spencer, and indeed of the county. They
carried the mails via Fort Amanda in 1829, 1830 and 1881.
Archelaus Martin, a Eentuckian, came to Amanda Township first in
1829, and as a resident in 1830. In 1833 he was married to Catherine
Bussell, daughter of the pioneer of that name.
William Martin, a native of Ireland, settled in Perry Township
about 1833, and two years later purchased his farm on Section 29.
Dr. William McHenry, who came to Lima in May, 1834, is still in
practice here.
Samuel McCluer, a soldier of the war of 1812, and a participant in
the defeat of the British at the battle of the Thames, came to this county
in 1825, and erected his cabin on the west side of Hog Creek on Section
28, Bath Township. He was accompanied hither by his brothers, Thomas
and Moses, together with Joseph Ward and Aaron Loomis. In 1826
he brought his wife and family to reside here. Mrs. MoCluer died Sep-
tember 21, 1844. Her husband's death took place December 29, 1875.
James McCuUough, father of Samuel C. McCullough, settled with
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 245
his family on Section 11, Bath, in June, 1835, on land which he pur-
chased in 1836. A year later Mrs. McGulloogh died. ' She was the
daughter of CJol. Blue, referred to in military orders of 1812-13.
John McGill purchased his farm on Section 34, in 1826.
John McEibben, settled on Section 30, Bath Township, in 1834, but
died in August of that year, aged thirty-three years. As a recognition
of the interest he showed in the building up of Lima, one of the streets
in the north diyision of that city is named after him.
Jacob Miller, accompanied by his wife and son Silas, settled on Sec-
tion 16, Amanda, in 1826, and made the township their home until their
decease.
Aaron M. Miller, the first Prosecuting Attorney, is connected with the
courts and bar of the county.
John P. Mitchell, who located at Lima in 1831, together with being
one of the first settlers, was also one of the first tayern-keepers. He
entered lands in Section 31, in 1832.
Samuel Moore entered a tract of land in Amanda Township od Sec-
tion 32, in 1827.
John Murray, who settled in Jackson To¥mship in 1834, died January
3, 1866.
Daniel Musser, a PennsyWanian, came with his parents and the f am-
ily of William Weller, to Lima, in 1833, having resided for a short time
before this in Marion Township. He was one of the early tayern-keepers,
and also operated the first tannery in 1833-34. His death took place
April 12, 1880, in his seyenty-seyenth year.
William Myers, the first store-keeper at Allentown, opened his store
there in 1835. He, with George Povenmyre, platted that yillage the
same year. They settled here in 1832 or 1833.
Daniel Myers^ settled in German Township in 1831, with his step-
father, Peter BicTenour. He erected the first building, other than the
old Lutheran Church, on the site of Elida Village.
James Nicholas, a Pennsylvanian, settled in Sugar Creek Township,
September 13, 1833, and the same year purchased his lands on Section
28. He seryed as Justice of the Peace for almost half a century.
Aaron Osbom entered lands on Section 28, Bath, in 1830, near Bar-
zilla Osbom's purchase of 1829.
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246 HISTORY OF ALLEN (BOUNTY.
Yanoe Pangle, a Virginian, who settled in Sugar Creek Township in
1834 with his wife, died September 15, 1835. In 1844 the widow and
her son, Elisha Pangle, moved to Delphos.
John Plickard, a settler of 1832, died, March 18, 1860. His wife,
Julia Ann Jamieson, of German Township, resided on Section 84, Mar-
ion, where Mr. Plickard entered lands in 1884.
Amelia Post located lands on Section 10, Amanda Township, in 1822.
Samuel Purdj and Daniel Purdy came to Sugar Creek Township pre-
vious to 1826. In 1827 the latter settled on Section 1.
P^ter Bidenour settled in German Township in 1831. His wife and
step son, Daniel Myers, accompanied him.
John Bidenour, an old settler of Perry County, Ohio, came to Perry
Township with his family in 1830. He died in 1874. Mrs. Bidenour
died in 1879. Jacob, son of John Bidenour, came in 1830, and about
this time also Samuel Bidenour settled here on Section 21. George
Bidenour settled in the county about this time.
Edward Blgdon located a farm on Section 29, Ottawa Township, in
1829.
Samuel Bockhill, who platted the village of Bockport, settled in
Monroe Township in 1835 with his son, William Bockhill.
Andrew Bussell and his wife arrived in January, 1817, and took pos-
session of the largest block-house at Fort Amanda, the same which was
used as officers' quarters in 1812-13. Here his daughter Susanna, afterward
wife of Charles C. Marshall, was born July 13, 1817. Here Mr. Bussell
died in April, 1822, and was buried in the military cemetery by Dye
Sunderland, Diltz and Van Ausdall. His daughter, Mrs. Marshall, died
at Delphos in June, 1871.
Anthony Shane was the trader and storekeeper at Shanesville previous
to the war of 1812. He platted the town of Shanesville in 1820, and
resided there until he accompanied the Indians to Eansiis in 1832.
David N. Saxton purchased a tract of land on Section 80, Bath, in
1880.
William Scott, who erected a saw-mill near Lima in 1884, must be
considered among the pioneers.
Isaac Shockey, a native of Marylimd, settled on Section 80, Auglaize
Township, in 1831, where he resided until his death in 1847.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 247
James Smith settled in Auglaize Township in 1831.
Elijah Standiford purchased lands on Section 82, Bath, in 1830.
Francis Stephenson settled on Section 17, Auglaize Township, in
March, 1829-30, with his wife and son Joseph, John Goode, Mrs. Ara-
bella Goode and perhaps two others. He died in 1847, and the year fol-
lowing his wife died.
Samuel Stewart, who with James Daniels and John G. Wood formed
the first County Board.
William Stewart and Mrs. Jane Stewart, Pennsylvanians, settled on
Section 9, Amanda, in 1824, and erected his cabin the same year. He
died in April, 1874.
Samuel Stewart, a brother of William, also located in the township
in 1824.
Hezekiah Stoles, a soldier of the Revolution, settled in Bath Town-
ship about 1827 or 1828.
John Snmmersett and his wife Bachel settled in German Township,
in 1880. In 1833 he purchased a tract of land on Section 17, German
Township.
Peter Sunderland, a soldier of the Revolution, came liere in 1820;
died in 1827, and was buried in the Fort Cemetery.
Dye Sunderland, also an old resident of Montgomery County, Ohio,
settled near Fort Amanda, on Section 15, in 1821, with his family. He
died in 1856. Four years later Mrs. Sunderland died.
Robert Terry entered a tract of land on Section 28, Bath, in 1829.
William Terry, one of the pioneer school teachers, it is thought, settled
here about the same time.
James Turner and his son purchased Government lands in Sugar
Creek Township in 1825 and 1826; Daniel Purdy, in 1827; William
Clevenger, David Sim, John Enslen, John Gander, William Ward, Hugh
Crawford.. Michael Ridenour and D. J. Conrad, in 1829; Revel Roach,
Henry Huflfer, Michael Swisher, Peter Roth, in 1830.
Samuel Tidd settled near the east line of the county in 1822, on Sec-
tion 21, Roundhead.
William Underwood, who settled in Amanda in 1821, purchased his
farm on Section 15, in 1822.
Robert Underwood came in 1831 to Auglaize Township. His name
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248 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
is mentioned in the history of that township, and again in the general
history.
William Van Ansdall arrived at Fort Amanda in January, 1817, and
made the store-house in the center of the square his temporary home.
During the fall of that year he erected a log-house on Section 15, where
he resided until 1821, when he moved to Michigan with his family. In
1824 he r^umed to Fort Amanda, where he died the same year, and was
buried in the military cemetery.
Peter Yerbrycke settled in German Township, in March, 1835.
Joseph Walter came in 1826, and settled in Bath Township.
Joseph Ward visited the county in 1825, and in 1826 brought his
family here. He resided with the McCluer family until his own cabin
was erected.
John Ward, the first County Clerk, died in 1842.
Samuel Washburn purchased a tract of land in Section 21, Marion
Township, in 1825.
William Watt was one of the first Associate Judges.
James Watt purchased lands on Section. 25, in 1833.
^Hudson ^att, who came to Lima in May, 1834, died here May 17,
1880.
Adam White, the first Treasurer, located a farm on Section 26, in
1828.
Christopher Wood, a Eentuckian, a scout in the American service
from 1790 to 1794, and a soldier of the war of 1812-15, may be said to
be a pioneer of 1824, since in that year he accompanied his sons, Joseph
and Albert G., and his son-in-law, Benjamin Dolph, into the wilds of
this county. In 1826 John G. Wood entered a parcel of land in Bath
Township. In 1829 Christopher Wood was appointed Commissioner to
locate the seat of justice for Allen County; an Associate Judge of Com-
mon Pleas in 1831; Director of the town of Lima for the sale of lots the
same year, and subsequently was appointed to many positions of trust.
He was born in 1769, and died at Lima in 1856. (Fide History of Lima
and Organic History.) Joseph Wood and other members of that family
were all among the' pioneers. William G. Woods was the first County
Auditor.
Owing to the fact that the German pioneers of Marion Township did
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 249
not effect permanent settlement until after the pioneer era of the county,
their names are confined to the history of that township.
In the foregoing record there are many names mentioned under one
heading. Thus, under the name Turner, there are no less than fourteen
pioneers mentioned. The object of this portion of the chapter is to
gather, as nearly as possible, the names of the very earliest settlers; so
that, where the biographical historian fails to obtain their history, the
writer of the general history may be satisfied that at least a brief per-
sonal reference is made to them in his own division of the work.
MABBUOE BEOORD OF PIONBEB DAYS.
Such a record as this claims a double value. It places before the
reader a great number of names connected* with the first years of the
county's progresa It points out the time when the young men and
women of those years assumed the duties and responsibilities of married
life, and in a measure chronicles the beginning of their true citizenship.
The record from 1881 to 1845 is selected to supplement the history of
pioneer times. The extent of the several matrimonial stories related in
the original books since 1845, and the fact that such stories are compar-
atively modem and accessible to the public, are a few of the reasons why
the record should not be continued here. The editor of the Democratic
Times, Mr. Self ridge, gave to his readers in 1883-^ a very full review
of marriages, so far as registered, which took place in this county.
Charles F. Price, city editor of the Daily Times, continued the marriage
chronology down to 1884, thus securing and making easy of access the
record which is destined to take a most important place, if not the most
important, among the records of the county.
1831.
June. — By Rev. I. McHenry, David Bailey to Bhoda Daniels.
August. — By John Ireland, Henry Harter to Sarah Bryant.
September. — By John Ireland, Wm. Cochrane to Catherine Hire.
November. — By L. Sroufe, J. P., Henry Lippincott to Semaramas
Wood
December. — By Lewis Sroufe, J. P., J. G. Wood to Emily Burch.
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250 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
1832.
January. — By L. Sroufe, James H. Daniels to Harriet A. Lippincott
February. — By Wm. Chaflfee, Bargilla Osborh to Martha Chenoweth.
March. — By Lewis Sronfe, J. L. Stevenson to Hannah Bidenonr.
April. — By Lewis Sroufe, James Saxton to Nancy Jones.
May. — By Lewis Sroufe, Fleet Clark to Mary Ensler; by Silas
Thomas, J. P., Abram Ensler to Nancy McCoy; by Silas Thomas, J. P.,
Thomas Hawthorn to Myra S. Daniels.
July. — By Lewis Sroufe, Bral Spurrier to Julia Van Blaricnm.
August.— By Silas ^aurot, J. P., J. W. Carback to Eliza Osbom.
September.— By John Ireland, J. P., H C. Opdycke to Elanor Sun-
derland.
November.— By Silas Faurot, J. P., B. M. Daniels to Martha Haw-
thorn.
December.— By Silas Faurot, J. P., Anthony Hall to Mary Candler.
1883.
January. — By Wm. Chaffee, John Chenoweth to Eliza Hawthorn; by
TolsonFord, J. P., W. M. Hall to Lydia W. Walton.
February. — By Rev. A. Hursey, Dan Martin to Eliza Vaughan.
March. — By N. Daniels, J. P., Eben Osbom to Mahala Hanson; by
Wm. Chaffee, Benj. W. Vance to Susanna Taylor.
April. — By Peter Ridenour, J. P., Wm. Ward to Eliza Ridenour; by
Nathan Daniels, J. P., Jesse Cullison to Sarah Ward; by Silas Faurot,
J. P., Abram H. Hall to Arvilla Walton.
July. — By P. Ridenour, J. P., Philip Hening to Eliza Hartman.
August. — By John Ireland, J. P., Felix Devore to Eliza Sutton; by
Wm. Chaffee, Andrew Cochrane to Nancy Cannon; by Wm. Chaffee,
Archelaus Martin to Catherine Russell.
September. — By J. P. Walton, J. P., Jos. Shellenbarger to Eliza
Bresler.
October.— By J. P.. Walton, J. P., David G. Church to Mary Sexton-
November. — By Tolson Ford, J. P., Alanson Earl to Rachel Day;
by Tolson Ford, J. P., Thomas Sutton and Susan Kephart; by Tolson
Ford, J. P., Edward Stowe to Esther Morecrafi
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HISTORT OP ALLEN CX)UNTY. 258
December. — By W. Berryman, J. P., Joeiah OlawBon to Elizabeth
Hire; by N. Daniels, J. P., D. Beeoe to Prisoilla Nichols.
1834.
January. — By Wm. Chaffee, Gea M. Hoffman to Hannah Nichols.
February. — By Wm. Berryman, J. P., Jacob Miller to Elizabeth
Moore.
March.— By Tolson Ford, J. P., John O'Ferrall to Sarah Yasell; by
Lewis Sroufe, J. P., Wm. Quffey to Mary/ A. Jacobs.
April — By Wm. Chaffee, Wm. Casebolt to Fannie Slugley; by W.
Berryman, Abram Whetstone to Eliza Berryman; by Peter Bidenour,
Enos Stukey to Hester Ehrenman.
Juna — By Wm. Chaffee, Amos Alfred to Sarah A Hover; by Silas
Faurot, J. P., Jos. N. Pelty to Nancy Proeser; by Rev. J. W. Finley,
Martin Mnsser to Augusta Clarke.
July.— By L. Sroufe, J. P., Hector Carlisle to Eliza Woods.
August. — By Nathan Daniels, J. McPherson, to Huldah Crossley; by
Wm. Berryman, Charles Harter to Susan Carr.
September. — By Bev. William Chaffee, Harrison Maltbie to Susan
Dowling, and John Keller to Sarah McCoy, and by James Mahin, J. P.,
John Morecraft to Lodesa Witham.
October. — By John Jameson, J. P., Ezra Edgeoomb to Sarah Ann
Woods, and William Smith to Elizabeth Neeley; by Nathan Daniels, J.
P., James Adgate to Sallie Fleming, and by Lewis Sroufe, J. P., Will-
iam Fisher to Martha Coleman.
November. — By James Spray, J. P., Zachariah Ryan to Elizabeth
Montgomery and Andrew Fisher to Mary France; by Rev. Ferdinand
Yoesting, William Trebein to Matilda Snider; by John Jameson, J. P.,
Moses Patterson to Mary Hawker, and by Peter Sharp, J. P., John Alex-
ander to Eliza M. Hoover.
December. — By James Spray, J. P., John Rupert to Margaret Mon-
ger, Conrad Shimel to Catharine Full, Jasper Murgandall to Magdalena
Full, John Miller to Katharine Williams, and Columban Williams to
Katharine Full; by Nathan Daniels, J. P., James A. Hanson to Rebecca
C Ward; by John Jameson, J. P., Absalom Evick to Mahala Staley; by
Rev. William Chaffee, James Franklin to Sarah Hanthorn and Mathias
IS
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254 HISTORY OF ALLEN CJOUNTY.
E. Spees to Sarah Jonee; hj John Morris, J. P., Elias Corder to Eleanor
Howell and John Patterson to Catharine Coon; byBev. Ferdinand Yoest-
ingy Henry Friar to Catharine Deal, and by George Sheldon, Isaac Helm
to Jane H. Patton.
1835.
January. — By James Spray, J. P., John M. Howell to Abigail Spray
and Levi D. Northrup to Susan Ryan; by Rev. Wm. Chaffee, Alfred
Baker to Mary Gant, and by Rev. H. Ferdinand Yoesting, John Leon-
hard Shermer to Mary Yitedom.
February.— By Rev. Wm Chaffee, Vance B Pangle to Flavilla
Jacobs, and by James Mahin, J. P., James Mahin to Mary Call.
March. — By Tolson Ford, J. P., Richard Pearce to Marie Coon; by
Rev. Geo. Sheldon, Cram Valentine to Nancy Musser, and by Benjamin
F. Cochran, J. P., James Bryan to Dinah Stukey.
March. — By Rev. Simon Cochran, Elias Wright to Sarah A. Bowman.
April. — By Peter Ridenour, J. P., Lewis Herring to Elizabeth Shope;
by Lewis Sroufe, J. P., Daniel Purdy to Mary Kill, and by Tolson Ford,
J, P., George Meyers to Nancy Ford.
May. — By Rev. John Henry Ferdinand Yoesting, John Heck to Mary
Rohrbacker, and by Rev. Benjamin F. Cochran, J. P., Thomas North to
Susanna Stukey.
June. — By Rev. Simon Cochran, John C. Bowman to Ellen Johnston;
by James Spray, J. P., Joseph Warner to Catherine Clifford; by John
Jameson, J. P., Samuel H Jameson to Sarah Ann McCluer, and by Rev.
Peter Sharp, William Shockey to Mary Hardesty.
July. — By Rev. Peter Sharp, Henry A. Hester to Rachel Ann Cowen,
and Wm. C. Osbom to Mary Tungate, and by Lewis Sroufe, J. P., Wm.
B. Lindsley to Sabra Curtiss.
August — By Rev. Wm. Chaffee, Wm. McPherson to Lydia Logan,
John Bentley to Rhoda Osbom, and Asa Coon to Hannah Coon; by Ben j.
F. Cochran, J. P., Alexander Coon to Delilah Affaline Mills; by John
Morris, J. P., Henry Coleman to Mary Mars; by Tolson Ford, J. P.,
George Seyer to Elizabeth Casto, and by James Spray, J. P., Elias
Stevenson to Rebecca Howell.
September. — ^By Lewis Sroufe, J. P., James Williams to Elizabeth
Balsigner; by John Morris, J. P., Moses Mattoz to Hester Van Nort-
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 255
wick, and by Nathan Daniels, J. P., Morris Bambaugh to Mary Hanson.
October. — By Tolson Ford, J. P., Joseph F. Stevenson to Adalina
Bowyer; by Bev. Samuel Cochran, Alexander S. C. Boman to Bachel
Burton; by John Morris, J. P., Charles Graham to Bachel Carter; by
James Mahin, J. P., Samuel Cottrell to Phoebe Baker, and by Bev. J. H.
F. Yoesting, John Jacob Qrapner to Hannah Appolonia Altin.
November. — By David Beece, J. P., Joseph Black to Wealthy
Moeher; by James Martin, J. P., Joseph C. El In worth to Sarah Shigley;
by Bev. J. H F. Yoesting, Erhard Birk to Louisa Bohrbach, andby Bev.
Wm. Chaffee, Manuel Beed to Elizabeth O'Harra.
December. — By Asa Wright, J. P., Joseph Sprague to Sarah Povin-
mire; by Benj. F. Cochran, J. P., Elias Leist to Maria Baxter; by Bev.
James Cunningham, George W. Coon to Elizabeth Williams, andby Bev.
Wm. Chaffee, William McHenry to Malvina Tompkin&
1836.
January. — By Bev. David Bums, Daniel Cutler to Narcissa A. Welsh,
and James Elliott to Eleanor Stockdale; by Benj. F. Cochran, J. P.,
George W. Cochran to Mary Sunderland; by Adam White, J. P., Solo-
mon WoUet to Bebecca Bidenour; by Bev. J. H. F. Yoesting, Wunna-
bald Vitzedom to Catherine George; by Wm. Beece, J, P., Banzewed
Ward to Harriet Bhodes, and by John Morris, J. P., Joseph Lusk to
Julian Waggoner.
February. — ^By James H Coleman, J. P., Jacob Beesbarger to Cath-
erine Wymott; by John Morris, J. P., Alfred Logan to Elizabeth Jones;
by Bev. J. H. F. Yoesting, John Yacobs to Barbara Sammetinger, and
by John Jameson, J. P. , John W. Candler to Sarah Swaim.
March. — By Bev. J. H. F. Yoesting, Mathias Landrammer to Chris-
tiana Kreutzer, and Joseph Eoennacher to Marianna Sabaugher; by Tol-
son Ford, J. P., Madison Bowyer to Bachel Largent, and John Irvin
1o Lavina Boberteon, and by John Jameson, J. P., Nathaniel G. Eiddto
Jane Meek.
April. — By Bev. J. H. F. Yoesting, George Wilhelm to Maria Ann
Margaretta Altin; by Bichard Metheany, J. P., David Bamey to Nancy
Higher, and by Adam White, J. P., David Faurot to Hannah Bumbaugh.
May. — By John Jameson, J. P., Beuben W. Church to Mary Beece;
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256 HISTORY OP ALLEN C50UNTY.
tfoj Bev. D. Bnms, Daniel F. Hathaway to Franoee Mosser; by Adam
White, J. P., George Mans to Jane Enmbaugh, and by Joseph Conger,
J. P., Daniel Spitler to Margaret Weller.
Jane. — By John Morris, J. P., Peter Beachdoltto Snsanna Ghmber;
• by Tolson Ford, J. P., Alphonsey Bowyer to Elizabeth Stevens; by
Bev. William Chaffee, Bichard Metheany to Hester Ann Levering, and
*by David Beece, J. P., Gborge W. Gant to Bachel Plommer.
July. — By Louis Sroufe, J. P., Joseph Stone to Sarah Lindsley, and
»by Beal Sperrier, J. P., Benjamin Lanning to Anna Bobb.
August — By Benjamin Cochran, J. P., Wm. Sunderland to Elizabeth
Johnson and Frederick Dillow to Jane Bareter; by Bev. D. Bums, Sam-
• uel Kreidler to Amelia Ann Beed; by Bev. J. H. F. Yoesting, Peter
Fisher to Maria Kook; by David Beece, J. P., John Stevenson to
Susanna Brentlinger; by James H. Coleman, J. P., Warren C. Allen to
Mary Coleman; by Samuel Bleakley, J. P., Isaac Lucas to Elizabeth
Nichols, and by John Jameson, J. P., Aaron Loommis to Elizabeth C.
Pennington.
September. — By Lewis Sroufe, J. P., Bichard Card to Sarah Bide-
nour; by John Morris, J. P., Charles Lusk to Lucinda Mix, and by Wm.
Berryman, J. P., Felix Devore to Adaline Berryman.
October. — By Benj. F. Cochran, J. P., Elias Harter to Sarah Harter;
by John Morris, J. P., James Berden to Sarah Wright; by Bev. Wm.
Chaffee, Samuel Snyder to Damaris Styles; by John Jameson, J. P.,
George Bolsinger to Mary Hall; by Wm. Beece, J. P., David Harshe to
Martha Jane Candler, and J. H. Coleman, J. P., Isaac Coy to Sarah Jane
Watt.
November. — By James Spray, J. P., John Jackson to Bachel Cham-
bers; by Bev. Wm. Chaffee, John P. Shuckleton to Melinda M. Lever-
ing; by J. H. Coleman, J. P., Justice D. Copner to Elizabeth Myers; by
John Jameson, J. P., Daniel Leatherman to Bachel Swain, and by Bev.
Wm. Gray, Alexander Beaty to Eliza Vance.
December. — By James Mahin, J. P., David Ellsworth to Elizabeth
Shigley; by Bev. Alden Bepe, Oliver Maderis to Sally Princehouse; by
Bev. J. H F. Toesting, Emanuel Eentner to Susanna Bobb; by John W.
Starr, Silas Beekamp to Clarenda Jodhunter, and by Bichard Metheany,
J. P., William Bodkins to Maria Clawson.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 257'
1837.
January. — By John Ireland, J. P., Edward Gremean to Mary Poven-
mire, and Isaac Povenmire to Maria Gremean, and by Samuel Bleakley,
J. P., John Smith to Sarah Hulson. By Rev. Albert Halfenstein, James
Chenoweth to Nancy Skilling, and Samuel Meyers to Gatharine De Long.
February. — By Thomas D. Furress, J. P., Ebenezer Buck to Marga-
ret Thompson; by Daniel Beeoe, J. P., Wm. Benten to Nancy Devolt;
by Tolson Ford, J. P., Abraham Shockey to Rachel D. Smith; by Bey.
George G. Poague, James Gunningham to Martha Kennedy; by James
Mahin, J. P., Robert Woodley to Hannah Payne; by John Jameson, J.
P., John Hawk to Achsah Gilbert, and by Rey. Alden Beese, Wm. H.
Shaw to Elizabeth Turton.
March. — By Samuel Bleakley, J. P., Ebenezer Lucas to Marj
Nichols; by Rev. George G. Poague, Abraham Boyd to Maria B. Hoyer;
by Adam White, J. P., Samuel Wollot to Phoebe Ridenour, and by Asa
Wright, J. P., John Miller to Matilda Bowen.
April. — By Tolson Ford, J. P., Golehan Plummer to Sarah Jane Ash-
ing, and by John Morris, J. P., Gasper Wolary to Elizabeth Hester;
by Rey. John W. Starr, Gharles G. Graham to Keziah Ann Logan; bj
Benj. F. Gochran, J. P., James Baxter to Melissa John; by Rey. J. W.
Horstman, Blasius Fischer to Anna Maria Wiemann; and by Rey. Jesse
Bowdle, Thomas Bowdle to Miram McGoy.
May. — By Lewis Sroufe, J. P., Elijah Ferguson to Rosanna Oramer; .
by Adam White, J. P., John Smith to Rachel Shaffer; by Rey. James A.
Kellam, Dayid Boyer to Sarah G. Hughes; by Rev. Gea G. Poague,
Newell B. Stiles to Nancy Patterson; by James Spray, J. P., Nicholas
Zanglain to Susanna Waltz; and by Isaac Bennett, John Smith to Eliza-
beth Mayberry.
June. — By Rey. James A. Kellam, John W. Wamsley to Sarah R.
Roman; by Daniel Gregory, J. P., Russell Berryman to Margaret Slane;
by Rev. G^rge G. Poague, Daniel H. Stukey to Susanna Van Norst-
Van Dalsem; by James Elliott, J. P., Joseph Bush to Elizabeth Graf t ;
by John Morris, J. P., William Burke to Mary Parlot; and by John
Ward, J. P., Uri Mix to Margaret Bayliff.
July. — By Asa Wright, J. P., John Stamen to Mary Jane Herring; by
Digitized by LjOOQIC
258 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Bey. J. H. F. Toesting, Charles Bobb to Elizabeth Tobias; and by John
Gorder, J. P., Isaac H. Lnsk to Elizabeth Losk.
Angnst. — By Bey. James A. Kellam, Solomon Yeazle to Elizabeth
Weayer; by Bey. J. H. F. Toesting, Adam Kner to Maria Albrand; by
Adam White, J. P., Walton Church to Elizabeth Beece; and by James
Martin, J. P., Charles Shilling to Lncinda Bichie; by Bey. Albert Hal-
fenstein, Wm. Beichelderf er to Sarah Stebleton.
September. — By Bey. Enos French, John Van Nays to Katharine
Wilson; by Daniel Hoak, J. P., Daniel Snnderland to Frances Maria
Dubois; by James Spray, J. P., Andrew Zanglein to Mary Waltz, and by
Adam White, J. P., William Beece to Mary Beynolds.
October. — By John Morris, J. P., Henry Baker to Diana Parlet, and
James Baezzle to Elizabeth Lusk; by Isaac Bowyer, J. P., Leyi Peterson
to ; by James Elliott J. P., Michael Sanford to Barbara
Elickard; and by Bey. Jesse Bowdle, Henry Bums to Matilda McCoy.
November. — By Adam White, J. P., Samuel Kaylor to Mary Mag-
dalene Eich, and John Beam toLydia A. Bresler; by Daniel Hoak, J. P.,
William Taylor to Mary Buck; by Bey. William Chaffee, Jacob Heindel
to Elizabeth Dewey; by Lewis Sroufe, J. P., Joseph Miller to Barbara
Baderer; by H. D. Y. Williams, J. P., HoUis Hanson to Sarah Shaw;
and by John Morris J. P., Steyen Looney to Louisiana Bitter.
December.— By H D. V. Williams, J. P., WilJiam Watson to Bachel
Ann Scott; by Daniel Hoak, J. P., Samuel Whetstone to Anna Maria
Berryman; and by Lewis Sroufe, J. P., Joseph J. Skinner to Susan
Hoyt
1888.
January. — By Bey. Alden Beese, Oeorge W. Williams to Jane Ann
Shaw, and Jacob Huffhine to Nancy Brentlinger; by Isaac Bower, J. P.,
Isaac Peterson to Barbara Ann Harter, and John Cremean to Anna
Daugherty; by Adam White, J. P., Bobert Edgecomb to Elsey Lewis;
by Nathan Daniels, J. P., Henry Ereidler to Jane Beed; by Daniel
Hoak, J. P., Leonard Place to Cynthiana Loye; by Bey. P. B. Holden,
John Bakehom toMary Wood; by Bey. George G. Poague, Alexander Coon
to Eliza Owens; and by Bey. John W. Starr, Stephen Howell to Electa
Belknap.
February.— By Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., John P. Fay to Mary Axm
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 259
Ward, and Spencer A. Smith to Fanny Smith; hj Rev. Wm. Chaffee, H.
Nelson Bemiss to Louisa Thayer, and by Nathan Daniels, J. P., J. P.
Brooker to Electa Ann Spragae.
March. — ^By Rev. J. H. Ferdinand Yoesting, Qeorge Dresher to
Margaret .Bartlein, Philip Spitznagel to Margaretta Barbara Hoffman,
and John Nicholas Eneer to Anna Dorothea Hoffman; by Asa Wright, J.
P., Thomas K Foster to Sarah Richards; by Rev. Alden Beese, Wm. J.
Kent to Rebecca Tallis, and by Bamet Meyer, J. P., H. Jameson to
Sosan Hawk.
April. — By Daniel Hoak, J. P., Peter Ely to Roeanna Place, and
John Barr to Mary Buck; by John Morris, J. P., Isaac S. Gruber to
Margaret Hodges; by Rev. William Chaffee, Samuel Stever to Elizabeth
Ann Lippincott; by David Ghregory, J. P., Josiah Clawson, Jr., to Bet-
sey Qregory; and by Isaac Bowyer, J. P., Levi H. Deniston to Melia
Ireland.
May. — ^By Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Cornelius Snider to Mary Ann
Strawsnider; by Rev. J. W. Starr, James Ward to Eliza Jane Hughes;
by John M. Wilson, J. P., George Shineberry to Caroline Meek; and, by
John Morris, J. P., Jacob V. Van Dyke to Hannah Johnston. By Dan-
iel Hoak, J. P., Peter Eephart to Mary Martin, and by Daniel Gregory,
J. P., Joseph Jones to Eliza Whetstone.
Juna — By Rev. Albert Halfenstein, Ferdinand H. Binkley to Me-
linda Poague, and Jacob Stever to^Nancy Ann Donor; by Lewis Sroufe,
J. P., Paul Shindler to Katharine Raugh; by H. D. V. Williams, J. P.,
Samuel Miller to Elyina Moore; by Rev. J. H. Ferdinand Yoesting, John
Mich'l Mulfinger to Margaretta B Altin, and by Rev. D. Campbell,
Cyrus Holland to Rachel Osmun. By James H. Coleman, J. P., Adam
Snyder to Lydia Meyers.
By Rev. Geo. G. Poague, Samuel Surrels to Isabella McLane; by
Lewis Sroufe, J. P., Andrew Jackson Sroufe to Mary Ann Mathews; by
John W. Wilson, J. P., Elijah Grubb to Mary Ann Swihart; by Rev.
J. H. F. Yoesting, John George Berwind to Sophia Dorothea Magdalena
Naueuburger, and by John Corder, J. P., Joseph Harden to Martha
Lusk.
August— By Rev. Albert Halfenstein, Wm. T. Hutt to Elizabeth P.
Finley.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
260 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
September. — By Rev. J. H, F. Yoesting, John Miller to Margaret
Miller, and by Benjamin F. Cochran, J. P., David H. Bryan to Barbara
Stukey.
October. — By Rev. John W. Starr, James M. Starr to Rachel Bel-
knap; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., David R. Aldridge to Hanndh Lewis,
and by J. W. Hartsman, Casper Smith to Maria Elizabeth Eiser.
November. -^By Isaac Bowyer, J. P., Eli H. Stnkey to Lucinda Ire-
land, and Squire Pint to Mary M. Peterson; by Rev. Alden Beese, Mich'l
Burgoon to Mary Ann Yaughan, and Edwin Barker to Margaret Van
Blaricom; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Samuel O. Heath to Mary O.
Hadsell; by Rev. John W. Starr, James M Cremean to Mary Ann Sum-
mersett; by Richard Metheany, J. P., Asa Harvey to Mary Ann McMul-
lin; by Wm. Patten, J. P., John F. Jackson to Susan Powell; by John
Corder, J. P., George W. Bodkin to Mary Bogart; by Rev. George Q.
Poague, William Cunningham to Margaret Ann Poague; by H, V. D. Will-
iams, J. P., A. N. Teegarden ta Eaty Ann Thorpe.
December. — By Richard Metheany, J. P., Job Johnson to Julien
Spcrrier; by John M. Wilson, J. P., Franklin Dickerson to Nancy Hall;
by James K Coleman, J. P., John W. Caldwell to Judith R. Copeland;
by Rev. John W. Starr, James W. Pearson to Jane C. Penton, and by Tol-
son Ford, J. P., James Ford to Sarah H. Eeith.
1839.
January. — By L. H Ide, J. P., George Dowver to Polly Bupp, and
Bernard Roessing to Julia A. Roessing; by Lewis Sroufe, J. P., Ghrand-
erson Curtis to Elvira Robinson; by Rev. Wm. Chaffee, John Dowling
to Eliza Bowers; by James Martin, J. P., Asa Malim to Rebecca Cox,
and by John Morris, J. P., Jesse Harden to Mary Brentlinger; by H V.
D. Williams, J. P., Willis Copeland to Phebe Shaw.
February. — By Rev. D. Campbell, Oliver McClintick to Catherine
Smith; by Richard Metheany, J. P., William Patrick to Eleanor Dilts,
and by William Patton, J. P., Augustus Eliffle to Frances Miller; by
Rev. Elias Homer, Grover Ayres to Jane Stockdale.
March. — By L. H. Ide, J. P., Solomon Saum to Lydia Waltz, Elias
Eentner to Elizabeth O. Sivalt, and John Bobb to Elizabeth Landich; by
Rev. Wm. Chaffee, John Cunningham to Emeline Holloway; and James
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HI8T0EY OF ALLEN CJOUNTY. 261
Swansy to Sarah Lippincoit; by John M. Wilson, J. P., Matthew Meek
to Bhoda Davis; by Nathan Daniels, J. P., Gilbert Horley to Ann Han-
thorn; by David Gilmer, J. P., John Shellenbarger to Sarah Shellen-
harger; by Botos Coats, J. P., Jaoob Meyers to Sarah Day; by Rev. J. H.
Ferdinand Yoesting, George Koch to Margaretta Hoffman, and by Benj.
F. Cochran, J. P., Daniel David to Catherine Fair.
April. — By William Patton, J. P., Mathias Acoontions to Katharine
Deifel; by John Morris, J. P., Abraham Conner to Jane Tissue; by John
Oord^, J. P., John Kentner to Bebeoca Bilgal; by Bamet Weyer, J. P.,
Alfred Beece to Mary Lawrence; by Bev. Wm. McGorkin, William
Franklin to Margaret Pitman; by David Gilmer, J. P., Isaac Shockey to
Mary Ann Gilmer; and by Daniel Hoak, J. P., Nelson Lane to Caroline
Placa
May. — By L. H. Ide, J. P., Wm. Jackson to Mary McCartney; by
Bev. John Alexander, John McNabb, Jr., to Mary S. Slee; and by
Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Christian Hook to Mary Gallaspie.
Jnna — By Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Caleb Baldwin to Jane Armi-
tage; by Daniel Hoak, J. P., Arvin Pint to Mary_ Clawson; and by
James H. Coleman, J. P., Arnold S. Coleman to Sarah Ann Miller.
July. — By Isaac Bowyer, J. P., Nicholas Stewart to Catharine Bide-
nour; by John Corder, J. P., John W. Piper to Margaret Hamilton; and
by E. Hover, J. P., Benj. Hall to Mary Bissell.
August — ^By Daniel Hoak, J. P., John Briggs to Susanna Harter,
and Samuel Place to Jane Osterhout; by Bev. P. B. Holden, John Wat-
kins to Nancy BerryhlU; by Asa Wright, J. P., Wesley B. Bansbottom
to Emily Wright; by Bev. John Alexander, Samuel Clippinger to Joan-
na Valentine; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., David D. Morris to Sarah
McCafferty; by William Patton, J. P., Peter Boerbaugh to Caroline
Heroff; and by Bichard Metheany, J. P., Walter Bates to Phoebe Harvey.
September. — By Adam Snyder, J. P., Daniel Tobias to Margaret
Bobb; by Bufus Coats, J. P., Beason Dawson to Mary Davison; by John
M. Wilson, J. P., John Webster to Elizabeth Meyer; by Anson M. Had-
sell, J. P., Andrew Meyer to Nancy Nash; by David Gilbert, J. P., David
Shields to Jane Herbert; and by Bev. Wm. McGorkin, Wm. McKibben
to Samenta Hunter; by Daniel Gregory, J. P., George Bodkin to Char-
ity Manier.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
262 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
October. — By Rev. Samuel Lynch, Geo. Belknap to Katnrah Penton;
by Bamet Weyer, J. P., Thomas J. Bassell to Louisa Harrison; by Dan-
iel Hoak, J. P., John Clink to Catherine Sunderland; by Bev. Elias
Homer, Lemuel H. Ide to Mary Middleton.
November. — By Rev. Enoch Harvey, Amos Copeland to Mary Jane
Lay ton; by James H. Coleman, J. P., William Stickler to Mary Jane
Delong; and by Eli K Corson, J. P., John Adare to Rebecca Moore.
December. — By James Crozier, J. P., Lewis Briggs to Phoebe Carr;
by Rev. Samuel Lynch, William A. Vinson to Sarah Jane Jacobs; by
Isaac Bowyer, J. P., George Noll to Mary Cremean; by Shadrach Mont-
gomery, J. P., Francis S. Horner to Isabella Campbell; by Rev. J. H,
F. Yoesting, Lawrence Sommetinger to Rosina Frederica Shur; and by
David Gilmer, J. P., Henry HuUebarger to Sarah Jane Bodle.
1840.
January. — By Daniel Hoak, J. P., William Place to Mary Alexander,
and William Mars to Mary Jane Corns; by Samuel Beakley, J. P., Moses
Knisely to Rebecca Ann Bramblet; by Adam Snyder, J. P., Michael
Fisher to Barbara Noll; and by Tolson Ford, J. P., Isaac Shockey to
Elizabeth T. Morrison.
February. — By Nathan Woodbury, J. P., Justus Dawson to Lucretia
Ann Davison; by Rufus Coats, J. P., Aaron Dawson to Emily Peppier;
by Shadrach Montgomery, J. P., ^ James Spray to Jane Hughes; by Rev.
Enoch Harvey, James Gillespy to Elizabeth Tompkins; by Rev. John
Guest, John Sever to Desire Butler; and by James Coleman, J. P., Sam-
uel Focht to Mary Bethards.
March. — By John M Wilson, J. P., Jacob Cummingham to Nancy
Ann Vincent, Eli Cunningham to Rozana Adeline Harshe, Henry Baker
to Mary Ann Williams, Robert Meek to Sarah Davis, and Samuel B.
Keith to Sarah Baker; by Isaac Bowyer, J. P., Henry Noll to Elizabeth
Westbay, and Samuel Burgner to Sarah Hartman; by Rev. Wm. Chaffee,
Henry Hackethom to Sarah A. Wood; by Derrick P. Darling, J. P.,
Jacob Monroe to Mary B. Sprague; by Andrew Zanglein, J. P.; John
Decker to Rather ine Berwind; by Adam Snyder, J. P., Thomas Pownall
to Mar}' Ann Van Blaricam; by Rev. Samuel Lynch, Joseph Leipset to
Francis Green; and by Rev. J. H. F. Yoesting, Jacob Zom to Elizabeth
Eiopfenstein.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 268
ApriL — Bj Andrew Zanglein, J. P., Nicholas Glnckert to Mary Ann
Manger, and George Frederick Both to Marj Englehampt; by Edward
Hanthorn, J. P., Peter Snyder to Clarinda Edgecomb; by Isaac Bowyer,
J. P., Christopher Walter to Polly Hogans; by David Gilmer, J. P.,
William Goodenow to Sarah Ford, and by James H. Coleman, J. P., Jef-
ferson Shiffler to Mary Bruckney.
May. — By Edward Han thorn, J. P., Geo. Long to Laura Mason; by
Daniel Hoak, J. P., David Hackethorn to Martha Custard; by Bev. Alden
Beese, Philemon B. Williams to Sally S. Shaw; and by John Morris, J.
P., Daniel Bitler to Sarah ^ane Yantress.
June. — By Eli E. Carson, J. P., Jonathan Morecraf t to Mary Ann
Grossley; by Bufus Coats, J. P., Jacob McPheron to Buth Elsworth; by
Bev. John Henry Ferdinand Yoesting, Wm. Kottman to Sophia Niem-
yer; by Bev. John Alexander, Jr., Daniel H. Smith to Buth Ann Homan,
and Samuel Beilor to Mary Bacom; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., John
Bo^erer to Anna Boop; and by Charles W. Williams, J. P., Daniel Hill
to Harriet Hullinger.
July.— By Charles H. Williams, J. P., John Whitehouse to Eliza
Ford, and by Nathan Woodbury, J. P., James Bobison to Jane Payne.
August — ^By Bufus Coats, J. P., Joseph Hippie to Sarah Gish,
and Peter Hippert to Sophronia Smith; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P.,
Wm. Neely to Matilda Snodgrass, and James A. Hanson to Mary A.
Mumah; by Isaac Bowyer, J. P., Jacob Bresler to Elizabeth Herring; by
Bev. Elmore Yocum, George Armstrong to Sophia Allen; by Bev. John
Quest, Jositth B. Boberts to Margaret Winsott; ' by John G. Penton, J.
P., Mark Harden to Margaret Sione; by Tolfon Ford, J. P., James T.
Keith, Jr., to Catherine Williams; by Nathan Woodbury, J. P., Isaac
Constant to Nancy Elsworth; and by Bev. John Alexander, Jr., Amos
Clutter to Charlotte Higgins.
September. — By Daniel Hoak, J. P., Wnu Sunderland to Elizabeth
Dehart; by Bichard Metheany, J. P., Joseph McNamw to Margaret
Toung; by James H. Coleman, J. P., John Colby to Barbara Craw; by
John G. Penton, J. P., Wm. Howell to Margaret Carter; by Anson M.
Hadsell, J. P., Solomon Wollet to Elizabeth Bichards; by Andrew Zang-
lein, J. P., John Frantz to Barbara Welner; by Bamet Weyer, J. P.,
Gktbriel B. Hubbell to Nancy Ann Harrison.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
264 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Octobei'. — By Samnel Bleaklej, J. P., Jacob Arnet to Eve Amet,
Archibald Mootgomerj to Julia Ann Brannam, and Eden Jalien to Amy
Goodwin; by Bufas Coats, J. P., Henry S. Bennet to Sarah Whetstone,
and Lewis Focht to Martha Bailiff; by Andrew Zanglein, J. P., John
C. Bothe to Anna Maria Schemel; by Rev. J. H. F. Yoesting^ Michael
Keifer to Lydia Heroff; by D. P. Darling, J. P., Samuel Sharp to Amy
Bobbins; by John M. Wilson, J. P., Isaac Bansbottom to Caruline
Staley; by Bichard Metheany, J. P., John A. Dor to Patience Allyn, and
Isaac Boston to Eve Barter; and by Bamet Weyer, J. P., Noo Dearth
to Prudine Bayl.
November. — By Rev. William Ohaffee, Ferguson Pangle to Mary
Jane Bane; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P.; Warren Roberts to Lydia Edge-
comb; by James H. Coleman, J. P., Solomon Grabill to Evelina Powell;
by Rev. John Alexander, Jr., David Morris to Harriet J. Skinner, and
by Silas Faurot, J. P., Walter Edgecomb to Laura Bassett
December. — By Rofus Coats, J. P., William Harrod to Mary Poclet;
by Daniel Hoak, J. P., Leonard Miller to Etty Taylor; by Shadrach
Montgomery, J. P., Joseph Campbell to Clarissa Brannum; by E. Hover,
J. P., John Delong to Susanna Bowsher; by Rev. John Alexander, Jr.,
Barclay A. Satterthwaite to Eliza Blackburn; by Silas Faurot, J. P.,
Daniel Neher to Anna Miller, and John Miller to Elizabeth Biggie; by
Rev. Alden Beese, Jackson M Shaw to Rebecca Hester; by Eli E. Cor-
son, J. P., John Valentine to Elizabeth Adair; and by Samuel Bleakley,
J. P. , James Wilkins to Mary Hester.
1841.
January. — By Andrew Zanglein, J. P., Christian Buck to Elizabeth
Colter; by Rufus Coate, J. P., Samuel F. Jacobs to Nancy Harden; and
by Tolson Ford, J. P., John Shellenbarger to Mahaleh Yeasel.
February. — By Rev. Isaac Hunt, Jacob Maus to Catherine E. Roberts;
by Rev. John Henry Ferdinand Yoesting, George Geyer to Catherine
Elapfenstein; by Anson M Hadsell, J. P., Edmund Faulkner to Betsy
Rumbaugh; by Tolson Ford, J. P., Armstrong E. Boyd to Sarah Ann
Shellenbarger; and by Benj. H. Lanning, J. P., Armstrong Miller to
Elizabeth Heideoker.
March. — By Richard Metheany, J. P., Conrad Holtzhauser to Mar-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 265
ganretta Wagner, and Oeo. Graft to Elizabeth Mnrdock; by Andrew
Zanglein, J. P., Capar Bonsig to Mary Byersdorfer; by Benj. H. Lan-
ning, J. P., Daniel Ayree to Martha FoRter, and Isaac Powell to
Sarah Van Blaracom; by Samuel Bleakley, J. P., Cornelias Gopeey to
Mary Gopeey, and John Nichols to Frankie Coon; by Bichard Metheany,
J. P., Bobert C. Layten to Martha L. Corder; by Anson M. Hadsell, J.
P., Henry Bichards to Sarah Titos; and by Harrison Gregory, J. P.,
Francis Gregory to Martha Berryman.
April — By Bev. Michael Martz, Thoe. Miller to Bachel Ann Thorp;
by Eli E. Corson, J. P., Aaron Bichardson to Anna Cline; by Nathan
Woodbury, J. P., Nelson B. Basil, Jr., to Mary Miles; by R Hover, J.
P., Andrew Eesler to Catherine Shafer; by Bichard Metheany, J. P.,
Michel Wagner to Hannah Levering; by Daniel Hoak, J. P., Emanuel
Place to Hannah Winans; by Joeiah J. Walker, J. P., Henry Bechdolat
to Anna Coleman; by Edward Hartshorn, J. P., David Powell to Sophia
Waldron, and Henry H. Boeder to Sarah Hawk; by Bev. William
McGkx}kin, John A. Lee to Elizabeth McCul lough.
May.— By Eli E. Corson, J. P., William J. Hover to Ann Elizabeth
Starrett
June. — By Bev. John M. Crabb, Philip B. Hueeton to Bachel Bum-
baugh; by Bev. John H. F. Yoesting, John Shafer to Magdalena Burg-
hart; by Andrew Zanglein, J. P., John Englehaupt to Eatherine Hartand;
and by Benj. H. Lanning, J. P., Jacob Bobb to Elizabeth Eantner.
July. — ^By M. Leatherman, J. P., Samuel McCafferty to Susannah
Watt, and Josiah H. Walton to Maria Cunningham; by Enos S. Ozley,
J. P., John Lockhart to Hannah LeMaster; by Isaac Bowyer, J. P.,
Enoch Grower to Lavina Honeywell; by Daniel Hoak, J. P., John Dehart
to Harriet Taylor; by Bev. Wm. Chaffee, Anson M Hadsell to Adaline
Thayer; by Abner Gopeland, J. P., Albert Brackney to Maria Ann Tis-
sue; and by John M. Crabb, J. P., Peter Eephart to Anna Eliza Eeve.
August. — By Samuel Bichards, J. P., David Herring to Susannah
Van Wey; by Abner Gopeland, d. P., James Carter to Mary Barton; by
Silas Faurot, J. P., Michael Eenada to Elizabeth Camp; and by Bichard
Metheany, J. P., Daniel Sager to Bebecca Ann Taylor.
September. — By Bev. Edward Williams, James C. Ford to Louisa
Evaline Goodenow; by Andrew Zanglein, J. P., Joseph Flick to Eliz-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
266 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
abeth Seiter; by Josiah «l. Walker, J. P., Geo. W. Burke to Margaret
F. Morris; and by Rev. Joseph Crosby, Benj. Clevenger to Sarah Lane.
October. — By Bichard Metheany, J. P., Charles R Levering to
Betsy Milnes, Mr. Tester to Sally Walter, and Geo. Brown to Barbara.
Conrad; by Samuel Myers, J. P., Adelbert Mergenthal to Catherine
Gerstver; and by John G. Penton, J. P., James Logan to Christiana
Weaver.
November. — ^By Isaac Bowyer, J. P., John Bidenonr to Lydia Bide-
nonr; by J. M. Crabb, Jacob A. Boop to Susannah Jameson; by Allen
Gilmer, J. P., Joseph Dawson to Bebecca Ingledue and by T. H. Tnnke,
J. P., Budolph Brachsiech to Catherine Gravis.
December. — By Andrew Zanglein, J. P., John Stickler to Bebecca
Van Blaracam; by Be v. G. Spangler, John Luntz to Barbara Wagner;
by John Rogers, J. P., Frederick Reece to Martha Pownell; and by Wm.
H. Valentine, J. P., Edward Boyd to Catherine Creps.
1842.
January.— By D. P. Darling, J. P., Peter Walters to Emily Hull
and Lewis J. Williams to Miss Willey; by Anso|i M Hadsell, J. P.,
John Watt to Margaret Jane Jameson.
February. — By Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Spencer A. Smith to Mary
Jane Moman; and by Richard Metheany, J. P., Aiden B. Herman to
Amelia Jackson.
March. — By Richard Metheany, J. P., Henry Christy to Rachel
Julien, and Thomas Fairfield to Margaret Foster; by John G. Penton, J.
P., Henry McTaggart to Eve Lepiey; by Burgess Dickey, J. P., George
Coon to Juliet Decoursey; by Rev Wm. Chaffee, Moses Smith to Louisa
Maria Hover; by Benj. H. Lanning, J. P., John Sandusky to Mary Danver;
by Silas Faurot, J. P., Alexander Alison, Jr., to Mary Olmstead; by John
Davis, J. P., John M. Wilson, J. P., to Jarah Whiteherse; by Abner
Copeland, J. P., Adam Fooht, Jr., to Ursula Jane Bailey; and by Andrew
Zanglein J. P., John Farres to Magdalena Mergenthal.
April. — By Jacob Carr, J. P., William Byan to Delilah Briggs; by
Bev. George G. Poague, David Hunter to Harriet Hoover, and by Samuel
Blakeley, J. P., David Lintch to Susannah Friedline.
May. — By Moses McDonald, J. P., Barzillai Osman to Rebecca Han-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 267
thorn; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Jacob Boose to Nancy Jane Neely;
and by Benj. H. Lanning, J. P., Daoiel Specs to Martha Francis.
June. — By D. P. Darling, J. P., Eli Beichelderfer to Mary Delong;
by John M. Wilson, J. P., Daniel Parhamis to Margaret Smelty; by B.
H. Lanning, J. P., William H. Voorhis to Elsa Harvey; by Rev J. M.
Young, Nelson B. Basil to Lacy Marshall, and Benj. F. Wolcott to Em-
ily Marshall.
July. — By Rev. John M. Grabb, Archibald S. Cunningham to Matilda
Beaty; by John Rogers, J. P., Jeremiah S. Copeland to Margaret Ann
Lockhart; by Samuel Myers, J. P., Joseph Linder to Leah Heroff; by
Rev. John M Young, Isaac Constant to Alice Perkins; by Jacob Carr, J.
P., Elijah Miller to Sarah Peterson; and by Silas Faurot, J. P., Samuel
Price to Olive Armitage.
August — By Silas Faurot, J. P., Lewis Wolf to Sarah Lighty, and
Richard Gilbert to Anna Swain; by Rev. E. Standeford, Aquilla Stand-
eford to Fanny Standeford; by John Q. Penton, J. P., Cadwallader
Jacobs to Sally Lepley; and by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., William W.
Hawk to Mary D. Merrill.
September. — By Rev. J. M. Crabb, John Terry to Theodosia VanDol-
sem; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Benj. Hanson to Catherine Ward; by
Rev. J. M. Young, Wm. B. Watson to Maragaret Ann Inskeep; by Shad-
rach Montgomery, J. P., Jonathan Hopkins to Lydia Mary Pierce; by
Rev. John M. Shockey, John Bayliff to Priscilla Hollinger; and by An-
son M. Hadsell, J. P., Reuben C. Walton to Sarah McLun.
October. — By Samuel Bieakley, J. P., Robert Kithcart to Elizabeth
Ryan; by Jacob Carr, J. P., George Oremean to Elizabeth Carr; and by
Benj. H. Lanning, J. P., Lucas Bagsome to Elizabeth Cook; by Thomas
Nash, J. P., Jacob Rumbaugh to Comfort Whiteherse; by Rev. J. M.
Grabb, Henry M. Shelby to Emeline Blackburn; by Samuel Myers, J. P.,
John Clark to Charlotta Heroff, and Michael Bush to Anna Maria Walsh;
and by Benj. H. Lanning, J. P., Casper Bonsig to Francisca Bowman.
November. — By Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Morgan Mumaugh to Jane
McClure; by Rev. Samuel P. Tingle, Abraham Ritchey to Mary Momor;
by John M. Wilson, J. P., John Clark to Sarah Davison; by Enoa S.
Ofley, J. P., Oliver P. Bogart to Sarah Jane Lockhart; by Rev. John M
Digitized by LjOOQIC
268 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Grabb, Bemos Beach to Mary Ferguson; and by John O. Penton, J. P.,
Charles Dudgeon to Margaret Carter.
December. — ^By Bey. John M. Crabb, James H. Anderson to Martha
Dobbins; by Eli S. Carson, J. P., Andrew Budd to Mary Moncraft; byBeT.
John Alexander, Jr., Charles A. Hover to Adaline D. Sonderland, and
George Bosiok to Ann Heckathom; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Edward
Hanthom to Elvira Miller; by Edward Han thorn, J. P., John Skinner to
Adaline Bobison; by W. H. Valentine, J. P., George Williams to Mioajah
Ann Banes; by Bev. Wm. Chaffee, George Mason to Bachel Herbert; and
by Harrison Gregory, J. P., Zadook Bice to Eliza Ann Sunderland.
1843.
January. — By Bev. John Alexander, Jr., Lorin Kennedy to Aldnlia
Curtiss, and James McLinn to Elizabeth Watt; by Jacob Carr, J. P.,
Ormond Kephart to Ann Amanda Hays, and Jacob Carr to Elizabeth
Sukemiller; by Wm. H. Valentine, J. P., Wm. K. Bodle to Agnes Den-
nison; by Harrison Gregory, J. P., John Clawson to Ellen Gregory; by
JohnM. Wilson, J. P., John F. Hall to Lydia Prossen; by M. Leather-
man, J. P., Wm. McCafferty to Mary Bobison; by Bev. Wm. Chaffee,
Thomas McPheron to Nancy Coon; by George Spangler, J. P., Andrew
Brentlinger to Eliza Jane Gardner; by Bev. Joseph Crosby, Samuel B.
Crosby to Susan McPheron, and by Burgess Dickey, J. P., Milton Denis-
ton to Mary Jane Carey.
February.— By Jno. M Wilson, J. P., Wm. Staley to Eliza White-
herst; by Bev* John Alexander, Jr., Samuel Bussel to Harriet Franklin;
by Mich'l Leatherman, J. P., Joseph Einseley to Susana Weaver; by
John Bogers, J. P., Thomas Bogart to Hannah McMillen, and by Jacob
Bonham, Philip Cook to Catherine Hull.
March.— By Eli Coon, J. P., Elijah Coon to Lucy C. Witham; by
Harrison Gregory, J. P., Zodock Bice to Eliza A. Sunderland; by Bev.
John Alexander, Thomas Pierce to Anna Carey, Isaac N. Thomas to Mary
Watt; by Samuel Bleakley, J. P., Geo. W. Coon to Elizabeth Copsey; by
John Bogers, J. P., John B. Albright to Mary LeMasters; by same,
Arthur McHugh to Elizabeth B. Lockport; by Bev. E. H. Holmes, Isaac
B. McCoy to Mary Ann Christopher, Geo. W. Berthards to Comfort Will-
iams; by Bev. Samuel Nelson, George B. Bennett to Mary Ann Basil;
by Thomas Nash, J. P., John Bansbottom to Mary Swaine.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 269
April — Bj Key. J. Alexander, Jr., Moses Haller to Esthei Bark-
holder; by Bev. Abraham Doan, Qeorge Spanler to Dorotha Habn, Peter
Stalej to Sally Ransbottom; by A. Copeland, J. P., Zebalon Qibersonto
Nancy Day; by Charles Crites, J. P., James Johnson to Lovina Flinn;
by Benj. W. Vance, J. P., Cyrus Hoak to Julia Culver; by Rev. John
Alexander, Jr., Samuel Neher to Anna Neher.
May. — By Rev. Samuel Nelson, James Penton to Mary Martin; by
Jamee Oarr, J. P., John Pill to Mary Ann Smith; by Rev. Jas. A. Web-
ster, Daniel Eolley, Jr., to Elizabeth Pierce; by George Spangler,
George Huffman to Ursula Butcher; by James Bleakley, J. P., Aaron F.
Cottreli to Jane Montgomery; by Moses McDonald, J. P., Nathan Daven-
port to Elizabeth W. Foster; by John Oarr, J. P., Charles Miller to
Rebecca Herring.
Juna — By Burgess Dickey, J. P., Wm. Miller to Margaret Coon; by
Rev. Geo. Spangler, Andrew Hohn to Rebecca McClure; by S. Mont-
gomery, J. P., Henry Waltz to Margaret McMullen; by John M. Nelson,
J. P., Peter Staley to Sally Ransbottom; by B. H Lanning, J. P., John
Eieth to Catherine Schoonover.
July. — By Charles Crites, J. P., Benjamin Manley to Mary Carr,
Thos. J. West to Lydia Bramlet; by Rev. Geo. Spangler, Philip Grierto
Wilhelmina Harbst; by Rev. Edward Williams, Jonas Moneysmith to
Elizabeth Long, Jacob Lakemiller to Mary Ann Huffer; by Enos H.
Oscley, J. P., M. A. Copeland to Eley K. Snider; by Job Johnson, J. P.,
Thomas Johnson to Mary Ann Studey.
August — Celestine Kerghner to Katharine Leible; by W. H. Valen-
tine, J. P., Michael Baker to Mary Ann Keith.
September. — By Charles Crites, J. P., George Knittie to Margaret
Waters; by Jas. S. demons, J. P., Sebastian Ike, Jr., to Mary Hook; by
Samuel Nelson, David Logan to Minerva Rodgers; by Rev. John Alex-
ander, Benjamin Reed to Quintilla Cremean; by Rev. Abraham Doan,
Charles Bowsher to Mary Stepieton; by Rev. John Alexander, Jr., John
M. Cusmaul to Susannah Gate, William Whetstone to Margaret Elsworth.
October. — By Sam'l Myers, J. P., John Pownal to Catherine Myers;
by W. H. Valentine, J. P., James Keith to Margaret Williams; by Rev.
George Spangler, George Rohrbacker to Catherine Schilp; by Moses
McDonald, J. P., Wm. Hanthom to Jane Harford; by Rev. Henry
16
Digitized by LjOOQIC
270 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Morris, Amos Smeadley to Bebecca Hamac; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P.,
Anthony Hall to Deborah Walton; by Allen Oilmore, J. P., Wm. Shookey
to Pamelia Corson; by Eev. John Alexander, Jr., Tobias Goon to Eleanor
DeCamsey, and Jacob Hartman to Sophia Fleiz; by Benj. W. Vance, J.
P., Frederick Harter to Mary Higher.
NoTember. — By Bev. Abraham Dowd, John Steepleton to Hetty Bow-
sher; by Samnei Bleakley, J. P., George Benton to Sarah Corder and
Bichard Howell to Isabel Montgomery; by Samnei Focht, J. P., Hugh B.
Bailey to Mary Orr; by Joseph W. Hall, J. P., Cyms K. Hall to Louisa
Bellinger; by Bev. John Alexander, Jr., Warren Boberts to Mary Bum-
baugh and John Bryan to Minerva Beese; by Bev. Thomas Beed, Wm.
Miller to Elizabeth Finland and Josiah Cowan to Elizabeth Ann Miller;
by Charles Crites, J. P. (on the 16th), Samuel Fulk to Eliza Bryan; by
Samuel Focht, J. P., Jacob Klinganan to Elizabeth Tam; by Moses
McDonald, J. P., Allen Beynolds to Jane Hanthorn; by Bev. T. H.
Tanke, Herman W. Meckstroth to Christine Elizabeth Schebuethamys,
Herman Henry Wiewille to Christine Elizabeth Nussmeise and Herman
William Fladdengohams to Elizabeth Christine Houerath.
December.— By Benj. W. Vance, J. P., Eli Brunfield to Elizabeth
Bamey; by Wm. Highland, J. P., Samuel Shoupe to Catherine Tester;
by John Bogers, J. P., Sam'l S. Coleman to Nancy J. Copeland and
Frank Keller to Margatet Bumbaugh; by Wm. H. Valentine, J. P.,
Henry Leatherman to Mary Jane Whitehursi
1844.
January. — By Benj. W. Vance, J. P., Amos Clawson to Mary Jane
Potter; by D. P. Darling, J. P., Henry Sprague to Margaret Tyson; by
Samuel Bleakley, J. P., Jonathan Weller to Nancy Powell; by Charles
Crites, J. P., (on the 12th) William Powers to Bebecca Barnt, and (on
the 13th) Amos Fossonaot to Dorothy Bidenour; by Bev. Joseph Croesley,
Boss Croesley to Phoebe Apple; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Jacob Huey
to Artemesia Bich; by Bev. Samuel Miller, Silas W. Slater to Margaret
Ann Moore; by James S. Cheevers, J. P., Samuel Hume to Catherine
Holler.
February. — By C. B. Brandeberry, J. P., Charles Shives to Mary
Welsh; by Charles Crites, J. P., (on the 14th) Abner Carr to Viana John;
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 271
by John Rogers, J. P., Asa Martin to Hannah Coleman; by Eev. John
Shookey, Alexander E. Kerr to Jane McCk)y; by Moses McDonald, J. P.,
Chancy L. Kent to Harriet Fleming; by Samuel Bleakley, J. P., James
H. Yannortrick to Catherina Riser.
March. — By Rev. Thomas Reed, Caleb Baldwin to Elizabeth Buchan-
an; by Rev. Samuel Wilson, George Stiles to Mary Howell, and John
Gibeson to Sin thy an Richardson; by Moses Boulom, J. P., Peleg Lewis
to Elizabeth Huey; by James S. Cheevers, J. P., Charles F. Faurot to
Lucina Hanes; by Rev. Samuel Wilson, Andrew Brentiinger to Ruth
Watt; by C. B. Brandeberry, J. P., Israel Deniston to Catharine Ann
Fritz; by William Reece, J. P., David Reece to Julia Ann Lane; by
Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Nathaniel McClure to Mary McClane; by Amos
Evans, J. P., Daniel Sakemiller to Sarah Carman; by Rev. John Shockey,
Madison Copeland to Catharine Hullinger; by Edward Hartshorn, J. P.,
Joseph H. Dawson to Mariah Moore.
April. — By Burgess Dickey, J. P., James Yoakum to Mary Ann
Brown; by Allen Gilmer, J. P., William H. Brown to Lucinda Cook; by
James S. Cheevers, J. P., John Barkholder to Elizabeth Clark; by Ben-
jamin W. Yance, J. P., Theren L. Buck to Isabella Wiley; by Rev.
Samuel Wilson, William Lusk, Jr., to Sarah Ann Bennet.
May. — By Benjamin W. Yance, J. P., Isaac Miller to Sarah Hyer;
by Rev. William Chaffee, Daniel J. Yoorhis to Margaret Ann Roney,
and John Battzell to Henrietta D. Holton; by David Hunter, J. P.,
John R Logan to Elizabeth Curtis; by Eonrad Scbemmel, J. P., Karl
Wise to Margaretta Dresher; by Rev. Samuel Wilson, Thomas J. Loo-
ney to Phoebe Richardson; by Joseph Bresler, J. P., Aaron Jackson
Golliver to Sarah Maria Lawrence; by James Watts, J. P., Joseph C.
Ford to Eliza Jane Yazle.
June. — By Rev. George Spangler, John Bubp to Catherine Tobias,
and John Coch to Dorothy Engletharp; by Rev. Samuel Wilson, Isaac
Shockey to Nancy Sully; by John McLean, J. P., Joseph Williams to
Rhoda Richardson; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Joseph W. Reeder to
Rebecca Ann Swick; by William Reece, J. P., Charles H. Hubble to
Charily Ann Gilbert; by Joseph Bresler, J. P., Amos Evans to Cathar-
ine Timmons. '
July. — By Edward Hartshorn, J. P., Edward Shinaberry to Hannah
Digitized by LjOOQIC
272 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Faorot, and Hiram Protman to Margaret Elliott; bj James MoFarland,
J. P., Edward Vannortwick to Bebecoa Van Nagle; by S. M. Cowan, J.
P., Beverly Shard to Mary Jacobs; by Rev. Samuel Wilson, William
Priddy to Elizabeth Bowyer; by Bargees Dickey, J. P., George Coon to
Susannah Bight
August. — By Edward Hartshorn, J. P., Alexander Crawford to Caro-
line Waldon, and William Wolf to Elizabeth Struckmyers; by S. M. Col-
on, J. P., Simon Dresher to Margaret Wiseman; by Bev. George Spang-
ler, Paul Birk to Polly Van Blaricom ; by Benjamin Vance, J. P. , Isaac
Briggs to Elizabeth Harter; by John Hoffman, J. P., Daniel Brentlinger
to Bebecca Carter; by James E. McParland, J. P., John Julien to Mary
Ann Cook; by Bev. William Chaffee, John Winfield to Jane Terry.
September. — By Benjamin Vance, J. P., George Gregory to Catharine
Miller; by Bev. George Spangler, Philip Elopfenstein to Christiana
Zom; by Bev. David Crall, Andrew S. Edmiston to Mary B. Winrott;
by Bev. S. S. Yourtree, Barton A. Holland to Lydia Osmon.
October. — By Bev. Samuel Wilson, William C. Keith to Amanda Don-
nells; by Bev. Wm. Bobst, George Schemmel to Maria Fleitz, and
Michael Hummert to Anna Bobb; by D. P. Darling, J. P., Samuel Pil-
lars to Narcissa Cutler, and Wm. S. Brooks to Lucy Chamberland; by
Samuel S. Yourtree, Samuel Custard to Elizabeth Jacobs; by Wm. Beece, J.
P., Wm. B. Weyer to Lucretia Nash.
November. — By Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., George M. Hadsell to Maria
Thayer; by Bev. Samuel Yourtree, John Beiler to Margaret Cunningham,
and William Pangle to Sarah McDonal; by Bev. John M. Crabb, Lester
Bliss to Belinda Ann Hover; by Bev. M. Herbst, Michael Franz to Wal-
burger Herbst; by Edward Hanthom, J. P., Ephraim Davis to Dursilla
Shinaberry; by Bev. John M. Crabb, John Watt to Christiana Grear;
by Bev. Samuel Tingle, John H. FL McCain to Mary Jane Maxwell.
December. — By Bev. John M. Crabb, Samuel Coon to Mary Tracy;
by Moses Brenham, J. P., John Hummell to Mary Morris; by, Bev. Sam-
uel Sylvestre, Cyrus Holland to Mary E. Chippinger; by James K
McFarland, J. P., John N. Showan to Margaret Foster; by Bev. George
Spangler, John Sammetinger to Catharine Tobias; by Bev. John M.
Crabb, James D. W. Shockey to Sarah Jane Huston; by Bev. John
Swahlen, Henry Lammas to Elizabeth Nemire.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 273
1845.
January. — Bj Eev. Samuel S. Yourtree, Thomas Bussell to Margaret
Johnson, and James M. Satherthwait to Ellen Rebecca Cunningham; by
Ber. M. C. Robst, Joseph Byersdorfer to Elizabeth Pfenining; by C. H.
Williams, J. P., Daniel Mayer to Mary Ann Ranes; by Rev. S. M.
Beaty, Geo. W. Trumbull to Prizzella Elliott; by Simon Dresher, 3. P.,
Mathias Wagner ta Mary Routh.
February.— By Thomas Nash, J. P., Samuel L. Watt to Mary Grear;
by Joseph Bresler, J. P., John Stalter to Leah Foster; by James S.
Cheevers, J. P., Martin Miller to Mary M. Biggie; by Archelaus Martin,
' J. P., Philip Place to Rebecca Johnson; by Rev. Harris Wells, Lemuel
Williams to Mary Ellsworth.
March. — By Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Thomas McClure to Ruth
Grear; by Rev. Samuel Wilson, James H. Lusk to Catharine J. Seysor;
by Charles Crites, J. P. (on the 19th), Abraham East to JaneMcMellen;
by Enoe Evans, J. P., Smith Baxter to Mary Cremean; by Chas. H.
Williams, J. P., John M. Keith to Eleanor Hill; by Burgess Dickey, J.
P., Frederick Ross to Anna Coon.
April. — By Charles Crites, J. P. (on the 1st), Joseph Bresler to Eliz-
abeth Doner; by L W. Hall, J. P., Samuel Stumbaugh to Lucinda Staley;
by Job Johnson, J. P., Lewis Ayres to Mary Lucus; by Samuel Bleakley,
J. P., Daniel McMurray to Jane Cottrell, and Bazzel E. Moore to Marga-
ret Rodenbander; by Rev. Enoch Harvey, John Gillaspey to Susannah
Hefner; by John Rogers, J. P., Robert Beer to Ann Eliza, Vantress; by
Charles Crites, J. P. (on the 13th), David Long to Sarah Ridenour; by
S. M. Cowan, J. P., Jamee E. McFarland to Rosanah Walker; by Rev.
John Shockey, John M Smith to Mary O'Neal; by Rev. Samuel S. Your-
tree, Viers Maguire to Sarah Cochran.
May. — By Chas. H. Williams, J. P., James M Huston to Cornelia
Jane Enos; by Rev. R. D. Mason, Geo. W. Holbrook to Mary Virginia
Nichols; by Rev. John M. Crabb, Joseph Tingle to Ann Sophia Cunning-
ham; by John Corder, J. P. ; James H. Corder to Margaret Beer; by D.
P. Darling, J. P., Eli Delong to Susan Dodson, and John C. Bear to
Mary Tyson; by Cha& H. Williams, J. P., James O'Neal to Sarah Jane
Hurst.
June. — By Job Johnson, J. P., Ellsey H. Rogers to Nancy Jane Mor-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
274 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. .
ris, and Frederick Weimiller to Polly Herpst; by Rev. John M. Crabb,
James W. Autrom to Nanoy Bamlbaugh; by Rev. M. C. Bobst, Mich'l
Miller to Margaret Cottenberger; by William Berryman, J. P., John
Gregory to Susan Higher; by Samuel Bleakley, J. P., Solomon Saum to
Sarah Carpenter; by Job Johnson, J. P., James M. Shaw to Sarah
Jacobs; by John McLean, J. P., William VanHom to Sarah Spurgo.
July. — By Burgess Dickey, J. P., Eleazor Coitrell to Catharine Myers;
by James S. CheeTers, J. P., George Mack tx> Mary Bitter; by Amos
Evans, J. P., Beuben Williams to Margaret Hay; by Bev. M Bates,
William Tingle to Mary Ann Bates.
August. — By Geo. Spangler, J. P., Christian Burke to Catharine
Brosius; by Edward Hartshorn, J. P., John Leatherman to Mary Ann
Brown; by Samuel Focht, J. P., Stephen Klingman to Ann Conner; by
J. W. Hall, J. P., Adam Evick to Eve Fisher; by James Watt, J. P.
Bradrick Bailey to Lucy Lawrence.
September. — By Bev. John M. Crabb, Edward Marat to Sarah Cole;
by A. Martin, J. P., James Panabaker to Elnora Ash; by Allen Gilmore,
J. P., Jackson Davidson and Clarinda Mix; by George Spangler, J. P.,
Henry Hatter to Catharine Shaffer; by Samuel Wilson, J. P., M. W.
Bowdle to Letitia McCoy; by Anson M. Hadsell, J. P., Samuel McClure
to Elizabeth Patterson; by Abraham Donw, J. P., Jacob Criten to Mary
Jane Cremean.
October. — By B. S. Anderson, J. P., George Myers to Lidia Ann
Williams; by Edward Hartshorn, J. P., Melancthon Petil to Lydia Jane
Tharp; by Missionary, Matthew N. Shane to Mary Buchanan; by
Geo. Spangler, J. P., John H. Fisher to Mary Simon; by Amos Evans,
J. P., Frederick Sakemiller to Elizabeth Harter.
November. — ^By Edward Williams, J. P., Benjamin Whitney to
Minerva H. Daniels; by C. H. Williams, J. P., Samuel Shellabarger to
Bebecca Loughrige; by Bev. M. Bobst, Charles Markley to Ann C. Cot-
senberger; by Samuel Wilson, M. G., John F. Miller to Mary Stevenson;
by Charles Crites, J. P., Arthur Van Wey to Louisa Olmstead; by Will-
iam Beese, J. P., James M. Candlers to Susan Bayl; by John Corder,
J. P., Charles Brackney to Mary Arthur; by Charles Crites, J. P., Sam-
uel Clutter to Elizabeth East.
December. — By Shadrach Montgomery, J. P., Simeon Smith to Sally
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 275
Howell; by Samael Focht, J. P., George Klingman to Mary Tarn; by
Samuel Bleakley, J. P., James Byan to Hannah G. Barton; by William
Beeee, J. P., John Greenawalt to Jnlien Baker; by Anson M. Hadsell, J.
P., John B. Patterson to Sarah Watt; by Peter Honok, J. P., John
Christian to Elizabeth Elsas; by James Watt, J. P., Presley Gant to
Ellen O'Niel; by Rev. Wm. Miller, Joseph G. Howell to Jane Miller; by
Wm. Beece, J. P., John Grabb to Elizabeth Robinson; by Moses McDon-
ald, J. P., Samuel H. Saxton to Mary A. Oorns; by James S. OheeT-
ers, J. P., Barnet Statler to Laura E. Slayton.
In addition to the marriages recorded in Allen, there were many mar-
riages of her citizens celebrated and registered without the county,
while others were never placed on the register. Evidences of this
appear in the part of this work devoted to biography.
CHAPTER VI.
ORGANIC HISTORY.
ON the organization of Ohio Territory, Washington County was
established with its western limits resting on the Scioto River,
and its northern on Lake Eria In 1790 Hamilton County was organ-
ized. In 1796 Wayne County was set off, and within the two following
years five more counties were established. In 1800 Fairfield and Trum-
bull were established. In 1803 the counties of Gallia, Sciota, Frank-
lin, Colambiana, Butler, Warren, Greene and Montgomery were added.
In 1805 Athens was formed from Washington County. In 1804 Mus-
kingum was established; in 1805 Highland and Champaign; in 1807
Ashtabula, Portage, Cuyahoga and Miami; in 1808 Stark, Preble, Knox,
Licking, Delaware, Tuscarawas; in 1809 Darke, Huron; in 1810 Pick-
away, Madison, Clinton, Fayette, Guernsey; in 1811 Coshocton; in
1812 Medina; in 1813 Monroe and Richland; in 1814 Hocking and
Harrison; in 1815 Pike; in 1816 Jackson, Lawrence; in 1817 Clark,
Itogan^ Perry, Brown; in 1818 Morgan; in 1819 Shelby and Meigs;
in 1820 Allen, Crawford, lilarion, Mercer, Hardin, Hancock, Henry,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
276 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Williams, Paulding, Pataam, Sanduskj, Seneca, Union, Van Wert and
Wood. The last named connties, including Allen, were set off from
Indian Territory, and were not organized for years after their establish-
ment, and in the case of Allen County, not for fourteen years after the
treaty of the Maumee Bapids.
The organic act of 1820 provided that the lands ceded by the Indians
in the treaty of Maumee should be divided 'into fourteen counties, viz:
Townships 1, 2 and 3 south, in 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ranges to form Van Wert;
all of Bangee 1, 2, 3 and 4 south of Townships 1, 2 and 3 south, to form
Mercer; all of Townships 1 and 2 south, and 1 and 2 north in Banges 5,
6, 7 and 8, to form Putnam; and lastly all of the second townships to
the northern limits of the organized counties to form Allen County. This
act further provided that Allen County be attached to Shelby County for
judicial purposes. Subsequently Allen was attached to Mercer until the
organization of 1831. In 1829 Christopher Wood, of Allen, was nomi-
nated by the Legislature, with Justin Hamilton, of Mercer, and Adam
Barber, of Putnam, a Board of Commissioners to locate the seat of jus-
tice for each of the counties which they represented. This was accom-
plished, and the organization of the county followed in 1831. The prog-
ress made toward advancing the interests of Allen County, so far as the
Commissioners were concerned, is pointed out in the following resume
of their transactions. (In the history of Amanda Township the part t>aken
by the Commissioners of Mercer County is related.)
The County Commissioners, James Daniels, John G.Wood and Samuel
Stewart, with William G. Wood, Secretary, met June 6, 1831. A peti-
tion for the organization of Jackson Township was considered and granted.
Authority was also granted to organize the township of Sciota. The
Assessor was allowed $11 for his services. A road from Section 12,Tovni-
ship 3 south, Bange 8 east to the county seat, was authorized, and Fran-
cis Stephenson, John Cochran and Samuel Jacobs appointed to lay out
such road, with Justin Hamilton, surveyor. Joseph Crawford was
appointed to keep the standard measure for Allen County. A levy of 8
mills on the dollar was ordered.
The meeting of August 27 merely contracted with Josiah Crawford
to build the firot courthouse for $175. October 1, 1831, the Commis-
sioners appointed Henry Lippinoott to prepare plans for ''fixing some
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 277
place of confinement for XJri Martin, under arrest as an insane person."
Morgan Lippincott's name appears upon the roll of Commissioners in
December, 1831, when a meeting was held at the house of Absalom
Brown at Lima. The construction of the State Boad and other matters
were considered. Authority was also granted to organize the Township
of German. Christopher Wood, Director of the town of Lima, was
ordered to sell out lots as surveyed by James W. Biley.
The order to organize Auglaize Township was issued March 5, 1832.
On the same day the records made by Nathan Daniels, late Recorder, were
ordered to be transcribed by John Ward, then Recorder, on account of
Daniels' ink not being good.
On June 4, 1832, Adam White was appointed County Treasurer vice
Josiah Crawford who was elected, but failed to give bonds. In Decem-
ber, 1832, John P. Mitchell took his place on the Board at a meeting
held at James Edward's house December 3, with Lippincott and Daniels.
The town of Scotia was disestablished, and that district attached to
Auglaize Township for judicial purposes.
The first meeting of the Commissioners in the new court house was
held March 4, 1833. A petition presented by Ghriffith John praying for
the enlargement of German Township was granted. Authority was given
to organize the township of Deuchoquette, election to be held at J.
Ayree' house in Wapakonetta. In June, 1833, authority was granted
to organize Wayne Township, as prayed for in a petition presented by
Bazzle Day. July 1, 1833, the contract for building the jail was let to
David Tracey for $179. Up to this date the amount realized from the
sale of town lots in Lima was 13,31 7. 19^.
In December, 1833, Griffith John, John P. Mitchell and James
Daniels presided as Commissioners. In March, 1834, a petition presen-
ted by Benjamin F. Cochran, asking for the establishment of a new town-
ship off the north end of Amanda, was granted, and Marion Township
was ordered to be organized. At this session Town 5 south. Range 7
east, was set off as a township to be named Union. The establishment
of Perry Township, or Township 4 south, Range 7 east, was authorized
and an election ordered to be held at Joseph Crossley's in April, 1834
In April, 1884, James A. Anderson was appointed Appraiser to revalue
the real estate of the county in accordance with the Legislative Act of
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278 HISTORY OP ALLBN COUNTY.
Febraary 24, 1834 Silas Faorot was Assessor. In Jane, 1834, Isaac
Bowyer appeared before the Commissioners and made oath that the sum
of $96 was all he had oat bearing interest instead of 1206, for which he
was assessed. The Board placed the valae on Tompkin's mill at $300
and a like valae on Lippincott's milL The Capital of E. C. Case was
redaced from $2,000 to $1,500 for assessment, and the valae of Bamett
Sf Co's mill at Wapakonetta raised from $250 to $300.
On November, 1834, James H. Coleman, Griffith John and James A.
Anderson, Coanty Commissioners, appointed Samael Black, Auditor.
On December 1 a petition presented by E. Hover asking that Township
4, Range 6, be set off into a separate township, was granted, and the
name Shawnee adopted. An election was ordered to be held at Ezekiel
Hover's house, December 13, 1834. It was decreed that so much of
original Township 4 south. Range 5 east, as previously belonged to
German Township, should be attached to Amanda. Town 6 south,
Range 6 east, was set off as Pusheta Township, and an election
ordered to be held at Joseph Moyer's house on December 20. Town 6
south, Range 5 east was set off under the name Washington, and an
election ordered to be held December 20, at the house of George Epper-
son. Owing to the change in Jackson Township, so much of Township
3 south, Range 7 east, as belonged to Jackson previous to alteration was
attached to Bath Township.
The petition to have original Town 3, Range 8 east, set off as a
separate township and to retain the original name, Jackson, was granted.
A petition to have original Township 6 south, Range 7 east, to be
made the limits of township, and to be designated Clay, was granted.
An election was ordered to be held at James H. Coleman's house,
December 20, 1834. A petition was presented December 7, 1835, from
the people of Township 5 south. Range 5 east, by Joseph Haskell,
praying to be set off as a separate township under the name Moulton.
This petition was granted, and an election ordered to be held at Joseph
HaskelPs house, January 30, 1836. In April, 1836, three Trustees and
a Treasurer were elected to take charge of School Section 16, in Union
Township.
Henry B. Thorn, Griffith John and John Brand, Commissioners,
Samuel Black, Auditor, and D. £L Stuckey, Assessor, formed the Equaliza-
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 279
iion Board in 1836-37. In December, 1836, the township of Goshen
was formed out of Wayne, and an election ordered to be held at £li B.
(Arson's house, December 17, 1836.
Michael Leatherman, Henry B. Thorn and John Brand opened the
Commissioners' Court in January, 183!^. In May, 1837, D. D. Tompkins,
William Cunningham and Lorin Kennedy were appointed Fund Com-
missioners, under the Legislative Act of Mardi 2S, 1837, to take charge
of the surplus revenue of the county. Throughout the years 1835, 1836,
and 1837 the principal business of the Board consisted in granting peti-
tions for county and state roads and auditing accounts.
In December, 1837, John Schooler, Henry B. Thorn and John Brand
formed the Commissioners' Board. The establishment of county roads
and alteration of roads already established may l>e said to have occupied
the attention of the Board during the year 1838. James Spray replaced
Mbiixj B. Thorn on the Board in December, 1838. The establish-
ment of roads, alteration of roads, both State and county, formed the
main business of the Board. In December, 1839, John M. Wilson
replaced Commissioner Spray. March 17, 1840, the Commissioners adopt-
ed plans for a new court house and jail, made by Chatfield, of Urbana,
and let the contract for building to Orlando Boughton, of Wooster,
Wayne County, Ohio, he binding himself to furnish material and to
build and complete the house for 113,325. Of the sum required the
Fund Commissioners were to furnish $10,000. The contractors were to
complete the work by January 1, 1843.
In December, 1840, Henry B. Thorn took John Schooler's place on
the Board. In July, 1841, the pioneer court house and jail and Lots
88 and 130 were sold at public auction. In December, 1841, Shadrach
Montgomery and Charles H. Williams were sworn in as Commissioners
and took their places on the Board with John Brand. In December,
1842, Charles C. Marshall took John Brand* s place on the Board and on
the 7th of that month the Commissioners took possession of the new
court house. John M. Anderson was appointed Recorder vice John
Alexander, Jr., resigned.
Matthew Dobbins took his seat as Commissioner, December 4, 1843,
vice C. H. Williams, whose term of office expired. During the ensuing
year the Board transacted very important business outside establishment
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280 HISTORY OF ALLBN COUNTY.
of roads. A settlement; with GoUeotors whose aocoants were in bad shape,
one with bondsmen of Merchant Yell, who is stated to have made a false
inventory with a view of defeating the objects of County Assessor and
Collector, a refund for the amount of coonterfelt money paid ont by one of
the Tmsteeb of the Sorplns Fnnd, and other measures of a like character
were acted upon, such as the correction of the deed given by the State
for the town of Lima. In October, 1844, Nicholas Zanglein replaced
Montgomery on the Commissioners' Board. Jacob B. Haller replaced C.
C. Marshall on the Board in December, 1845. During this session $250
were allowed to the editor of the Argus for printing the delinquent lists
of 1845. G^rge W. Andrews was also ordered to remove his printing
office from the grand jury room, for which a sum of $25 per annum
rental was ordered to be retained out of the 1250 due to him. During
the winter of 1845-46, the debtors room in the court house was used
occasionally as a ball-room. In March, 1846, the Commissioners had
the subject brought before them and orders were directed to the Sheriff
to put a stop to such gaiety in that room. In March, 1846, the county
was divided into assessors' districts. District No. 1 comprised Jackson,
Bath, Perry, Auglaize Townships; District No. 2, German, Marion,
Amanda and Shawnee; District No. 3, Deuchoquette, Moulton, Washing-
ton and Pusheta; and District No. 4, Clay, Union, Wayne and Goshen.
The Assessors appointed were John M. Wilson, 1st District; Ghriffith John,
2d District; John Elliott, 3d District; Hugh F. Rinehart, District
No. 4 The amount of tax to be levied was estimated at 17,878. In
December, 1846, Samuel Walker replaced Matthew Dobbins on the
Board. In February, 1848, Thomas E. Jacobs was appointed County
Treasurer, vice Alex Beatty deceased.
REOBOANIZATION OF 1848.
The Commissioners in session, February 28, 1848, ordained the follow-
ing changes in the township of Allen, consequent on the formation of
Auglaize County: The south tier of sections taken from Riley Township
is added to Richland Township. The north tier of sections of German
Township is added to the south half of Sugar Creek and is organized
into a township to be called Sugar Creek, the balance of Carman
Township to retain its original name. The south half of Marion and
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 281
the north half of Amanda Townships are established as one township
under the name of Amanda. The north half of Marion and the south
half of Jennings, taken from Putnam County, are established as one
township under the n^me Marion. The northeast quarter of Salem and
the east half of Jennings, taken from Van Wert County, are set off into
onetov^nship to be called Spencer. So much of Shawnee as is still left
in Allen County is to retain its original name. Monroe township is
to retain its name and organization. The balance of Allen County is to
remain as already organized.
In June, 1848, the Commissioners ordered a tax of $8,082.68 to be
levied, being 6i^ mills per dollar on the yaluation. In December, Samuel
Bockhill and William Akerman joined Jacob Haller on the County Board.
In September, 1849, the question of subscribing to the stock of the Great
Western Railroad was before the Board. In December, 1840, Burgess
Dickey replaced Jacob Haller on the Board. During the session of that
month the yote on granting $50,000 aid to the Great Western Bailroad was
canvassed, when it was learned that 747 favored the subscription and 457
opposed it. In June, 1850, the questions of vacating the old burial
ground of Lima and the establishment of the jiQW cemetery were before
the Board. A parcel of the old grounds was reserved for the purpose of
extending North Street. On June 1, 1850, bonds for $50,000 were issued.
In 1851 Hugh Dobbins was appointed Recorder, vice John W.
Thomas, deceased. Messrs. Akerman, Bockhill and Dickey were the Com-
missioners.
In May, 1853, the Commissioners of Allen and Putnam Counties
met and agreed upon the sum of $3,848.76 as due by Allen County to
Putnam, resulting from the changes following the establishment of
Auglaize County. In December, 1853, Christian Steman took his place
on the Board. The establishment and alteration of roads may be said
to have occupied the sole attention of the Board during the year 1853-54.
Moses Patterson took his seat on the Board in December, 1854, Horace
Bixby was sworn in a Commissioner in December, 1855, and Joseph
GrifiSths in December, 1856. In May, 1857, the petition of the citizens
residing within what is now known as Ottawa, asking that it be set off
under the name of Ottawa from Bath, Shawnee, German and Perry, was
I
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282 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
presented. This petition was granted and the little township of Ottawa
^ was organized as a division of the county.
The transactions of the Commissioners' Board, since 1858, have
increased in just such measure as the county has gone forward in the path
of progress. Public enterprise, expressed through the Board of our own
times, has dwarfed the little dealings which marked the Board of olden
days, and in 1884 gave to the county a most substantia] monument to
her progress, to her prosperity and to her enterprise.
COUNTY BUILDINGS.
In the history of the Commissioners' Board it has been stated that, on
August 27, 1881, Josiah Crawford entered into a contract with the County
Commissioners to erect the pioneer court house in consideration of a
payment to him, during the progress of the work, of $175. This meet-
ing of the Board was held at James Daniels' house. Again the Commis-
sioners met at the house of Absalom Brown, and in 1832 at Joseph
Edward's house. On March 4, 1833, the first meeting of the Commis-
sioners' Board was held within the first court house, and there meetings
were held until 1842, when what is now known as the old court house was
dedicated, and on December 7, that year, was formally opened. In July,
1841, the pioneer court house and jail, together with Lots 88 and 130,
were sold at auction.
The question of building a new court house was brought before the
people in 1830, and on March 17, 1840, plans for a structure which would
answer the dual purpose of court house and jail were adopted by the
Board. Orlando Boughton, of Wayne County, contracted with the^county
to furnish material, build and complete the house, for $13,325. In the
tall of 1842 the Commissioners' Board accepted the building, and on
December 7, of that year, held the first meeting therein. This building,
on the southwest corner of West Market Street and the Square, stands a
monument to the public enterprise of that day.
THE NEW COURT HOUSE.
The vote on the question of building a new court house was taken
April 4, 1881. In the following record of this vote D. represents the
dissenters, and C. the contents, the former aggregating 1,014, and the
latter 3,333, a majority of 2,319 in favor of building.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 283
Blufflon Precinct, 120 D., 124 C; Beaver Dam Precinct, 68 D., 105
C; Lima, First Ward, 12 D., 393 C; Second Ward, 6 D., 448 C;
Third Ward, 3 D., 301 Q; Fourth Ward, 10 D., 108 C, or for Lima
City, 31 D., 1,250 C; Monroe Township, 71 D., 208 C; Sugar Creek,
45 D., 117 C; Marion, 223D.,370C.; Spencer, 112 D., 137 C; Amanda,
92 D., 81 C. ; German, 16 D., 124 C. ; Bath, 25 D., 154 C. ; Jackson, 85
D., 186 C; Auglaize, 33 D., 170 C; Perry, 75 D., 141 C; Shawnee, 17
D., 152 C; and Ottawa, 1 D., 14 C; total, 1,014 D., 3,333 C. Com-
missioners W. W. Williams, F. M. Clum and Jacob Critee, with S. D.
Chambers, Auditor, were present, as canvassers of this vote.
The Commissioners at once entered on the work of carrying out the
wishes of the great majority of the people. George W. Overmyer, then
Probate Judge; D. L. Crites, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas;
John Franks, Sheriff, and James Irvine, appointed by the Judge of Com-
mon Pleas, with the Commissioners, formed the Committee on Plans and
Specifications. J. A. States took his place on the Conmiissioners' Board,
December 5, 1881, vice W. W. Williams, whose term expired; H. S.
Prophet, Prosecuting Attorney, acted as Counsel for the committee.
The appointment of G. H. Maetzel, of Columbus, Ohio (whose plans
were adopted September 20, 1881), as architect of the building, was made
October 27, 1881; the plans and specifications which he had previously
submitted being accepted by the Building Committee. Bonds for $142,-
500 were negotiaf.ed by one of the banking houses of Lima, and adver-
tisement made for proposals to build the court house, September 16,
1881. On November 10, 1881, the Commissioners entered into the fol-
lowing ix>ntract8:
Wethemyer Brothers, cut- stone work, all Berea stone. ...$89,000 00
Joseph Erb, tiling for corridors, encaustic No. 1 2,700 00
Frederick & F. and M. Forof, brick and brick work 1,900 00
Motherwell Iron Works, wrought and cast-iron work. . . . 85,600 00
Joseph Erb, slating 4,150 00
W. B. Miles, carpenter work and hardware 11,100 00
Philip Knoff, painting and glazing 4,500 00
Bussard & Fitzgerald, plastering and stucco work 2,825 00
A. C. Baxter, Jr., & Co., gas piping 875 00
Andrew Schwaz, plumbing 1,850 00
W. R. Kinnear & Co., tin and galvanized iron work 5,286 00
About the same date D. D. Nicholas contracted to excavate the foon-
dation; John Langenderfer to build foundations, and G. W. Brower to
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284 HI8T0RY OP ALLEN COUNTr.
complete the drainage system; Jacob B. Mowen was appointed to super-
intend the construction of foundations in September, 1881, and George
B. F. Cooper to superintend material and construction March 13, 1882.
The comer- stone was placed July 4, 1882, without ceremony, and the
work was carried on without interruption until the fall of 1884, when
the building was formally opened.
The furniture, made and designed specially for this edifice, is
stained cherry, finished in latest style, and supplied at a cost of about
110,000. The total cost may be estimated at about $160,000, a sum tor
which the people have a public building, perfect in design and mechan-
ical work, and one well worthy of a place among the noble piles of
masonry which mark the progress of the country.
THE TOWEB OLOOK.
This is a county institution so to speak, with its attendant bells; it
cost twenty- eight times as much as the pioneer court house of the county,
or about 15,000. It was made under contract with £. Howard & Co.,
dated December 28, 1883, and was ready to be placed in position July 4,
1884. It is what is known as Howard*s Na 4; strikes the hours on one
large bell of about 3,500 pounds, and the quarter hours on a smaller
bell of about 1,750 pounds. The dials are 9 feet 4 inches in diameter;
the works form a marvel of mechanical skill and ingenuity; are war-
ranted to keep time within fifteen seconds per month, and free from orig-
inal defects for five years. In September, 1884, the clock stopped, owing
to the fact that during a rain-storm, water ran down the chain cables,
entered the works which it rusted, and thus caused the stoppage, other-
wise the fifteen seconds guarantee has been observed.
THE GOXJirrT JAIL.
The idea of building a jail suggested itself to the Commissioners in
October, 1831, when they appointed Henry Lippincott to prepare plans
^for fixing some place of confinement for XJri Martin, under arrest as an
insane person.^ A contract was entered into with David Tracey, July 1,
1833, to erect a jail building for $179. To point out the manner in
which Auditor Jackson bound David Tracey to build the first jail, the
following copy of contract is given: Dimensions of the jail: To be
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^^fz^^nyT'y (^^cnriA
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HISTORY OF ALLBN COUNTT. 287
built on the northeast comer of in-lot No. 88, in the town of Lima,
Allen Go., Ohia The jail to be composed of timber 12 inches thick.
The walls each 14 feet long, the wall to be solid. The npper story to be
9 inches thick, the wall solid; each storj to be 7 feet high. The under
floor to be laid with solid timber 1 foot thick; the floors to let into gains
6 inches each; and the second floor to be of solid timber 10 inches
thick; the npper floor to be laid with oak plank 2 inches thick, and to be
pinned down on 7 joist, 9 inches deep and 4^ thick. The joist to be
sunk 4^ inches into the plate with a dove tail; the building to be roofed
with lap shingles, to show 1 foot to the weather. The building to be set
on a foundation of stone, the wall to be 16 inches wide, to be raised 6
inches above the ground at the corner where the ground is the highest,
and to be level; the gavle ends to be closed with i inch plank, the
foundation to be of oak, i. «., the foundation logs; a door to be put on
the east side to be 6 feet high, 2 feet 6 inches wide in the clear; the door
to be c(»npo3ed of oak plank 1^ inches thick, 6 inches wide; the plank to
be crossed at right angles and to be made solid and to be put together
with rivets, 5 to each 6 inches square; the door to be hung <m a solid
frame of oak plank 3 inches thick and 12 inches wide, to be fastened in
the wall with iron spikes 6 inches long and ^ inch thick, 3 to each foot
in length round the frame; the door to be fitted in a rabbet and hung
Willi strap hinges 2 inches broad, 18 inches long, f of an inch thick;
the hooks to be 1 inch square, to go 7 inches into the frame, with a hole
punched tlurough and a key to keep the hooks from drawmg out The
upper door to be made double, of in(di oak plank, and the same size of
the other door, and to be sufficiently nailed together with wrought nails;
the frame and hinges the same as the other. One window in eaeh story
of 6 lights, 8x10; the window in the upper story to be filled with sash
and glass and iron grating with bars 1 inch square, 3 inches apart, let
into 3 bars of iron 1 inch thick and 3 wide, the upper and lower bar to
be bedded in the timber and each end of each bar to extend 3 inches
into the timber. The window upper story to be filled sash and glass; the
grating to be bars of iron 1 inch square, 3 inches apart; the ends to be
let 2 inches into the timber. Above and below the upper window to be
chinked with good, sufficient chinking, two spikes and one pin to each
Ic^. One pair of mill-stairs on the outside, to land on a platform of 3
17
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288 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
feet Bqrtare, with a hand rail and banisters on the stdirs and platform.
The comers of the house to be out down; the builder to put on such locks
as the Commissioners msj furnish; the building to be completed on the
1st daj of NoTember next; the builder to furnish all material except the
locks; the building to be let to the lowest bidder (one bid reserved hj the
Oonmiissioners), by his giving bond and security for the performance of
the work, in a penalty of double the amount of the price of building,
payment to be made when the work is completed. — John Jackson, Audi-
tor,/>ro tern.
In December, 1842, the basement of the old Court House was fitted
up as a prison and was used as such until the completion of the present
county jail building in 1871.
In 1870 work on the present county jail was begun. The Sheriff's
house, a large red-brick edifice with stone facings, forms the front of this
building. The jail proper forming the rear looks like one immense
granite rock. This rock is chiseled off into rectangular shape; exca-
vated, so to speak; a few port holes placed at regular distances, iron
guards arranged without these dim light-givers, a few turrets springing
from the walls, all taking the shape of a miniature bastile. This struct-
ure cost over 138,000. The plans were made by T. J. Tolan, of Delphos.
THB OOUNTT INFIBMABT.
The buildings known as the County Infirmary were erected in 1857-58.
The county poor farm occupies the southwest quarter of Section 22, the
northwest one-half of the northwest one-quarter of Section 27, and the
northeast one half of the northeast quarter of Section 28, Bath Town-
ship, about three and one-half miles distant from the court house. The
first Board of Directors elected in 1858 comprised John B. Beeder, David
Bryte and James Chenoweth. Previous to this election, however, Curtis
Baxter, Shelby Taylor and David Bryte were appointed Directora The
Directors since 1858 are named in the political chapter.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 289
CHAPTER VII.
POLITICAL HISTORY.
SINGE the organization of Allen County, in 1881, the politics of Whig
or Democrat were followed by the people. In 1832 the venture of
the South Carolinians to annul the laws of the Union, and the fate of
this venture, cemented, as it were, for a time the two political parties
tmder one leader. That sentence in Jackson's proclamation of 1882.
^ The power to annul a law of the United States is incompatible with
the existence of the Union, contradicted expressly by the letter of the
Constitution, unauthorized by its spirit, inconsistent with every princi-
ple on which it is founded, and destructive to the great object for
which it was formed,** found an echo even along the Western frontier,
and won for its writer the admiration of every friend of the Union.
In 1838 the Abolition question, though faintly discussed, caused a
ripple of disunion to make itself apparent. In 1840 the cry of Aholi-
tion and Liberty was raised by zealous friends of human freedom; but
the echo died away.
M. de Babcourt landed in this country in the midst of the most excit-
ing Presidential contest ever known, in 1840, and served as Minister of
France at Washington until 1842. He was, in the space of ten months,
presented to three successive Presidents of the United Statea He
watched with a lively interest the making of the tariff in 1842, in
which, despite his best efforts, French silks and wines were for the iirst
time taken from the free list He witnessed the tempest which arose on
John Quincy Adams presenting a Northern disunion petition in the
House (February 2, 1842). He went to meet the Prince de Joinviile on
his second visit to this country. He greeted as an old friend Lord Ash-
burton, come to settle the northeastern boundary dispute, and outstayed
the conclusion of the treaty, with the Creole C4ise looming up as a fresh
cause of difficulty with England. He saw civil war break out in Bhode
island, the Seminole war dragging its slow length along in Florida, hos-
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290 . HISTORY OP ALLEN OOTINTY.
tilities began between Mexico and that ^^vrai nid de bandits de toutes les
nationSf mats particulterement dea EtaU-Unia,^^ Texas.
James G. Bimej was called from his home in the Saginaw country
in 1844 to carry the banner of the Liberty Party against the contending
forces of Clay and Polk. He fell in this contest; but the same principle
for which he fought was sought to be engrafted on the platform of the
Republican party ten years later, and may be said to have conquered
twenty years after that party was organized.
The American Party or Enow-nothing Party was organized shortly
after the fall of the Liberty Party. Its principles were stigmatixed.
For a number of years the quadrennial battle was fought between
Democrat and Whig. The Mexican war gave a new impetus to politi-
cal life, which tended to make the Presidential contests more animated,
and to draw the ties of party closer.
Li 1854 the Whigs, as a party, passed out of existence, and in their
place came the Bepublicans. The Republican party met its reverses of
1856 with renewed vigor and more earnest effort.
At this time Buchanan was elected. About him gathered the Deioo-
oratio leaders both of the North and South. In the North the breach
between the Republicans and the Administration was widening, and the
cloud of war appeared in the distanca
In 1860 the field of politics was full. Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A.
Douglas, John Bell, John C. Breckenridge and Gerritt Smith were
placed at the heads of so many tickets, and in November of that year the
struggle, which was in fact to decide the destiny of the country, was fought
Lincoln was elected President. The result decided the fate of the slave-
holders, and gave to the seventh decade of the Nineteenth Century a
nation of free men — such an one as some of th^ Fathers of the Repub-
lic dreamed of.
Lincoln was renominated in 1864, and elected over George B. McClel-
Ian, the nominee of the Democratic party. Shortly after, the assassin,
Booth, snatched from the country a great man. The successor of Lin-
coln was Vice-President Johnson.
In 1868 Horatio Seymour was nominated by the Democrats. Ulysses
S. Grant, selected as the standard bearer of the Republican party.
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 291
was elected, and in 1872 was re-eleoted oyer Horace Greelej, the candi-
date of the oppoeition.
In 1870 the Democrats nominated Samuel J. Tilden, and the Repub-
licans, R B. Hayes. Mr. Hayes reached the White House through what
is known as the Electoral Oommission.
In 1880 James A. Garfield, on the Republican ticket, opposed Gen.
Hancock on the Democratic ticket The Republican majority was slight.
The assassin, Guiteau, robbed the country of one who gaye promise of
an able administration. Yice*President Arthur assumed the office of
Presideni
In June, 1884, the Republicans nominated James G. Blaine at Chi-
eago. In July the Democrats nominated Grover Oleyeland. In Novem-
ber Mr. Cleyeland was elected, his majority being in New York State (the
piyotal State) under 1,200.
OOUNTT ELBOTIONS.
As early as 1823 the few white settlers then residing in what is now
known as Allen County, were called upon for the first time to record a
Tote. To accomplish this duty of citizenship those men were compelled
to make a long and tedious journey, submit to much yezatious question-
ing, and having polled their Totes, returned to their homes in the wil-
derness. Capi James Riley, the first white settler in Van Wert County,
was elected in 1823 to the State Legislature as Representative from the
territory now comprised in Allen, Preble, ]\/(iami, Shelby, Darke, Mer-
cer, Van Wert, Putnam, Paulding, Defiance, Williams, Henry, Lake,
Wood, Lucas and Auglaize.
In the following record of elections, the candidates who were suc-
oeesf al only are named, up to 1843. In 1844 regular returns were filed,
and thus, with few exceptions, this political history is carried down to
our own times:
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292
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
1831.
Auditor, William G. Woods; Treasurer,
Adam White; Sheriflf, Henry Lippincott;
Clerk of Court, John Ward; Associate
Judges of Common Pleas, Christopher
Wood, James Crozier and William Watt;
County Commissioners, James Daniels,
John G. Wood and Samuel Stewart; Re-
corder, Nathan Daniels; Surveyor, John
Jackson. Prosecuting Attorney appointed,
Aaron M. Miller, August term of Court.
Mordecai Hartley represented the district
in Congress.
1882-3a
Commissioner, Morgan Lippincott. In
t888 Samuel Black was elected Auditor;
Dr. William Cunninghan, Treasurer, and
Patrick G. Goode was appointed Prose-
cuting Attorney.
1884.
Commissioners, Griffith John, James H.
Coleman and James A. Anderson. Ham-
ilton Davidson was elected Prosecuting
Attorney.
1835.
Commissioner, Henry B. Thorn; Treas-
urer, Charles Baker; Sheriff, John Keller.
1886.
Commissioner, John Brand; Congress-
man, Patrick G. Goode. In this year
(1886) Joseph Vance, a* Whig, opposed Eli
Baldwin, a Democrat, for the Governor-
ship of Ohio. The Presidential contest of
that year increased the interest taken in
local politics, so that it became necessary
to resort to a wholesale ** stumping ** of
the entire country. In July of that year
the delegates to Uie Democratic Congress-
ional Convention assembled at Lima under
the presidency of John Bigler, and here
nominated the blacksmith of Montgomery
County, Ohio, to oppose the nominee of
the Whig convention, Patrick G. Goode.
William Sawyer was defeated in the elec-
tion which followed, but succeeded in the
election for Congressman in 1842.
1837.
Commissioner, Michael Leatherman;
Treasurer, Col. James Cunningham; Pros-
ecuting Attorney, Lorin Kennedy; Sur-
veyor, Hamilton Davidson.
1838.
Conmiissioner, John Schooler; Auditor,
H. D. V. Williams.
1839.
Sheriff, Alexander Beatty; Conmiission-
er, John M. Wilson.
1840.
Conmiissioners, John Brand, John
Shaw and John Schooler. Recorder, John
Alexander, Jr. Surveyor, Michael
Leatherman. Other officers holding over.
1841.
Auditor, John W. Thomas. Treasurer,
Thomas K. Jacobs. Congressman, Pat-
rick G. Goode.
1842.
Clerk of Common Pleas, John Alex-
ander, Jr.; Commissioners, Shadrach
Montgomery, Chas. H. Williams, and
John Brand; Congressman, Emery D.
Potter.
1848.
Sheriff, John Keller; Commissionert.
Charles C. Marshall, Matthew Dobbins,
and Nicholas Zanglein : Recorder, John M
Anderson served until John B. Wamsley
took charge of the office.
1844
OOVBRNOR.
Mordecai Bartley, W Wl
David Tod, D. 1061
OONORBSSMAN.
James W. Riley, W 688
William Sawyer, D 1068
RBPRESBNTATTVB.
Daniel Musser, W 688
Isaac Spear, D 1066
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
293
COUNTY COMHI88IOKBB.
Shadrach Montgomery, W 677
Nicholas Zanglein, D 1025
8UBVBT0B.
James H. Daniels, W 705
Wm. Dowling, D 1087
COBONBR.
Amo8Alfred,W 692
H. Clippenger. D 1061
1845.
STATE SENATOR.
Alfred P. Edgerton, D 884
Anson M. Hadsell, W 520
John Elliott, — , 8
BEFRBSENTAti y Jfi.
Michael Leatherman, D 857
S. B. Taylor, — 6
SHERIFF.
Chas. H. Williams, D 766
John KeUer, W 599
TREASURER.
Alex. Beatty, D 785
D.D.Tompkins, W 561
AUDITOR.
Joseph Richardson, D 1176
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY.
Geo. W. Andrews, D 798
Moses B. Newman, W 558
COUNTY COMMISSIONEB.
Jacob B. Haller, D. 798
John East. Ind 528
The John East, named as the opponent
of Mr. Haller, was brought to this country
by the British to slay the savage colonists.
When he learned of their civilization he
deserted and joined the American Army.
1846.
GOVERNOR.
David Tod, D 1001
Wm. Bebb, W 667
CONGRESS.
Wm. Sawyer, D 1016
Morrison li. Waite, W 666
REPRESENTATIVE.
Phillip J. Hines.D 1000
Moses Collins, W 678
COMMISSIONEB.
Samuel Walker. D 988
John Morris, W 679
BBCOBDEB.
Horatio N. Maguire, D 978
John B. Wamsley, W 687
COBONEB.
Matthew Ridenour, D 1000
WiUiam Scott, W 675
1847.
Treasurer,ThomasE. Jacobs, appointed;
Prosecuting Attorney, Lester Bliss; Com-
missioner, J. B. Haller; Edmund S. Linn
was appointed Recorder, in January, v%e4
H. N. Maguire; John B. Wamsley elected
1847; State Senator, Sabirt Scott; Repre-
sentative, Benj. F. Metcalf.
1848.
Congressman. Emery D. Potter. The
County officers still holding over. Repre-
sentative, Sam. R. Mott; State Senator,
Sabirt Scott.
1849.
Treasurer, Thos. K. Jacobs; Sheriff,
Hiram Stotts; Clerk of Common Pleas,
Richard Metheany; Commissioners, Sam-
uel Rockhill, William Akerman, and J. B.
Haller; Surveyor, Wm. Dowling; Auditor,
David Dalzell; State Senator, James Cun-
ningham .^Representative, Henry Lipps.
1850.
GOVEBNOB.
Reuben Wood, D 910
Wm. Johnson, W 550
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
CONGRESSMAN.
AlfredP. Edgerton, D MO
James W. Riley, W 544
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Alex. p. MiUer, D 887
Alex. G. Converse. W 672
REPRRSBNTATIYB.
William Blackburn, D 916
James Core, W 602
COHMISSIONBRS.
Samuel Rockhill, D 914
RECORDER.
John W. Thomas. D 881
John B. Wamsley. W 617
SURVEYOR.
John P. Haller, D 866
Harrison Maltbie, W 685
Harrison Maltbie was then a preacher.
CORONER.
Jacob S. Baker, D 908
1851.
The vote for license was 1,061, against
license, 418; Probate Judge, W. 8. Rose;
Prosecuting Attorney, Matthias H. Nich-,
ols, resigned in 1852 to enter Congress;
Clerk of Conmion Pleas, Joseph H. Rich-
ardson; Recorder, Hugh Dobbins, vice
John W. Thomas, who was elected in Oc-
tober, 1850; Surveyor, John P. Haller;
Representative, Lester Bliss; State Senator,
John Taylor.
1852.
PRESn>BNT UNITED STATES.
Wlnfield Scott. A. 8. or W.
Franklin Pierce. Pro. 8. or D.
John P. Hale. Free Soil.
JUDGES OF SUPREME COURT.
Wm. B. Caldwell. D 1287
Dan. A. Haynes. W 826
BOARD or PUBLIC WORKS.
James B. Steadman, D 1286
D. H. Beardsley, W 7W
CONGRESSMAN.
Matthias H. Nichols, D 1285
Joseph Plunkett, W 821
COMMISSIONER.
Burgess Dickey, D 1286
CORONER.
Jacob S. Baker. D 1286
TO SUBSIDIZE G. W. R. R.
For $50,000 aid 747
Against $50,000 aid 467
COURT OFFICERS.
Charles N. Lamison was elected in 1852
as Prosecuting Attorney, vice Nichols, re-
signed; Michael Leatherman was appoint-
ed Probate Judge, vice W. S. Rose, re-
signed.
1853.
During this year regular party conven-
ventions were held at Lima, and a strong
Independent convention at Gk>mer.
The elections of 1858 resulted in the
choice of Matthias Ridenour for Sheriff.
Wm. Armstrong for Treasurer. Wm. Dow-
ling for Auditor. Wm. Akerman for Com-
missioner, and Charles Crites for Repre-
sentative. The vote for Governor was as
foUows: Medill. 1460; Bairere. 688. and
Lewis 110.
1854
Meetings of citizens opposed to the ex-
tension of slavery, and particularly to the
Congressional act repealing the Missouri
Compromise, known as the Nebraska Bill,
were held throughout the county during
the summer and fall of 1854. Among the
speakers at these meetings were James and
Theodore Cunningham. A. B. Waldorf,
Michael Ridenour. M. Leatherman. J. N.
Gutridge and M. H. Nichols. The Wett-
em GoEette (now the Lima Ga9ette), was
the local organ.
SUPREME JUDGE.
J. R. Swan. A. N 1720
8. F. Norris. D 517
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
295
BOAKD PUBLIC W0BK8.
J. Bllckensderfer, A. K 1601
A-P. Miller, D 532
CONGRESSMAN.
M. H. Nichols, A. N 1797
O. V. Dorsey, D 428
FBOBATE JT7DGE.
M. Leatherman, A. N 1028
J, W. Watters, D 472
Mr. Leatherman was nominated on the
Independent ticket
CLEBK OF COURT.
James Cunningham, 8r., A. N 1690
J. H. MeOey, D 586
RECORDER.
J. B. Wamsley, A. N 1684
J. G. Ridenonr, D 572
COUNTT OOlOflSfilONBR.
M. Patter«>n, A. N 1788
BarnetEsch, D 466
CORONER.
Wm. Myers, A.N ,....1726
Simon Davis, D 481
This was known as the Anti-Nebraska
Campaign.
1855.
In March, 1865, the Enow-Nothing
movement was in the zenith of its power.
In April, 1855, the village and township
elections throughout the county were car-
ried out between the Old-Line Democracy
and the Elnow-Nothing or American party.
In April, 1866, the same political lines
were observed.
OOTBBNOR.
8. P. Chase, R 1286
Wm. MedillD 917
Allen Trimble, A 22
LIEUTENANT- GOVERNOR.
Thomas H. Ford, R 1286
James Myers, D 917
JUDGES OF SUPREME COURT.
Jacob Brinkerhoff, long term, R 1285
Chas. C. Convers, vacancy, R 1285
STATE AUDITOR.
Francis M. Wright, R .1285
Wm. D.Morgan, D 917
SBCRBTART OF STATE.
James H. Baker, R 1236
William Trevitt, D 917
TREASURER OF STATE.
Wm. H. Gibson, R 1286
John G. Breslin, D 917
ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
Francis D. KimbaU, R 1286
Geo. W. McCook, D : 917
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Alex. G. Conover, R 1286
J. B. Steadman, D 917
STATE SENATOR.
Lyman C. Hurd, R 1128
Ed. M. Phelps. D 999
REPRESENTATIVE .
Charles Post, A. A. S 1084
Crites,D 865
Blackburn, I. 171
AUDITOR.
Richard Metheany, A. A. 8 1167
Dowling, D 869
Daniels, 1 92
DELEGATE, SENATORIAL CONVENTION.
James Cunningham
COUNTY TREASURER.
Geo. W. Fickle, A. A. 8 1118
Armstrong, D 966
Hufler, 1 66
SHERIFF.
Wm. Tingle, A. A. 8 1115
Ridenour, D 995
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY.
Jasper N. Gutridge, A. A. 8 1129
C. W. Lamison, D 894
Theo. E. Cunningham, R 94
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296
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
OOUNTT COMMISSIONER.
Horace Bixby, A. A. 8 1126
Bell,D B98
Baxter, 1 184
On the State ticket the contest was car-
ried on between the Republicans, Demo-
crats and American parties. The local
contest rested between the Anti-Slavery,
Democratic and Republican parties.
1856.
In February, 1856, a Kansas meeting
was held at Lima, when Delzell, Hurd,
Eincaid, Binkley, Baxter, Edson, Cun-
ningham and others were appointed to
raise funds for settlors in Kansas who were
opposing the Missourians.
Under a call issued by R. Metheany,
Theo. E. and James Cunningham, C.
Parmenter, Charles Post, Thomas Delzell,
W. H. Harper and other Republicans of
AUen County, a convention of Republi-
cans and all opposed to the administration
assembled at Lima on May 17, 1866. W.
H. C. Mitchell was elected delegate to the
National Convention.
FRBSIDEHT UNITED STATES.
John C. Fremont, R 1416
James Buchanan, D 1606
Millard Fillmore, A. U
JUDGE &UFBKME COUBT.
Ozias Bowen, long term, R 1882
Jodah Scott, short term, R 1889
Raney, long term. D 1884
Searle, short term, D 1882
Peck, A. 75
JUDGE COMMON PLEAS.
Wm. Lawrence, R 1857
Benj. F. Metcalf, D 1891
John CoUett, A 6
CONGBESSMAN.
Matthias H. Nichols, R 1886
G. V. Dorsey, D 1877
Beman, A 67
COUNTT COMMI68IONEB.
Joseph Griffith. R 1888
Christian Steman, D 1820
JohnTuttle, A. 84
COUNTY CORONEB.
John K. Wood. R 1818
Sam. Sanford, D..-. 1887
T. T. Mitchell, A 72
COUNTY SURVEYOR.
John Holland, R 1816
John P. Haller, D 1414
John Holland was a Democrat up to the
time of election, but embraced the Repub-
lican party to defeat his opponent
C. Parmenter claimed in the OatetU
October 22, 1862, that Judge Metcalf and
Mr. Lamison first brought mulattoes to
vote in Ottawa Township in 1856. The
contest was carried out on strictly party
lines, and proved one of the closest ever
waged in the county between the two
great parties.
1857.
GOVERNOR.
S.P. Chase, R 1248
H. B. Payne, D 1472
P. Van Trump ^ 68
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.
Martin Welker, R 1285
Wm. H. Lytle, D 1477
Norman T. Nash 65
SECRETARY OP STATE.
Alfred P. Russell. R 1236
Jacob Reinhard, D 1477
C.C.Allen 64
STATE TREASURER.
Alfred P. Stone, R 1285
James R. Morris, D 1475
Jonathan Harshman, A 65
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
J. Blickensderfer, Jr., R 1222
Abner L. Backus, D 1472
Wm. R. Arthur, A 64
JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT.
Milton Sutliff, R 1284
H. C. Whitman, D 1476
John Davenport, A 64
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
297
8TATB SENATOR.
John Taylor, R 1280
Edward M. Phelps, D 1478
John T. Furgeson, A 51
BBPRBaSNTATITB.
Wm. B. Hutchins, R 1286
Charles C. Marshall, D .1465
EUBond,A 52
COUKTT AUDITOR.
Richard Metheany, R 1258
George W. Orermyer, D 1449
Jos. H. Dague, A. 48
COCTNTT TREA8URBR.
Geo. W. Pickel, R 1287
Wm. Armstrong. D 1456
MUes Vance, A 47
SHSRIFF.
Wm. Tingle, R 1178
8. R. Buckmaster, D 1457
Wm. Stump, A 44
FROSBCTTTnre ATTOBinBT.
JasperK Gutridge. R 1248
Charles N. Lamison, D 1468
CLERK OF COMMON PLSA8.
Bhelhy Taylor. R 1254
John H. Meilcy, D 1468
Elisha G. Hamilton. A 44
RBCORDBR.
JohnB. Wamsley, R 1258
John G. Ridenour, D 1458
Rohert Shaffer. A 89
PROBATE JUDGE.
Smith Talbot. R 1215
Thos. M. Robb, D 1492
JohnCoUett, A 60
COMMISSIONER.
Moses Patterson. R 1242
Cad Jacobs, D 1470
SaulPalkner, A 51
1858.
JUDGE SUPREME COURT.
Thomas W. Bartley, D 1522
William V. Peck, R 1422
ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
Durbin Ward, D 1520
C. P. Wolcott, R 1425
COMPTROLLER OF TREASURY.
Sam. W. Gilson, D 1520
Wm. B. ThraU, R 1419
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
R. H. Hendrickson, D 1509
John L. Martin, R 1488
CONGRESSMAN.
Wm. Allen, D 1481
Matthias H. Nichols, R 1449
JUDGE OF COMMON PLEAS.
BenJ. F. Metcalf, D 1508
John Walkup, R 1897
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
Freeman Bell, D 1467
Horace Bixby. R 1465
CORONER.
Samuel Sanford, D 1581
Jacob Ward. R 1409
« INFIRMARY DIRECTORS.
John B. Reeder, D 1541
David Biyte, D 1627
James Chenoweth, D 1620
Shelby Taylor, R 1420
Curtis Baxter, R * 1401
Matthew Dobbins, R 1887
The average majority of the Democrats,
as shown in this election, was 91, giving a
Republican gain of 189 over 1857.
1859.
GOVERNOR.
Rufus P. Ranney, D 1656
W. Dennison, Jr., R 1574
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.
W. H. Safford, D 1655
Robt. 0. Kirk, R 1678
SECRETARY OF STATE.
Jacob Reinhard. D 1654
Addison P. RusseU, R 1572
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HISTOBY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
BT1.TB AUDITOB.
Q. V. Dorsey, D 1654
Bobt W. Taylor, R 1678
8T1.TB TRBASUIIBB.
Wm. Bushnell, D 1665
Alfred P. Stone, R 1673
BOARD OP PUBLIO W0BK8.
James Tomllnson, D 1656
JohnB. Gregory, R : 1671
JX7DGB OF SUPBBHB COURT.
Henry C. Whitman, D 1656
Wm. T. Gholson, R 1673
STATB COMMISSIONSR OF SCHOOLS.
Charles N. Allen, D 1656
Anson Smyth, R 1671
STATB SENATOR.
Edward Poster, D 1668
Rudolph Reul, R 1670
RBFRBSBNTATiyB.
Thomas K. Jacobs, D 1683
Lyman C. Hurd, R 1669
STATB BOARD OF EQUALIZATION.
Hugh T. Rinehart, D 1663
James Bell, R 1668
PBOSEcirriNo attornbt.
Geo. M. Baxter, Dt 1673
Jasper N. Gutridge, R 1601
SHERIFF.
Samuel R. Buckmaster, D 1660
Slemmons Lisle, R 1658
AUDITOR.
Geo. W. Overmyer, D 1686
Sam. H. Ward, R 1631
TREASX7RER.
Wm. Armstrong, D 1603
Shelby Taylor, R 1611
coioassiONBR.
Almon E. HadseU, D 1646
Joseph Griffith, R 1577
SURYETOR.
D. W. Littlefield, D 1606
Chas. P. Washburn, R 1608
IHFIRICART DIRECTOR.
James Chenoweth, D 1687
Sam. Early, R 1684
1860.
PRBSIDBNT X7NITED STATES.
Abraham Lincoln, R 1796
Stephen A. Douglas, D 1883
JohnBeU, A 31
John C. Breckenridge, D. F 39
Gerritt Smith
CONORBSSMAN.
WillUm Allen, R 1793
James H. Hart, D 1769
\
ATTORNBT-OENBRAL.
D. W. Stambaugh, D 1815
James Murray, R 1786
BOARD OF PX7BLIC WORKS.
A. L. Backus, D 1818
Levi Sergeant, R 1788
JUDGE SUPREME COURT.
Thos. J. S. Smith, D 1816
Jacob Brinkerhoff, R 1787
CLERK OF COMMON PLEAS.
John H. Meily, D 1800
Chas. V. Metheany, R 1746
PROBATE JUDOE.
Thomas M. Robb, D 1800
Henry S. Hunter, R 1753
RECORDER.
John G. Ridenour, D 1888
Newton T. Hover, R 1714
COMMISSIONER.
Cadwallader W. Jacobs, D 1809
Richard T. Hughes, R 1741
XNFIRMART DIRBCTOR.
James Baxter, D 1808
Ben]. M. Daniels, R ^ 1786
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HISTOBT OF ALLEN COUNTT.
299
CORONER.
Wflliam Sullivan, D 1896
8. W. Gould, R 1718
The full vote of the Republicans and
^aight Democrats of the county was
polled this year.
1861.
OOTSRNOR.
David Tod, R 1711
Hugh J. Jewett, D 1856
LIEUTBNANT-OOYBRNOR.
Benjamin Stanton, R 1710
John G. Marshall, D 1855
SBCRBTART OF STATE.
Bcnj. R. Cowan, R 1709
W. W. Armstrong, D 1855
STATE TREASURER.
George W. Hohnes, D 1856
G. V. Dorsey, R 1698
STATE SENATOR.
Lester Bliss, R 1706
Charles C. Marshall. D 1861
COMPTROLLER OF TREASURT.
— GTiswold,D 1866
— Riley, R 1682
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
— I1tch.D 1886
— Torrence, R 1732
RBPRESENTATIYB.
John Monroe, D 1880
Thos. E. Jacobs, R 1680
COUNTY AUDITOR.
John P. HaUer, D 1888
Joe. W. Hunt, R 1658
INFIRMART DIRBCTOR.
John B. Reeder, D 1829
N. B. Howard, R 1718
COUNTY TREASURER.
M. W.Vance. D 1778
Shelby Taylor, R 1786
SHERIFF.
Sam. Collins. D 1888
H. Kibby, R 1668
PR0SECX7TINO AVTORNSY.
James Mackenzie, D 1892
James Brown, R 1628
COMMISSIONER.
Freeman Bell, D 1666
Horace Bixby, R 1691
SURVEYOR.
S. J. Brand, D 1868
— Porshee, R 1700
1862.
JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT.
Pranklin T. Backus, Union 1182
Rufus P. Ranney. D 1759
SECRETARY OF STATE.
W. S. Kennon. Union 1182
W. ,W. Armstrong, D 1759
ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
Chauncey N. Olds. Union 1182
L. R. Critchfleld, D 1769
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
John B. Gregory. Union 1182
James Gamble. D 1759
SCHOOL COMMISSIONER.
Wm. D. Henkle, Union 1182
C. W. H. Cathcart, D 1759
CONGRESSMAN.
Conduce H. Gatch, Union 1182
P. C. LeBlond. D 1759
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
Joseph Minor Wolcott, Union 1182
Samuel Ice, D 1759
COUNTY CORONER.
John H. Harbison, Union 1182
(See biography) D f759
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
Jesse J. John. Union 1182
(See biography), D 1759
The vote for local officers is based on
that for Supreme Court Judge.
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300
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
1863.
OOYBRIIOR.
C. S. Vallandigham. D 1»58
John Brough, R 1745
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.
George E. Pugh. D 1980
Charles Anderson, R 1737
STATE AUDITOR.
Wm. Hubbard. D 1992
James H. Godman, R 1740
STATE TREASURER.
Horace 8. Knapp, D 1998
G. Volney Dorsey. R 1785
BOARD OP PUBLIC WORKS.
JohnH. Heaton, D 1992
John M. Barrere, R 1789
JUDGE OP SUPREME COURT.
p. Van Trump, D 1992
H. H. Hunter, R 1789
STATE SENATOR.
Meredith R. Willett, D 1992
Philetis W. Norris. R 1789
REPRESENTATIVE.
John Monroe, D 1999
Theodore E. Cunningham, R 1782
JUDGE OP COMMON FLEAS.
Benj. F. Metcalf, D 1978
Joseph Plunkett, R 1785
CLERK OP COMMON PLEAS.
OrmundE. Griffith, D 2005
Samuel Lybrand, R 1720
PROBATE JX7DGE.
Chas. M. Hughes, D 1999
Archelaus Martin, R 1780
PROSECUTING ATTORNBT.
James McEenzie, D 1968
Norman Tucker, R 1782
SHSRIPP.
Sam. Collins, D 1999
H. R. Fogle, R 1725
AUDITOR.
John p. Haller, D
A. B. Crall, R 1715
TREASURER.
Miles W. Vance, D 1998
Geo. W. Young, R 1727
RECORDER.
Jacob M. Haller, D 1988
Joseph Ward, R 1740
COMMISSIONER.
Samuel Ice, D , .. .1995
Jos. Slutz, R 1781
INPIRMART DIRECTOR.
James Baxter, D 1995
W. Mumaugh,R 1788
1864.
SECRETARY OP STATE.
W. W. Armstrong, D 1875
W. H. Smith, R 1825
JUDGE OP SUPREME COURT.
M. C. Whiteley, long vacancy, D 1871
William White, long vacancy, R 1628
Alex. 8. Boys, short vacancy, D 1872
Horace Wilder, short vacancy, R 1627
P. Van Trump, full term, D 1870
L. Day, full term, R 1627
COMPTROLLER OP TREASURY.
W. S. V. Prentriss. D 1872
Moses R. Brailey, R 1625
ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
L. R. Critchfield, D 1875
W. P. Richardson, R 1625
BOARD PUBLIC WORKS.
William Larwill, D., full term 1871
Philip Herzing, R., full term 1626
Charles Boesel, to fill vacancy, D 1872
James Moore, to fill vacancy, R 1625
CONGRESSMAN.
Francis C. LeBlond, D 1855
Moses B. Walker, R 1628
^
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
301
PBS8IDEKTIAL BLBCT0R8.
Soldiers' vote,
Charles N. Lamison and twenty
others, D 284
John M. Connell and twenty others, R.416
PBB8IDBNT UNITED STATES.
Abraham Lincoln, B. {eetinuUed) 1900
George B. McClellan, D. (estimated).. leOO
1865.
OOVSRNOB.
Geo. W. Morgan 2148
Jacob D. Cox 1614
LIEUTBKANT- OOYERNOK.
Wm. Lang 2188
A. G. McBumey 1632
STATE TREASURER.
George Spence 2189
Sidney S. Warner 1685
CLERK OF SUPREME COURT.
Daniel 8. Dana 2189
Bodney Foos 1684
ATTORNET-OENERAL.
David M. Wilson 2140
Wm. H. West 1685
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Charles Boesel 2189
James Moore 1685
JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT.
P. Van Trump, full term 2140
Jacob Brinkerhoff, full term 1685
COMMISSIONER OF SCHOOLS.
Hiram H. Barney 2189
John A. Norris 1685
JUDGE OF SUPBEME COURT.
Thomas M. Key (vacancy) 2140
John Welch (vacancy) 1685
STATE SENATOR.
Meredith B. Willett, D 2188
Thos, J. Godfrey, D 2139
SamB. Mott, B 1683
Henry Newbegin, B 1686
REPRESENTAti y jfi.
Bichard E. Jones, D 2160
Bichard Bice, B 1620
JUDGE OF COMMON PLEAS.
James McEenzie, D 2119
O. W. Bose. B 1620
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY.
Isaiah 8. Pillars, D 2110
Jasper N. Gutridge, B 1629
SHERIFF.
Isaac Bailey, D 2125
Matthias Bidenour B .1641
AUDITOR.
Wm. Dowling, D 2149
Barton A. Holland. B.. 1582
COUNTY TREASURER.
Emanuel Fisher, D 2188
Gko. L. Higgins, B 1621
COMMISSIONER.
Geo. W. Goble, D 2188
Cyrus M. Coffin, B 1634
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
Peter S. Metzler, D 2186
Geo. Harpster. B 1687
1866.
SECRETARY OF STATE.
Benj. Le Pevre, D 2257
W. H. Smith, B 1858
JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT.
Thomas M. Key, D '. 2262
Josiah Scott, B 1854
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
William Larwill, D 2262
Barrere, B. 1859
CONGRESSMAN.
William Mungen, D 2255
Moses B. Walker, B 1858
CLERK COMMON PLEAS.
Ormund E. Griffith, D 2266
Emanuel G. Waltz, B 1840
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S02
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTT.
PBOBATB JUDGE.
Charles M. Hughes, D 2275
E. A. Ballard, R 1882
BBCORDBB.
Jacob M. Haller, D 2165
Henry Heman, R 1909
COMMISSIONBB.
Samuel Ice. D 2255
Josiah B. Roberts, R 1856
INFIBHABT DIBECTOB.
Elias Everett. D .2268
Thornton T. Mitchell, R 1861
COBONBB.
Samuel Sandford, D 2266
James A. Newell. R 1848
BUILDING JAIL.
Tor 868
Against 8002
1867.
GOYEBNOB.
Allen G. Thurman, D 2624
Rutherford B. Hayes, R 1787
LIEUTBNANT-OOYBBKOB.
Daniels. Uhl, D 2621
JohnC. Lee, R 1789
STATE AUDITOB.
John McElwee, D 2626
Jas. H. Godman, R 1674
STATE TBEASUBBB.
Cochran Fulton, D 2624
Sidney S. Warner, R 1678
COMPTBOLLEB.
Wm. Sheridan, D 2624
M. R. Brailey, R 1740
ATTOBKET-GENEBAL.
Prank H. Hurd, D 2626
Wm. H. West,R 1740
BOABD OF PUBLIC WOBES.
Arthur Hughes, D
Philip Herzing, R 1742
JUDGE OF 8UPBBMB OOUBT.
Thomas M. Key, D
John Welch, R 1740
STATE 8ENATOB6.
Thomas J. Godfrey, D 26^
William Carter, D 2621
Rudolph Reul, R 1740
David Simpson, R 1789
BEPBESENTATIYE.
Richard E. Jones, D 2688
Samuel Lybrand, R. 1728
PBOSECUTING ATTOBNET.
John P. Brotherton, D....' 2620
James Irwin, R 1729
SHEBIFF.
Isaac Bailey, D 2625
William MiUer, R 1786
AX7DITOB.
William Dowling, D 2641
John Cunningham, R 1718
TBEASUBBB.
Washington R. Partello. D 2628
Jacob Moser, R 1781
COMMISSIOITBB.
John Keith, D 2616
Charles Post, R 1784
8UBVET0B.
David D. Nicholas, D 2686
M. H. Wadams, R 1780
mFIBMABT DIBBCTOB.
John Sprott. D 2626
John C. Daniels, R 1786
1868.
FBESIDEKT U. 8.
U. S. Grant, R 1779
Horatio Seymour, D 2560
SBCBETABY OF STATE.
Thomas Hubbard 2550
Isaac R. Sherwood 1782
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
308
JUDGE OP 8UPRBME COUBT.
Wm. B. Pinck 2549
Wm. White 1780
CLBBK OF 8UPRBHE COURT.
JolmM.Webb 2550
Rodney Foes 1782
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Arthur Hughes. 2550
James Moore 1782
COMMISSIONBR OP SCHOOLS.
Samuel J. Eirkwood 2550
John R. Norris 1782
CONORBSSMAN.
William Mungen. D 2549
Thos. B. Qrissell, R 1782
JX7DGE OF COMMON PLBAS.
James Mackeuzie, D 2526
COMMISSIONBB.
Geo. W. Goble,D 2581
Wm. D. Bruce, R 1788
mPIBMABT DIBBCrOB.
Peter B. Metzler. D 2548
Calvin Harris R 1779
COBONBB.
Chas. Metzger, D 2552
Wm. McHenry, R 1776
1869.
GOYBBNOB.
Geo. H. Pendleton. D 2859
R. B. Hayes, R 1687
LIBUTENABT-GOYBBKOB.
Thomas J. Godfrey. D 2850
JohnC. Lee, R 1694
STATB TBBASUBBB.
Stephen Buhrer, D 2851
Sidney S. Warner, R 1694
ATTOBNBT-OENBBAL.
John M. Connell. D 2852
Francis B. Pond, R ..1695
BOABD OF PUBLIC W0BK8.
Benjamin P. Churchill, D 2851
Richard R. Porter, R 1695
JUDGB OP SUPBBMB COUBT.
Wm. J. Gilmore, D 2851
Luther Day, R 1695
STATE SEKATOB.
Charles Boesel. D 2850
Isaac N. Alexander, R 1692
BEPBBSBNTATiyB.
Wm. Armstrong, D 2827
Richard T. Hughes. R 1698
CLBBX OF COMMON PLBAS.
Robert Mehafley. D 2270
Chas. A. Metheany, R 1788
PBOBATB JUDGB.
Luther M. Meily, D 2279
Lester Bliss, R 1698
FBOSBCUTING ATTOBNBT.
John F. Brotherton, D 2224
QeoTgfi Jamieson, R 1695
SHBBIPF.
James A. Colbath,D 2240
Wm. Miller, R 1769
AUDITOB.
Sylvester J. Brand,D 2858 X
Alfred J. McKee, R 1678
TBBASUBBB.
W. R. Partello, D 2858
Isaac B. Post» R .1688
BECOBDEB.
Albertus R. Krebs, D 2809
A. J. McFarland, R 1706
COMMISSIONEB.
James McBeth, D 2812
Jos. W. Hunt, R 1721
INPIBMABT DIBECTOB«
EUas Everett, D 2814
PeterSnyder, R 1705
18
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804
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
1870.
8BCRBTAKT OP STATE.
Wm. Heisley, D 1984
Ls^ac R. Sherwood, R 1878
COMPTROLLER OF TREASURY.
John H. Heaton, D 1»34
W. T. Wilson, R 1878
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Wm. Spencer, D 1988
Philip V. Herzing, R 1876
JUDGE OF 8UPRB1CB COURT.
Richard A. Harrison. D 1982
George W. Mcllvaine, R 1878
BOARD OF SqUALIZATION.
Francis J. Lye, Jr., li 1928
RBPRBSBNTATiyE IN CONGRESS.
Charles N. Lamison, D 1880
J. D. aark, R 1867
COUNTY COMiaSSIONBB.
Bernard Esch, D 1918
Horace Bixby,R 1879
SURVEYOR.
David D. Nicholas. D 1961
Harrison Maltbie, R 1858
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
Michael L. Baker, D 1980
Reuben White, R 1860
CORONER.
Gustavus Feiss, D 1927
S.B. Hiner. R 1878
1871.
GOVERNOR.
Geo. W. McCook, D 2180
Edward F. Noyes, R 1708
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.
Samuel F. Hunt, D 1279
Jacob Mueller. B 1706
STATE AUDITOR.
Joseph R. Cockerill, D 2182
James WiUiams, R 1702
STATE TREASURER.
Dr. G. Bruehl, D 2179
Isaac Welch, R 1708
ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
Edwards. Wallace, D 2180
Francis B. Pond, R 1709
BOARD OF PITBLIC WORKS.
Arthur Hughes. D 2180
Stephfen R. Hosmer, R 1709
JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT.
G. W. Geddes, D 2184
Wm. H. West. R 1704
CLERK OF SUPREME COURT.
Charles Patterson, D 2180
Rodney Foos, R 1709
STATE COMMISSIONER OF SCHOOLS.
Wm. W. Ross, D 2179
Thos. H. Harvey, R 1710
STATE SENATOR.
Charles Boesel, D 2188
Philip W. Hardesty. R 2190
REPRESENTATIVE.
Isaiah PiUars, D 1964
J. W. Eysenbach, R 1751
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY.
Ed. A. BaUard, D 2081
Jasper N. Gutridge, R 1789
SHERIFF.
James A. Colbath. D 2220
Leonard W. Jackson, R 1644
TREASURER.
Francis J. Lye, D 1804
Richard T. Hughes. R 1878
COMMISSIONER.
Wm. Akerman, D 2160
IraM. Townsend, R 1719
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
John Enslin, D 2181*
Gabriel Hefner, D 2160
Stephen H. Greer. R .1690
Wm. W. Ditto, R 1686
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
305
CONSTITUTIONAL AMBNDMBNT.
For 2568
Against 1288
1872.
8BCRETABT OF 8TATB.
Aquflla Wiley, D 2459
AUen T. Wikofl. R .1948
BOABD OF PUBLIC WOBXB.
Isaac B. Riley, D 2448
Richard R. Porter, R 1958
JUDGB OF SUFBBICB COURT.
John L. Green, D 2448
John Welch. R 1955
RBFRESENTATIYB IN CONORB88.
Charles N. Lamison, D 2422
Samuel Lybrand, R 1966
CLBBK OF COMMON FLBAS.
Robert Mehaffey, D 2491
Henry H. Higbie, R 1894
PROBATB JX7DGB.
L.M. Melly, D 2165
Geo. Jamieson, R 2108
COUNTY AUDITOR.
Sylvester J. Brand, D 2488
Charles A. Metheany, R 1944
COUNTY RECORDER.
Albertus R. Krebs, D 2255
Ebenezer P. Davis, R 2077
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
James McBeth, D 2885
Oyms H. Hover, R 1975
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
Samuel Sanford. D 2480
George Harpster, R 1988
COUNTY CORONER.
Elijah Curtis, D 2484
J. Y. Marmon, R 1956
PRESIDENT U. S.
U. 8. Grant, R 2010
Horace Greeley, L. R 2468
James Black, Pro 2
Chas. O'Connor. D 81
1873.
GOVERNOR.
Wm. Allen. D 2276
Edward F. Noyes, R 1764
Isaac T. Collins, G. B 169
Gideon T. Stewart, Pro 8
• LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.
Barnabus Burns, D 2278
Alphonso Hart, R 1762
A. 8. Piatt, G. B 169
Wm. H. Foster, Pro 8
JUDGE OP SUPREME COURT.
Henry C. Whitman, long term, D 2278
William White, long term. R 1762
P. B. Ewing, long term, G. B 169
Sam E. Adams, long term. Pro 8
Chas. H. Scribner, short term. D 2277
Walter F. Stone, short term, R 1762
Dewitt C. Louden, short term, G. B.. 170
Wm. Dunbar, short term, Pro 8
ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
Michael A. Dougherty, D 2266
John Little. R 1762
Seraphim Meyer, G. B 172
A. H. MitcheU, Pro 8
STATE TREASURER.
Geo. Weimer, D 2279
Isaac Welch, R 1762
John Harshman, G. B 168
George Dodds, Pro 8
COMPTROLLER OF TREASURY.
James K. Newcomer, D 2277
Wm. T. Wilson, R 1768
C. P. L. BuUer. G. B 169
Thomas Edmunds, Pro 8
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Chris. Schunck, D 2268
PhHip V. Herzing, R 1755
James McBeth. G. B 178
Enos H. Brocius, Pro 8
JUDGE OF COMMON FLEAS.
James Mackenzie. D 2248
Ed. M. Phelps, D 2288
Edwin A. Ballard, 604
Joseph Plunkett, 46
i
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806
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
8TATB 8ENATOB.
Geor>ce W. Andrews, D 2187
Wm. Sheridan Jr., D 2281
Rudolph Reul 668
Henry Newbegin 416
RBPRBSENTATYE.
Thomas M. Robb, D 2812
Lewis Jennings, R 1722
Wm. L. Parrell, G. B 150
SHERIFF.
James Bastahle, D 1858
Wm. Miller, R 1966
John Melhorn, G. B 164
TREASUREB. *
Francis J. Lye, D 1»20
Richard T. Hughes, R 2058
C. A. Evans. G. B Ill
SURYEYOR.
David D. Nicholas, D 2274
Geo. H. Kepbart, R 1728
HughM.Hm, G.B 168
PROSECUTINO ATTORNET.
Charles M. Hughes, D 1 2875
Jasper N. Gutrldge,R 858
COUITTT OOMHISSIONER.
Bernard Esch, D 2180
W. E. Watkins, R 1844
Samuel Boose, G. B 152
IKFIRMART DIRECTOR.
Gabriel Heffner, D 2269
J. L. B. Leatherman, R 1741
Edwin Ashton, G. B 178
1874.
SECRET ART OF STATE.
Wm. BeU 2077
Allen T. Wikoff 1721
JohnR. Bucktell 4
COBOnSSIOlTBR OF SCHOOLS.
Chas. 8. Smart 2074
Thos. W. Harvey 1722
P. M. Weddell 4
JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT.
Wm. J. Gilmore, full term 2076
Luther Day, full term 1725
Gideon T. Stewart, full term 4
Qeo. Rex, vacancy 2079
W. W. Johnson, vacancy 1720
CLERK OF SUPREME COURT.
Arnold Green 2077
Rodney Poos 1724
S. B. Foster 4
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Martin Schilder. 2077
S. R. Hosmer 1721
Enoch G. Collins 4
CONGRESSMAN.
Americus V. Rice, D 2079
Reynold K. LyUe, R 1702
COUNTY AUDITOR.
Nelson McBride, D 2088
F. Y. Davis, R 1702
COUNTY COMMISSIONBR.
William Akerman, D 2060
Joseph Long, R 1688
INFIRMARY DIRSCTOR.
John Enslin D, 2969
A. J. McFarland, R 1706
COUNTY CORONER.
Elijah Curtiss, D 2075
8. B. Hiner, R 1725
AMENDMENTS.
For new constitution 566
Against new constitution 2894
For minority representation 659
Against minority representation 2078
For railroad aid 492
Against railroad aid 2834
For license 1424
Against license 1458
There was no license before this time.
1875.
GOVERNOR.
William Allen. D 2920
R. B. Hayes, R 2151
Jay O'Dell. Pro 5
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
307
LIEUTENANT- OOYBRNOR.
8am. P. Carey, D 2907
Thos". L. Young, R 2139
Henry A. Thompson, Pro 8
AUDITOR OF STATE.
Edward M. Green. D 2922
James Williams, R 2149
Delmont Locke, Pro 6
STATE TREASTTEER.
John Schreiner, D 2922
John M. Milliken, R.. 2165
Edward C. Young, Pro 6
ATTORNBT-QBNERAL.
Thomas E, Powell, D 2924
John Little, R 2168
8am. £. Adams, Pro 6
JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT.
Thos. Q. Ashburn, D 2919
Geo. W. Mcllvaine, R 2154
DaTid C. Montgomery, Pro 5
BOARD OF PUBLIO WORKS.
H. E. CHagan, D ....2925
Peter Thatcher, R 2150
JohnR. Butchel. Pro 5
STATE SENATOR.
Geo. W. Andrews, D 2898
Wm. Sheridan, Jr., R 2894
STATE REPRESENTATIVE.
Michael L. Baker, D 2687
Samuel Lybrand, R 2260
CLERX OF COMMON PLEAS.
Daniel L. Crites, D 2884
A. J. Chapman, R ~ 2127
PROBATE JUDOE.
George W. Overmyer, D 2678
Alpheus B. Crall. R 2245
PROSECUTINO ATTORNEY.
Chas. M. Hughes, D 2882
SHERIFF.
WntL Russler, D 2444
Wm. Miller, R 2507
COUNTY TREASURER.
DavidEast, D
Sam. D. Chambers, R 2432
.The Grange interest was defeated.
RECORDER.
Henry H.tHiman. D 2987
A. J. McFarland, R 2100
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
Wm. W. Williams, D 2911
Wm. A. Bitcman. R 2055
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
Samuel Sandford, D 2925
CalYin Harris, R 2109
J.N. Bailey, Pro 2
SUNDRY QUESTIONS.
For the Commission 1011
Against Commission 1776
For amendment taxing dogs. 1948
Against amendment taxing dogs 979
1876.
PRESIDENT UNITED STATES.
Sami^l J. Tilden, D 8519
Rutherford B. Hayes, R 2480
Green Clay Smith, Pro
Peter Cooper, G. B 18
James B. Walker —
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.
Calvin S. Brice and others, D 8519
I. N. Alexander and others, R 2480
Reuben Carroll and others, G. B 18
SECRETARY OF STATE.
Wm. Bell, Jr., D
Milton Barnes, R
JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT.
Wm. E. Finck, D
W. W. Boynton, R
MEMBER OF BOARD PUBLIC WORKS.
Horace P. Clough, D
James C. Evans, R
CONGRESS.
Americus V. Rice. D 8261
Jacob L. H. Long, ft 2811
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308
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
COUNTY AUDITOK.
Nelson McBride, D 825^
Joseph Brower, R 2302
COUNTT COMHISStONBB.
Jacob Crites, D 8267
Samuel Durbin, R
COUNTY SURVEYOR.
D. D. Nicholas, D
M. H. Wadhams, R 2587
INFIRMARY DIRBCTOR.
Jos. B. Ohipman, D 8281
Louis Huffman, R 2824
1877.
OOVBRNOR.
Wm. H. West, R 19W
Richard M. Bishop, D 8048
Henry A. Thompson, Pro 18
Stephen Johnson, G. B 150
LIBUTSNANT-GOYBRNOR.
Ferd. Vogeler, R 1786
Jabez W. Fitch, D 8020
Geo. K Jenkins, Pro 168
Chris. Lewis, G. B 157
JUDGE OF SUFRBHE COURT.
Wm. W. Johnson, R 1988
John W. Okey, D 8087
D. C. Montgomery, Pro 5
M.L.aark, G.B 78
CLERX OF 8UFREMS COURT.
Dwight CroweU, R 1985
Richard J. Fanning, D 8089
George Dodds, Pro 5
E. P. Pitkin, G. B 145
ATTORNEY-QBNERAL.
Geo. K Nash, R 1909
Isaiah Pillars, D 8112
David W. Gage, Pro 5
Geo. A. Duncan, G. B 144
STATE TREASURER.
John M. Milliken, R 1969
Anthony Howells, D 8052
Arza Alderman, Pro 5
Jas. Jenkins, G. B 146
BOARD PUBLIC WORKS.
A. W. Luckey. R 1986
Martin S. Childer, D 8048
Amos Miller, Pro 5
STATE SCHOOL COMMISSIONER.
Jos. F. Lukens, R 1966
James J. Burns, D 8048
Jos. N. Lindsay, Pro 6
John C. Logan, G. B 147
AMENDMENTS.
Judicial, for 287
Judicial, against 8620
Free Banking, for 498
Free Banking, against 8259
STATE SENATOR.
Gaylord M. Saltzgaber, D 8084
REFRESENTATIYE.
Michael L. Baker, D 2860
Jos. Morris, R. 1988
Leonard W. Jackson, G. B 145
PR08ECUTINO ATTORNEY.
H. 8. Prophet, D 8048
Frank E. Mead, R 1948
Jasper N. Gutridge, G. B 158
SHERIFF.
John Franks, D 2780
Wm. E. Watkins. R 2287
Jos. W. Bennett, G. B 63
TREASURER.
David East, D 8084
Jesse J. John, R 1924
J. R. Churchill, G. B 148
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
Marion Clumm, D 8055
Wm. D. Breese, R 1968
John P. Jacobs, G. B 146
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
Martin V. Blab, D 8028
John H. Johnson, R 1988
Jerry B. Green, G. B 150
CORONER.
Elijah Curtis, D 8050
John P. Harley, R. 1977
Geo. W. Collins. G. B 188
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
309
1878.
8ECBBTABT OF 8TATB.
Milton Barnes, R 1871
David R. Paige, D 2857
Jeremiah N. Robinson, Pro 4
Andrew Roy, G. B 230
CONGBSSS.
William D. Hill. D 2884
James L, Price, R 1866
Wm. C. Holgate, G. B 282
PBOBATB JUDOS.
George W. Overmyer, D 2096
John L. B. Leatherman, R 1796
Joseph H. Harbeson, G. B 229
COUWTT AUDITOR.
Nelson McBride, D 2096
Samuel D. Chambers, R 2684
James B. Kirk, G. B 164
coxTNTT comosaioifBB.
William W. Williams, D 2779
Peter Snyder, R 1894
Enos Foster, G. B 280
SUPRSMB JUDGB.
Wm. White 1878
Alex. F. Hume 2866
Wm. F. Ross. 4
Chilton A. White 228
JX7DOB OF COMMON PLBAB.
Charles M. Hughes, D 8029
John J. Moore, D 2918
CLEBK OF COMMON FLBAS*.
Daniel L. Crites, D 2848
John G. Roberts, R 1861
James A. Jacobs, G. B 228
BOABD OF PUBLIC W0BK8.
George Paul, R 1874
Rush N. Field, D 2855
Delmont Locke, Pro 4
J. R. Fallis, G. B * 229
COUNTY BBCOBDBB.
Henry H. Heman, D
John W. Brown, R
John G. Ridenour, G, B 221
INFIRMABY DIBBCTOB.
Samuel Boose, D 2816
Wm. W. Hover, R 1888
David D. Davis, G. B 229
1879.
QOVBBNOB.
Charles Foster, R 2592
Thomas Ewing. D 8615
A. Sanders Piatt, N 88
LIBUrBNANT-QOYBBNOB.
Andrew Hickenlooper, R 2582
Americus Y. Rice, D 8596
Hugo Preyer. N 59
JUDOB OF 8UPBBMB COUBT.
Wm. W. Johnson, R 2584
Wm. J. Gilmore, D 8597
Abner M. Jackson, N 67
8TATB AUDITOB.
John F. Oglevee, R 2584
Chas. Reemelin. D 8600
Andrew Roy, N 66
ATTOBNBT-QBNBBAL.
Geo. K. Nash, R 2577
Isaiah PiUars, D 3600
James R. Grogan, N 68
STATB TBBABUBBB.
Joseph Tumey, R 2585
Anthony Howells, D 8608
Chas. Jenkins, N 67
BOABD OF PUBUC W0BS8.
James Fullington, R 2591
Patrick CMara, D • 8588
Geo. W. Piatt, N 42
STATB 8BNAT0B.
Nathan G. Johnson, D 2598
Gale M. Saltzgaber, R 8568
STATB BBPBBSBNTATITB.
Hiram Thomas, R 2610
Matthew H. McCullough, D 8519
JUDOB OF COMMON PLBAB.
James H. Day, D
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310
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
PROSECUTIKO ATTORNBT.
Albert G. Stewart, R 2567
H. 8. Prophet, D 8601
SHERIFF.
James L. Smith, R 2454
John Franks, D 3M5
Wm. Mechlin, G. B 62
COUNTT TREASURER.
Wm. D. Breese, R 2580
James Armstrong, D 8578
Jacob Hogle, G. B 66
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
Leonidas H. Post, R 2689
Jacob Crites, D 8894
Edwin Shirely, G. B 70
BURYBTOR.
Robt. H. Gamble, R 2561
John Keith, D 8577
Alex. Mason, G. B 67
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
Curtis Baxter, R 2567
James B. Chipman, D.. 8588
John C. Blocher. G. B 67
AMENDMENTS.
To amend Sec 2, Art. 2, for 1829
To amend Sec. 2, Art. 2, against 1568
To amend Sec. 1, Art. 8, for 1788
To amend Sec. 1, Art. 8, against 1588
To amend Judicial ProYision, for 1828
To amend Judicial ProY., against 1674
To amend Sec. 4, Art. 10, for 2465
To amend Sec. 4, Art. 10, against 1281
In the aboYe ** N " and ** G. B.'* represent
National and Greenback party.
1880.
SECRETARY OF STATE.
Charles Townsend, R '. 2767
William Lang, D 8768
Chas. A. Lloyd, N 89
STATE COMMISSIONER OF SCHOOLS.
Daniel P. DeWolf, R 2767
James J. Burns, D 8762
R.B. Smart, N 41
JUDGE OF 8UFREME COURT.
Geo. W. Mcllvaine. R 2772
Martin B. Follett, D 8760
Dewitt C. Loudon, N 41
CLERK OF SUPREME COURT.
Dwight Crbwell, R 2772
Richard J. Fanning, D 8760
Chas. Bonsall, G. B 41
STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION.
Sylvester J. Brand, D 8805
BOARD PUBLIC WORKS.
Stephen R. Hosmer, R 2769
Wm. J. Jackson. D 8764
Amos Roberts, N 41
REPRESENTATIYE IN CONGRESS.
William K Boone, R 2828
Benjamin Le Fevre, D 8675
Wm. M. RandaU, G. B 41
C0X7NTY COMMISSIONER.
Jacob Moser, R 2812
Francis M. Clum, D 8668
CORONER.
JohnR. Evans. R 2771
Tobias H. Foltz, D 8754
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
Samuel Eversole, R 2T76
Martin V. Blair, D 8756
PRESIDENT UNITED STATES.
James A. Garfield, R 2906
Winfleld S. Hancock, D 8890
James B. Weaver, G. B 48
NealDow, P 8
1881.
GOVERNOR.
Charles Foster. R 2558
John W. Bookwalter, D 8464
Abram R. Ludlow, P 110
JohnSeitz, N 46
LIBUTENANT-GOYERNOR.
Rees G. Richards, R 2578
Edgar M. Johnson, D 8462
Jason McVay, P 118
Charles Jenkins, N 46
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BISTOBT OF ALLEN COONTY.
811
JUDOB OF 8UFRBMB 00X7BT.
Nicholas Longworth, R. 2573
Edward F. Bingham. D 8465
Gideon T. Stewart, P 118
Joseph Watson, N 46
ATTOKNET-GENBBAL.
Geo. K. Nash, R 2577
Frank C. Dougherty, D 8464
David W.Oage, P 96
Q. K Tuttle, N...-. 46
STATE TBKASX7BBB.
Joseph Tumey, R . . .2572
A. P. Winslow, D 8467
Ferd. Schumacher, P 102
Wm. F. Gloyd,N 47
BOABD OF PUBLIC WOBKS.
George Paul. R 2574
John Crowe. D 8466
Abner Davis, P 108
Henry L. Morrison, N 46
STATE SBKATOE.
Will. E. Osbom, R 2602
Henry Moser, R. 2595
Ehner White, D 8474
Thomas J. Godfrey, D 8476
Daniel K. Gillespie. G. B 14
STATE BEPBESBNTATIVB.
Morris C. Mumaugh, R 2645
Matthew H. McCullough, D 8450
CLERK OF COMMON PLEAS.
John Davidson, R 2484
Eugene C. Mackenzie, D 8650
PROBATE JUDGE.
AlpheusB. Cndl, R 2656
Samuels. Yoder, D... 8868
PROSECUTmO ATTORNEY.
James Irvine, R 2595
James B. Townsend. D., 8476
SHERIFF.
Edwin Hun. R 2525
W. H. Harter. D 8507
AUDITOR.
Sam. D. Ohamhers. R
Wm. D. Poling. D
TREASURER.
Wm. D. Breese. R 2491
David M. Fisher, D 8588
RECORDER.
Carman B. Rice, R 2521
Wm. Timherlake, D 8575
COURT HOUSE.
For New Court House 8888
Against New Court House 1014
1882.
CONGRESSMAN.
Jacob S. Conklin, R 2410
Benj. LeFevre, D 8628
COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
David Baxter, R 2474
Abraham Crider, D 8570
SUPREME JUDGE.
John H. Doyle, R 2424
John W. O'Key, D 8595
John W. Roseborough. G. B 44
Lloyd G. Tuttle, P 18
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Chas, A. Flickinger, R 2410
Henry Weible, D 8595
Carmi Alderman. G. B 44
L. B. Stevens. P .• 10
SURVEYOR.
Geo. H. Kephart, R 2405
John Keith, D 8619
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
Andrew J. Chapman, R 2480
Israel Fraunfeltee, D 8620
1883.
GOVERNOR.
J. B.Foraker. R 8064
Geo. Hoadley, D 4251
Ferd. Schumacher 10
Chas. Jenkins W
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HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.
Wm. G. Rose, R 8067
John G. Warwick, D 4267
Henry T. Ogden 10
Wm. Baker 80
JXTDOB OF SUPREME COURT.
W. H. Upson, R., short term 8054
M. D. FoUett, D., short term 4268
Zeno C. Payne, short term 10
H. A. Chamberlain, short term 80
John H. Doyle, R., long term 8047
8. N. Owen. D., long term 4268
D. C. Montgomery, long term 10
James Grogan, long term 80
CLERK OF SUPREME COURT.
Dwight Crowell, R 8055
J. W. Cruikshank. D 4266
John H. Blackford 10
Wm. Bentz 80
ATTORNETOBNBRAL.
Moses C. Eamhart, R 8059,
James ^awrence, D 4260
John W. Roseborough 10
Lloyd G. Tuttle 80
STATE AUDITOR.
JohnF. Oglevee, R 8055
Emil Keisewetter, D 4267
Geo. P. Coler 10
Harvey Rhodes 80
STATE TREASURER.
JohnC. Brown 8056
Peter Brady 4268
John M. Whitton 10
John Seitz 80
STATE COMMISSIONER OF SCHOOLS.
D. F. DeWolf 8062
Leroy D. Brown 4257
Chris. C. Nestlerode 10
LM.Case 80
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Leo. Weltz 8056
JohnP. Martin 4260
Geo. Z. Cruzen 10
John J.Scribner 80
AMENDMENTS.
Judicial Acts, for 5582
Judicial Acts, against 615
Reg. and Tax of Liquor Traffic, for. .1002
Reg. and Tax of Liq. Traffic, against.2828
Prohibition of Intox. liquors, for 8667
Prohibition of Intox. liquors, against.2879
STATE SENATOR.
Horace A. Reeves, R «075
Thomas J. Godfrey, D 4248
Ehner White. D 4286
REPRESENTATIVE.
James N. Shane, 1 8084
Geo. W. Hull, D 8895
JXTDOB OF COMMON PLEAS.
Chas. M. Hughes, D 4260
SHERIFF. *
John W. Peltier, R 2980
Wm. H. Harter, D 4849
TREASURER.
Lemuel Eversole, R 2981
Jacob B. Sunderland, D 4818
COMMISSIONER.
Josiah B. Roberts. R 8256
Charles C. Marshall. D 4042
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
Samuel Bassett, R 8045
Solomon H. Arnold, D 4251
CORONER.
Peter H. Brooks, D 4084
1884
SECRETARY OF STATE.
Jas. S.Robinson, R 8265
James W. Newman. D 4518
Peter M. Herald, P 22
Elon J. Morris, N 88
JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT.
William W. Johnson, R 8296
Chas. D. Martin, D 4488
James R. Grogan, P 25
John W. Roseborough. N 86
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
313
BOABD OF PXJBLIC WORKS.
Chas. A. Flickinjrer. R 8818
John H. Benner, D 4461
William B. Ogden, P .. 25
W.J.Kirkendall, G. B 89
0OKORE88MAN.
Wm. D. Davies. R 8825
Benj. Le Ferre, D 4464
David WatBon, P 8
JUDOBS OF THE CIRCTJIT COURT.
Jacob Scroggs, R 8819
Isaac N. Alexander, R 3831
John A. Price. R 8826
John J. Moore, D 4477
Thomas Beer, D 4464
Henry W. Seney, D 4456
JUDQB OF COMMON FLEAS.
James H. Day 4471
CLERK OF COMMON FLEAS.
BenJ. L. Clevenger, R 8806
Bngene C. Mackenzie, D 4491
PROBATE JUDGE.
Gideon Ditto, R 8842
Samuel 8. Yoder, D 4461
pROSEcuTora attorney.
John N. Bailey, R 8828
James B. Townsend, D 4467
AUDITOR.
JohnR Brown, R 8828
William D. Poling. D 4471
RECORDER.
Thomas Cotner, R 8828
William Timherlake, D 4481
COMMISSIONER.
Ira M. Townsend, L. term, R 8485
Joseph A. States, L. term, D 4288
Alex. Shenk, S. term, D 4588
INFIRMARY DIRECTOR.
John L. B. Leatherman, R 8220
Leri Reichelderfer, D 4471
The oflScial count of the votes polled in
Allen County, Novemher 4, 1884, is as
follows:
Rep. Dem.
Amanda 100 207
Auglaize 279 177
Bath 129 192
Delphos, First Ward 89 168
Delphos, Second Ward 85 200
German 108 250
Jackson 159 278
Lima, First Ward 864 816
Lima, Second Ward 429 282
Lima, Third Ward 108 .881
Lima. Fourth Ward 260 189
Monroe 267 222
Marion 211 802
Ottawa 15 18
Perry 155 190
Richland— Bluflton 125 849
Richland— Beaver Dam 85 176
Shawnee 117 171
Sugar Creek 188 111
Spencer 159 822
Totals 8872 4442
St. John received 59 votes in the county
and Butler 80, for President.
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314 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Daring the first years of the county's political history, party bigotry
was not acknowledged; bat convention and caacos were held, the same as
at present, to select an official, not to serve his own or his party's
interest alone, bat to labor for the whole peopla The majority of the
first settlers were members of the Jacksonian school of politics. When,
in 1832, South Carolina assumed the right to ignore the laws of the
General Government by opposing the collection of revenue, President
Jackson acted with his usual decision, and told the South Carolinians
that the Union must be preserved. This action, together with the tone
of his proclamation, cemented, as it were, ail political parties under one
leader, and so far as Allen County is concerned, was the beginning of
its strong Democracy.
CHAPTER VIII.
COURTS AND BAR OP ALLEN COUNTY. -
THE first Circuit Judge who presided over the courts of northwestern
Ohio subsequent to the organization of the new counties was
George Tod. Ebenezer Lane followed Judge Tod, and next came Judge
David Higgin& In 1830 he was elected President Judge of the Second Judi-
cial Circuit, then comprising all the territory in the neighborhood of Allen
County. Court was held at Findlay, Defiance and Perrysburg, at each of
which places the Count Coffinberry, J. C. Spink and Budolphus Dick-
enson appeared as lawyers ot the circuit — itinerant pleaders.
The Legislature created the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in 1838-39,
which embraced Alien, Van Wert, Hardin, Hancock, Lucus, Wood, Henry,
Williams, Paulding and Putnam. Up to this time Allen County belonged
to the Dayton Circuit, with Wm. L. Helfenstein, Judge, while a portion
of Allen belonged to the Marion Circuit, presided over by Judge Ozias
Bowen.
In February, 1839, Emery D. Potter was elected Judge of this Thir-
teenth Circuit, a position he occupied until his election to Congress in
October, 1843. The same year Myron H. Tilden was elected Judge of
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 315
the Circuit. In February, 1845, the territory of this circuit was reduced.
The Sixteenth Circuit was established February 19, 1845. It
embraced Allen, Shelby, Mercer, Hardin, Hancock, Putnam, Paulding,
Van Wert and Williaihs, to which Defiance County was added March 10,
1845. Patrick G. Gk>ode was elected Presiding Judga The Associate
Judges in 1833 were William Watt, James Crozier and Chris Wood; in
1837, Charles Levering, Joseph Hover and John Jamieson; in 1841,
John Elliott, G^rge B. Shriner, and in 1845, Charles H. Adgate and
John P. Fay.
OOUBT OF COMMON PLEAS.
The first Court of Common Pleas for Allen County was held within
James Daniels' cabin, near the creek, at the east end of Market Street, in
May, 1833, with George R Holt, President, assisted by Associate Judges
Watt, Crozier and Wood. President Judge Helfenstein succeeded Judge
Holt in 1838; he was succeeded by Judge Potter in 1839. Judge Tilden
presided from 1842 until 1845, when Judge Goode was elected. Under
the Constitution of 1851, Allen, Hardin, Shelby, Auglaize, Madison,
Union and Logafi were erected in one Common Pleas Court District,
known as Na 3, Sub-Divisipn No. 1, of which Benjamin F. Metcalf was
elected Judge in October, 1851, He was succeeded in 1855-56 by Judge
William Lawrence, who presided over the district, as re-organized, until
1864, when he resigned to enter Congress.
In 1851 Mercer, Van Wert, Putnam, Paulding, Defiance, Williams,
Henry and Fulton were organized as District No. 3, Sub-division No.
2, and John M. Palmer elected Judge in October, 1851. He was suc-
ceeded in 1855-56 by Alex S. Latty. Under the act of April 8, 1858,
this sub-division was re-organized, and Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Van
Wert and Putnam made an additional sub-division, of which Benjamin
F. Metcalf was elected Judge in October, 1858, re-elected in October,
1863, and occupied the position until his death in February, 1865, when
O. W. Rose was appointed to fill the vacancy. In October, 1865, James .
Mackenzie, a Canadian, son of William Lyon Mackenzie, the Canadian
Patriot- leader of 1837, was elected to the Judgeship of Common Pleas,
for the unexpired term, and re-elected in October, 1868. In March, 1869,
Edwin If. Phelps was elected under the.act creating an additional judge-
ship for sub-division. A reference to the political history will point out
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316 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
the Judges elected since that time, as well as these elected in 1884 under
the law establishing the Circuit Court
MEMBEBS OF THE OLD BAB.
Andrew Coffinberry, box*n in Virginia August 20, 1788, where his
French and German grand-parents settled in 1750, moved with parents
to Ohio in 1806. He served two years under Bainbridge and Hull,
again with his father in the war of 1812. From 1815 to 1836 he studied
law and practiced at Mansfield, Ohio; moved, to Perrysburg in 1836.
From 1831 to the period of his death at Findlaj, May 12, 1856, he was
known as the pioneer lawyer of northwestern Ohio. John C. Spink,
another pioneer lawyer, resided at Wooster. He was one of the jokers
of the circuit, and the violinist of the Northwest. W. V. Way, of Per-
rysburg, was another early visitor. James G. Haley, an Irishman, was
considered one of the ablest men on the northern circuit. Sarcasm he
tempered with wit, and treacherous legal cases he surrounded with logic
and strategy. James Purdy, of Mansfield, was the opposite of Spink; he
never looked on the mimicry and iCntics of the latter with approbation,
yet was a sincere friend of the funny man of the circuit. James Coffin-
berry, son of Andrew Coffinberry, was born at Mansfield, Ohio, in 1818,
studied law in his father's office at Perrysburg, in 1841 joined his father
in the law at Manmee City, moved to Hanc-ock County in 1845, to Cleve-
land in 1855, elected Judge of Common Pleas in 1861, was editor of the
Findlay Herald in 1845, and one of the early lawyers of Allen and
neighboring counties. Jude Hall was an unobtrusive merry-maker. In
court he was sedate, and out of court he would embark in any enterprise
which Spink might suggest Judge Potter was the vocal god of the old
bar. Such songs as "Lord Lovell" and "Rosin the Bow" were his favor-
ite melodies. J. M. May was the trombone-player of the old bar, accom-
panying Spink on the violin, and Coffinberry on the trombone. The
pair just mentioned exercised a peculiar influence on May, which some-
times led him to be as mischievous as themselves. To the bar of the
northwestern circuit Thomas W. Ewing was added about 1831 — a lawyer
as upright as he was eminent. David A. Colerick moved from Lancas-
ter, Ohio, to Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1829, and here met the pioneer lawyer
of northeastern Indiana — Henry Cooper. Charles Johnson, admitted at
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
317
Fort Wayne in 1834, died in 1846, after returning from Bluflffcon, Ohio.
Lucien P. Ferry, a contemporary of Johnson, was admitted in 1834 or
1835, visited Bloffton in 1845, and died on his return to Fort Wayne.
John H. Morrison, Judge Ewing, Judge Price, William H. West, Judge
Walden, Lawyer Coombs, Judge John Morris, Henry Beed, H. L. Hos-
mer, E. Allen, Henry Bennett, S. B. Campbell, Judge Tilden, Gen.
Hill, Moses B. Corwin, John A. Corwin, Jacob S. Conklin, Joseph S.
Updegraff^ John McSweeney, all came to practice in the courts of Allen
County or preside over them.
BOLL OP LAWYERS 1831 — 1884.
Anderson J. A., Lima.
Albeiry Keepers, Mercer County.
Andrews George W., Lima.
Ballard C. 8. Lima.
Baxter George M., Lima.
Bailey John N., Spencer.
Baxter Samuel A., Lima.
Becker M. L., Lima.
Bliss Lester, Lima.
Brice C. 8., Lima.
Brown James M., Lima.
Brotherton J. F., Lima.
Brotberton B. J., Delphos.
Bryan, Casper F., Lima.
Brown, Toledo.
Bulloch C. F., St. Marys.
Cable D. J., Lima.
Carter William, Defiance.
CoUett John, Lima.
Conklin Jacob 8.
.Cunningham T. E., Lima.
Cunningham W. H., Lima.
Ci^ne Judge W. M., St. Marys.
Curtiss W. T., Lima.
Davison Hamilton, Lima.
Ditto G., Lima.
Day James H., Mercer County.
Darnell John, Van Wert.
Evans Frank, Van Wert.
East A. B., Van Wert.
Eastman R. C, Van Wert.
Ferrall J. J., Bluffton.
Foye John D., Lima.
Geddes, , Toledo.
Gutridge J. N., Lima.
Graham A. 8., Lima.
Guthrie Abelard.
Goode Patrick G.
Godfrey T. J., Mercer County.
Goode John 8., Springfield.
Goit Edson.
Gottschall O. M., Dayton.
Hackedorn W. E., Lima.
Holbrook, , Wapakonetta.
Hughes C. M., Lima.
Hurd L. C, Lima.
Hutchison J. K., Lima.
Hartshorn Edward, Delphos.
Holgate William C, Defiance.
Irvine James, Lima.
Jamieson George, Lima.
Kennedy Lorin. Lima.
King John, Delphos.
Loughridge J. C, Mercer County.
Le Blond F. C, Mercer County.
Lamison C. N., Lima.
Lee W. E., Lima.
Lay ton W. V. M., Wapakonetta.
Layton F. C. Wapakonetta.
Mackenzie James, Lima.
Mackenzie W. C, Lima.
McHenry Frank. Lima.
Marble, , Lima.
Marshall C. C, Delphos.
Marshall R. D., Dayton.
Marriott F. M., Delaware.
Meily L. M., Lima.
Meily George H., Lima.
Metcalf Benjamin, Lima.
Mot ter Isaacs., Lima.
Myers O. F., Lima.
Mott 8. R., St. Marys.
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318
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
Miller W. F., Mercer County.
Murlin Hiram, Mercer County.
Newman Moses B., Lima.
Newbegin Henry, Williams County.
Nichols M. H., Williams County.
Ohler , Lima.
Overmyer Gteorge W., Lima.
Orr G. M., Lima.
Owens A. J., Bluflton.
Prophet H. 8., Lima.
Poland, .
Pillars Isaiah, Lima.
Price James L., Van Wert.
Price , Lima.
Priddy Emerson, Lima.
Phelps Edwin M., Williams County.
Reeves J. K., Delphos.
Reeves H. A., Delphos.
Rood Oliver C, St. Marys.
Ritchie J. E., Lima.
Ritchie W. C, Lima.
The foregoing list, together with the names given in the roster of
the old bar, embraces the names of almost all, if not all, the lawyers who
practiced in the courts of Allen Coanty ap to 1885.
Robb Theodore D., Lima.
Robb Thomas M., Lima.
Rose W. S., Lima.
Ross William, Lima.
Saltzgaber '-, Van Wert.
Shaw , Lima.
Stewart A. G., Lima.
Schoonover, , Lima.
Smith O. W., Lima.
Sawyer L. C, Lima.
Sessions Horace, Defiance.
Townsend James, Defiance.
Truman R. B., Lima.
Van Anda F. C, Wapakonetta.
Van Anda C. J., Wapakonetta.
Waldorf Asa B., Lima.
Waters , Wapakonetta.
Walkup John, Wapakonetta.
Wheeler , Lima.
Williams H. D. V.
CHAPTER IX.
MILITABY HISTORY.
AMONG the pioneers of Allen County were many who, served in the
war of .1812; a few took part in that bloodless contest known
as the Toledo war; while a small number represented the county in the
Mexican war, and a few in the Reservoir war in Mercer County. It
remained for our own times, however, to exhibit the military strength
of this county — to realize what a people can sacrifice — what a people
can accomplish when their country is threatened or her flag subjected
to insult
In April, 1861, when the electric wire flashed the tidings of civil war
into every city, town and hamlet of the United States, the President's
call for volunteers was made known. Hurrying thousands from all parts
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 821
of the state rushed forward to respond, and ainid those thousands none more
earnest or more patriotic than the men of this county were to be found.
Organization was pressed forward, ranks were filled up, and thus it was
made apparent that few, if any, counties of the same number of inhabi-
tants surpassed Allen in celerity of military movement, or in the number
and quality of private soldiers and officers sent forward by her to the
field.
From the moment the first news of rebellion reached the county seat
the work of military organization was carried on. Charles N. Moyer, a
printer in the Gazette office, was the first to enlist from Lima, having left
for Columbus on April 16. During the following few days many others
went to the front from various parts of the county.
On April 19, 1861, the first company of Lima volunteers was organ-
ized under Oapt. If. H. Nichols, Lieut C. M. Hughes, Second Lieut T.
J. Hustler; Sergeant, J. A. Anderson; Second Sergeant, J. N. Cunning-
ham; Third Sergeant, William Bradley; Fourth Sergeant, W. H. Ward;
Corporals, C. C. Oldfield, Milton Titus, J. B. Davison and Samuel Mc-
Cluer. The company, comprising ninety-two rank and file, left en route
to Columbus April 22, 1861, and attached to the Twentieth Ohio
Infantry May 7, 1861. Samuel Sazton, a member of this company, shot
himself accidentally July 4, 1861.
This was the actual inauguration of the military enterprise of Allen
Gouniy. There was more stern resolve manifested than mere enthusi-
asm. Men felt that the Union was in danger, and rushed forward to
defend her.
The poetic address by J. MoEibben appeared in the Daily Gazette
April 21, 1861. It expressed very appropriately the popular idea of the
duty which citizens owed to their imperilled country, and found an echo
in the hearts of the people. The last four lines of this address are as
follows:
"The reveille calls you, Freemen, to arms 1
Up, patriots ! forsaking your workshops and farms;
Release, maid, your lover; give your son, O, proud mother.
Who strikes for our banner, he, he is our brother."
The second company of Lima volunteers was organized April 22,
1861, with the following officers: C. N. Lamison, Captain; Mari Arm-
19
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822 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
Btrongy Lieutenant; George A. Taylor, Second Lieutenant; John Nuoe,.
Third Lieutenant; S. B. Stevens, First Sergeant; Obristian Neise, W. J»
Bashore and Fraley Fink, Sergeants; Daniel Willower, William Howell,
A. J. Bowers and P. S. Hubbard, Corporals; Samuel Miller, Ensign.
The private soldiers of this command numbered seventy; attached to
Twentieth Ohio Infantry May 7, 1861. On June 26, 1861, a sword and
sash were presented to Gapi Lamison by the citizens of Lima.
The Home Guards, organized on April 22, 1861, comprised A. N.
Smith, G. Wykoff, J. Boush, J. E. Junkin, E. G. Hamilton, J. Oarpenter^
N. Pangle, J. W. Titus, A. 0. Shell, J. 0. Musser, D. Ohapin, S. D.
Truesdale, G. Saint, I. Delzell, B. Metheany, S. Lisle, W. E. Lee^ Wm.
Dransfield, W. B. BarroU, J. K. Bell, Gea W. Overmyer, A. Thomas, J.
Keller, Thea E. Ounningham, J. Corns, K Fitch, J. Hough, and J»
Davis.
The Lima Bifle Guards organized, under the Beserve Militia law,
April 23,1861, with A. N. Smith, Captain; W. A. Hover, First Lieutenant-^
and George Wilson, Second Lieutenant
Li April, 1861, the following named physicians agreed to furnish
medical attendance, free of charge, to the families of volunteers during
the period of their absence: W. McHenry, D. K Stickney, E. Ashton,
F. S. Kendall, B. Kincaid, C. L Neff, and D. H. Anderson,
The Delphos Guards was organized in April, 1861, with Jack Herbert,
Captain, and Captain Mellen, First Lieutenant.
An Auxiliary Aid Society was organized at Lima, April 28, 1862,.
with L. C. Hurd, President; George W. Overmyer, Secretary; B. C.
Woodward, Beceiver; T. E. Cunningham, C. L NefF, L S. Pillars, R
Metheany, G. Day, J. B. Hughes, J. B. Churchill, and A. N. Smithy
Executive Committee.
Thomas K Jacobs introduced a bill in the Ohio Legislature, in April,
1861, to provide a fund for the support of soldiers' families, by author-
izing the County Commissioners to levy a tax of half a milL On April
28, Bepresentative Baldwin introduced a more elaborate bill, which was
accepted. It embraced the principals of the Jacobs Besolution.
The Armstrong Guards organized April 27, 1861, with Gen. Will-
iam Armstrong, Captain; Theo. E. Cunningham, First Lieutenant, and
Barton A. Holland, Second Lieutenant.
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HISTORY OP ALLEN C50UOTT. 828
On May 4, 1861, the Shawnee Home Qnards organized with John D.
Hnffer, Oaptain; Q. L. Davison, First Lieutenant, and William Hall,
SeoGDd Lisotenant. The master roll contained sixty-eight names.
OoL Hiram Stotts' Company of Dragoons was organized at Lima,
May 6, 1861, with Col. Stotts, Captain; Ed. S. Bashore, First Lienten-
ant; F. W. Bashore, Second Lieutenant; B. Hoag, Sergeant, and fifty-six
private soldiers.
The Military Committee of Allen County, in 1861, comprised James
Mackenzie, Isaiah S. Pillars, James Cunningham, J. B. Roberts, William
Armstrong, and O. K GriflSth. In 1863, the Committee comprised T. B.
Cunningham, A. N. Smith, J. W. Hunt, Garrett Wykoff, I & Pillars, 0.
E. Griffith, and Shelby Taylor.
Under the Provost Marshal's order of June 2, 1868, Subdistricts No.
7 and No. 8 were organized in Allen County, James M. Brown being
Enrolling Officer of No. 7 and Oscar F. Myers of No. 8. The Board of
Enrollment comprised: Capt. Dan. S. Brown, Provost Marshal; John
Walkup, Commissioner, and C. L Neff, Surgeon.
The oration delivered by Theodore E. Cunningham July 4, 1861, at
Lima, formed in itself a military history of the Union.
Li August, 1861, Lima was selected as a military station, with Col.
Pillars, Commandant The camp was opened August 11, 1862, by the
Ninety-ninth Ohio Lifant;ry, and before the close of the month about
1,600 men were camped there.
Up to September 25, 1861, Allen County turned out between 900
and 1,000 troops, comprised in the following named companies: Capt.
Norman Tucker's Company I, Twenty-seventh Ohio Infantry; Capt.
Gtoorge A. Taylor's Company in Morton's Bifle Begiment; Capt. Hiram
Stotis' Company of Ohio Cavalry; Capt George M. Baxter's Company
I, Thirty-second Ohio Infantry; Capi Martin Armstrong's Company in
Morton's Bifle Begiment; Capi Israel T. Moore's Company in the Fifty-
fourth Ohio Infantry; and Capi Charles M. Hughes' Company in Mor-
ton's Bifle Begiment. Together with the men represented in the above
named companies, there were twenty-flve men in the Fourteenth Ohio
Infantry, twenty-five men in the Fourth Ohio Infantry, fifty men in the
Twelfth Ohio Infantry, about twenty-five in the United States Army, and
Digitized by LjOOQIC
824 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
others in varioos oommands. Before the close of the year between 1,100
and 1,200 Tolnnteers were mastered into service.
In October, 1861, Mrs. M. Wamsley, Mrs. M. A. Hnrd, Mrs. a E.
Holland, Mrs. Helen Faurot, Mrs. M. J. Shepard, Mrs. S. E. Hitchcock,
Mrs. Sabra Horlbert, Mrs. M. J. Taylor and Mrs. Ann Kendall, issued
an address to the ladies of Allen Oonnty calling for aid for the soldiers
in the field. In December, 1862, a society was regularly organized with
Mrs. Moore, President.
The foregoing memoranda of local work in connection with the open-
ing of that terrible drama of 1861-65, conveys only a faint idea of the
labor and sacrifices made by the people to sustain the General Govern-
ment. The roster of commissioned officers and private soldiers, given in
the following pages, forms the true index to the military worth of the
county in such a crisis. This, with the Grand Army Post records and
personal mention given in other chapters, embraces the names of almost
every Allen County soldier who enlisted, as well as many who enlisted in
other counties, now residing here.
BOSTEB AND BEOOBD OF COMMISSIONED OFFIOEBS.
The following is a roster of Colonels, Lieutenant-Colonels, Majors,
Surgeons, Assistant Surgeons, Quartermaster Sergeants and Adjutants,
with dates of their commission and resignation, death or* discharge.
Marble, J. M. C. Col. 151st O. N. G. May 18, 1864, Aug, 27, 1864
Pillars, Isaiah S. Commissioned Commander of Camp Lima.
Hill, Wm. H Lieut.-CoL 81st O. V. L Oct 10, 1864, July 21, 1865.
Hughes, Rich'd S. Lieut-Col. 151st O. N. G. May 13, 1864, Aug. 27,
1864.
Long, Chas. L. H. Lieut. -Col. 35th O. V. I. Aug. 15,1861,resgd. Oct 1863.
Moore, Israel T. LieutCol. 54th O. V. I. Sept. 10, 1861, Aug. 23, 1865.
Titus, Jas. W. Lieut. -Col 8l8t 6. J. L Sepi 1861, Sept. 8, 1864
Dowling, Wm. Major 118th O. V. L July 18, 1862, resgd. Aug 7. 1864.
Kincaid, J. W. Major 118th O. V. I. Jan. 6, 1865, July 9, 1865.
Lamison, Chas. N. Major, 81st O .V. L Aug. 19, 1861, resgd. April 22,
1862.
Long, Chas. L. H. Major 5th O. V. L April, 1861, Aug. 1861.
Rice, Richard Major McLaughlin's, Nov, 6, 1861, Nov. 20, 1864
Baxter, S. A. Surgeon 18th O. V. L March 13, 1863, Nov. 11, 1865.
Harper, W. H Surgeon 151st O. N. G. May 23, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Digitized by VjOOQIC
BISTORT OF ALLEN COUNTT. 825
Jaoobe, W. 0. Surgeon, 81b(0. Y. L Deo. 28, 1862, July 28, 1865.
Thrift, Bobt W. Surgeon 49tb O. Y. L Aug. 17, 1861, Sept 4, 1864.
Holloway, Aug. a. Aas't Sorg. 151at O. N. O. May 18, 1864, Aug. 27,
1864
Blias, Lester, Qoartermaster 118th O. Y. I. Aug. 22, 1862, Joly 7, 1866.
Chambers, SamL D. Quartermaster ISlst O. N. G. May, 18, 18Q4, Aug. 27,
1864.
Jaoobe, Tboa. K Quartermaster 99th O. Y. L July, 1862, March 1, 1868.
Seott, E. A. Adjutant, 89th O. Y. L Aug. 1862, June 16, 1865.
Captains. — The following roster contains the names of soldiers to
whom the conunission of Captain was issued, name of regiment, date of
commission, and lastly date of resignation or discharge:
Akermsn, John, 46th O. Y. L, Aug. 19, 1864, July 22, 1865.
Anderson, David L., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 9, 1862, July 17, 1865.
Armstrong, Martin, SlstO.Y. L, Aug. 81, 1861, killed Pittsburg Landing
April 7. 1862.
Baxter, Q. M., 82d O. Y. 1, Sept. 5, 1861, resigned May 26, 1862.
Boone, W. K, 169th O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept. 2, 1864.
Booth, Ja& L., 151st O. N. G., May 18, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Bowlby, Sam'l L., 65th O. Y. L, Not. 4, 1861, resigned May 24, 1868.
Bowdle, Thos. H., 64th O. Y. L, Sept; 10, 1861, Aug. 28, 1866.
Braun, Edyd, 18th IlL Y. L, Nov. 7, 1861, May 15, 1865.
Breese, Sam'l B., 32d O. Y. L, May, 1861, died Aug., 1862.
Brice, Calvin S., 180th O. Y. L, Sept 30, 1864. July 25, 1865.
Buokmaster, Sam'l B., McLaughlin's Squad, Oct 10, 1861, resigned May
26, 1862.
Carlisle, L. W., 64th O. Y. L, Oct 22, 1861, Sept 1865.
Coggin, Chas., 99th O. Y. L, July 9, 1862, resigned Dec. 25, 1862.
Corns, James H., Slst O. Y. L, April 22, 1862, Oct. 18, 1866.
Cunningham, J. N., 180th O. V. L, April, 1861, July 25, 1865.
Darling, Bnfns K, 81st O. Y. Y. L, March 24, 1865, July 18, 1865.
Harpster, Thoe., 192d O. Y. L, June 20, 1865, Sept 1, 1866.
Heston, Jos. S., 4th N. J. Y. L, Oct 1, 1861, July 17, 1865.
Hill, W. H., 8l8t O. Y. L, April 16, 1862, promoted to Lieut -Col.
Holland, B. A., 118th O. Y. L, Deo. 6, 1862, resigned Feb. 11, 1864.
Hughes, Chas. M., 81st 0. Y. L, April 23, 1862, resigned Sept 3, 1862.
Hughes, John L., 8l8t O. Y. I, April 12, 1863, Mar. 4, 1864.
Huston, Wm., 16lBt O. N. G., May 18, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
EeUey, Henry B., 99th O. Y. L, July 1, 1862, Aug., 1868.
King, Edw'd, 151st:o. N. G., May 18, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
McEee, Saml. D., 151st O. N. G., May 18, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Meily, Luther M, 27th O. Y. L, July 9, 1861, Nov. 9, 1864.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
826 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Moore, Silas W., 54th O. V. L, 1862, July 19, 1865.
Nichols, Maiihias H., 2001 O. Y. L, Apr., 1861, Aug., 1861.
Orermyer, Geo. W., 81st O. V. L, Aug. 9, 1862, Nov. 23, 1864.
Patrick, J. W., 15l8t O. N. Q., May 13, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Prophet, Hinchmau, 43d 0. Y. I., Sept 1, 1861, res'gd June, 1863.
Beul, Rudolph, 118th O. Y. I., Aug. 22, 1862, July 7, 1865.
Ridenour, Matthias, 180th O. Y. L, Sept. 27, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Smith, Jas. L., 15lBt O. N. G., May 13, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Stotts, Hiram, 4th O. Y. Oav., Aug. 24, 1861, Sepi 17, 1862.
Taylor, Geo. A-, 81st O. Y. L, Aug. 30, 1861, res'gd Dec. 1, 1861.
Tracy, John, 19lBt O. Y. I., Mar. 1, 1865, Aug., 1865.
Tucker, Norman, 27th O. Y. L, Aug. 16, 1861, June 16, 1862.
Underwood, John, 57th O. V. L, July, 1861, Aug. 14, 1865.
Yan Pelt, D., 81st O. Y- I., May 9, 1864, July 13, 1865.
Watt, W. L., 27th O. Y. L, July 22, 1861. Nov., 1864.
First Lieutenants. — The name, command, date of commission, and
date of death, resignation or discharge, of each soldier from Allen
Oounty, who received a First Lieutenant's commission, are given in the
following record:
Agerter, Fred, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 28, 1861, Nov. 11, 1863.
Bowsher, Anthony, 118th O. Y. I., , resigned May 15, 1866.
Boysel, Lee A., 69th O. Y. L, Oct 7, 1861, July. 1865.
Oolbath, J. A., 99th O., Y. I> Aug. 4, 1862, resigned June 4, 1864.
Ooms, James H., 81st O. Y. L, , promoted to Captain.
Orabb, Joel B., 3d U. S. Art, Mar. 6, 1862, Apr. 30, 1866.
Davidson, Gea L., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 9, 1862, resigned 1864.
Dixon, Geo. W., 81st O. V. L, Sept. 10, 1861, , 1864
Dixon, Seth, 81st O. Y. L, May 25, 1865, July 13, 1865.
Dunlevy, Joshua L., 20th O. Y. L, Sept, 1861, Feby., 1864.
Fink, Fraley, 118th O. Y. L, May 13, 1865, June 24, 1865.
Foster, Enos, 15l8t O. N. G., May 15, 1864, Aug. 27, 1865.
Francis, Owen, 57th O. V. L, Sept 2, 1861, May, 1865.
Hall, Geo., 13th la. Y. L, Oct, 1861, Aug., 1865.
Harrington, John N, 128th O. Y. L, 1862, July 17, 1865.
James, Geo.W., 6th O. I Battery, Nov. 5, 1861, June 10, 1865.
Jennings, John, 151st O. N. G., May 13, 1864, Aug. 27, 1865.
JoUey, Jaa R., 191st O. Y. I, Mar. 9, 1865, Aug. 29, 1865.
Kincaid, J. W., 118th O. V. I., July 18, 1862, promoted to Major.
Keller, Ohauncey, 179th O. Y. L, Sept, 1864, June, 1865.
Kirk, Jas. B., lOlst Penn. Y. L, Nov. 11, 1861, April 28, 1865.
Lepley, Daniel, , , .
Long, Ohas. L. H., 1st O. Y. L, Mexican War, 1846.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HI8T0BT OF ALLEN COUNTT. 827
Mason, Smnner F., 81st O. Y. L, Aug. 30, 1861, July 21, 1865.
Kaok, Abiah W., 88d O. Y. I, Mar. 26, 1865, July 12, 1865.
MoQinnis, Frank, ISlst O. N. G., May 13, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Mmnangh, Morris 0., 83d O. Y. L, May, 1864, Jane, 1864.
Neel, Wm. H., , , .
Owens, Thos. R., 118th O. Y. I., 1862, died from wounds 1864.
Post, Adam 0., 81st O. Y. I., July 21, 1862, July 18, 1865.
Protsman, Hiram, 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 17, 1862, Jan., 1868.
Boss, Geo., 7th Yermont Inf., Nov. 16, 1861, Mar. 27, 1865.
ftiodgrass, Thos. J., 151st O. N. G., May 18, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Sprague, Caleb J., Slst O. Y. I., Aug. 14, 1862, Jan. 10, 1865. .
Truesdale, Geo. K., 15l8t O. N. G., May 13, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Watkins, W. R, 15l8t O. N. G., May 13, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Williams, D. L., 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 22, 1862, Nov., 1868.
Second Lieutenants. — In the following roster the names of those who
were commissioned Seoond Lieutenants from Allen Oounty, together with
name of regiment, date of commission and date of resignation or dis-
charge, are given:
Ashton, Henry, 2d O. Y. L, April, 1861, Aug. 1861.
Bennett, Joseph W., 61st O. Y. L, Oct 1861, April 5, 1865.
Bowers, Byron, 1180^ O. Y. L, Aug. 6, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Bowsher, Anthony, 8l8t O. Y. I, April 23, 1862, res'gd Aug. 13, 1862.
Campbell, John H., 111th O. Y L, June, 1862, Jan. 1864.
Conrad, John J., 119th U. S. A., Sept 15, 1861, July 25, 1862.
Conrad, John J., 119th U. S. A., Nov. 6, 1864, April 21, 1866.
Cribley, Amos, 151st O. N. G., May 13, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Davis, W. P., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 1862, July 7, 1865.
Doming, Wm., 151st O. N. G., May 18, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Ditto, John, 151st O. N. G.. May 13, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Ferguson, Mat A., 81st O. Y. I, Aug. 23, 1862, res'gd July 80, 1868.
Hall, Wm., 151st O. N. G., May 18, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Harbison, Jos. H., 81st O. Y. L, July 19, 1862, July 20, 1865.
Harpster, Thos., 81st O. Y. I., Aug. 1862, Oct 22, 1864
Holland, R A., 118th O. Y. L, July 28, 1862, promoted to Captain.
Mnmaugh, L., 151st O. N. G., May 18, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Miller, Geo. W., 81st O. Y. L, Aug. 80, 1861, Dec. 19, 1864
Beed, Joseph, 66th Ul. S. S., Mar. 24, 1862, May 2, 1865.
Bidenour, SamL O., 180th O. Y. I., Sept 23, 1864, June 10, 1865.
Shaffer, Timothy, Slst O. Y. I., July 15, 1862, Aug. 24, 1864
Snydw, <}eo., O. Battalion, Aug. 7, 1868, Aug., 1864
Ward, Jas., 151st O. N. G., May 13, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
828 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
Wilooz, Wm. F., Slat O. Y. L, Lng. 80, 1861, resigned April, 1862.
Yoder, 8. S., 178th O. V. L, Sept 18, 1864, July 8, 1865.
Non-eonimi89ioned Officers and Privates. — ^In the following list the
name, regiment, date of enlistment and date of death, resignation, trans-
fer or discharge are giTen in the case of troops who enlisted from Allen
Oonnty:
Aoord, Absalo^^ 198d O. Y. L, March 2, 1865, Aog. 4, 1865.
Adams, John, 47th O. Y. L, Oct. 15, 1864, Aug. 11, 1865.
Adams, Wm., 81st O. Y. I., Sept. 1861, d. Nov. 16, 1864, Chattanooga,
Tenn.
Adgate, Chas H., 54th O. Y. I, March 25, 1864, June 26, 1865.
Adgate, G. H., 81st O.Y. L, Sept 10, 1861, k'datComith, Oct. 4, 1862.
Adgate, H. 0., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 11, 1862, March 26, 1863.
Adgate, H. 0., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864. Aug. 27, 1864.
Akerman, John, 46th O. Y. L, Jan. 1, 1862, prom. 1st lieni Sept 7, 1864.
Akerman, Saml. R, March, 1862, Nov. 25, 1865.
Akerman, Wm. H., 81st O. Beg. Band, Aug. 15, 1861, July 25, 1865.
Albert^ Aaron, 126th O. Y. L, Ang. 28, 1862, Feb. 22, 1868.
Albert, Amos, 169th O. N. G., May 19, 1864, Sept. 4, 1864
Albert John, 4th O. Y. Cav., Sept 27, 1861, Nov. 25, 1864
Alder, John, 81st O. Y. I., Sept 7, 1861, Jnne 17, 1865.
Alexander, Adam, 81st O. Y. I., Sept 1861, July 25, 1865.
Alexander, James, 118th O. Y. I., Nov. 10, 1862, July 80, 1865.
Alexander, M. W., 81st O. Y. Y. L, Sept 1861, July 25, 1865.
Alexander, SamL, 20th O. Y. I, Sept 1861, May, 1862.
AlMre, K P., 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 11, 1862, June 7, 1865.
AUen, A. M., 192d O. Y. L,> Jan. 9, 1865, Sept 1, 1865.
Allen, Chas. R, 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 22, 1862, July 7, 1865.
Allen, James Q., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 1, 1862, d. Jan. 11, 1865, of wounds.
Allen. J. W., 54th O. Y. L, Jan. 2, 1864, May 22, 1865.
AUen, J. L., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 2, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Allen, J. H., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 6, 1862, June 19, 1865.
AUen, Joseph D., 151st O. N. G., May 11, 1864, Aug. 25, 1864.
AUen, Moses F., 27th O. Y. L, Aug. 1, 1861.
Alien, Moses F., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 1862.
Alien, Moses F., 54th O. Y. L, Jan. 5, 1864, July 10, 1865.
Alien, SamL L., 82d O. Y. L, Aug. 25, 1861, k'd July 19, 1868, Yicks-
burg.
Alb'son, Alexander, 81st O. Y. L, Sept. 16, 1861, Sept 19, 1868.
AlUson, Benj'n. F., 81st O. Y. L, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Allison, Ohio, McLaughlin's Squad, Aug. 28, 1862, June 28, 1866.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 829
AUison, Wilson, 54th O. Y. I, Feb. 20, 1864, Aug. 15, 1865.
Allspaoh, Irwin, 8l8t O. Y. L, Sept. 1861, July, 1865.^
Allspaogh, Cbria, 118th O- Y. I., Aug. 22, 1862. July, 1866.
Allstetter, Harman, 118th O. Y. I., Aug. 22, 1862, July, 1865.
AUstetter, Jacob, 118th O. Y. I, Aug. 11, 1862, June 8, 1865.
Allstetter, Peter, Jr., 118th O. Y. I, Aug. 11, 1862, Jan. 26, 1865.
Allstetter, Philip, 118th O. Y. I., Aug. 20, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Anderson, John, 09th O. Y. I., Aug. 0, 1862, died at Shell Mound,
Tenn., Dec. 186a
Anderson, J. W., 81st O. Y. I, Aug. 80, 1861, Sepi 26, 1864.
Andrews, Isaac, 50th O. Y. I., Aug. 11, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Ansbaugh, Benj. F., 5th O. Y. Oav., Feb., 1865.
Ansbangh, Wm. H., 101st O. Y. I, March 18, 1865, Sepi 15, 1865.
Anspach, James, 102d O. Y. L, Feb. 7, 1865, Sept. 1, 1865.
Anthony, Gilderoy. 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 1862, June 24, 1865.
Applas, David, 66th III. Y. I., March 16, 1862, April 2, 1865.
Argo, Solomon D., 4th O. Y. Oav., Sept 14, 1861, Dec. 20, 1864.
Armitage, Hiram F., 81st O. Y. I, July 10, 1862, d. Rome, Ga., Aug.
1864.
Armour, Francis M., 81st O. Y. L, Sept 0, 1862, Sept 10, 1868.
Armour, James S., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Armour, John W., 81st O. Y. I., Sept 1861, k'd at Corinth Oct 4, 1862.
Armstrong, Martin, , , .
Arnold, George, 81st O. Y. I., Oct 1862, June 24, 1865.
Arnold, Jackson, 66th O. Y. L, Oct 1, 1868, Oct 1, 1865.
Arnold, Solomon H., 64th IlL Y. I., May 16, 1864, Oct 16,1864.
Arthur, Martin Y., 100th Ind. Inf., Aug. 18. 1862, June 8, 1865.
Ashing, James B., 180th O. Y. L, Sept 24, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Ashton, John R, 118th O. Y. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Askins, Jacob L., 170th O. Y. I.. Sept 23, 1864, June 17, 1865.
Askins, John, 81st O. Y. I., Aug. 1, 1861, Aug. 15, 1862.
Askins, Peter S., 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 12, 1862, June 4, 1865.
Atmur, Jesse H., 81st O. Y. I, Sept, 1861, Aug. 0, 1862.
Atmur, Matt, 00th O. Y. I., Aug. 7, 1862, Jan. 7. 1868.
Atmur, Marshall 158d O. N. G., May, 1864, Aug. 28, 1864.
Atmur, Matt, 47th O. Y. L, Sept 80, 1864, June 1, 1865.
Atmur, Wm.,81stO.Y. L, Sept 15, 1861, JOct 2, 1861.
August, John, 00th O. Y. L, Sept, 1862, died from wound Aug., 1864
Aurana, WiUiam, 21st O. Y. I., Aug. 20, 1861, Sept 10, 1864.
Austin, John, 151st O. N. G., May, 1865, Sept, 1864.
Babcock, Lester A, 6th Yet Res. Oorps, Aug. 15, 1862, July 28, 1865.
BaUey, David M.,8l8tO. Y. L,Jan. 10,1868, k. Atlanta, Oa., Aug. 0, 1864.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
S80 HISTOBT OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Bailej, Qeo., Slat O. Y. I, Sept. 1, 1862, died in Tenn., May, 8, 1868,
Bailey, Joh^ T., ISlst O.fiS. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Bailey, Ja& W., 8l8t O. V. L,peo. 1, 1861, Deo. 6, 1864.
Bailey, Peter B., 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 18, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Baird, Jesse W., 8l8t O. Y. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Baker, Qriffln, 149th O. Y. L ,
Baker, Hugh, 126th O. Y. L, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Baker, Israel, 192d O. Y. L, Feb. 27, 1865, Sept. 1, 1865.
Baker, John Q., 8l8t O. Y. I,*Aug. 11, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Baker, Joseph, 81st O. Y. I., Aug. 15, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Baker, Martin, 118th O. Y. I., Aug. 22, 1862, July, 1865.
Baker, William, l&lstO. N. Q., May, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Bakehom, Wm. H., 82d O. Y. L, Aug. 19, 1861, May 16, 1865.
Barber, Jaa H., 81st O. Y. I., Sept 15, 1861, Oct 2, 1864.
Bamhard, Yirgil F., 74th O. Y. I., Jan 15, 1862, July 10. 1865.
Bamhard, Melvin, 74th O. Y. L, Jan. 15, 1862, July 10 ,1865.
Bamet, Thomas J., 118th O. Y. I., Aug. 22, 1862, July, 1865.
Barr, Henry, 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 22, 1862, July, 1865.
Barr, John A., 51st O. Y. I., Aug. 20, 1861, Oct 8, 1865.
Barr, James, 54th O.Y. L, Feb. 26, 1864, Aug. 15, 1865.
Barr, Jas. A., 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 22, 1862, k. Atlanta, Qa., Aug. 6, 1864.
Barrett, J., 14th O. Y. Y. I., Jan. 31, 1861, July, 1865.
Barricl^ Emanuel, 81st O. Y. L, Sept 20, 1863; July 20, 1865.
Barrick, Geo., 81st O. Y. I., Aug. 12, 1862, July 20, 1865.
Barrick, Wm.,;i83d O. Y. L, Nov. 10, 1862, July 17, 1865.
Barton, Adam, 84th O. Y. L, Aug. 8, 1861, Oct. 20, 1863.
Bassitt, Ohas., 54th O. Y. I., Sept. 10, 1861, Sept 29, 1864.
Bassitt, Samuel, 27th O. Y. I., Nov. 1863,:April, 1865.
Bassitt, Samuel, 27th O. Y. L, Feb. 12, 1864, May 27, 1865.
Baumgardner, Ahr. 81st O. Y. I., Sept, 1861, June 24, 1865.
Bowersook, Yalen., 81st O. Y. I, Sept, 1861, June 24, 1865.
Baxter, Curtis, 33d O. Y. L, Sept. 26, 1864, June 14, 1865.
Baxter, Ourtis, Jr., McLaughlin's Squad, March, 1864, June, 1865.
Baxter, D.E., 34th O. Y. L, April 11, 1865, July 28, 1866.
Baxter, G. J., 84th O. Y. I., Jan. 2, 1862, March 7, 1864
Baxter, G. J., 36th O. Y. Y. L, March 8, 1864, July 27, 1865.
Baxter, Hiram, 84th O. Y. L, Aug., 1861, died Feb., 1865.
Baxter, L. M., McLaughlin's Squad., Dec., 1863, Dec., 1865.
Baxter, Samuel, 84th O. Y. L, , killed at Win., Ya., Sept 19, 1864
Beaty, John R., 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 1862, , 1865.
Beaty, Miles N., 118th O. Y. L,Aug. 9, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Beaty, Wm. Y., 81st O. Y. L, Aug. 14, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COaNTT. 881
Be«ly, Wilson A., 4th O. V. 0«t. , 1862, , 1865.
Bebb, W. J., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, July 2, 1865.
Beohtol, EnoB, 197th O. Y. L, March 17. 1865, Jtdy 81, 1865.
Beehtol, Simon, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, Jane 24, 1865.
Bedford, Miltun T., 157th O. N. O., May 2, 1864, Sept, 1864.
fieeber, Wm., 118th O.Y. I., April, 1861, Aog. 15, 1865.
fieeler, Geo.. 192d O. V. L, Feb. 28, 1865, Sept 1, 1865.
Seeman, Mathias, 57th O. Y. I., Oct 1, 1861, July 5, 1865.
Beemer, John, 99th O. Y. L, Ang. 11, 1861, k. at Mortreeb'h, Tenn.
Beemer, Wm., 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 11, 1862, Jxme 24, 1865.
Beiler, John, 151st O. N. &, Oct, 1868, Oct, 1864.
Beiler, W. B., 57tb O. Y. L, Feb. 20, 1864, d. Eenesaw Mt, Jane 27.1864.
Belch, J. A., O. Y. L, Oct, 1864, died Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 1865.
Belch, Jas. B., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Dec, 1864.
Bellinger, B. M., O. N. O., May 1, 1864, May 13, 1864.
BeUinger, Lewis, 81st O. Y. I., Aag. 18, 1862, Jaly 13, 1865.
Bennett, Frederick 0., 81st O. Y. L, Sept, 1861, Jane 24, 1865.
Bennett Jacob, 118th O. Y. I, Aug. 17, 1861, d. JeffersonTille, Ind., 1864.
Bennett John F. S., 57th O. Y. L, Apr. 15, 1861, Ang. 26, 1865.
Bennett Wm., 8l8t O. Y. I., Jaly 21, 1862, July 13, 1865.
BMiton, John H., 81st O. Y. L, Aug. 14, 1862, July 18, 1865.
Berry, Richard A., 82d O. Y. Y. I., Kov. 8, 1861, Aug., 1865.
Bible, Harrison, 51st O. Y. I., Sept, 1861, Oct, 1865.
Bice, Hamilton A., 8lst O. Y. L.*Sept 1861, d. July 18, 1868, Oorinth,
Miss.
Biddinger, Edward O., 89th O. Y. I., Aug., 1862, died Aug., 1864.
Biddinger, H. N., 81st O. Y. I., Sept, 1861, Sept, 1864
Biddinger, H W., 99th O. Y. I., July 26, 1862, Mar. 28, 1863.
Biddinger, James, 8lBt O. Y. L, Sept, 1861, Sept, 1864
Biner, Gea W., 81st 0. Y. I., Sept, 1861, June 24, 1865.
Binkley, Qeo. F., 151st O. N. G., May 1, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Binkley, Homer 0.. 81st O. Y. 1^, Nov. 15, 1861, Aag. 8, 1862.
Binkley, Richard H., 151st O. N. G., May 1, 1864, died Neworeek, W.
Ya, May 18, 1864.
Binkley, Wm. H, 50th O. Y. I., Aug. 2, 1862, May 22, 1865.
Bird, John, 8l4t O. Y. L, Sept 20, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Bird, Joseph, 118th O. Y. I., Ang. 11, 1862, May 24, 1865.
Biteman, 0. H, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Bittets, Lewis, 192d O. Y. L, Mar. 1, 1865, Sept 1, 1865.
Bizlsr, John W., 34th O. Y. L, Aug., 1861, Aug., 1865.
Blair, Nathan P., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27. 1864
Black, James T., 27th O. Y. L, Jan. 1. 1864, Jaly 11, 1865.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
332 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Black, J. W., 27th O. V. L, Feb. 22, 1864, July 5, 1865.
Black, Wm. H., llSth O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Blackburn, J. W., McLaughlin's Squad, Sept. 5, 1862, July 17, 1865.
Blew, F. M., 8l8t O. V. L, Oct, 1862, July, 1866.
Bockey, Geo. A., Il8th O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Bogart, D. W., 16th U. S. L, Feb., 1864, Mar. 2, 1867.
Bogart, R A., 14th O. V. L, Feb., 1863, June 23, 1865.
Bogart, John F., 8lBt O. V. I, Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Boker, Joseph, 8l8t O. V. L, Oct., 1862, July, 1865.
Bolender, Samuel D., 8l8t O. V. L, Sepi 6, 1862, June 29, 1865.
Boling, Robert A., 102d O. V. I., Aug. 1, 1862, June 13, 1865.
Boon, Peter, Newport B'ks, Nov. 18, 1869, Apr. 6, 1870. •
Boston, John W., 8l8t O. V. L, Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Bowdle, Thomas H., , , .
Bowers, Elijah D., 46th O. V. L, Dec. 1, 1861, July, 1862.
Bowersock, Valen., 8l8t O. V. L, Nov. 15, 1861, Nov. 14, 1864
Bowman, Daniel B., 88th O. V. I., July 20, 1863, July 3, 1865.
Bowsher, Anthony, 81st O. V. I., Aug. ^30, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Bowsher, Israel, 192d O. V, L, Feb., 1865, Sept, 1865.
Bowyer, Henry, 45th O. V. I., July 25, 1862,
Bowyer, M. M, 54th O. V. V. I., Nov., 1861, d. on furlough athoma
Bowyer, W. 0., 54th O. V. V. I., Dec. 31, 1863, Aug., 1865.
Boyd, A. R, 1st O. V. Cav., Nov., 1861, Feb., 1865.
Boyd, D., 99th O. V. I., Aug. 9, 1862, July 17, 1865.
Boyd,Frederick,99th O. V.I., Aug.9. 1862 ,d BowlingGreen, Ky.,Deo, 1862.
Boyd, Henry B., 20th O. V. L, Apr. 20, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861.
Boyd, Henry E., 46th O. V. L, Sept 24, 1861, Oct 20, 1864
Boyd, Hiram, 29th O. V. L,Sept 15, 1864, Aug. 1865.
Boyd, Jas. A., 81st O. V. I., Sept 1861, July 1865.
Boyd, Jas. t)., 50th O. V. I., Aug. 9, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Boyer, Q. Wash'n, 126th O. V. I., Sept, 1862, July, 1865.
Boyer, H. H., 45th O. V. L, Aug. 5, 1862, June 12,1865.
Boyer, Wm., 81st O. V. I., Sept 1861, July 1865.
Boysel, John, 61st O. V, L, Oct 24, 1861, May 13, 1862.
Boysel John, 114th O. V. L, Sept 11, 1862, Dec. 18, 1864.
Boysel, Lewis, 114th O. V. L, Aug. 15, 1862, July 31, 1865.
Bradley, Edward, 9th Mich. Y. Cav., Apr. 8, 1863, June 12, 1865.
Brand, a J., 180th O. V. I., Sept. 24, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Brandt, D., 20th O. V. L,Apr., 1861, Aug. 1861.
Brandt, D., 81st O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, Jan. 13, 1863.
Brandt, D., 67th O. V. L, Sept 24, 1864, July 3, 1865.
Brash, John, 81st O. Y. L, Sept 1861, Feb. 1, 1862.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 833
Brennan, Chas., Slst O. Y. L, Sept. 1861, promoted to lieutenant.
Brenning, Andrew, Slst O. Y. L, Sept 1861, July 1865.
Breese, David, ISlstO. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Breese, Griffith, 99thO.Y.I., July,1862, d. Mt. Yernon,Ky., Oct., 28,1862.
Breeee, John, ISlst O. N. G., May, 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Brenneman, David, 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 12, 1862, June 20, 1865.
Brenneman, J. R., 180th O. Y. L, Sepi 24, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Briggs, C. M. 4th O. Y. Y. C, Oct 14, 1861, July 18, 1865.
Briggs, Isaac, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Briggs, Isaac, 180th O. N. G., Sept. 22, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Briner, Geo. W., 81st O. Y. I., July 27, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Britton, Benj'n, 46th O. Y. I., Sepi 1, 1862, Mar.'l4, 1863.
Brogan, Chas., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept. 7, 1865.
Brogan, Chas., 192d O. Y. L, Feb. 11, 1865, Sepi 1, 1865.
Brooks, Peter H., 167th O. N. G., Mar. 1864, Oct 1864.
Brotherton, J. A., 1st O. Y. I., Sepi 8., 1861, Sepi 8, 1864.
Brotherton, Theo., Ist O. Y. Cav., Feb. 15, 1864, Sep 13, 1865.
Brown, Chas. H., 195th O. Y. I., Mar. 6, 1865, Dec. 22, 1865.
Brown, B. M., 180th O. Y. I., Sepi, 1864, Aug. 1865.
Brown, Michael, 81st O. Y. L, Sepi, 1861, Jan. 1864.
Brown, Joseph W., 81st 0.*;Y. I., , d. Nov. 26, 1863, Corinth, Miss.
Brown, Richard J., 126th O. Y. I., July 19, 1862, Oci 15, 1863.
Brunstetter, C. M., 180th O. Y. I., Sepi 26, 1864, died Mar. 5, 1865.
Brunstetter, Henry, , , 1861, May 25, 1862.
Buck, Darius H., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Buck, Darius H., 192d O. Y. I., Feb. 4, 1865, Sepi 1, 1865.
Buckles, David B., 81st 0. Y. L, Sepi 1861, Jan. 19, 1865.
Buckley, Wm. N., 118th Mich. Y. L, Aug. 13, 1862, June 10, 1865.
Buckley, Wm., 118th Mich. Y. I, Aug. 7, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Budd, Jonathan, 198th O. Y. L, Apr. 15, 1865, May 8, 1865.
Buehler, Paul, 81st, O. Y. I, Oci, 1862, Jan. 9, 1865.
Bunn, Geo. W., 8l8t O. Y. L, Oci, 1862, Feb. 9, 1865.
Baumgardner, Ab'm, 81st O. Y. L, Aug. 1, 1861, drowned at Hamburgh,
Tenn., Aug. 25, 1862.
Burchin, Wm, 113th O. Y. I, Aug. 16, 1862, July 10, 1865.
Borden, Geo. W., 50th O. Y. L, Aug. 9, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Burgess, Artis, 88th O. Y. L, July 4, 1863, July 3, 1865.
Bnrgess Joseph, 88th O. Y. I., July 4, 1863, July 3, 1865.
Burget, B. F., I80th O. Y. I., Sepi 24, 1864, drowned near Ft. Monroe,
April 23, 1865.
Bums, Wm. A., 81st O. Y. L, Sept 1861, July 1865.
Burres, John A., 192d O. Y. I., Feb. 6, 1865, Sepi 1, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
384 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
BoBh, Daniel H., Slst O. V, L, , July, 1866.
Bosh, Joseph, 7th Mo. Oav., Jnlj 4, 1861, April 4, 1866.
Bnshong, Oea, O. V. L, Sepi, 1863, Feb., 1864.
Bnshong, Joseph T.^Slst 0. Y. L, Oei, 1862, Feb. 9., 1866.
Bnssert, Ephraim M., 99tti O. Y. I., Aug. 6, 1862, Jane 16, 1866.
Byers, Jacob, 8lBt O. Y. L, Sept 1861, July 13, 1865.
Cail, J. B., 81st O. Y. L, Sept 1861, July, 1866.
Call, Henry S., 7th O. Y. L, May, 1861, , 1862.
Call, Hudson J., 7th O. Y. L, June, 1861, Dec. 1862.
Callaghan, John D., 54th O. Y. I, Not. 18, 1863, Aug. 16, 1866.
Campbell, Isaac, 151si O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864.
Campbell, SamL, 81st O. Y. L, Oct 1862, d. Mar. 11, 1863, Corinth, Misa.
Campbell, Beth, 8l8t O. Y. L, Oct 1862, Bept 19, 1863.
Campbell, Wm., 81st O. Y. I., Oct 1862, d. Mar. 15, 1863, Corinth, Miss.
Campbell, Wm. A., 2d O. Battery, May 2, 1864, Jan. 1866.
Canaday, Patrick, 51st III. Y. L, Nov. 9, 1861, June 26, 1865.
Candler, John, 180th O. V. I., Sept 1864, June 1865.
Carey, Anderson, , May, 1862, d. in Tenn., Oct 22, 1862.
Carey, Geo. W., 81st O. Y. L, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Carey, Henry, 192d O. Y. L, Feb. 15, 1865, Sept 1, 1865.
Carey, Wm., 192d O. Y. L, Feb. 15, 1805, Sept 1, 1865.
Carmean, Edw*d,81stO. Y. I., Recruit, July, 1865.
Carmean, Joseph Slst O. Y. L, Sept 1861, July, 1866.
Carmean, Wm.,*118th O. Y. I., Aug. 1862,
Carpenter, James, 192d O. Y. I., Feb. 27, 1865, Sept 1, 1866.
Carpenter, Johnson, 32d O. Y. L, July 20, 1861, July 20, 1865.
Carr, Jesse, 8th Yet Res. Corps., Aug. 11, 1862, July 2, 1866.
Carr, J. W., 4th O. Y. C, Mar. 1864, Sept 24, 1864.
Carr, Solomon, 180th O. Y. I., Sept 24, 1864, July 12, 1866.
Carrolus, Emanuel, 81st O. Y. L, July 21, W62, July 22, 1866.
Carrolus, Jacob, 4th O. Y. Y. C, Aug. 15, 1861, killed May, 1864
Carrol, Thomas, 11th Ind. Zouaves, June 12, 1861, Aug. 14, 1866.
Caskey, Wm., T., 81st O. Y. L, Recruit, July, 1865.
Chamberlain, Sam'l.
Chambers, Whitfi'ld, 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 1862, July, 1866.
Champion, Eli, 81st O. Y. L, Sept 1861, died Sept 13. 1863, Pocahpn*
tas, Tenn.
Champion, Ware, Slst O. Y. L, Sept 1861, Aug. 13, 1862.
Champion, Wm., 81st O. Y. I., Sept 1861, Aug. 13, 1862.
Chaney, Blanchard, 82d O. Y. Y. L, Jan. 1, 1864, July 20, 1866. ;
Chapman, And. J., 54th O. Y. I, Sept 10, 1861, May 3, 1863.
Chase Alvin M., 24th O. Y. L, April 22, 1861, June 22, 1864.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 885
Ohaee, Delon, 2l8t O. Y. Y. L, Sepi 10, 1861, June 16, 1866.
Cheatwood, Qea H., 8lBt O. Y. L, Sepi 1861, Jnly, 1865.
Cheatwood, S. P., 8l8t O. Y. L, Sepi 1861, July, 1866.
Ghipman, Albert, 74th O. Y. L, Mar. 1868, d., Marrietta, Ga., Aug. 186L
Cbipman, James, 74th O. Y. I., March, 1868, July, 1866.
Chipman, Job. R, 192d O. Y. L, Feb. 14, 1866, Sepi 1, 1866.
Christopher, John, 64th O. Y. I., Sepi 1864, June, 1866.
ChurchiU, SamL, 20th O. Y. L, Ooi 1, 1861, Sept 1866.
Clansom, Wm., 179th O. Y. I, Sept. 24, 1864,
Clapper, Henry, 60th O. Y. L, Aug. 6, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Clapper, Jacob, ISlst O. Y. L, May 4, 1863, Aug. 4, 1863.
Clapper, Jno. F., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 8, 1862, June 26, 1866.
Clark, James W., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 1862, Aug. 29, 1863.
Clark, James W., 180th O. Y. I., May, 1864, May 29, 1866.
Clark, James, 74th O. Y. Y. L, Feb. 1862, July 19, 1865.
Clark, Wm. H., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 8, 1862. Mar. 1, 1866.
Chiwson, Hiram, 118th O. Y. I., Aug. 1862, Mar. 11, 1864, d'dof w*ds.
ClawBon, Harrison, 180th O. Y. L, Sepi 1864, Aug. 1866.
ClawBon, Josiah, 118th O. Y. I, Sepi 12, 1862, June 14, 1866.
ClawBon, O. M., 54th O. Y. I., Feb. 25, 1864, July 30, 1865.
Clayton, C. C, 8i8t O. Y. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Clayton, Frank, 5th Pa. Cav., Sepi 2, 1862, Aug. 22, 1865.
Clayton, G. Ma, 81st O. Y. L Recruit, July, 1865.
Clayton, Joseph R., 81st O. Y. I., Sepi 1861, July, 1865.
Clayton, SamL, 8lstO. Y. L, Recruit, Oci 3, 1862.
Clear, Wm D., 81st O. Y. L, Sepi 1861, July, 1865.
Clevenger, Wm., 118th O. y. L, Aug. 11, 1862, June, 1865.
Clippinger, Adam,32d O. Y. L, Apr. 9, 1864, July 18, 1865.
Clippinger, M. L., 99th O. Y. L, Aug. 11, 1862, June 26, 1866.
Clippinger, SamL D., 8l8t O. Y. L, Oci 1862, k. Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 7,.
1864.
Close, Isaac, 14th O. Y. I., Aug. 26, 1861, Dec. 5, 1862.
Close, Joseph, 8lBt O. Y. I., Sepi 1861, died June 12, 1862.
Close, Lemu^, 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 1862, June, 1865.
Close, Michael 118th O. Y. I., Aug. 22, 1862, May 23, 1865.
Close, Philip, 54th O. Y. L Not, 15, 1861, Dec 19, 1864
Closson, J., 118th O. Y. L, Nov. 22, 1862, Aug. 2, 1865.
Closson, Wm., 6th O. Y. B., Feb. 21, 1863, Sept. 1865.
Clum, Allen, 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Sepi 1864.
Clutter, D. W., 71st O. Y. L, Sepi 21, 1864, May 13, 1865.
Cochensparger, D., 177th O. Y. L, Sepi 27, 1864. June 24, 1865.
Cochran, James, Wist O. Y. I., Feb. 6, 1865, Aug 27, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTOEY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Cochran, Geo., McLaughlin's Squad, Sept 1861, died in Andersonyille
Cochran, Geo. W., 8d O. V. C, Aug. 1861, Sept. 1865. [Prison 1866.
Coffin, Thad., 23d O. V. I., June 7, 1861, July 7, 1865.
Coffman, Gabriel, 81st O. V. L, Sept. 1861, July, 1865.
Cole, Wm., 8l8t O. V. I. Sept. 1868, Transf. Inv. Cor. Deo. 15, 1863.
Conkle, Frederick, 4th O. V. V. C, Oct. 1, 1861, Apr. 1863.
Conkle, Frederick, 81st O. V. L, Feb. 17, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Conkle, Henry, 81st O. V. T., Aug. 13. 1862, July 13, 1865.
Conkle, Isaac, 81st O. V. I. Aug. 13, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Conkle, J. W., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Conrad, Fred'k, 74th O. V. I., Mar. 14th, 1864, July 10, 1865.
Conrad, George, 81st O. V. L, Sept. 1861, July 30, 1862.
Conrad, John, 8th O. V. L, Apr. 16, 1861, Mar. 6, 1865.
Cook, Andrew, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, Mar. 7, 1864.
Cook, Danl, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 21, 1865.
Cook, E. J., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 1864.
Cook, Jas. S., 81st O. V. L, Sept 1861, died Dec. 16, 1864, Louisville, Ky
Cook, Wilford P., 61st O. V. L, Mar. 24, 1862, Mar. 81, 1865.
Coon, David F., 74th O. V. V. L, Feb. 29, 1864, July 10, 1865.
Coon, George, 118th O. V. L, July 29, 1864, June 24, 1865.
Coon, Isaac, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, June 28, 1865.
Coon, Isaac A., 180th O. V. I., Sept 24, 1864, July 20, 1865.
Coon, Isaiah, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 1862, June, 1865.
Coon, John, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Coon, J. B., 46th O. V. V. U Oct 18, 1861, July 22, 1865.
Coon, S. W., 15th O. V. I., Oct. 1, 1864, Dec. 25, 1865.
Coon, Tobias M., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, July 5, 1865.
Coon, W. R., 74th O. V. V. I., Feb. 22, 1864, July 10, 1865.
Coon, Wesley, 81st O. V. L, July 29, 1862, July 15, 1865.
Cooper, J. W., 25th O. V. I., July 1861, June 18, 1866.
Coot Thomas, 147th O. V. I., Nov. 1864, Apr. 14, 1865.
Copas, Wm. P., 81st O. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, July 1865.
Cordell, Arthur, McLaughlin's Squad, Apr. 1864, died June, 1864.
Core, Andrew,
Core, Henry B., 27th Ind. V. L Aug. 8, 1861, Nov. 18, 1864
Cornelius, McCauliflf, 15th Vet. Res. Corps. Aug. 9, 1862, Nov 17, 1865.
Corns, James H., 81st O. V. I., Sept 19, 1861, Promote.
Corwin, Benj. F., 32d O. V. I., Jan. 1864, Aug. 26, 1865.
Couden, Isaac, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 7, 1862, killed Dec. 29, 1863.
Counsellor, J. O., 88th O. V. I., Aug. 21, 1862, July 3, 1865.
Counts, Alex'r, 81st O. V. I., Recruit July, 1865.
Counts, Isaac, 81st O. V. I., Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 337
ConntB, Squire, 32d O. V. L, July 29, 1861, July 20, 1865.
Counts, Wm., 4tli O. V. C. C, Oct 1, 1861, June 10, 1865.
Cqurtney, Wm., M., 33cl Ind. Mar. 24, 1865, Aug. 8, 1865.
Cowan, Moses C, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 14. 1864
Cowdin, Chas. H., 36tb O. V. V. I., Sept. 15, 1862, June 27, 1865.
Craig, Geo. T., 14th O. V. L, Aug. 25, 1861, Sept. 6, 1864.
Craig, John, 4th O. V. C, Jan. 29, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Craig, Jordan S., 8l8t O. V. I., Sept., 1861, , 1865.
Craig, J. S., 186th O. V. V. L, Feb., 1865, Sept., 1865.
Craig, W. H., 15l8t O. N. G., May, 1864, Sept., 1864.
Craft, , McLaughlin's Squad, Apr., 1864, , 1864.
Cramer, Reason, 6th Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 20, 1864, Aug. 5, 1866.
Cramer S. W., 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept. 2, 1864.
Crandall, Porte B.,163dO. N. G, May 2, 1864, Sept. 10, 1864
Crawford, Hiram P., 22d Ind. V. L, Sept., 1862, Sept., 1865.
Crawford, Jos. R., 192d O. V. L, Feb. 7, 1865, Sept. 1, 1865.
Creps, H. D., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Creps, S. A., 15l8t O. N. G, May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Cremean, Wm. J., 179th O. V. I., Sept. 26, 1864, June 25, 1865.
Cremean, Henry, 66th IlLV. L, Mar. 31, 1862, Apr. 25, 1865.
Cremean, John* 66th 111. V. I., Mar. 31, 1862, Apr. 21, 1865.
Cremean, Martin V., 66th 111. V. L, Mar. 31, 1862, Apr. 26, 1865.
Crisp, M. A., 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Crist, Geo. W., 33d O. V. I., Apr., 1861, Aug., 1861.
Crist, John J., 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, Sept., 1865.
Cronan, John. 50th O. V. I., Aug. 10, 1862. June 26, 1865.
Crossley, Thos. D., 81st O. V. I., Sept. 1881, k. May 9, 1864, Resaoa, Ga.
Crosson, Columbia, 4th O. V. V. C, Aug. 15, 1861, Aug. 5, 1865.
Crowles, Peter, 13th O. V. Oav., Mar., 1861, June, 1864
Cullen, David C, 32d O. V. V. L, Oct. 1, 1862, May 30, 1865.
Culver, John, 192d O. V. I., Feb. 27, 1865, Sept 1, 1865.
Culver, Wm., 81st O. V. I., Sept 1861, d. July 6, 1863, Pocahontas, Tenn.
Cummings, A. S., 11th V. L, , .
Cummingfa, Wm. E., 24th O. V. L, 1861, ,1863.
Cunningham, C. D., 88th O. V. L, July 4, 1863, July 8, 1865.
Cunningham, J. R, 20th O. V. L, April, 1861, Aug., 1864
Cunningham, S., 88th O. V. L, July 4, 1863, July 4 1865.
Cunningham, W. D., 81st O. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, Feb. 6, 1863.
Cupp, Henry, 151st O. N. G, May 2, 1884, Aug. 30, 1864
Cupp, Henry F., 18fch Va. Cav. O. S. A., Oct., 1883, Apr., 1865, surren-
dered Appomattox C. H.
Cupp, Saml, 195th O. V. I, Mar. 4, 1865, Dec. 20, 1865.
20
Digitized by LjOOQIC
338 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Curtis, Alvaro, Slst O. V. I, Sept. I, 1861, Sept. 10, 1864
Curtis, Cadwallader, 84th O. V. L, Aug. 8, 1861, Sept 13, 1864.
CurUs, Ohas. L., 4th O. V. Cav., Aug. 22, 1862, June 28, 1865.
Curtis, Chauncey, 81st O. V. L, Sept, 1861, Nov. 20, 1862.
Curtis Erastus R., 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Curtis, Jerome, 88th O. V. I., ,July 4, 1863, July 3, 1865.
Curtis, Joel W., 9th O. V. Cav., Jan. 1, 1864, July 19, 1865.
Curtis, Lucius, 81st O. V. L, Sept 1861, July 22, 1862.
Curtis, Thos. J., 66th O. V. I., Mar. 24, 1862, Apr. 26, 1865.
Curtis, Oscar, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 23, 1865.
Custer, Jacob, 15l8t O. N. a, May, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Dailey, Arthur, 54th O. V. L, Oct 54. 1863, Aug. 15, 1865.
Dalzeli,Peter O,, 54th O. V. V. L, Oct 20, 1861, Aug. 23, 1865.
Daniels, George, SlstO.V.I., Sep., 1862, d.May 7, 1862, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Darling, Bufus K, 81st O.Y. L, Aug., 13, 1861, Sept 5, 1864.
Darling Wm., 8l8tO. V. L, Apr., 1865, May 15, 1865.
Daub, Christ, 118th O.V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, , 1865.
Davidson, Qea, 34th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, d. Nashville Tenn., Dea, 1868-
Davidson, John, 34th O. V. L, 1862, July, 1865.
Davidson, Richard, 34th O. V. I., Sept 8, 1861, Sept 13, 1864.
Davidson, Wm., 36th O. V. I., April, 1865, Aug., 1865.
Davis, A. F., 23dV. R. C, Aug., 1862, July, 1865.
Davis, Andrew, 81st O. V. C, Sept 1861, Jan. 14, 1863.
Davis, C. H., 32d O. V. V. L, Aug., 1861, Apr. 14, 1865.
Davis, David K, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 14,1862, Feb. 21, 1865.
Davis, Ebenezer F., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 20, 1862, June 23, 1885.
Davis, E. J., 151st O. N. Q., May 2, 1864, Sept 15, 1864.
Davis, Francis Y., 54th O. V. L, Sept 1861, Aug. 1862.
Davis, Francis Y., 180th O. V. L, Oct 25, 1864, Aug. 25, 1865.
Davis, James, 8l8t O. V. L, Sept 1861, Jan. 14,1863.
Davis, John, 13th U. S. A, Dec. 18, 1861, Jan., 1865.
Davis, Joseph G., 99th O. V. L, Aug. 9, 1862, June 27, 1865.
Davy, Josiah C, 81st O. V. L, Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Decoursey, Abr'm, 81st O. V. I., July 26, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Dedrich, Frank, 155th Pa. V. I., April, 1861, Jan., 1862.
DeHart, Wm. P., 8l8t O. V. L, Sept, 1861, died Dec. 16, 1864-
Deem, Isaac C, Slst O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Deem, Thos. Y., 183d O. V. L, Oct 13, 1864, July 17, 1865.
Deems, Jacob, McLaughlin's Squad, Sept, 1862, June, 1865.
Delong, John, 67th O. V. I., Dec. 10, 1861, Feb. 7, 1863.
Denison, James, 7l8t O. V. I., Oct, 1864, June, 1865.
Dershem, J.R., 180th O. V. I, Sept 26, 1864, May 26, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 839
Dershem, Wm., 180th O. V. I, Sept. 27, 1864, d. Goldsboro, Mar. 19,
1865.
Oeesenberg, John, 94th O. Y. L, Aug. 8, 1862, Jane 5, 1865.
Detwiler, Saml. R, Slst O. V. I., Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Dickman, H. W.. 4th O. V. Cav., April, 1861, Aug., 1865.
Dietz, Wm., 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Dills, Wm. a, 8l8t O. V. I, Sept, 1861, Jan. 1, 1863.
Ditto, Gideon, 20th O. V. L, April 20, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861.
Ditto, Gideon, 8l8t O. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, Sept. 26, 1865.
Ditto, John, IstO. V. Cav., Oct. 23, 1861, May 22, 1862.
Ditto, John, 15lBt O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Dixon, Ctoo. W., Slst O. Y. I., Sept,' 1861, promoted to lieutenant
Dixon, John A., 118th O. Y. I., Aug., 1862, transferred to Oo. L
Dixon, Seth, 20th O. V. I., April 20, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861.
Dixon, Seth, Slst O. Y. I, Aug. 30, 1861, Sept 26, 1864
Dixon, Joseph, 151st 0. N. G., May 2, 1864 Aug. 27, 1865.
Dobbins, T. W., 180th O. Y. I., Sept 27, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Doggett, John, Squirrel Hunters Begt from Dayton, 1863, , 1868.
Dolt, Gregory, 118th O. Y. L, Aug., 1862, July, 1865.
Donard, John A., 74th O. Y. Y. I., Jan. 5, 1862, July 20,' 1865.
Doner, Jos. S., 118th O. Y. L, Aug., 1862, .
Donze, Ohaa P., 88th O. Y. Y. I., Aug. 26, 1861, July 22, 1865.
Dotson, SamL, Slst O. Y. 1, Aug. 11, 1862, July 18, 1865.
Downey, SoL W., 191st O. Y. I., March 13, 1865. July 81, 1865.
Downhoer, Aaron, 33d O. Y. I., Feb. 16, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Dovnihoer, Barney, 38d O. Y. I., Feb. 16, 1864 July 12, 1865.
Downing, H. L., 15l8t O. N. G., May, 1864, Sept 24, 1864.
Downing, Isaac B., SSth O. Y. L, July 4, 1863, July 3, 1865.
DowuR, Floyd, SlstO. Y. L, Sept, 1861, d. Jan. 14, 1863. St Louis, Mo.
Doyle, Thos., Slst O. Y. I., Aug. 11, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Dray, J. R., 21st 0. Y. L, Aug. 22, 1861, Sept 18, 1864
Drew, Samuel, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept 15, 18i94
Drew, Samuel, 195th O. Y. L,Feb. 2, 1865, Dec. 18, 1865.
Drew, Solomon, llSth O. Y. L, Aug. 12, 1862, May 23. 1865.
Duden, John A., CoL Hamilton Begt, 1812, still living in Allen Ck>.
Dufifen, Peter, llSth O. Y. I., Aug. 22, 1862, , 1865.
Dunn, Benj., McLaughlin's Squad, June 1, 1863, Nov. 27, 1865.
Dunlap, Preston J., llSth O. Y. I., Aug. 22, 1862, died Aug. 12, 1864.
Durbin, Samuel, 146th O. N. G., May 2, 1864 Aug. 27, 1864
Durk, John, 179th O. Y. L, Sept 19, 1864 Jane 17, 1865.
Early, Jacob, 32d O. Y. L, Aug. 19, 1861. Aug. 19, 1864.
Early, Noah, 50th O. Y. L, Aug. 11, 1862, July 19, 1865.
Digitized by
y Google
340 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Eastman, Daniel, 45fch O. V. I., July 25, 1862, d. Jan. 7, 1865,
Belle Isle.
Eastman, D., 45th O. V. I., June 19, 1862, Nov. 12, 1863.
Eaton, Wm., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, Aug., 1865.
Edgecomb, Lewis A., 32d O. V. L, March 15, 1864, k'd at Atlanta, Ga.,
July 21, 1864.
Edgecomb, Marcus, ISlst O. N. Q., May 5, 1864, May 19, 1864.
Edgecomb, Wm., 99th O. V. I., July 27, 1862, June 3, 1865.
Edmond, E., 151st O. N. Q., May 2, 1864, Sept. 1, 1864.
Edmond, E., 192d O. V. I., March, 1865, Sept., 1865.
Edmond, Horace, 8l8t O. V. L, recruit July, 1865.
Edmond, Oliver, 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1864, June 23, 1864.
Edmond, Peter, 8l8t O. V. I., Oct., 1862, died Feb. 13, 1865, N. C.
Edwards, John, 2d Battalion, Aug. 11, 1862, Dec 15, 1864.
Ehrman, Joseph B., 6th O. Battery, Sepi 10, 1864, Sept. 24, 1864
Ehrman, Joseph B., 192d O. V. I., Jan. 9, 1865, Sept. 1, 1865.
Eisenbeis, Ferdinand, Slst O. V.' I., July 19, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Eisenbeis, John, 81st O. V. I., July 29, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Eiche, Leonard, 192d O. V. L, Feb. 7, 1865, Sept. 1, 1865.
Elder, Owen, 56th O. V. L, Jan., 1862, Aug., 1863.
Ellis, W. W., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, July, 1865.
Ellison, Robt. W., 81st O.V. L, Sept. 1861, July, 1865.
Ely, Clark, 81st O. V. I., Feb. 29, 1864, July, 13, 1865.
Ely, Peter, 81st O. V. L, Feb. 24, 1864, June 6, 1865.
Emboden, G. W., 81st O. V. L, Sept., 1861,
Emmons, Alex'r, 81st O.V. I., Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Enright, Thos., 4th O. V. L, June 4, 1861, June 21, 1864
Enslen, Orsenath, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, Aug., 1865.
Evans, Jno. A., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Evans, Seymour D., 46ih O. V. L, Feb. 7, 1862, July 22, 1865.
Evans, Thos. J., 180th O. V. I., Sept. 13, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Evans, Wm. tt, 151st O. N. G, May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Everett, J. L., 192d O. V. I., March 1, 1865, Sepi 1, 1865.
Everett, Thos., 81st O. V. I., Sept. 1, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Eversole, Daniel, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864
Eversole, Lemuel, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug 27, 1864.
Ewing, Frank, 99th O. V. I., Aug 11, 1862, July 28, 1865.
Eysenbach, Louis, 99th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, Aug., 1865.
Fair, George, 81st O. V. L, Sept. 1861, July, 1865.
Fair, Joseph I., 8l8t O. V. L^ Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Fair, L. P., 33d O. V. L, Sept, 1864, Aug., 1865.
Fair, Simon, 33d O. V. I., Sept., 1864, July 12, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 341
Fair, Thos., Slst O. V.L, , died May 27, 1864, Chattanooga, Term.
Fairgood, Benjamin, 2d O. ffvy Artillery, Aug. 16, 1863, Aug. 24,1865.
Faulkner, John H., 84th O. V. L, Aug. 10, 1861. Sept. 13, 1864.
Faulkner, Lewis E., 2d O. V. I., Sept. 15, 1861, Dec. 21, 1868.
Faulkner, Silas W., 54th O. V. I, Sept, 1861, killed June 22, 1863,
Vicksburg.
Faulkner, S. W., 5th O. Battery, Sept. 20, 1861, Feb. 25, 1865.
Faulkner, W. H., 177th O. V. I., Sept. 27, 1864, June 24, 1864.
Faurot, Authur K., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 6, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Fay lor, Lewis C, I2th O. V. Cav., Sept. 1, 1863, Nov. 14, 1865.
Feely, Smith L., 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, July, 1865.
Feeman, Robert, 162d O. V. I., July 27, 1862, June 30, 1865.
Fenton, John, 1st O. Artillery, June 20, 1803, July 22, 1865.
Fett, John, 50th O. V. L, Aug. 6, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Field, D. S., 4th O. V. C, Aug. 15, 1861, , 1865.
Firl, Joseph J., 81st O. V. L, Sept. 1861, July, 1865.
Firl, Wm., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Fisher, John, 50th O. V. L, Ajog. 5, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Fisher, Jonathan, Ohio Vola, March, 1846, Aug., 1848, Mexican war.
Fisher, Joseph, 46th O. V. L, Jan. 1, 1862, July 14, 1865.
Fisher, Jos. E., 5th Iowa V. L, July 15, 1861, July 30, 1864.
Fisher, Jos. E., 7l8t O. V. L. Oct., 1864, Oct., 1865.
Fisk, Wilber, , Dec, 14, 1862, Jan. 25, 1863.
Flaize, R. F., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 11, 1862, July 9, 1865.
Fleming, Beniah, Slst O. V. L, Aug. 29, 1862, July 13, 1866.
Fleming, John W., 180th O. V. L, Sept. 22, 1864, June 13, 1865.
Fleming, Alex'r, 180th O. V. L, Aug. 27, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Fogle, Chas. W., 81st O. V. L, 1862, 1865.
Fogle, Isaac 82d O. V. L, Jan., 1863, July, 1865.
Fogle, Jesse, 4th O. V. Oav., 1863, 1865.
Fogle, Milton, 20th C. V. L, May, 1861, k'd at Atlanta, Qa., July 5,
1864
Fooks, Robert, Sharp Shooters, Feb. 26, 1864, July 28, 1865.
Folk, David A., 54th O. V. L, Dec. 30, 1863, Aug. 15, 1865.
Foote, Horace L., Ist O. V. Cav., Aug. 28, 1861, Oct. 13, 1864.
Ford, Joseph V., O. V. I, Aug. 1862, Aug., 1, 1865.
Ford, Wm. 0., 29th O. V. L, Oct. 21, 1864, June 1, 1865.
Ford, Wm. H., 74th O. V. L, Oct. 9, 1861, Oct. 17, 1864.
Forgeson, John T., 1st O. V. Squad, Sept 3, 1862, died Jan. 1, 1864.
Foster, Bamett, 151st O. N. G., May 11, 1864, Aug. 25, 1864.
Foster, Lewis W., 66th 111. V. L, March 31, 1862, April 26, 1865.
Fowler, Chas. R., 17th Army Corps, March 25, 1864, Sept 1, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
342 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Fowler, W. G., ISlst O. N. Q., May, 1864, Sept., 1864
Francis, Owen, 21st O. V. L, April, 1861, Aug., 1861.
Franklin, Benj., 8l8t O. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, Sepi, 26, 1864.
Franklin, James, 27fch O. V. I., Aug. 5, 1861, Nov. 12, 1862.
Franklin, James, 151st O. N. Q., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Franklin, N. G., 81st O. V. I, April 20, 1861, died May 14, 1862, at
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Franks, Wm., 17th Vet. Res. Corps, Sept., 1862, June 30, 1865.
Frazee, Dan. W., 81st O. V. I, Oct, 1862, d. at Andersonville Prison.
Freet, David, , 1812, still living in Allen County.
Frederic, Jno., 118Ui O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, died May 15, 1865.
Freund, Michael, 73d Battalion French Inf., May, 1848, June, 1851.
Frisinger, Thos. R., 46th O. V. I., 1862, August, 1863.
Fritz, David E., 81st O. V. I., Sept 15, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Fritz, Hiram, 1st U. S. Engineers, August 9, 1862, June, 1865.
Fruchey, Calvin, 66th 111. V. I, April 1, 1862, Aug. 27, 1862.
Fruchey, Lafayette, 81st O. V. I., Oct., 1862, July, 1865.
Fryer, P. H., 99th O. V. I., July 19, 1862, d. at Chattanooga, Tenn.,
July 8, 1864.
Fryer, Samuel L., 78th O. V. I., Sept. 23, 1864, June 12, 1865.
Fry, Jacob, 180th O. V. L, Sept 24, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Fullingham, Alex., 81st O. V. L, Sept 1861, d.' Dec. 12. 1861, at Dan-
ville, Mo.
Fullington, John, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July 25, 1862.
Fulmer, Abram, 81st O. V. I, Sept, 1861, killed Oct 3, 1862, 'at Cor-
inth. Miss.
Funk, Samuel, , 1812, .
Furry, Franklyn. 179th O. V. I., Sept 24, 1864, June 17, 1865.
Furgeson, Jos. C, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Furgeson, Levi, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Gallant, Wm.. H., 122d O. V. I., June 29, 1864, July 1, 1865.
Garee, Henry, 81st O. V. L, Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Gardner, Benj. F., 8l8t O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Garner, W. V., 81st O. V. L, Sept 1, 1861, Sept. 10, 1864.
Garrett, Levi, 81st O. V. L, Feb. 22, killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864.
Garretson, Isaiah, 12th O. V. Cav., Aug. 15, 1863, Oct 22, 1865.
Garretson, Josiah, r2th O. V. Cav., Sept 1, 1863, Nov. 14, 1865.
Garretson, Robt H, 54th O. V. I, March, 1864, Aug., 1865.
Garretson, Wm. tt. 81st O. V. L, Aug. 30, 1861, Sept, 26, 1864
Garver, James S., 8l8t O. V. L, Sept, 1861, Jan. 1, 1863.
Gaskell, Elijah, 118th O. V. Ik Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Gaskell, Jacob, 118th O. V. I, Aug., 1862, died.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 343
Oaskell, James, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, .
Oagtmyer, Frank C, 32d O. V. I, Feb. 22, 1864, July 13, 1865.
Gates, Boswell, Capt Macrnger^s Co., Oct., 1814, still living at Elida,
Ohio.
Oates, Orrin F., 125th O. V. I, Oct, 1862, died in hospital at Franklin,
Tenn., May 3, 1863.
Gatton, Albert Q., 81st O. V. L, Sepi, 1861, died Jan. 13, 1863.
Oatton, Isaac, 81st O. V. I., Sepi, 1861, March 16, 1865.
Gaunt, Wm., 8l8t O. V. L, Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Gaylord, Thos., 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Gensel, Jacob, 81st O. V. I., Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Gibson, Henry, 2d O. V. L, June, 1861, Dec, 1864.
Gillespie, Andrew, 81st O. V. L, Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Gillespie, Wm. M., 81st O. V. I., Aug. 13, 1861, July 13, 1865. .
Goebel, John, 8l8t O. V. I., Sepi 15, 1861, July 25, 1862.
Goebel, John, Vei Artillery, Dec. 24, 1863, Jane 16, 1865.
Goebel, John G., 8lst O. V. L, Jan. 4, 1862, Dec. 24, 1863.
Good, John H., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862. Aug. 5, 1863.
Goodman, Fred'k, , Sept., 1864, May, 1865.
Gordon, Wm. R., 8l8t O. V. I., Sepi, 1861, July, 1865.
Grader, Peter, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, Aug., 1805.
Graham, T. J., 57th O. V. I., Sepi 3, 1862, June 7, 1865.
Grant, A., 21st O. V. I., Feb. 20, 1864, July 24, 1865.
Greer, Enoch, 81st O. V. I., Aug. 27, .1862, July 13, 1865.
Greer, Wm. H., 8l8t O. V. I., recruit, July 13, 1865.
Gregg, George, 18th Ky. V. L, Oci 20, 1861, July 18, 1865.
Griffith, Benj., 157th O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 29, 1864.
Grothouse, John, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, Aug. 27, 1865.
Grove, Augustus, 15lRt O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Grove, James, 81st O. V. I., Nov. 9, 1861, Nov. 8, 1864.
Growden, B. W., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Grubb, Jacob R., 46th O. V. I., Sepi 24, 1864, June 1, 1865.
Grubb, James I., 46th O. V. I., Sepi 24, 1864, June 1, 1865.
Grubb, Wm. E., 20th O. V. I., April 20, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861.
Grubb, Wm. E-, 128th O. V. I., May 1, 1862, June 5, 1865.
GrubenhoflE; Henry, 57th O. V. 1., Oci 28. 1861, Aug. 14, 1865.
Guyton, Mark, 74th O. V. I., March 19, 1862, June 3, 1865.
Hadsell, Lemuel P., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Haggerman, Henry, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, July, 1865. *
Haines, George E., 8l8t O. V. I., Aug. 1, 1861, Sepi 26, 1864.
Haines, Geo. K, 8<h U. S. V. V. I., April 1, 1865, March 31, 1866.
Haines, Jeremiah D., 199th O. V. L, March, 1865, July, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
344 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Hall, Abraham, 151st O. N. G., May 8, 1864, Sept. 1, 1864.
Hall, Arthur, 8l8t O. V. I., recruit, transferred to Invalid C's.
Hall, James, 157th O. N. G., May, 1864, Dec. 15, 1864.
Hall, Jesse, 151st O. N. G., May 13, 1864, Jane 22, 1864.
Hall, Jethro, 46th O. V. L, Jan. 1,'1862, d. from w's Aug. 19, 1865.
Hall, William, 4th O. V. V. Cav., Feb. 24, 1864, July 25, 1865.
Hall, William H., 24th Iowa V. I., , .
Halter, Edward, 15th O. V. I, Sept, 1864, June 10, 1865.
Haltery, Daniel, 82d O. V. L, Feb. 23, 1864, July 24, 1865.
Hammond, George, 81st O. V. L, recruit, July, 1865.
Hance, Vinson S., 8l8t O. V. I., Aug. 29, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Handel, T. A., 34th O. V. L, Aug. 10, 1861, Sept 13, 1864.
Hanes, Charles, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 30, 1861, Sept 26, 1864.
Hanes, Henry, 180th O. V. L, Sept 24, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Hanley, John, 101st O. V. L, Aug. 11, 1862, Oct, 1863.
Hanson, Lewis, 99th O. V. I., July 27, 1862, died at Nashville, Tenn.,
Feb. 13, 1863.
Hanthorn, Thos. S., 12th O. Cav., , .
Hardesty, Beeman, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Harding, Henry, 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, Aug., 1865.
Harpster, Daniel, 8l8t O. V. L, Sept. 1, 1861, Sept 10, 1864.
Harpster, Jacob, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Harpster, Levi., 151st O. N. .G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864.
Harpster, K. N., 81st O. V. L, Feb. 3, 1864, July 13, 1865.
Harris, Henry, 55th Mass. V. L, May 21, 1863, July 11, 1865.
Harrison, Patte'n C, 81st O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Harrod, Henry H., 118th O. V. I, Aug. 22, 1862, July, 1865.
Hart, H. C, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, July 5, 1865.
Harter, Bennett, 8l8t O. V. L, Feb. 17, 1864, July 20, 1865.
Harter, Barton S., 81st O. V. L, Feb. 17, 1864, July, 1865.
Harter, F. D.; 47th O. V. L, Sept, 1864, June, 1865.
Harter, Francis M., 81st O. V. L, Feb. 17, 1864, died Sept 3, 1864, Mar-
ietta, Ga.
Harter, Isaac, 192d O. O. L, Feb. 27, 1865, June 9, 1865.
Harter, Joseph, McLaughlin's Squad, Got 30, 1861, lost on Str. Sultana
April, 1865.
Harter, Lorenzo D., 81st O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Harter, M. V., 47th O. V. I., Sept, 1864, May, 1865.
Harter, William, 32d, O. V. I, , 1861, , 1864.
Harter, W. H., Monitor Neosho.
Hartshorn, Elmer, 81st O. V. L, , died July 12, 1864, Rome, Ga.
Hartshorn, George, 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, July, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 345
Hartshorn, Fr. M., Slst O. V. I, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Hartshorn, George, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, Aug., 1865.
Hauenstein, Andrew, 54th O. V. I., Jan. 2, 1864, Aug. 15, 1865.
Harvey, Albert, 27th Col'd I., Feb. 25, 1864, June 30, 1865.
Hayes, Abraham, 118th O. V. L, 'Aug. 19, 1862, July 21, 1865.
Hays, John, 6th U. S. C, July 5, 1870, July 5, 1875.
Heckerman, Henry C, 13l8t O. V. I., May 10, 1864, Aug. 7, 1865.
Hefner, Isaac, Jr., 118th O. V. I., July 21, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Heisler, John W., ISlst O. N. G., May, 1864, Sept, 1664
Heisler, John W., 179th O. V. L, Sept , 1864, June, 1865.
Heoian, Henry H, 37th O. V. I., Sept 2, 1861, Sept 14, 1863.
Henders, W. H., 4th O. V. C, Dee. 20, 1863, July 28, 1865.
Henne, G. F., 185th O. V. I., Feb., 1865, Aug., 1865.
Herring, Jacob V., 12th O. V. Cav., Sept 20, 1863, Nov. 14, 1865.
Henon, Israel, 27th O. V. L, July 29, 1861, Aug. 17, 1864.
Henderson, Sam. B., 81st O. V. L, Sept, 1861, died Nov. 7, 1861,
Franklin, Mo.
Henderson, Steel L., 8l8t O. V. L, Aug. 13, 1861, July, 1865.
Hickerson, Albert S., 8l8t O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Hickerson, Mar. L., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 12, 1862. June 24, 1865.
High, Henry H., 99th O. V. I., Aug. 5, 1862, March 19, 1863.
Hill, John, Slst O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Hill, H M., 47th O. V. I., Sept, 1864, Sept, 1865.
HiU, Robert, 81st O. V. I., Sept 1, 1861, Sept 10, 1864.
Hilyard, John, 36th O. V. L, April 10, 1865, Aug. 1, 1865.
Hilyard, Thomas, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Himmelright, J. F., 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, July, 1865.
Hissong, Jere. G., 126th Penn. V. I., August, 1862, May, 1863.
Hissong, Jeremiah, 17th Penn. Cav., Aug., 1864, July, 1865.
Hitchcock, B., 4th O. V. Cav., Jan. 4, 1864, July 15, 1865.
Hitchcock, John, Slst O. V. I., Sept, 1861, trans, to Mo. Lt Artillery.
Hite, Abraham, McLaughlin's Squad, March, 1864, died 1865.
Hite, Harvey T., , Jan. If 1864, April 24, 1865.
Hipeher, Ezra, 57th O. V. I., Oct. 10, 1861, July, 1864
Hipsher, John, 19th Pa. Cav., March, 1862, July, 1865.
Hipsher, Samuel, 57th O. V. I., Oct 10, 1861, died Dec. 3, 1861.
Hipsher, William, 2l8t O. V. I., April, 1861, May 7, 1861.
Hoag, Charles, Slst O. V. L, July 28, 1862, July 11, 1865.
Hoak, C. C, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Hoak, C. C, 180th O. V. L, Sept 28, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Hoak, Freeman, Slst O. V. L, Feb. 24, 1864, July 13, 1865.
Hockenl?erry, David, 67th O. V. L, Sept, 1864, July, 1865.
Digitized by
GQogle
346 HISIOKT OF ALLEN COUNTV.
Hoffer, Isaac N., 198th O. V. I, March 7, 1865, May, 1865.
Hoffriohter, John, 152d O. V. I., July, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Hofman, A. G., 8th O. V. L, Jnne, 1861, .
Hofman, A. G., 12th O. V. Cav., Sept. 3, 1863, Nov. 14, 1865.
Hogle, Jacob, 1st U. S. Engineers, Ang. 18, 1862, Jnne 27, 1865.
Hodge, Jacob, 118th O. V. I., Ang., 1862, Jnne, 1865.
Holdgreve, Kasper, 118th O. V. L, Ang. 22, 1862, Jnly, 1865.
Holland, Andrew, 50th O. Y. I., Jnly 30, 1862, Jnne 26, 1865.
Holland, James, 50th O. Y. I., Ang. 9, 1862, Jnne 26, 1865.
Holland, John A., 45th O. Y. L, Jnly 12, 1862, June 12, 1865.
Holland, Thomas, 118th O. Y. I., Ang,, 1862, Jnne, 1865.
HoUoway, Angustns G., 197th O. Y. I., March 21, 1864, Jnly 81, 1865.
HoUoway, J. B., 43d O. Y. V. I., Nov. 4, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Holloway, Leonidas, 4th O. Y. Car., Sept., 1861, Sept. 4, 1864
HoUoway, T. A., 4th O. Y. Cav., Oct. 7, 1861, Oct. 7, 1864.
Holloway, T. A., 2d O. Y. I., Mex. war, 1846, 1847.
Holmes, H. M., 84th 0. Y. Y. L, July 22, 1861, Ang. 1, 1865.
Holmes, William, O. Y. I., Feb. 1865, 1865.
Hood, John, 151st O. N. G, May 2, 1864, Ang. 1864.
Hooker, A. S., 32d O. Y. I., Jan. 7, 1864, Jnly 20, 1865.
Hooker, B. D., 32d O. Y. L, Dec., 1864, July, 1865.
Hooper, Philip, 151st O. N. G, May 2, 1864, Aug., 1864.
Hoot, Philip, 81st O. Y. L, Sept, 1863. July 13, 1865.
Hoover, Isaac, 50th O. Y. L, Aug. 8, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Hoover, William, 192d O. Y. I., Feb. 2, 1865, Sept I, 1865.
Hough, Edward M, 118th O. Y. I., Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Hontzer, John, 66th 111. Y. I., March 17, 1862, April 26, 1865.
Hover, W. A., 118th O. Y. I., Aug. 11, 1862, July 14, 1865.
Howard, Henry, 118th O. Y. I., Aug., 1862,
Howells, David, 118th O. Y. I., Aug., 1862, Aug., 1865.
Howells, Griffith, ll8th O. Y. I., Aug., 1862, April 10, 1865.
Hoyt, James W., 66th O. Y. I., Nov. 16, 1861, July 7, 1865.
Hoyt, Moses C, 19lRt O. Y. I., Feb. 18, 1865, Aug. 27, 1865.
Hubbard, Hor'ce A., 32d O. Y. I., Aug. 19, 1861. Jnly 20, 1865.
Hubbard, Piers'n S., 81st O. V. L, Nov. 15, 1861, Nov. 14, 1864.
Hudson, John P., 95th O. Y. I., Aug. 9, 1862, March 14, 1863.
Huff, Gilbert, 81st O. Y. L, Sept 1, 1861, Aug. 23, 1862.
Huff, Stephen, Isl O. Y. Cav., Oct, 1861, re-enlisted.
Huff, Stephen, 5th O. Y. Cav., Jan., 1864, Oct 30, 1865.
Huffer, Enos, 8l8t O. Y. I., Sept, 1861, July 9, 1862.
Hughes, Alexander, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Hughes, L., 33d O. Y. L, Feb. 18, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 847
Hughes, John, 118th O. V, L, Aug., 1862, Aug., 1865.
Hughes, Peny, 33d O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Hulliberger, John, 51st O. V. L, Sept 23, 1864, June 20, 1865.
Hulliberger, S. L., 32d O. V. L, Aug. 19, 1861, July 20, 1865.
Hulliberger, W. H, 54th O. V. I., , May 29, 1865.
Hullinger, Jas. W. 8lst O. V. L, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Hullinger, John E., 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Aug. 20, 1864
Hullinger, Sam. H, 81st O. V. V. I., Aug. 10, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Hullinger, Thos. H, 81st O. V. V. L, April, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Hume, James, 81st O. V. I., Sept., 1861, June 28, 1862.
Humphreys, Mere'h, 118th O. V. I, Aug., 1862, May 7, 1865.
Hurt John, 37th O. V. L, Sept 14, 1861, Ang 7, 1865.
Hutchinson, Th. H 35th O. V. I., Aug. 20, 1861, Aug. 26, 1864
Huysman, Aaron, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, July, 1865.
Huysman, Walter, 118th O. V. I. Aug! 22, 1862, July, 1865.
Ice, Andrew, 99th O. V. I., Aug. 7, 1862, July 15, 1865.
Imler, Amos, 180th 0..V. I., Sept 20, 1864, d. June, 11, 1865, at N. Y.
Harbor
Imler, James, 180th O. V. L, Sept 23, 1864, July 25, 1865.
Imler, William, 180th O. V. L, Sept 20, 1864, d. Mar. 6, 1865, at Mar-
ietta, N. G.
Ireland, Jacob, 8lBt O. V. I, Nov. 23, 1861, Dec. 12, 1864
Ireland, John, 50th O. V. I, Aug. 11, 1862, June 25, 1865.
Irick, Furgison, McLaughlin's Squad, Oct, 1862, died, 1864
Irwin, Elias P., 32d O. V. L, July 20, 1861, Nov. 15, 1862.
Irwin, John, I77th O. V. L, Sept 27, 1864, March 31, 1865.
Irwin, John, 20th O. V. L, April 1, 1861, died, 1861.
Jackson, E. W., 156th O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept 4 1864
Jacobs, John B., 8l8t O. V. L, Sept 1861, Sept, 8, 1862.
Jameson, Allen, 81st O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Jagger, Wilson, 4th O. V. Cav., Oct 1, 1861, Oct. 20, 1864.
Jenkins, David R., 99th O. V. I., July 22, 1862, July, 1865.
Jennings, Abel, 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug 27, 1864
Jennings, A. B., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug 27, 1864
Jennings, Lewis, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug 27, 1864
Jennings, Thomas, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Johns, Elias H., 2d Bt 18th U. S. I., Nov. 13, 1861, Nov. 13, 1864
John, Jehu, 99th O. V. L, , k'd Kennesaw Mt, June 9, 1864.
Johnson, Andrew, 78th O. V. L, Sept 24. 1864, May 13, 1865.
Johnson, John, 81st O. V. L, Sept, 1861, k'd Oct 3, 1862, Corinth,
Miss.
Johnston, J. P., 180th O. V. I, Sept. 23, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
348 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Johnston, Samuel, 180th O. V. L, Sept 22, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Johnston, W. E., 180th O. V. I. Sepi 22, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Johnston, Thos. P., 115th O. N. G., May 2, 1864. Aug. 27, 1864.
Johnston, Thos. P., 180th O. V. I., Sept 8, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Johnson, Thomas, 20th O. V. I., April 19, 1861, Aug. 29, 1861.
Jolley, Charles M., 32d O. V. L, Feb. 27, 1864, July 20, 1865.
Jolley, James R, 32d O. V. I., Aug. 19, 1861, Oct 25, 1862.
Jones, A. Q., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 21, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Jones, Abraham J., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 21, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Jones, Evan H., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 21, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Jones, Evan W., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept 15, 1864.
Jones, Israel, 5th O. Cav., Sept, 1862, June, 1865.
Jones, John J., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June, 1865.
Jones, Jonathan, 118th O. V. I, Aug. 22, 1862, 1865.
Jones, John W., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, died June 1, 1864, Nash-
ville, Tenn.
Jones, O. A., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, July 2, 1864.
Jones, Richard BL, 34th O. V. L, Aug. 10, 1861, Sept 13, 1864.
Jones, Roland W., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, died Andersonville,
Sept 5, 1864.
Jones, Thomas H., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Jones, T. R., 157th O. N. G„ May 2, 1864, Sept 15, 1864.
Jones, W. Q., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, died March 5, 1864, Knox-
ville, Tenn.
Judkins, Benj'n F., 179th O. V. L, Sept 24, 1864, died Dec, 1864, at
Nashville, Tenn.
Judkins, F, D., 179th 0..V. L, Sept 24, 1863, died Dec. 8, 1863.
Junkin, John W., 16th Vet Rea Corps, Aug. 19, 1861, Sept, 12, 1864
Keiser,Paul, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, Jan., 1865.
Keith, George K., 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Keith, Richard H., 195th O. V. 1., March, 1865, died April, 1865.
Keller, Ferdinand, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Keller, George, 50th O. V. L, Aug. 8, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Kennedy, John B., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 13, 1862, July 6, 1865.
Kemmer, Charles, 8th Vet Res. Corps, Aug. 22, 1862, June 17, 1865.
Kemner, Charles. 118th O. V.I.,Aug. 22, 1862.
Kemp, John W., 180th O. V. L, Sept 22, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Kemp, JosephusL., 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Kemper, Franklin.
Kemper, J. L., 40th O. V. L, Oct, 1861, July, 1862.
Kemper, J. L., 25th O. V. I., Sept, 1864, Oct 17, 1865. [19, 1864.
Kennell, Wm. H., 81st O. V. L, Oct, 1862, killed Day's Ferry, Ga., May
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 849
Kephart, Wm. C, 50th O. V. L, Aog. 7, 1862, May 24, 1865.
Kear, Isaac, 54th O. V. I., Feb. 23, 1864, May 29, 1865,
Kerr, John, 9th O. V. 0., Ang. 1863, July, 1865.
Kesler, Daniel, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Kesler, George, 169th O. Y. I., Sept 23, 1864, June 23, 1865.
Kesler, Josiah, 179th O. V. I., Sept. 24, 1864, died Dec., 1864, Nash-
ville, Tenn.
Eesler, Benben, 66th 111. V. L, March 24, 1861, April 26, 1865.
Kent, Stephen C, 54th O. V. L, Aug, 10, 1861, Nov. 29, 1863.
Kent, Stephen C.,36th O. V. I., Nov. 13, 1863, July 27, 1865.
Kent, Ezra T., 54th O. V. I, Sept. 10, 1861, Aug. 15, 1865.
Kibler, A. G., 17l8t O. V. I., March 81. 1864, Aug 20, 1864.
Kidd, John W., 118th O. V. L Aug., 1862, died at Chattanooga, Tenn.,
Sept 2, 1864.
Kies, Mike, 77th O. V. I., 1865, June, 1865.
Kimball, William, 81st O. V. I., Aug. 28, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Kindel, Joseph H., 2d O. H. Art, Ang. 25, 1863, Aug. 25, 1865.
Kindred, William, 8l8t O. V. L, Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Kinsel, Adam, 81st O. V. L, Oct, 1862, died Aug. 10, 1864, Atlanta, Ga.
Kintz, MartinF., 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Kipfer, Peter, 178th O. V. I., Sept 8, 1864, June 29, 1865.
Kiracofe, Robert 81st O. V. L, Aug. 27, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Kirk, James B., 19th O. V. I., April, 1861, Aug., 1861.
Klinger, Daniel P., 118th O. V. L.Aug. 22, 1862, July, 1865.
Klingler, John J., Il8th O. V. I., Ang. 22, 1862, July, 1865.
Klingler, Beub. H., 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Knapp, Benjamin, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862. June 6, 1865.
Knapp, Walter, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862. July 5, 1865. ^
Kneaas, Samuel, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
KnitUe, George, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Knittle, William, 118th O. Y. L, Aug., 1862, killed Besaca, Ga., May
14, 1864.
Knoble, Samuel, 81st Begt Band, Sept 15, 1861, July 25, 1865.
Knott, John, 81st O. V. L, Sept 1, 1861, Sept 10, 1864.
Knott, Wm. W., 118th O. Y. I., Sept 12, 1862, Sept 12, 1865.
Knoufl, William. 106th 111. Y. I., Aug. 15, 1862, July 29, 1865.
Koehl, Adam, 37th O. Y. I.. Sept 20, 1861, Oct 3, 1864.
Kohly, Jacob, 14th O. Y. I., Aug. 25, 1861, July 22, 1865.
Kramer, Solomon, 33d O. Y. I., Sept 24, 1864, June, 5, 1865.
Kramer, Benben, 78th O. Y. I., Sept. 24, 1864, May 30, 1865.
Kroger, Charles, 18th U. S. I., Jan. 21, 1867. Jan. 21, 1870.
Krouse, Josiah, 118th O. Y. I., Aug. 13, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
350 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Kushmaul, Joseph, Slst O. V. I., Sept., 1861, July 13, 1865.
Laman, Abram, 8l8t O. V. L, Oct. 6, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Lambert, Nahum, 180th O. V. I., Sept 28, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Lamberton, Wm. H., 9th Pa. V. Cav., Oct, 1861, Feb., 1864
Lamme, David W., Blst O. V. L, Sept., 1861.
Lamond, Orange C, 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Langen, Oliver S., 15th O. V. L, Aug. 9, 1861, Aug. 9, 1864, promoted
to Sergeant-Major.
Larue, Anderson, 54th O. V. L, Feb. 27, 1864, Aug. 15, 1865.
Larue, Levi L., 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Sept., 1864,
Larue, Wm. A., 33d O. V. V. L, March, 1864, July, 1865.
Lary, Michael, 68th O. V. V. L, Dec. 4, 1863, July 10, 1865.
Leaser, Martin, 66th Vet. Bes. Corps, Sept. 9, 1861, Sept 12, 1864.
Leasure, Senry N., 88th O. V. L, June 27, 1863, July 4, 1865.
Leatherman, Joseph, 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 9, 1862, June 23, 1865.
Leatherman, J. L. B., 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Leatherman, T. P., 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Lechlitner, Aplon, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, Aug., 1865.
Lee, David, 8l8t O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Leech, Wm. F., 14th Pa. Cav., Sept 3, 1862, May 30, 1865,
Leedom, David M., 70th O. V. L, Nov. 12, 1861, Feb. 18, 1368.
Lehman, Alexander, 54th O. V. L, Jan. 28, 1864, Aug. 15, 1865.
Lehman, Christian, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 30, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Lehman, Isaac, 8l8t O. V. V. L, Aug. 30, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Leith, Crawford, 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Leney, Jos. C, 34th O. V. L, Aug. 8, 1861, Sept 13, 1864
Leslie, James, 81st O. V. L, Sept, 1861, d. Nov. 2, 1864, Nashville, Tenn.
Leutz, William P., 126th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, June 26, 1865.
Levering, Wm. W., 1st O. V. L, Sept 5, 1861, Sept 8, 1864
Lewis, Elias, 151st O. N. Q., May, 1864, Sept, 1864
Lewis, James L., 118th O. Y. L, July, 1862, killed at Chattanooga^
Tenn., April, 1864.
Lewis, James B., 61st O. V. L, March 8, 1862, 1864
Lewis, James B., 82d O. V. V. L, March 9, 1864, July 24, 1865.
Lewis, Wm., 61st O. V. L, March 6, 1862, Nov. 27, 1862.
Lewis, Wm., 192d O. V. L, Feb. 6, 1864, Sept 1, 1865.
Lies, Jacob, 4th O. V. V. C, Oct 1, 1861, July 15, 1865.
Lies, Peter, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 4, 1862, July 20, 1865.
Light, Franklin, 81st O. V. L, Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Light, John, 2d O. Cav., Jan. 15, 1864, Sept 11, 1865.
LilJey, Joseph, 81st O. V. L, Oct 1862, died June 4, 1865, Martins-
burg, Va.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY. 351
Lindemao, F., Home Guard, Aug., 1862.
Link, S. H., lOlst O, V. L, Aug. 9, 1862, June 12, 1865.
Lininger, David, 8l8t O. V. I„ Oct, 1862, died Deo. 22, 1863, Mem-
phis, Tenn.
Linton, John, 81st O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
List, J., MoLaughlins Squad, March, 1864, Aug, 1865.
List, Leroj, McLaughlin's Squad, Feb. 15, 1864, June 7, 1865.
Lloyd, Isaac, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 11, 1862, May 22, 1865.
Lloyd, WuL, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 11, 1862, May 16, 1865.
Lochead, Wm. M., 8l8t O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Lock, Loran, 66th 111. V. L, March 16, 1862, April 26, 1865.
Lock, Melvin, 54th O. V. L, Jan. 2, 1864, Aug. 15, 1865.
Lones, Gommod. B., 32d O.^V. I.
Lonee, Theodore H.
Long, Henry, 197th O. V. L, March 19, 1865, May 19, 1865.
Long, Isaac N., 56th O. V. L, Sept. 1864, July 3, 1865,
Long, Jacob, 83d O. V. L, Aug. 24, 1864, June 15, 1865.
Long, John Q., 2d Germ. Home G'd, March 7, 1837, March 7, 1848.
Long, Jos. S., 83d O. V. L, Sept 24, 1864, June 27, 1865.
Long, M. T., McLaughlin's Squad, Feb., 1864, Oct, 1865.
Long, Samuel, 15l8t O. N. Q., May 2, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864
Longnecker, Geo. W., 8l8t O. V. L, Recruit, July 13, 1865.
Loughridge, James, 99th O. V. L, July 13, 1862, Feb. 15, 1864.
Lowery, Albert A., 34th O. V. V. I., Aug. 8, 1861, July 27, 1865.
Lowery, Joseph C, 84th O. V. V. L, Aug. 8, 1861, Aug. 1864
Lowery, James M.
Ludwig, Isaac,' McLaughlin's Squad, Aug. 22, 1862, June 7, 1865.
Lutz, John, 81st O. V. L, Recruit, July, 1865.
Lyons, Henry, 4th O. V. C, Feb. 26, 1864 July 15, 1865.
Lyons. Jacob D., 50th O. V. I, Aug. 6, 1862, June 26, 1865.
LyUe, Levi, 81st O. V. I., Aug. 20, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Lytle, Wm. H., 81st O. V. L, Aug. 18, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Mack, CJhristian, 180th O. V. L, Oct 1864, July 25, 1865.
Madden, Alex, 151st O. N. G,, May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Madden, Harrison. 99th O. V. I., Aug. 13, 1862, Dec. 3, 1863.
Maloney, Michael, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 1862, June 21, 1865.
Maltbie, Wm. F., 20th O. V. L, April 20, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861.
Maltbie, William F., 81st O. V. V. L, Aug. 13, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Maltbie, Thomas A., 8l8t O. V. L, March 25, 1864, July 13, 1865.
Manahan, Aaron, 99th O. V. L, July 23, 1862, Feb. 18, 1863.
Manahan, E. B., 180th O. V. L, Sept, 1863, Sept, 1864.
Manahan, John C, 99th O. V. L, July 23, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
352 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Mannen, Joseph, 5 let O. V. I., Aug. 1861, Dec., 1865.
Manner, David, ll8th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Manner, Joseph, 7th Kansas Oav., Sept. 1, 1861, Sept 29, 1865.
Markel, Jacob, 81st O. V. I., Aug. 13, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Marsh, Peter, 15l8t O. N. G., May, 1864, Sept., 1864.
Marshall, Ham. W., 54th O. V. L, Dec. 24, 1861, Dec. 23, 1864.
Marshall, Joseph R., 54th O. V. I., Dec. 24, 1861, July, 1865.
Marshall, Robert S., 81st O. V. L, Oct., 1862, July, 1865.
Marshall, Thomas, 18th O. V. I., Sept, 1864.
Marshall, Wm. H., 180th O. V. L, Sept. 23, 1864, July 7, 1865.
Martin, Isaac L., 180th 6. V. L, Sept 19, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Martin, Samuel, 81st O. V. L, July 20, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Martin, Washington, 81st O. V, L, Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Martin, Joseph, 192d O. V. I., Feb. 4, 1865, Sept 1, 1865. .
Marty, Silas H., 57th O. V. I., Feb., 1864, died in Missouri, 1864.
Marty, Thomas B., 57th O. V. L, Sept 4, 1861, Aug., 1865.
Mason, Marquis D., 8l8t O. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, Sept 26, 1864.
Mauk, Abiah, 20th O. V. L, April, 20, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861.
Mauk, Abiah, 33d O. V. L, Jan. 1, 1864, promoted.
Maus, James L., 50th O. V. I., Nov. 15, 1861, June, 26, 1865.
Mauss, Wm. A., 180th O. V. I., Sept, 18, 1864, Aug., 1865.
Mautz, Geo. W., 8th Vet Res. Corps, Sept 10, 1861, May 30, 1864.
Maxwell, John C, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 11, 1862, June 24, 1865.
May, David, 32d O. V. I., Dec. 21st 1863, July 20, 1865.
May, Geo. W., 81st O. V. I., Sept., 1861 July 1865.
May, James, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Mayberry, Alfred, 57th O. V. I., Jan. 26, 1864, Aug. 14, 1865.
Mayberry, A., 184th O. V. L, Feb. 1, 1865, Sept 20, -1865.
Mayberry, Jameson, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Mays, A. B., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 10, 1862, May 22, 1865.
McBeth, James, 55th O. V. V. L, Oct 20, 1864, July 11, 1865.
McBride, Alex. J., 180th O. V. I., Sept 24, 1864, July 12, 1865.
McBride, Benjamin, Slst O. V. I., Sept, 1862, died July 2, 1863, Poca-
hontas, Tenn.
McBride, Chas. 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
McBride, Levi, 180th O. V. I., Sept 24, 1864, July 12, 1865.
McBride, Lewis, 180th O. V. L, Sept 24, 1864, July 12, 1865.
McCain, John H. H., 118th O. V. L Aug. 11, 1862, June 24, 1865.
McCall, John W., 118fch O. V. L, Aug. 11. 1862, June 24, 1865.
McCallister, David, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 23, 1862, July 13, 1865.
McCarter, William, 196th O. V. L, March, 1865, Sept 11, 1865.
McClain, S., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 353
McClain, Wm., 82d O. V. L, Oct, 1864, -April 14, 1865.
McClellan, Benj. K., 192d O. V. L, Feb., 1865, Sept., 1865.
McClintock, Andw., 54th O. V. V. 1., Dec. 21, 1863, Aug. 15, 1865.
McCluer, John, 32d O. V. V. I, Dec. 24, 1883, July 20, 1865. .
McCluer, Moses, 4th O. V. Cav. Oct. 1. 1861, Jan. 3, 1864.
McCluer, Nathan, 180th O. V. L, Aug. 6. 1864, July 12, 1865.
McCluer, Robt. W., 4th O. V. Cav., July, 1861, died Nov.. 1863.
McCluer, Thos. 4th O. V. Cav., Aug. 15, 1861, Dec. 17, 1864.
McComb, George, 151st O. N. G.,May 2, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864
McComb, John, 8l8tO. V. L, Aug. 23, 1862, July 11, 1865.
McCormick, N. W., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 18, 1862, June 1, 1865.
McCormick, Jas. T., 118th O. V. I, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
McCoy, Chas. H., 20th O. V. L, April, 1861, Aug., 1861.
McCoy, Hamilton, 99th, O. V. L, July 23, 1862, June 26, 1865.
McCoy, Patrick, 57th O. V. L, Dea 1, 1861, Nov. 13, 1862.
McCray, Sandy, lOSdCol'dl.Dec. 14, 1863, Sept 80, 1865.
McDowell, Wm. 20th O. V. L, Oct 1, 1862, May 80, 1865.
McDonald, Theo. G., SlstO. V. I, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
McFarland, Jas. B., 110th O. V. L, July 11, 1862, July 3, 1865.
McFarland, , 126th O. V. L, Aug. 20, 1862, June, 1865.
McGinnis, Jas. F., 81st O. V. I, Sept, 1861, July 27, 1863.
McGinnis, Moses, 180th O, V. L, Sept 21, 1864, May 27, 1865.
McGinnis, Thoe.,82d O. V. L, Dea 5, 1861; Jan., 1865.
McGinnis, Wm., 180th O. V. I., Sept, 21, 1864, July 12, 1865.
McGrann, Wm. A., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 2, 1862, May 13, 1865.
McGrady, Isaac, 81st O. V. I, Sept, 1861, Feb. 15, 1864.
McGuire, Clinton S., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 15, 1862, June 24, 1865.
McKain, George, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1862, July, 1865.
McKee, Isaac, 81st O. V. I., Sep., 1862, d. Feb. 6,1865, Nashville, Tenn.
McKee, John C, 27th O. V. L, Aug. 4, 1861, July 11, 1865.
Mackenzie, Chas. W., 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, Transfd Co. L
McKinney, Daniel, ISlstO.N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept 2, 1864.
McKinstiy, Hugh, 81st O. V. I., Recruit, July, 1865.
McKnight, James, 30th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1861, Aug. 29, 1864
McMillen, L. B., 3d U. S. Col'd I, Nov. 25, 1863, Nov. 25, 1868.
McMullen, Fayette, 118th O. V.I., Aug., 1862.
McMullen, John, SlstO. V. I.. Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
McMullen, Matthew, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
McPhason, Samuel, 57th O. V. L, Sept, 1861, died April, 1862.
Mechling, A. J., 66th 111. V. L, Jan., 1862, Jan., 1863.
Mechling, W. L., 81st O. V.V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Meeker, George W., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 17, 1862, June 24, 1865.
21
Digitized by LjOOQIC
364 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Meeker, James S., 118th O. V. I., Ang., 1862, June, 1865.
Meeker, John, 25th O. V. I., June 20, 1862, Aug, 15, 1862.
Meeker, John, 81st O. V. L, Feb. 24, 1864, July 13, 1865.
Mell, A. J., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 14, 1862, Deo. 26, 1862.
Mericle, John, 58th O. V. I., Feb. 1, 1865, Sept. 23, 1865.
Meyers, T. D., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 11, 1864, Dea 14, 1864.
Meyer, Wm.B., 46th O. V. I., Jan. 19, 1862, Oct. 15, 1862.
Micha,Edw. R., 32dO. V.L,Sept. 5, 1861, Sept 15, 1864
Middaugh, John, 3lBtO. V. L, Sept., 1861, Oct, 1864.
Milliken,JohnH., 4th O.V. Cav., Oct 3, 1861, May 13, 1864.
Milliken, D., 4th O. V. Cav., Sept 27, 1861, Oct 18, 1861.
Milliken, S., 4th O. V. Cav., Feb. 22, 1864, July 15, 1865.
Mills, Curtis, 180th O. V. L, March, 1865, Oct, 1865.
Mills, James, 8l8t 0. Y. L, Oct 1862, June, 1865.
Mills, James, 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 1862, June, 1865.
Miller, Absalom, 179th O. Y. L, Sept 24, 1865, June 17, 1865.
Miller, Amos A., 8l8t 0. Y. I, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Miller, Andrew, 8lBt0. Y. I, Oct 1862, d. March 8, 1863,;Corinth, Miss.
Miller, Benoni, 80th O, Y. I., August 18, 1861, Sept 18, 1864.
Miller, Chaa W., 8lst O. Y. L,Sept 1861, d. July 27, 1863, Rome, Ga.
Miller, Christian, 58th O. Y. L, Sept 11, 1861, Oct, 1865.
Miller, Eli, Slst O. Y. L, Jan. 1864, July 22, 1865.
Miller, Ferdinand, lldkh 0. Y. L, Aug. 22, 1862, Aug., 1865.
Miller, Freeling H., 119tb O. Y. L, Aug., 1862, k'd. Resaca,iaa., May
14, 1864.
Miller, Henry, 81st O. Y. L, Aug. 30, 1861, Nov. 3, 1864.
Miller, H. C, Slst O. Y. L, Aug. 4, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Miller, Geo. W., 81st O. Y. L Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Miller, Geo. Slst O. Y. L, Sept 1861, Sept 12, 1862.
Miller, Isaac N,, 81st 0.<i?, L, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Miller, Jesse D., 118th 0. Y. L, Aug. 8, 1862, June 6, 1868.
Miller, Jesse, D., 199th O. Y. L, Sept 24, 1864, June 19, 1865.
Miller, Jesse J., SlstO. Y. Y. L, Aug. 1, 1861, Feb. 15, 1864.
Miller, Jesse L., 54th O. Y. L, Nov. 7, 1863, Aug. 15, 1865.
Miller, John, Slst O. Y. L, recruit, July, 1865.
Miller, Josiah, 118th O. Y. L, Aug. 1862, d'd of wounds Atlanta, Ga.
Miller, Joseph. 151st O. N. G, May 1, 1864, Aug., 1864
Miller, Martin, Slst O. Y. L, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Miller, Peter S., Slst O. Y. L, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Miller, Robert A., Slst O. Y. L, Aug. 30, 1861, Aug., 1864.
Miller, Samuel B., Slst O. Y. L, July 26, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Miller, Solomon, Slst O. V. L, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 355
MiUer, Solomon B., SlstO. V. L, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Miller, Solomon P., Slst O. V. I., July 21, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Miller, Tobias, Slst O. V. L, July 21, 1862, July 22, 1865.
Miller, Uriah, 179th O. V. I., Sept 23, 1864, June 17, 1865.
Miller, Wm., Slst O. V. I, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Miller, Wm. W., 54th O. V. I, Sept 10, 1861, Aug. 15, 1865.
Mochwart, John, 62d O. V. L, Sept 1864, July, 1865.
Mohler, Jacob, 54th O. V. L, Dec. 23, 1863, Aug. 15, 1865.
Mohler, Samuel,
Mohn, John, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 1862, June, 1865.
Monesmith, Alonzo, Slst O. V. I., Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Monesmith, Dav. E., Slst O. V. t, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Monfort, Elias, 33d O. V. L, Oct 1, 1864, June 4,1865.
Monroe, Joseph, 57th O. V. L, March, 1864, June 29, 1865.
Montague, James M., 12th O. V. Cav., March 25, 1864, May 15, 1865.
Montague, Lafayette. 12th O. V. Cav., Sept 25, 1863, June 10, 1865.
Moon, Francis M, 88th O. V. I. July, 1863, July, 1865.
Moon, L S., Miss. Squadron, 1864, Aug., 1865.
Moore, Jacob, i83d O. V. L, Nov. 19, 1863, July 17, 1865.
Moore, John R., 13th O. V. I, June 10, 1861, died Aug., 1861.
Moore, Nathaniel, 106th 111. V. I, Feb. 13, 1863, July 12, 1865.
Moore, Oscar, O. N. G., May, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Moorman, A. J., Slst O. V. L, July 27, 1862, died April 18, 1868, Cor-
inth, Miss. «
Moorman, Jacob M., Slst O. V. I, July 27, 1862, July 21, 1865.
Moorman, Madison, Slst O. V. I, 1862. July, 1865.
Moorman, Thonias, Slst O. V. 1, 1862, died Aug. 8, 1863, Pocahon-
tas, Tenn.
Moorman, Wm. A. J., Slst O. V. I., Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Morey, Ephraim, Slst O. V. L, Oct. 1862, died w'ds June 8, 1864.
Mor^n, David S., 175th O. V. L, Aug. 10, 1864, died of wounds, 1865.
Morgan, D. T., 151st O. N. G., June, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Morgan, R. J., 157th O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept 15, 1864
Morris, James, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, May 29, 1865.
Morris, James, Mexican "War, Aug., 1846, Aug., 1847.
Morris, John H., Slst 6. V. I., Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Morris, Morris J., Miss. Squadron, Sept. 1, 1864, July, 1865.
Morris, Thos. N., 5th O, V. Cav., Oct. 21, 1861, June 28, 1862.
Morris, Wm. J., Slst O. V. L, Sept., 1861, Sept 16. 1862.
Morris, William, Mexican War, Aug., 1846, Aug., 1847.
Morris, Wm., 13th O. V. Cav., Sept 17, 1864, July 2, 1865.
Morris, Wm. J.. 118th O. V. I., Aug. 9, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
356 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Morrow, Joseph S., 45th O. V. I., Aug. 19, 1862, May 15, 1864.
Morse, Edward, 183d O. V. L, Oct. 12. 1864, July 17, 1865.
Mort, John 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Morton, Warwick W., 81st O. V. L, recruit, died March 7, 1864,
Pulaski, Tenn.
Mottier, John, 81st O. V. I., recruit, July, 1865.
Mottier, Samuel, 8lBt O. V. I., Sept., 1861, May 19, 1865.
Mounts, Milton L., 81st O. V. I., recruit, July, 1865.
Mounts, Protector L., 81st O. V. L, recruit, July, 1865.
Mowery, George, 192d O. V. I, Feb., 1865, Sept, 1865.
Mowery, Levi, 192d O. V. L* Feb., 1865, Sept, 1865.
Moyer, John C, 179th O. V. I., June, 1861, June, 1865.
Moyers, Davis B.
Moyers, Harrison.
Moyers, Jacob.
Moyers, Samuel W.
Moyers, T. C, 81st O. V. I„ Sept 12, 1861, July 1,3, 1865.
Moyers, Wm. T.
Mueller, 118th O. V. I., August, 1862, June, 1865.
MuUenhour, Danier, 99th O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, March 4, 1863.
Mullenhour, John, 81st O. V. I., Nov. 23, 1861, March 3, 1863.
MuUenhour, Joseph, 81st O. V. L, 1861, died June 24, 1862, Paducah, Ky.
Mullholland, James, 82d. O. V. I., Nov. 8, 1861, Nov., 1864.
Mullholland, Jos.,*82d O. V. L, Nov. 8, 1861, Aug., 1865.
Mumaugh, David R., 99th O. V. I., July 27, 1862, March 23, 1863.
Mumaugh, Wm. J., 2d Battalion, July 17, 1862, June 13, 1865.
Munch, David. 54th O. V. V. I., Feb. 27, 1864, Aug. 22, 1865.
Munch, Philip, 81st O. V. I, killed Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 21, 1864.
Murray, Daniel E., 118th O. V. I., Sept 10, 1862. June 24, 1865.
Murray, George W., 81st O. V. I., Sept 1, 1861, re-enlisted.
Murray, George W., 198th O. V. L, Jan. 26, 1865, May 8, 1865.
Murray, Robert D., 7th O. V. I., April 25, 1861, Nov. 28, 1862.
Murray, Robert D., 12th O. V. Cav., Sept 1, 1863, July 10, 1865.
Murray, Robert R., 4th O. V. Cav., Aug. 27, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Musser, Harvey, 45th O. V. I., Aug. 6, 1862, June 12, 1865.
Musser, John F., 6th Cal. V. L, April 30, 1863, Dec. 15, 1865.
Myers, L. H., 99th O. V. I., Aug. 6, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Myers, Noah, 192d O. V. I., Jan. 12, 1865, Sept 1, 1865.
Myers, Randolph, McLaughlin's Squadron, Sept, 1861, died, 1865.
Myers, David, 8l8t O. V. I., Sept 15, 1861, July 25, 1862.
Myers, Daniel, 81st O. V. I., Sept. 15, 1861, July 25, 1862.
Myers, John Jacob, 99th O. V. L, Aug., 1861, Feb., 1862.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 357
Myers, Goorge W., Gist O. V. V. I, Aug., 1861, July 24, 1865.
Myers, John R., Ist Heavy Artillery, June 15, 1863, July 25, 1865.
Napier, H. H., 54th O. V. L, Feb. 1, 1864, July 27, 1865.
Nash, Charles A., 15th Vet Res. Corps, July 24, 1862, Nov. 17, 1865.
Nash, Dewitt C, 1st X). S. Artillery, Aug. 18, 1862, Oct. 7, 1865.
Nation, Thomas A., 81st O. V. I., Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Neely, David, 54th O. V. I., Aug. 15, 1865.
Neely, James, 118th O. V. I., Oct., 1862, July, 1865.
Neely, Samuel, 81st O. V. I., Sept. 1, 1861, Sept. 9, 1864.
Neely, John H., 183d O. V. I., Nov. 7, 1862, July 17, 1865.
Neely, John,J., 57th O. V. I., Dea 5, 1861, Dea 22, 1864.
Neely, William P., 150th O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 23, 1864
Neise, Hiram, 81st O. V. I., Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Nettle, George, 118th O. V. L, 1862, June, 1865.
Newell, Gilbert M., lOlst O. V. I., Aug. 7, 1862, June 12, 1865.
Newland, Wm. H., 82d O. V. I., Jan. 5, 1864. July 24, 1885.
Newland, Wm., 18ath O. V. I., Aug. 16, 1864, June 14, 1865.
Nicholas, David D., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Nicholas, James, ll8th O. V. I, Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Nicholas, Richard J., 5th O. V. Cav., Oct. 16, 1861, Nov. 29, 1864.
Nichols, Amos J., 81st O. V. I., Oct. 1862, Jan. 28, 1863.
Nicolet, J. C, 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 25, 1864.
Nihiser, Amos, 81st O. V. I, Sept 1861, d. Nov. 19. 1862, Corinth, Mies.
Nimo. Charles, 81st O. V. I., Oct. 1862, July, 1865.
Nixon, John B., 135th O. l5r. G., May, 1864, Oct, 1864.
Noonan, Patrick, 66th O. V. L, June, 1861, July 20, 1865.
Nun, Price. 81st O. V. I, recruit, d. May 25, 1863, Corinth, Miss.
Nye, John H., 27th O. V. I., Aug. 5, 1861, Aug. 17, 1864
O'Neal, John, 81st O. V. I, Oct 1862, died Aug. 20, 1863, Pocahontas,
Tenn.
Orebaugh, John L., 81st O. Y. I., Sept 1861, transferred Jan. 16, 1865.
Orvills, Thomas, 18th Kentucky V. I. Sept 1864, July, 1865.
Osbom, Abram, I83d O. V. I., Jan. 2, 1864, July 17, 1865.
Osbom, Calvin, 84th O. V. I., May, 1862, Sept, 1862.
Osbom, John J., 27th O. V. I., Aug. 3, 1861, Aug. 17, 1864. •
Osbom, William C, 192d O. V. I., Feb. 4, 1865, Sept 1, 1865.
Osman, John, 151st O. N. G., May 13, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Osman, William, 8 1st O. V. I., Aug. 27, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Ott, Fidelus, 8 1st O. Y. I., recruit, died March 12, 1863, Corinth, Miss.
Ott, John H., 1st O. V. Cav., Oct 12, 1861, May 12, 1863.
0\vens, David R., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 1862, died Oct 3, 1863.
Owens, Evans E., Il8th O. V. L, Aug. 19, 1862, May 22, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
358 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Owens, P. v., 1st Ohio Sharp Shooters, k. Murfreesboro, May 24, 1864.
Owens, Richard, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Dec. 15, 1864.
Owens, Richard, 184th O. V. I., Dec. 1864, Sept., 1865.
Owens, Thomas R., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, died of wounds Dec.
8, 1864.
Pace, Huron, 50th O. V. L, July 17, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Palmer, Christian, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 1862, July, 1865.
Pangle, Milton, 198th Bat. O., March 19, 1865, May 19, 1865.
Pangle, Mordecai, 6th Light Battery, Oct 20, 1861, Sept. 1, 1865.
Pangle, Samuel, 64th O. V. L, Nov. 4, 1861, Dec. 31, 1863.
Parham, Henry, 171st O. V. L
Park, George A., 81st O. V. I., recruit. May 5, 1865.
Parker, Ephraim W., 99th O. V. I., Aug. 17, 1862, .Aug. 1865.
Parker, Cyrenus W., 99th O. V. I., July 23, 1862, Jan. 14, 1863.
Parker, Cyrenus W., Marines, Dec. 26, 1862, Jan. 20, 1865.
Parker, James, 99th O. V. I., Aug. 1862, May 20, 1865.
Parker, James C, 81st O. V. I, Oct. 1862, July, 1865.
Parker, Jeremiah, 81st O. V. I., Oct 1862, died May 10, 1864, Georgia.
Parrett, James H., 62d O. V. I., Oct. 11, 1861, Nov. 25, 1863.
Parrish, William, 81st Of V. L, Oct. 1862, died March 9, 1863, Corinth,
Miss.
Parry, Hugh, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Parry, Moses, 1 18th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, d. June 9, 1864, Resaca, Ga.
Patrick, A. M, 99th O. V. I., July 27, 1862, March 4, 1865.
Peifer, Peter, 27th O. V. I., Aug. 28, 1861, Sept., 1864.
Pence, Daniel W., 81st O. V. I., Oct. 1862, July, 1865.
Peltier, Enos, 99th O. V. I., Aug. 8, 1862, Aug. 26, 1865.
Peltier, John W., 81st O. V. L, Aug. 30, 1861, Sept 26, 1864.
Peltier, Joseph S., 8l8t O. V. I., Aug. 15, 1861, Sept 26, 1864.
Peltier, William C, 50th O. V. I., Aug. 11, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Perkins, James, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 1862, June, 1865.
Perkins, John A., 81st O. V. I., Oct 15, 1861, July 15, 1862.
Perry, Moses J., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, Aug. 1864.
Perry, William, 81st O. V. I., Sept 1861, May 30, 1865.
Peter, W. S., Marine Reg., Dec. 26, 1862, Jan. 20, 1865.
Peters, William S., 13th O. V. 1., June 5, 1861, Dec. 26, 1862.
Petree, Aaron G, 82d O. V. I., Oct 21, 1861, July, 1865.
Peterson, Chas. W., 81st O. V. I, Feb. 24, 1864, July 20, 1865.
Philbin, Michael, 81st O. V. L Aug. 11, 1862, July 13, 1865,
Phillips, James P., ISlst O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Phillips, W., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Phinney, Charles E., 188th O. V. I., March, 1865, Sept 28, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 359
Piercy, John, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 1862, June, 1865.
Pieraon, W. H., Slst O. V. L, Oct. 8, 1862, July 13, 1865.
PiUow, Henry, 81st O. V. I., Sept. 1861, July 13, 1865.
Pippin, Benjamin, Slst O. V. L, recruit, July 13, 1865.
Pixley, Joseph W., 14th U. S. L, Jan. 1862, Jan., 1865.
Place, Isaac, 195th O. V. L, March 2, 1865, Dec. 18, 1865.
Place, Leroy, Slst O. V. L, recruit, July, 1865.
Place, L. M., Slst O. V. L, July 21, 1862, Feb., 1863.
Place Wm., Slst O. V. L, Segt. 1861, July, 1865.
Poage, Gratton, E., Slst O. V. I. Sept 15, 1861, Oct 2, 1864.
Point, Andrew J., Slst O. V. L, July, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Point, James, Slst O. V. I., July, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Point, W. a, 118th O. V. L, July, 1862, July, 1864.
Point, William. llSth O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Poling, Anderson, Slst O. V. I., recruit, July, 1865.
Pool, Henry, Slst O. V. I, Sept 1861, March 27, 1863.
Porter, B. S., 1st Va. I., May 14, 1861, Sept 1861.
Porter, James C, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, June, 1864.
Post, Adams, C, Slst O. V. I., July 21, 1862, promoted to Lieut
Post, CharU^ G., 4th O. Cav., Oct 2, 1861, July 22, 1865.
Poet, Isaac B.,
Potterf, James M., Slst O. V. I., Sept 1861, June 19, 1865.
Powell, C. M., 156th O. N. G., May 1, 1864, Sept 1, 1864
Price, Emanuel, 118th, O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, May 26, 1865.
Price, Richard M., 118th O. V. I, Aug. 22, 1862, June 28, 1865.
Pritchard, Wm. P., Slst O. V. I, Oct 1862, Feb. 21, 1863.
Prophet, H. S., 15th O. V. I, April, 1861, Aug., 1861.
Protsman, Alonzo, 183d O. V. I, Dec. 22, 1863, July 17, 1865.
Race, F. H., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 1862, June, 1865.
Race, Jonathan, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 1862, June, 1865,
Rader, George, 192d O. V. I., Feb. 1865, Aug. 1865.
RaiHng, Isaac, 118th O. V. I., July 20, 1862, May 30, 1865.
Railing, Thomas W., 37th O. V. I., Aug. 9, 1861, July 20, 1865.
Ralston, J. W., 47th O. V. V. L, Sept 26, 1864, June 17, 1865.
Rambo, Thomas, 50th O. V. V. L, Aug. 7, 1862, March 4, 1865.
Ramsdell, L. W., 180th O. V. I., Sept 21, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Randall, Edwin D., Slst O. V. I, Aug. 14, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Ranes, Newton, 47th O. V. I, Oct 4, 1864, Aug. 14, 1865.
Rankin, William, Slst O. V. L, Sept 1861, k. Oct. 8, 1862, Cornith,
Miss.
Ransbottom, A., 4th O. V. C, Feb. 22, 1864, July 22, 1865.
Raric, Perry, 12th O. V. C, Sept, 1863, Dec., 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
360 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Raudebaugh, W. H. H.. 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Raymond, Jeromel, Slst O. V. V. I, Aug. 13, 1861, July 3, 1865.
Ream, Daniel, A, 36th O. V. L, Aug. 19, 1862, July 12th, 1865.
Ream, John A., 34th O. V. L, Aug. 18, 1862, Sept. 12, 1865.
Reed, David W., 66th 111. V. I., March 24, 1862, May 26, 1865.
Reed, Elihu, 192d O. V. L, Feb. 1. 1864, Sept. 8, 1864
Reed, Isaac, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Reed, L F., 8lBt O. V. I., May 15, 1865.
Reed, John, 12th O. V. Cav., Sept. 1, 1863^ Nov. 14, 1865.
Reed, Salem, 74th O. V. I., Feb. 28, 1863, July 25, 1865.
Reed, Silas, 99th O. V. I, Aug. 9, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Reed Stephen, 81st O. V. I, Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Reedy Jonathan, 17th O. V. L, March, 1863, July, 1865.
Reel, Henry, 4th O. V. Cav., Sept 6, 1861, Oct 20, 1864.
Reese, F., 180th O. V. L, Sept 23, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Reese, Evan, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, July 16, 1865.
Reichelderfer, John, 81st O. V. I., Aug. 13, 1862, July 22, 1865.
Reichelderfer, W. R, March, 1865, Jan., 1865.
Remagen, Peter, 153d O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 29, 1864
Renner, Uriah, 87th O. V. I., June 15, 1862, Aug., 1862.
Rex, Daniel, 45th O. V. L, June'19, 1861, June, 1865.
Rex, Michael, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Reynolds, Jackson A, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 1862, Trans, to Vet Res. Oor.
Rhodes, A. S., Slst O. V. L, Oct 10, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Rhodes, John D., 121st O. V. I., Aug. 14, 1862, March 21, 1863.
Rice, Richard.
Richards, Ferd. C, Slst O. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, Sept 26, 1864.
Richards, Frank S., 49th O. V. L, Aug. 15, 1861, Aug. 31, 1864
Richards, Frank S., 189th O. V. L, Feb. 20, 1865, July, 1865.
Richards, Martin, 81st O. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, Nov. 1, 1862.
Richardson, Daniel, McLaughlin's Squad, April 6, 1864, Nov. 17, 1865.
Richardson, Wm., McLaughlin's Squad, Oct 5, 1864, Oct 6, 1865.
Richardson, Wm. H., 81st O. V. L, Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Rider, Joseph, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 7, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Rider, Henry, 192d O. V. L, Feb. 17, 1865, Aug. 31, 1865.
Rider, Samuel, 81st O. V. L, July 28, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Ridenour, Isaac, 179th O. V. I, Sept 24, 1864, died Nashville, Tenn.,
Deo. 1864
Ridenour, Isaac, 57th O. V. L, March 16, 1864, June 7, 1865.
Ridenour, Jacob, 118th O. V. I, Oct 20, 1862, died Washington City
Feb. 5, 1865.
Ridenour, M. H., 32d O. V. I., Aug. 19, 1861, Jan. 1, 1864
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 361
Ridenour, Peter, Vet. Res. Corps, Aug. 8, 1862, June 30, 1865.
Ridenour, Wm. J., 2d Ind. Battery, Aug. 1, 1861, Sept 1, 1864.
Rigdon, John, ISlst O. N. G., May 13, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864.
Riley, Samuel J., McLaughlin's Squad, Oct 19, 1861, Nov. 11, 1864
Rimer, Daniel P., 118th O. V. I, Sept 13, 1862, June, 1865.
Rinehart, Jacob, 8l8t O. V. L, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Risser, Christian, 3d Mo. V. I., Aug. 18, 1861, Sept 20, 1864
Rise, Adam L., 74th III. V. I., Aug., 1862, Feb. 29, 1863.
Rise, Thos. C, 8l8t O. V. L, Sept 15, 1861, Oct 2, 1864
Rise, Jacob T., 81st O. V. I., Sept 15, 1861, re-enlisted.
Rise, Jacob T,, 192d O. V. L, March 1, 1865, Sept 1, 1865.
Robbins, Hiram, 8l8t O. V. I, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Roberts, David J., 157th O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept 15, 1864.
Roberts, Hamilton, 54th O. V. L, Oct 25, 1861, Nov. 10, 1864
Roberts, Henry P., 118th O. V. L. Aug. 7, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Roberts, Lewis. 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Roberts, Oliver C, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Roberts, Wm. W., 151st O. N. G„ May 2, 1864, Sept 15, 1864.
Roby, Francis J., 81st O. V. L, Oct 1862, July, 1865.
Rockey, Geo. A., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 12, 1862, July 9, 1865.
Rockhill, Alfred L., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 1862, died.
Rockhill, R. N., 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864
Rockhill, R N., 192d O. V. I, Jan 15, 1865, June 8, 1865.
Rodeheaver, Wm. H., 151st O. N. G., May 14, 1864, Sept, 1864
Roeder, W. W., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept 15, 1864
Romey, Henry, 74th O. V. V. L. Jan. 15, 1862, March 6, 1865.
Roney, Geo. H., 81st O. V. L, Sept, 1861.
Rose, R S., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept 7, 1864
Rose, James, 43d O. V. I, Dec. 15, 1861, Nov., 1862.
Rosselit, Mathias, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, July 7, 1865.
Ross, Chaa, 81st O. V. L,. recruit, July, 1865.
Roes, John A., 54th O. V. V. L, Jan. 5, 1864, Aug. 15, 1865.
Ross, John A., 14th O. V. L, Aug. 25, 1861, July 11, 1865.
Roush, Cornelius, 1st O. Heavy Artillery, April 4, 1864, July 25, 1866.
Roush, Franklin, 192dO. T. L, Feb. 28, 1865, Sept 1, 1865.
Roush, Geo. W., 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Roush, Henry.
Roush, Philip, 19th Wisconsin, April 21, 1861, Aug. 20, 1865.
Roush, Theodore, 1st O. Heavy Art'y, April 4, 1864, July 25, 1865.
Rowles, Wm., Signal Corps, Aug. 29, 1861, Sept 18, 1864.
Rudy, J. W., 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Rudy, Shephard, 188th O. V. L, Sept 1864, May 20. 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
862 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Kudy, David S., 54th O. V. L, Dec. 1862, Aug. 1865.
Buggies, Almond, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, July 7, 1865.
Bumbaugh, Barton, 14th Ind. Battery, April, 1862, died at New Orleans,
Not. 17, 1864.
Bumbaugh, Harvey, 180th O. V. I., Sept 24, 1864, June 22, 1865.
Bumbaugh, Jesse L., 46th O. V. I, Feb. 4, 1862, Sepi 23, 1862.
Bumbaugh, Jesse L., Ist O. A., April 4, 1864, July 25, 1865.
Bumbaugh, Thos. H., 20th O. V. I., April 20, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861.
Bumbaugh, Thos. H., 50th O. V. L, July 28, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Bumbaugh, William, 15l8t O. N. G.. May, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Bumbaugh, W. N., 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Bunkle, Chester F., 2d Ky. W. A., June, 1861, Aug., 1864
Bunyan, Calvin C., 81st O. V. L, Aug. 15^ 1862, July 13, 1865.
Bupert, George, 192d O. V. I., Feb. 17, 1865, died Jan. 1865.
Bupert, John N., Slst O. V. I., Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Bupert, John W., 180th O. V. I, Sept 1864, July 25, 1865.
Bupert, Samuel, 180th O. V. L, Sept 1864, July 25, 1865.
Buse, Henry, 118th O. V. 1, Aug. 22, 1862, July 7, 1865.
Busier, Phillip, 192d O. V. I, Feb. 1, 1864, June 20, 1864
Bussell, Orland, 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Sept, 1864
Bussell, T. S., 60th O. V. I, Feb. 1864, Aug. 5, 1865.
Bussell, Wm., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Bussell, Wm. H, 180th O. V. I., Sept 22, 1864 July 12, 1865.
Bydman, Geo. W\, 32d O. V. V. I, Sept., 1861, July 25, 1865.
^ Bydman, John W., 2d Ind. Battery, Sept 1, 1861, Sept 1, 1864.
Sakemiller, And. B., 81st O. V. L, Oct 1862, killed at Atlanta, Ga.,'July
24 1864
Sakemiller, Jacob J., 81st O. V. I., Oct 1862, July, 1865.
Salyards, David, 81st O. V. L, Oct 1862, July, 1865.
Saums, Adam L., 2d la. V. I., May 6, 1861, Nov. 7, 1862.
Sautter, G. J., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, Nov. 2, 1865.
Sawmiller, Geo. W., 12th O. Cav., Sept 15, 1863, Nov. 19, 1864
Sawmiller, Isaac, McLaughlin's Squad, l^Iarch, 1864, Nov., 1865.
Sawmiller, Sampson, Slst O. V. L, Nov. 23, 1861, l>^^ 12, 1864
Sawmiller, Wilson, McLaughlin's Squad, March, 1864, Nov., 1865.
Schell, Martin B., 27th O. V. L, July 31, 1861, July 11, 1865.
Schindel, Jacob, 47th O. V. L, Sept, 1864, June, 1865.
Schlosser, John, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 11, 1862, Jan. 24, 1865.
Schlotterbeck, John, 124th Ind., V. L, Dec. 1863, Aug., 1865.
Schick, Adam, 81st Beg. Band, Aug. 15, 1861, July 25, 1862.
Schwab, Albert, 20th O. V. I„ April, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861.
Schwab, Albert, U. S. Navy, Aug. 1862, Aug. 14, 1863.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 863
Schwab, Benj. F., ISlst O. N. G., May 10, 1864, Sept 22, 1864.
Schwab, Fred A., 20th O. V. I, April, 1861, Aug., 1862.
Schwab, Fred A., U. S. Navy.
Shanks, Abraham, Slst O. V. I., July 24, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Seaman, Benj. C, Slst O. V. I., Sept. 1861, July, 1865.
Sear, John, 192d O. V. I, Feb. 1865, June, 1865.
SeUers, Daniel B., 34th O. V. L, Aug. 14, 1862, Jan. 19, 1864
Shade, Nelson, 4th O. T. Cav., Nov. 14, 1861, Nov. 16, 1864.
Shaeffer, Thomas, 9th O. V. I., April, 1861, April, 1864.
Shafer, Ferdinand, 151st O. N. G., May 10, 1864, June 7, 1865.
Shafer, Jacob, 2d Battalion, Aug. 11, 1862, Aug. 21, 1865.
Shafer, John F., 54th 111. V. L, Dec. 27, 1863, July 15, 1865.
Shaffer, Daniel, 102d Col'd. I., Dec. 14, 1863, Sept. 30, 1865.
Shaffer, Emanuel, 62d O.V. I., Aug., 1864, July 15, 1865.
Shappell, Daniel, Slst O. V. I, Aug. 13, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Shappell, J. G., Slst O. V. I., Aug. 13, 1862, July 22, 1865.
Shappell, Nelson, Slst O. Y. I., July 22, 1865, Jan. 5, 1865.
Shanks, Abram, Slst O. V. I, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Shanks, Joseph F., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 1862, k. Resaoa, May 14, 1864.
Shannon, Wm.,29th O. V. V. I., Sept 23, 1864, June 5, 1865.
Sharp, John, 5th Artillery, Feb. 27, 1862, Sept 28, 1862.
Shaw, Jackson M. C, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, died.
Shaw, Thomas, Slst O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Shearer, John, 118th O. V. I, Aug. 7. 1862, killed May 14; 1864
Shearer, Daniel H., 32d O. V. L, Aug. 29, 1862, July 20, 1865.
Sheehan, W. B., Slst O. V. I, Sept 1861, Feb. 14, 1863.
Sheffy, Benj. F., Mounted Bat. Sept, 1862, April, 1865.
Shellenbarger, Wm., Slst O. V. L, Oct 1862, d.. Mar. 15, 1863, Corinth,
Miss.
Shellenbarger, W. R S.. 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Sherrick, B. F., Slst O. V. 1, Oct 6, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Sherman, Chas., Slst O. V. I , Sept, 1861, July, 1865. •
Sherman, Wm., Slst O. V. I, Sept., 1861, died Dec, 20, 1861.
Sherry, Alfred R., Slst O. V. I, Aug. 1, 1861, Aug. 30, 1862.
Sherry, James, Slst O. V. I, Aug. 1861, July 19, 1862.
Sherry, James E., Slst O. V. I., Aug. 1861, d. Corinth, Miss., Aug. 5,
1862.
Shewman, Jacob, Slst O. V. I., Sept, 1861, k'd Dec. 18, 1863, Pulaski,
Tenn.
Shewman, Martin, Slst O. V. I, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Shinnaberry, John, 99th O. V. I., Aug. 26, 1862, Jan. 21, 1863.
Shively, Isaac, Vet. Res. Corps., Nov. 9, 1861, Nov. 17, 1864
Digitized by
Google
364 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Shively, Samuel, 57th O. V. I., Sept 1863, d. Vicksbnrg, Feb., 1864.
Shobe, Isaac M., 20th O. V. I.,
Shock, Charles, Slst O. V. I, Sept, 1861, June 13, 1865.
Shock, Samuel, 8l8t O. V. L. Sepi, 1861, d. Mar. 12, 1863, Corinth, Miss.
Shockey, Leander J., 54th O. V. I., Dec. 22, 1863, Aug. 15, 1865.
Shoemaker, Andrew, 66th O. V. L, Aug., 1865, Nov. 2, 1865.
Shoflf, Cornelius, 81st O. V. I, Sept., 1861, July, 1865
Shook, Lyman, 66th 111. V. I, March 24, 1862, May 26, 1865.
Shrider, Daniel, 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864.
Shrider, Geo. F., 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864.
Shrider, Thomas, 197th O. V. I., March 10, 1865, July 31, 1865.
Shull, J., 81st O. V. I, Sept 15, 1861, July 27, 1862.
Shuler, D. J., Slst O. V, I., Aug. 25, 1861, Sept 25, 1864.
Shultz, Harvey, 81st O. V. L, recruit, July, 1865.
Shutt, Daniel,' 88th Ind. V. L. Jan. 15, 1868.
Siever, J. K., 82d O. V. I., Nov. 19, 1861, Aug. 5, 1865.
Simkins, Benj. F., 81st O. V. L, Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Simon, John, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July 18, 1865.
Sindall, John, Slst O. V. L, recruit, July 13, 1865.'
Skinner, Wm., 74th O. V. L, Jan. 15, 1862, Feb. 4, 1864.
Slygh, Henry K, 50th O. V. I, July 23, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Slygh, Leander, Slst O. V. I, Oct 15, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Smith, Abraham, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Smith, C. W., Slst O. V. L, July, 1862 (13 years of age), May 30, 1865.
Smith, L N., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864
Smith, James D., 81stO. V. L, Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Smith, James H, Slst O. V. I, Oct, 1862, d. of w'ds, June 18, 1864.
Smith, James M., 2d Bat V. R. C, Aug. 18, 1862, June 28, 1865.
Smith, John H., Slst O. V. I, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Smith, J. L., 180th O. V. I., Sept 1, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Smith, Robert H., 192d O. V. L, Feb. 17, 1865, Aug. 31, 1865.
Smithsouler, Peter, 78th O. V. I., Sept 24, 1864, June 2, 1865.
Smutz, Cyrus D. Slst O. V. L, Sept 1861, July, 1865.
Snider, Abdallah, 99th O. V. I., Aug. 7, 1862, Jane 28, 1865.
Snider, A. M, Slst O. V. L, Sept 14, 1861, , 1865.
Snider, Leonard A., 32d O. V. L, Oct 12. 1861, Jan. 4, 1864.
Snider, Thomas, Slst O. V. 1, Sept 1, 1861, Sept 10, 1864.
Snodgrass, Jas. A., 12l8t O. V. L, Sept 11, 1862, June 8, 1865.
Snodgrass, William, Slst O. V. I, Sept 1, 1861, Sept 10, 1864
Snyder, Alfred, 54th O. V. L, Feb. 1, 1864, Sept, 1865.
Snyder, Francis A., 74th O. V. 1., Jan. 15, 1862, July 10, 1865.
Snyder, George, 180 O. V. I,Sept 20, 1864, July, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 365
Snyder, Josiab, 99th O. V. I, Aug., 1862, d. Nashville, Tenn. Dec, 1862.
Sayder, Levi, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 15, 1862, May 18, 1865.
Snyder, William, 81st O. V. L, Oct., 1861, died June, 1882.
Solomon. C. W., 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1863, Aug. 27, 1864.
Solomon, George, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Southworth, B. F., McLaughlin's Squad, Nov. 1, 1861, Deo. 2, 1864.
Sowers, David, 32d O. »V. L, Aug. 19, 1861, July 20, 1865. ,
Sowers, George, 118th O. V. I, Aug., 1862, died.
Spach, Leonard L., 81st O. V. L, Oct., 1862, July, 1865.
Spade, William, 66th 111. V. L, March 24, 1862, April 2, 1865.
Spangler, Levi, 81st O. V. L, Sept., 1861, d. Nov. 7, 1861, Franklin, Mo.
Speer, James K, 21st Pa. Cav., Aug., 1864, March, 1865.
Spencer, Barns, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 80, 1864.
Spencer, Thomas N., 1 78th O. V. L, June 23, 1863, July 20, 1865.
Spera, William, 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Spikmyef, Henry, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, July 7, 1865.
Sprague, Sidney, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 9, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Sprague, William, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 9, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Spriggs, L B., 118th O. V. I, Aug. 7, 1862, died Aug. 4, 1864.
Stager, Isaac, 22d O. Battery, March, 1863, July, 1865.
Staley, Lorenzo, 46th O. V. I., June 1, 1862, Sept. 17, 1862.
Staley, Jerome, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 30, 1861, Sept. 26, 1864.
Staley, John, 46th O. V. L, Dec. 31, 1861, Sept. 11, 1862.
Staley, John F., 151st O. N. G., May 6, 1864, Sept, 1864
Staley, William, 2d Battalion, Dec. 14, 1861, Dec. 15, 1864.
Stalter, Daniel, 118th O. V. I, Aug. 9, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Standish, Wallace, 81st O. V. I, Aug. 30, 1861, Sept. 26, 1864.
Standiford, John F., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Standiford, JohnF., , Feb. 19, 1865, died March 19, 1865.
Stamer, William, 81st O. V. I., , died Sept. 23, 1864, Rome, Ga.
States, Jacob, 192d O. V. L, March 1, 1865, Sept 1, 1865.
Stemen, Chris. D., 179th O. V. L, Sept 23, 1864, June 17, 1865.
Stemen, John B., 176th O. V. L, Sept 24, 1864, died Nashville, Tenn.,
Jan. 10, 1865.
Stemen, N. W., 180th O. V. L, Sept 16, 1864, May 12, 1865.
Stemen, Daniel F., 81st O. V. L, Oct 6, 1862, died Corinth, Miss., Feb.
15, 1863.
Stemen, S. P., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, July, 1864.
Stemple, Jacob, 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864
Stephens, Wm. W., 157th O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Dec. 15, 1864.
Stepleton, Anthony, 8th Vet. Res. Corps., Sept 24, 1863, Nov. 2, 1865.
Stepleton, Jacob, ^ , .
Digitized by LjOOQIC
366 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
StepletoQ, Levi, SlstO. V. L, Aug. 15, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Steveus, Edgar, Slst O. V. I., Feb. 24, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Stevens, Walter S., SlstO. V. L, July 21, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Stevenson, Fran. E., 20tb O. V. L, April 20, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861.
Stevenson, Jacob, Slst O. V. L, Aug. 30, 1861, Nov. 20, 1862.
Stevenson, Jesse L., 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, died.
Stevenson, John, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Stevenson, Lemuel, Slst O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Stevenson, Nat. D., 99th O. V. I., July 20, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Stevenson, Nelson, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Stever, Abraham L, 34th O. V. I., Aug. 14, 1862, June 12, 1865.
Steward, Joseph L., 5th Col'd Arfy, Jan. 14, 1865, Jan. 13, 1866.
Stewart, Henry W.', 3dCol'd Art'y, Mar. 14, 1865, Mar. 13, 1866.
Stockier, C. P., 55th Ky. Cav., Nov. 15, 1864, Oct 20, 1865.
Stockton, Louis, Slst O. V. L, Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Stolter, John, McLaughlin's Squad, Oct, 1861, Dec, 1865.
Stoodt, Frederick, 99th O. V. L, Aug. 7, 1862, Jane 26, 1865.
Stopher, John W., SlstO. V. I, Aug. 20, 1862, July 20, 1865.
Stork, F., 87th O. V. L, Sept 14, 1861, Aug. 25, 1864.
Stoup, Lewis, 47th O. V. L, Oct, 1864, June 15, 1865.
Straw, Charles, Slst O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Strayer, Nich. Jr., 179th O. V. L, Sept 28, 1864, June 17, 1865.
Stritt, John, Slst O. V. L, Oct, 1862, July, 1865.
Strubridge, Isaac, Slst O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Strubridge, Samuel, SlstO. V. L, recruit, July 13, 1865.
Stuart, William, Ist Ind. Battery, July 26, 1861. Sept 10, 1864
Stuart, William T., 46th O. V. £, Feb. 7, 1862; July 22, 1865.
Stubbs, T. H. 179th O. V.L, Sept 1864, July, 1865.
Stuckey, Cornelius, 15l8t O. N. G., May 11, 1864, Aug. 25, 1864
Stukey, Harvey, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, died Washington, D. C.^
Aug. 1864.
Stukey, Joseph, 4th O. V. Cav., Sept, 1861, Aug., 1863.
Sudduth, William, 46th O. V. L, Jan. 1, 1861, Aug., 1862.
Sunderland, And. D., SlstO. V. I, Sept, 1861, July, 1865.
Sunderland, Eben'r, Slst O. V. L, July 21, 1862. July 13, 1865.
Sunderland, Henry, Slst O. V. I, Sept, 1861, d. July 4, 1864, Borne, Ga.
Sunderland, Bobert, Slst O. V. L, Aug., 1862, July 13, 1865.
Sunderland, Samuel, Slst O. V. L, July 21, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Sutton, Bobert, Slst O. V. L, July 21, 1862, July 20, 1865.
Swain, James W., Slst O. V. L, recruit, July 13, 1865.
Swain, Sampson, Slst O. Y. L, recruit, died Aug. 3, 1864, Marietta, Ga»
Swearingen, Louis, Slst O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 36T
Sweeney, Bryant, 81sfc O. V. L, recruit, July 13, 1865.
Sweeney, James, 146th 111. V. L, Sept 7, 1864, July 8, 1865.
Sweeney, Samuel L., 8l9t O. V. I, July 24, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Swett, S. S., 12l8t O. V. I., Dec. 25, 1863, Oct 20, 1864.
Swick, C, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864.
Swisher, James, 81st O. V. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, May 9, 1865.
Swisher, Stephen A., 81st O. V. I, Feb. 1864, died Nashville, Tenn.,.
Apr. 6, 1864.
Sylvester, O. W., 94th O. V. I., Aug. 8, 1862, July 10, 1865.
Tabler, John W., 46th O. V. I., Dec. 25, 1861, died May 25, 1862.
Tannehill, Eli, 50th O. V. L, Aug. 10, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Tarman, Jesse, 81st O. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Taylor, Leonard G., 191st O. V. L, Feb. 15, 1865, Aug. 27, 1865.
Taylor, John M., 1st U. S. Eng., July 24, 1862, June 20, 1865.
Taylor, Joseph H., 20th O. V. I., April 20, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861.
Taylor, Joseph H., 81st O. V. I., Dec. 16, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Taylor, Jos. A. D., 50th O. V. I., July 24, 18G2, June 26, 1865.
Teegardin, Abra'm, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 7, 1862, killed May 14, 1864.
Teegardin, Michael, 118th O. V. I, Aug. 11, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Teegardin, Peter, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 11, 1862, June 24, 1865.
TeetB, Alexander, 5th Ind. Cav., Aug. 2, 1862, Aug. 2, 1865.
Terry, Enos, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Terry, Enos, 180th O. V. I., Sept 28, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Terry, John, 54th O. V. I, Dea 20, 1861, Juiy 24, 1862.
Terry, Julius C, 32d O. V. L, March 30, 1864, May 29, 1865.
Terwilliger, John, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, Sept 14, 1863.
Tester, Fred, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 11, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Tester, Jacob, Slst O. V. I., Aug. 31, 1861, Sept 26, 1864
Thayer, Isaac E., 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Sept, 1864.
Thayer, Tyler D., 27th O. V. L, July 27, 1861, Aug. 17^ 1864.
Thomas, Evan J., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 15, 1862, Juue 24, 1865.
Thomas, Elijah J., 50th O. V. I., Aug. 11, 1862, June 26, 1865.
Thomas, Hugh, 118th O. V. L, Sept, 1862, June, 1865.
Thomas, Lewis, 118th O. V. L, Sept, 1862, June, 1865.
Thomas, Morris, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Dec. 15, 1864
Thompson, Joshua, Slst O. V. I., Sept 21, 1864, Oct, 1865.
Thompson, Owen, 74th O. V. I, March 17, 1862, July 10, 1864
Thompson, Kichard, 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Thompson, Samuel, 118th O. V. I, Aug. 12, 1862, Aug. 13, 1863.
Tippie, Washington, 81st O. V. I, Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Titus, Milton, Slst O. V. L, Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Todd, John K, 58th O. V. I, Dec. 7, 1861, Jan. 14, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
/
868 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Tompkins, Henry C, 27th O. V. I, July 28, 1861, Oci 31, 1864.
Tompkins, Lafayette, 45th O. V. I., July 25, 1862, k'd Knoxville, Tenn. ,
Nov. 18, 1863.
Tonguet, Fielding, 8l8t O. V. I., Sept./ 1861, July 13, 1865.
Tracy, Elijah, 81st O. V. I., Sept., 1861, Oct. 23, 1862.
Tracy, Pet^r, 81st O. V. I., July 8, 1862, May 10, 1865.
Trempert, Adolphos, 66th 111., S. S., March 24, 1862, k'd Atlanta, Ga.,
Aug. 11, 1864.
Trice, Daniel, 54th O. V. I, Jan. 13, 1864, Aug. 15, 1865.
Troxel, George, 192d O. V. I., Jan., 1865, Aug., 1865.
Truesdale, Avery, 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Truesdale, Geo. K., 8l8t O. V. L, Aug. 30, 1861, Dec. 17, 1862.
Truesdale, Jno. M., 99th O. V. I., Aug. 9, 1862, died Bowling Green,
Ky., 1862.
Truesdale, Josephus. 118th O. V. I., July 3, 1862, Feb. 13, 1864.
Truesdale, Isaac N., , 1864, , 1865.
Truesdale, Uriel, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862 June, 1865.
Truitt, Richard C, 81st O. V. I., Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Tucker, G., McLaughlin's Squad, Sept., 1861, died Feb. 1864.
Tullis, John, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Tunerman, John F., 81st O. V. I., Oct. 1862, July 13, 1865.
Tunget, George E., 32d O. V. I., April 20, 1861, July 20, 1865.
Turner, E. J., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 21, 1862, July 1, 1865.
Turner, William, 12th O. V. Cav., Sept. 7, 1863, Not. 14, 1865.
Turner, Wm. H., 81st O. V. I, Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Tussing, Henian A., 34th O. V. L, Feb. 12, 1864, July 27, 1865.
XJlrey, David, 54th O. V. I., April, 1862, died in Hospital at Young's
Point, Tenn., May, 1864
Ulrey, Henry S., , , .
Underwood, B. L., 183d O. V. I., Sept 8, 1864, July 17, 1865.
Vail, J. B., Army Cumberland, , .
Valentine, Aaron, 54th O. V. L, Jan. 2, 1864, Aug. 15, 1865.
Valentine, Geo. W., 191st O. V. L, Feb. 22, 1865, Aug. 27, 1865.
Valentine, Wm., 191st O. V. I., Feb. 28, 1864, Aug. 27, 1865.
Vance, Nathan, 133d O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
Vance, Richard W., 81st O. V. I., July 26, 1862, July 16, 1865.
Vanmeter, Isaac, 14th O. V. I., Sept, 1861, Aug., 1864.
Vanmeter, John, 14th O. V. I., Aug. 31, 1861, Sept, 12, 1864.
Vanmeter, John Y., 14th O. V. I., Aug. 25, 1861, Dec. 26, 1863.
Vanmeter, Jas. R., 4th O. Cav., , 1861, , 1864.
Vannatta, H. L., 160th O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept., 1865.
Vannatta, John, 1st. Squad. O. Cav., Oct 14, 1861, Oct 25, 1864
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 369
Vernon, J., 20th O. V. I., Aug. 20, 1861, Feb. 14, 1862.
Verbryke, Isaac, 192d O. V. I., Feb. 20, 1865, Sept. 1, 1865.
Verbryke, Lawrence, 8l8fc O. V. I., Nov. 1861, died May 25, 1862, Mon-
terey, Tenn.
Verbryke, WiUiam, 5th O. V. Cav., JaiL 10, 1864, Oct 30, 1865.
Vertner, John, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 11, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Vertner, Perry, 14th O. V. I., Sept. 1861, mVd bat. Chickamauga, Sept.,
1863.
Vinson, S. J., 8lBt O. V. I., Sepi, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Vorn4ran, John, 32d O. V. I, Oct, 1861, died March 25, 1864
Walcott, Joseph M., 99th O. V. L, Feb. 22, 1864, July, 1865.
Walcott, Minor J., 183d O. V. L, Feb. 22, 1864, July 17, 1865.
Waggoner, R. A., 15l8t O. N. G., May 5, 1864, Dec. 15, 1864.
Wagner, Joseph, Slst O. V. L, Sept 1, 1861, Sept. 10, 1864
Wagner, William C, 12th O. V. Cav., Sept. 20, 1863, July 25, 1865.
Wagoner, Andrew, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 13, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Walker, Edward W., 8l8t O. V. I., Sept., 1861, July, 1865.
Wallace. W. O., I92d O. V. L, Feb. 1865, Sept, 1865.
Walls, William, 18th Vet Res. Corps, Aug., 12, 1862, June 29, 1865.
Walsh, Michael, 123d O. V. I., Aug. 24, 1862, May 15, 1865.
Walters, Isaac, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July, 1865. -
Walters, Jesse S., 21st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, Aug. 1865.
Walters, Wesley, Slst O. V. I., Sept, 1861, died Oct 9, 1862, Corinth,
Miss.
Walti, Rudolph, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, killed July 16, 1864
Waltz, Daniel, 126th O. V. I., Aug. 18, 1862, June 18, 1865.
Waltz, I. L., 69th O. V. I., Oct. 17, 1862, July 27, 1865.
Waltz, T. H., 20th O. V. I., Sept 1861, , 1863.
Ward, James D, 81st O. V. I., Sept, 1861, July 13, 1865.
Ward, J. H., 26th O. V. V. I., Sept, 1862, June, 1865.
Ward, John, Slst O. V. L, Aug., 1862, July 13, 1865.
Ward, John J., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 20, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Ward, Leonard, Slst O. V. I., Sept. 1861, July 13, 1865.
Ward, Richard, 54th O. V. I, , July 20, 1865.
Ward, Wells H., Slst O. V. L, Sept 1861, July 13, 1865.
Watenberry, G. O., 78th O. V. I., Sept 24, 1864, March 22, 1865.
Watkins, John J., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 1862, died April 8, 1864,
Enoxville, Tenn.
Watkins, Joseph, 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept 15, 1864
Watkins, Thomas, 6th O. Battery, Oct 22, 1861, Sept 1, 1865.
Watson, James R., llStti O. V. I., Aug. 11, 1862, July 9, 1865.
Watt, James, 54th O. V. I., Feb. 29, 1864, June 8, 1865.
as
Digitized by LjOOQIC
370 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Watt, Joseph H, 82d O. V. V. I, Jan. 5, 1862, Julj 27, 1865.
Webb, William H., 128th O. V. L, Sept 1863 July 28, 1865.
Welker, John, Marine Brigade, June 1, 1862, July 11, 1865.
Welker, Milton, 34th O. V. L, Dec. 10, 1861, Aug. 15, 1865.
Wertz, Jacob, 14th O. V. I., Aug. 19, 1862, July 31, 1865.
West, Jonathan H., 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 27, 1864.
West, Jonathan, H., 192d O. V. I., Feb. 14, 1865, Sepi 1, 1865.
Westbay, Isaiah, 81st O. V. I., Oct. 1862, died March 7, 1864, Lima,
Ohio.
Welkley, John, 57th O. V. I., Nov. 23, 1861, Aug. 14, 1865. .
Welshaus, James, 6th Vet. Res. Corps, Oct 30, 1862, Aug. 22, 1865.
Westerfield, Wm. F., 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, Nov. 22, 1863.
Westfall, David, 25th O. V. I., April 6, 1864, June 15, 1865.
Westover, J. A., 4th O. V. C, April, 1865, July 18, 1865.
Wetherell, Alex., 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, July 9, 1865.
Wetherell, Thomas, 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, July 9, 1865.
Wetherell, Wm. P., 180th O. V. I., Aug. 23, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Weyer, Lewis, 183d O. V. L, Feb. 22, 1864, July 17, 1865.
Weyer, W. H, 99tli O. V. L, Aug. 11, 1862, July 18, 1865.
Wherfel, Jacob B., 16th O. V. L, Oct 19, 1861, Aug. 4, 1863.
Whetstone, Thomas, 81st O. V. L, Sept, 1861, died Feb. 5, 1863,
Corinth, Miss.
Whinery, W. H., 81st O. V. I, Nov. 8, 1861, Nov. 7, 1864.
Whitaker, Wm. M., 32d O. V. L, Aug. 29, 1862, July 20, 1865.
White, Reuben, 81st O. V. L, Sept 15, 1861, Oct 2, 1864.
White, Rufus, 8l8t O. V. I, July 21, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Whitehearse, H. C, 180th O. V. L, Sept 24, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Whiteman, R. W., 20th O. V. I, Feb. 9, 1864, July 17, 1865.
Whipp, M. L., 151st O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Aug. 30, 1864.
Whirl, W. H., 179 O. V. I., Sept 23, 1864, June 23, 1865.
Whisler, Michael, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 14, 1862, July 13, 1865.
Wickard, G. H., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1802, died Nov. 22, 1862.
Wicks, Harvey, 81st O. V. I., , Jan. 14, 1863.
Wiesenmyer, Geo., 180th O. V. L, Sept. 23, 1864, July 25, J865.
Wilkins, A., , , .
Williams, Benjamin, 180th O. V. L, Sept 5. 1864, July 12, 1865.
Williams, Chas. B., 45th O. V. L, Aug. 6, 1862, May 24, 1865.
Williams, John M., 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Williams, Phile'n B. , 1 18th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, transferred to Company I.
Williams, Thoe. C, 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, transferred to Company L
Williams, Thomas, 180th O. V. L, Sept, 1864, , 1865.
Williams, W. B. A., 118th O. V. I., Aug., 1862, transferred to Company L
Digitized by LjOOQIC
-^ HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 871
Wills, Robert, llSth, O. V. L, Aug., 1862, died June 19, 1864, of
wounda
Wilshire, John, 5th Col'd I., June 23, 1863, Sepi 20, 1865.
Wilson, Andrew J., 8l8t O. V. L, Sept., 1861, July 13, 1865.
Wilson, Geo. W., 4th O. V. Cav., Oct 2, 1861, Oct. 20, 1864.
Wilson, Samuel A., 100th Pa. V. L, Feb. 22, 1864, July 28, 1865.
Wilson, William, 33d O. V. L, Feb. 18, 1864, June 2,*1865.
Winans, Benj'n L., 4th O. V. Cav., Oct 16, 1861, Oct 15, 1864.
Winans, Geo. W., 8l8t O. V. I., Sept, 1861, d. Sept 10, 1864, Rome, Ga.
Winans, John H., 32d O. V. I., Jan. 1, 1864, July 20, 1865.
Winans, WiUiam, 81st O. V. I, Sept, 1861, Jan. 7, 1863.
Wingate, Lemuel, 99th O. V. I., Sept., 1862, d. Nashville, Tenn., Feb.
10, 1863.
Winters, WiUiam, 180th O. V. L, Sept 22, 1864, July 12, 1865.
Wise, George L., 74th O. V. V. L, Jan. 15, 1862, June 20, 1865.
Wise, Thomas J., 118th O. V. L, Aug. 11, 1862, June 24, 1865.
Wise, William, 92d O. V. L, 1864, 1865.
Wiswell, O. H., 99th O. V. I, Aug. 28,1862, Sept 16, 1863.
Wollet, Daniel, 46th O. V. I. Aug., 1861, d. Oct^ 17, 1862.
Wollet John, 81st O. V. L, Aug., 1861, Oct, 1864.
Wollet, Moses, , , .
Wollet, Noah, 8lst O. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, Sept 26, 1864
Wolf, W. A., 159th O. V. I, March, 1863, 1865.
Wolf, George W., 27th O. V. I., Jan., 1864, Sept, 1865.
Wonnell, Edward, 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Aug. 20, 1864.
Wonnell, James, 151st O. N. G., May, 1864, Aug. 20, 1864.
Wooley, William, 81st O. V. V. I., Aug. 13, 1861, July, 1865.
Woolery, J. H., 10th IlL V. C, Sept, 1861, Jan. 6, 1866.
Wood, Francis M., 70th O. V. I., Feb. 15, 1864, July, 1865.
Wood,'Sanford B., 54th O. V. L, Feb. 1, 1864. Aug. 15, 1865.
Woodward J. L. C, 54th O. V. I., Feb. 18, 1864, Aug. 15, 1865.
Workman, J., 74th O. V. I., Jan. 18, 1862, Oct, 1862.
Workman, John, 151st O. N. G., June 2, 1864, June 24, 1864.
Workman, J. W., 32d O. V. I., Jan. 4, 1864, June 15, 1865.
Wright, Franklin, 20th O. V. I., April 20, 1861, Aug. 18, 1861, re-enl'ed.
Wright, Franklin, 81st O. V. I., Aug. 30, 1861, Sept 26, 1864.
Wright, Samuel, 8lst O. V. I.; recruit, July, 1865.
Wright, V. H., 52d O. V. I, Aug. 30, 1862, June 3, 1865.
Wright, W. G., 13th O. V. €., Feb. 10, 1864, July 4, 1865.
Writtenberg, Hy., Vet Res. Corps, Feb. 28, 1862, March 2, 1865.
Yant, A., 180th O. V. I., Oct, 1864, Sept, 1865.
Yant, Michael, 118th O. V. L, Aug., 1862, June, 1865.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
372 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
Yates, Joseph J., 57th O. V. L, Nov. 4, 1861, Nov. 4, 1864
Yates, Thomas J., 21st O. Y. I., Sept 10, 1861, k'l'd Chickamauga, G&,
Sept 19, 1863.
Yates, Wm. J., 2l8t O. V. I., 1862, d Murfreesboro, TeniL, Apr. 1, 1863.
Yall^, John Q., 5th O. V. Cav., Feb. 28, 1865, Oct 30, 1865.
Young, Andrew J., 27th O. V. I., Ang. 4, 1861, July 11, 1865.
Young, R, 192d O. V. I., Feb. 10, 1865, Sept, 1865.
Young, G. W., 15l8t O. N. G., May 2, 1864, Sept. 26, 1864.
Young, Job, 54th O. V. L, Oct 1861, March, 1863.
Youngpeter, John, 118th O. V. L, Aug. 22, 1862, July 9, 1865.
ZeUer, Asa, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, k. Deo. 29, 1863, Mossy Or
Zeller H. 118th O. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862, July 9, 1865.
Zerkel, Aaron, 81st O. V. L, Aug. 1861, July, 1865.
Zerkel, Abraham, 118th O. V. I., Aug. 1862, July 9, 1865.
Zillman, Johnston, , , .
Zimmerman, Jere., 65th 111. V. I., Aug. 20, 1862. June 12, 1865.
Zurmehly, John W., 180th O. V. I., Sept 24th, 1864, July 12, 1865.
The number of officers and troops named in the foregoing list is 1,920.
The number of troops from Allen County, whose names occur in the
roster of the 100,224 men, contributed by Ohio, in 1861, to defend the
Union was 776. In July, 1862, the Eighth Military District, was organ-
ized with rendezvous at Gamp Lima. The Ninety-ninth, Ohio Infan-
try, was ordered to be mustered in here. The regiment was full on August
11, about the time a second order was issued to form the Ond Hun-
dred and Eighteenth Ohio, Infantry, up to September 1, 1862, out of an
enrollment of 3,792, there were 1,411 men enlisted. There were 163
Allen County men in the Squirrel Hunters, who, in 1862, defended Gin-
cinnati, and to whom the Legislature decreed that honorable discharge be
given in 1863.
The Ohio Regiments, in which any considerable number of Allen
County soldiers served, are the Twenty- seventh Ohio Infantry, Morton's
Bifle Regiment, Thirty-second Ohio Infantry, Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry,
Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, Fourth Ohio Infantry, Twelfth Ohio Infantry,
Eighty- first Ohio Infantry, Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry, One Hundred
and Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio
National Guards, and McLaughlin's Squad. Almost in every Ohio com-
mand were representatives of Allen County. In the Unit^ States
Army and Navy many served, of whom there is no record. The total
number of troops, whose names are of record, is 1,920.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTOBY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 373
The seyeral regiments contributed by Ohio, from 1861 to 1865, for the
defense of the Union are noted as follows:
First Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized in April, 1861, and
reorganized for three years, in August, 1861 ; within sixty hours after
Lincoln's call for men, the First was en route to Washington. Mustered
out October 14, 1864.
Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp Dennison, in
August and September, 1861, and served for thirty-eight months.
Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry was enlisted April 16, 1861, for three
months, and on May 3, 1861, for three years at Camp Jackson, Ohio,
mustered out June 23, 1864, after which many members re-enlisted in
other commands.
Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized April 25, 1861, for
three months* service; but a short time after reorganized as a three
years' regiment, and did splendid service imti] September, 1863, when it
was mustered out. Many of its members re-enlisted in Veteran Beserve
Corps, and other commands belonging to the Fourth Ohio Battalion.
This command served for sometime in Gen. James Shield's famous divis-
ion.
Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry ^ organized for three months' service
April 20, 1861 ; reorganized for three years, June 20, 1861, was mus-
tered out July 26, 1865.
Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry (three months) organized in April,
1861, was mustered in for three years' service, June 18, 1861, and dis-
charged, June 23, 1864, many of its members re- enlisted in Hancock's
Corps.
Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry was mustered in April 30, 1861, as
the representative command of northern Ohio, and served with marked
distinction in Gen. Shield's Division. This command was mustered out
July 8, 1864.
Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry recruited in April, 1861, served until
July 13, 1864.
Ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a German command, was organized
April 22, 1861, was re-organized in May, 1861, for three years, and
served until June 7, J 864.
Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was mustered in May 7, 1861. Col.
Burke belonged to this celebrated command.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
374 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTV.
Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized for three months in
April, 1861, re-organized for three years June 20, 1861, served until June
21, 1864
Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized May 3. 1861, served
until July 11, 1864; losing in killed, wounded and missing 455 men.
Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry organized April 20, 1861, served
until January 17, 1866.
Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was mustered in May 18, 1861,
and served continuously until July 11, 1865.
Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp Jackson,
Columbus, Ohio, May 4, 1861, and mustered in for three months' service.
Three of its companies were recruited in Wyandot County, while a few
of its members were from Seneca County. On the expiration of its term
of service, the men re-enlisted for three years, served until January 14,
1864, when many of the men re-enlisted for a second term, serving un-
til December 27, 1865.
Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized near Wooster, Ohio,
October 2, 1861, served until October 31, 1863. The number of deaths
from all causes was 251.
Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry organized by Joseph A. Stafford
at Lancaster, Ohio, in April, 1861, was commanded by J. M. Connell,
and did excellent service.
Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Athens, Ohio,
and Camp Dennison in 1861, and served until November 9, 1864, when
about 100 men who re-enlisted as veterans, with about 130 recruits,
formed the nucleus of another regiment.
Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry (reorganized) comprised detach-
ments of the First, Second, Eighteenth, Twenty-fourth and Thirty-
fifth Infantry commands, consolidated April 2, 1863, under the name
of the Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This command was mus-
tered out October 9, 1865.
Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Canton, Ohio,
by May 15, 1861, was discharged at Camp Chase, November 25, 1865.
Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry (three months) was organized in
May 1861, and reorganized under Col. Whittlesey October, 21, 1861, for
three years. On the expiration of its second term, the command re-enlisted
Digitized by LjOOQIC
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTV.
375
as veterans, served under Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, participated
in the Grand Review, and was mastered out at Louisville, July 18, 1865.
Ttoentyfiret Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was organized ;iear Cleve-
land, April 27, 1861, and served until July 28, 1865.
Tzoenty-Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry organized originally as the
Thirteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, was organized near St. Louis,
Ma, November 5, 1861, went into the field in January, 1862 with a
Colonel, three field officers, eight Captains, and a strong force of troops
from Ohio, and served until November 18, 1864.
Ttventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized by Col. W. S.
Boeecrans, in June, 1861, and served until July 26, 1865.
The date of organization and date of muster out of the raiments
from No. 24 to 107 is as follows:
No.oi
B«gt.
' Organixakion
date.
Master out
date.
No.ol
Regt.
Organization
date.
Muster out
date.
24
June, 1861.
June 24. 1864.
50
Aug., 1862.
July, 1865.
25
June, 1861.
June 18, 1866.
61
Nov., 1861.
Oct., 1865.
26
July, 1861.
Oct. 21, 1865.
52
Aug., 1863.
June, 1865.
27
Aug., 1861.
July, 1865.
53
Feb., 186'.\
Aug., 1865.
28
June 10, 1861.
July 28, 1864.
54
Feb., 1862.
Aug., 1865.
29
Aug. 26, 1861.
July 23, 1864.
55
Jan., 1862.
July, 1865.
30
Auif. 28, 1861.
Aug. 13, 1865.
56
Feb., 1862.
March. 1866.
81
Sept. 7, 1861.
July 20, 1865.
57
Feb., 1862.
Aug., 1865.
82
July&Aug.,1861.
July 20. 1865.
58
Feb., 1862.
Jan., 1865.
88
July & Aug., 1861.
July 12, 1865.
59
Oct., 1861.
Oct., 1864.
84
July & Aug.,1861.
Consolidated.
60
AprU, 1862.
Oct., 1862.
85
Aug., 1861.
Aug., 1864.
60
Af^ril. 1864.
July, 1865.
86
Aug., 1861.
Aug., 1865.
61
May, 1862.
Sept., 1865.
87
Sept., 1861.
Aug., 1865.
62
Jan., 1862.
Consolidated.
88
Sept., 1861.
July 22, 1865.
63
Jan., 1862.
July, 1865.
89
July, 1861.
July, 1865.
64
Nov., 1861.
Dec, 1865.
40
Dec. 7, 1861.
Dec, 1865.
65
Oct., 1861.
Jan., 1866.
41
Oct., 1861.
Nov., 1865.
66
Oct., 1861.
July, 1865.
42
Nov., 1861.
Dec, 1864.
67
Jan., 1862.
Dec, 1865.
48
Feb., 1862.
July, 1865.
68
Nov., 1861.
July. 1865.
44
45
Oct., 1861.
Aug., 1862.
Jan., 1863.*
June, 1865.
69
70
Feb.. 1862.
Dec, 1861.
Aug., 1865.
46
Oct. 16, 1861.
July, 1865.
71
Feb., 1862.
Jan., 1866.
47
July, 1861.
Aug., 1865.
72
Dec, 1861.
Sept., 1865.
48
Feb., 1862.
May, 1866.
73
Dec, 1861.
July, 1865.
49
t See foot note.
74
Oct., 1861.
July, 1:J65.
•Beorganixed as Eighth Ohio C.ivalry.
t Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, known as " Col. Gibson's Regiment," was recruited during
the summer of 1361. From this time to muster out, November 3», 1865, its roster conuined 1.692
. of whom 14 officers were killed and 14 wounded, while 19S private soldien were killed. 165 di«d
from disease, 7 died in rebel prisons, and 616 discharged on account of disability. A small representa-
tion of Allen County soldiers was found in the Forty-ninth.
Digitized by
Google
876
HISTOBY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
No. of OrEmnizatlon
Muster out
No.ol
Organisation
Mutter out
B«gt.
date.
date.
Regt.
date.
date.
75
Dec, 1861.
Aug., 1865.
108
Aug., 1862.
Feb., 1865.
76
Feb., 1862.
July, 1865.'
104
^,1862,
June, 1865.
77
Dec 1861.
March, 1866.
105
Aug., 1862.
June, 1865.
78
Jan., 1862.
July, 1865.
106
July, 1862.
June, 1865.
79
July, 1862.
June, 1865.
107
Aug., 1862.
July, 1865.
80
Feb., 1862.
Aug., 1865.
108
Aug.. 1862.
June. 1865.
81
Sept., 1861.
July, 1865.
109
Never completed organization.
82
♦Nov., 1861.
July, 1865.
110
Oct., 1862.
June, 1865.
88
Sept., 1862.
Aug., 1865.
111
Aug., 1862.
July, 1865.
84
June, 1862,
July, 1865.
112
Never completed organization.
85
June. 1862.
Consolidated.
118
Aug., 1862.
July. 1865.
85
June, 1862,
Jan.. 1864.
114
Sept., 1862.
Jan., 1865.
87
June, 1862.
Sept., 1862.
115
Sept., 1862.
July, 1865.
88
Oct., 1862.
July, 1865.
116
Aug., 1862.
June, 1865.
89
Aug.. 1862.
June, 1865.
117
Sept., 1862.
Aug., 1865.
90
July, 1862.
March, 1865.
118
Aug., 1862.
July, 1865.
91
July, 1862.
June, 1865.
119
Never completed organization.
92
Sept, 1862.
June, 1865.
120
Aug., 1862.
Consolidated.
98
Aug., 1862.
June, 1865.
121
Sept., 1862.
June, 1865.
94
July, 1862.
June, 1865.
122
Sept., 1862.
July, 1865.
95
Aug., 1862.
Aug., 1865.
128
t Sept.. 1862
June, 1865.
96
Aug., 1862.
July, 1865.
124
Dec, 1862.
July, 1865.
97
, 1862.
Dec, 1865.
125
Oct., 1862.
Oct., 1865.
98
Aug., 1862.
June, 1865.
126
Sept., 1862.
June, 1865.
99
Aug. 1862.
Consolidated.
127
Nov., 1868.
Colored.
100
July, 1862.
July, 1865.
128
Dec, 1863.
July, 1865.
101
t Aug., 1862.
June, 1865.
129
Aug., 1868.
March, 1864.
102
July, 1862.
July, 1865.
OmO NATIONAL OUABD.
BegimentB numbered 130 to 172, Ohio National Guards, were organ-
ized in the summer and fall of 1864 for 100 days service. Regiments
numbered 173 to 107 were organized in the fall of 1864 and spring of
1865, enlisted for one year.
One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, or the Nine-
teenth Battalion Ohio National Guards, and Sixty-fourth Battalion Ohio
*Si£ht7HBecoDd Ohio Volunteer Infantry was recruited in November and December, 1861, br CoL
Jamee Cantwell, and anicned to Weit Virginia for dntT. ('oL Cantwell was killed at the second Boll
Biui,Augu8t29,1862,and was succeeded in command br Col. J. S. Robinson. This regiment serred
with the Armj of the Fotomac until after the battle of Gettysburg, when it was assigned to the Armj
of the Cumberland. There were no less than 2,300 names on the roster of this command from ita organ-
isation to August, 1865, when it was mustered out.
fOne Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry was recruited in 1862, mustered August 80
that year, at MonrooTille, Ohio, and served until June 12, 1865.
t One Hundred and Twentr-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, organized in Seneca County in 1862,
eontained a few soldiers firom Allen County. This command was organized by William Lang, of Tiffin.
He liailed to obtain a Colonel's oommission, that position being conferred on W. T. Wilson. The com-
mand may be said to have been c»ptu red M (o<o twice by the rebels; suflfered many disappointments
and losses until discharged, June 12, 1865.
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HISTOBY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 377
National Guards, consolidated, was formed May 11, 1864, at Camp
Chase. Among the great number of Wood and Wyandot Counties soldiers
were a few men from Allen County, who served with the command until
August, 1864.
CAYALBT BEOniENTS.
Ko. of Organization Muster out No. of Organization Muster oat
Begt. date. date. Begt. date. date.
1 Dec., 1861. Sept., 1865. 8 April, 1864. July, 1865.
2 Jan., 1862. Sept., 1865. 9 April, 1868. July, 1865.
3 Feb., 1862. Aug.. 1865. 10 Feb., 1868. July, 1865.
4 Dec., 1862. July, 1865. 11 Feb., 1862. July, 1866.
5 Feb., 1862. Oct., 1865. 12 Nov., 1868. Nov., 1865.
6 May, 1862. ' Aug , 1865. 18 May, 1864. Aug., 1865.
7 Nov., 1868. July, 1865.
LIOBT ABTILLEBT.
The First Begiment of Light Artillery was organized by CoL James
Bamett in the fall of 1861. and Battery B of this conunand served until
July 22, 1866. The organization of Batteries A to M was carried on
during the winter of 1861-62.
HEAVT ABTILLEBT.
The First and Second Begiments of Heavy Artillery were organized
in the fall of 1863, and served until July and August, 1865, respectively.
INDEFINDENT BATTEBIE8.
There were twenty-six independent batteries organized between July,
1861, and September, 1864.
In the foregoing pages a measure of justice is given to the soldiers
of Allen. Of those who labored at home something must also be said.
Immediately succeeding the conunencement of hostilities, the ladies of
the county became thoroughly conscious of the duty which they owed to
their country. They formed societies of aid to the wounded soldiers of
the armies, and so organized themselves as to be able to render most
effective service.
The citizens whose days for service in the field ended vnth the close
of the first half of the century, acted well their several parts at home.
Their co-operation with the State Military Board resulted in most impor-
tant aid to the Bepublia
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378 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
The history of the times is one which speaks of duty nobly done.
Let the people follow the sympathies and hopes of the soldiers of 1861-65;
always prepared to make sacrifices like they made, and thus transmit
from generation to generation a patriotism incoiTuptible, a goyemment
strong and just, and a set of pablio principles honorable to the age, so
that happiness may reign in every home within the Union, and without,
a true knowledge of liberty, civil and religious.
CHAPTER X.
"^THE PRESS OF ALLEN COUNTY.
nr\HE newspaper, when well conducted, is one of the evidences o( true
-^ advancement It is to the people a great educator, and when faithful
to its mission, forms an exponent of national ideas, a guard against treas-
on from within and treachery from without Half a century has almost
passed into the past, since the first newspaper was issued in this county.
With the growth of the county the press has kept pace, until now two daily
newspapers and nine weekly journals are supported directly by the people;
while the daily press of Cincinnati meets with a very liberal support In
the following historical review, the writer confines himself to a brief notice
of the establishment and progress of the local newspapers, leaving the per-
sonal history to be treated of in the biographical part of this voluma
LIMA NEWSPAPERS. i
The Herald, foundcil in 1836 by Bennett & Hollister, at Lima, may
be considered the pioneer newspaper of Allen County, although it was
nothing more than a campaign sheet. After the elections of that year,
which resulted in the choice of Martin Van Buren for the Presidency,
it ceased publication.
A weekly journal thought to be the Owl, was established in 1841 by
Thomas Smith, and continued publication until the winter of 1841-42,
when he disposed of his office to Milton Oillett and Abelard Guthrie.
The Porcupine was first issued in the winter of 1841-42 by Gillett &
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 379
Gathrie, who purchased the printing office of Thomas Smith. Outhrfe
<X)ntinaed the publication of this joomal until 1843, when his interests
were purchased by George W. Andrews, who issued the Porcupine under a
new nama
The Argua was launched in 1843 by George W. Andrews, who conducted
this paper with marked success until after the elections of 1844, when
Matthias H. Nichols acquired control of the office. In 1852 the Argw
was purchased by Theo. E. Cunningham and William 0. Tompkins.
Early in 1854 Mr. Cunningham sold his interests to Thomas M. Bobb,
who conducted the paper until August 1855, when they sold the office to
Poland & Cunningham.
The Reporter y^BB founded in 1843 by Hamilton Davidson and Edward
Marrott, in the Whig interest Although it is stated that it existed only
three or four years, there is eyidence that it was in existence, as late as
the fall of 1848, while the job office was continued under various pro-
prietors until 1851 {vide Howe, Hist Coll. O. pp. 28-29).
The Western Gazette was issued at Lima July 15, 1854, by Syden-
ham Shaffer and Charles A. Poland, from their office in King's Building.
L. Wolfe purchased Poland's interest subsequently, and in 1854 sold his
interest to Shaffer. In January 1855 the office was purchased by
Messrs. Parmenter.
The Gazette was established in 1854, by Sydenham Shaffer, under the
title, Western Qazette, who conducted it throughout the political con-
test of that year. The office was purchased in 1855, by Cornelius and
Harvey Parmenter, the former of whom has carried its publication suc-
cessfully down to the present day.
The Daily Gazette, a paper devoted to war news, was issued from the
Gazette office April 22, 1861, and continued publication until May 12,
1861.
The People^s Press was founded some short time before the fall eleo-
tions of 1855, by Poland and Cunningham, in the interest of the Amer-
ican antislavery party. This paper was simply the Argus, which
changed proprietorship and politics, and aided to build up a strong sen-
timent in favor of the party which it espoused. In 1856, Thomas H.
Bobb, acquired control of ^the Press, made it the successor of the Argus
politically, and conducted it with marked ability until its sale to John P.
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380 HISTOBY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Haller, who after a short time, disposed of the office to James H. Berry,
who, in 1858, disposed of his interest in the paper to James Mackenzie.
^ The Democrat as the successor of the Democratic Argus, and anti-
slaverj People's Press, may be said to be established under its present
name in 1858, by James Mackenzie, a son of William Lyon Mackenzie,
of Canada Rebellion fame. Previous to his election to the Judgship
of the Court of Common Pleas in 1863, he sold the Democrat to David S.
Fisher, and he, in turn, disposed of his interest in the office to Capi
Henry B. Kelly, in September, 1874, who conducted the journal with
remarkable success, until his recent death at Washington, . D. C,
where he was attending the Press Convention. Mr. Tinmionds, the pres-
ent editor and proprietor, took charge of the office after the death of
Capt Kelly.
The Sun was founded in 1874, by Coe and Medsker, as a Bepublican
Journal. They sold the office to Lockhard; he disposed of his intersts
to Hazleton and Junkin, and they, in turn, to John G. Edmiston, who
founded the Journal called the Moon.
The Moon was established by John S. Edmiston, and continued pub-
lication until July, 1877, when he sold his interest in that paper to
Charles and W. A. Campbell, who established the Allen County Repub-
lican.
The Allen County Republican was founded by Messrs. Campbell &
Brother, as successor to the Moon, and conducted by them until the close
of 1879, when Charles Campbell retired, leaving the Republican in
charge of his brother W. A. Campbell. In February, 1880, Charles L.
Long and J. L. Long, purchased the office, since which time this enter-
prise haS' been attended with marked success.
The Daily Republican, now in its third volume, was issued August
15, 1882. It is a twenty- four column folio, well printed and edited. This
office is controlled by the Bepublican Printing Company, with Charles L.
Lung, Manager, and J. M. Winder, Secretary. W. L Porter is a member
of this company.
The Volkshlatt, the pioneer German paper of Allen County, was
established by A. Zwanzig, in 1879. Nos. 1, 2 and 3 were issued reg-
ularly, but owing to some defect in the management, rather than to
want of interest on the part of German readers, it ceased publication.
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HISTOBY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 381
The Courier, founded by Oeorge Feltz, August 30, 1877, is printed
in Oerman. This paper is ably edited, and forms the leading German
newswaper of the Congressional District.
The Democratic TimeSf established by O. B. Self ridge, Jr., and K B.
Halladay, in November, 1879, is one of the leading weekly papers of this
county.
The Daily Times was inaugurated, so to speak, October 27, 1884, with
O. B. Selfridge, editor. The Times is a four-page evening journal well
printed and edited, and newsy. The Times office is well equipped.
DBLPHOS NEW8PAFEB&
Section Ten Budget was first published in 1848, by Benjamin F.
Metcalf, who sold the office to Noah Huber in 1850.
The Delphos Oracle was founded by Noah Huber in 1850, and con-
ducted by him until his removal to Oregon in 1852, when O. S. Perry
took charge of the office. In 1854 S. E. Brown purchased the office.
The Northwestern Republican, a new name for the Oracle, was issued
by S. K Brown in 1854, and continued until 1856, when it ceased pab-
lication, and with its discontinuance the newspaper press of Delptos
ceased for a time.
The Delphos Herald was issued May 6, 1869, by D. H. Tolan, of
Lima, Ohio. The Herald has been published continuously si^ce that
time, increasing always in popularity and circulation, until now the
weekly circulation approximates to 1,000 copies. The Herald was inde-
pendent in politics until 1877, when it espoused the Democratic party,
and has since been a faithful exponent of Democratic principles.
The Delphos Courant was founded in April, 1877, by E. B. Walkup.
In March following E. K Taylor purchased an interest in the Courant,
which he disposed of to H. S. Thomas in January, 1879, and he in turn
sold to the orginal proprietor in June, 1880. This paper has been
strictly Republican since its establishment
Daily Budget, Rev. John F. Lang and O. J. Ostendorf, editors;
issued December 14, 1880, ceased December 21, 1880.
Holiday Trumpet, Christmas, 1883-84, was issued from the Herald
office.
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382 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
BLUFFTON NBWSPAFEBS.
The Blnffton Times was founded by P. B. Bailey in 1871. The same
year this paper suspended publication. In 1872 S. B. Davis came to the
village and '' resurrected" the TimeSy and published it under the name
of the Bluffton Standard. .
The Bluffton Standard, founded by *S. B. Davis and Prof. Clark.
Davis purchased Clark's interest in 1873, and continued the publication
until early in 1875, when he moved the office to Dunkirk, in Hardin
County, where he received a bonus.
The Blufiton News was published by N. W. Cunningham, of Lima,
in July, 1875, and the first number was issued July 28, that year. He has
published it continuously since that tima Now the circulation is about
1,100. The News is strictly independent in politics, newsy, and well
edited. Mr. Cunningham is a son of the late Col. James Cunningham.
The Gospel Lights founded by Elder J. V. TTpdike, at Bowling Green,
Ohio, in 1883, was published there for one year, when the office was
moved to Blufifton. This is a monthly journal, published in the interest
of the Church of the Disciples, and printed by N. W. Cunningham, of
the NewSy for Mr. TJpdike. The circulation is about 600 copies per
month.
SPENOEBVILLB NEWSPAPEB.
The Spencerville Journal was founded in May, 1878, by J. W. Sum-
mersett Messrs. Smith & Arnold purchased the office and conducted the
Journal successfully. Recently H. J. Hamm became interested in the
office, vice C. W. Smith. The circulation is 600 copies weekly. Value
of office, $1,500.
To each publisher and editor, the compilers tender their sincere
thanks for cordial co-operation, particularly to the editor of the Gazette^
who placed his old files at their disposal, and to Messrs. Long & Winder,
of the Republican^ who aided them very materially in obtaining a com-
plete review of modern commercial history from the pages of the Repub-
lican as well as from personal reminiscences of the county's progress
published in their Journal.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 383
CHAPTER XI.
CHURCHES.
TN this chapter a synopsis of the history of the ohnrches of Allen
-^ Couniy is given, to render complete the general history of the county.
In dealing with the history of the various settlements, towns and town-
ships, a full effort has been made to deal fully and accurately with the
churches and schools, these two golden tablets of our civilization; so that
here a mere reference to the dates of foundation or establishment only is
considered necessary.
The establishment of the various divisions of the Christian Church
throughout the county was begun about the year 1833. Previous to that
year, however, ministers of the Christian religion, as well as Mormon
Elders, visited the Hog Creek settlements, aod preached to the people.
In 1833, Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church was founded, by Rev. Mr.
Ourley. The same year, Reva Thomas Clark and James Cunningham
organized the Presbyterian Society, and a year later. Rev. William
Chaffee established the Baptist Church at Lima. In 1855, Rev. P. G.
Stierwalt founded Zion*s Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Catholics
of the district were visited at intervals by missionary fathers from 1830
up to 1860-70, when Rev. A. R. Sedley was appointed priest of the inis-
sion of St Rose. In 1862 the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Society was formed by Rev. Grafton Graham; about this time also, Rev.
P. Greding organized the German Evangelical Lutheran Society. Li
1869 David S. Cross and others organized the Church of Christ. In
1872 the Protestant Episcopal Society was organized by Rev. Mr. Hall, and
still more recently, Grace Methodist Episcopal Church was organized; the
Second Presbyterian Church was founded; the Reformed English Church
was established, the Reformed Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the
Second Baptist, Colored Church Society was instituted. In the matter
of Christian progress, to which religious organization and church build-
ing must be considered an index, Lima City has marked above all other
divisions of the county.
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384 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Bobert Finlej organized a Methodist class at St Mary's in 1829
previous to the arrival of Bevs. John Wood and Abram Miller, who came
as missionaries that year. In 1830, Bev. James B. Austin came into this
part of Ohio, and was followed in 1831 by Bev. John Hill. In 1832
Bev. Jesse Prior and Elder W. H. Baper came, and established the mis-
sion at St Mary's, with Elida, the eastern limit. Bev. James W. Finley
and John Alexander came in 1833, and in October of this year the first
quarterly conference was held at Lima, with Eider Baper presiding.
In 1834 Bev, Pere Baden visited St. Mary's and the country along
the Ottawa. Four years previous to this time, however, in 1830, Bev.
Father Stallo a missionary priest from Cincinnati, the same who estab*
lished Stallotown, now known as Minster, in Mercer County, visited the
Catholics of Allen County.
In 1842 George Spangler organized the German Beformed Church
Society of Bichland Township. John Flint founded the Mennonite
Society here in 1848, and in 1849 the Presbyterian Church was founded
by Bevs. Mr. Uolliday and McKinney.
In Sugar Creek Township the Methodists had a class as early as 1833,
but the honor of erecting a church building was left to the Welshmen,
who constructed a log-house for worship in 1838, the same which con-
tinued in use down to 1873, when their substantial house of worship was
erected.
In 1834 Bev. W. J. Wells preached to the Methodists of Monroe, but
not until 1853 was their church building erected.
The Methodist Society of German Township dates back to the days
of Bev. Messrs. Eellum and Sullivan. In 1831 a Methodist Episcopal
Society was organized at Elida. In 1837 Bev. A. Doner founded Trinity
Evangelical Lutheran Church, and in 1867 the United Brethren were
organized by Bev. S. T. Mahan.
Bev. George Swigart formed a Methodist class in Bath Township,
and had a log-house built on Section 4, in 1836. The German Baptists
of Sugar Creek organized under Abram Miller in 1833, and in later years
Bev. William Wilson founded the Church of the Disciples.
The first religious services in Shawnee may be said to have been
conducted by Bev. James B. Finlay, a Methodist circuit preacher. The
first house of worship, however, was erected on Section 27, by the
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^PUBLIC LiaRAHY^
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MRS. Elizabeth Jacobs.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 889
Lutherans. Thomas Hicknell, a WinebreDnerian, was one of the first
preachers. In 1840 a church building was erected at Allentowu.
Bey. Joseph Hill, the first missionary, and others preached at Joseph
Stevenson's, in Auglaize Township, until 1834.
In Jackson Township there were neither schools nor church buildings
until long after the pioneer age of the county, although religious services
were held and schools taught almost from the date of its settlement.
In Amanda Township the Baptists organized a society about 1829-30,
but their house of worship was not erected until 1840-41. Bevs. Joseph
Hill and Oharles Waddle were the first preachers.
To-day the Christian Church is represented by buildings and pastors
and people in every village and settlement within the county. Where, in
1834, a few hundred might be calculated us the church-going population
of Allen County, tens of thousands may now be counted identified
directly with the workings and progress of denominational thought and
aspirations.
CHAPTER XII.
SCHOOLS OF ALLEN COUNTY.
IN the following notice of county schools a reference is merely made to
the establishment of pioneer schools and to the present school statis-
tics. In the history of the townships, a more extended notice is given of
each school. In 1834 John Cunningham opened a school in the pioneer
court house, over which he presided until 1838. Samuel Black, Miss
McCoy and Miss Page were his cotemporaries. In 1856 Dr. W. W. Lit-
tlefield presided over the Union School, held in the basement of the
Methodist Church of Lima until 1858-59, when the Union Schoolhouse
was erected. In 1871 the East Side school building was erected at a cost
of $46,000. This house together with other buildings devoted to educa-
tion at Lima are now valued at over $110,000. The enrollment has
increased from 16 or 20 in 1834 to 1,859 in 1884.
A school was established in Bichland Township, at a very early date
by William Bedding, who presided over a class within Peter Hilty's cabin.
23«
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390 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
A log schoolhouse was erected shortly after on Little Bilej Greek, where
Franklin Smith presided. To-day there are ten buildings deyoted to
education; fourteen teachers and 940 pnpils.
In 1888 William Ramsey opened a school in Sugar Creek Township.
A half century later, seven schoolhouses, fifteen teachers and 843 pupils
mark the progress of the settlement.
The first school in Monroe Township was opened in 1888 by N. G.
Eidd, and the schoolhouse on Section 14, built in 1884. round logs
being used in its constaruction. There are now nine school buildings, 1,866
pupils and fourteen teachers.
In 1883 David Bidenour opened the pioneer school in German Town-
ship. The following winter a log-house was erected on the Thomas
Cochran farm, in which Asa Wright conducted a schooL John Sum-
mersett, it is thought, was engaged in teaching here about 1884-35. In
1884 there were seven school buildings and 281 pupik.
A school was opened by Daniel Bradegan in a cabin on Section 8»
Bath Township, about 1881. He was succeeded by Ezra Coomb, and he
in 1882 by Stafford Scranton. In 1885, William Teny taught school in the
Daniels' log-house. In 1884 there were ten school buildings, twenty
teachers and 404 pupils.
In the winter of 1884-85, Miss Maria Hover inaugurated a school in
Shawnee Township, within the cabin where Chief Pht lived and died.
In 1887, a building was erected on Section 11, where Constant South-
worth taught school. To-day there are nine buildings devoted to school
purposes, fourteen teachers and 478 pupils.
In 1835 Leonard Skilling opened a school in Perry Township. The
same year a house was built on Section 8, and in 1844 another house on
Section 25, where John Terry conducted school. There are eight school
buildings in the township employing fifteen teachers. The enrollment is
A school was opened in Auglaize Township in 1884, by John Shookey,
the session being held in a cabin on Section 26. To-day there are 11
school buildings, twenty teachers and 404 pupils.
In 1838 a schoolhouse was erected on Section 21, Jackson Township
in which Thomas Hall taught. In 1884 there were eleven school build-
ings here. The enrollment was 444.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 891
A few years prior to the organization of the county one Benham, and
William Enittle presided over schools in Amanda Township. In 1829
Archelaos Martin opened a subscription school. To-day there are
nine buildings devoted to school purposes, 1,022 pupils, and thirteen
teachers.
The pioneer schools were all conducted on the old principle of sub-
scription. The amount stipulated being commensurate with the position
of the parents or guardians of the pupils. About 1836, however, the
people began to take action in the matter of organizing common school
districts, and before the year 1840 had passed away, the system of sub-
scription schools was abolished, and that of the. common school insti-
tuted throughout the county.
The following summary of school statistics for 1884 points out veiy
clearly the advance of the present system within the last half century.
Total receipts for the year ending August 81, 1884, including $88,942.82
balance, were $117,754.49. Amount paid teachers, $46,718.86. Total
expenditures $79,798.06 ; balance on hand Sepi 1, 1884, $87,061.43.
The number of schoolhouses, 120; number of school-rooms, 177. Total
value of school property, $266,000. Number of teachers necessary, 172.
Bate of local tax 5.6 mills. Number of pupils enrolled, 8,207.
Contrasted with 1834, the enrollment of 1884 presents a fact as
remarkable as it is conciliatory.
The act of Congress providing for the admission of Ohio into the
Union, offered certain educational propositions to the people. These
were, first, that Section 16 in each township, or, in lieu thereof, other
contiguous or equivalent lands, should be granted for the use of schools;
second, that thirty-eight sections of land, where salt springs had been
found, should be granted to the State, never, however, to be sold or
leased for a longer term than ten years ; and third, that one-twentieth
of the proceeds from the sale of the public lands in the State should be
applied toward the construction of roads from the Atlantic to and through
Ohia These propositions Were offered on the condition that the public
lands sold by the United States after the 80th of June, 1802, should be
exempt from State taxation for five years after sale. The ordinance of
1787 has already provided for the appropriation of Section 16, to the
support of schools in every township sold by the United States ; this,
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392 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
therefore, oonld not, in 1802, be properly made the subject of a new
bargain between the United States and Ohio ; and, by many, it was
thought that the salt reservations and one-twentieth of the proceeds of
the sale of public lands, were equivalent for the proposed surrender of
a right to tax for five years. The oonvention, however, accepted the
propositions of Congress, on their being so modified and enlarged as
to vest in the State, for the use of schools, Section 16, in each township
sold by the United States, and three other tracts of land, equal in quan-
tity respectively to one thirty-sixth of the Virginia Military Reserva-
tion of the United States Military tract and of the Connecticut Western
Reserve ; and to give 8 per cent of the proceeds of the public lands sold
within the State to the construction of roads in Ohio, under the direction
of the Legislature. Congress agreed to the proposed modifications, and,
in March, 1807, offered to the State, in lieu of the one thirty-sixth part
of the Virginia Military Reservation, eighteen quarter townships and
three sections of land lying between the United States Military tract and
the Connecticut Reserve- On the 14th of January, 1808, the State
accepted these lands, and released all right and title to the school lands in
the Virginia Military district
It may be asked: To what cause is due the delay in establishing the
common school system in this portion of Ohio? To what chain of cir-
cumstances were the subscription schools continued beyond the pioneer
period? It appears that on February 5, 1825, the first general school
law was passed. At that time Allen County was a wilderness — indeed up
to 1881-32 it was the home of the Indians, very few white people being
then resident here. In 1827, the bill requiring every householder to pay
at least $1 tax, or give two days' labor, toward the building or re-
pairing of schoolhouses, was passed. Two years later another bill, pro-
viding for the general education of white children, became law. This
act further provided, that where the district tax was not sufficient to pay
teachers, the parents or guardians of children who attended school, should
contribute the amount required to make up such salary. In 1830, still
another bill was introduced to regulate education in the State. This bill
passed, but failed to effect an improvement in the school system.
The act of March 2, 1831, provided that all moneys derivable from the
sale of School Lands should form what is known as the Common School
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 393
Ftmd, and the State guaranteed a stated interest on all such moneys lodged
in the State Treasary. On this interest, the auditors of counties were
authorized to draw and distribute the amount so drawn among the dis-
tricts entitled to share in the interest on school moneys, whether derivable
from lands in the districts, from donations, or from bequests. This dis-
tribution did not begin until after January, 1835, when moneys were
funded and yielded an interest Then the first Interest Fund was divided
according to the number of white male inhabitants over twenty-one years
of age. In March, 1837 the office of State Superintendent of Schools
was established, and abolished in 1840, when the office was made a part of
the State Secretary's Department. In 1838 a school fund of $200,000
was provided* to be distributed among districts according to the number of
youths between four and twenty-one years of aga In 1842, the State Com-
mon School Fund was reduced to $150,000, and in 1851 increased to $300,-
000. Under the revised Constitution of 1853, a State School Commissioner
was to be elected; the County Auditor was created County Superintend-
ent of Schools, and the Township Clerk, Superintendent of Schools in
his district The appointment of three school examiners, to be appointed
by the Judge of Common Pleas Court, for each county, were also
authorized. Up to January 1, 1832, the law did not recognize female
school teachers. In December, 1831, an act was passed providing that,
on petition of the inhabitants of a district, and when the School Exam-
iners had granted such petition, the School Directors should appoint a
female to teach spelling, reading and writing only. In 1848 separate
schools were authorized for colored children, to be supported by the
direct tax on the property of the colored residents. In 1853 colored
schools were placed on the same ba^is as common schools. Under the
laws of 1864 all disabilities were removed.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIII.
PHYSICIANS OF THE COUNTY.
IN the whole history of Weetem settlement, the pioneer physician
holds the same social place, as did the Medicine Man of the tribes,
whose hunting grounds we now possess. Among the pioneer physicians
of this county, the followimg names are well known: William Cunning-
ham, William McHenry, Dr. Harper, Dr. Sanford, Samuel Black,
William Finlay, the two Fultons, Charles Emerson, Dr. Williams, W.
L. Hartley, L J. Anderson, Richard Bice, Dr. Qray, S. W. Wyatt, J. 0.
Campbell, Dr. Trayis, H. C. Hart, Dr. Benner, Dr. Eyans (of Defiance),
C. A. Eyans, N. Sager and others whose names occur in the following
roll of medical practitioners, as well as in the history of yillages where
they resided or now reside.
Dayis, John, Gomer.
Dayis, A. T., Elida.
Eyans, J. B., Delphos.
Allen, E. T., Lima.
Ashton, K, Lima.
Arter, F. G., Lim&
Ammerman, F. A., Lima.
Asire, J. L., Beayer Dam.
Anderson, D. H., Lima.
Baxter, S. A., Lima.
Baldwin, F. J., Bluffton.
Blair, — ., Lima.
Burton, E. G., Westminster.
Brooks, P. H., Lima.
Bryan, A., Spencenrille.
Campbell, J. C, Landeck.
Clark, J. B., BlufElon.
Clark, G. E., Lima.
Clippinger, J. S., W. Cairo.
Conkling, S, F., Delphos.
Curtiss, E., Lima.
Curtiss, C. L., Lima.
Eyans, C. A., Delphos.
Ewing, F., W. Cairo.
Fergerson, J., Lima.
Fletcher, W. M., Lima.
Fountaine, J., Lima.
Fowler, C. B., Lima.
Foltz, T. H., Lima.
Godfrey, C. M., Putnam County.
Hartley, J. P., Lima.
Hart, H. C, Spenceryill^
Harper, W. H., Lima.
Hartzell, C. M., Lima.
Hiner, S. B., Lima.
Honnell, J. G., Beayer Dam.
Huntley, J. H., W. Newton.
Jones, B. E., Ck>mer.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNir.
S95
Kendall, F. S.
Eincaidt B.
Maltbie, W. F., Elida.
McHenry, William, Lima.
MoPeak, James, Blnffion.
Metzger, C, Lima.
MillhoQse, G. B., Allentown.
Miease, A., Lima.
Moore, W. W., Bluffton.
Mnrray, F. M., Bluffton.
Neiding, W. H., Beayer DaoL
Neff, C. L
Pethrick, E. L., Lima.
Pomeroy, Dr., Putnam County.
Benner, U., Spencerrilla
Bice, 0. B., Elida.
Bice, B.» Elida.
Budy, A. S., Lafayette.
Bunkle, G. F., Lima.
Sanford Sam., Lima.
Seiter, J. G., Spencerville.
Stickney, D. B., Lima.
Sager, N., Lafayette.
Sager, N. Jr., Lafayette.
Smith, S. M., Lima.
Steingraver, F. G., Bluffton.
Steman, H. G., Delphos.
Schlink, F. H., Delphos.
Travis, A. J., Spencerville.
Thrift, B. W., Lima.
Thomas, H., W. Newton.
Vail, J. B., Lima.
Wagner, H. P., Delphos.
Weadlock, T. M., Lima.
Welch, J. B., Spenceryille.
Wetherili, L B., Beaver Dam.
Williamson, G. H., Delphos.
Toder, S. S., Bluffton.
Yery few of the pioneer doctors of Allen Gouniy now remain. New
men, new methods, new causes for medical aid, new ambitions — ail have
supplanted the old, rendering the world richer and happier in just such
measure as the physician is proficient in his studies and careful in his
practice.
CHAPTER XIV.
FIBST INDUSTBIES, BAILBOADS, GANAL, ETG.
WHEN the pioneers of the county took up their residence here,
they were compelled to visit Sydney, Piqua, Gherokee, St Mary's,
West Liberty, XTrbana, or the Quakers* Mill at Wapakonetta, in their
search for milling facilities. This was a most expensive and disagree-
able procedure, as, in the greater number of instances, men were de*
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396 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
layed and by other means disappointed. To remedy this evil, hand-mills,
hominy-blocks and corn-crackers were brought into use, which for a few
years enabled the pioneers to overcome the inconveniences of going to milL
How this labor was performed within the family circle, is shown in the
following extract from Robert Bowers' reminiscences : ^^The horse and
hand-mill, or the tin grater were always reliable and in constant nse as
a means of preparing onr breadstoff. I was my father's miller; just the
age to perform the task. My daily labor was to gather com and dry it
in a kiln, after which I took it on a grater, made from an old copper ket-
tle or tin bucket, and after supper made meal for the johnny-cake for
breakfast ; after breakfast I made meal for the pone for dinner; after
dinner I made the meal for mush for supper. And now let me paint you
a picture of our domestic life and an interior view of my father's house.
The names which I give below a great many of them will recognize the
picture only too well drawn, and think of the days over forty years ago.
Our house was a cabin, containing a parlor, kitchen, and dining-room.
Connected was a shoe shop, also a broom and repair shop. To save fuel
and light and have everything handy, we had the whole thing in one
room, which brought us all together so we could oversee each other bet-
ter. After supper each one knew their place. In our house there were
four mechanics. I was a shoe-maker and com grater. My father could
make a sledge, and the other two boys could strip broom corn. My sis-
ters ^un yam, and mother knit and made garments. Imagine you see
US all at work, sister Margaret sings a song, father makes chips and
mother pokes up the fire. Isaac spins a yam, John laughs at him, and
thus our evenings are spent in our wild home, for we were all simple,
honest people, and feared no harm from our neighbors."
In the following list mention is made of the early grist and saw-mills:
The Crawford Mill in Bath Township was constructed in 1830. It re-
sembled a large coffee-mill, and was worked in a similar manner — the
customers having to aid in turning it. In 1830 the Sugar Creek Grist-
mill was constmcted by Samuel Burch. Two years after the McClure
horse-mill was put in operation; in the fall of 1832, the Joseph Ward
Mill was erected on Sugar Creek. The same buhrs used in the McClure
Mill were also brought to the Ward Mill when the supply of water war-
ranted sufficient power. This mill was situated on Hog Creek, six miles
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I HISTORY OP ALLEN COONTT. 397
below the Tompkins & Hindel Mill. A saw-mill was erected on Sugar
Greek by Higgs in 1882, and the same year Benjamin Clevenger erected
a small mill, lower down the creek, in Sugar Creek Township. In 1837
a grist-mill was erected by Peter Bhodes on the Ottawa. The Luke Tip-
ton Mill was a horse-power affair. In 1837 a grist-mill was erected by
Solomon Carr & Co. The Shawnee saw mill was built by Ezekiel Hover
and Ashei Tompkins on Hog Creek, south of Lima; while the Scott saw-
mill was erected in the vicinity in 1834. The first grist-mill in Shawnee
Township was erected by Ashel Tompkins and Daniel Hindel m the win-
ter of 1834-85. This mill stood on Hog Creek, one half mile below the
village of Lima. In Auglaize Township a grist-mill was erected at an
early day. A corn-cracker was erected on Little Biley Creek by Joseph
Deford, while Isaac Parker operated a horse-power mill at Bockford.
The Tone Mill in Amanda Township was built in 1842-48 by Charles
Post, a millwright, who settled in the county in 1842.
A reference to the township and village histories will point out the
great advances made since 1842, when the last of the pioneer mills was
established. Very extensive saw-mills, planing-mills, wheel, hub and
spoke factories, stave, hoop and excelsior works, machine shops, flouring-
mills, etc., eta, have taken the place of the old time industries, keeping
pace precisely with the progressive movement of the people.
BAILBOADS AlO) CANALS.
The Ohio Legislature in February 1820, directed the Governor to ap-
point commissioners to lay out the route for a canal between the Ohio
river and lake Erie. The commissioners we;re not appointed then, but in
January 1822 an act was passed providing that seven commissioners be
appointed to survey a route for a canal to connect the Ohio river with the
lake. In 1824 the survey was made. In 1828 Congress made a grant of
land to Ohio to aid the constniction of the Miami & Erie Canal. In
July, 1848, the Wabash & Erie was opened for navigation, and in June,
1845, the Miami extension was formally opened. Samuel Forrer, noticed
in other pages of this work, was connected with the surveys from July
1825 to 1881 and located the Miami & Erie Canal. In 1832 he was
appointed Canal Commissioner, and in 1835 was elected a member of the
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898 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
newly organized Board of Public Works. In 1871, when he was seventy -
eight years of age, he still held the position of Consulting Engineer so
far as the Miami & Erie Canal was concerned.
Samuel Doyle built the propellor, Niagara, in 1845, at a cost of $10,000.
This boat was placed on the Miami Canal the same year under command
of Capt. William Dale, as the first steam vessel used in its navigation.
BAILSOADS.
In 1852, Ohio granted a charter to the Toledo & Illinois Bailroad
Company, and Indiana a charter to the L. E. W. & St. L. B. B. Co.
These companies were consolidated in March, 1853, through the negotia-
tions of A. Boody, of New York. In 1852-53 the road was surveyed
through Ohio and Indiana, and in May, 1853, the work of construction
was begun. In July, 1855, the road was opened between Ft. Wayne and
Toledo, a distance of ninty-four miles. Before the close of 1856 the
Illinois division was completed.
Dayton & Michigan Bailroad Company was chartered in 1856-57,
and completed through Allen County in 1858.
The Ohio & Indiana Bailroad was opened from Crestline to Ft. Wayne
in 1854, under authority granted by the Legislature, March 20, 1850.
In 1856 this road was consolidated with the P. Ft. W. & C. B. B., and
now forms part of the great railroad system operated by the Pennsylvania
Bailroad Company. With the exception of the ancient ruins, commonly
called the Lima Depot, this road is complete in equipment. Bichard
Metheany, next to Judge Hanna, of Fort Wayne, was the leading worker
in this enterprise.
The Toledo, Cincinnati & SL Louis Railroad, — Originally this now
great system of narrow gauge railroad connected Shane's Crossing with
Delphos. In 1881 the road was extended to Dayton. The Delphos &
Eokomo Boad, the Dayton & Toledo Bailroad, and the Delphos, Blnfflon
& Franklin Bailroad are parts of this system.
The Cleveland, Delphos d St. Louis Railroad leaves Delphos, crosses'
the northwest quarter of Monroe Township and also the northeast quarter
of Bichland, leaving the county at a point east of Bluffton. William
Semple is president; C. A. Evans, vice-president; J. D. Callery, secre-
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HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 399
. tary; Joseph Boehmer, treasurer; L H. Bargoon, manager; W. H. Ful-
ler, chief engineer; C. W. Eislej, auditor, with general offices at Del-
phos.
The Chicago dt Atlantic Railroad, — This road extending from Chi-
cago, 111. to Marion, Ohio, and with its connections, forming a direct
route between the West and the North Atlantic States, was opened from
Lima to Marion, May 1, 1883. Among the persons who may be con-
sidered the founders of this great highway, the names of Thomas Espy,
Lester T. Hunt and James S. Bobinson are prominent.
CHAPTER XV.
STATISTICS OF THE COUNTY.
rCEBE is no more certain index to the condition of a free State
than its public accounts. So it is with any division of the
State. In the following review of the statistics of the county, the fig-
ures of population are placed first. This points out at a glance the
advances made during the last half century. Following this table are
the financial and industrial statistics, compiled from the official records
of 1883 which form in themselves an exhibit of the present worth of
the county.
THE POPULATION OF ALLEN COUNTY, 1830-1880.
The population of Allen County in 1830 was 578. The decennial
census returns make the following record of advancement:
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400
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTT.
TOWNSHIPS.
Amanda
Auglaize
Bath
Clay*
Deuchoquette*
German, in. Till
Elida
Goshen*
Jackson, in. vill
Lafayette
Marion, in. yill
Delphos, east part .
Delphos, intoto. ..
Monroe, in. vill
Cairo
Moulton*
Ottawa, in. Lima —
Lima Village ,
First Ward
•Second **
Third '*
Fourth '*
Perry
Pusheta*
Richland, in. Till. . . .
Beaver Dam
Bluffton
Shawnee
Spencer, in. vill
Spencerville
Sugar Creek.
Union*.
Washington* .
Wayne*.
1840
282
732
1882
485
692^
856
*286.
670
265*
665
768
429
669-
459-
404
I860
688
1844
1512t
1006
1176
672
374
924
757
923
'990
756
836
*766
I860
1178
1669
1315
1859
i632
2i66
1514
v< 19167
1288
1802
987
984
1870
1876
1696
1255
1462
1801
2920
i789
'i62
4600
i285
2i89
1169
1153
ioio
1880
1456'
1749-
1632
1589-
4488
2008
8814
2182
316
7669
7567
2443
2478
1992
654
1465
8372
853
1290
1241
1646
582
1032
Totals.
9,079 12,116 19,185 28,628 81,814
* The townships marked form a portion of the adjoining county of
Auglaize, since the organic changes referred to in the chapter dealing
with the transactions of the Commissioners' Board. The estimated pop-
ulation in 1884 was 40,000.
In 1860 the Indian population of. Ohio was 30, increased to 100 in
1870, and to 180 in 1880. Of this number there were four Indians resid-
ing in Allen County (census of 1880). The number of males in
1880 was 16,213; of females, 15,101; estimated at present at 21,000 and
19,000 respectively. The nativity of population, according to census of
1880, is shown as follows: Ohioans, 25,625 ; Pennsylvanians, 1,151;
New Torkers, 365; Virginians, 532; Eentuckians, 99; Indianians, 863;
Canadians, 59; Irish, 594; Welsh and English, 842; Scotch, 28; Ger-
mans, 939; French, 60; Swedes, 6; Indians, 4; colored citizens, 510;
Chinese) 3.
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HISTORT OF ALLEN COUNTY. 401
HISOELLAKSOtm STATISTICS.
The number of marriages in Allen Oounty for the year ending April
1, 1883, as reported by the Probate Judge, was as follows : Whites, by
license, 849, by banns, 5; colored, by license, 2; total, 856.
The births aggregated 888, of which number 444 were males and 486
females ; 8 colored males and 5 colored females.
The deaths numbered 278.
There were 21 persons naturalized, of whom 5 were Irish, 7 Oermans,
5 Swiss and 4 Welsh and English.
The number of insane persons committed to hospital was 18.
The number of prisoners reported in county jail during the year end-
ing April 1, 1888, was 72, of whom 89 were foreign' bom citizens. The
cost of keeping the prisoners was $1,528.50.
There were 128 paupers in the Infirmary during the year — 76 males
and 52 females — entailing a charge of $5,806.96.
The report for the year 1882-88 credits Allen County with 249,144
acres of land, valued at $6,416,986 ; real estate in towns and villages,
valued at $2,280,195 ; value of chattel property, $4,969,298, showing a
total assessed valuation of $18,616,429.
AOBIOULTUBAL AlO) OTHIB STATISTICS.
The number of acres under wheat in 1882 was 81,560, which produced
227,168 bushels; the number under buckwheat was 92, yielding 1,196
bushels; under com, 88,742 acres, yielding 1,470,145 bushels; under oats,
6,800 acres, yielding 202,530 bushels ; under ry9, 288 acres, yielding
8,697 bushels; under barley, 187 acres, yielding 4,868 bushels ; under
meadow, 12,874 acres, yielding 26,596 tons of hay ; under clover, 6,860
acres, yielding 6,898 tons of hay and 8,161 bushels of seed; under flax,
660 acres, yielding 5,678 bushels of seed and 10,621 pounds of fibre;
under potatoes, 1,128 acres, yielding 109,056 bushels ; under tobacco, one-
half acre, yielding 805 pounds ; under sorghum, 58 acres, yielding 2,448
pounds of sugar and 5,601 gallons of syrup; 58| acres of vineyard pro-
duced 11,890 pounds ; under orchards, 8,490 acres produced 89,282
bushels of apples, 754 bushels of peaches, 190 bushels of pears, 86
bushels of cherries, 10 bushels of plums ; under sweet potatoes, 29
acres, producing 429 bushels.
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402 HISTORT OF ALLEN COUNTY.
In 1883 there were 48,520 gallons of milk sold for family use ; 493,-
827 pounds of batter and 12,930 pounds of cheese made in home dairies.
The bee hives numbered 623, producing 7,040 pounds of honey. The
maple groves produ^ 6,750 pounds of sugar and 6,782 gallons of syrup.
There were 410,378 dozens of eggs produced.
In 188283 there were 106,571 pounds of wool shorn ; 5,137 milch
cows ; 8,638 horses, valued at $436,305; 15,170 cattle, valued at $266,-
809 ; 188 mules, valued at $10,335 ; 33,130 sheep, valued at $70,199 ;
and 31,508 hogs valued at $106,823.
MANUFAGTITRES.
The value of tin, copper and sheet iron ware was set down at $24, -
200; cabinet ware, $5,150; carriages, buggies, $28,300; wagons, carts
and drays, $8,000; all other manufactures of wood, $5,000; value of
leather, $7,000; saddles, harness and other manufactures of leather,
$7,900. Drain tile made, 120,800 feet, valued at $6,700 ; clothing,
valued at $55,000 ; prepared meats, $20,500 ; malt liquors, $18,400 ;
cigars and tobacco, $40,000; other manufactures not specified, $19,800.
The paper mills of Lima, hoop and stave factories, foundries and saw-
mills throughout the county increase the value of manufactures above
$2,000,000. {Vide Township and Village History.)
The capita] employed by the national banks of the county April 12,
1883, was $353,798.43, and by private banks, $14,791.78, amounting to
$368,590.21.
In 1883 there were about 102 miles of main track and twenty-two
miles of side track of railroads in the county.
The consideration for lands which actually changed owners during
the year 1883, was $902,404; of town acre lots, $12,308, and of town
or village lots, $588,027. The mortgages recorded during the year
amounted to $687,894, and the mortgages cancelled to $815,631. The
former does not include $20,000 recorded in name of C. & A. B. R Co.
FINANCIAL STATISTICS.
State debt or sinking fund, five- tenths of a mill, $6,808.20; general
revenue fund, one and four- tenths of a mill, $19,063; State common
school fund, one mill, $13,616.44; total state tax, two and nine- tenths
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AMANDA TOWNSHIP. 408
mills, $39,487.64. Total amount of all other than State taxes,
$274,292.73; delinquent taxes on real estate and forfeitures, $15,208.63;
delinquent taxes of former years on personal property, $4,400.45;
total taxes for all purposes, including delinquencies and forfeitures,
except per capita tax on dogs, $333,389.45; dog tax, at $1 each, $2,345.
The indebtedness of the county in September, 1883, was $75,000;
of the townships, $12,500; of the cities and villages, $132,731.22, and
of separate school districts, $2,860.11 — aggregating $223,091. The
bonds exempt from taxation in 1882 amounted to $28,292.
The taxes collected in 1883 under the Scott Law amounted to
$14,970.62. Sixty-eight places were taxed $200 each, and fifteen places
$100. Of this sum, $5,585.92 was transferred to the municipal police
fund, a like amount to the municipal general fund, $3,723.94 to the
county poor fund, and balance to meet expenses of collection, etc.
The uninterrupted prosperity which has waited on the various
branches of enterprise and industry, from the earliest settlement of
the county to the present day, and the change from an unbroken wilder-
ness to a rich and populous territory, effected within the last fifty years,
lead the mind to a contemplation of the condition to which the progres-
sive energies of the people will raise this county in the future. We
have only to examine the resources of wealth which the county presents,
the strength, skill and aptitude of the people to draw forth from
natural advantages all they offer, to enable us to measure approximately
what the future shall bring forth to reward the laborers.
CHAPTER XVI.
AMANDA TOWNSHIP.
FTIHIS division of the county was the first to fall into the possession
jL. of the American pioneer, and one of the first divisions
of the entire Northwest to be occupied by United States troops.
In the history of Ft Amanda (vide Hist, of Occupation and
Settlement), it is established that a fort was erected here in 1812
by the troops of GoL Poague's command, who called the position
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404 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Fort Amanda, in honor of the Colonel's wifa In 1817 a few set-
tlers arrived, who occupied the block-houses within the stockade around
this fort. They were Andrew Russell, who died five years later, and was
interred in the military cemetery ; Peter Diltz who returned to Montgom-
ery County, Ohio, in August, 1818, and reviuited the place in 1821;* and
William Van Ausdall whose death occurred in 1824 and whose remains
were placed next to the grave of Andrew Bussell.
The record of settlers, who came to the township immediately after
the first trio of immigrants, were Henry Hartel, 1820, Dye Sunderland
and family in 1821, William Stewart, George Eephart, Jacob fibrtel,
Peter Sunderland, (a revolutionary soldier, who died here in 1827), Wm.
Sunderland, Benjamin Russell, Samuel Stewart, Joseph Sutton, Thomas
Adams, Ferd. Miller, Solomon Carr, Samuel Washburn, William Berry-
man, and brothers, Daniel Hoak, 1824-25; James and John Crozier,
Daniel Qarde, Jacob and Silas Miller, 1825 or 1826; William Cochran,
Samuel Moore, William Addms, William Durham, and Isaac Enoop,
1827-28; Archelaiis Martin, John Ireland, William Winans, Fred, Tom
and Josiah Clawson, Henry Harris, Saul and John Patton, Samuel and
James Baxter, William Knuttle, in 1828-29.
In the following list the names of the original purchasers of govern-
ment lands in this township are given. With very few exceptions the
buyers became residents here, and thus the list suits the dual purpose of
an old resident's roll, as well as roster of original land buyers.
U. 8. LANDS ENTEBED IN AMANDA 1822-54.
Godfrey King, section 1, 1852. Squire Mills, section 2, 1850.
Amos Imbler, section 1, 1852. John Cood» section 2, 1850.
William Imbler, section 1, 1853. Samuel Enittle, section 8, 1858.
Simon Crites, section 1, 1853. Jacob Bressler, Jr., section 8, 1852.
Cyrus Crites, section 1, 1852. Peter Ely, section 8, 1852.
Jonathan Douthill, section 1, 1854. Bazel Culver, section 8. 1854.
Philip Herring, section 1, 1854. Cyrus Hoak, section 8, 1849.
John Sutton, section 2, 1852. John Culver, section 8, 1850.
Washington Cunningham, section 2, 1851.Thomas Sutton, section 8, 1848.
Matthew W. Burger, section 2, 1851. Jacob Pry, section 3, 1850.
Samuel Hart, section 2, 1851. Jonathan Barrack, section 3, 1853.
Bazel Culver, section 2, 1852. Peter Ely, section 4, 1850.
^evi Schock, section 2, 1850. Manuel Place, section 4, 1849.
Azarias Schock, section 2, 1850. Amos Evans, section 4, 1850.
Silas Mills, section 2, 1852. Solomon Carr, section 4, 1884.
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AMANDA TOWNSHIP.
405
George Eephart, section 4, 1825.
Jacob Barter, section 4, 1825.
Osman Kephart, section 4, 1848.
Archibald Sutton, section 4, 1836.
Thomas Sutton, section 4, 1886.
C^rge Eephart, section 5, 1825.
Daniel Garde, section 5, 1828.
Washington Mark, section 5, 1846.
Barnabas Eoche, section 5, 1852.
Nathan Hadington, section 5, 1852.
Jacob Barter, section 5, 1845.
Isaac Biggs, section 5, 1850.
William Barter, section 5, 1847.
Barter & Place, section 5, 1850.
Jacob Barter, section 5, 1849.
B. Osterhout, section 5, 1849.
P. Ely, section 5, 1849.
Robert Moody, section 6, 1886.
Isaac Mills, section 6, 1886.
Sylvester B. Wolsey, section 6, 1884.
Jacob Carr, section 6, 1885.
Robert Moody, section 6, 1885.
Simon Perlcins, section 6, .
Jacob Barter, section 8, 1885.
William Stewart, section 8, 1886.
William Wherrott, section 8, 1849.
Zadoc Bice, section 8, 1849.
James Stewart, section 8, 1886.
Demas Adams, section 8, 1886.
Jacob Barter, section 9, 1826.
Samuel Stewart, section 9, 1825.
William Stewart, section 9, 1825.
John Barter, section 9, 1845.
William Bice, section 9, 1847.
Samuel Stewart, section 9, 1845.
Isaiah Chamberlain, section 9, 1850.
Charles Post, section 9, 1845.
Samuel Stewart, section 9, 1847.
George Bainly, section 9, 1850.
Thomas Berryman, section 9, 1848.
B. Nelson Bermiss, section 10, 1885.
John Young, section 1(^ 1885.
Ben]. Russell, section 10, 1827.
Thomas Adams, section 10, 1884.
Samuel Stewart, section 10, 1834.
Amelia Post, section 10, 1822.
Wm. Sunderland, section 10, 1826.
Permenas Williams, section 11, 1858.
Guisham Peffers, section 11, .
Charles Eemmer, section 11, .
Alexander Madden, section 11, .
John Foreman, section 11, .
Peter Young, section 11, .
James Bober, section 11, .
W. S. Coleman, section 11,
Nathan G. Platt, section 12, 1850.
John Gaskill. section 12, 1849.
George J. Coon, section 12, 1850.
Squire Mills, section 12, 1848.
Frederick Reece, section 12, 1849.
Abrm. I. Decoursey, section 12, 1850.
Isaac Coon, section 12, 1849.
Joseph Babcock, section 12, 1851.
Charles Baines, section 12. 1850.
John Gaskill section 12, 1850.
George Brown, section 12, 1848.
Benry Eridler, section 18, 1852.
Joseph Babcock, section 18, 1851.
James WiUeby, section 18, 1852.
Jacob Bower, section 18, 1851.
Wm. Durham, section 18, 1827.
John Brand, section 18, 1848.
Wm. Blackburn, section 18, 1852.
Joshua Sprague, section 18, 1850.
Benry Sprague, section 18, 1858.
Albert T^son, section 18, 1858.
George Sunderland, section 14, 1850.
Valentine Bowersock, section 14, 1849.
James Sunderland, section 14, 1848.
James Bowersock, section 14, 1848.
Daniel Sunderland, section 14, 1848.
John Clink, section 14, 1850.
Wm. Sunderland, section 14, 1848.
Smith Cremean. Jr., section 14, 1850.
Dye Sunderland, section 14, 1886.
Dye Sunderland, section 15, 1822.
Wm. Underwood, section 15, 1822.
Andrew Russell, section 15, 1822.
Jacob Shaffer, section 15, 1852.
Peter Sunderland, section 15, 1848.
Wm. Sunderland, section 15, 1857.
Mary Ann O' Brian, section 15, 1850.
Johnson Busby, section 15, 1858.
Tobias Shaffer, section 15, 1858.
Mary Ann O'Brian, section 15, 1850.
Thomas Bereman, section 15, 1846.
Jacob Shaffer, section 16, 1854.
E. B. Fisher, section 16, .
Osman Eephart, section 16, — — .
B. B. Fisher, section 16, .
John Culver, section 16, .
F. Baum, section 16, .
T. E. Jacobs, section 16, .
Benry Miller, section 16, .
84
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406
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTV.
James Carter, section 16, .
James Mills, section 16, .
John Wolfinger, section 16, .
James Colter, section 16, .
Frederick Shoemaker, section 16, .
Joseph Cockinger, section 17, 1850.
George Hanley, section 17, 1851.
Jacob Barter, section 17, 1852.
Henry B. Dehart, section 17, 1851.
Peter Frederick, section 17, 1851.
Frederick Francis, section 17, 1852.
Jacob Shaffer, section 17, 1852.
Charles F. Shively, section 17, 1858.
Samuel Thompson, section 19, 1850.
Isaac Johnson, section 19, 1850.
William Grooves, section 19, 1852.
Zacharias Chamberlain, section 19, 1852.
John Grooves, section 19, 1852.
John Howard, section 19, 1854.
Alexander B. Foster, section 19, 1850.
John Badger, section 19, 1850.
George Robinson, section 19, 1850.
Resmond Willman, section 20, 1886.
John Schiverer, section 20, 1885.
M. G. Mitchell, section 20, 1884.
William Mitchell, section 20, 1884.
Simon Perkins, section 20, 1885.
BenJ. P. Southworth, section 20, 1884.
John Snavely, section 20, 1885.
Jacob Harris, section 21, 1850.
Noah Poling, section 21, 1851.
Phillip Herring, section 21, 1850.
N. Strayer, section 21, 1850.
S. Strayer, section 21, 1850.
Fielding L. MiUer, section 21, 1850.
Jacobs. Baker, section 21, 1856.
Cornelius Gardner, section 22, 1885.
Jeremiah Hillyard, section 22„1849.
Henry Gillespie, section 22, 1850.
Fred. Marquand, section 22, 1886.
David Brinkley, section 22, 1849.
Sebastian Eichs, section 22, 1849.
Jacob Hittie, section 22, 1845.
John Griffith, section 28, 1850.
George Miller, section 28, 1846.
Joshua Davidson, section 28, 1850.
Addison Patton, section 28. 1852.
Benj. Poling, section 28, 1850.
Jacob Roush, section 28, 1849.
Smith Baxter, section 28, 1852.
Hiram Richards, section 28, 1850.
Mary Barbee, section 28, 1850.
Ferdinand MiUer, section 28, 1846.
Michael Bowers, section 28, 1848.
Michael Bowers, section 24, 1884.
James S. Connell. section 24, 1844.
John Bates, section 24, 1889.
Solomon Browne, section 24, 1844.
Griffith John, section 24, 1884.
James Johnson, section 24, 1889.
Joseph Binkley, section 24, 1847.
Thos. E. Jacobs, section 24, 1844.
Lorin Kennedy, section 24, 1844.
John Bates, section 24, 1889.
John Bates, section 25, 1889.
Jos. Binkley, section 25, 1847.
Smith Cremean, section 25, 1847.
Thomas Sylar, section 26, 1886.
Wm. Bowns, section 26, 1847.
Madison Hamilton, section 26, 1886.
John Bowers, section 26,1849.
Joseph Miller, section 26, 1848.
David Goodi^, section 26, 1847.
Peter W. Cahill, section 26, 1847.
James J. Westbay, section 26, 1849.
James Morris, section 26, 1850.
John Brenneman, section 27, 1850.
George Himsaker, section 27, 1850.
Joseph Shope, section 27, 1858.
Fred Freisner, section 27, 1858.
Jacob Sakemiller. section 27, 1868.
Henry O. Syfert, section 27. 1858.
JohnStotier, section 27. 1852.
John Sailers, section 27, 1851.
Jacob Concklin, section 28, 1885.
Isaac Conaway, section 29, 1852.
Silas G. Swisher, section 29, 1850.
Alanson Hayes, section 29, 1850.
Oramei H. Bliss, section 29, 1845.
Reuben Williams, section 29, 1852.
Eckerd Peters, section 29, 1858.
Jesse Miller, section 80, 1884.
Jacob Miller, section 80, 1884.
Theodore Strong, section 80, 1886.
Lewis Strong, section 80, 1885.
Simon Perkins, section 80, 1835.
Samuel Forrer, section 80,1884.
Samuel Miller, section 30, 1884.
Elijah J. Brown, section 30, 1849.
Henry Miller, section 81, 1850.
Jacob Carr, section 81, 1848.
Bernard Brockman, section 81, 1847.
Wm. Tyler, section 81. 1846.
Wm. Chaffee, section 31, 1860.
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AMANDA TOWNSHIP.
40T
Wm. Ryan, section 31, 1846.
Geo. W. Briggs, section 81. 1846.
Charles Emerson, section 81, 1850.
Demas Adams, section 82, 1886.
Samuel Marshall, section 82, 1884.
Wm. Stewart, section 82, 1884.
Benj. P. Southworth, section 82, 1884.
Wm. Wolery, section 82, 1885.
Sylvester R. Wolery, section 82, 1886.
Thos. B. Van Home, section 82, 1885.
Isaac Enoop, section 82, 1828.
Samuel Moore, section 82, 1827.
Washington Mark, section 82, 1850.
Ormand Eephart, section 88, 1858.
Jonathan Zerkel, section 88, 1858.
Margaret Leffinwell, section 88, 1858.
Wm. Trine, section 88, 1858.
Jas. E. McFarland, section 88, 1858.
Joseph Eibhle, section 88, 1850.
Washington Mark, section 88, 1846.
John Brown, section 88, 1858.
Thomas Sutton, section 88, 1858.
Bazell Culver, section 88, 1858.
Samuel Shope, s^tion 84, 1851.
Fred. Marquand, section 84, 1886.
Gershom S. Williams, section 84, 1851.
James Place, section 84, 1851.
Lewis Herring, section 84, 1851.
Henry W. Philbrock, section 85, 1858.
Penrose Herring, section 85, 1858.
Henry W. Philbrock. section 85, 1858.
David Kitchen, section 85, 1858.
Ezra Salters, section 85, 1851.
George W. Hood, section 85, 1852.
Penrose Herring, section 85, 1854.
Phillip Herring, section 85, 1854.
Abner Haverstick, section 85, 1858.
Joseph Butterbough, section 85, 1858. .
Solomon Deen, section 85, 1858.
John Bates, section 86, 1889.
Abraham Brenneman, section 86, 1847.
Joseph Kemp, section 86, 1848.
John Ross, section 86, 1851.
Elijah Riley, section 86, 1844.
BGHOOL8.
At an early period in the history of Amanda Township a log
schoolhoose stood on the Eli Barfried (Q. W. Eiohardson) farm, in
which one Benham and sabseqaently William Enattle taught school. In
1829 Arohelans Martin presided over a school of about fifteen pnpils.
The advances made in educational matters since 1829 are portrayed in
the following statistics for 1884, which deal with the township schools:
The amount of receipts for year ending August 31, 18S4, was $3,884.74;
of expenditures, 13,785.08. The number of pupils enrolled, 1,022 — 515
boys and 507 girls. There are nine schoolhouses, valued at $8,500,
including grounds, etc. There were ten male and three female teachers
employed, three of the former and two of the latter teaching the entire
time. Gentlemen received an average salary of $41, and ladies of $35
per month.
The Amanda separate school district gives the following report:
Receipts in 1884 amounted to $669.78; the expenditures, $576. There is
one school building valued at $1,700. The pupils enrolled number
thirty-seven, twenty-eight boys and nine girla
CHUBCHES.
The Baptists had an organized society here as early as 1880, but their
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408 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
hooBe of worship, the first in the township, was not erected until 1841.
Bey. Joseph Hill and Bev. Charles Waddle were the first preachers in
1830. In 1866 the Baptists erected a chnrch in the settlement known as
Armstrong Village.
The Methodist Episcopal Society was founded here at an early date,
but the question of building a house of worship was not entertained until
1847-48, when a church building was erected on Section 24, at a cost of
$1,000. The Methodists have two church buildings at present
The Christian Brethren erected a church on Section 9 immediately
after the war. In 1868 the Christian Union erected a house of worship,
and in 1875 the United Bretiiren built on Section 25.
yiLLA.OES.
The village of Amanda was platted in 1832 by Samuel Washburn, who
married the widow of Andrew BusselL Armstrong Village may be said
to date from 1842, when the flouring-mill was erected at that point by
Tone & Co. The location on the southwest bank of the Auglaize is
pleasant Southwprth, a little postal town in the northwest quarter of
the township, is on the Miami & Erie Canal and Delphos & Indianapolis
B. B.
The post office known as Armstrong, Amanda Township, was moved
to Conant, the nucleus of a new village on the Chicago & Atlantic Bail-
road, in 1884.
OBOAKIZATION.
When the township was organized under authority granted by the
Commissioners of Mercer County in 1830, there were only thirteen
electors in the town, twelve of whom were present at organization.
Samuel Baxter was chosen Clerk, and Daniel Hoak, Justice of Peace.
William Stewart, Solomon Carr, Commissioner of Mercer County;
Samuel Washburn, A. Martin and others were also elected to fill town
officer Previous to organization, however, the Mercer County authorities
interested themselves in the improvement of this portion of Allen County.
The orders issued, names of those to whom issued, dates, and amounts, —
all given in the following abstract of Mercer County records relating
to Allen County — show very clearly the action of Mercer toward Alle^ in
the days of her rule. ^
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AMANDA TOWNSHIP. 409
No. 1. Order iesned to Justin HamiltoD, for five dollars and eighty
cents, out of the three per cent funds of Allen County. July 20, 1880,
$5.80.
No. 2. Order issued to John Wyland, for three dollars and forty-nine
cents, out of Allen County funds, for service, as commiRsioner of road,
from Mrs. Flinns to Wapakoneta. Aug. 16, 1880, $8.40.
No. 3. Order issued to John Wyland, for one dollar and 8eve^ty-four
and a half cents, out of Allen funds, for service as packer on a State
road, from Mrs. Flinns to Wapakoneta. Aug. 16, 1880, $1.74^.
No. 4. Order issued to John Wyland, for one dollar seventy-four and
a half Qents, out of Allen funds, for provisions. Aug. 16, 1830, $1.74J.
No. 6. Order issued to Isaac Applegate, for one dollar and seventy-
four cents, out of Allen County funds, for service as chain carrier on
a State road from Mrs. Flinns to Wapakoneta. Aug. 16, 1880, $1.74.
No. 7. Order issued to Caleb Moyer, for one dollar and seventyfour
cents, out of Allen funds, as blazer on a State road, from Mrs. Flinns to
Wapakoneta. Aug. 16, 1880, $1.74.
No. 10. Order Issued to Justin Hamilton, for twenty dollars, out of
Allen funds, per order of Christopher Wood, road commissioner. Aug.
28, 1830, $20.00.
No. 12. Order issued to David Armstrong, for one dollar and seventy-
four cents, out of Allen funds, for carrying chain on State road from
Mrs. Flinns to Wapakoneta. Sepi 6, 1830, $1.74
No. 18. Order issued to Wm. Armstrong, for three dollars, out of
Mercer and Van Wert funds, as auditor, and attending salea Sepi 16,
1880, $3.00.
No. 62. Order to Chris. Wood, for $255.89, of Allen County funds
(three per cent), paid him as road cocnmissioner. Dec. 7, 1880.
No. 240. Issued to Calvin Denison, Joseph Ghreer and Joel Wood,
$5.25 each for services as conmiissioners for State road from Ft Amanda,
Allen Co., to State road in Mercer County. Sam. Hanson, chairman,
received $2.25; Lorenzo Boebuck, marker, $2.25; Justin Hamilton, sur-
veyor, $6.75. Dec. 29, 1826. The grant to Justin Hamilton was in
consideration of his survey of a road from Fort Amanda to Denison's
Run in 1826.
The northern end of Amanda was set off in December, 1883, as a
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410 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
portion of Marion Township. In December, 1834, it was ordered that
so much of original Township 4 south, Bange 5 east, as previonslj
belonged to German, shoald be attached to Amanda. In February, 1848,
after the reorganization of the county, the south half of Marion and
north half of Amanda were established as the township of Amanda, the
south half of Amanda as known previously, becoming a part of the new
county of Auglaize. As the township stands at present, it comprises
thirty-four sections — Sections 7 and 18 of original Township 4 south,
Kange 5 east, forming the southeastern part of Spencer Township, while
Sections 19 to 36 of original township now belong to Auglaize County.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The population of the township in 1880 was 1,456. In August, 1884)
there were 543 boys and 516 girls of school age in the township, a total
of 1,059; the infant and adult population as estimated in 1884, is placed
at 800, which would show an increase of 403 within four years.
The Chicago & Atlantic Kailrpad passes from east to west through this
township, and a narrow guage road skirts along the western side, divid-
ing it from Spencer. The postofBces are: Southworth, Conant^ and
Kempton.
The physical characteristics are marked by fertile soil, forests of heavy
timber and a net work of streams, which give a system of natural drain-
age. Although the township in point of settlement is the oldest in the
county, its resources are still waiting developement The building of
the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad and the tendency toward modem enter-
prise, all give promise of the township rising to that place which its
natural wealth of soil and forests claim for it.
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AUGLAIZE TOWNSHIP. 411
CHAPTER XVII.
AUGLAIZE TOWNSHIP.
r I IJllS iownsbip forming the southwest corner of the coanty north of
JL the line of Auglaize County, west of the line of Hardin County,
and south and east of Jackson and Perry Townships, was established by
order of tl^e Commissioners of Allen County, March 5, 1832. In Decem-
ber of that year the township of Scioto was disestablished and attached
to Auglaize Township for judicial purposes. Until the establishment of
Perry Township in December, 1833, the twelve eastern sections of that
township formed a portion of Auglaize Township. Since that time what
is known as original Township 4 south, Range 8 east, constitutes this
division of the county. The villagee known as Westminster, West
Newton and South Maysville belong to Auglaize Township. The popu-
lation in 1880 was 1,749. The increase since 1880, based on school
statistics of 1884, which give an enumeration of 264 boys and 241 girls,
an aggregate school population of 505, is not remarkable.
The pioneers of Auglaize Township were Francis Stevenson, John and
Arabella Goode, who settled here in 1829. In March, 1830, the Steven-
son family came to take possession of the home selected by the pioneer
in 1829. Francis Stevenson died in 1847, and the year following his
wife died. Tolson Ford, James Hamilton, Henry Weaver and Robert
Underwood arrived in 1830, and the following year, Isaac, John, Daniel
and Samuel Shockey, and David Serkes came in. The authentic record
of early settlement is given in the chapter dealing with the pioneers of
the county, in that portion of it where the tax-payers of Auglaize,
in 1834, are named. The following record of purchasers of Gov-
ernment lands in this township is not only valuable as being historical
in every sense; but also as a testimonial to the men who purchased, as it
were, the liberty to reclaim the wilderness.
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412
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
n. 8. LANDS ENTERED IN AUGLAIZE 1830-52.
Jacob Sellers, Jr., section 1, 1834.
John Swain, Jr., section 1, 1886.
Andrew Grubb, section 1, 1886.
John Bosher, section 1, 1886.
Joshua Braddock, section 1, 1884.
William Hunter, section 1, 1887.
David Robinson, section 1, 1886.
Jacob Sellers, section 2, 1884.
Robert Guthrie, section 2, 1886.
Demas Adams, section 2, 1886.
QeoTge Houseman, Sr., section 8, 1886.
Andrew Grilbb, section 8, 1886.
Jotham Clark,^section 8, 1885.
Daniel Leatherman, section », 1885.
Michael Leatherman, section 4, 1885.
James William Japieson, section 4, 1885.
Jeremiah Rigel, seetion 4, 1885.
James Chamberlain, section 4, 1885.
Elia Adams, section 4, 1886.
Samuel H. Jameson, section 4, 1885.
Charles Baker, section 4, 1886.
Charles Baker, section 6, 1836.
Samuel H. Jameson, section 5, 1885.
David Fry, section 5, 1886.
James A. Anderson, section 5, 1886.
Alex. F. Stedman, section 5, 1886.
Wm. Raines, section 5, 1884.
Sylvanus Parker, section 6. 1885.
Jonathan Bailey, section 6, 1886.
John Lippincott, section 6, 1885.
Homan Parker, section 6, 1885.
Wm. Burden, section 6. 1884.
John R. Mumaugh, section 6, 1885.
Jonathan Bailey, section 6, 1885.
Alfred McVeigh, section 6. 1835.
Thomas Cairn, section 7, 1884.
Alexander Creps, section 7, 1886.
Jesse Hoffman, section 7, 1888.
John Lippincott, section 7, 1885.
Gustavus Swan, section 7, 1885.
Samuel Ice, section 7, 1882.
Solomon Ice, section 7, 1832.
John Leipaird, section 7, 1835.
Jesse Huffman, section 7, 1835.
Wm. Rains, section 8, 1834.
Peter Custer, section 8, 1886.
Wm. Keith, section 8. 1885.
Elizabeth Keith, section 8, 1886.
George Miller, section 8, 1885.
Eli Clum, section 8, 1885.
Thomas Cairn, section 8, 1884.
James Dennison, section 9, 1835.
James Chamberlain, section 9, 1885.
Wm. Keith, Sr., section 9, 1835.
Samuel Bowdle, section 9, 1836.
John Hilliberger, section 9, 1839.
Elia Adams, section 9. 1886.
Joseph Austin, section 9, 1836.
John Vermillion, section 9, 1834.
Elijah Williams, section 10. 1835.
Jacob L. Baker, section 10, 1886.
Wm. Valentine, section 10, 1836.
John Swain, Jr., section 10, 1886.
Demas Adams, section 10, 1886.
John Vermillion, section 10, 1884.
Thomas Guthrie, section 10, 1886.
Wm. Keith, section 11, 1885.
James Keith, section 11, 1886.
Josiah Barton, section 11, 1834.
Peter Miller, section 11, 1885.
Enoch Williams, section 12, 1887.
Daniel Leatherman, section 12, 1886.
Robert Guthrie, section 12, 1886.
Wm. Keith, section 12. 1835.
Peter Miller, section 12. 1885.
Samuel Hoover, Sr., section 18, 1886.
William Keith, section 18, 1886.
David F. Whitford, section 18. 1889.
Josias Scott, section 18, 1886.
John B. Hover, section 18, 1886«
Urra Lawrence, section 18, 1888.
John Williams, section 18. 1886.
John Smith, section 13, 1886.
Henry Humberger, section 14, 1886.
John Dobbins, section 14. 1886.
Mary King, section 14. 1836.
Samuel King, section 14, 1886.
Christian King, section 16. 1886.
William Valentine, section 16, 1886.
William Keith. Sr., section 15. 1886.
John Humbarger. section 15. 1886.
Alexander Young, section 15, 1882.
Levi Harrod. Sr.. section 15, 1882.
William Brougham, section 16, 1852.
John S. Shockey. section 16. 1852.
John P. Haller. section 16, 1852.
Harrison Clawson, section 16, 1862.
Abram Embsberger, section 16, 1852.
John Isenogle, section 16, 1852.
Henry HuUiberger, section 16, 1852.
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AUGLAIZE TOWNSHIP.
418
John HulHberger, section 17, 1886.
James Denison» section 17, 1886.
William Keith, section 17. 1885.
Alexander Creps. section 17. 1888.
David Berks, section 17, 1881.
Henry Weaver, section 17, 1880.
Francis Stevenson, section 17, 1880.
Alexander Creps. section 18, 1888.
Henry Shallenberger, section 18. 1882.
Nicholas D. Marrs. section 18. 1888.
Thomas Ford, section 18, 1888.
C^orge Sevur, section 18, 1888.
Alexander Creps, section 19, 1888.
Abner Smith, section 19, 1884.
Thomas Asking, section 19, 1882.
Philip Smith, section 19, 1882.
John Shockey, section 19, 1888.
Aurora Smith, section 19, 1885.
David Ford, section 19, 1888.
And. McCoy, section 19, 1888.
James Calvin, section 19, 1882.
Francis Stevenson, section 20. 1880.
Jacob Rudy, section 20, 1882.
Isaac Stiles, section 20. 1885.
John Stevenson, section 20, 1888.
£11 Stevenson, section 20. 1888.
Samuel Asking, section 20, 1882.
Samuel Shockey, section 21, 1880.
Charles Shockey, section 21, 1884.
Joseph Ashum, section 21, 1888.
James Stevenson, section 21, 1888.
Hiram Hullinger, section 21. 1885.
Francis Stevenson, section 21, 1881.
James Hamilton, section 21, 1830.
Robert Underwood, section 21, 1880.
William Holt, section 22, 1882.
WiUiam Hays, section 22, 1886.
George Stubbs, section 22, 1885.
George Ford, section 22. 1884.
Samuel Hockey, section 22. 1884.
Levi Harrod, Sr., section 22, 1882.
Tolson Ford, section 22, 1880.
George Hover, Jr., section 22. 1886.
William Patterson, section 28. 1882.
John B. Hover, section 28. 1888.
Charles C. Scott, section 28, 1886.
Joseph Longfellow, section 28, 1882.
William Baird, section 28, 1882.
Nathaniel Harriott, section 24, 1886.
Amos Parker, section 24, 1886.
Demas Adams, section 24, 1885.
John Williams, section 24, 1884.
John B. Hover, section 24, 1886.
William Chaffee, section 24, 1886.
William H. Scott, section 24, 1887.
James H. Scott, section 24, 1887.
Nathaniel Harriott, section 25, 1886.
John Elder, section 25, 1883.
Thomas Parker, section 25. 1886.
John B. Hover, section 25, 1886.
Smith Harriott, section 25, 1885.
Samuel Hoover, section 25, 1885.
James S. Hover, section 25, 1885.
Nathaniel Harriott, section 26, 1886.
Samuel Hoover, section 26, 1885.
James Shields, section 26, 1886.
John B. Hover, section 26. 1885.
James Boyd, section 26, 1886.
Samuel Hoover, Jr., section 26, 1886.
Charles Shockey, section 26, 1884.
James Williams, section 27, 1888.
Lot Turner, section 27, 1886.
Amos Parker, section 27, 1836.
Levi Harrod, Jr., section 27, 1884.
Levi Harrod, section 27, 1884.
Hiram Hullinger. section 28, 1888.
Levi Harrod, Jr., section 28, 1882.
Thomas Ford, section 28, 1888.
Wm. Ward, section 28. 1884.
Peter Jacobs, section 28, 1884.
Anne Jacobs, section 28, 1882.
Jacob Gump, section 28, 1882.
Abraham Studebaker, section 28, 1888.
Wm. Gilmer, section 29, 1885.
Andrew McCoy, section 29. 1885.
Abijah Ward, section 29, 1882.
James WatU, section 29, 1888.
James R. Neal, section 29. 1885.
Wm. Wical. Section 29, 1835.
George Chance, section 29, 1885.
Theophilus WatU. section 29, 1885.
Cyrus Jacobs, section 80, 1882.
Abraham Studebaker, section 80, 1882.
Joseph Rudy, section 80, 1888.
Isaac Shockey, section 80, 1880.
David Gihnore, section 81, 1838.
Wm. Shockey, section 31, 1833.
Wm. Harbour, section 81. 1884.
John Miller, section 31, 1882.
John Fuce, section 81, 1834.
Isaac Shockey, section 31, 1885.
Uriah Ford, section 31, 1835.
Elisha McCoy, section 32, 1835.
Wm. Boyer, section 82, 1835.
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414 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
AlphoDSO Boyer, section 32, 1884. Jacob Yaezel, section 34, 1885.
David Gilmore, section 82, 1888. Joseph Clevenger, section 84, 1888.
Elijah Hardesty, section 82, 1884. Wm. O'Donnell, section 84, 1884.
Joseph F. Stevenson, section 82, 1885. Samuel O'Donnell, sectioii 84, 1885.
Richard Pearce, section 82, 1836. Lorin Coffin, section 84, 1884.
St. Leger Neal, section 82, 1885. James T. Leigh, section 85, 1886.
Jacob Yeager, section 88, 1882. James Boyd, section 85, 1886.
Wm. Ward, section 88, 1882. Lee Turner, section 85. 1887.
Abraham Studebaker, section 88, 1834. Elisha Harbut, section 35, 1836.
Samuel Asking, section 88, 1883. Wm. Neal, section 35, 1885.
Robert Gant, section 88, 1888. Chas. Shockey, section 35, 1884.
Daniel Gump, section 33, 1882. John Harbut, section 85, 1885.
Joseph Gillespie, section 33, 1834. Abraham Scott, section 86, 1885.
Samuel Ward, section 38, 1885. David Shields, section 86, 1885.
Lot Turner, section 33. 1848. Levi Christopher, section 36, 1885.
Geo. Stombaugh, section 84. 1884. Samuel Hoover, section 86, 1885.
Wm. Harbut. section 84, 1834. Isma Timons, section 86, 1885.
Lot Turner, section 34, 1836. Simeon Maxwell, section 86. 1886.
George Coon, section 84, 1884. Samuel Biddinger, section 36, 1885.
James Boyd, section 34, 1886. Elisha Harbut, section 36. 1885.
Mrs. Ooode, whose name is given among the settlers of 1829, was the
first white woman who appeared in the role of housekeeper within the
bounds of Auglaize. Her husband, John Ooode, is credited with build-
ing the first cabin in the township. The first Township Board com-
prised Tolson Ford, William Oilmore and James Watt, Trustees, and
Tolson Ford^ Justice of the Peace. The Ooodenow family and other
old settlers, who came in after 1834, are referred to in other pages.
SCHOOLS.
During the winter of 1833-34, a subscription school was opened by
John Shockey, son of Samuel Shockey, in a cabin which was built on
Section 26. A short time after this, the commissioners* ordered that the
district be organized. The growth of the school system within the last
half century is told by the following statistics: The revenue for 1884 was
^$8,781.54; expenditures, $6,268. There are eleven school buildings, val-
ued at $17,000, one of which was completed in 1884 at a cost of $3,554
The enrollment is 404 — 216 boys and 188 girls. Twenty teachers are
employed. This does not include Westminster Special District, of which
the following are the statistics: Eevenue in 1884 was $1,227.13; expend-
iture $642.55. The number of pupils enrolled, 101; 48 boys and 53
girls. One school building valued at $3,000. There were two teachers
employed.
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AUGLAIZE TOWNSHIP. 415
GHUBGHE8.
From the earliest period of Rettlement, religious organization has
existed in this division of the oonntj. To-day there are six ohnroh
buildings. In 1881 Bev. Joseph Hill, Elder Chaffee, and a preacher
named Waddle visited this district, and found a home and house of wor-
ship at the Stevenson house. About 1834 a house was erected near West-
minster (which was devoted to religious uses), where now the First Meth-
odist Church building standa The Protestant Methodist Church was
subsequently established; the Baptist societies were also early organiza-
tions. In later years tbe United Brethren, Christian Brethren, German
Beformed Lutheran and other societies were established. In 1880 Mrs.
Behecca Creps erected the German Beformed Church of Westminster,
in memory of Alex. Creps, the founder of the village, who settled here
in 1832 and died in 1878. This house is built of brick, with stone fac-
ings, is supplied with bell and belfry, and dedicated to the use of all
orthodox religions by the generous donor.
The Methodists formed a class in Marion Township, Hardin County^
as early as 1840, at the house of James Thomson. The place of meet-
ing was subsequently moved to Maysville, near which a house of wor-
ship has been erected.
msosLLANEons.
Maysville is located on Section 1, Auglaize, and Section 36, Jackson,
in Allen County, and partly in Hardin County. German street forms
the county line, east of which, in Allen County, the main portion of the
village stands. Main street forms the line between Jackson and Au-
glaize Townships. The original town in Allen County contains fifty lots.
Westminster, platted by Alex. Creps in 1834, is located on the north
bank of the Auglaize, Section 18, Auglaize Township. The streets run
northeast and southeast at an angle of about 28^. The streets running
northeast are named Franklin, Walnut and Mulberry — the others Main
and Centre Streets. This is an ambitious business village and the center
of 9 growing trade. The neighboring country is characterized by well
cultivated farms and a progressive population.
West Newton on Section 36, Auglaize Township, was platted in 1850
by David Shields. The village centre is at an intersection of Washing-
ton and Napoleon Streets.
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416 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Each Tillage of this township supports a small bosiness oommonitj.
The agricnltoral interests are fostered with zealons care, and, as shown
in the general history of the coontj, advancement marks the township as
her own. No railroad passes through this township. The postoffioes
are: Westminster, West Newton, Harrod and Manahan.
CHAPTER XVIII.
BATH TOWNSHIP.
BATH is a land of well cultivated farms, groves of forest* trees, pleas-
ant streams, and is altogether one of the most picturesque divisions
of Allen County. The principal streams are the creeks, known as Hog
or Swinonia, and Sugar Greek — the former coursing through the south-
em sections and the latter through the northern sections, each stream
flowing in a southeastern course. Several tributaries of these creeks
course through the township, leaving few, if any, sections without a watw
supply. The economical geology of the township is treated of in the
chapter on natural history.
Very early in the history of this township, its pioneer, Ohristopher
Wood, saw in its southwestern section, a beautiful site for a village, and
there, in 1829, he located the Seat of Justice. In 1831 he was
appointed Commissioner for the sale of lots in the Town of Lima, whidi
belonged to the township until the establishment of Ottawa.
ORGANIZATION.
It appears that the name and organization of Bath Township existed
prior to the organization of Allen County; yet there is no record of its
establishment either in the, records of Allen or Mercer County. It is
conceded, however, that in 1881 it was a regularly organized township,
with the town of Lima as a center. Chris. Wood« John Schrouf and Jamea
Daniels were Justices. On June 6, 1831, a petition for the organization
of Jackson Township, was presented and granted. In December, 1834,
the people of Jackson petitioned to have the present township (Con-
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BATH TOWNSHIP. 417
greesional) organized tmder its original name, which petition was granted,
and the two tiers of eastern sections of Bath, which belonged to Jackson
np to this time, were detached and added to Bath. This order of affairs
continued down to May, 1857, when Bath was ordered to contribute por-
tions of Sections 29 and 32, and all Sections 30 and 81, to the new town
of Ottawa. Up to the organization of Lima Village, in Section 31, it
too formed a part of Bath, and its affairs were administered bj the Town
Board.
The sight of a town meeting in early days was an interesting one.
Here the freeholders came, one by one^ from different parts of the town,
hard-working, hopeful, earnest, honest men. They met, perhaps, for
the first time in a year. They went early in the morning to cast their
Totee, and, under one excuse or other, remained until late at night
They urged their local political campaign in a homely way, spoke freely
their thoughts respecting the candidates, performed their duty at the
polls and enjoyed it, and this done, returned to their clearings in the
wilderness, to battle with the obstacles of early settlement, until the faJl
elections called them from their homes again.
Pioneers: Christopher Wood, his sons, Joseph and Albert G, Wood,
and his son-in-law, Benjamin Dolph may be credited with settlement in
Bath Township, so early as April, 1824. Early in this month they left
Bellefontaine to visit lands, which were entered in the land office at Piqua.
The story of their e]q>loratory trip and final settlement is told in the
following extract from the original biography of Christopher Wood:
^From Logan County, on the Miami, where resided a man named
Stewart, who had married an Lidian wife, they left the borders of the
white settlements, and cut a road a distance of twenty-four miles, camp-
ing at night in the woods until they reached the Indian town of
Wapakonetta. In all this distance, except at Stewarts, they found not a
trace of civilization. When they reached Shawnee Town, now Hovers,
in Shawnee Township, where ' Pht,' the chief resided in a cabin, and
had about .twenty acres of cleared land in good culture, they stayed ail
night, and on leaving, purchased com and potatoes for seed. They cut a
path, and after two days' hard work, reached their land on Sugar Creek,
having been sixteen days in the wilderness, since quitting Logan County.
They landed about the 16th of April, 1824. The parties at once com-
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418 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
menced the work of erecting cabins, and clearing land and planting crops,
after which they returned to Ohampaign Oonntj, and moved their
families ont in the fall. They were at once visited by Wyandots, who
assisted them in the erection of their cabins. Captain Wood was appointed
and commissioned a Justice of the Peace for Bath Township, when it had
civil jurisdiction over nearly all Allen County. In 1829 he was appointed by
the legislature one of the commissioners to locate the county seat of Allen
County, and upon the erection of the county, in 1881, was appointed one
of the associate judges, and when Lima was flatted, the first city director
for the sale of lots. He moved to, and resided in Lima until 1856, when,
having served faithfully his day and generation, full of years, he was
gathered to his fathers, aged about eighty-seven years." Tobias. James and
John Wood; the Jennings family; Evans and Everett, came in within a
few years. Alex. Allison, who died in 1871, settled here in 1827, Matthew
Allison, his son, in 1827; John Crawford, who died in 1889, and his son,
David Crawford, arrived in 1828. Previous to the organization of the
county in 1831, a number of pioneers settled in the southeastern part of
the township, whose names are so intimately associated with Lima Village
and Ottawa Township, that they are given in the history of these
divisions of the county. In the following history of the purchase and
settlement of the United States lands of Bath, many names and dates are
given, all historically interesting. Again, in the pioneer chapter, the
names of all tax-payers in the township (including Lima) in 1884 are
given, so that in this important matter of pioneer settlers, names and
dates are based upon the records of fifty years ago, thus avoiding the
errors and omissions which generally mark legendary or unwritten his-
tory.
OBIGINIL LAin> BUTERS OF BATH.
Joseph Hoover, section 1. 1833. Matthew Allison, section 2, 1834.
Wm. C. Wright, section 1, 1885. John Carlisle, section 2. 1883.
Henry D. V. Williams, section 1, 1836. Hector Carlisle, section 2, 1883.
Whitfield Evans, section 1, 1884. Matthew Allison, section 3, 1884.
Ezra Edgecomb, section 1, 1888. John Barber, section 8, 1883.
John Earns, section 1, 1834. Alexander Allison, section 3, 1830.
James Elliott, section 1, 1836. Elizabeth H. Curtis, section 3, 1833.
George Olmstead, section 1, 1834. Hector Carlisle, section 3, 1833.
Elijah Welker, section 2, 1833. Andrew Crawford, section 3, 1838.
George Bokinger, section 2, 1830. David Crawford, section 3, 1838.
George Barber, section 2, 1883. Ezra Edgecomb, section 3, 1888.
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BATH TOWNSHIP.
419
Uriah Edgecomb, section 8. 1882.
Daniel Custard, section 4, 1885.
George Pettit. section 4, 1884.
Freedom Gaskill, section 4, 1888.
Benjamin Moore, section 4, 1888.
Robert Moore, section 4, 1884.
Harmon Wood, section 4, 1888.
John Crawford, section 4, 1881.
Elisha Tharp, section 5, 1838.
Alexander Tharp, section 5, 1884.
Daniel Tharp, section 5, 1885.
Alex. B. Hazel, section 5, 1885.
Daniel Leatherman, section 5, 1884.
Jacob Rigel, Jr., section 6, 1884.
Nathaniel Rockhold, section 6, 1885.
Albert G. Wood, section 6, 1885.
Christian Wolf, section 6, 1842.
David Ballinger, section 6, 1884.
Edward Hartshorn, section 6, 1882.
Moses Wertman, section 6, 1885.
Lewis Shroufe, section 6, 1880.
Thos. B. Van Horn, section 7, 1886.
Mary Elizabeth McCoy, section 7, 1884.
Albert G. Wood, section 7, 1881.
Edward Hartshorn, section 7, 1829.
Christopher Wood, section 7, 1828.
Joseph T. Wood, section 7, 1829.
Abner Eelsey, section 7, 1825.
Rudolph Boose, section 7, 1882.
Elisha Hall, section 8, 1880.
Rudolph Boose, section 8, 1882.
Valentine Pence, section 8, 1882.
Thomas Nichols, section 8, 1882.
Daniel Agler, section 8, 1884.
James Reese, section 9, 1882.
Valentine Pence, section 9, 1882.
Isaac Erlston, section 9, 1888.
Gideon Jennings, section 9, 1884.
John Jennings, section 9, 1884.
John Skinner, section 9, 1888.
Robert Edgecomb, section 10. 1885.
Harvey P. Allen, section 10. 1885.
Edward Hartshorn, section 10, 1888.
Harmon Wood, section 10, 1847.
George Pettit, section 10, 1838.
John Jennings, section 10, 1884.
Gideon Jennings, section 10, 1884.
John N. C. Schenck, section 10, 1885.
Josiah Soule, section 11, 1884.
Laucil Edgecomb, section 11, 1888.
** James McCullough, section 11, 1888.
Andrew Hine, section 11, 1884.
Peter Snyder, section 11, 1884.
John Jackson, section 11, 1888.
Samuel Mellinger section 12, 1888.
John Russell, section 12, 1884.
Joseph Brown, section 12, 1884.
Wm. W. Hawk, section 12, 1847.
Josiah Soule, section 12, 1884.
Walter Edgecomb, section 12. 1848.
Ezra Edgecomb, section 12, 1848.
Lewis Bassett, section 12. 1847.
Wm. Candler, section 12, 1884.
Thomas Williams, section 18, 1885.
Samuel Bassett, section 18, 1884.
Gustavus Swan, section 18, 1885.
Silas Faurot, section 18, 1884.
David Faurot, section 18. 1884.
John Lewis, section 14, 1884.
Jonathan Lewis, section 14. 1885.
Wm. Stewart, section 14. 1888.
John N. C. Schenck, section 14, 1885.
Lorenzo Snyder, section 14, 1885.
Wm. Stewart, section 15, 1888.
John N. C. Schenck, section 15, 1885
Geo. Stuckmeyer, section 15, 1885.
Joseph Tapscott, section 15, 1885.
John F. Amos, section 15. 1885.
Silas Chalmers, section 15, 1888.
Abraham Miller, section 17, 1882.
John G. Wood, section 17, 1826.
Simon Doyle. Sr., section 17. 1829.
Andrew Gillespie, section 17, 1884.
David Martin, section 17, 1882.
Thomas Elder, section 17, 1888.
Simon Doyle, Sr., section 18. 1829.
Jacob Huck, section 18. 1888.
Jacob Stripe, section 18, 1888.
Frederick Shaffer, section 18, 1881.
Christian Wood, section 18, 1882.
Henry D. V. Williams, section 19, 1887.
Philip Minick, section 19, 1888.
Wm/ Stripe, section 19, 1888.
Robt. S. Preston, section 19, 1888.
Andrew McClain, section 19, 1881.
David Rowe. section 19, 1888.
John Jackson, section 19. 1888.
Peter Ogan, section 20, 1884.
Philip Rumbaugh, section 20, 1888.
Samuel Homan, section 20. 1838.
Jacob Lewis, section 20, 1884.
James McClain, section 20, 1888.
John H. James, section 20, 1883.
Ebenezer Osborne, section 21, 1885.
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420
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
Samuel Clayter, section 21 » 1835.
John Carbacta. section 21, 1834.
Isaac Reed, section 21, 1883.
Wm. Hazel, section.21, 1835.
James Carbacli, section 21, 1885.
Charles Baker, section 21, 1886.
Hector Carlisle, section 21, 1833.
Ebentzer Osborae, section 22, 1835.
Clement Smultz, section 22, 1835.
Thomas Neelej, section 22, 1834.
Geo. Rumbaugh, section 22, 1831.
Joseph Aldridge, section 22, 1836.
Sbenezer Osborn, section 22, 1835.
Wm. Rumbaugh, section 22, 1834.
Berzilla Osborne, Jr., section 22, 1835.
Wm. Roberts, section 23, 1832.
Daniel Thayer, section 23, 1835.
John Rumbaugh, section 23, 1835.
John Ream, section 23, 1836.
Samuel McClure, section 23, 1829.
Abraham Ward, section 23, 1832.
Silas Faurot, section 24, 1833.
Wm. Rumbaugh, section 24, 1834.
David Faurot, section 24, 1830.
Joseph G. Walton, section 24, 1829.
Lorenzo Snider, section 24, 1835.
Joseph Ward, section 24, 1829.
Samuel H. Jameson, section 24, 1838.
John filberts, section 25, 1847.
Daniel R. Thayer, section 25, 1845.
Wm. Rumbaugh, section 25, •1884.
H. M. Bennis, section 25, 1836.
Moses Smith, section 25. 1836.
Jacob Fridlty, section 25, 1834.
Jacob Defebaugh, section 25, 1834.
Enoch Spangler, section 25, 1834.
James Watt, section 25, 1833.
Robert Snodgrass, section 25, 1832.
Philip WoUett, section 26, 1834.
Jno. Rumbaugh, section 26, 1831.
Joseph Shellenbarger, section 26, 1833.
Jacob Bressler, section 26, 1833.
Adam White, Jr., section 26, 1828.
Daniel Wollett, section 26, 1832.
Adam White, section 26, 1832.
Enos Paul in, section 27, 1832.
Jacob Paulin, section 27, 1838.
Daniel Wollett, section 27, 1832.
Philip Wollett, section 27, 1833.
Robert Young, section 27, 1832.
Hy. Lippincott, section 27, 1835.
W. M. Scott, section 27, 1831.
Barzillai Osborn, section 28, 1829.
Abraham Clark, section 28, 1830.
Aaron Osborn, section 28, 1830.
David N. Saxton, section 28, 1832.
Robert Terry, section 28, 1829.
San^uel B. Lippincott. section 28, 1830.
The west half of southwest quarter of
section 29, all of section 30, all of section
31, and the southwest quarter and west
half of southeast quarter of section 32,
Bath, are now in Ottawa Township. The
entries for sections 29, 80, 31 and 82 are
given in that township.
Hugh B. Stevenson, section 33, 1833.
Wm. S. Chenowith, section 33, 1831.
Henry M. Corns, section 33, 1883.
John Ward, section 33. 1829.
Alfred Baker, section 83, 18^2.
Joshua Murray, section 33, 1831.
Stephen Cook, section 33, 1832.
Moses McClure, section 34, 1882.
George White, section 34, 1831.
Philip Wollett, section 34. 1833.
David N. Saxton, section 34, 1832. '
Joseph Smith, section 34, 1833.
James B. Findley, section 34, 1835.
Moses McClure, section 34, 1834.
David Rumbaugh, section 35, 1832.
James P. Harris, section 35. 1833.
Job Haines, section 35, 1835.
Wm. M. Copeland. section 35, 1834.
Silas Osborn, section 35, 1833.
Wm. Hughes, section 35, 1833.
James B. Findley, section 35, 1835.
George Miller, section 35, 1883.
John Smith, section 35, 1834.
George May, section 86, 1834.
Jesse Spangler, section 36, 1834.
David Rumbaugh, section 36, 1832.
Silas Osborn, section 36, 1834.
Asa French, section 36, 1833.
CHUBOHES.
A Methodist society was formed in 1835 by Kev. George Swigert, and
one year later a log-honse for chnrch purposes was erected on Section 4,
near the Sagar Creek trail.
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BATH TOWNSHIP. 423
The German Baptist Church may be eaid to have been organized by
Abram Miller in 1833, the year of his settlement in Allen County.
Within the seTen years succeeding the number of members of this faith
who settled in the neighborhood was eleven, increased to thirty in 1845
and to 170 in 1880. In 1853 a house of worship was erected on the
south bank of Sugar Creek in Section 7, which is still the church of this
society. The pastors have been Abram Miller, David Brower, Benjamin
Burley, Daniel Brower, Daniel Miller, Robert Edgecomb, Samuel Metz-
ger, Anthony Miller and Samuel Duver; Elder A. Miller died in 1862,
when Daniel Brower was elected Elder. The Disciples established a
class here in 1834-35, with Bot. Mr. Wilson in charge, and in 1840
erected the first house of worship in the township. Zion Evangelical
Lutheran Church on Section 22, and the Presbyterian Church on Section
12, make up the list of Churches.
SCHOOLS.
The pioneer school of Bath Township was opened by Daniel Bradi-
gan in the Crawford-Allison settlement on Section 3, near where the
Sugar Creek school building now stands. Ezra Comb followed Bradigan,
Scranton taught in 1832, and William Terry in 1834-50. The receipts
in 1884 for school purposes were $3,580.16, the expenditures $2,956.95.
There are ten school buildings valued at $9,100. Twenty teachers were
employed during the year. The number of pupils enrolled was 404 —
234 boys and 170 girls.
MISOELLiNEOUS.
The railroads passing through this township are the Dayton & Mich-
igan, the Lake Erie & Western, and the Pittsburgh, Fi Wayne Sc Chicago.
In this sketch of the township only that which is directly connected
with its local history is dealt with. This is due to the fact, that, in the
chapters of the general history, every name and almost every item which
connects its settlement and progress with Allen County, find mention.
Again, in the chapters devoted to personal history, the minutiSB or details
of the story of its advance in wealth and intelligence appears.
25
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424 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIX.
GERMAN TOWNSHIP.
aEBMAN TOWNSHIP may be said to form the geographical centre
of the county. Its soil, surface and timber are diversified in
character, even as its streams are numerous. Ottawa River, the name
of the lower course of Hog Creek, enters the township from Shawnee in
Section 33, pursues a northwesterly course by the villages of Allentown
and Elida, and enters Sugar Greek Township at the south-east corner of
Section 6, original Township 3 south, Range 6 east. The valley of the
Ottawa is liable to inundation in the spring as far back as the base of
the blufEl Throughout the Township there are valuable groves of timber.
The southeast quarter of the Township forms a plateau which extends
east to Elizabeth Street, Lima. The river bottom is very much lower than
this plateau, and generaly from one-fourth of a mile to one mile in
width. The geological structure and physical characteristics of thia
division of the county are referred to in the chapter devoted to topo-
graphy and geology.
ORIGINAL LAND BUTEBS.
In the following list of purchasers of United States lands in German
Township, the names of persons who entered lands on Sections No. 1 ta
No. 6 inclusive, and on Sections 25, 35 and 36 are not given, for the rea-
son that on the reorganization of 1848, and again in 1857, those sec-
tions, or parts of them, were detached and added to Sugar Creek on the
north, and Ottawa on the southwest. Section 16, or School Section, waa
not entered.
Robert Tate, section 7, 1830. Wm. Knittel. aection 8. 1829.
Phillip Herring, section?, 1881. Peter Stuker, section 8, 1830.
Christian Stukey, Seetion 7, 1832. Wm. Knittel, section 9, 1836.
Peter Stukey. section 7, 1831. John C. Bowman, section 9, 1837.
Michael Ridenour, section 7, 1829. John Conrad, section 9, 1835.
Griffith John, section 7, 1831. John Stalter, section 9, 1835.
John Stalter, section 8, 1831. Wm. Shope, section 9, 1833.
George Knittel, section 8, 1829. Thomas Cochran, section 9, 1835i
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425
Sam'l Shope, section 9, 1847.
Jacob Tester, section 9, 1884.
Jesse Lee Bennett, section 10, 1888.
Nicholas Fiss, section 10, 1886.
Josiab C. Cochran, section 10, 1884.
Thomas Cochran, section 10, 1880.
Wm. Bowman, section 10, 1882.
Asa Wright, section 10, 1882.
Wm. W. Davis, section 10, 1884,
Benjamin Dolpb, section 11, 1880.
Ahab Capron, section 11, 1882.
Cyrus Davis, section 11, 1888.
Joseph Carpenter, section 11. 1888.
Simeon Cochran, Sr., section 11, 1882.
Oliver Ellsworth, section 11, 1882.
Simon M. A. Cochran, section 11, 1881.
Abraham W. Cochran, section 11, 1882.
James Tumer, Sr., section 12, 1828.
Geo. Tising, section 12, 1829.
Jane Jackson, section 12, 1829.
Elijah Standlford, section 12, 1829.
Archibald Fisher section 12, 1880.
Wm. G. Wood, section 12, 1826.
Daniel Pxirdy, section 12, 1826.
Richard Hughes, section 18, 1882.
Jonathan Lewis, section 18, 1882.
James Coins, section 18, 1882.
Abraham Brant, section 18, 1882.
John C. Sims, section 18, 1885.
Wm. Ward, section 14. 1888.
Abraham Brant, section 14. 1882.
Thos. C. Davis, section 14, 1884.
George Ward, section 14, 1885.
Griffith John, section 15, 1842.
Thomas Rea, section 15, 1884.
Edward Armstrong, section 15, 1884.
Matthias Ross, section 15, 1842.
Asa Wright, section 15, 1882.
Geo. D. Long, section 16, 1838.
Josiah Crawford, section 15, 1882.
Jacob Lakemiller. section 15, 1884.
Arthur Stotts, section 15, 1842.
Geo. Wagoner, section 15, 1846.
Robert Casebolt, section 15, 1884.
Phineas Wright, section 17, 1884.
John Mullenhour, section 17, 1884.
John Sharp, section 17, 1884.
Powell Sharp, section 17, 1884.
Griffith John, section 17, 1836.
John Summersett, section 17, 1888.
Jesse Stepleton, section 17, 1883.
David Stepleton> section 17, 1833.
Griffith John, section 18, 1880.
Isaac Boyer. section 18, 1880.
Philip Herring, section 18, 1880.
William Bryan, section 18, 1880.
Samuel Richards, section 18, 1888.
Jacob Hartman, section 18, 1882.
Henry Hufer, section 19, 1882.
Smith Cremean, section 19, 1880.
John Lance, section 19, 1884.
Michael Noll, section 19, 1888.
.Tohn Brand, section 19, 1830.
Giflford Moore, section 19, 1880.
Geo. Povenmire, section 20, 1884.
Philip Herring, section 20. 1882.
John Brand, section 20; 1880.
Giflord Moore, section 20. 1880.
Robert Tate, section 20, 1888.
John East, section 21, 1882.
John Herring, section 21, 1834.
John Glentzner, section 21, 1884.
Robert Casebolt, section 22. 1884.
Joseph Carpenter, section 22, 1885.
Thos. J. Carpenter, section 22, 1888.
Jacob Bennett, section 22, 1884.
John D. Haffer. section 22, 1884.
Henry Foster, section 22, 1888.
Samuel Richards, section 22, 1888.
James A. Anderson, section 28. 1885.
Geo. B. Frye, section 28, 1885.
Abelard Guthrie, section 28, 1841.
Thos. Cochran, section 28. 1885.
William Suttlemire, section 28. 1888.
Isaac Eiser, section 28, 1885.
Chelsey E. Sims, section 28, 1885.
Jonathan Lewis, section 24, 1882.
George Mixturn, section 24, 1884.
A. M. Bercean, section 24, 1884.
E. Kitchen, section 24, 1884.
James Vaughn, section 24. 1838.
Joseph Richardson, section 24, 1884.
Gottlieb Wahl, section 24, 1885.
Chelsey K. Sims, section 24, 1835.
James McClain, section 24, 1834.
Joseph Brown, section 24. 1834,
William Ward, section 24, 1831.
John H. James, section 26, 1834.
Wm. Suttlemire, section 26,;i838.
Gillemus Demorest, section 26, 1833.
Wm. Jones, section 26, 1833.
Jas. A. Anderson, section 26, 1835.
Henry R. Moore, section 26, 1833.
Samuel Richards, section 27, 1833.
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426
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Demas Adams, section 27, 1836.
Stephen Thomas, section 27, 1834.
Curtis WiUey, section 27, 1834.
Jas. Harper, section 27, 1834.
John Brewer, section 28, 1833.
Henry Reichelderfer, section 28, 1888.
Isaac HufFer, Jr., section 28, 1834.
Andrew Eesler, section 28, 1832.
Snoch Pearsop, section 28, 1832.
Demas Adams, section 28, 1836.
George Povenmire, section 29, 1832.
Andrew Eesler, section 29, 1830.
Smith Cremean, section 29, 1883.
Jacob Cremean, section 29, 1833.
John Reichelderfer, section 30, 1833.
Jacob 6. Harter, section 30, 1883.
Jacob Cremean, section 30, 1834.
Christian Dunder, section 30, 1834.
Alexander McBride, section 30, 1844.
Wm. Smith, section 30, 1847.
Cyrus Crites, section 30, 1848.
Jacob Crites, section 30, 1845.
Eli Imler, section 30, 1847.
Thomas Greer, section 31, 1835.
Charles Ireland, section 31, 1835.
Smith Cremean, section, 81, 1835.
Wm. Verbrick, section 31, 1848.
Jeremiah D. Haines, section 81, 1845.
Wm. Shoup, Jr., section 31, 1847.
Jeremiah Gleason, section 81, 1844.
Issacher Jenkins, section 32, 1882.
Thomas Myers, section 82, 1835.
Demas Adams, section 32, 1836.
Abraham Eessler, section 82, 1834.
Peter Apgar, section 82. 1884.
John Dills, section 82, 1834.
Benjamin Wilson, section 82, 1833.
Peter Verbryck, section 32, 1847.
Dayid Bryan, section 82, 1833.
Thomas R. Cain, section 33, 1835.
Phineas Wright, section 33, 1884.
Abigail Wright, section 38, 1884.
Eunice Wright, section 88, 1834.
Issachar Jenkins, section 33, 1882.
Joseph Edwards, section 83, 1888.
Francis Sweet, section 33, 1888.
Joseph Liezery, section 83, 1834.
Joseph Lieser, section 33, 1884.
Clarkson Eue, section 34, 1835.
George Woodard, section 84, 1884.
Nancy Conklin, section 34, 1886.
Stephen Thomas, section 84, 1834.
Susanna V. VanDolson, section 84, 1885.
Joseph Edwards, section 84, 1885.
OBOANIZATION.
The Ck>mmi88ioner8' Act of December 6, 1881, eetablishing the town-
ship under the name German, decreed that all the territory extending
west from Section 8, Town 3, Range 6 to the eastern boundary of the
original town of Amanda, south to the county line; thence east to south-
east comer of Section 83, Town 6, Range 6, and thence north to Section
8, Town 8, Range 6, — the place of beginning, — should be organized as
a separate township. In March, 1838, the boundaries of the township
were extended, and the town regularly organized. John Brand, William
Bowman, and Samuel Richards were elected Trustees ; Grif^th John,
Clerk, and John Ireland, Justice of the Peace. The Justices of this
township, previous to the reorganization of 1848, ^ere John Ireland,
1833 ; Asa Wright, 1834 ; Isaac Bowyer, 1837, who served until his
death in 1842 ; Charles Crites, 1843—49. In December, 1834, it was
decreed that as much of original Town 4 south, Range 5 east, as previ-
ously belonged to German, should be attached to Amanda At the same
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GERMAN TOWNSHIP. 427
time, when the town lines of Bath and Jaokson were altered, the two
tiers of eastern sections of Town 3, Range 6, were added to German. In
February, 1848, th^ north tier of sections of German were attached to the
sonth-half of Sugar Creek Township, leaving only thirty sections be-
longing to German. This area was further reduced in May, 1857, when
1,040 acres where taken from Sections 25, 35 and 36, and attached to the
new town of Ottawa, still leaving^the township an area of 18,160 acres.
SCHOOLS.
31 It is said that David Ridenour was* the pioneer school teach-
er2 of German Township in 1883. In 1834-85 a schoolliouse was
erected 'on . the Thomas Cochran farm, in which Asa Wright taught
school. There is a question whether John Summerset preceded or
followed Wright in charge of this school. In 1837 John Bowolan
presided over a school in Section 16. In 1838 John Custer taught
school in AUentown. The growth of educational interests in this
township is shown in the following statistics for 1884: Revenue in
1884 was $3, 589.14; expenditure $2,414.31. There are seven school build,
ings. The number of pupils is 281 ^151 boys and 130 girls. The statistics
of the Blida Special District show that the receipts for 1884 amounted to
$8,284. 13, the expenditure to $2,053. 23. The number of pupils enrolled
was 143 — 76 boys and 67 girls. There is one school building valued at
$10,000 with grounds, etc., one gentleman and two ladies presided over
the schools during the year. John Davison is superintendent.
ELIDA VILLAGE.
Elida was platted in 1852 by Griffith John, on Sections 7, 8, 17 and
18, German Township. The original town comprised a tract of land
known as Lots 1 to 18 north of Main' Street, and Lots 19 to 38 west of
the AUentown Road south of Alain Street. The first addition or Lots 39
to 93 was partly laid out southwest of the original town along the P., Ft
W. & C. R R. ; Lots 39 to 55, partly north of the original town south of
North Street; Lots 56 to 76, and partly southeast of the R. R. ; Lots
77 to 93. The North Add. lies along the north line of North Street
Within the village boundaries, the following citizens own acre lots:
D. L. Grites, Henry Eiracofe, Jesse J. John, Askins & Bros., George
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428 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
W. Moore, J. Newton, John Abia, James Morris, W. F. Brenneman,
John Momagh, Charles B. Bice and John Irvin.
It is stated by Mr. Harrison, that Daniel Myers erected the first
building in Elida after it was laid out, except the Lntheran Church.
The contract was let at $90, to be completed from the stump at that
The siding is of the finest black walnut and is well preserved. This
building formerly stood on Main Street, but was moved to a back street
to make room for what is now known as Moore's Hall. Mr. Myers occu-
pied 'part of the building as a residence, and carried on the first grocery
business in the town in the other part.
The Postmasters of Elida were Dr. Hartley, Dr. Anderson and Dr.
Bice. In 1883, Albert Steman was commissioned Postmaster.
The village was incorporated in 1878. B. B. Murray was elected
Mayor. In November, 1878, Mr. Murray tendered his resignation, when
B. Bice was appointed President, and in February, 1870, Dr. John Sher-
rick was chosen Mayor; J. W. Kindel served as Clerk. The Council com-
prised B. Bice, G. B. Leist, W. N. Sherry, Askins, Morris, W. H. Cliurk.
In April, 1879, J. W. Sherrick was elected Mayor; W. N. Sherry, B.
Bice, G. B. Leist, W. H Clark, Askins and Henry Eiracofe were chosen
Councilmen.
In 1880, Alvin Davis, H M. Sherrick and Daniel Myers were elected
Councilmen; W. N. Sherry, Mayor, and S. S. Sherrick, Clerk.
In 1881, S. A. Hitchcock, H. M. Sherrick and Henry Eiracofe were
elected Councilmen; William Steman, Marshal. In 1882, W. N. Sherry
was elected Mayor; S. S. Sherrick, Clerk; H. M. Sherrick, Alvin Davis
and Daniel Myers were chosen Councilmen.
In 1883, S. D. Crites, G. B. Leist, H. Eiracofe and S. A. Hitchcock
were elected Councilmen; J. J. John, Treasurer; W. A. Steman, Mar-
shal; S. S. Sherrick, Clerk; W. N. Sherry, Mayor.
In 1884, Henry Pfeifer, Mayor; S. S. Sherrick, Clerk; S. D. Crites,
Alvin Davis and W. N. Sherry, Councilmen. In August the Mayor re-
signed, but his resignation was not accepted at date of last record.
SCHOOLS.
Elida separate school district was organized January 11, 1868, under
the act of 1867. D. L. Crites, J. J. John, and Charles Crites consti-
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GERMAN TOWNSHIP. 429
tnted the first Board of Education. On the 30th of July, 1870, the Board,
at a cost of $500, purchased a site for a new school building, and, on
the 24th of March following, awarded the contract for the building to
John P. Haller. The cost of this building when complete was about
$5,000. On the 3d of April, 1870, bj a special act of the General As-
sembly of Ohio, Joint Subdistrict No. 3, German Township, was dis-
solved, and the German Township part of said district attached to Elida
separate district. The acquisition of this additional territory made it
necessary to enlarge the school building, and accordingly, on the 19th of
August, 1879, the contract for erecting an addition to the old building
was awarded to Mr. Haller. The total cost of the building complete and
furnished is about $10,000.
CHUBCHES.
Methodist Episcopal Church, — In 1831 the first society was organ-
ized (from a class formed in 1830 under Rev. Joseph Hill) by Rev.
Jesse Pryor, at the cabin of John Summersett with the following-named
members: John Summersett, Rachel Summersett, Griffith John, Rachel
John, Sally John, Rachel Jamieson, Isaac Bowyer, Elizabeth Bowyer,
Smith Oremean, Polly Cremean, William Bryan, Elizabeth Bryan. Of
this number Eliza Bowyer and Sally (Cremean) John are living. The
members of this church were visited from time to time by circuit preach*
ers until 1853, when H. Maltbie and N. B. 0. Love reorganized the
society in the house of James Kennedy with the following-named mem-
bers: James Kennedy, Malinda Kennedy, James Peltier, Jane Peltier,
Henry Herring, Nancy Herring, Smith Baxter, Mary Baxter, Ethan
John, Lucy John, Griffith John, Rachel John, Margaret Cremean, Jesse
J. John, Elizabeth Bowyer, Fleet Clark, Mary Clark, Elizabeth Priddy
and Catharine Evans. Two years after Griffith John died. Jason Wil-
cox attended the church until 1859 when Francis Plumb took charge.
The pastors since that time are named in the following list: George O.
McPherson, I860; John Beiler, 1861; Benjamin B. Powell, 1861; Fran-
cis Plum, 1863; William Deal, 1864; Joseph A. Ferguson, 1864; Josiah
Crooks, 1867; A. J. Fish, 1869; Charles Farnsworth, 1870; Lemuel Her-
bert, 1872; Dwight R. Cook, 1874; James F. Mounts, 1876; William
Deal, 1878; John N. Longfellow, 1881; Reuben Rouch, 1883. J. J.
John was elected Secretary in 1859, and has served almost continuously
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430 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
sinca The Building Ckmunittoe in 1855 comprised J. J. John, James
Peltier and Henry Herring. The church building was completed in 1856
at a cost of $1,000. The burial of Mrs. Peter Bidoioar and Abram
Ensien in 1831 was the beginning of the Elida Cemetery, where the old
Methodist Episcopal Church stands.
United Brethren Churchy formerly belonging to the Allentown circuit,
may be said to have existed from an early period in the county's history,
although no regular organization was perfected for many years later.
The pastors who visited or presided over the society at Elida are named
as follows: Thomas Downey, 1850; L. J. Farber and S. S. Holden,
1851-60; — Henkle, 1854; — Swallow and J. L. Luttrell, 1861; G. W.
Umbaugh, 1862; Haney, Doughty and Palmer, 1862, and S. T. Mahan.
In 1867 Bey. Mr. Mahan formally organized the church at Elida at Mr.
Furry's house. The first members were J. L. Luttrell, Lackey Luttrell,
B. F. Sherrick and wife, Anna Sherrick, Franklin Furry, Sarah Bechtol,
Bachel Sherry, James Sherry, Mary K Furry, Joseph M Blakely and wife,
James G. Wisher and wife, G. W. Quick and wife, and Margaret Mor-
ris. Bev. T. D. House, preached here in 1868. In the fall of that year
Bey. J. L. Luttrell was appointed pastor, and H. S. Thomas succeeded
him for a short period. In 1870 Mr. Luttrell had charge. Bev. Elias
Counsellor was appointed pastor in 1872, and senred until succeeded by
Daniel Schenck in 1875. J. P. Stewart was appointed in 1876; Timo-
thy Carl and J. W. Wentz in 1877; P. R Williams in 1881 and Bev.
Elias Counsellor in 1883.
The present frame building was erected in 1875, under Mr. Counsel-
lor's administration, at a total cost of $8,000. The membership of the
Elida class is 171. The Sabbath-school attendance is seventy-five. Isaac
C. SteiDau h Superintendent. Albert Steman preceeded him as Super-
iDtendeDt. Mr. Counsellor is Treasurer of the Branch Missionary
Society, and one of the Trustees of the Otterbein University. The num-
ber of members on the Auglaize Conference is 6,389 — fifteen preachera
The Ho£iey Hun, Allentown, Marion and Elida churches now form the
Elida circnit Bev. Elias Counsellor is preacher in charge. The circuit
compi'i^^ ^^ 'O members. J. L. Luttrell is Presiding Elder.
United Brethren Church (Honey Bun) was organized with the follow-
ing named members: Peter Shock, Mary Shock, Margaret Shock, Solo-
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GERMAN TOWNSHIP. 431
mon Garr, Lizzie Carr, Mary E. Olaize, Ljdia Bowers, William Kira*
cofe. The membership is now seventy-three.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. — The following history is taken
from a copy of a sketch deposited in the comer stone of the new ohoroh
in 1876: The congregation was organized by Rev. Abraham Doner in
1887 and continued nntil 1852. Daring his ministry the old frame
chnreh building, which gave place to the present church building in
1876, was erected. Mr. Donw died in 1857. After a vacancy of two
years Rev. P. J. Steirwalt was appointed pastor, and served four years,
when he returned to Virginia. He was succeeded by Bev. J. S. Steir-
walt, who served two years. After a vacancy of one year, Rev. T. W.
Gorbett became pastor, he was succeeded by Rev. J. D. Nunemacher.
At this time the membership was thirty-eight, being thirteen lees than
at a former period. In October, 1865, Rev. A. S. Bartholomew became
pastor ; the building was remodeled, and meetings held every Sunday.
In 1876 the congregation was 217. On August 19, 1876, the comer
stone of the new church was placed by Rev. A. S. Bartholomew. The
tower is 115 feet high. Previous to this time the reformed German
Lutheran and Evangelican Lutherans worshiped together until the reor-
ganization, when the form of worship of the Oerman Evangelical Faith
was adopted. The church building cost about $8,000. Rev. O. T.
Oooperrider was assistant pastor up to January 24, 1879, when he
resigned. Rev. A. S. Bartholomew served the church continuously at
Elida and Lima until January 4, 1882, when he resigned on account of
ill health. His death occurred in September, 1882. In April, 1882,
two candidates for the pastorate were recommended, viz.: Rev. O. S.
Ogleeby and Rev. J. O. Hoffman. The latter accepted the call, and
took charge May 15, 1882.
This church today claims a congregation of about 100. Owing to
serious trouble the congregation was reduced to about sixty-five com-
municants, but is now advancing. On September 10, 1834, the follow-
ing names are of record as first members of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church at Elida, viz. : Philip Herring, George Ridenour, Andrew Ste-
belton, Abram Doner, Abraham Eessler, Samuel Clippenger, Samuel
Spangler, David Doner, William Knittle and wife, Richard Oard and
wife. The building committee in 1876 comprised Richard Oard, S.
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432 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Buffer and George Kessler. The building, erected under their super-
vision, cost $6,000 up to the period of its dedication in November, 1876.
Jehu John Post No. 476 G, A, R, was founded July 22, 1884, with
the following members; Dr. S. A. Hitchcock, Commander; D. L. Grites,
Adjutant; James A. Swisher, Bichard Bice, Sr., Thomas Morris, Thomas
Neelej, J. J. Baxter, Jesse D. Miller, Jesse J. Miller, Bev. Jackson Ore-
mean, George Kessler, William Diltz, Jacob Askins, Isaac Hover, Jacob
Shaub, George W. Sawmiller, Joseph Beed, Amos Miller, Nicholas
Strayer, Jonathan Beedy. The name of jSamuel Bolander is on the ros-
ter to be mustered in. The following officers of Jehu John Post No.
406, Department of Ohio, G. A. B., were installed by Gideon Ditto at
Elida, January 3, 1885. S. A. Hitchcock, Oom.; J. A. Swisher, S. V.
C; J. T. Morris, J. V. 0.; D. L. Orites, Adj't; B. Bice,Q. M.; William
Olevenger, Surgeon; A. A. Miller, Ohaplain; Thomas Neely, O. D.;
Jesse D. Miller, S. M.; and Jonathan Beedy, A. S. M
ALLENTOWN VILLAGE.
Allentown, on Section 29, German Township, was platted in 1835 by
William Myers and George Povenmyre. The village is on the east bank
of the Ottawa Biver, which runs at an angle of about twenty degrees.
The streets follow the angle thus formed. Here the old bed or southern
bend was changed into a new channel. The acre tracts outside the ori-
ginal town are Neely s, Fraunfelters, Blackbums, Benedom, Eesslers,
Harringtons and Dennis. William Myers opened a store, the first at
Allentown, in 1835. A church building was erected here in 1840; a
tannery established by Albert Clippinger in 1842, which must be consid-
ered the pioneer of the manufacturing industries of the village at pres-
ent. In 1862 a schoolhouse was erected, being preceded by the Meth-
odist house of worship in 1848, and the United Brethem building in
1854.
CHURCHES.
United Brethren Church. — The church at Allentown was the leading
church of the U. B. circuit up to 1868, when the distinction was trans-
ferred to Elida. The original members were George W. Allen, Patience
Allen, Sarah Allen, Amos Allen, Joseph D. Allen, Oatharine Allen,
Amos Crites, Carlila Crites, Buliflf Verbryke, Julia A. Verbryke, Hannah
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 433
Verbryke, Robert Miller, Mary Miller, E. B. Grove, S. D. Bolander,
J>aniel Staver, Ljdia A. Imler, Leab McBride. There are now seventy-
nine membera The same pastors whose names are connected with the
churches of the Elida circuit preside over this church. In 1854 a
house of worship was erected at Allentown.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — This church was founded here about
the period Allentown was platted.
In 1848 a church was erected at Allentown, where a society had been
formed and public services had been held for some years in the school-
housa The membership of both societies were united in the new church
of Elida.
The Christian Union Society is one of the modern organizations of
the village. This house of worship was erected in 1876.
The Pittsburgh, Ft Wayne & Chicago Railroad passes through Ger-
man Township from southeast to northwest, and the postofSces are
Elida and Allentown.
CHAPTER XX.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
JACKSON presents a variety of soil, from light sand and gravel to
heavy clay. The township is marked by the number of streams
which course through it, all little tributaries of the Upper Ottawa or
Hog Creek. The village of Lafayette, on Section 28, is the principal
market town. The location of this village is on the P., Ft W. & C.
R. B., in the center of a rich agricultural district, with churches and
schools within its boundaries, rendering it at once an agreeable place of
residence and a prosperous business town. The north part of Maysville
village, (referred to in the history of Auglaize), occupies the extreme
southeastern comer of Section 36. Beaver Dam, in Richland Township,
on the L. E. & W. R. R. offers a convenient market village to the resi-
dents of the northern sections of Jackson. The stone quarries, referred
to in speaking of the geology of the county, offer a good quality of water-
lime rock. The quarries, three miles west of Lafayette, worked by Jacob
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434 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Caster, produoe a rock about eight inches thick. The excavation is abont
twenty feet The Cloore quarries, near the village of Lafayette, produce
a stone of equally good quality, but not so heavy.
The population of Jackson is 1,803, including 833 in Lafayette village,
showing fifty inhabitants to the square mile. During the four years
ending in March, 1885, the population has increased about 200.
OBGANIZATION,
A petition of the establishment of Jackson was presented to the
Commissioners' Board June 6, 1831, which resulted in setting off
all of Township 3 south, Range 8 east, the eastern half of Town*
ship 3 south, Bange 7 east, and northern tier of sections of Town-
ship 4 south, Bange 8 east, and continuation of that line in Bange 7.
In December, 1833, Auglaize and Perry claimed their sections, and in
December, 1834, Bath claimed her eastern sections from Jackson, and
the township was organized as a congressional township, under its
original name. William Watt, William Beeee and Thomas Nash were
the first trustees, John Jamieson the first Justice of the Peace and
Joseph Hall the first Clerk.
PIONEEBS.
The settlement of Jackson may be said to date back to 1827,
when Jacob Hawk purchased the first parcel of public lands in
Township 3 south, Bange 8 east The actual settlement began a few
years later, and six years after 1830, every section of the township
claimed an occupying proprietary. A reference to the Assessment Boll
of 1834, given in the chapter on Settlement and Occupation, will give a
clear idea of the names of those who are entitled to the honor of opening
up the wilderness. In the same chapter a brief mention is made of the
pioneers, while in the biographical history of the county the true history
of its settlement and progress is very fully treated. The value of the
subjoined list of original purchasers of United States lands in this
township cannot be under-estimated — it forms the basis of the township's
history.
LIST OF ORIGINAL LAND ENTBISa
James Sprague, section 1, 1886. Ludwig Smeltz, section 1, 18S6.
Joseph Rayle, section 1, 1886. James Stanly, section 1, 1886.
Qeorge Rayle, section 1, 1836. John Haines, section 2, 1886.
John Haines, section 1, 1886. Thos. R. Robinson, section 2, 1836.
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
435
Michael Toakum, section 2, 1885.
Daniel Jennings, section 2, 1886.
Townsan Reed, section 2, 1886.
Absalom Yoakum, section 8, 1886.
Isaac Smith, section 8, 1886.
Moses Mendenhall, section 8, 1885.
John Dickerson, section 8, 1886.
John Davis, section 4, 1885.
John Shinabury, section 4, 1885.
Joseph Seffers, section 4, 1885.
Solomon Toakum, section 4, 1884.
Samuel Snyder, section 4, 1837.
John Snyder, section, 4, 1884.
Thomas Williams, section 4, 1885.
* Absalom Brown, section 4. 1884.
John Dickinson, section 4, 1885.
John Shinabury, section 5, 1884.
Samuel Snider, section 5, 1887.
John Snyder, section 5, 1887.
James Jennings, section 5, 1885.
Robert Meek, section 5, 1884.
Thos. Williams, section 5, 1885.
David Braddock, section 6, 1884.
BenJ. Meek, section 6, 1888.
Demas Adams, section 6, 1836.
John Robinson, section 6, 1886.
Manuel Reed, section 6, 1883.
Tobias Woods, section 6, 1888.
Wm. Hall, section 6, 1887.
Joseph Faurot, section 6, 1886.
Samuel Hunter, section 7, 1886.
John Hunter, section 7, 1886.
John Murray, section 7, 1884.
(George Hunter, section 7, 1886.
Samuel Melliger, section 7, 1888.
Henry Russell, section 7, 1885.
John Livingston, section 7, 1888.
Samuel Reid, section 7, 1847.
Thos. McCluer, section 7, 1849.
Isaac Smith, section 8, 1886.
John Ralston, section 8, 1835.
Clements Smelz, section 8, 1886.
Joseph Fushee, section 8, 1886.
Joseph Fushee, section 8, 1885.
John Dickerson, section 9, 1885.
Isaac Smith, section 9, 1836.
Isaac Smith, section 10, 1836.
John Dickerson, section 10, 1885.
John H. Millikin, section 10, 1886.
Henry Cook, section 10, 1836.
Peter Harsh, section 11, 1836.
John Harsh, section 11, 1836.
Jas. Dougherty, section 11, 1886.
Noble Eelley, section 11, 1886.
Daniel WoUett, section 11, 1847.
George Rayle, section 12, 1836.
Jas. Stanley. Jr., section 12, 1886.
Wm. P. Harshee, section 12, 1885.
Jas. R. Harshee, section 12, 1886.
Ludwick Smeltz, section 12, 1886.
Wm. Vincent, section 12, 1886.
Jacob Stemple, section 12, 1886.
Wm. Candler, section 13, 1885.
Christian Evick, section 12, 1884.
Wm. P. Harshee, section 18, 1885.
Jas. R. Harshee, section 18. 1885.
Solomon Marsh, section 18, 1885.
Hy. W. Hicks, section 18, 1886.
Isaac S. Smith, section 13, 1886.
Geo. Holtsbecker, section 13, 1889.
Christian Evick, section 13, 1884.
Henry V. Hall, section 18, 1884.
Jethro Fisher, section 13, 1886.
Jacob Stemple, section 18, 1886.
John P. Roby, section 18. 1886.
Michael Toakum, section 18. 1885.
Christian Evick, section 14, 1884.
Joseph W. Hall, section 14, 1888.
Andrew Harsee, section 14, 1834.
Henry V. Hall, section 14, 1886.
Lot Plummer, section 14, 1836.
Henry C. Pease, section 14, 1884.
David C. Engart, section 14, 1886.
John Shade, Jr., section 14. 1834.
Henry Shade, section 15, 1835.
John Shade, section 15, 1884.
Jeremiah Ennis, section 15, 1885.
Samuel Shuder, section 15, 1884.
Peter Shade, section 15, 1884.
Henry White, section 17, 1885.
Richard Hall, section 17, 1838.
Anthony Hall, section 17, 1880.
John Murray, section 18, 1885.
John Copeland, section 18, 1886.
Abraham Ward, section 18, 1888.
Wm. Watt, section 18, 1834.
Eli Cunningham, section 18, 1884.
Samuel Patterson, section 18, 1885.
Aaron Loomis, section 18, 1882.
John Reid, section 18, 1847.
Jacob Puterbaugh, section 19, 1832.
John Jameson, section 19, 1832.
Jacob Hawk, section 19, 1827.
Samuel L. Watt, section 19, 1882.
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436
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
John HoblDSon* section 10, 1888.
Jacob Staley, section 20, 1882.
John Swaim, Jr., section 20, 1885.
Thos. Nash, section 20, 1888.
John Aiken, section 20, 1888.
Asa Merrill,, section 20, 1888.
Joseph Hall, section 21, 1882.
Peter Staley, 8r., section 21, 1882.
Jesse Plummer, section 31, 1835.
Melcher Staley, section 21, 1888.
Peter Staley, Jr., section 21, 1882.
James Hall, section 21, 1882.
Thomas Nash, section 21, 1888.
John Staley, section 21, 1888.
Jeremiah Ennis, section 22, 1884.
Thomas Hall, section 22, 1884.
Wm. A. Kerman, section 22, 1884.
Wm. Layering, section 22, 1885.
Wm. Sudduth, section 22, 1888.
John Clabaugh, section 22, 1885.
Lemuel Tucker, section 22. 1888.
Peter Hangaman, section 28, 1885.
John McCray Wilson, section 28. 1835.
Chelsey E. Sims, section 28, 1885.
Henry White, section 23, 1882.
Jesse Plummer, section 28, 1834.
Lot Palmer, section 28, 1838.
Christian Fisher, section 24, 1835.
Peter Hangaman, section 24. 1885.
Thomas Hall, section 24, 1834.
Isaac Wilson, section 24, 1841.
John King, section 24, 1885.
Hiram Statler, section 25, 1835.
Adam Snyder, section 25, 1885.
Jacob Snyder, section 25, 1885.
Alexander Sanderson, section 25, 1883.
Henry Baker, section 25, 1885.
Jacob Fisher, section 25, 1835.
Bamet Weyer. section 25, 1835.
Rawley Bison, section 25, 1835.
Alexander Sanderson, section 26, 1882.
Bennett Meyer, Jr., section 26, 1835.
Phillip Roads, section 26, 1833.
James Prosser, section 26, 1833.
Barnet Weyer, section 26, 1835.
Daniel Swalm, section 27, 1835.
Wm. Valentine, section 27, 1835.
Henry Qreenawalt, section 27, 1835.
Lemuel Tucker, section 27, 1835.
Joshua Swaim, section 27, 1835.
John Swaim, Jr., section 27, 1835.
Leonard Lones, section 27, 1835.
John Nash, section 28, 1833.
Daniel Tooke, section 28, 1883.
Bamet Weyer, section 28. 1835.
Thomas Nash, section 28, 1833.
Joseph Marsh, section 29, 1882.
John Swalm, Jr., section 29, 1835.
John B. Walton, section 29, 1832.
Benj. Pearce, section 29, 1888.
Wm. French, section 29, 1836.
Townsan Reed, section 29, 1886.
Griffith Thomas, section 80, 1886.
Samuel McEafferty. section 80, 1884.
Wesley J. Wells, section 80, 1886.
Crayton Saunders, section 80, 1886.
Samuel L. Watt, section 80, 1885.
John Statler, section 80, 1886.
John Strickle, section 80, 1888.
John Strickle. Jr., section 80, 1886.
Nicholas M. Touts, section 81,' 1886.
Daniel Helndell, section 81, 1886.
Abel Tompkins, fection 31, 1886.
Samuel Hamer, section 81, 1884.
Jas. T. Rumbaugh, section 81. 1888.
Wm. Dalley. section 81. 1885.
Dayld Hossack, section 82, 1836.
Abel Tompkins, section 32. 1836.
Christian B. Spohn. section 32, 1886.
Robert R. Jameson, section 82. 1886.
Demas Adams, section 82, 1886.
Elijah T. Jones, section 82. 1836.
Henry Hlatt. section 38, 1883.
Benj. Hlatt, section 33, 1884.
Michael Leatherman, section 88, 1885.
Jas. W. Jameson, section 88, 1885.
Wm. Reese, section 88, 1888.
Demas Adams, section 38, 1836.
John Lones, section 34, 1835.
Michael Fisher, section 84, 1835.
Wm. Craig, section 34, 1835.
Michael Leatherman. section 34, 1835.
Jacob Fisher, section 34, 1835.
Jas. Prosser, section 35, 1835.
Jeremiah Mercer, section 35, 1835.
Jacob Sellars, section 35, 1834.
Jacob Crist, section 35, 1836.
John Greenault, section 35, 1836.
Wm. Crist, section 35, 1836.
Rawley Rison, section 86. 1835.
Daniel Snider, section 36, 1886.
Christian Sellers, section 36, 1834.
Joseph Braddock, section 36, 1884.
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 437
SCHOOLS.
In 1833, a sohoolboase was erected on Section 24, where Thomas Hall
taught school. Opposed to this is the statement of Mrs. Nancy Ann
(Vincent) Cunningham, that she presided o^er the first school, District
No. 6, in 1838, and in 1839 taught school in a deserted cabin east of the
site of the present village of Lafayette. She further states that her
father's (William Vincent) house was generally used for religious meet-
ings, there being neither school nor church buildings in the town in 1837,
nor even for some years later. The school statistics give the following
facts regarding the township schools : The receipts in 1884 were
$7,616.48, against $5,488.54 expended. There are eleven school build-
ings, two of which were erected in 1884. The enrollment is 444 — 240
boys and 204 girls. The statistics of the Lafayette Special District are
as follows : The receipts for 1884 were $996.42 ; expenditures, $706.33.
The number of pupils enrolled is 93 — 48 boys and 45 girls. Two male
teachers presided in 1884.
LAFAYETTE VILLAGE.
Lafayette, in Section 28, Jackson Township, is a village laid out in
regular blocks. It was platted by William B. Weyer. The original
town comprises the tract north of Sugar street, extending from a point
just west of Church street to the eastern boundary, all north of the P.,
Ft. W. & C. R. R Weyer's Western and Southern Additions and Craig's
Eastern Additions all bounded south by Jefiferson street, together with
the First Addition to original town, comer of Sugar and High streets,
comprise the village of the present time. The very name is an index
to the character of the people. It was selected to perpetuate a great
and useful name in the midst of the wilderness, and to be a lesson in
itself to the youth who would grow up here.
The location of the village, eight miles east of Lima, on the main
line of the Pennsylvania Railroad, is pleasant, healthy and convenient.
The altitude above Lake Erie is about 255 feet, the situation is in the
midst of a rich agricultural district, dotted with substantial buildings,
orchards, and all the pleasing characteristics of a prosperous farming
community.
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438 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
OBGANIZATION.
On September 3, 1807, the Commissioners fipranted authority to organ-
ize the village of Lafayette. M. G. Mnmagh was agent for petitioners.
The first election was held March 13, 1868. William Smith, William
Maginnis and T. W. Corbett were appointed Judges, James Fookes and
S. Knoble, Clerks of Election. M. C. Mumagh was elected Mayor, Sam-
uel Knoble, Recorder, Lafayette Boeencrans, J. W. Umbaugh, Sam.
Brantner, Sam. Lyebrand and Elijah Ferguson, Councilmen ; Harvey
Smith, J. B. Cornell and David Howard, Road Trustees.
In 1869 M. C. Mumagh was elected Mayor ; L. D. Argo, Recorder ;
William F. Wilcox, Marshal ; S. Brantner, James M. Fisher, Dr. N.
Sager, H. D. Hill and S. Lyebrand, Councilmen. Mr. Mumagh served as
Mayor until 1876, when John Xfanbaugh was elected. Robert Fookes
served as Mayor from 1876 to 1880, when M. C. Mumagh was elected.
P. M. Hall succeeded in 1881 ; F. Urich in 1882 ; T. W. Corbett in 1883,
and C. E. Wamsley in 1884
The Recorders of the village were James Fisher, 1870 ; N. Sager,
Jr., 1872 ; D. M. Fisher, 1873 ; Robert Fookes, 1874 ; S. Knoble, 1876;
T. M. Hawk, 1878; T. W. Corbett, 1880; Freeman Taylor, 1881, and
J. W. Gensel, 1884-85.
The Postmasters of the village since 1853 were George E. Strayer,
1853; Robert Mehaffey, 1857; Samuel Lyebrand, 1861; D. Einzie,1865,
and Jeremiah Bechtel, 1878-85.
The physicians of the village previous to 1844 were Samuel Jones,
Dr. Littlefield and David Watson. In 1844 Dr. Newton Sager (one of
the quartet of medical practitioners who remained in the county since
pioneer times), arrived; Dr. Howe in 1849; William Kyle, Jones,
Broughton and Hollaway, came in between 1854 and 1864; Dr. Hill in
1869; Dr. Remage in 1871, Dr. Sager, Jr., in 1871, and Dr. A. S. Rudy
in April, 1884.
CHUBCHES.
Christian Church, — Among the original members of this society were
Daniel Cloore and wife, William Akerman and wife, Nathan Hawk and
wife, S. G. Heath and wife, John Akerman and wife, J. L. B. Leather-
man and wife, Solomon Binkley and wife, John Staley and wife, Joseph
Hall and wife, William Sudduth, James Evick and wife. The pastors
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 439
of this church were Michael Martz, the first preacher and organizer,
Samael Hardesty followed him, then William Gander, G. B. Gamer, M.
W. C. Bimer, H. H. Holverstott, 1880-83, and the present pastor Mr.
Bimer. In 1860 the society erected their hoose of worship, t This build-
ing and lot are valued now at $2,000. The membership is seventj-five.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — This society existed here without
organization for many years prior to 1840. The Presiding Elders and
Pastors since 1840 are named in the following list: W. S. Morrin, P. K,
1840; Samuel Wilson, P. C, 1840; Edward Williams, P. E., 1841; W.
H. Nickerson, 1842; Thomas H. Willson, 1842; W. W. Winters, 1843;
S. L. Yourtree, P. 0., 1844; S. P. Shaw, P. E.; M L. Starr, P. C,
1846; D. H. May, 1846; Stephen Fant, 1847; Wesley Brock, P. E.,
1848; Joseph Wykee, P. 0., 1849; Balph Wilcox, 1850; Alex. Harmount,
1851; H. Maltbie, 1852; H. M. Shafifer, P. E., 1852; James Eillam, P.
B., 1853; H. Maltbie, 1853; J. S. Deleel, 1854; W. J. Wells, P. E.,
1855; Joseph Wykes, 1856; Bev. George O. McPherson, 1858; W. A.
Baker, 1860; Hiram M. Shaffer, P. E., 1861; John C. Haven, P. 0.,
1861; John Farley, 1861; Francis Plumb, 1862; Franklin Marriott, P.
E., 1864; B. B. Powell, P. C, 1864; Caleb Hill, 1865; B./ L.. Bowand,
1867; S. H. Alderman, P. E., 1868; C. Ashton, 1868; C. Weaner. 1870;
John C. Miller, 1872; J. W. Keely, 1874; L. O. Cook, 1875; A. Har-
mount, P. E., 1875; A. Berry, P. E., 1876; John C. Miller, 1876;
Shultz, 1877; L. O. Cook, 1878; Joseph Wykes, 1879; Lemuel Herbert,
1882; Arkinson Berry, 1883; C. B. Hickernell, 1884-85.
In 1851 the first quarterly meeting ivaslield. Lafayette Circuit was
established in 1858. W. A. Baker, Chaplain Forty-sixth Ohio Lif antry
appointed in 1861, died August 25, 1862. During this year also the war
and anti-war parties credited much trouble within the church. Li 1867
Liberty Chapel was made a regular appointment. The brick house of
worship was erected during Mr. Miller's first term. In 1876 the brick
house of worship at Salem was erected and dedicated June 4, that year.
The Lafayette Circuit comprises Liberty Chapel, Zion, Perry Chapel,
Salem and Lafayette. The membership of the church at Lafayette is
42; of that at Liberty, 40; at Zion, 16; at Perry, 87, and at Salem, 60, or a
total membership of 245.
26
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440 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
SOCIETIES.
Sugar Lodge 513, A. F. d A. 3f., Lafayette, was chartered October
18, 1876, with the following charter members: Samuel Enoble, M. 0.
Mnmaugh, J. L. Mans, P. M. Hall, Newton Sager, J. W. Umbangh^
James Fookee, N. Sager, Jr., B. Mehaffey, W. H. MoGinnees, 0. F.
Neff, William Akerman.
The masters are named as follows: C. F. Neff (nnder dispensation),
B. Mehaffey and Newton Sager, who is still W. M. The Secretary is
Newton Sager, Jr.
Dexter QiJbert Post, No, 417, Lafayette, was chartered March 10,
1884, with W. £. Gmbb, Commander; Harvey D. Parmenter, Adjutant;
B. Bechtel, P. Y. ; William Hall, Senior Vice; F. Beohtel, D. Howe-
Tille, Asa Bansbottom, S. Flemming, W. B. Weyer, B. F. Annspaogh^
W. Sndith, G. Fisher, J. Tnllis, E. Bowers, John Hall, W. A. Flem-
ming, Thomas Shrider, and Thomas Tnllis. The Post now numbers
about forty members. The Post room is located in Mr. Mumaugh's
house. The Post was named after Dexter Gilbert, one of the first sol-
diers of Allen County who fell in the War of 1861-65.
mSCELLAKSOUS.
Many references are made to this territory and its people in the gen-
eral history and in the pages devoted to biography.
The Pittsburgh, Ft Wayne & Chicago Bailroad runs through Jackson
Township and Lafayette Village ^rom east to west, and the postoffices
are Herring and Maysville.
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 441
CHAPTER XXI.
MARION TOWNSHIP AND DELPHOS.
r I ItllS township, forming the northwestern division of the connty, is
JL bounded on the north by Putnam and on the west by Van Wert
County. It has an area of forty-two square miles, and a population of
5,000 (year 1885), including the eastern part of Delphos. Outside the
town the population in 1880 was 2,485, or 59.16 to the square mile.
The Auglaize Rirer enters the township in its southwest quarter,
flows north through a tortuous channel, and leaves the county in Section
21, Town 2 south. Range 5 east. The river at this point is an impor-
tant stream, running between steep banks in some places, through 1i>road.
bottom lands in other places. In the valley of the Auglaize the surface
is much broken, yet exceedingly fertile. A hundred streamlets — ^trib-
utaries of the Auglaize and Ottawa — course through the township in
almost level channels, rendering the complete drainage of the country
practicable at little expense.
The elevation at the railroad viaduct, over the Miami & Erie Canal,
at Delphos, is 188 feet above the level of Lake Erie, which gives a natu-
ral fall toward the lake of about thirty inches per mile.
Throughout the township numwous groves of excellent hard- wood
timber are found — all the species named in the chapter on Natural His-
tory attaining their full growth here. So early as 1843 the lumbermen
came into the woods of Marion. In 1845 the bark industry caused
war to be waged against the huge elms, ash, juniper, and almost all the
trees and shrubs to be found here. The lumber and bark industries
stripped the primeval forest of its beauty. When, in 1871-72, the great
timber manufacturing concerns were established, the material was still
there to cull from; but the appearance of the woods told of vandalism
and waste.
The lands of the township are admirably adapted to agriculture.
For many years the early settlers were content with their small clearings.
At present many large farms mark the progress of this district
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442 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
OBGANIG mSTOBT.
The township of MarioD^ as originally oonstitnted, was set ofif from
the north end of Amanda in December, 1833, by the Commissioners of
Allen County, acting on a petition presented to them that year by the
settlers in Township 8 south, Range 5 east When the counties of this
district were redistricted in 1848, the south half of the original town-
ship of Marion was added to the north half of Amanda, under the name
Amanda, while the south half of Town 2 south. Range 5 east, was taken
from Jennings Township, in Putnam County, added to the north half of
original Township 3 south. Range 5 east, and set off under the name of
Marion. At the same time six sections were taken from the northeast
part of the original town of Jennings, in Van Wert County (Town 8
south, Range 4 east), and added to the reorganized town of Marion,
giving this northeastern township an area of forty-two square miles,
and making it co-eztensiye with the township of Richland, in the north-
eastern part of the county. The first Trustees were Christian Stukey,
Michael Swisher and Thomas J. Fair; Clerk, William J. Cochran;
Treasurer. Ferdinand Miller; William Brady and William Scott, Road
Commissioners to open the Auglaize & Van Wert Road.
LIST OF ORIGINAL LAND ENTRIES.
The original land buyers within the territory now comprised in
Marion, are named in the following lists of entries made in the Land
Receiyers* books from 1825 to 1854, when the last parcel of public land
was sold. By far the greater number of the persons named had settled
here previous to purchase, or came to reside on their lands immediately
after entry. Others, ^o then resided west of the county line, or in
other towns of Allen, were interested in lands here, and many of them
took a full part in the development of this township.
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 6 EAST.
Squire L. Hittle, section 19, 1845. Samuel Ferrer, section 20, 1884.
Caspar H. Eiraf t, section 19, 1845. George Young, section 20, 1834.
Henry Schroeder, section 19, 1845. Wm. Scott, section 20, 1884.
Matthias Jettinghoff, section 19, 1845. OramelH. Bliss, section 21, 1845.
Christopher Monnig, section 19, 1845. John Buswell, section 21, 1845.
Oramel Henry Bliss, section 19, 1845. Joseph Fortman, section 21. 1845.
Hollister,Pettit,Kimber&Bli88,8ec.l9,'45.HenryBlckman, section 21, 1845.
John Henry Frame, section 19, 1845. Benj. F. Hollister, section 21, 1845.
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MARION TOWNSHIP.
448
Henry Harter, section 21, 1825.
Samuel Washburn, f4ection 21, 1825.
Barnard Stoutmeyer, section 21, 1845.
John N. C. Bchenk, section 22, 1885.
Richard Humphrey, section 28, 1848.
Robert Reece, section 28, 1850.
Wm. H. Jones, section 23, 1850.
Robert Reese, section 28, 1849.
Wm. H. Jones, section 28. 1848.
Bllza Enslin, section 28, 1845.
Calvin S. Martin, section 23, 1848.
Wm. H. Jones, section 23, 1846.
Jones Stoner, section 23, 1850.
Milton G. Eddy, section 23, 1850.
Samuel CusUrd, section 23. 1847.
William Tudor, section 24, 1885.
Fred Marquand, section 24, 1835.
Cadwallader Jones, section 24, 1884.
John Brown, section 24, 1834.
Samuel Custard, section 25, 1848.
Richard R. Tudor, section 25, 1850.
Jacob Diller, section 25, 1846.
Jarard A. Martin, section 25, 1850.
Samuel Merrick, section 25, 1845.
Abraham Bassett, section 25, 1845.
David B. Westbay, section 25, 1848.
Neil Clark, secUon 25, 1845.
Samuel Stuckey, section 25, 1832.
Jacob Peterbaugh, section 26, 1884.
Henry 8. Wykoff, section 26, 1835.
Jacob Reichelderfer, section 26, 1834.
Andrew J. Luce, section 26, 1851.
Simon Height, section 26, 1851.
Job Haines, section 26, 1885.
Oramel Henry Bliss, section 27, 1845.
Francis A. Rose, section 27, 1850.
Christ Doner, section 27, 1847.
Isaac C. Scott, section 27, 1848.
Wm. Scott, section 27, 1847.
Bals. Morkotter, section 27, 1847.
Wm. Belcher, section 28. 1826.
Josiah Clawson, section 28, 1884.
Simon Perkins, section 28, 1835.
John Brown, section 28. 1834.
Robert Young, section 28, 1834.
Joseph G. Young, section 28, 1834.
Henry Harter, section 28, 1825.
Joseph G. Young, section 28, 1884.
Conrad Ludwick, section 29, 1845.
Henry Werries, section 29, 1849.
Henry Monter, section 29, 1849.
John H. Lawse, section 29, 1846.
John Bredeick, section 29, 1845.
Christ. H. Baumgarter, section 29, 1845.
Bernard Esch; section 29, 1845.
Amos Evans, section 29, 1848.
Ferdinand Bredeick, section 29, 1845.
Freeman Bell, section 29, 1845'
Andrew Clawson, section 80, 1834.
Joseph Cox, section SO, 1835.
Christian Palmer, section 30, 1834.
Thos. B. Van Home, section 30, 1834.
Derick Barkalow, section 30, 1834.
Wm. Brown, section 30, 1834.
John Cox, section 30, 1834.
Theo. Wrockla^e, section 31, 1846.
Bernard Esch, section 31, 1848.
Alex. F. Irick, section 31, 1848.
Andrew Clawson, section 81, 1848.
Isaac King, section 31, 1849.
Theo. Wrocklage, section 31, 1846. ^-.^
Bernard Esch. section 31, 1846.
John Palmer, section 31, 1849.
Henry Dolberge, section 81. 1847.
Adam Tuntman, section 31, 1846.
Joseph Morman, section 31, 1845.
Henry Suwer, section 31, 1846.
Caspar Suwer, section 81, 1846.
Henry Morman. section 31, 1845.
John Cox, section 82, 1835.
Simon Perkins, section H2, 1885.
Derick Barkalow, section 82, 1885.
Geo. Cochran, section 82, 1884.
Wm. Cochran, section 32, 1884.
John Cox, section 82, 1885.
Derick Barkalow, section 32, 1885.
Wm. Scott, section 33, 1845.
J. Scott, section 33, 1845.
Wm. Harter. section 83, 1845.
John Palmer, section 88, 1847.
James Cochran, section 83, 1847.
Madison Hamilton, section 33, 1849.
v^avid Brenneman, section 83, 1848. ^
Mathias Wrocklage, section 83. 1847. ^
Solomon Stemen, section 33, 1850.
Morgan Bryan, section 83, 1850.
Wm. Scott, section 84, 1850.
W. Bellows, section 34, 1849.
Jos. Cramer, section 34, 1849.
John Plikard, section 84, 1834.
Jas. Cochran, section 34, 1884.
Wm. Scott, section 84. 1834.
John McGill, section 84, 1826.
Thos. B. Van Home, section 84, 1884.
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444
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Jno. Harter, section 34, 1834.
John Plikard, section 34, 1834.
Wm. Scott, section 84, 1884.
Elias Leist, section 85, 1848.
Nancy Mowen and lieirs, section 85,
Jacob Woodring, section 85, 1848.
Jolin A. Leitz, section 85, 1852.
Jacob Sakemiller, section 85, 1850.
Philip Bellis, section 85, 1845.
Wm. Scott, section 85, 1858.
TOWNSfflP 3
John Brenneman, section 1, 1847.
Wm. H. Evans, section 1, 1848.
George Hufler, section 1, 1848.
Nicholas Stewart, section 1, 1848.
Andrew Sakemiller, section 1, 1848.
George Buffer, section 1, 1846.
Isaac Brenneman, section 1, 1847.
Simon Buffer, section 1, 1847.
John Keller, section 1, 1847.
Simon Buffer, section 1, 1848.
Nicholas Stewart, section 1, 1847.
Derick Barkalow, section 2, 1884.
Isaac French, section 2, 1884.
John Brown, section 2, 1884.
Peter W. Morton, section 8, 1846.
Griffith Breese, section 8, 1845.
Alexander Grimes, section 8, 1845.
Elizabeth Mowen & heirs, section 8,
John Clifton, section 8, 1848.
David Beiler, section 8, 1847.
Wm. Rekart, section 8, 1845.
Wm. Scott, section 8, 1848.
EliB. Stuckej, secUon 8, 1848.
George Young, section 4, 1884.
John Brown, section 4, 1884.
Benj. F. Cochran, section 4, 1884.
Thos. B. Van Borne, section 4, 1884.
David B. Westbay, section 5, 1849.
Noah Steamer, section 5, 1848.
George C. Garrey, section 5, 1860.
John J. Corbett, section 5, 1852.
James Eliggins, section 5, 1851.
Levi Martin, section 5, 1850.
Geo. W. Ayers, section 5, 1849.
Geo. Simpkins, section 5, 1849.
Saml. Steaman, section 5, 1848.
Noah Steamer, section 5, 1848.
John Wolverton, section 6, 1885.
John Groves, section 6. 1848.
Amos Gray, section 6, 1884.
J. C. Scott, section 85, 1848.
Philip Bellis, section 85, 1845.
John O. Ferrall, section 86, 1884.
Daniel Sorber, section 86, 1884.
1845.Solomon Moyer, section 86, 1848.
Fred Marquand, section 86, 1885.
Peter Stuckey, section 86, 1884.
Thomas Williams, section 86, 1884.
Fred Marquand, section 86, 1885.
Peter Stuckey, section 85, 1884.
SOUTH, RANGE 0 EAST.
Jacob C. Gray, section 6, 1884.
David D. Ditto, section 7, 1850.
David B. Westbay, section 7, 1850.
Andrew Patton, section 7, 1850.
John Patton, section, 7, 1850.
John G. Breese, section 7, 1845.
Jacob Bittle, section 7, 1845.
Andrew Trompe, section 7, 1849.
Gershom Williams, section 7, 1852.
Jos. B. Brodier, section 7, 1850.
James N. Stryker, section 8, 1885.
John Wolverton, section 8, 1885.
Simon Perkins, section 8, 1885.
John N. C. Schenk, sections, 1885.
Oramel B. Bliss, section 9, 1845.
Alanson Bayes, section 9, 1845.
Nelson Bayes, section 9, 1845.
1845. Jesse Fair, section 9, 1846.
Alanson Bayes, section 9, 1846.
Nelson Bayes, section 9, 1846.
Wm. W. Ditto, Section 9, 1948.
Cummings Scudder, section 10, 1884.
Isaac N. Skillman, section 10, 1885.
John Wolverton, section 10, 1885.
Benry S. Wykoff, section 10, 1885.
Abraham Lamar, section 11, 1848.
John Fritz, section 11, 1850.
Abraham Miller, section 11, 1850.
Adam Stuckey, section 11, 1848.
Eli B. Stuckey, section 11, 1848.
John Ehrenmann, section 11, 1848.
Edward Reed, section 11, 1848.
Daniel Spangler, section 11, 1848.
John Griffith, section 11, 1847.
Christ Stuckey, section 12, 1881.
David Bryan, section 12, 1884.
Peter Bressler, section 12, 1834.
Abraham Doner, section 12, 1884.
Jacob Wauk, section 12, 1851.
Abelard Guthrie, secUon 18, 1889.
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MARION TOWNSHIP.
445
Oeorge Miller, section 18, 1889.
FerdinaDd Miller, section 13. 1889.
Josiah Hedges, section 18, 1845.
Joiin Reichelderfer, section 14, 1884.
John Waggoner, section 14, 1885.
Jacob Shrider, section 14. 1885.
John Bressler, section 14, 1885.
Michael Swisher, section 14, 1884.
Jacob Killer, section 15, 1849.
Valentine Mosier, section 16, 1850.
Isaac Brenneman, section 15, 1849.
Jacob Lehman, section 15, 1848.
John Stonebumer, section 15, 1849.
Dayid McClain, section 16, 1854.
Wm. Scott, section 16,
Adam Feusler, section 16,
George Clover, section 16,
Isaac Brenneman, section 16,
Jacob J. Shupe, section 16,
Lewis Friesner, section 16,
Adam Feusler, section 16,
E. L«ng, section 16,
Jacob J. Shupe, section 16,
E. Long, section 16,
Enoch Long, section 17, 1854.
Daniel H. Smith, section 17,
James Point, section 17,
Alanson Hayes, section 17.
Daniel H. Smith, section 17,
Jacob J. Shupe, section 17,
Hartshorn Leonard, section 17
D. H. Smith, section 17,
Peter Suick, section 17,
Hartshorn Leonard, section 17,
Nelson Williams, section 17, -^
Jacob J. Shupe, section 17,
Isaac King, section 17,
Demas Adams, Jr., section 18, 1885.
Samuel. Watt, section 18, 1885.
Samuel Forrer, section 18, 1884.
Charles A. Vischer, section 18, 1885.
Simon Perkins, section 18,^ 1885.
TOWNSHIP S SOUTH, RANQE 4 EAST.
Samuel Moore, section 1, 1847.
Samuel Price, section 1, 1847.
Squire L. Hittle, section 1, 1845.
PhiUip Stippick, section 1, 1847.
Samuel Moore, section 1, 1847.
Cyrus Burr, section 1, 1849.
Moses Calerell, section 1, 1848.
Peter Moon, section 1, 1849.
Joseph Aman, section 2, 1885.
Paul Willman, section 2, 1884.
John Glasbrenner, section 2, 1885.
Frederick Marquand, section 2, 1885.
Conrad Dratman, section 8, 1851.
Frederick Kreift, section 8, 1848.
John Bussing, section 8, 1848.
Conrad Dratman, section 8, .
Sebastian Ley, section 8, 1851.
Heniy Luenman, section 8, 1848.
Joseph Schinmoller, section 8, 1848.
Wm. H. Fornelield, section 8, 1848.
Geo. W. Erietsch, seclion 8, 1849.
Henry Luenman, section 8, 1849.
Joseph Schinmoller, section 8, 1849.
Sebastian Ley, section 10,1848.
Henry Thome, section 10, 1849.
John Schafler, section 10, 1849.
Nicholas Portra, section 10, 1849.
Louis B. Rundell, section 11, 1849.
Charles Rundell, section 11, 1849.
Casper Friebaugh, section 11, 1847.
Lewis Motter, section 11, 1849.
David F. Bowman, section 11, 1849.
Susan Davis, section 11, 1849.
Thomas Lingle, section 11, 1849.
Albert Lawrence, section 11, 1852.
Martin Rohrer, section 12, 1884.
Joseph Willman, section 12, 1884.
Wm. D. Kiplinger, section 12, 1884.
Mr. Harrison, in his paper on the settlement of Delphos, states that:
''About the year 1834, William Scott and William Brady opened the
first road from the Auglaize Biver through the present site of Delphos
to the Tillage of Van Wert It is stated that this road passed through
what was then known as the ' ten-mile woods,' and that not a single
cabin was seen in all that distance. It was a dreary and sickly region
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446 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
at that time. The great experiment of the introduction of slackwator
navigation had been tried under the administration of Gh>v. De Witt
Clinton in the Stat« of New York, and was gradually increasing its advo-
cates in Ohio. As early as 1828 the United States gave to the State of
Ohio certain lands, on the condition that the State would build a canal
from Dayton to Defiance, on the Auglaize Biyer. These conditions were
that the State should have all the even-numbered sections on the aboTe
mentioned route for the construction of said canal. Some three routes
were surveyed under the direction of Samuel Forrer, and immediately
di^culty was experienced in ^fixing the precise location of the canaL
Speculation was entered into, and the price of lands was greatly
enhanced. Finally the present site was agreed upon, and in due time
the work was commenced and -completed. These routes were surveyed in
1880, and the canal was completed about 1845. As soon as the location
of the canal had been fully determined, there was quite a rush for lands.
A number of Germans, who had settled in the neighborhood of old Fort
.Jennings as early as 1834, at once discerned the rising of real estate in ^
what is now Marion Township. Ferdinand Bredeick immediately pur-
chased a tract of land for himself and also another parcel of land for his
brother, who was then in Germany. In this northwest part of Marion
Township the following old settlers located : Ferdinand Bredeick, Theo-
dore Wrocklage, Bernard Esch, John Bredeick, Conrad Loudeck, Oasper
Oeise, Mathias Shroder, George Wilte, Conrad Wellman, Henry Lause,
Henry Shroeder, Casper Mesker, Casper Luesmann, C. D. Geise M.
Hemker, F. Beinemeyer, John Grothaus, D. Kariman, H. Linderman,and
Mrs. Osenbach." In the foregoing record of land buyers, again in the
history of Delphos, and lastly in the assessment roll for 1834, the names
of the pioneers of this township are all given.
SCHOOLS.
During the fall of 18^7 a school building was erected on Section 18,
Washington Township, Van Wert Co., which was opened in the fall of
that year with Miss Clarissa Gleason in charge. The following statistics
for 1884 point out the advances made by the Marion Township Schools :
The revenue for 1884 was $7,010. 19 ; expenditure, $6,733.81. There are
thirteen school buildings, valued at $12,600; seventeen teachers are
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 447
employed. The number of pupils enrolled ib 611. Just west of the
county line, in Washington Township, Van Wert Co., is the Delphos
Union School building. The building was erected in 1869, at a cost of
oyer $30,000. In the following historical sketch of Delphos, a great
deal relating to the settlement and progress of this township is to be
found.
DELPHOS.
This village is favorably situated on the Miami and Erie Canal, above
the confluence of that waterway with the Wabash and Erie Canal system.
Here also is the center of the Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railway
system, as well as an office of the main line of the Pennsylvania B. B.
Flouring mills, lumber manufacturing establishments, banks, stores,
churches, schools, hotels, railroad depots, canal freight house, lodge rooms,
fire department buildings, livery stables, residences, are all here, many of
the buildings claiming a commercial and architectural importance not
excelled in Ohio. The telegraph system is an old institution, while the
telephone, in all its shapes, is found here. In a word, many of the
luxuries and all the conveniences which modem times suggest have been
adopted by the citizens.
The people of Delphos have always paid much attention to educa-
tional matters. From pioneer times down to the present day, the school
has formed a subject for their serious inquiry. A love of educational
advancement forms one of the leading characteristics of the citizens.
The school has been always fostered by theiti. It has been raised up
from very humble beginnings, until now the system of both common and
denominational schools here has won high encomiums from all conver-
sant with it. The churches, too, serve to form an index to character.
The buildings devoted to religious purposes are all substantial. In one
instance — the Catholic Church — a building has been raised which ranks
with the greatest church edifices in the Union. The literary, musical
and benevolent societies are all well conducted, and the newspapers well
edited.
It has been stated, with some show of authority, that Delphos could
not have been settled without the aid of quinine. ' The air was so pois
oned with malarial effluvia from swamps and marshes, that not only the
pioneers, but also the very dogs of the settlement, suffered, intensely
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448 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
from fever and agae. Qainine was ttie 6iiie qua non of lite even up to
the period when the location lost its name of Section Ten.
The cholera epidemic entered Delphos in August, 1854 In Septem-
ber, Mrs. S. E. Brown and others, were swept away by this dreadfnl dis-
ease; nor did it cease its ravages this year. In 1855 Mr. Heitz and
others were carried away.
The Miami & Erie Canal was opened in 1845. Ten years later the
link in the Pennsylvania B. R, or the P., Ft. W. & G. £t. B. was in
operation. The formal opening of the Toledo, Delphos & Indianapolis
B. B. took place Jnly 4, 1875, while yet only eight miles of the road
was completed. The train was made up of eight cars drawn by a 12-ton
engine. The Delphos & Eokomo Narrow Gauge B. B., built in 1877;
the Delphos, BlufEton & Franklin B. B. ; Toledo, Franklin & St. Louis
B. B.; Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis B. B., Dayton, Covington &
Toledo B. B.; Cincinnati & Northern B. B.; Dayton & S. W. B. B.;
Toledo and Grand Bapids B. B., and Toledo & Maumee B. B., form
what is now known as the Toledo, Cincinnati & St Louis B. B. system,
embracing about 700 miles of three feet gauge track. The Bamsey
Transfer is operated throughout the system. The railroad shops, built
by the Consolidated Company at Delphos, toward the construction of
which Delphos granted ten acres of land and a bonus of $30,000, were
erected under the supervision of Bobert Martin, of Delphos.
John O. Bredeick platted the original town east of the county line in
1845. Ferd. Bredeick platted a tract on the west side in 1845, and the
two towns, as surveyed by Elias Everett, were known as East and West
Bredeick The Hollister, Bliss and Pettit Addition, known as Section
10, and next the village of Howard, platted for Samuel Forrer, followed
close upon the enterprise of the Bredeick's. ^
Ferdinand Bredeick erected the first house on the village site, and the
first frame house was erected by Henry Menckhans; Capi McCune built
the first brick house.
In 1845, E. N. Morton built the first saw mill, and in 1847 he erected
the first grist-mill. Miss Amelia Bredeick, now Mrs. Geo. Lang, was
the first white child bom in the town.
The physicians of Delphos: Osbom, Metcalf, Pennington, Butler, H
P. Wagner, who came iii 1847; C. A. Evans, in 1850; Davenport, Joseph
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 449
Barkholder, Benl, in 1850; J. B. Eyans, 1869; Steman, G. H. William-
son, 1878; F. H. Schlink, 1879, and S. F. Conkling. Mr. Hunt was a
chemist and droggist here tor many years, a most enterprising citizen.
^The first election for Delphos Tillage under the Act of Incorporation
Febmary 7, 1851,took place March 8 of that year. Lester Bliss was elected
Mayor; Smith Talbott, Recorder; N. White, E. N. Martin, J. P. Cowan,
J. P. Murphy, and T. Wrocklage, elected Councilmen. Treas. F. J. Lye
and Marshal E. N. Talbott were elected March 21, 1851. The corporation
expenses for the year amounted to 180.67. In the following pages the
roll of town o£Bcials from 1852 to 1884 is given, taken from abstracts
of election made in 1878 by Otto J. Ostendorf , the present Becorder.
1852.— F. 0. Harbaugh, Mayor; Smith Talbott, Becorder; F. J. Lye,
Treasurer; William Philips, Marshal. In June, 1852, W. H. Gurtiss was
appointed Marshal. N. Huber, Bernard Esch, S. D. Mac Gk)wan, S. F.
Hemmilright, and Robert Bower, elected Gouncilmen.
Mayors of Delphos since 1852. — J. B. Murphy, 1853-54; John
Cowan, 1855; George L. Higgins, 1856; J. A. Clark, to fill vacancy, 1856
—elected 1857; L J. Stevens, 1858-59; C. C. Marshall, 1860-61;
C. A. Evans, 1862-65; C. C. Marshall, 1866-72; D. H. Tolan, 1872-74;
August Euester, 1874-76; W. M. Harter, 1875-78 (elected in November,
1875, to fill vacancy); C. C. Marshall, 1878-80; C. C. Marshall, 1880;
C. C. Marshall, 1882; B. J. Brotherton, 1884-86.
Recorders. — The Clerks of Delphos village since 1852, are named as
follows: A. O. Howell, 1858; Smith Talbott, 1854-5; T. J. Tolan, 1856;
H. P. Wagner, 1857-66; S. D. Chambers, 1866-72; Henry J. Frame,
1872-74; S. D. Chambers, 1874-78; Otto J. Ostendorf, 1878-86.
Trecisurers. — The incumbents of this office since 1852, are named in
the following list: P. W. Morton, 1858-59; B. Beul, 1859-61;
Henry Weible, 1861-68; P. W. Morton, 1863-65; F. J. Lye, 1865-68;
P. W. Morton, 1868; Max Woemer, 1869-78; H. J. Frame, 1878-82;
J. M. Landick, Treasurer, 1882-86.
Ifar^/iate.— John Purkey, 1853; J. F. Thompson, 1854; Wilson Harter,
1855; Benjamin Krutsch, 1856; W. Price, 1857; B. C. Krutsch, 1858;
Thomas McElvain, 1859; D. O. Ejrutsch, I860; L. C. Sutton, 1861; R C.
Krutsch, 1862; F. W. Jennison, 1868-64; B. C. Krutsch, 1865; H Wegi-
sin, 1866; William Alexander, 1867-69; J. W. Meredith, 1869; Samuel
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450 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Marshall, 1870-72; Henry Wegisin, 1872-74; Henry Lindemann, 1874-
84: Samuel W. Archer, 1884-86.
Theo. Eemker was elected Sealer, 1882; Jacob Werner, Cemetery
Trustee in 1882, and James M. Clime in 1888.
Councilmen of Delphos since 1852, — J. W. Philips, H. B. Brown, J.
M. Barr, E. Timmons and S. B. Wolson in 1853; 0. G. Marshall, John
Miller, T. Wrocklage, H. S. Hunter, S. F. Himmelright and J. Osten-
dorf, 1854; the same board was re-elected in 1855, L. Q. Wolson taking
the place of T. Wrocklage; in 1856 Samuel Stutter, F. J. Lye, Henry
Weible, J. S. Martin, and J. Ostendorf formed the Council; in 1857
Messrs. Stutter & Lye, Gabriel Lehman, H. B. Brown and T. Wrock-
lage were Councilmen — James Ostendorf took Mr. Brown's place on the
board; J. C. Curtiss, Lester Bliss, T. Wrocklage, Q. W. Krutsoh and F.
J. Lye were elected in 1858; in 1859 T. Wrocklage, S. F. Himmelright,
D. Eelker, S. Stutter and H. B. Brown were elected: in 1860 the same
board was re-elected with the exception of Mr. Himmelright; in 1861,
H. D. Qlark, H. B. Brown, Theo. Wrocklage, S. F. Conklin^and H. J.
Moennig were elected Councilmen; in 1862, G. W. Erutsch replaced S.
F. Conkling, otherwise the Council remained as in 1861; John W. Feely,
H. B. Brown, T. Wrocklage, S. F. Hinmielright and J. C. Curtiss were
elected in 1863; in 1864 D. L. Williams and John Puchta replaced
Messrs. Feeley and Curtiss on the board; in 1865 F. Kollsmith took the
place of D. L. Williams; in 1866 Horace Bixby, C. A. Evans, D. Min-
nig, Hollis Hanson and Theo. Wrocklage were elected; John W. Feelj
and S. F. Himmelright took the place of Hanson and Wrocklage in 1867;
in 1868, F. Kollsmith, Bernard Esch, William Manning, H. J. Moennig
and S, F. Himmekight formed the Councils; in 1869 C. F. Peters, F.
W. Mannitig, S. F. Himmelright, Bernard Esch and H. J. Moennig were
elected members of the Council.
In 1870 the village was redistricted, the number of wards reduced to
four, and two Aldermen elected from each ward. Alexander Shenk,
Henry Lindemann, John W. Feely and S. F. Himmelright were chosen
for two years, and Herman Bicker, H. B. Brown, Henry Weible and David
Minnig for one year. In 1871 Messrs. Bicker and Weible^ C. H Whit-
tier and Ed. Finck were elected. Bicker refused to serve when Horace
Bixby was appointed. In 1872 Alexander Shenk, Ed. King, Michael
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 451
Sommers, John Walsh, James Ostendorf, A. Tannahill and S. F. Him-
melright were elected. In 1873, John W. Feelj, A. B. Bisk, J.
Krift and William AUstaetter were elected. S. D. Chambers was
appointed in October, vice Erift resigned. In 1874 Alex. Shenk, D. H.
Tolan, John Walsh, Theo Wrocklage and Oliyer Emtsoh were chosen
Gonncilmen. William Patton, 11 A. Ferguson, Ed. Finck and l^'rederick
Eollsmith were elected in 1875. In 1876, W. G. Hankins, John Walsh.
Theo. Wrocklage and Bobert Martin were chosen Ck)nncilmen. In 1877,
Aaron Miller, John W. Feely, Adam Simons and August Boehmer were
elected. During this year ihe expenditures of the village amounted to
$7,129.20. The elections of 1878 resulted in the choice of H. P. Wag-
ner, John Walsh, Peter Ealsch and James H. Clime for Councilmen. In
1879 Fred. Eollsmith, August Boehmer, Henry Weible, Aaron Miller
were elected. In 1880, H. P. Wagner, John Walsh, 0. Tegenkamp and
Wesley Balston.
In 1881 there were 515 Totes given for machine shops and two against
in DelphoB, for which a bonus of $30,000 was given.
In 1881 the Councilmen elected were F. Eollsmith, August Boehmer,
H. Weible and Constantine Sharger. In 1882, Nicholas Fritch, Jacob
Dientsberger, James Boehmer, Fred. Beyer. In 1888, J. H. Zimerle,
F. J. Helmkamp, Theo. Wrocklage, Evan J. Williams. In 1884, F. J.
Helmkamp, John Walsh, Joseph Hemme and John W. Evans.
The Postmasters of Delphos were Amos Clutter, the first master,
who had a little office on the west side of the canal He was succeeded
by Andrew Linn, who served until May, 1858, when Winchton Bisley
was appointed. On his death, in September, 1854, his wife, Mrs. Mary
Bisley was appointed, and she held the office until September, 1879.
J. H. Cowdin, the present postmaster, was commissioned in September,
1879. The office is still recognized as in Van Wert County.
^ CHUBCHES.
Catholic Church, — The history of the church is identified with that of
the settlement and progress of this division of the county. From printed
and written reminiscences it appears that in December, 1845, thirty-six
male members of the Catholic Church met in a log cabin and drew up ten
articles of agreement, providing that each inhabitant of section 10, who
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452 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
wished to be a member of the Oatholio congregation, should work
twenty-five days every year, doring the time a ohturdi building would be
constructing, without pay or the expectation of pay; all those who could
not or did not wish to work should pay $8 annually toward the work. At
the beginning of each week the persons who yolunteered to work were
notified by the Trustees. Father Bredeick came to give the work some
plan. About the middle of January, 1846, J. M. Heitz, in contract with
Trustees, entered on work; large trees were formed as pillars, then the
smaller timbers had to be hewed out, and then the hand*made oak
shingles, the latter at the pastor's expense. In 1850 the old church was
only partially completed; but not until November 1, 1858, were the first
services celebrated therein. In 1855 the master mechanic of this great
pioneer building died of cholera. In 1855 the building was closed on
all sides; in 1856 the main altar and pews were made; in 1862 the steeple,
150 feet high, was built Father Bredeick died August 19, 1858. There
were eighty-nine different contributors of money and labor from 1846 to
1852. Each laborer gave 123 days, and each subscriber $5454. On
March 81, 1879, the last services were held in the old church. A hall
110 feet long and 56 wide accommodated the people until the opening
of the new church. Bev. Father Long, in his. history of the Catholic
Church of Delphos, written in 1875, says: '*The first church established
at Delphos was the Catholic, and its honored founder, Bev. John O.
Bredeick, was the benevolent guardian of the spiritual and material in
terests of the German settlers, who were pioneers in the inhospitable
forests of Northwestern Ohio. In co-operation with Bev. Mr. Horseman,
of Glandorf , who had preceded Mr. Bredeick, they planted firmly the in-
stitutions of Christianity and civilization. His church here was an un-
gainly one in architectural appearance, but yet of huge dimensions. No
one except Father Bredeick could then foresee that the Catholic Church-
going people would be sufficient to fill that edifice during a period of a
generation or two at least. The good priest struggled to complete his
temple of worship, but did not live to witness the realization of his hopes,
having passed to his reward in the future world in 1858. He has only
had two successors — Bev. F. Westerholt, and the zealous and untiring
one, who now officiates, Bev. A. J. Hoeffel, whose priestly services were
rendered for many years at Defiance, Ohio. As evidence that Father
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 453
Bredeick had not nnderestimated the future wants of his people, it is
only neoeesary to state that over 300 families now worship in that clvurch^
equivalent to nearly 1,500 persons.
The project of building a new church took practical shape in 1878.
Plans by S. W. Lane, of Cleyeland, were adopted by the building com-
mittee and councilmen, the former being Theodore Wrocklage, F. H.
Heit2 and Herman Bicker. The councilmen were, Alex. Shenk, B. Ger-
man, G. Oeise and J. Gerdeman. Contracts were awarded to Warner &
Son for stone foundation; Francis H. Heitz, woodwork; S. J. Burkhart,
Kenton brick and sawed stone; Joseph Derwort, tin, iron and copper;.
Hull & Congers, roofing and slating, and Mr. Goeckinger, woodwork on
spira On September 1, 1878, Mr. Heitz measured the ground, then the
foundations were excavated, and on June 15, 1879, the comer stone was
laid by Bishop Gilmore, assisted by Bev. Father Hoe£fel, Bev. J. F. Lang,
and other ecclesiastics. The building was completed in 1880, and dedi«
cated January 16, 1881, at a cost of about $60,000, equivalent, with
gratuitous labor and material, to over $100,000. The length of the
building is 192 feet; width of main aisle, 78 feet; width of transepts,
100 feet; height to apex of roof, 84 feet; height of tower, 222 feet;
height of middle arch, 58 feet The roof is divided into over 100
arches, after the pure Gothic style. The tower clock cost about $2,-
000. The bells used are those of the old church — a chime of three
bells purchased in 1863-64 Father Bredeick took no salary from
1844 to 1853; subsequently he took $150 per year. He willed lot
74, ten acres on Section 30, to the Sisters of Charity, on condi-
tion that they would wait on the sick, and take charge of the girls*^
school. The remainder of his real estate he bequeathed to the Catholic
Church. Father Westerholt took charge in 1858; he added two altars,
an organ, and new pewa Li 1867--68 the Sisters of Si Francis residence,
on South Main street, was built at a cost of about $7,000. The three-
story brick school was built in 1869-70, and the new residence for the
sisters in 1872. When the town was burned, shortly after, the church
and these buildings barely escaped destruction. In 1874 the Sisters of
Notre Dame replaced the Sisters of St Francis. In 1866 the parish was
divided, and that of Landeck formed. After Father Westerholt was
called to Cleveland, Father Maesfranc, of Landeck, came and remained
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454 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
until February 2, 1868, whenBeY. A. J. Hoefifel was appointed. In 1875
a new organ was purchased. In 1860 St. Joseph's Union was organized
on the soggestibn of Henry Hoerstman.
The stained glass windows, paintings, stata?jy, altars, baptistry,
frescoes, organ, are all in keeping with the style of the church.
Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at the cabin of R. M.
Pedicord, West Delphos, in 1846, with William Scott, John Miller and
wife, and B. M. Pedicord and wife. Services were held at the houses of
Pedicord and MilJer, subsequently in Amos Metcalf's cooper shop, and
in 1848, in the woollen factory, erected by E. N. Martin that year. In
1850-51 a church building was erected on a lot donated by Samuel Pet-
tit, of Piqua, a friend of E. N. Martin. After this building was in use
for a quarter of a century, the idea of erecting a substantial bouse of
worship, was entertained. The ladies soon inaugurated a means of mak-
ing the idea practical, and by social meetings, and church fairs, they
collected no less than $2,800 within the three years ending in December,
1878. Among the leaders in this enterprise were Mr. Wagner, Mrs.
Williams, Mrs. Paugh, Mrs. Boebuck, and Mrs. Osboma In the spring
of 1879, those ladies collected from the citizeos about 12,600, and with
the two sums as the nucleus of a building fund, they embarked in the
work of church building. A contract was sold to James H. Olime to
build a house of worship according to plans by T. J. Tolan & Son, of Ft.
Wayne. Work was commenced in August, 1879, and the building com-
pleted in March, 1830, under the supervision of Dr. H. P. Wagner.
The pastors, who have served the church at Delphos, are John Graham,
1846; A. Albright, 1847; Alexander Harmount, 1848, circuit preachers.
From 1850 to 1852, J. R Guiberson and J. F. Burkholder; 1852 to
1854. W. Taylor and G. Leese; 1854 to 1865, Jacob Feghtly; 1855 to
1856, John Fribly and A. B. Erebs; 1856 to 1858, Isaac Newton;
1858 to 1861, F. Merriott and G. W. Waters; 1861 to 1862, William
Deal and J. Estell; 1862 to 1864, F. Plumb; 1864 to 1866, J. Mounts;
1866 to 1868, L. Herbert; 1868 to 1870, Jason Young; 1870 to 1873,
A. J. Fish; 1873 to 1876, John Bates; 1876 to 1878, D. B. Ck)ok; 1878
to 1880, Solomon Lindsay.
The Presbyterian Church of Delphos was formally organized in 1849,
and completed organization in 1851. The lotNon which the church
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 457
bailding stands (Na 47), was donated by Rev. Father Bredeiok to the
PresbTterian Society in Aogost, 1858, as a transfer from the Board of
Education under the Legislative Act of March 14, 1859. {Vide History
of Oatholic Ohurch.) The present church building was erected in 1869
at a cost of over $6,000. Of this sum the late C. C. Marshall collected
$1,250. B. Skinner and wife, Andrew Lenn and wife, Thomas and
James Oochran and wives, Thomas Chambers, Gabriel Lehman and wife,
Swan Hunter and wife, and William Oochran, were the original members
of the society. Mrs. Dr. Ooleman joined in 1872. The society was
organized by Mr. Graham. In January, 1851, the ladies of the Presby-
terian Ohurch organized a sewing circle. The sum realized from their
work ($1,900) was devoted to the building of the ohurch and purchase
of additional ground. During the war the woric of the society was sus-
pended. Rev. Messrs. Johnson, Graham, Oameron, Elcook, Young,
Scott and the preewit pastor, Sherard, have served the church since 1849.
United Brethem (Marion Ohurch). This church, belonging to the
lUida United Brethem Oirouit, comes down from the pioneer days of this
portion of Allen Oounty. The originf^ members were S. P. Steman and
wife, Samuel Moyer and wife, Mary M. Sherrick, Oatherine Beitz, Sarah
Long, Mary Parker, Jacob Olapper, 03rruA Oonrad, H. J. Sherrick, John
Bidenour, J. B. Oottner, Oaroline Oottner. The membership is eighty.
SCHOOLS.
The Union School Building on the west side was erected in 1869 at
a cost of $30,000. A still larger building is now considered necessary
for the east side. Owing to the existence of the Oatholic schools at
Delphos, little interest was taken in the common school system until
1867-68. This is proven by the fact that the School District failed to
profit by a donation of land in 1852, and continued this carelessness for
many years after, so that lot No. 47, donated in 1852 to the Board of
Education by Bev. Father Bredeick of the Oatholic Ohurch, and by him
to the Presbyterian Society in 1858, under legislative authority given in
the Act of March 14, 1859.
sochtiss, etc.
Hope Lodge No, 214, A, F. d A. Af., was chartered October 28, 1851.
In 1872, while the lodge was in the third story of Shenk & Lang's Block,
27
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458 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
the bnilding was destroyed, and with it the records of the lodge. E. B.
Mathis served as W. M. from 1869 to 1877; 0. P. Washbnm from 1877
to 1879; Joseph Welch, 1879; 0. P. Washburn,^ 1880; Joseph Gowdin,
1881; Henry Davies, 1883-84; E. Mathis is Recorder. The lodge was
reorganized under the new charter October 16, 1873, and now claims
sixty-eight members.
Delphos Chapter, No. 105, K A. M., was chartered October 17, 1868,
with H. P. Wagner, G. G. Marshall, S. D. Ghambers, J. G. Scott, H. D.
Glark, S. F. Gonkling, Alfred Tannehill, W. D. Jones and G. A. Evans
original members.
Ohmoxy Lodge, I. O. O. F,, No. 201, was chartered May 16, 1854,
with William Grist, D. Minnig, E. King, Sam Stater and O. W. Eratsch
members. The lodge was instituted under dispensation June 10, 1852,
with M. H. Gurtis, George L. Higgins, A. O. Howell, Sam Stutw and
John Daubs members. The names of the Past Grands up to June, 1854,
are M. H. Gurtis, George L. Higgins, A. O. Howell and W. H. Grist
Since June, 1854, the following have served as N. G., L. B. Woolsoo,
1854; W. R. Ward, 1855, G. H. Hover and S. F. Himmelright, 1856;
O. W. Eruisch and HoUis Fisher, 1857; O. Lehman, 1858; E. King,
1859; G. Oessner, and a F. Himmekight, 1860; O. P. Kramer and E.
King, 1861; S. Himmelright and Mr. Bormuth, 1862; R King, 1863;
S. F. Himmelright, 1864. For ten years succeeding 1864 the charter
was held by the grand lodge until its restoration, August 20, 1874 Un-
der the authority of the grand lodge William Grist was elected N. G. In
December, 1874, George W. Erutsch, N. O. The chief officers of the
lodge since 1875 are named as follows: Ed. King, 1875; R G. Jones and
Wm. Lovekin, 1876; O. H. Krutsch and G. S. Davis, 1877; J. W. Evans
and Evan Williams, 1878; William Grist and Simon Foster, 1879; J. W.
Allen, 1880; G. P. Harter and E. T. Young, 1881; A. R. Lockard and A.
E. Herminghuyser, 1882; a G. Boloson andG. W. Louthan in 1883; O.
W. Louthan and Henry Valtz, 1884, with S. W. Murphy, Recorder. The
number of members is 117.
Marion Encampment, No. 61, L O. O, F., when first instituted, met
at Delphos, March 30, 1854, William Grist, HoUis Fisher. J. R. Murphy,
L. B. Wolson, Gharlee McGune, G. H Hover, and others were members
of this Gamp.
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• (
MARION TOWNSHIP. 459
Frederika Lodge^ No, 147, Daughters of Rebekah, was chartered
May 17, 1883, with GatheriDe J. Foster, Gelia Pegdon, Sarah J. Eiche»
Frederika King, Aima G. Yoltz, Catherine Daniels, Adeline Blake»
George W. Loathan, Eleanor M. Lonthan, S. W. Murphy, G. S. Dayis,
William Grist, James Pegdon, Mary Toong and J. W. Evans. Mrs.
Catherine Daniels is Noble Grand. The number of members is twenty-
five.
Royal Arcanum was organized November 13, 1878. Dr. H. P. Wag-
ner was elected P. R; E. R. Mathis, B., and 0. W. Bisley, Secretary.
The annual election took place December 25, 1878, when K R Mathis
was chosen Regent, and Henry Daviee, Secretary. The Regents since
1878: E R Mathis, 1879; E. W. Hastings, 1879; K F. Lloyd, 1881;
A. 0. Almy, 1882-83. The Secretaries: D. S. Griffith, John Humphreys,
C. W. Risley, 1879; H. L. Roebuck, 1881-82; William F. Klagee, 1888.
The membership is seventy-three.
Reul Post,, No. 95, O. A, K, named after Gapi Reul, One Hundred
and Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, who died at Delphos after the war, was
organized July 12, 1881, with the following charter members: J. H.
Cowdin, S. L. Feeley, F. Rouschart, Moses Strauss, A. Lichttentner, N.
liichttentner, Oscar Wilson, William Devlin, D. J. Davis, M. K Blinn,
J. F. Himmelright, P. F. Henry, Almond Ruggles, Oscar Ensien, Will-
iam Wier and John Siedell. The first Gommander was D. J. Dayis, and
Adjutant, J. H. Gowdin. The Gommanders since this time are named as
foUovro: John Widmer, 1882-88; M. T. Long, 1883-84. The Adjutania
were Henry Dickman, 1882; Benjamin Dunne, elected in 1882, has
served since that time. The membership is seventy-six. The post uses
the well- furnished hall of the Knights of Honor, pending the equipment
of a new hall. The present officers of the post are: Gommander, M. T.
Long; Senior Yice-Gommander, James M. Cochran; Junior Vice-Gom-
mander, John Eisenbice; Surgeon, E. H. Wade; Ghaplain, A. Ruggles;
Adjutant, Ben Dunn; Officer of the Day, John Widmer; Officer of the
Ouard, O. W. Ludwig; Quartermaster, William Devlin; Sergeant-Major,
George Stirritt; Quartermaster-Sergeant, W. A. Gordell.
Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 139, was chartered May 24, 1882, with
the following members: E. Priddy, W. G. Nieding, O. A. Kolbe, 0. F.
Garter, G. K Shirley, S. G. Roloeon, D. J. Brese, O. Waterbery, W. W.
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460 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY:
Beul, J. Homphreye, S. W. Archer, R F. Lloyd, T. J. Wherritt, R PeM,
A. Turner, O. F. Almy, W. F, MoGracken, G. H. Henkey, D. W. Davis,
T. D. Bidieson, B. H. Clark, J. Boby, T. B. Edwards, A. 0. Almy, D.
H. Tolan, A. K Bioe, E. Hartwell, J. C. Moore, and W. E. Watkins.
The past Chancellors: Oscar Waterbery, 1882; Emerson Priddy, 1882;
A. C. Almy, 1888; W. BL Nuding, 1888; A. C. Almy, 1884; S. Q. Bol-
oeon, 1884; John Borkett, 1885. Secretary: S. G. Boloson, 1882;
Emerson Priddy, 1888; O. L. Saylor, 1888; I. S. Moon, 1884; Edward
Lloyd, 1885. The membership is thirty-nine.
Division No, 21, Sons of Temperance^ was chartered Mardi 81, 1880,
with twenty-seven members.
Knights of Honor, Edith Lodge, No. 11787, was organized September
20, 1879, with forty charter members. The presiding officers since organ-
isation are Frank Welsh, Benjamin Fisher, S. L. Feeley, Ang. Boeh-
mer, C. F. Barter, and J. Pohlman. The secretaries are E. Y. Yonng,
B. Peat, D. J. Brees, and C. F. Barter.
De^hoe Fire Department was organized ander the name of the Wash-
ington Volunteer Fire Company, July 1, 1872. Of the original mem-
bers one only, J. B Wahmhoff, is now connected with this volunteer
department The members of the company in 1884 were C. F. Bauber,
foreman; J. Bemme, assistant foreman; C. Schosker, assistant fore-
man; B. J. Weible, secretary; B J. Moennig, treasurer; 3. F. Dolt,
foreman hose division; B. Bell, F. Brickner, EL J. Bergfield, B. W.
Dalk, M. Cover, W. A. Fisher, O. Good, J. Garrity, P. George, J.
George, A. C. Grothause, C. Geise, W. M. Baas, J. T. Bartwell, J. Ber-
lihy, G. B. Bauber, W. J. Bockenberry, A. F. Lriok, F. B Landick, J.
P. Laner, W. Lemkuhl, G. F. Lang, L. McCoUister, L. Metzger, F. A.
Banshard, A. B. Buggies, J. Bisk, S. F. Shenk, D. Sudmoeller, B.
Trentman, C. Uhlenhake, E. J. Williams, B. J. Wolfhorst, and J. B
Wahmhoff with Mr. Wahmhoff chief of department The prizes carried
off by this company are named as follows: Ohio State Banner, at Gal-
lion, Ohio, in 1878; Northwestern Ohio State Banner, at Tan Wert, Ohio,
1874; a trumpet at Lima, Ohio, 1876; a trumpet at Tan Wert, Ohio,
1877; a trumpet at Delphos, Ohio, 1882; a United States flag at Delphos,
Ohio, 1882; a money prize at Northwestern Ohio tournament, held at St
Mary's Ohio, 1883, and a money prize at Sandusky, Ohio, in 1884 In
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 461
the ccmtest for these prizes the Washington company have carried off
prizes from thirty-nine different companie& The equipment comprises
two steam engines, a pony hand engine, one hook and ladder and 2,200
feet of hose on f onr carts.
The J. W. Feely fiook and Ladder Company was organized under the
name of the Star Company, was subsequently named the Independent
Star Hook and Ladder Company, in August 1880, to the Star Hook and
Ladder Company, and August 3, 1882, to the J. W. Feely Hook and Lad-
der Company. The iirst officers elected in June, 1880, were J. W.
Feely, foreman; J. B. Stith, assistant; John Kaspar, second assistant;
S. W. Archer, secretary; and Gustave Kolbe, treasurer. J. L. Herbert
served as foreman until 1888, when he was succeeded by C. S. Pavis.
The present foreman, F. H. Moennig, has served as secretary from 1881
to the present time. Theodore Stallkamp is assistant foreman. There
are thirty-five members who pay their own expenses, the village paying
for repairs.
The Delphos Band, known as the Citizens' Band, was organized Sep-
tember 25, 1882, with John White, leader; Louis Stephens, president,
and also secretary and treasurer; Fred Bayer, director. The present
officers are Henry Volz, leader; F. H. O. Moennig, drum major; and O.
J. Ostendorf , Manager.^ There are fifteen members.
The Schiller Association was organized in 1859, by Antoine Jettinger.
IKDUSTBIES, BOULS, BTO.
The industry known as the curing of Slippery Elm bark was founded
at Delphos in 1855, by Dr. J. W. Hunt. The trade in this bark may be
said to have its headquarters at Delphos for many years. Ten years pre-
vious to this time Theodore Wrocklage and B. Esch established a potash
and pearl-ash factory.
The Empire Excelsior Works, established by Charles Whittier,
was purchased in 1878 by August Boehmer, who has been operator of
them for the last eleven years. The factory gives employment to eight
men. The machinery is valued at about $3,500. The capacity is about
1,000 tons per annum. The principal market is at Cincinnati.
The Delphos Chemical Works, manufacturers of pearl-ash, was estab-
lished in 1871, by Ishmael Malick. In 1872 the works were purchased
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462 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
by J. & T. Rioe. The prodacti since the decrease in price, has not ex-
ceeded ten tons annually. The price is 8 cents per poand.
Th<^ Delphos Elevator, bailt by W. F. Mills & Co., in 1879, has a ca-
pacity of 30,000 bushels. The original building was erected by Curtis &
Bliss, about thirty years ago, on Canal Street and Pennsylvania Bailroad.
The Narrow Ghiage Bailroad runs a track along the west sida
In 1870 a hub and spoke factory was established on the side of the
canal, by A. B. Bisk and M. A. Ferguson. This industry was carried on
where the Moennig hardware store now stands, until consolidated with
the Ohio Wheel Company in 1872.
The Ohio Wheel Company, founded at Toledo in 1868, moved to Del-
phos in 1872. The Company was incorporated October 20, 1871, with W.
P. Garrett, Ed Flickinger, Henry Flickinger, P. M. Ainslie and William
Johnson, of Toledo, and Theo Wrocklage, M. A. Ferguson, D. L. Will-
iams, J. M. C. Marble, Peter Phelan, S. D. Chambers, H. J. Moennig,
A. B. Bisk, T. W. Brotherton, J. W. Hunt, L. Q. Boebuck, F. H. Stall-
kamp, F. Buettner, C. A. Evans and D. H. Tolan. At their Toledo works,
buildings and machinery were valued at $40,000. The buildings were
erected in in 1871-72, and opened in the fall of 1872. The estimated
cost of buildings, $20,000, and machinery $45,000. The number of
hands employed in January, 1873, was 82, the number at present, 80.
The presidents have been Henry Flickinger 1868 to 1878, and J. M. C.
Marble 1873 to 1885. Henry J. Trame has served as secretary from 1878
to present time. The value of annual products is about $120,000 ; the
monthly pay roll is about $3,000.
The Union Flouring- Mill Company was organized under State law in
1872, with F. J. Lye, Peter Phelan, H. J. Moennig, H. J. Gerdeman,
Theo Wrocklage, S. D. Chambers. In 18S0 the name was changed to
the Eagle Mills.
The Eagle Mills were purchased in July, 1880, by ^lez. Shenk and
George F. Lang, who have conducted this industry down to the present
time. The machinery is valued at about $15,000, aDd the buildings
about $10,000. The capacity is estimated at 125 barrels per day. The
annual product is 25,000 barrels. The number of hands employed is ten.
Delphos Flouring-Mills, built in 1847 by E. N. Morton, were pur-
chased in 1856 by Abram Miller, J. Shotwell and T. F. Conklin; pur-
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 463
chased by Ck>op6r & Conklin, again in 1858 by Miller & Shotwell. In
1861 P. W. Morton porohased Sbotwell's intereRt, and in 1876 acquired
tbree-fonrths of the interest with Abram Miller.
Pittsburg Hoop & Stave Company was established in 1872, with G.
Meyran, president ; Thomas A. Weger, superintendent; W. Steinmeyer,
treasurer; and G. W. Hammer, secretary. The new company organized
February 20, 1884, is presided over by J. Shaffer, with H Qoette, sec-
retary and treasurer, and F. A. Weger, superintendent The value of
machinery is $6,000, and of buildings $4,000. The value of annual pro-
duct (estimated) is about $80,000; the number of men employed, 80.
The Stave Company, one of the great industries of Delphoe, was organ-
ized in }869, with J. M. 0. Marble, Theo Wrocklage, John Ostendorf
and H. J. Trame, incorporators. Mr. Ostendorf presides over this Com-
pany, with C. P. Washburn, treasurer and secretary.
Delphoe Handle Factory was established in 1872, by the Hartwell
Brothers.
What has been said by Mr. Sutton in 1882 is doubly applicable
to-day. He states: Within a radius of four miles of Delphos there are
over thirty mills constantly employed iu cutting and preparing lumber
for the market. Immense quantities of timber are annually conveyed to
market by the railroads and canal. The enterprise and growth of Del-
phoe can be seen by the following list of business establishments : two
steam saw-mills, two grist-mills, one paper-mill, one woollen-mill, one
machine shop and foundry, one stirrup factory, two planing-mills, one
handle factory, one excelsior works, one union stave factory, one hoop and
stave factory, one Washington stave factory, one tight-barrel factory, one
wheel factory, two brick yards, four livery stables, four hardware stores,
four stove and tin stores, nine dry goods stores, four millinery establish-
ments, four drug stores, twelve grocery and provision stores, thirty
saloons, four butcher shops, three jewelry stores, two harness shops, two
undertaking establishments, three furniture stores, four wagon shops, six
blacksmith shops, six boot and shoe shops, seven baker shops, one tan-
nery, one brewery, two banks, two newspapers, two warehouses, three
elevators, six hotek, two public halls, one steam tire-engine, two hand-
engines, hose carts, etc.
First National Bank was founded by L. G. Boebuok, F. J. Lye, J. M.
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464 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
C. Marble, T. Wrocklage, Peter Phelan, R. K. Lytle, H. J. Boehmer, B.
Each, F. H. Stalkamp, and Henry P. Clark, Febraary 16, 1863, with L.
G. Hoebnok, president, and J. M. C. Marble, cashier. The capital stock
was placed at $100,000. On February 26, 1883, the bank was reorgan-
^ized under the aame Delphos National Bank, with Theo Wrocklage,
president, and Joseph Boehmer, cashier. The capital stock is $60,000,
and surplus $8,000.
The (Commercial Bank of Delphos was chartered under the Legislative
act of February 26, 1853. It was organized as a State bank in 1877, and
in 1880 the capital stock of $100,000 was reduced to $50,000.
The Fidelity Fire Insurance Company, of Delphos, was organised in
August, 1875. The first Directors were: Alex. Sfaenk, B. Esch, Max
Wcemer, George W. Hall, Joseph Boshmer, Charles K Shenk, B. J.
' Brotherton, M. A. Ferguson^ Henry Weible, Theodore Wrocklage, Dr.
Schneider, Lester Bliss, John Shaw, T. J. Gbdfrey and A. Y. Bice.
The Phelan House, built in 1880 by J. F. MoShane, has been carried
cm by John Boby since April 25, 1881. This is one of the best hotels
in northwestern Ohio.
The Rose House was built in 1881 by A. B. Bisk. This house is
located on the P. F. W. & C. R B., just west of the Union d^>ot It
has been variously conducted.
LANDECK VILLAGE.
Landeck, Sections 3 and 10, Marion Township, is a small village
in the midst of a rich agricultural district The business portion of Lan-
deck lies north of Main Street. South are the lands of the Catholic
Church, Sebastian Ley and J. Shaffer. The school and a steam saw-mill
stand on the western limits.
Catholic Church. — About twenty families in and around Landeck
asked and obtained permission of Bishop Bappe to erect a church under
direction of Father Westerholt, then pastor in Delphos, and a frame one
40x60 feet was built on a lot donated by S. Ley. Father Maesfranex was
appointed pastor in 1868. Rev. C. Seltzer succeeding him in 1869. The
following year Bev. F. Brem was appointed his successor, and had charge
eight years, when he went to Europe for his health, Bev. B. Neier
-supplying his place during his absence. Bev. J. B. Heiland succeeded
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MONKOE TOWNSHIP. 465
him April 20, 1878. During Father Seltzer's admizuBtration a neat
pastoral residence was erected, and Father Brem bnilt a schoolboose
and teacher's hoose. October 10, 1876, the hoose and contents were
destroyed by fire. Father Brem, however, erected a more substantial
residence of brick in 1877; a year later an addition of 20x44 feet was
made to the church. The congregation now numbers about ninety-six
families making a total of about 500 membera
mSCSLLANIOUS.
The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Baibroad passes through
Marion Township from southeast to northwest; the Cleveland, Delphos
k Si Louis Bailroad touches the most northwesterly sections on its way
from Delphos into Putnam County, and the Toledo, Delphos & Indiana-
polis Bailroad runs due north and south. The postoffioes are Delphos,
Landeck and Scott's Crossing.
CHAPTER XXII.
MONBOE TOWNSHIP.
MONBOE presents a variety of soil, from light sand and gravel to
heavy clay. Within the township are some fine fruit and sugar
trees, with groves of elm, ash, hickory and other species of hardwood. A
large number of streamlets have their sources here ; springs are found in
almost every section, while small ponds may be seen at intervals. Wright
Ditch, Cranberry Ditch and Grassy Bun, with their tributary streams,
afford a means of drainage of great importance. The highways are kept
in good condition, and throughout the entire township an air of prosperity
seems to pervade everything. The area is 36 square miles ; population
2,182, or about 61 inhabitants per square mile.
OBOANIZATION.
A petition to organize this township was presented to the commis-
sioners of Putnam County in 1885, which was granted, and Congressional
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466
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Township 2 south, Range 7 east was established under the name Monroe,
with John Peters, Peter Harpster, and Anthony Early, trustees; Benjamin
Parker, olerk, and Luke Tipton, justice of the peace. N. G. Kidd has
served as township clerk for many years. In 1848 this portion of Put-
nam was attached to Allen (bounty.
PIONIEBa
In the chapter entitled Settlement and Occupation, much has been
written respecting the first settlers of this township. According to Will-
iam Bockhill, the first schoolhouse was built in 1834, and the first school
taught by N. G. Kidd. The earliest preaching was generally in the log-
cabins. Preaching frequently was held in the cabin of the Bockhills.
Bev. Wesley J. Wells was among the first preachers. He was of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. The first milling was on Sugar Greek. It
was at a horse mill, owned by Luke Tipton. Some families went to Sidney,
some to St. Mary's, and some to Wapakonetta. In those days com was gen-
erally used by all. The first justice of the peace was Hugh Van Meter. In
the following pages the names and dates of purchase are given of all who
entered the United States lands of the township. This is a valuable
addition to history, since it establishes the actual purchase of this portion
of the county, not by speculators or absentees, *but by men who entered
the wilderness with strong hearts and arms, to tame it, as it were, and
raise it to the high state in which it is found to-day.
LIST Ol" ORIGINAL ENTBIES.
John Featheringill, section 1, 1885.
Ellas Featheringill, section 1, 1835.
Joseph Sheets, section 1, 1885.
Josiah Saravely, section 1, 1848.
John H. MiUiken, section 1, 1885.
Peter Lahman, section 1, 1850.
John Van Meter, section 1, 1886.
Abel Cook, section 1, 1835.
Peter Ogan, section 2, 1888.
James Grain, section 2, 1836.
John Wolf, section 2, 1886.
Demas Adams, section 2, 1886.
John Close, section 2, 1884.
James Turner, section 3, 1834.
Zachariah Paul, section 3,' 1835.
Ellas Helpman, section 3, 1834.
Margaret Featheringill, section 8, 1836.
John Crawford, Jr., section 3, 1886.
Ellery Van Meter, section 8, 1886.
Hugh Downing, section 8, 1885.
Sebastian Haunchy, section 4, 1886.
Wm. Turner, section 4, 1886.
Jacob Andereck, section 4, 1887.
Qeo, H. Stevenson, section 4, 1888.
Anthony Barley, section 4, 1884.
Philip Hooper, section 4, 1889.
Frederick Fuechey, section 4, 1886.
Wm. Ward, section 4, 1886.
Geo. H. Stevenson, section 5, 1888.
Jacob Braughton, section 5, 1888.
McDaniel> Osbom. section 5, 1882.
Wm. McComb, section 5, 1882.
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MONROE TOWNSHIP.
467
Robert C. McComb. section 5. 1884.
Anthony Early, section 5. 1884.
J&mes Porter, section 6» 1881.
Peter Eroninger, section 6, 1888.
Henry Morris, section 6, 1882.
Wm. McOomb, section 6, 1888.
Wm. Mcllvain, section 7, 1884.
James Moore, section 7, 1888.
George Wortman, section 7, 1885.
Jas. Cunningham, section 7, 1889.
Wesley Ransbottom, section 7, 1886.
John Nelson, section 7, 1884.
James Boggs, section 7, 1888.
Jas. Cunningham, section 8, 1885.
Hamilton Davison, section 8, 188-.
John Wesley Waters, section 8, 1885.
Joshua Robb, section 8. 1885.
David Waters, section 8, 1885.
Robt. C. McComb, section 8, 1884.
David W. Coats, section 8, 1886.
Elijah Drew, section 8, 1886.
Adam Downing, section 9, 1885.
Wm. Ward, section 9, 1886.
John W. Waters, section 9. 1885.
John Ross, section 9, 1885.
Adams Lamb, section 10, 1849.
Christopher Miller, section 10, 1888.
Charles Ryan, section 10, 1850.
Kendall L. Eskridge, section 10, 1886.
Isaac Beemer, section 10, 1886.
Robert Tate, section 10, 1885.
Wm. Flening section 10, 1886.
Samuel McKee, section 10, 1885.
Kendall L. Eskridge, section 10, 1885.
Israel Trumbo, section 10, 1886.
Wm. Crain, section 11, 1884.
James Crain, Jr., section 11, 1884.
James Mayberry, section 11, 1888.
Marmaduke Jameson, section 11, 1888.
Israel Trumbo, section 11. 1888.
Bam'l Van Swearingen, section 11, 1888.
Peter Ogan, section 12, 1886.
Jabez Cooke, section 12, 1835.
Alexander Stewart, section 12, 1846.
John WatsoD, section 12, 1885.
Hu£^ Reed, section 18, 1881.
Andrew Trumbo, section 18. 1888.
Christopher Miller, section 18, 1888.
Henry Lippincott, section 18, 1885.
Alexander Fullerton, section 18, 1884
James Crain. Jr., section 14, 1884.
James D. Van Meter, section 14, 1885.
Nathl. G. Eidd, secUon 14, 1884.
Luke Tipton, section 14, 1884.
Wm. Johnson, section 14, 1880.
Wm. Kidd, section 14, 1882.
Christopher Miller, section 14, 1888.
James Crain, section 15, 1884.
Jacob Andrews, section 15, 1885.
Hugh Van Meter, section 15, 1885.
John Ross, section 15, 1885.
Silvester Wright, section 15. 1844.
Philip Yant, section 15, 1884.
A. B. Melick, section 16, 1854.
Nicholas Baber. section 16, 1854.
Christopher Naas, section 16, 1854.
Jacob Allstetter, section 16, 1854.
Peter Baker, section 16, 1854.
Adam Klinger, section 16, 1854.
Conrad Valker, section 16, 1854.
Isaac Yant, section 16, 1854.
Wm. Ward, section 17, 1886.
Jacob Oaks, section 17, 1886.
Henry Snyder, section 17. 1886.
Abraham Yant, section 17, 1886.
Adam Van Meter, section 17, 1886.
George Little, Sr., section 17, 1886.
Robert Sheerers, section 17, 1886.
James Beatty, section 17, 1886.
Edwin Smith, section 18, 1885.
James McFarland, section 18, 1885.
Aaron W. Teegarden. section 18, 1847.
Joseph Decker, section 18. 1885.
Wm. Teegarden, section 18, 1885.
John Marshal], section 18, 1885.
Jacob Alstetter, section 19, 1844.
Peter Alstetter, section 19, 1885.
Samuel Shindler, section 19, 1885.
Jacob F. Ready. secUon 19, 1886.
Jacob A. Alstetter, section 19, 1885.
Jacob Shindler, section 19, 1884.
Edwin Smith, section 20, 1885.
John J. Becker, section 20. 1847.
Wm. Ward, section 20, 1885.
Jacob Alstetter, section 20, 1847.
Peter Alstetter, section 20, 1847.
George Pettit, section 21, 1834.
Abraham Barrick, section 21, 1885.
Eustena Miller, section 21, 1884.
John Wolf, section 21. 1834.
Daniel H. MiUer, section 21. 1884.
Willis Sharp, section 21, 1844.
Samuel Daniels, section 21. 1848.
Daniel Stales, section 21, 1885.
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468
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Luke Tipton, gection 22, 1884.
Thos. H. Eidd, section 22, 1885.
Michael Yant, section Si2, 1885.
Adam Downing, section 22, 1885.
Michael Bhinaberry, section 22, 1884.
James Hayes, section 22, 1885.
Andrew Crawford, section 22, 1888.
Ellery Van Meter, section 22, 1885.
Benjamin Parker, section 28, 1888.
Jabez Cooke, section 28, 1885.
John East, section 28, 1888.
Luke Tipton, section 28, 1884.
Nathaniel G. Eidd, section 28, 1084.
Adam Downing, section 28, 1885.
John Berryhill, section 24, 1885.
Joshua C. James, section 24, 1885.
Wm. Fleming, section 24, 1885.
James Porter, section 24, 1881.
John Marshall, section 25, 1885.
James H. Officer, section 25, 1886.
John Officer, section 25, 1886.
Christian Huey, section 25, 1885.
Simeon W. Bentley, section 25, 1885.
Abraham Everett, section 25, 1886.
John East, section 26, 1888.
Luke Tipton, section 26, 1886.
Mary Ann Beckwith, section 26, 1847.
Julius Curtis, section 26, 1846.
Henry Huffer, section 26, 1888.
Isaac Eepper, section 27, 1884.
Adam Downing, section 27, 1885.
Abraham Miller, section 27, 1885.
John Reeder, section 28, 1884.
Jno. B. Reeder, section 28. 1847.
Daniel Zork, section 28, 1884.
Wm. Reeder. section 28, 1884.
Benjamin Reeder, section 28. 1886.
Thomas Fidler, section 28, 1885.
Thos. C. Foster, section 28, 1885.
Henry Miller, section 29, 1884.
Zin. Comb. Bockhold, section 29, 1884.
Henry Miller, section 29, 1884.
Adam Bolinger, section 29, 1888.
John Custard, section 29, 1885.
Robert Walls, section 80, 1835.
Peter HerUtei;, section 80, 1838.
Anthony Hertster, section 80, 1888.
Edwin Smith, section 80, 1882.
Henry Foster, section 82, 1835.
John Shade, section 32, 1838.
Christopher Wood, section 82, 1880.
Abraham Miller, sectioti 88, 1884.
Solon Staron, section 88, 1^5.
Gideon Jennings, section 88, 1884.
Frederick Ricker, section 33, 1885.
David Jennings, section 84, 1888.
Chauncy Curtis, section 84, 1888.
Miranda Lindsley, section 84, 1888.
Chauncy A. Curtis, section 34, 1883.
David Finn, section 84, 1885.
Richard Hughes, section 34, 1886.
Abraham Miller, section 84, 1885.
Aaron Jennings, section 34, 1885.
Martin Lewis, section 85, 1885.
Abraham Miller, section 35, 1834.
Thomas Einney, section 35, 1835.
David C. Engart, section 35, 1888.
Joseph Lyons, section 35, 1885.
Daniel Brandigann, section 85, 1835.
Jane Elliott, section 35, 1834.
Aaron F. Pitman, section 36, 1834.
Andrew Campbell, section 36, 1841.
Absalom Brown, section 36, 1830.
Lanson Edgecomb, section 86, 1835.
Martin Lewis, section 36, 1835.
Gilbert C. Lyons, section 86, 1834.
Jane Elliott, section 86, 1834.
Henry D. V. Williams, section 86, 1837.
Jacob Lyons, section 36, 1884.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in Monroe Township was opened in 1833, by N. O.
Eidd, and the old house on Section 14 was built in 1834, round logs be-
ing used in construction. The condition of the schools at present may be
taken as a- history and a prophecy combined. The receipts for 1884
amounted to $8,287.27, of which the sum of $5,640.08 was expended.
The number enrolled was 1,366 — 729 boys and 637 girls. There are nine
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MONROE TOWNSHIP. 469
school buildings, one of which was erected this year at a cost of 11,758.
Fourteen teachers are employed.
WEST CAIRO VILLAGE.
West Cairo, on Sections 29, 80, 81 and 82, Monroe, was platted in
1848, by Jacob Miller. It extends east from the Brenneman farm to the
farms of Waltz, Yant, Miller and Bainsberg. The original town lies
mainly west of the Perrysborg Road, at the intersection of the Bncyms
Road. Downing's Addition extends along the south line of the Bucyrus
Road, or Main Street, to a point east of the D. & M. R. R., and south
along the railroad to the Waltz fann. Pangle's Addition joins the orig-
inal town on the north line of the Buc3rruA, and the east line of the
Perrysburg Road. Brenneman's Addition is on the north line of Main
Street, extending east to a point east of the D. & M R. R. Ferguson's
Addition extends east of this to the Rainsberg farm. Yant's Addition
forms the eastern portion of the Tillage along the Miller farm. Harp-
ster's Addition extends west from Railroad Street, on each side of Wall
Street, to the lands of Teegarden, a tract of about fifty acres known as
Teegarden's Addition.
CAIRO VILLAGB.
Cairo Village was organized under authority of the commissioners,
given April 12, 1875, on petition of the following named citizens:
George Harpster, W. W. Reeder, E. Lawrence, A. B. Harpst^r, John A.
Brogan, D. Hartzog, B. G. Waltz, C. Shock, D. W. Trice, Peter Cole-
man, Michael Since, P. C. Rathbun, P. A. Lawrence, Lewis Lawrence,
John Knott, S. Lawrence, Amos Rathbun, J. Warren, Benjamin Parker,
L. M. Hickerson, J. Sherer, J. S. Clippinger, A. Hickerson, Alfred
Ferguson, L. Eich, George W. Peach, W. J. Ferguson, G. H. Speaker,
F. Amholdt, D. BoMrscher, John Hall, A. A. Lawrence, L. T. Barnes,
(M. Preacher), Dr. Ewing, W. Rathbun, W. H. Clippinger, M. Mort, R.
H. Downing, H. G. Corns, D. Thompson and C. H. Shock.
The mayors were Dr. J. S. Clippinger, 1875; Thomas BL Waltz, 1877;
David Hartzog, 1879, was re-elected in 1881, and s^ved until October
of that year, when he resigned to remove to Kansas. He was succeeded
by Robert E. Davis, elected to fill unexpired term, and re-elected in
April, 1883, and is now mayor of Cairo.
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470 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
The village has no debt, bat on the contrary, has about $200 in the
treasury^ The present officers are B. E. Davis, mayor; S. H. Mnman,
clerk; J. S. Hall, treasurer; F. M. Sweany, marshal; A. B. Harpster,
W. W. Beeder, A. J. McFarland, A. M. Fasig, Alfred Sneider and B. H.
Hughes, councilmen. The large brick schoolhouse was erected in 1877,
at a cost of about $4,500 (see statistics). There is one hotel kept by J.
G. Elliott The general merchants are B. E. Davis and S. J. Biley;
druggists are W. W. Beeder and A. M. -Fasig; David Hartzog, post-
master, was succeeded by A J. McFarland in 1881. The office is in the
Davis store, known as the Waltz & Harpster Building, west of the D.
& M. depot on Bailroad Street The old Sugar Greek Mill of Daniel
Miller, was purchased by D. Hartzog, Peter Schlusser and J. Hall;
repurchased in 1872 by Mr. Miller from the former company, who
removed the works to Gairo, and erected the Oairo Mills. Miller Brother*
took charge of the mill in 1879, after the death of Daniel Miller, and
operated it until April 1, 1882, when they rented to M. Oraff, next to
Johnson & Fletcher, and sold to Hall & Snyder in the fall of 1883.
They sold to Ferguson, Ewing & Tant in the spring of 1884. The capac-
ity is forty barrels per day.
The elevator owned by J. H. Johnson and operated by Miller & John-
son, has a capacity of about 8,500 bushels. It was erected in 1877, tak-
ing the place of Waltz & Harpster's old warehouse, burned in 1876.
OHUBCHES.
The Methodist Episcopal Ghurch building was erected in 1868. The
German Evangelical Lutheran Ghurch building was erected in 1870. The
Ghristian Ghurch on the Perrysburg Boad, is one of the oldest buildings
in or near the village. (See General History).
BOGKPOBT VILLAGE.
Bockport, Section 13, Monroe, was platted in 1886 by Samuel Bock-
hill. It extends from Walnut Street to Blue Street, and west from Bock
Street to Hill Street adjoining the Vertner farm.
The Bockport Presbyterian Ghurch was* organized November 9, 1850,
Bev. B. M. Badeau and W. K. Brice constituting the committee from the
presbytery for that purpose. William Grane and William G. Gomb^
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 471
were elected, ordained and installed elders. This is in the Blnffton
charga There are about fifty members.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Dayton & Michigan Railroad passes through Monroe Township
in a northerly direction, and the Cleveland, Delphoe & St. Louis
Bailroad crosses the extreme northwest comer.' The postoffices are West
Cairo and Cranberry.
CHAPTER XXIII.
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP AND LIMA CITY.
OTTAWA was picked up, as it were, from among the choicest locali-
ties in Allen County. At the period of its establishment, Hog
Creek wound its course through this section, in a crystal strean^ leaping
over ledge and ledge of its rocky bed here, creeping by shady groves
there, rushing pn tumultuously to join its waters with the parent river
farther north. The name which the misfortunes of the hog owners of
Piqua won for it, even the classical title which Count Coflinberry con-
ferred upon it, were forgotten or ignored in presence of its beauty, and
the more approppate name of Ottawa was substituted. These were days
when men had time to appreciate the beauties of nature. Now the
scene is changed. That crystal stream is gone, and in its bed a thousand
noxious ponds, in which even the frog refuses to make a home, poison
the atmosphere. Progress has accomplished all this for the river of the
past
The lands in this township are rolling, where they are not broken.
A fertile soil characterizes the entire area, fitting the district to be the
site of a thousand homes and gardens in the future. The original forest
has not entirely disappeared; even where the woodman began his work
of destruction, a new race of trees, planted in regular lines, has sprung
up to relieve the face of the country, and to offer to it that shelter and
beauty of which the mania for improvement robbed it.
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472 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
OBOAKIZATION.
This township was formed from Bath, German, Shawnee and Perry,
in May, 1857, and organized May 27, that year, with Thomas K Jacobs,
Thomas Clayton and Slemans Lisle, trustees. It claims an area of
3,360 acres, of which 1,600 acres belonged originally to Bath; 1.040
acres to Qerman; 560 acres to Perry and 16ft acres to Shawnee. This is
not a township of the village of Lima, as one would have reason to sup-
pose. It is a little republic of shreds and patches, inhabited by 102
persons (census 1880) and its ownership distributed among a few dozen of
citizens, giving a space of 82.94 acres to each inhabitant, or 140 acres to
each owner. This diminutive division of Allen County has its uses. It
preserves, or rather perpetuates the name of a race now almost extinct;
it shares the privileges of a distinct local government, and has a voice
in the councils of the county. It is in fact a little commonwealth in
itself, bearing the same relation to this division of Ohio, that Rhode
Island does to the United States.
LIST OF OBIOINAL EKTRIKS.
The following names and dates refer to the 6riginal entries in Bath
Township, previous to its sub-division, when parts of Sections 29 and 32,
and all of Sections 30 and 31 were added to the township of Ottawa.
West }^t Southweit 3^, Section 29, now in Ottawa Township.
3> VAbraham Clark, section 29, 1831. V >^ Elijah Bates, section 29, 1880.
>^ W Hudolph Boose, section 29, 1832. \ W Edward Rigdon, section 29, 1829.
u V John Woodruff, section 29, 1881.
All Section SO now in Ottawa Township.
^ Henry R. Moore, section 80, 1838. V ^ John Woodruff, section 80, 1881.
2» VLaussen B. Maulsby, section 80, 1882. \ y David N. Saxton, section 30. 1830.
c^ Richard Grimes, section 80, 1888.
All Section 81 now In Ottawa Township.
t ^Henry Lippincott, section 81, 1882. 5 John P. Mitchell, section 81, 1882.
5 ^Samu^B. Lippincott, section 81, 1882. (f Thos. B. Van Horn, section 31, 1882.
\ ^ Jame^aniel^section 81, 1828. ^ Thos. E. English, section 81, 1882.
U Joseph Edwards, section 31, 1882.
Southwest % and West H> Southeast %, Section 82 now in Ottawa Township.
5 ^Sarah Crosby, section 32, 1831. \ V John Woodruff, section 32, 1831.
^ >'Hulda Crosby, section 32, 1831. 1 John Lippincott, section 82, 1833.
•' V Richard Shaw, section 32, 1831. f V Henry Lippincott, section 32, 1830.
•> J Elijah Standiford, section 32, 1830.
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 478
(The northwest quarter of Cteotion 31,dMMif was sold to the county by
the State for $200, and selected as the site for the county seat )
On the formation of Ottawa Township in 1857, portions of Sections
25 and 35, and all of Section 36 of Township 3, Range 6 east, were de-
tached from Oerman and added to the new town. The following is a list
of land buyers in these sections:
Sooth 4, Section 28, now in Ottawa Township.
U James Vaughn, section 25, 1882. 7 JH. James^ section 25, 1888.
i/ Adriel Hursey, section 25. 1882. 2 John H. i^^j|^^, section 25, 1888.
/ John P. Mitchell, section 25, 1881. j) Evan Jenkins, section 25, 1882.
1^ Morgan Hatfield, section 25, 1882. j John Hatfield, section 25, 1882.
East H, Northaast ^, Section 85, now in Ottawa Township.
'^John Seaman, section 85, 1888. M John N. C. Schenck, section 85, 1888.
50tho Evans, section 85, 1888. iiTjohn Eeve, section 85, 1888.
I Enos Terry, section 85, 1882.
All of Section 86 now in Ottawa Township.
I ^ James McDonell, section 86, 1828. 5^ Absalom Brown, section 86, 1882.
I* *^John Terry, section 86, 1829. (r Alfred Hatfield, section 86, 1882.
t i<Jame^aniel,''8ection 86 1829. u John F. Cole, section 86, 1881.
«i/ '^
The following named persons entered land in Township 4 south,
Range 7 east, Perry, now in Ottawa Township:
Northwest K and West H> Northeast H. Section 6, now in OtUwa Township,
^m. Lippincott, section 5, 1888. v Qeo. Hawthorn, section 5, 1881.
"^Jaraes H. Daniel, section 5, 1888. * v^Thos. Hawthorn, section 5, 1881.
^Joseph Lippincott, section 5, 1880. v Jas. Chenowith, section 5, 1888.
^George Dugan, section 5, 1882. vMatthew Dobbins, section 5, 1888.
vGeorge Swinehart, section 5, 1882. ^ John Ridenour, section 5, 1881.
North 3^, Section 6, now in Ottawa Township.
"^Tacob Rudy, section 6, 1882. vQFames Franklin, section 6, 1888.
"Abraham Bowers, section 6, 1881. VQhas. H. Adgate, section 6 1884.
V John Carlisle, section 6, 1888. vJoseph Hover, section 6, 1882.
^ Thomas Franklin, section 6, 1881.
The entries in Section 1, Shawnee, the northeastern quarter of which
now belongs to Ottawa, were William Chaffee, John Oampbell, Joseph
Hover and John H. Porter, all in 1832. — Vide History of Shawnee.
John F. Cole who purchased his farm on Section 86, Oerman, in
1831; John P. Mitchell, who located lands on Section 25, Oerman, and
Section 82, Bath, in 1881-32; Henry Lippincott, who located his farm
on Section 82, Bath, in 1830; James Daniels and John Terry, who
entered their lands on Section 36, Oerman, in 1829; Joseph Lippincott
on Section 5, Perry, in 1880; John Mark, a temporary resident, Dr.
William Conningham and John Bashore, who were here in 1831, may be
classed as making up the vanguard of the pioneers of this district In
28
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474 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
the Cole remiDisoences, it is stated that he moved with his wife and four
children and settled on an nncleared tract of land near Lima, which he
had preyionsly entered. He landed on the 7th of NoYember, 1881.
The country around the town was in its primitiye wildnees, and yery little
timber removed. After the erection of a cabin Mr. Cole commenced to
clear his land, and by the following spring had about four acres cleared
and ready for planting corn. Such was the scarcity of hardware that he
could not even obtain a pair of hinges or nails to make and hang a
door to guard his cabin during the cold, as well as protect it against the
visits of intrusive persona He was, therefore compelled to make and
hang a door by the use of an auger, an axe, and wooden pins in lieu of
nails and hingeliB.
In the tax roll of 1884, as well as in the pioneer chapter and list of
original entries, the names of all the pioneers of what now constitutes
Ottawa Township, are given. Their lives w&te so closely indentified
with the village of Lima, and their history so immediately connected
with the settlement and progress of this leading town of the county, it
is but just, that with its history their names should be linked.
LIMA CITY.
Lima has passed the first half century of her existence. From the
day in 1831, when the pioneers arrived on the spot, now known as the
Public Square, progress has been made as remarkable as conciliatory. The
locality possessed many advantages — nature made it beautifuL The
American pioneers came to draw forth all the resources of the country;
the forest began to disappear; mills to spring up along the stream which
then flowed swiftly by the settlement ; log-cabins to dot the clearings;
roads to lead through the wilderness ; gardens to peep forth from the
confusion of fallen and decayed trees; the whole scene to assume an air
of busy life, which told at once that the men and. women who toiled
there came to stay and to improve and to build up a city. The task
which those early settlors of Lima set out to accomplish, has been per-
formed.
Before the great majority of them left, forever, the scene of their
labors, they saw unfolded the reality of their day dreams, and in this
place, where they found a wilderness, they beheld a city; complete in
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 475
its situation and style of plat, in its public and private buildings, in
its society and its government.
From what has been already written of Ottawa Township, a knowl-
edge of the location and general physical characteristics of Lima may
be obtained. Its altitude (at railroad depot), above Lake Erie level, is
208 feet ; while its depression below Hog Creek marsh is 147 feet, this
marsh being 850 feet above the lake level.
OBIGIKAL TOWN OF LIMA.
A reference to the organic history of the county will show the part
played by the commissioners' board in the establishment of Lima. Of
him who located the county seat at this point, much has been said in the
general history, and again in the sketches of settlement in the Sugar
Creek district ; here it will be only necessary to quote from his biog-
rapher that which relates to the man up to the period of his settlement
in Allen Coxmty.
Christopher Wood was bom in Kentucky in 1769, and in early life
experienced many dangers during the incursions of the savages from the
territory of Ohio and Indiana. At that period, the pioneer settlers of
Kentucky were often compelled to seek safety in the block-houses and
stockade forts, where the Wyandots, Miamis and Shawnees, led on by the
notorious Simon Oirty, beleaguered the unhappy settlers. In this school
of danger, young Christopher Wood became inured to the sudden irrup-
tions oi the Northern savages, and learned when young to meet the cun-
ning and strategy of the Indian by bravery and a like shrewdness. He
was often employed as a scout, and frequently met that marvel of adven-
turers, Daniel Boone, who was unsurpassed in his efforts to repel the
incursions of the Ohio Indians. He knew personaUy Simon Kenton, who,
next to Boone, was one of the most remarkable border warriors of the
West Mr. Wood also accompanied the expeditions of Gheorge Rogers
Clark and Logan, and was familiar with the border invasion by Harmar,
St Clair and Wayne, in 1790, 1792 and 1794, and participated with
other Kentuckians in these expeditions against the Ohio tribe& In this
service he traversed a large portion of northwestern Ohio and Kentucky,
and upon the treaty at Greenville located in Champaign County, and
while residing there purchased lands. During the war of 1812*15, he
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476 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
serred in the army of Oen. Harrison with the Kentucky troops, and was
at the defeat of Winchester, at Frenchtown on the river Baisin, in Jan-
nary, 1813, and witnessed the treacheroos massacre of the Eentnoky
troops by the Indians. He was also at the siege of Fort Meigs, the same
year. In April, 1824, he, Joseph and Albert O. Wood, two sons, and
Benjamin Dolph, a son-in-law, left Belief ontaine to visit a piece of land
entered at Piqoa, in what is now Allen Cbnnty. In 1829 he was appointed
one of the commissioners to locate the county seat, and in 1831 was
appointed by the first board of county commissioners to plat the village
and superintend the sale of lots. James W. Biley, acting under Justin
Hamilton, of Mercer Oonnty, was the surveyor. The name Lima was
proposed by Patrick O. GKx)de, to whom it was suggested by the
Peruvians.
OBOANIO Ain> OFFICIAL HISTOBT.
The original town as platted in 1881 was entirely controlled by the
county commissioners. In 1841 a movement to organize a system of village
government was favorably received ; the coknmissioners were petitioned
in the matter, and as a result the village of Lima was established. The
town of Lima was organized March 29, 1842, with H. D. Y. Williams,
mayor ; W. McHenry, recorder ; John Alexander, Jr., Samuel Black, H. •
Davison, T. K Jacobs and D. D. Tompkins, trustees. The council
elected John B. Wamsley, treasuier, and Amos Clutter, marshal; Alex-
ander Beatty, Daniel Bowyer and B. E. Thomas, street commissioners ;
and Daniel Musser, supervisor, were appointed in April, 1842. In May,
1842, the question of grading the streets was discussed on plans submitted
by D. H. Morrison, engineer.
In 1843 Moses B. Newman was elected recorder ; Daniel Bowyer, T.
G. Curtiss, Lester Bliss, Thomas Kennedy and John Keller, trustees —
the mayor, treasurer and marshal being re-elected. In June Thomas
Dalzell took the place of Lester Bliss.
In 1844, Orrin Curtiss was elected recorder ; H. F. Hubbard, mayor;
John Bashore and Horatio N. Maguire, trustees, vice Kellar and Curtiss
retired ; Joseph H. Bichardson, marshal.
The elections of 1845 resulted in the choice of John P. Fay, mayor ;
J. M. Satterthwait, recorder ; Hudson Watt, treasurer ; Hallis Fisher,
marshal ; Thomas K. Jacobs, Samuel Clippinger, D. Delzell, Amos
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 477
Olatter and H. D. Y. Williams, trustees. During this year the trustees
refused to serve, and therefore no business wias transacted.
The elections of 1846 resulted in the choice of Thomas Delzell, major;
Orrin Curtiss, recorder; B. A. Satterthwait, treasurer; T. E. Jacobs,
marshal; Joseph Orosslej, Thomas Milligan, Charles Williams, W.
Ounkle and Cyrus Holland, trustees.
Elections of 1847 resulted in the choice of Aurelius N. Smith, mayor;
John Delzell, recorder; Newton Hover, treasurer; Enoch L. Ogk, mar-
shal; David Delzell, John Tuttle, B. A. Satterthwait, W. H. G. Mitchell
and M. B. Newman, trustees.
In 1848 James Cunningham was elected mayor; Peter B. Qravel,
recorder; Thomas Delzell, treasurer; William Andrews, marshal; Julius
C. Curtiss, Bichard Metheany, John Delzell, John H. Meiley and Ander-
son Dean, trustees.
In 1840 Thomas Delzell was elected mayor; Lester Blisa, recorder;
Newton Hover, treasurer; Thomas E. Jacobs, marshal; John B Wams*
ley, John P. Fay, Matthias H. Nichols, B. A. Satterthwait and Hamilton
Davison, trustees.
The elections of 1850 resulted in the choice of Thomas Milligan,
mayor; Richard Metheany, recorder; John R Wamsley, treasurer; Isaac
Delzell, marshal; William S. Bose, John Eellar, James Cunningham,
Thomas Clayton, Daniel Bower.
Elections, 1851: Samuel A. Baxter, mayor; William Cunningham,
recorder; Ralph Cherry, treasurer; G^rge W. Fickel, marshal; Thomaa
K Jacobs, John B. Wamsley, Samuel Buckmaster, John H. Miley and
B. A. Satterthwait, trustees.
The elections of 1852 resulted in the return of the same officers with
the exception of marshal, for which position William Andrews was
chosen. In this year the contracts to grade the streets were sold. The
same year an ordinance to prohibit intemperance and tippling within the
village was adopted.
In 1858 Thomas Milligan was elected mayor; William Cunningham,
recorder; Thomas K. Jacobs, treasurer; James Wright, marshal; John
Tuttle, Henry Sharp, William Skilling, Shelby Taylor and Bichard
Metheany, trustees. In January, 1854, Samuel A. Baxter was appointed
mayor, vice Thomas Milligan resigned.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
478 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. !
In 1854 Saznnel A. Baxter was elected mayor; William Ganningham, |
recorder; Qeorge W. Fickel, treasurer; John H. Shnmbargery marshal;
Shelby Taylor, Henry Sharp, Bichard Metheany, William Skilling and
David Delzell, trustees. '
In 1855 Samuel] A. Baxter was elected mayor; John McEibben,
recorder; Qeorge W. Fickle, treasurer; William Stump, marshal; Daniel
Museer, T. T. Mitchell, James Harper, Isaac Delzell and Henry Sharp,
trustees.
In 1856 James E. Harriott was elected mayor; John McKibben, re-
corder; F. H. Buckley, treasurer; C. C. Hurd, Henry Sharp, James
Harper, T. T. Mitchell, Isaac Delzell, trustees; William Stump, marshal
In 1857 John Melhom was elected mayor; C. Parmenter, recorder;
A. N. Smith, marshal; Francis Ash ton, Sr., W. A. Hover, Elijah Gurtiss
Hudson Watt and Ghristian Lippert, trustees. Mayor Melhom resigned,
but was appointed in May to fill unexpired term. J. W. Fields was ap-
pointed marshal, vice Smith resigned. T. H. Binkley was elected treas-
tirer.
In 1858 James A. Newell was elected mayor; C. Parmenter, recorder;
J. B. Wamsley, treasurer; H. Watt, F. Ashton and W. A. Hover, trustees.
In 1859 John L. Hughes was elected mayor; C. Parmenter, recorder;
W. McHenry, H. Sharp, L. C. Hurd, David Lloyd and Garrett Wykoff;
trustees; William Stewart, marshal, and John B. Wamsley, treasurer.
In 1860 E. O. Hamilton was elected mayor; William Gunningham,
recorder; William Eiplinger, T. T. Mitchell, William Skilling, G. T.
Neff, Francis Ashton, trustees; J. B. Wamsley, treasurer, and William
Stump, marshal.
In 1861 John B. Hughes was elected mayor; William Gunningham,
recorder; J. B. Wamsley, treasurer; Samuel Miller, marshal; Isaac Del-
cell, J. H. Dague, T. E. Gunningham, J. H Gookston and Daniel Mus-
ser, trustees.
In 1862 the mayor and recorder were re-elected ; William Stump,
marshal; Holmes Brown, W. Miller, D. Musser, I. Delzell and J. H.
Dague, trustees, were elected.
In 1863 mayor and recorder were re-elected. The trustees chosen
were Edward Marshall, Ed Santord, Aaron Parker, William E. Lee and
C. M. Townsend.
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 479
In 1864 J. T. Heckman was elected major; W« Cunningham, recorder;
H. Langan, T. T. Mitchell, L A. Leeok, Thomas Albert and J. H. Church-
ill, trosteee.
In 1865 John Collett was elected mayor; J. L. Hughes, recorder; D.
Clippinger, Q'. Wykoff^ John Boush, E. Sanford, Morris Mahan, trustees;
B. Metheany, treasurer; Joseph Bressler, marshal.
In 1866 the mayor and corporation ofScers were re-elected; C. J.
Neff, E. Sanford, J. B. Hughes, David Owen and D. K Eiplinger,
trustees.
In 1867 John Collett was elected mayor; W. M. Ampt, recorder;
James H. Corns, Benjamin C. Faurot, Uriah Pangle, J. B. Hughes and
C. D. Bobbins, trustees; J. M. Brown, recorder.
In 1868 Thomas M. Bobb was elected mayor; Henry Heman, recorder;
John O'Connor, T. Mayo, John Oable, D. C. Hulbert, Patrick Lawler,
trustees; James Bastable, marshal; A. B. Krebs, treasurer.
The elections of 1869 resulted in the re-election of mayor, recorder,
marshal and treasurer. John H. Meily, William Sissiest, F. Boush, D.
O. Hulbert, were elected trustees. G^rge W. Overmyer was elected mayor
by the council in September, 1869, vice Mayor Bobb, resigned.
In 1870 Bichard Metheany was elected mayor; H. H. Heman, clerk;
Thomas J. Nash, W. M. Bell, A. L. Bichmond, Fred Agerter, J. S..
Kams and Peter Feeman, trustees; J. £. Bichie^ attorney; D. C. Hul-
bert, treasurer; James Bastable, marshal, and Elijah Delzell, commis-
sioner.
In 1871, Mayor Metheany was re-elected. D. S. Fisher, John O'Con-
nor and Fred Agerter, were elected counoilmen; H. H Heman, clerk.
In 1872, Bichard Metheany continued in office. H. H. Heman was
elected clerk; H. (3t, Crockett, William Oibbs and J. E. Shaffer, were
elected trustees; L Z. Hooper, treasurer; James Irvin, attorney, and Fra-
ley Fink, marshal.
In 1873, George W. Disman, J. S. Hughes and John Bakehorn, were
elected counoilmen, and D. D. Nicholas, city engineer. During this
year, the work of grading the streets was carried out extensively.
The members of the council since 1874, are named as follows: 1874,
John M Bond, S. W. Jackson, William S. Watt, Edwin Sanford, John
O'Connor and John Black. 1875, O. W. Disman, John Black and
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480 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
Edwin Sanford. 1876, John W. Bond, William L. Watt, John O'Con-
nor. 1877, S. A. Smith. W. L. Porter, John Black. 1878, C. A. Me-
theany, John O'Connor, G. Day. 1879, S. A. Smith, W. L. Porter and
John Black. 1880, J. Y. Marmon, A. F. Wheeler, John O'Connor, Will-
iam H. Lamberton and F. M. Byland. 1881, John Black, George Hall,
H. A. Moore and L. J. Shockey. 1882, Garrett Wykoff; A. F. Wheeler,
John O'Connor, John Van Sweringen. 1883, John Disman, C. F. Donze,
B. C. Eastman and P. J. Scully. 1884-85, C. F. Donze, P. J. Scully,
Joseph Potter, John Disman, H. Parham, John O'Connor, E. T. Bowdle,
J. M. Jameson.
The mayors of Lima since 1878 are named in the following list :
BichardMetheany, 1878; John C. Dunlevy, 1874-76; JohnB. Townsend,
1876-80; Frank E. Mead, 1880-82; H. S. Prophet, 1882-84; William
McComb, 1884-86.
The city clerks of Lima from 1878 to 1885 were H. H. Heman, 1873;
James K. Bell, 1874; T. C. Sherman, 1875-78 and E. F. Davis, 1878-85.
The officers of the city goyemment are W. L. Mackenzie, solicitor;
L. O'Neill, marshal; J. P. Haller, civil engineer; W. B. Leedom, street
commissioner; D. J. Shuler, chief of fire department; G. W. Moyer,
engineer and messenger.
FDffAKC^S OF LIMA.
The tax levy for 1884 was about $88,000. The fire bonds issued in July,
1865, amounting to $14|400 are all redeemed. The railroad aid bonds for
$100,000, issued as a bonus to the L. E. & W. B. B. and to the D. & M.
B. B. fall due April 1, in the year 1900. Six per cent is payable semi-
annually on them. Sewer bonds for $10,000 were standing out in No-
vember, 1884, from the issue of November and December, 1882, and
$5,000 issued March 1, 1884, fall due in 1888. Notes for $8,900 also
stand against the city building, which with $1,000 paid in cash, and
other considerations, place the sole title of this building in the city
council.
LIBIA FIBE DEPABTMENT.
In other portions of this work many references are made to the vol-
unteer fire companies of former days. In September, 1872, a company
was organized to take charge of the Clapp & Jones steam fire-engine.
J. B. Hughes, the chief of the old department, was not present, but T.
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 481
Shroyer, his aaeiBtant took the chair. The Lima Chief Company No. 8
was organized as the resnlt of this meeting. The old organization
claimed J. B. Hughes for chief engineer until 1881, when D. J. Shuler
was elected. In February, 1882, the department was reorganized as a
city department, with D. J. Shuler, chief ; C. F. Donze, assistant chief ;
James Harley, foreman; J. B. Mo wen, assistant foreman, and J. W.
Earley, secretary. The hose carriage was purchased in March, 1882.
This is the only addition to equipment since reorganization. Mr. Shu-
ler is still chief; Charles Keplinger, secretary. The regular members
of the department at present are C. F. Donze, James Harley, W. Hayil,
John Hubbard, Peter Weot, Elmer Mowen, Louis Ooebel, John Hoover,
William Truesdale James Ogden, William McComb, Jr., Charles Eep-
linger and Mewton Pangle, driver of hook and ladder truck. Under the
old organization this department participated in many tournaments, and
took prizes at Delphos, Belief ontaine, Kenton and Bucyrus. Under the city
organization the department does not attend tournament& The number
of fires attended since February, 1882, is seventy-two, to which those
of January 21 and 22, 1885 are to be added. The success of the depart-
ment is proverbial.
The total value of property in 1883, as assessed, was 13,244,862 ;
rate of taxation, including 2 and 9-10 mills of State tax, 80 and 2-10
mills ; amount of State tax, $9,410.10; amount of local tax, $88,58473;
total t-ax for all purposes in 1888, $97,994.88. Indebtedness September
1, 1888, including debts of separate school districts, $105,064.56.
The political complexion of the citizens is shown in^ the following
abstract of votes cast for President of the United States, November 4,
1884:
Rep. Dem. Lab. Pro.
FiretWard, 864 810 U 1
Second Ward, 429 282 4 2
ThirdWaid, 105 881 8 .
Fourth Ward, 260 189 6 1
Ottawa, 15 18
Totals 1178 1180 26 4^
The October vote on supreme judge was 1,164 Democratic and 1,126
Republican. This would show a Democratic loss of thirtj-four in votes,
and a Bepublic^n increase of forty-seven. In October the Democratic
majority in the city was thirty-eight, and in November the Republican
majority was forty. three, being a net Republican gain of eighty. one.
y
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482 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
The question of oonstraoting a Bystem of water- works was brought
before the people, on NoTember 4, 1884, with the following result :
Yes. No. Mai.
FirstWard 854 277 77
SecondWard 427 215 212
Third Ward, 251 214 87
Fourth Ward, 8
Majority for Water-works. 829
J. D. Cook, the hydraulic engineer, estimates the expenses of water-
works for Lima at $190,000, whioh includes ninete^i and three-fourth
miles of pipe, with special castings, yalves, hydrants, building, pumps,
engines, boilers, reservoir, and $11,500 for incidentals and ^igineer's
salary.
PIONIIB SEBTOHXS.
Lima, as Uie county seat, monopolizes, as it were, a great deal of the
pioneer history of the county. For this reason eyery chapter of the gen-
eral history of the county contains many and lengthy allusions to her old
settlers, as well as to pioneers of other divisions of the county, who wore
also identified'with the history of settlement and progress. From the
reminiscences of Robert Bowers, the following sketch of Lima in early
days is taken: ^* My father brought me to Lima in the fall of 1884 I
was then a boy of twelve years of age, and as green as the forest leaves
in June — a rare specimen to transplant on new and tintried soil, where
there was noUiing to develop the mind but the study of forest leaves, the
music of the bullfrog and the howl of the wolf. Every boy or girl was
their own instructor, and the spelling schools that were held by appoint-
ment and imposed upon our fathers by turns, were our highest academi-
cal accomplishments, and unfortunately for myself I never even graduated
at them. Lima was then a town of very few souls. I cannot say how
many, but I knew every man, woman, and child in the settlement, and
could count them all without much figuring. We had here at that time
the limd ofSce, two hotels, two shoe shops, two tailors, five stores, where
you could buy whisky and such things as a country store usually keeps,
two furniture stores, two tanneries, one wheelwright, one reed factory,
one millinery store, three doctors, one hat store, one pottery, two smith
shops. No newspaper office, no outlet or inlet either by rail or earth.
In the spring we travelled below, in summer we traveled on top. *
* * * Our roads were trails and section lines. Emi-
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 483
grantB were oonstantly obanging the trails, seeking better and dryer land
for their footing and wheeling. Tet, under all onr disadyantagee, we
were happj, and always ready to lend a helping hand and render assist-
ance wherever it was needed. The latch-string was always out, and
often the last pint of meal was divided regardless where the next would
come from."
In 1880 the late John Oonningham repeated his reminiscences of
olden times to Mr. Harrison, who was then compiling an atlas of the
oonnty. The facts which he gave deal with the minntise of history, and
are, on that aceoont, most valoable. Mr. Oonnin^i^iam thinks he was
among the earliest school teachers in the town, having taught in 1884, in
the old log court house. He is of opinion that Dr. Samuel Black, and
Miss McCoy, who married John Kelly; Miss Page, now Mrs. William
Cunningham, were also about that time teachers. These schools
were tan^t in old buildings, the court house, and other convenient
places. There were then no schoolhouses. Miss Emeline S. Holloway,
now Mrs. Cunningham, J. W. Thomas, and Miss Bose, were early teach-
ers in Lima. Mr. Cunningham taught four years. The first mill was
built by Jacob Hindel and Abel Tompkins in 1884 They built a grist
and saw-mill southwest of Lima, on the Ottawa : the grist-mill had two
run of buhra William Scott built a saw-mill about the same time in
1884, near town. Alexander Beaty was a blacksnith and bell-maker in
town. C. Baker and James Anderson were merchants; James Peltier, a
Frenchman, also. The taverns were kept by John Bashore and J. P.
Mitchell. The taverns wwe then two, one on the comer of the square
and Market Street, Mitchell; and Bashore on South Bfain ; both log
buildings. Daniel Mnsser owned the first tannery. H. Watt was the first
shoe-maker ; John Keller the first saddler ; Drs. William Cunningham
and William McHenry the first physicians. Dr. Cunningham died in
1848. At the time of the election of representative to the Legislature,
Allen County was attached to Shelby. Mr; Cunningham's family resides
upon the north banks of the Ottawa Biver, just on the south margin of
Lima. Mrs. O. W. Smith, his daughter, states that the new union
school system was adopted in 1856, in Lima, and the western building
erected in 1858. In 1856 the school was conducted in the basement of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, by Dr. W. W. Littlefield, saperinten-
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484 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
dent, until the completion of the high sohool building. The building
cost about $20,000. In 1860, a college course of four years was adopted
for graduating scholars. The school was then under the superintendence
of Prof. VTilliam Shaw.' The first class graduated in 1864, and gradu-
ated three scholars. The school was ably conducted until 1871, when
the new building in the east part 6f the city was built, costing $46,000.
The school since then has been a success, and has now enrolled about
2,000 scholars, mostly in attendance, requiring the services of about
twenty-four teachers, at a heavy cost. Mr. Cunningham states that the
land office was first at Piqua, next at Wapakonetta, and in 1834 removed
to Lima, and Gen. William Blackburn was the receiver.
SCHOOLS.
In 1834, the late John Cunningham instituted a school in the pioneer
court house, which he conducted until 1838. Dr. Samuel Black presided
over a school about this time, while Miss McCoy and Miss Page were
also engaged in teaching. So that within the first decade of the exist-
ence of the village, the cause of secular education was ably espoused.
On the organization of the common school system, the subscription schools
ceased. The new order of affairs met the warm approval of the people.
In 1856 a union school, with Dr. W. W. Littlefield as principal, was
opened in the basement of the old Methodist Episcopal Church, and con-
tinued there until the completion of the West Side schoolhouse in 1858.
In 1871 the East Side schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $46,000.
The condition of the schools of Lima, in 1884, is portrayed in the fol-
lowing abstract of reports. The revenues in 1884 were $38,293.84; ex-
penditures, $19,058.77. There are three school buildings, valued at
$110,000. The number of pupils enrolled is 1859, 918 boys, and
946 girls; 106 are belonging to the high school department. Thirty-
two teachers are employed, who, with superintendent, received $12,165
as salary during the year.
The superintendents of the Lima schools, since the office was estab-
lished, are named as follows: W. W. Littlefield, 1855-57; Rev. P. Q.
Stierwalt, 1857-58; Wilbehn, 1858-59; William A. Shaw, 1859-61;
Rev. Charles Oibbs, 1861-62; John Hanson, 1862-65; Charles Baker,
1865-66; Dr. George A. Gotwald, three weeks in March, 1866; S. A.
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 485
Poose, 1866-67; W. E. Crosby, 1867-69; Q. W. Walker, 1869-84; and
J. M. Ghreenslade, the present saperiniendent.
0HUB0HE8.
The first religions societies of Lima were the Methodist Episcopal
organized by Bey. Mr. Onrlej, and the Presbyterian, by Bey. James
Gnnningham, and Rev. Thomas Clark, in 1888. In 1834, Bey. William
Chaffee organized the Baptist Church. In 1846 the Sanguinist Fathers
sent one of their number to Lima to^eetablish the mission of Si Bose,
although Bey. Mr. -Stallo came to the settlement so early as 1831, and
made a short stay there. In 1855 Bey. Paul O. Stierwalt established
the Eyangelioal Lutheran Church. In 1860 Bey. P. Oreding introduced,
and in 1863, Bey. George Betting founded the Oerman Eyangelical
Lutheran Society. In 1862, Bey. Chrafton Oraham founded the African
Methodist Church. Dayid S. Cross and others founded the Church of
Christ in 1869; and in 1872 the Protestant Episcopal Society was founded
by Bey. Mr. Hall.
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. The First Methodist Epis-
copal class in Lima, Ohio, was founded in, October, 1833, with but
a few members, of whom but one remains — Mr. Huld Watt The
society was organized by James B. Findlay, and John Alexander,
missionaries on the St. Mary's Mission. The first senrices were held
in the old court house; a log building, still standing on South Main
Street, and for a number of years occupied by J. F. Cole and family
as a dwelling-house. In 1837, t^e society haying added largely to its
members, erected a frame church at the rear end of the lot, at the south-
went comer of Union and Market Streets. This building is now used
as a dwelling, haying been remoyed to the opposite side of Union
Street, near Spring. The Lord continuing to bless our beloyed Zion, a
larger church was found to be necessary, and in 1852 a more commodious
building was erected at the front corner of the church lot. This was used
as a place of worship until the year 1871, when the present handsome brick
edifice at the northwest comer of Market and Elizabeth Streets, was
built, at a cost, including its appurtenances, of about $50,000, and dedi-
oated by Bey. Bishop Foster, March 12, 1876.— Tea^: Romans /, 20,
The present beautiful parsonage, built at the rear of the church lot.
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486 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
and fronting on Elizabeth Street, was designed by G. R F. Cooper,
architect, and built by Mr. Davis in the smnmer of 1882, at a cost of
about $6,000, making this the finest chorch property in the Central Ohio
Conference, if not in the State. Chnroh membership, 600. Sabbath-
school enrollment, 850.
Presiding elders of the chnreh since its organization : Beys. W, H.
Bapier, L. B. Gorley, John James, Elner Yoaknm, James Kellan, W. J.
Wells, Hiram M. ShafEer, K C. GaTit, Francis Mariott, a L. Boberts,
C. F. Berry, L. M. Albright and J. Francis Daviee.
Pastors : Bevs. A. Harmonnt, S. E. Hard, S. Moore, J. M. Holmes,
J. K Wykes, S. H. Alderman, J. M. Moore, W. Winters, O. Kennedy,
I. B. Henderson, L. C. Webster, K A. Berry, Dr. L Newton, Dr. P. E.
Donaldson, J. Francis Davies and Bichard Wallace.
Secretary, since 1869, H. Parham.
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the latest evidences of
the growth of Methodism in this county. A tew years ago Trinity Church
was considered large and convenient enough to accommodate all the
members of this faith in Lima and neighborhood, but the extension of
the city, the opening of new industries, and consequent increase of pop-
ulation, have all contributed to render the establishment of a new society
and the building of a new church a matter of necessity. Ber. A. Har-
monnt, the first pastor of the Trinity Church in 1852, is now preacher
in charge.
Liberty Chapel, of the Methodist Church Society, was built in 1881,
and dedicated November 27, that year, by Bev. J. Wykes, pastor. John
Hedges was trustee. ^
African Methodist Church was organized in 1862, by Bev. G. Gra-
ham, with James Bobinson and Patrick Howard and their wives. Bev.
H. J. Andrews was the first pastor. In 1863 this society purchased the
old schoolhouse, which was fitted up as a church, and used until 1875.
During this year the old building, known as the Presbyterian Church
was purchased by Bev. Beuben Clark (who was then pastor), for $1,600.
This building is still in use by the colored Methodists.
First Presbyterian Church was founded by Bevs. James Cunning-
ham and Thomas Clark, August 21, 1888, with nine female and five male
members. Alex. Beatty and John Jameson were the elders. In 1834,
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 487
this society erected a brick house on West Elm Street, which was ased
until 1845, when a frame house was erected on Elizabeth aod Spring
Streets. The roster of members of the Presbyterian Church in January 16,
1888, is as follows: Amos Alfred, C. H. Adgate, Ad. Boyd, Andrew Budd,
Elias Bowers, Caleb Baldwin, Byrom Baldwin, Griffith Breese, George
Breese, Samuel Black, L. A. Ballantine, John Bashore, Alex. Beatty,
Samuel and John Cobean, Samuel A. and John Clippinger, 1>r. William
Cunningham, John Cunningham, and William Cunningham, Jr., John
Carlisle, Matthew Dobbins, William Dowling, L. H. Dutton, D. D.
Tompkins, Hamilton Davison, Benjamin Davison, Jacob FJemmin, Eliza
French, Margaret Gibber, William Hunter, Manuel Hover, J. Hover,
St Clair Hover, Anson H. Holloway, Anson M. Hadsell, R Hover,
Thomas Kennedy, James MoCullough, Matt H. MoCullough, Willi a^
McEibben, Jacob Miller, Samuel Miller, Clarkson Eeve, Mary Poage,
Charles H Rose, John Bussell, Hugh Skiiling, Leonore Skilling, Moses
Smith, James Slater, Charles Stukey — Binkley, Levi Saint, Daniel Shuler>
Mariah Van Dolson, John and Joseph Ward, Samuel Watt, — McFarland,
y. D. H. Williams, C^rge G. Poage, John Carlisle, Burgess Dickey.
In February, 1855, the New School Presbyterians withdrew from the
First Church, organized February 19, by a committee of the Dayton
Presbytery, and the same year erected a small house of worship on West
Street In November, 18S4, the Old School Presbyterians, numbering
fifty-four, withdrew from the first church, and formed what was known as the
Central Presbyterian Church. In 1869 the New School Presbyterians
reunited with the first church, and the name Union Presbyterian Church
was adopted. In September, 1872, the Old School Presbyterians returned
to the original church.
First Presbyterian Church was reorganized September 16, 1872, com-
posed of the Central or New School, and the original society, with Rev.
John Kelly, pastcnr; Matthew Dobbins,* John Cunningham,* B. G.
Stockton, J. B. Hughes, S. B. Badeau, M. H. McCallough, J. H. Dague,
John B. Haller, William Armstrong* and Abram Boyd, elder& J. H.
Dague, clerk. The names marked with a star are deceased. The pres-
ent elders are D. W. Walker, Rice A. Robert-s, S. A. Badeau, J. H. Dague,
J. R. Hughes and Abram Boyd. Mr. Dague has served as clerk since
reorganization.
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488 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
The present church bailding on Market and West Streets was beg^n
in 1879, and dedicated July 4, 1880. In May, 1879, a committee was
was appointed to sell the old chorch lot and purchase a new lot In Jnne,
Mr. Fanrot booght the old bailding lot, etc., for $5,600; subsequently a
sum of $10,000 was raised, and a building committee was appointed viz:
J. B. Hughes, Chairman; T. T. Mitchell, T. £. Jacobs, J. H. Dague,
Oeorge Jameson, clerk. Jacob B. Mowen was contractor. The lot and
building, etc., cost about 122,000. The stained windows were supplied by
Wells Bros, of Chicago. The architect was Mr. Orosvenor of Jackson,
Mich. The members number 326, the membership of Sunday School is
about 800. Of this school Bev. Mr. Hall is superintendent since 1879.
The pastors of the First Presbyterian Church have been — Bev. George
Sheldon, 1834; Bev. Oeorge O. Poage, 1838; Bev. William McOookin,
1839; Bev. J. M. Crabb, 1840; Bev. John McKenney, 1848; Bev. B. M.
Badeau, 1849; Bev. Henry B. Fry, 1856; Bev. Thomas P.Johnson, 1858;
Bev. H. B. Fry, 1859; Bev. Mr. Marshall, pro tern.; Bev. Samuel Bam-
sey, 1864; Bev. O. M. Todd, 1866; Bev. William M. Claybaugh, 1868;
Bev. John Daniels, 1870; Bev. J. S. Kemper, 1872; Bev. I? M. Hall,
1875.
Bev. A. T. Bobertson is present pastor of the Main Street Presbyte-
rian Church.
Lima Presbytery was represented in the Ohio Presbytery at Cincin-
nati, October, 1884, by the following named gentlemen: Bev. John A.
Meeks, Findlay, Ohio; Bev. William B. Spence, Sidney, Ohio; Bev.
John H. Sherrard, Delphos, Ohio; Bev. Benjamin J. Brown, Bluffibon,
Ohio; Bev. Alexander J. Bobertson, Lima, Ohio; Elder Henry Byall,
Findlay, Ohio; Elder D. C. Kemp, Ada, Ohio; Elder Hugh Thompson,
Sidney, Ohio; Elder T. S. Gilliland, Van Wert, Ohio; Elder D. H. Bob-
inson, Celina, Ohio.
Central Presbyterian Church (O. S.) was organized November 6,
1864, by members of the First Presbyterian Church of Lima, of whom
fifty-seven joined the new church. The elders elected were Abram Boyd,
M. H. McCuUough, James Chenoweth and William Armstrong, with Mr.
McCulloagh, clerk. Bev. Thomas P. Johnston was first pastor, 1864-
69. Bev. Mr. Kelly succeeded to the pastorate in February, 1870. He
also presided over Little Grove Church in Bath Township until sue-
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J(Bl^^<,t^c
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 491
oeeded bj Bev. J. S.^ Kemper, of Dayton. This society erected a brick
house of worship in 1865 on Main, near High Street. In 1872 the
Central Society was merged into the old society.
Presbyterian Mission Church was founded June 12, 1875, by Bevs.
Thomas Elcock, John B. Strain and Elder Dobbins. Thomas Dob-
bins, Joshua Jamieson and J. A. Hover were elected trustees; John Cun-
ningham, J. W. Waters and James Harper, elders. The church build-
ing on Pearl Street was erected three years after organization.
Baptist Church. — The following history of this society is based'on
the records of the church, and for this reason, it is taken from Mr. Har-
rison's historical sketch:
«The First Baptist Church of Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, was organ-
ized January 25, 1834, with twenty-six members, to wit: James Daniels,
Bhoda l>aniels, William Chenoweth, Ann Chenoweth, James Johnson,
Ellen Johnson, Nancy Johnson, Thomas Hawthorn, Mira Hawthorn,
Betsy Terry, Nancy Daniels, Sarah Chalmers, Benjamin M. Daniels,
Barzillai Osborn, Elizabeth Osbom, Samuel Lippencott, Elizabeth Lip-
pencott, John Lip^ncott^ Nancy Lip][^ncotty Samuel B. Lippencott,
Phebe Oppencott, Phebe Moman, William Chaffee, Abigail Chaffee,
Samuel Homan and Sally Uoman. Bey. William Chaffee was their
first pastor. The church was admitted to membership in the Mad Biver
Association in August, 1834. Serrices were held in the old court house
till the 18th of October, that year,at which time a new house of worship was
completed and occupied. A request by the Presbyterian society for the
use of the church on certain days, commencing on the first Sabbath in
November of that year, was unanimously granted. This building was a
frame structure, and still stands on the comer of Union and Spring
Streets, used as a dwelling. About 1856 a new location was purchased
on the west side of Tanner Street, between Market and High Streets, and
the substantial brick edifice now in use was erected thereon, and dedir
cated feo the worship of Ood in June of that year. The present member-
ship is 216. The following pastors have been in charge: Bevs. William
Chaffee, James French, Daniel Thomas, J. Dinkerman, D. Beemis, J. C.
Armstrong, O. L. Stevens, J. L. Moore, J. M. Chapman, C. A. Clark,
James Sykes, A. O. Eirk, M W. Holmes. J. B. Cook took charge in
June, 1877. Bev. D. B. Cheney is the present pastor (1885)."
29
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492 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Second Baptist (colored) is comparatively a modem organization, with
a very limited membership.
Church of St. Rose (Catholic) may be said to have been founded in
1846, when the fathers of that illastrioos society, denominated Sangoin-
ists, first celebrated mass in this county. Service was held in the homte
of Mr. O'Ck^nnell, many people coming a distance of fifteen miles through
the wilderness to participate in the sacrifice. Father Sheehan, then priest
of Tifiin, Ohio, visited the scattered families in and around Lima subse-
quently. During the building of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago
Railroad, and other roads, there was a large addition to the Catholic
population. From 1850 to 1855 those Catholic settlers were attended by
Father Sullivan^ of Tiffin, and Father Matthias Erieusch, of Westminster,
alternately. Father Erieusch, observing the increase of this pioneer
congregation, suggested the necessity of a house of worship, but met with
much discouragement and disappointment. In 1854 many of the
Catholics moved westward, which was a serious blow to the church at
Lima. The priest, however, was not discouraged; he entered with
greater energy into the work of church building, and with the subscrip-
tions, which he collected from Catholic and Protestant alike, erected the
first church edifice in 1857, a brick building, 34x40, on Ottawa Boad.
Many objected to the proportions of the building, and were not slow to
assert that never would the congregation be sufficiently large to fill the
church. However, within a short time, facts proved the judgment of Father
Erieusch in this matter, to be correct Rev. Michael Prendergast came
to Lima, December 5, 1858. Father Patrick Henneberry, known as Father
Patrick, succeeded Rev. M. Prendergast immediately after the coming of
the latter, and rendered great services to religion by his sermons on the
duty of total abstinence. From 1855 to 1861 Lima was attended by
priests of the Order of Sanguinists. Rev. A. J. Murphy was appointed
first resident pastor October U), 1861. His name is familiar to all the
early settlers of Lima afid neighborhood, for the services which he ren-
dered. He purchased all the property of the church at Lima, and paid
for it, a difficult matter at that tima He built an addition to the church
of 1857, and also built the first Catholic schoolhouse at Lima. In 1863
he was called to other fields of duty by Bishop Rappe, amid the regrets
of all the people. In 1863 Rev. James O'Rielly took charge of the parish.
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 498
Even in his time it was evident that a larger church building should be
erected. He selected a site for the present church, collected a building
fund, and had every preparation made to enter on erecting a church after
bis own plans, when he was called to Cleveland. In 1864 Bev. A. B.
Sedley was appointed priest. During his administration the present
church building was ^erected at a cost of $30,000, including the bell
(which is one of the heaviest used in the diocese), the high altar, and the
organ. He moved the old school building to its present site, built a
large addition to it, and reorganized the school, with the Sisters of St
Francis teachers. He was called to a more important field of labor,
conmiensurate with his executive ability, in July, 1876. It is impossible
to detail the labors and sacrifices made by those zealous priests in the
cause of humanity. The people of Lima are witnesses of their works.
In July, 1876, Bev. F. J. Henry was appointed priest of the parish. At
that time the congregation was bound by a heavy debt. Through the
liberality of the people, and the administrative ability of the pastor, this
debt was cleared off in 1882, and the title to one of the finest ecclesiast-
ical properties in the diocese was handed over to the councilmen of the
parish. Father Henry also erected the Sisters' residence in 1880-81,
and completed this building at a cost of about $6,000. In 1883 a frame
schoolhouse was erected at a cost of about $1,500, the old school building
was raised, while about $2,00Q has been expended on the church build-
ing, pews, side altars, etc. The congregation numbers about 1,000
members. The number of children attending school is 400. There are
five sisters employed to preside over the girls' and junior boys' school,
while Mr. McLaughlin presides over the senior boys' school The lay-
men closely allied with the founding and progress of the church at Lima
are worthy of special mention, viz., James Purtell, Nicholas Gunkel (who
donated the site for the first church), William Eennifick, John O'Ck^nnor,
William and Daniel Finn, Thomas Fitzgerald, James Langan, Anthony
Myer, Michael Doyle, Simon Lawler, Peter 0*Neil, L. Ferkel, Philip
Klaus, Ed and John Dunne, Thomas Oallaghan, Thomas Dufiield, John
P. Sullivan, John Morris, Henry O'Brien and H. O'Brien, Jr., Frank
and Michael Dugan, Thomas Eavil, George Feltz, and others.
Evangelical Lutheran Church (Zion) was organized May 2, 1855, by
Paul O. Stierwalt, and a small frame school building purchased a little
Digitized by LjOOQIC
494 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTr. |
later which was the society's church until 1865, when the present build-
ing was erected. According to the old records Hiram Stotts and John
Meiliej were elders, and Samuel Hook and Mathias Bidenour deacons in
1855. The number who signed the agreement was 150. Among the
pioneer members the following names occur: Michael Boider, 1845;
Catherine Helsel and Eliza Beery were admitted by confirmation in 1847;
Jacob Bolder in 18^ and Mary Bolder in 1854. Among the original
members were George W. Overmyer, M C. Overmyer, George Boush
and wife, Daniel Heindel and wife, Sophia Eimmer, Henry Boush and
wife, Joseph Boush and wife, Henry Boose and wife (1856), Barbara
Boop, Henry Beel and wife (1858), Jacob Bolder (1848), Mary Bolder
(1854). Be7. C. H. Eckhart is pastor.
United Brethren Church, on Union and Spring Streets, erected
in 1882, was dedicated December 31, of that year, by Bishop J. Weaver.
Bev. D. N. Howe was pastor.
Church of Christ was organized December 2, 1869, by Elder W. S.
Moore, with the following named original members: D. S. Gross, Francis
M. Hall, Esther Hall, A. E. Dixon, A. P. Dixon, E. J. Maguire, Eaziah
Lumey, W. H. Harper, S. K. Cross, H. W. Lewis, M. E. Lewis, Byron
Hall, N. N. Dixon, T. A. Udall, Jennie Biiurber, Lydia Maguire. The
pastors since 1871 were Elder G. M. Kemp, Elder W. J. Lhamon and
Elder H. Cogswell, the present pastor. The secretaries who have served
the society are B. Spencer, D. Murray and W. C. Boggs. There are
150 members. The property is valued at $6,000, including the brick
house of worship constructed by J. B. Mowen and D. J. Shuler from
plans by W. C. Boggs.
Protestant Episcopal Church was formally organized in 1872 by Bev.
Mr. Hall, of Piqua, with William B. Gk>rton, Frances L. Gorton and
Mary Gorton, original members. The pastors who have had charge of
the mission since Mr. Hall's time are Bevs. Waynesburgh, C. S. Bates,
Kemp, Chittenden, Avis, Taylor and the present rector, Bev. J. B. Pit-
man. A house of worship was erected and dedicated in 1879 at a cost
of $6,000. The present membership of the society is twenty. The trus-
tees are W. B. Gorton and Bobert Mehaffey; vestrymen are Gh>rton,
Vogle, Myers, Gray, W. Mehaffey, Bobert Mehaflfey and William Lowe;
wardens are Messrs. Gorton and Vogle. Up to 18S3 when Bev. Bir. Pit-
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 495
man was appointed pastor, the chnrch cannot be said to have bad a per-
manent organization.
German Evangelical Reformed Lutheran Church was founded Sep-
tember 5, 1868, by Rev. George Retting, Karl Amelang and J. J. Hont-
zer were elected elders; Christian Rotbe 'and Aogost Oebhard, dea-
cons; William Schnng, H. Betz and M. Herold, trustees. The pastors
who sacceeded Mr. Retting, were Rev. William Fenneman, G. Plness,
0. F. Waldecker and J. H. Stepler. Rev. P. C. Beeman is now, pastor
of this church. Three years after organization the house of worship on
West Wayne Street, was erected, and nine years later the parsonage was
bnilt
St. PauVs Lutheran Church was founded at Lima, a few years ago.
Rev. J. G. Neiffer is pastor of the church.
Reformed English Church is one of the old church organizations of
Lima. Rev. W. A. Long is the present pastor. During his pastorate,
December 16, 1863, their house of worship was dedicated.
The Universalists, Disciples, Quakers (or Friends), Free- Will Bap-
tists, Mennonites, Dunkards, Unitarians, Swedenborgians, Protestant
Methodists, Southern Methodists, Congregationalists, Spiritualists, and
a few Latter-Day Saints are found here in this city of Lima, but without
religious organization, and even a pair of heathen Chinese.
POSTOFPICB.
The postoffice at Lima was established February 1, 1832, with Lewis
Srouf , postmaster. At that time the business amounted to little over
$500 per annum. To-day the receipts amount to about $60,000. In April,
1882, John Ward was appointed; in June, Henry Lippencott; in April,
1833, Charles Baker, who served until November 8, 1837, when William
Cunningham was commissioned; in April, 1839, John W. Thomas; in
July, 1841, John B. Wamsley; in May, 1843, Samuel A. Baxter; in
December, 1844, B. A. Satterthwait; in April, 1851, John Keller; in
June, 1853, Samuel Sanford; in September, 1856, Orrin Curtiss; in
March, 1861, 'John R. Beatty; in October, 1861, Cornelius Parmenter —
re-appointed in March, 1865; was succeeded by William H. Harper in
March, 1867. In April, 1869, Mr. Parmenter was again commissioned
postmaster, re-appointed in March, 1878, and served until November 8,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
496 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
1877, when George P. Waldorf, the present inonmbent of the office, took
charge.* Mr. Woldorf was commissioned April 11, 1877. The office
became a Presidential gift March 11, 1865, and was raised to the second
class, Jnly 11, 1879. In March, 1880, the present office was opened.
PBE88.
The newspaper press of the city is represented by the Gcusette, a
Republican weekly joomal, edited by G. Parmenter; the Democrat^ a
Democratic journal, edited by Mr. Timmonds; the Bepublieariy a morning
newspaper, and the Weekly Bepublicany are published by Messrs. Long,
Winder and Porter, members of the Republican Printing Company; the
Times, an evening journal, and the Weekly Timea^ edited by O. B. Self-
ridge, Jr. These papers are compiled with care. {See Huftory of Press).
MASONIO HISTOBY.
Charity Lodge of Lima was organized under dispensation January 1,
1851, with the following charter officers and members : Orrin Gurtiss,
W. M.; D. H. Anderson, S. W.; Samuel A. Baxter, J. W.; Ezekiel
Hover, treasurer ; John H. Meily, recorder; Thomas K. Jacobs, S. D. ;
Zenas Bates, J. D. ; E. S. Linn, T. ; L. W. Turner, Michael Leatherman,
L. Eversole, S. W. Besse, Andrew Shindler, James Ghenoweth. October
28, 1851, the lodge was chartered as Lima Lodge, No. 205, S. G. Preston
of Delphos Lodge instituting. Phineas Edgecomb and S. W. Washburn
took their places as officers. R. Dove was elected secretary in 1853.
The Worshipful Masters and Recorders of Lima Lodge, since 1854,
are named in the following roll: 1854, Daniel Swalley, L. H. Ander-
son; 1855, Orrin Gurtiss, R. Metheany; 1856, Benjamin F. Metcalf, Jason
R. Hanna; 1857, A. N. Smith, Milton Scott; 1858,D. H. Anderson, E. G.
Hamilton; 1859, Lyman G. Hurd, John Melhom; 1860, A. N. Smith, a
Metheany; 1861, George W. Overmyer, G. A. Metheany; 1862, George W.
Overmyer, Shelby Taylor; 1863-64, D. G. P. Tirrill, J. M. Haller; 1865,
George W. Overmyer, J.M. Haller; 1866, George W. Overmyer, S. J. Brand;
1867, George W.Overmyer, R. Metheany; 1868-69, G. A. Metheany, L.
M. Meily; 1870-71, D. S. Fisher, George W. Overmyer; 1872-73, Garrett
Wykoflf, G^eorge W. Overmyer; 1874, Gorbin I. Neff, George W. Overmyer;
1875, Gorbin L NeflE; G. W. Walker; 1876, Garrett Wykoff, G. W. Walker;
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 497
1877-78, George W. James, Shelby Taylor; 1879-80, E. H. Johns, Shelby
Taylor; 1881, William M. Bates, Shelby Taylor; 1882, William M.
Bates, A. G. Beichelderfer; 1883-84, James MoBeth, A. 0. Reiohelderf er.
The elections of November, 1884, resulted in the choice of the follow-
ing officers : — George W. Myers, W. M.; W. J. Hill, senior warden;
George P. Connors, junior warden; John Boush, treasurer; A. 0.
Beicheld^er, secretary; 'Frank Polser, senior deacon; W. H. Pockmire
junior deacon; G. Wykoff, tyler. Samuel Havil was elected trustee for
the term of three years. 168 members.
Lima Chapter No. 49, was organized under dispensation, May 7, 1852,
and chartered October 21, 1852, with the following' members: Orrin Cur-
tiss, D. H. Anderson, S. W. Washburn, Thomas Miiligan, Eli Bond,
Daniel Swalley, D, G. LeBue, Charles S. Bose and Alden Bessee. Orrin
Curtias was H. P. ; D. H. Anderson, N. B. Howard, secretary. The officers
served until 1855, when Thomas Miiligan was ejected H. P.; Orrin
Ourtiss, secretary. In 1856 Thomas Miiligan was re-elected H P., and
Jason Hanna, secretary; In 1857, Eli Bond, H. P., andBichard Metheany,
secretary, were elected. Eli Bond, H P., and T. T. Mitchell, secretary,
were elected in December, 1858. In 1859, Eli Bond was re-elected, and
George W. Overmyer elected secretary. The officers for 1860 were Eli
Bond, H. P., and C. Halladay, secretary. In 1861, Eli Bond, was H P.
and C. Halladay, secretary. Milton Scott, H. P. and James Mackenzie,
secretary, served in 1862. Those officers were re-elected for 1863. D.
C. P. Terrill and Theodore Mayo were elected H P. and secretary, re-
spectively, for 1864, and re-elected for 1865. The H. P. for 1866 was
D. C. P. Terrill, and secretary; George W. Overmyer. They were re-
elected for 1867. In 1868, George W. Overmyer served as H. P. and
W. G. Nichols, secretary. In 1869 Mr. Overmyer was H P. and S.
A Baxt^, secretary. They also served in 1870 and again in 1871. D.
C. P. Terrill was elected H. P. for 1872, and S. A Baxter secretary. In
1873 C. Halladay served as H. P. and George W. Overmyer as secretary;
and also in 1874. The H. P. was re-elected for 1875 with G. W.
Walker, secretary, George W. Overmyer, H P., and G. W. Walker,
secretary, served in 1876. E. H Johns and Shelby Taylor filled
the offices, respectively, in 1877 and 1878. Garrett Wykoflf was
elected H. P. and S. Taylor secretary for 1879, and re-elected for 1880.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
498 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
In 1881, W. K. Boone and Shelby Taylor filled the respective offices.
In 1882, Garrett Wykoff and A. C. Beichelderfer eerved as H. P. and
secretary, and were re/-elected for 1883. George W. Walker was elected
H. P. for 1884, with Mr. Beichelderfer, secretary. There are eighty-
eight members belonging to this chapter.
Lima Councily No. 20, was organized nnder Charter, October 18, 1854^
with Eli Bond, William L. Hartley, D. H. Anderson, Thomas Milligan, S.
F. Heffuer, George Arnold, A. Tonngkin, Alden Bessee, W. C. Gallagher.
Eli Bond was G. M. and D. H. Anderson, D. G. M. Jnne 7, 1854, a
temporary organization was effected nnder dispensation. The T. L G. M.
since organization are named as follows : Eli Bond, 1854-59 ; Milton
Scott 1859-61; D. C. P. Tirrill, 1861-68 ; 0. Halladay, 1868-71; C. L
Neff, 1870-72 ; D. S. Fisher, 1872-74 ; E. H. Johns, 1875-77 ; G. W.
Walker, 1877-80 ; Garrett Wykoff, 1880-81 ; E. H. Johns, 1881-84.
The secretaries since organization were N. B. Howard, C. N. Lamison,
George W. Overmyer, N. B. Howard, Theo. Mayo, J. M. Haller, D. S.
Fisher, S. W. Baxter, George W. Overmyer, G. W. Walker, Shelby
Taylor, A. C. Beichelderfer, 1882-85. The membership is eighty-nine
with hall in Masonic ChapeL
Shawnee CommandeTy^ No, 14, was organized nnder dispensation,
November 14, 1855, with Eli Bond, G. C; Lyman C. Hnrd, G.; David
Swalley, C. G. The charter was granted October 16, 1857. The
Eminent Commanders since organization are named as follows : Eli
Bond, 1855-60 ; A. N. Smith, 1860-68 ; Milton Scott, 1868-67 ; D. C.
P. Tirrill, 1867-72 ; George W. Overmyer, 1872-74 ; D. C. P. Tirrill,
1874-77; Calvin Halladay, 1877-80; G. W. Walker, 1880; W. K
Boone, 1881-82 ; L. Beichelderfer, 1882-84. Becorders : S. J. Brand,
C. Halladay, S. Lisle, Theo. Mayo, Orrin Cnrtiss, George W. Overmyer,
James Lrvine, Samuel A. Baxter, Jr., G. W. Walker, Shelby Taylor, A. C.
Beichelderfer, 1880-84 The officers for 1885, are Em. Commander,
L. Beichelderfer ; Generalissimo, G. Wykoff ; Capt General, W. K.
Boone ; Prelate, G. W. Overmyer ; Sen. Warden, E. H Johns ; Jan.
Warden, W.. H Standish ; Treasurer, John Boush ; Becorder, A. C.
Beichelderfer ; Sword Bearer, W. E. Gray ; Standard Bearer, W. L.
Scott ; Warder, S. S. Yoder. The commandery comprises 188 members.
Calvin Halladay, is G. J. W. of the G. C. of Ohio, elected in 1884
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. , 499
The Masons built the third story of the present city building, but sold
to the city. The city built the present postoffioe building in 1872, on
the old Masonic lot, the Masons added the third story, which is now
fitted up as a lodge room. The frescoing was done by Italians.
KNIGHTS OF PTTHIA8.
Lima Lodge, No, 91^ K. of jP., was chartered December 15, 1879,
with the following charter members : E. F. Hanna, J. E. Bichie, J. 0.
Musser, JohnHaller, J. A. Gardner, G. W. Hull, D. L. Arter, H. G.
Hadsell, M. L. Becker, G. E. Monoyer, John Hauenstein.
The Chancellor Ck^mmanders of this lodge are named in the records of
Agamemnon Division. The keeper of seals and records is Ed. Holman.
Present statistics show a membership of 108. The Grand Chancellor,
Walter B. Bichie, was elected in December, 1882. He was elected in
May, 1884^ Supreme Bepresentative.
Uniform Rank, K. of P., No. 11, Agamemnon Division U. R., was
organized August 15, 1881, with twenty-seven charter members, viz.:
Walter B. Bichie, Sir Enighi Coul; E. F. Hanna, S. K T. L. 0. ; J. F.
Hauenstein, S. E. H; D. 0. Cunningham, Sir E. B.; I. B. Detwiler,
Sir K T.; P. H Brooks, Sir K. G; W. C. French, Sir K S. Officers,
John Hoffman, J. M. Haller, E. A. Hanna, W. H. Hall, E. C. Mackenzie;
C. D. Crites, A. G. Lutz, & R Haines, W. W. Andrews, D. J. Cable,
I. B. Longsworth, H. Blosser, W. S. Neuenschwender, G. S. Vicary, J.
B. Lipsett, James Neise, B. H. Gamble, John Thomas, E. M. Gooding,
O. F. Eemmer. Walter B. Bitchie has served as Sir Enight Commander
since organization. D. C. Cunningham and O. F. Eemmer have served
as Becorders. The present membership is thirty-five. The progress
made by the Enights of Pythias, particularly in this portion of Ohio, is
phenomenal.
ODD FELLOWS.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was introduced into the
county at Delphos, in 1851. Two years later a lodge was established at
Lima, with a small membership.
Allen Lodge. No. 228, was instituted in April, 1858. Lima Lodge,
No. 581, was chartered July 6, 1874, with nineteen members. This was
followed by the organization of Lima Encampment, No. 62, and of
Orion Temple, No. 22.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
500 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
AUen Lodge, No. 223, was chartered January 20, 1853, and instituted
in April, that year. The diarter members were Charles Blinne, Eli
Bond, J. J. Enoz, D. S. Taylor, Lemuel Eversole, William Gibbs and
A. B. Kinoade. The number of members in 1884 was 104. William
Kincade, a son of one of the charter members, is now Noble Orand with
William Truesdale, Secretary, and A. W. Mawk, permanent Secretary.
J. L. Eeve, who became a member of this lodge in 1859, holds the office
of Outside Guardian.
Lima Lodge, No. 581, was chartered May 16, 1874, and instituted
July 6, 1874. The charter members were R H. Chandler, H. A. Moore,
J. P. Wilson, D. C. Bichmond, J. T. Moore, William Miller, Jacob Moser,
G. F. Marmon, L. Beichelderf er, S. Y. Cottingham, B. T. Hughes, Samuel
Bevy, J. A. Gardner, J. C. McGinnis, W. B. Howe, S. H Treat, Chaun-
cey Cole, William Akerman and J. P. Eiebanks. The number of mem-
bers in 1884 was 108. There are twenty names on the roll of Past
Grands.
Lima Encampment, No. 62, was chartered April 4, 1854, with Eli
Bond, P.. R Graul, William Single, D. Binkley, C. Halladay, W. J.
Anderson and Bobert Herrin.
Patriarchial Circle, Orion Temple, No. 22, was chartered December 4,
1882, with the following members: Jacob Critee, George W. James, D.
C. Bichmond, D. E. Fritz, F. Ashton, H Neise, E. W. Mosier, D. C.
Cunningham, Ed. S. Mowen, W. Lohmar, S. S. Toder, J. G. Hissong,
H. Tegeder, P. Walthers, J. Moeer, H A. Brodek, A. G. Lutz, S. W.
Keve, S. A. Smith, S. F. Doan, W.D. Johnson and Wilbur Fisk.
OTHEB SOCIETISS.
Lima Lodge, No. 64, A. O. U. W., claimed among its first members,
Ed. Hull, W. Mise, John Bemagen, Phil. Gable, G. W. Engle, G. Day,
F. Gift, M. Bittenhour, John Blocher and H H Shafer, who were
elected officers in January, 1883. The officers of Lima Lodge, No. 64,
A. O. U. W., were installed by W. H. Neise, D. D. G. M. W., in January,
1885, as follows: P. W., G. Day; M. W. H, M. Bittenhour; foreman, John
Bemagen; overseer, Owen Francis; recorder, J. C. Blocher; financier, F.
M. Gift; receiver, G. Day; guide, W. H. Neise; inside watchman, W.
Osbom.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 601
Allen County Agricultural Society was permanenilj organized in
1862, and a ooonty fair held in September of that year. The officers of
ihe soeletj, elected in October, 1884, are President, J. B. Boberte;
▼ice-president, Samuel Collins; secretary, S. Sanford; treasurer, \Villiam
Watkins. Directors for two years, S. Greer, Beuben White, J. L. B.
Leatherman, William Watkins, J. W. Kemp. Directors for one year, L.
H. Post, S. Sanford, L Fraunf elter, J. D. Irwin, J. E. Crider, Amos
Hefner and Daniel Harpster.
Mart Armstrong Poet, No. 202, O. A.R., was organized April 18, 1882,
with the following charter members: John W. Peltier, Thomas H. Jones,
O. N. Francis, James Nicholas, W. H. Pockmire, T. W. Dobbins, J. W.
€rum, N. E. Shaw, B. W. Thrift, Z. T. Witmer, Gideon Ditto, George
W. James, Joel B. Grabb, Jerome V. Stewart, W. L. Mechling, Matthias
Atmur, D. D. Nicholas, E. H. Johns, Byron Bowers and Thomas H.
Jones. The post now comprises fifty-seven members. It was named in
honor of Gapt. Armstrong, who fell at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. The offi-
-oers wereO. Francis, Gommander; Gideon Ditto, S.Y. G.; W. L. Mechling,
J. V. G. ; George W. James, Adjutant ; James Nicholas, Q. M. ; R W.
Thrift, Surgeon; T. W. Dobbins, Ghaplain; J. W. Grum, O. D.; N. E.
Shaw, O. G.; E. H. Johns, S. M.; M. Atmur, Q. M. Sergeant.
Tike MeUxnchton Light Guards, Company C, Eleventh Ohio Infantry,
was organized by Gapt. L. M. Meily, in 1877, with William Anderson,
first lieutenant; William Owens^ second lieutenant In 1878 Gapt.
Meily was appointed adjutant goieral of Ohio, when George W. James
was commissioned captain. He served until 1884 Frank M. Bell was
commissioned captain, December 24, 1884, a few years after the command
was consolidated with the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. O. L.
Mowen was commissioned fi^t lieutenant, June 2, 1884 ; William S.
Johnson commissioned second lieutenant, August 15, 1888 ; John Hover
first sergeant ; Elvira Bowers, second sergeant ; John Bailey, third ser-
geant ; Harry Bell, fourth sergeant ; each of whom enlisted in July, 1880.
B. H H. Hover, Ed. Butledge, Gharles Kiplinger, Dolp. Bowers, all of
whom enlisted in July, 1880. G^rge Harper enlisted in 1883. B. Arm-
strong, G. Harper, W. Snook, G. Richmond, musicians, enlisted in June,
1884. The privates of this command are A. Ashton, A. W. Clutter, G.
Coban, F. Carter, R Dugray, H. Downey, H. Ande, G. Eyster, B. G.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
502 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Faurot, Jr., John Qeir, George John, W. H. Jonee, B. M. Mann, William
Mowen, A. Morris, William Morris, S. Maarer, C. C. MoComb, George
Overmyer, William Pugh, J. W. Bollins, C. Shriner, C. Ston^, Milton
Shroyer, L. Stever, W. South, A. Brooks, Peter McGowan. The men
named above took part in the summer maneuvers, at Gamp Woodland
Hills, Ohio, in August, 1884. Members of the command who did not
participate in the encampment were M. D. Anderson, John Bond, Thomas
Delzell, Carson Delzell, P. Geoble, Lorin Hays,C. M. Johnson, A. Eept-
ner, S. McComb, S. S. Sanford, F. J. Smith, C. Ward, William Welsh,
James Walsh. Total force, fifty-eight.
The Kirk Cadets. — This military company was formally organized in
the fall of 1870, by Capi J. B. Kirk, himself a soldier for over four
years, in the war of 1861-65. Before the close of the year 1870, the
roster contained forty names. When some little proficiency in drill was
attained, and a little discipline had been secured, an organization was
attempted by electing Will Mowen captain, and Stuart Pillars first lieu-
tenant, J. B. !^irk retaining the position of instructor. This was at the
beginning of 1880. Some time afterward J. B. Kirk was elected cap-
tain and Mowen and Pillars lieutenants. *
John Ralston and Frank Lewis being appointed first and second ser-
geants, a movement looking toward the equipment of the company
resulted in their being uniformed in white duck pants and jackets, with
caps of the same material, the uniform being adorned with U. S. staff
buttons, and equipped with wooden guns stained black, *and, to make
them still more formidable and warlike, guards of tin and hammers
made of shoe buttoners were affixed ; thus prepared for emergencies,
they received and accepted an invitation to attend the camp of the
Eleventh ^Begiment Ohio National Guards at Wapakonetta, as guests of
Company G — Capi Layton. As their ages increased, their love for their
Quaker guns diminished, and in 1881 they purchased twenty-three breech-
loading rifles at a cost of $172. 50. The boyish suits having shrunken,
and the boys having visibly lengthened, new suits were needed, and
twenty-seven suits of ^ cadet gray*' trimmed in black, were procured at
a cost of $361.70. This sum was raised by the liberality of our cit-
izens, and by the receipts of a play. In the fall of 1883 they visited
the encampment of the Second Regiment Ohio National Guards, at Upper
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 503
Sandusky, Obio, as the guests of Company C, of Lima, Ohio. The
membership of the company has varied, being as high as forty-five and
•as low as twenty-five, which is abont the present number of members.
This company has had its triumphs and reverses ; the only losses sus-
tained of importance were the death of Milton Shroyer, and the theft of
the armory furniture, some vagabond having stolen chairs, table and
books, and other little matters, from their armory in the summer of
1884. Out of over sixty members whose names have been on the roll
since 1879, but one has died, as far as heard from. In the year of 1883,
Hon. C. S. Brice, of Lima, presented the company with a beautiful silk
flag, with the monogram of the company in gilt, in the center of the
field, a suitable gift from a generous hearted man, and one highly prized
by the cadets.
Lima Art Club. — This club was organized November 13, 1883, with the
following named members: Miss Florence Carpenter, W. G. and Mrs.
Nichols, George P. and Mrs. Waldorf, Mrs. W. L. Porter, Rev. J. B.
Pitman and wife. Miss Flora Thrift, Mrs. A. A. Llewellyn, Mrs. B. C.
Faurot, Bev. L G. Hall, Mrs. James Irvine, Mrs. C^rge Meyers, Miss
Ella Timberlake, Miss Ella Sarly, Fred Stephens, Miss Nettie Boone,
Mrs. F. E. Mead, Mrs. Mary McJunkin, Mrs. S. A. Baxter, Miss Luah
Miller, Miss Cora Satterthwait, James Woods, Mrs. George Baxter and
Mrs. Anna Sandford. Mrs. Pitman was first president, and Mrs. O. E.
Latham, secretary. M^ss Tilly Badeiau is now president of the club.
In December, 1883, an exhibit of works of art was held. The second
annual exposition was opened November 19, 1884, in Boom 10, Opera
House Block. This was a success in every particular. The local press,
in noticing the dose of the exhibition, says: ''One noticeable feature of
the loan just closed is the progress that has been made in the last year
by the ladies in the line of painting and fancy worL One year ago
there was but little fancy work exhibited, and that was in its infancy.
It comprised one of the best features of the loan, and shows a decided
improvement in this art. Painting has steadily increased, and new feat-
ures in the art are being added, as fast as they appear." What has been
done the first year may be taken as an index of all that this association
is capable of accomplishing.
Lima Choral Society, — The officers of this association, elected in
Digitized by LjOOQIC
604 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
January, 1885, are E. F. Davis, president; R. Peate, vice-president; W.
G. Boggs, secretary; Miss E. Gibson, treasurer; Charles Thomas, G.
B. Dnnsby and John Osbom, trustees. The history of this society may
be summed up in the following notice from the Columbus Times, of Jan-
uary 3, dealing with the Eistedf odd, held at Columbus, Ohio, in Deoem>
ber, 1884. *' After the close of our report last evening, the contest on
Dr. Parry's choral march was called, the contestants being the Ambrose
Choral Society of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Welsh Society, the lat-
ter numbering fifty voices, taking the $100 prize. The Ambrose Choral
Society, seventy-five strong, were unfortunate in getting off the key near
the start, and labored through the piece most painfully. The Lima C^o-
ral Society took the $40 prize on the glee, ' Morning Breezes,' by Givi-
lin Givent, their competitors being the W. P. Glee Club, of Cincinnati.
The 15 prize for the best rendition of Handel's soprano solo, ^ I Ejiow
That My Redeemer Liveth,' was divided by Mrs. A. F. Wheeler, of Lima^
and Mrs. Frank M. Young, of Cleveland, Mrs. John Casell, of Colum-
bus, being the third competitor. Mrs. Wheeler's conception of the music
was very fine. Mrs. Young's voice is of beautiful quality, as sonorous
as a bell, yet flute-like in its softnesa This lady was formerly of thia
city. The evening concert was given in the presence of fully 2,000 peo-
ple, and was one of the grandest ever given in Columbus. The prize of
$6 for Handel's duet for female voices, 'O Lovely Peace,' was won by
Mrs. A. F. Wheeler and Mrs. J. L. Hampton, of the Lima Society, their
opponents being the Misses Mollie Roberts and Lillie Ellis, of Cincin-
nati, and the Misses Mary Servis and Sallie Edwards, of the same place.
The big prize of $300, on Handel's chorus, 'When His Loud Voice,'
was won in fine style by the Lima Society, led by Prof. William Miles;
the Cambro- American of Columbus and Welsh, of Cincinnati, competing.
Prizes No. 2, $125, and No. 5, $40, were taken by the society. Prizes
No. 10, 11 and 13 were divided among Mrs. A. F. Wheeler, Mrs. B. F.
Davis and Prof. Miles. Lima also brought home the gold medal for its
successful leader."
Lima Library and Reading Roam Aseociation was formally organized
March 28, 1855, with M. K. Hard, president, and L S. Pillars, secretary.
The Young Men^s Lyceum, of Lima, was organized September 18^
1876, with E. F. Hannah, president and J. M. Osbom, secretary.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 505
Eugene C. Madkenzie, ?. M. Osborn, B. H. Treat, Charles Owens, F.
MoHenrj, J. H. MoEibben, acted as presidents of the Ljoeum up to 1879.
The Prudential Order of AmericOy Buckeye Lodge No. 16, elected S. 8.
Yoder, Past R, J. N. Haller, E. R, D. G. Cunningham, recorder.
Local Relief Society. — For many years a cQstom has existed through-
out the old cities of the Union to call upon the wealthy, in the fall, to
aid the lees fortunate. This year the custom had to be observed with
more marked liberality than hitherto, owing as much to the great increase
in the population as to the commercial depression, which introduced
itself with the cold season. In November, 1884, the subject of taking
care of the poor of the city was broached by Kev. 1^. Pitman, and the
ladies at once proceeded to organize a relief committee to look after such
as needed assistance. A meeting was held at the Opera House, and an
organization effected, of which Mrs. C. C. Brice is president, Mrs. B. C.
Faurot, vice*pre8ident, Mrs. Theo Mayo, treasurer, and Miss Yinnie Har-
per, secretary. Ward committees were appointed, and the good work
was entered upon without delay. The several benevolent and religioua
societies, always ready to relieve their members, extended the range of
their benevolence, and thus much suffering was obviated entirely, or
reduced to a minimum.
The Principal Buildinge of Lima are the County Court House, the
history of which is given in the organic chapter of the general history, the
Faurot Opera House, Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, First Presby-
terian Church, Church of St Rose and the City Hall. The leading busi-
ness blocks comprise the following named buildings: Anderson, Ashton,
Badeau, Baxter, Bell, Bowdle, Brotherton, Collins, Crall, Crouse, Duf-
field, Fall, Faurot, Heffner, Irish, Jacobs, Eeil, Kendall, Langan,
Masonic, Meily, Metheany, Music, Odd Fellows, Parmenter, Porter, Purt-
Bcher, Sanford, Sants, Shuler, Thompson, Union, Watt New buildings
for stores and offices are already begun or projected. . The residences of
the city are many and beautiful. Along the streets devoted to the
homes of the people, cottage and mansion and grounds all display the
taste of their owners, and convey at once a full idea of what fifty years
of progress have accomplished here.
FauroVa Opera House Building. — In 1879 the idea of erecting a great
commercial building and opera house suggested itself to B. C. Faurot of
Digitized by LjOOQ IC
506 HISTORY OF ALLEN CX)UNTr.
Lima. Plans hj Oscar Cobb of Chicago were prepared, ^and on May 2,
1881, the work of the building was began. Excavations were made on
the nortliwest comer of Main and High Streets by John Yanatta, under
Mr. Faurot's superintendence. The frontage on Main Street is 75 feet,
6 inches, and on High Street 203 feet 8| inches, from which the opera
House proper runs north 105 feet Two large stores, 90 feet deep, front
on Main Street, the bank office occupies the comer of Main and High
Streets, while the first floor on High Street is devoted to stores and offices,
among the latt^ being the business office and composing room of the
Daily Republican,
The Opera House. — This magnificent room of parquette, circles, bal-
conies, Parisian boxes and stage is considered one of the most perfect in
arrangement devoted to music or the drama in this country. The audi-
torium is 65x73^ feet, 56 feet high to apex of dome, and capable of the
admission or exit of 1,400 persons in two minutes; this number being
the limit of its seating capacity. The seats are what is, known as the
Haverly Patent Reversible, with hat-racks and foot-rests. These chairs
are upholstered in imitation of Bussian leather. The style adopted in
finishing the auditorium is composite, being Benaissance and Eastlake,
or what is known as American Benaissanca The frescoes were executed
by T. N. Atwood assisted by O. W. Mitchell, William Bucher, W. D.
Gansden, Ed. L. Baymond, Fred. Lemm, E. C. Tillottson and George
Stowe. The stage is 40x65 feet, 56 feet below the roof, with orchestra
6x36 feei Speaking tubes connect the orchestra, fly-gallery, traps,
ticket-offices, while the gas apparatus (fourteen sets of pipes) is controlled
from the prompter's side. Sun burners, footlights, ground lights, pilot
and main border lights may all be managed at a signal. This impor-
tant division of the work was performed by A. C. Hickey of Chicago.
The drop curtain, painted by E. T. Harvey, represents the Domitian
Chariot Bace in the Maximus at Bome, A. M. 3112. This subject
was chosen by Mr. Faurot, and like his great enterprise, reflects his
wealth of taste. The seventeen sets of scenery are so arranged as to
meet the requirements of the stage in all its phases, and the combination
scenes are no less complete in arrangements. All together point out the
projector and proprietor as one who engaged in a great enterprise and
carried it through to completion, perfect in every part, giving to Lima
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 607
not only a metropolitan bailding, but also an Opera House which takes
a leading place among the great homes of music and drama on this con-
tinent.
The Music Hall in the third story of the Opera House is 80x100 feet,
twenty-four feet high, with a seating capacity of over 1,000. The
entrance, dressing rooms, cloak rooms, supper rooms and kitchen in con-
nection with this hall are perfect in arrangement and furnishing. On
the south end is the platform, while a well arranged swing-gallery
extends along the west, north and east sides, with graded seats. The
richness of the Momo, frescoes, executed by the Italian Pedretti of Gin-
cinnati, is admired by every one.
BXYIXW OF COMMXBCl AND UAXUTJLOTUBMS.
The manufacturing industries of Lima and the great railroad shops
located there, contribute millions of dollars annually to the wealth of the
city and, in fact, of the entire county. A realization of the true value
«
of these mills and factories and work-shops can only come when a cloud
of commercial depression sweeps over the country, and then only when
it drives the leaders of enterprise before it to ruin, or to the refuge which
closing-down affords. Fortunately for Lima, it has escaped the more
dreadful phases of depression in manufacturing circles, and merely
experienced the remote rumblings of the storm which swept over less
favored districts. Here capital has labored earnestly and well to build
up industries, not to enrich the already rich, but rather to provide means
for the working man to earn a competence, and to build up the city.
Lima Paper- Mills Company was organized in 1870 with B. C. Fau-
rot, Q. G. Hackedorn, T. T. Mitchell, Holland and John-
son, members. This industry was conducted by the company for some
years, and a very large trade in straw-board paper established. Mr.
Faurdt purchased the entire control of the factory, and has brought this
important business down to the present time, giving employment to over
100 hands. The buildings and machinery are especially adapted to this
great industry. So perfect in detail is everything . connected with the
mills, that even gas for local use is manufactured, and steam pumps,
hose and cisterns ready in case of fire. Henry Neff has been foreman of
the mills since 1870.
30
Digitized by LjOOQIC
508 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Lima Wheel Company. —This important indostrj was foanded in
1877 and opened in October, of that year, by M. B. Mahnrin and W. H.
Bodeheaver. The branch factory at Ck>ldwater was snbeeqaently opened.
There are ten saws, planers, bending machines and a large stock of spoke
machines. The capacity is aboat 150 sets of wheels per day. This
company's enterprise afforded employment to 100 hands. In January,
1885, J. B. and F. M. Woolsey, of Sandusky, leased the work&
The Ottawa Mills were built in 1856-57 by Mitchell k Mahan, sub-
sequently operated by Musser & Co. until 1868-60, when the late W. B.
Gorton purchased the mills, and conducted them up to January 1, 1885,
when his death occurred. Since that time his sons-in-law — Eugene
Mackenzie and O. W. Myers, have conducted the industry. The capacity
is 125 barrels per day, almost exclusively custom work There are six
hands employed. The machinery is valued at $14,000. The buildings
are good and the location valuable.
Lima Agricultural Works were erected at the corner of Jackson and
Market Streets in 1860, and operated under this name until 1874, when
the Lima Machine Company was incorporated.
Lima Machine Company was incorporated in 1874 with the following
named members: John Cames, J. M. Coe, Fred Agerter, G. W. Dis-
man and Lra P. Cames. At this time the buildings of the Agricultural
Works were extended, and the present main building erected — a bride
structure 200x40 feet, two stories high. There have been several build-
ings erected since that time, every one of which is complete in equip-
ment, and in charge of competent mechanics. The trade of the com-
pany extends throughouf the United States.
Lima Mill Furnishing Company, established in 1881 as the Keller
Purifier Company, was organized in May, 1882, under the present name.
The Keller Purifiers & Bolting Chests form the special products of the
company's works, leaving the extensive manufacture of mill-machinery
and furniture holding the place of general products. The machinery is
Klriven by steam-power supplied from the adjoining works of the Irvine
Wheel Company. L. B. Kohnle is superintendent The works stand on
a five acre tract, and like the Lrvine Wheel Company are complete in
equipment and location. James Lrvine, so prominently associated with
the manufacturing industries of Lima, is president of the company.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 509
The Lima Car Company, is partly the oatoome of local enterprise.
In 1881, a proposition to erect car works here was made, provided,
$10,000 cash and fifteen acres of land were granted. The conditions
were fulfiled, and the Lima Car Company, consisting of Dr. S. A. Bax-
ter, C. S. Brice, Emanuel Schnltz, H. C. Schaberth and W. H. Man-
ning, entered upon the work of construction. The buildings were com-
pleted in January, 1882; the machinery was placed the following month,
and in March, 1882, the work of car-building commenced. Before the
close of the year, about 1,000 cars were built under the superintendenoy
. of George B. F. Cooper, and steady employment offered to 500 mechanics
^d laborers. In the fall of 1882, the buildings were extended and the'
number of employees increased. In June, 1884, the works closed down,
awaiting desirable orders. The capacity is about twelve freight cars per
day, and labor so economized that cars may be manufactured 10 per cent
less than ordinary cost The annual meeting was held January 20,
1885, in Hackedom, Wheeler k Marble's office, when the following named
directors were elected: C. S. Brice, James Irvine, S. A. Baxter, B. N.
Beaver, Dayton; P. H. Griffin, Detroit; S. S. Wheeler and W. E. Hacke-
dom. The following officers were elected: James Irvine, president; W.
E. Hackedom, vice-president; G. L. Marble, secretary and treasurer.
The following gentlemen from abroad were in attendance: B. N. Beaver
and W. H. Manning, Dayton; W. J. Hill, Miamisburg; Dr. S. B. Col-
lins, LaPorte, Indiana; Thomas F. Griffin and P. H. Griffin, Detroit
There was no definite action taken in regard to starting the works, but
there was a general feeling that the works would be started as soon as
practicable.
Lima Iron Fence Company, was organized in June, 1882, with H.
Eibby, president; T. T. Mitchell, vice-president; F. W. Holmes, sec-
retary; Eibby, Mitchell and Dr. Ashton, executive committee; and B. G.
DeVoe, superintendent The fence manufactured is the DeYoe and
Ramsay patent, at once neat and durable. The original building is
50x200, to which other buildings were added in 1882-83. The leading
products are iron fence, cresting, verandas, cellar and window guards,
stair and counter railings, and hitching posts. The iron used is all mal-
leable iron. The directors elected in January, are H. Eibby, J. B.
Ashton, Robert Mehaffey, E. Ashton, T. T. Mitx^hell and James Irvine.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
510 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTF.
In January, 1885, John Games and G. S. Garretson retired from the
Lima Iron Fence Company. The business of the company will be con-
ducted under the same firm name by W. L. Porter, D. E. Fritz, F. X
White and Frank W. Holmes.
Globe Machine Works. — Early in 1882, a company was organized with
B. C. Faurot, president; J. N. Harrington, secretary and treasurer, and
E. W. Cooke, superintendent. The capital was placed at $50,000.
Shortly after organization, a forty-foot square building was erected, and
the manufacture of stationary and portable engines began. The works
stand on the comer of Main and Elm.
Sash and Door Factory of Mauk & Dunan, was established in 1870.
This industry has grown from a very small beginning to be one of the
leading manufacturing houses of Lima. Doors, sash, blinds, brackets
and moldings, are the reading products.
Excelsior Bagging Works Company was incorporated in 1879, with R.
W. Thrift, G. W. Walker, John Melhorn, H. Q. Hadsell and E. B. Halliday
members. The capital was placed at $30,000. The original building
was known as the flax-mill; increased to a building covering 10,000
square feet, and comprising the best machinery for the manufacture of
coarse sacking for baling cotton. This industry employed about sixty
hands.
Lima Bagging Company was incorporated in August, 1882, with Dr.
S. A. Baxter, James Irvine and C. S. Brice, members. The capital was
$100,000. This company purchased the bagging works, and increased
their capacity.
Enterprise Cracker Works Company was organized in the spring of
1882, by H. B. Hackedorn, A. C. Baxter, Jr., and C. M. Hughes, Jr.
The works were opened May 3, 1882, with P. S. McMahon, superinten-
dent. The machinery is very complete, and the men employed good
mechanics. This was incorporated in 1884, with H. B. Hackedorn, pres-
ident.
The Longsworth Handle Factory, on the north end of Jackson Street,
has a daily capacity of about 8,000 handle& Broom, shovel, hoe, fork
and rake handles are shipped from this factory all over the country.
Lima and East Tennessee Marble Company. — This enterprise is the
property of Allen County men, though the works are in Tennessee. At
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 511
the annual meeting of this company, held January 9, 1885, the following
directors were elected: B. Mehaffey, L. Beichelderfer, D. D. Nicholas, W.
W. Williams, S. D. Chambers, Q. W. Myers.. The following ofl&cers
were alsoelected: President R. Mehaffdy ; Vice-President, S. D, Chambers;
Secretary, Q. W. Myers; Treasurer, L. Beichelderfer; Superintendent,
D. D. Nicholas.
Ohio Egg Case Company was incorporated in November, 1884. The
board of directors: M. Seiberling, of Upper Sandusky; William Harris,
of Union City; M. Thomas, Dr. S. A. Baxter, O. L. Parmenter, L. Beich-
elderfer, and Jamee Irvine. The board organized by the election of the
following officers: President, M. Seiberling; Vice-President, M. Thomas;
Secretary, G. L. Marble. O. L. Parmenter was elected Manager, and L.
Beichelderfer, Treasurer. The capital stock is placed at $10,000.
Lima Egg Case Company. On the 24th of April, 1888, a patent was
granted Orvi lie L. Parmenter, of Cincinnati, on an egg and fruit carrier^
and to-day they are being manufactured in Lima, the only manufactory
of this special article in the United States. There was at that time another
at Chicago; but the articles manufactured were different from the *' Par-
menter case." The firm was composed of B. C. Faurot, J. N. Harring-
ton, with O. L. Parmenter, as superintendent Their rooms, which are
large, airy and commodious, are located in the second story of the Olobe
Machine Works, and every inch of space utilized to its best advantage.
The company manufactured its own straw-board, at the Lima paper-mills,
and will use about three tons of that article per diem, when in full run-
ning order. The article manufactured is a very simple contrivance, being
a tray for packing eggs and fruits for shipment The straw board is
received at.the manufactory in bundles and sheets, and run tlirough a
number of machines, that out and slot them ready to be fitted together.
This establishment gives employment to a large number of hands.
The Coss Manufacturing Company, was established at Lima in 1882.
The Coss Bros, made propositions to the -Lima people to locate here,
provided certain aid was given them in the way of land and cash dona-
tions. This was promptly done by enterprising citizens, and the firm
erected several substantial brick buildings. The machinery was placed
in position, and in February, 1883, active work commenced. The works
closed down in August, 1883, for a short time. Since that the establish-
ment has been operated continuously.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
512 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Irvine Wheel Company was established in 1871 by James Irvine k
Co., and conducted by Mr. Irvine until 1880; when the present company
was organized. The manufacture of spokes, hubs, wheel material and
plow beams formed the leading features of this establishment. The com-
pany had a very extensive trade. Geo. A. Heffner was superintendent of
the shops. In 1884 the Western Wood Fibre Company purchased the
mill.
Enterprise Stave Works at the junction of the railroads in South
Lima, is devoted to the manufacture of pork barrel staves, tierce and
general barrel staves, with a capacity of about 5,000,000 staves annually.
To i>r. Baxter and James Muir, the establishment of this industry is due.
It gives employment to about seventy men. Dr. Baxter is sole owner of
the works.
Craig Feed Mill on East Market Street, is devoted to the manufacture
of bran and mill feed. Added to a good local trade, this mill claims a
large shipping business.
The Lima Handle Factory was founded by O. D. Oray, on Spring
Street, with a capacity of 1,800 handles per day, giving employment to
twenty men.
Sash and Door Factory of W. Atmur & Son, was established in
March, 1882. The building and machinery are specially designed for
the company's work.
The Schultheis Tannery was established in pioneer times as men-
tioned in the history of first industries. The buildings were purchased
by W. Schultheis in 1863 from John Schultheis, who purchased them from
Mr. Hoover. Mr. Schultheis has conducted the works since 1863, giving
employment to about sixteen men annually, together with salesmen. The
trade extends throughout the State. There are 5,000 hides manufactured
annually. The leather and finding store at the corner of Main and
Public Square was established in 1870.
Bimel & Son's Carriage Works. — In 1872 Jackson & Davidson estab-
lished a carriage factory on Tanner and Market Streets; which was con-
tinued until 1881. when L. Bimel & Son of St Mary's, Ohio, purchased
the concern. Since that time this industry has increased rapidly. A
large force of skilled mechanics is employed.
Com Canning Factory. — In November, 1881, H. B. Kelley, of
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 513
Lebanon, Ohio, visited Lima to porchase dried com. He met Mr. Faorot,
to whom he explained his business. This conyersation resulted in: his
leasing from Mr. Faorot and others 80() acres of land in West Lima,
and in the fall of 1882 erected a bailding on the Fanrot tract, with a
floor area of 20,000 sqnare feet; and placed machinery therein capable
of turning out 35,000 cans of com daily. This industry gave employ-
ment to about 100 hands. The works are now operated by Fisher & Co.,
of Cincinnati, as a fruit canning factory.
Packing House, meat market and grain elevator of King & Day*, just
north of the P. Ft. W. & C. B. B., on Main Street, is an important in*
dustry. As a combined trading and manufacturing house, it is the
pioneer of its kind in this city.
Porter's Oil Works and manufacturers' agency, may be classed amojig
the industries, since the large trade which he conmiands, the great quan-
tity of material handled, and the opportunities offered to local manufac-
turers as well as buyers, give to his establishment a place generally held
by the manufacturer.
Lima Elevator, owned by T. S. Gilliland, is a building 80x30 feet,
located near the packing house of Day & King. Over 5,000 bushels of
grain are handled daily. The egg packing establishment has a capacity
of 200 barrels per day.
Zimmerman's Brewery was established in 1878, by Michael Zimmer-
man, and buildings were erected just beyond the Lima Paper Mills, the
same year. This was the pioneer brewery of Michael Wolf, who estab-
lished it in 1848. Joseph Wolf and Qenry Betts succeeded Mr. Wolf,
8r. The interest in this building was purchased by Fred Bost, in 1866,
who conducted it until 1878. The capacity is about the same as West
Street Brewery.
West Street Brewery was founded by Lewis Thomas about 1856. Mr.
Thomas conducted the brewery from that time to March, 1875, when
Charles Duval purchased the building for $2,800. The old brewery was
operated by horsepower. In 1875, Mr. Duval introduced steam power,
and refurnished the establishment. The capacity is about 5,000 barrels
annually. The value of the property is about $12,000. This industry
employs about five men.
East End Milling Company was organized in August, 1882, for the
Digitized by LjOOQIC
614 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
purpose of rebuilding the East & Lewis Floaring-Mills, destroyed bj
fire about that time. The incorporators were David East, H. W. Lewis,
James Irvine, B. C. Fanrot, S. W. Moore, George Fetter, S. A. Baxter,
L MoJunkin, John O'Connor, W. fl. Harper, R. E. Jones, and G^rge
W. Overmjer. This corporation never materialized. The ruins of the
old mill stand, and the intentions of enterprise in this matter are un-
known. George Fetter and Henry Boos now own the property.
Lima Gas Works Company was organized in 1871, by W. R Gorton, Dr.
S. A. Baxter, C. S. Brice, C. Parmenter, Judge C. M. Hughes and others, in
response to an almost unanimous vote of the citizens in favor of the es-
tablishment of gas light On January 3, 1872, the city was first lighted.
The total investment approximates $225,000. Since reorganization, the
company has been controlled by C. S. Brice and Dr. S. A. Baxter, Jr.
The officers of the company are: C. S. Brice, president; S. A. Baxter,
general manager; A. C. Baxter, Jr., secretary; W. H. Gibson, superin-
tendent; C. M. Hughes, Jr., treasurer; with C. S. Brice, S. A. Baxter,
W. E. Hackedorn, A. C. Baxter, Jr., and C. M. Hughes, Jr., a board of
directors.
The grounds have 216 feet front on Jackson Street and the D. & M.
B. R. Next to the railroad is the immense coal shed 216 feet long by
36 wide. Next to this is the retort house, 68x34, and east of it is the
main building containing condenser room, 16x34; purifying room, 34x34;
lime room, 16x18; meteor room, 16x16; and the center seal room, 34x34.
In addition there are the office and governor house, 36x20, and valve
house, 8x10. The buildings are^ ut up in the most substantial manner,
and are all fire-proof, being built of brick, stone and iron, and roofed
with slate. The new gas holder is 60 feet in diameter and 18 feet deep,
having a capacity of 60,000 cubic feet The old holder, which is still
used as an adjunct to the new one, is 42x18, with a holding capacity of
20,000 cubic feet The retort house contains a stack of four benches of
five retorts each, 'giving a gas making capacity of 200,000 feet per day.
There are seventeen miles of gas mains laid down. The iron work of
all kinds, including the gas holder, was put up in a most efficient man-
ner by the Kerr Murrey Manufacturing Company, of Ft. Wayne. The
fire brick work was done by Taylor & Anderson, of Cincinnati; brick
work by Fomhoff & Son, and Lewis Boysell; carpenter work, by James
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 615
McKinney; slate roof, by John Hutton; excavation, by John Yannatta
and William Momangh; steam and water fittings, by Lou Honter.
The Dayton & Michigan Eailroad shops were established at Lima in
1858, on a 115,000 bonus, and work was began therein by sixty men
noder Theodore Mayo, in 1859. In 1865, twenty years ago, John Black
was appointed master mechanic. In 1880 the car shops were enlarged,
and in 1881 the machine shops were extended. The number of employees
was increased to about 325 hands. The machinery is perfect, and the
buildings first-class. The area devoted to this industry is eight acres.
The county contributed $100,000 in aid of this railroad.
The Lake Erie & Western Railroad shops won from the county about
$85,000 bonus, $25,000 bonus to the car works, and $90,000 toward the con-
struction of the road itself. The Lake Erie & Western shops are situated
between the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad depot and the Lima Car Shops.
The machine shop is 90x160 feet ; the carpenter shop is the same size,
while the houses occupied by blacksmiths and painters, as well as engine
room and roundhouse, are all commodious.
BAILBOADS.
The history of the various roads entering Lima is given in the gen-
eral history of the county, p. 397.
The first schedule train over the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad
entered Lima at 1:30 P. M., May 1, 1883. W. H. Much, of Huntington,
Ind., purchased the first ticket from F. McCoy, the first agent here. The
roundhouse of this road is opposite the depot
Lima Street Railroad Company. — ^This company was organized in June,
1878, with George Jameson president and Frederick Agerter secretary.
The company's lines run from the Fort Wayne depot west on Wayne to
Main, south on Main to Market, and west on Market to the stables
beyond the city limits. In winter, sleighs take the place of street cara
The fare is 5 cents, and the trips from 7 A. M. to 10 P. M., regular.
BANKS.
The Allen County Bank was organized in 1867 with $800,000 capital;
and continued until the establishment of the Lima National Bank.
First National Bank was founded in 1872. Directors, C. S. Brice,
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516 . HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
J. W. King, S. A. Baxter, L. Beichelderf er, J. M. Coe and W. L. Porter.
President^ S. A. Baxter; Vice-President, C. S. Brioe; Cashier, 0. M
Hogbes, Jr.
Merchants' National Bank was organized Noyember 17, 1880, with R.
Mehaffey, President; J. H. Dagae, Vice-President, and B. W. Thrift,
Jr., Cashier. The capital stock is 150,000. Sorplns fond, $5,300. A
general banking business is well oondacted while the collection depart-
ment is prompt Directors, B. Mehaffey, J. H. Dagae, W. H. Standish,
R W. Thrift, I. Q. Hall, C. S. Brice and S. D. Crites.
The City Bank was organized in 1874
Lima National Bank. — ^This banking hoose, to which reference b
made in other pages, is bne of the leading financial institations of the
State. The officers elected in January, 1885, are: Directors, W. H. Har-
per, B. C. Faurot, J. Wise, George Fetter, James McBeth, S. W. Moore
and I. T. Moore; President, B. C. Faurot; Vice-Prnsident, 8. W. Moore;
Cashier, F. L. Langan.
CHAPTER XXIV.
PERRY TOWNSHIP.
THIS tovmship was established by the County Board in December,
1833, and organized at the house of Joseph Crossley in April, 1834.
Hugh Skilling, Sr., John Ridenour and Joseph Crossley were elected
trustees; Moses McDonald, justice of the peace, and James Chenoweth,
clerk. At this time the northeastern sections of Jackson Township, as
originally set off from Congressional Township 4 south, Range 7 east,
were detached and added to Perry, giving the new towhship her full
area. The population is 1,465 or about forty inhabitants to the square
mile. The centers of settlement are Warsaw, Amherst and South War-
saw, all in the southern portion of the township. Westminster, in Au-
glaize Towniship, is the market town for residents in the east^n portion of
Perry. There are church buildings erected by the Lutherans, southeast
comer of Section 18; Methodist, southwest corner of Section 17; west
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PERRY TOWNSHIP. • 517
^senter of Section 14; northwest comer of Section 29; west corner of Sec-
tion 25; one in Section 35, west of Cherrv Grove Chorch, on same sec-
tion, and Disciples Ohnrch, in northwest quarter of Section 34. A ref-
erence to the school statistics, shows the advanced condition of school
interests. As good quality of stone is found in the northern sections of
Perry.
PIONEER&
The settlement of Perry may be said to date from the year 1880.
When John Bidenour arrived in Perry Township, in 1830, be found the
eounty almost a wilderness, occupied largely by the Shawnees along Hog
Oreek, and in the village in Shawnee Township, with here and there a
white family. He succeeded In erecting a cabin after traveling many
miles to gather a few hands to help at the raising. After that time it
was quite conunon to be visited by the Shawnee hunters. The old chief
<)uilna often came to his cabin. Pht and other influential red men paid
him frequent visits, and were very friendly and seemingly harmless.
When the Shawnees left in 1832 Mr. Bidenour obtained a pony for-
merly owned by the family of Pht, which had been given Andrew Bus-
sell for paling in the grave of the chief, and which survived to the great age
of twenty-eight years. The forests were heavily timbered, and Mr. Bide-
nour performed a great deal of labor in clearing up his farm. Even in
1840 the township presented a very primitive appearanca Several rem-
iniscences point out the fact that although almost all the lands were
taken up at that time, the work of improvement was carried on slowly.
In 1836 James C. Hullinger settled in Auglaize Township, and in 1840,
erected a cabin on Section 25, Perry Township, and commenced improve-
ments. His nearest neighbors at that time were Isaac Schooler, one and
a half miles west, Moses McCoy, Elijah McOoy, John Shockey, and
Thomas Philips. The first schoolhouse was built on Section 25 in 1844,
and taught by John Terry. The first mill was in Auglaize Township,
two and a half miles away. The pioneers generally had to go to Chero-
kee to mill. The names of those who actually held property in the town-
ship in 1884, are given in the assessment roll for that year in the history
of settlement and occupation.
LIST OF ORIGINAL ENTRIES.
In the following roll of purchasers of United States lands in this
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518
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
township all namee and dates are given, as shown in daplicate of United
States Land Receiver's record. The record is a simple history of ihe
settlement of this township.
Isaac Constant section 1, 1833.
Benjamin Hutchison, section 1, 1836.
' Wm. Hawthorne, section 1. 1835.
Asa French, section 1, 1833.
John Rickner, section 1, 1836.
Hudson Watt, section 2. 1835.
Peter Zinn, section 2, 1835.
James T. MiUer, section 2. 1833.
George Maxson, section 2, 1839.
Richard B. Marshall, section 2, 1836.
John Lybarger, section 2, 1834.
Wm. C. Osborn, section 2, 1834.
David C. French, section 2, 1835.
James Daniels, section 2, 1833.
Samuel Seevers, section 3, 1833.
Charles Mann^ section 3, 1834.
John Hay, section 3, 1833.
Nathaniel Evey, section 3, 1833.
Robert Young, section 3, 1833.
Matthew Dobbins, section 3, 1834.
Daniel Losh, section 3, 1833.
Daniel Grindle, section 3, 1833.
Lewis Whisman, section 3, 1834. -
Matthew Dobbins, section 4, 1834.
George Rankin, section 4. 1884.
Wm. Terry, section 4. 1833.
Robert Terry, section 4, 1883.
Edward Parker, section 4, 1833.
Wm. Lippincott, section 4, 1838.
Joseph Crossley, section 4, 1884.
Wm. Hunter, section 4. 1833.
♦David Ridenour. section 7, 1831.
John P. Mitchell, section 7, 1834.
Alexander Beatty, section 7, 1834.
Joseph Geddes, section 7, 1834.
George Swinehart, section 7, 1832.
James McCuUough, section 7, 1833.
Elias Bervin, section 7, 1834.
George Aunsbaugh, section 7. 1832.
Andrew Budd, section 8, 1835.
Nicholas Faze, section 8, 1833.
Jacob D. Long, section 8, 1833.
George B. Frye, section 8, 1835.
Michael Gantz, section 8, 1833.
John Ridenour, section 8, 1831.
Matthew Dobbins, section 8,'l884.
Wm. Hunter, section 9, 1834.
Daniel Shuler, section 0, 1834.
Wm. A. Van Horn, section 9. 1834.
Samuel Funk, section 9, 1833.
George Swinehart, section 9, 1833.
Martin Funk, section 9, 1838.
Joseph Tapscott, section 10. 1885.
John McPheron, section 10, 1834.
Samuel Bowman, section 10, 1884.
George Rankin, section 10, 1836.
Levi Swan, section 10, 1834. '
William McPheron, section 10, 1834.
James McPheron, section 10, 1834.
James H. Daniels, section 11, 1885.
Levi Henry Swan, section 11, 1834.
vJames Chenoweth, section 11, 1884.
Samuel Lippincott, section 11, 1884.
€^rge Lippincott, section 11, 1834.
Joseph Clum, section 11, 1885.
George Hanthorn, section 11, 1834.
James Franklin, section 11, 1884.
Gustavud Swan, section 12, 1885.
Z. Haines, section 12, 1834. -
George Marrs, section 12, 1885.
Joseph Lippincott, section 12, 1884.
Charles Mann, section 12, 1884.
Z. Haines, section lit, 1888.
Alexander Creps, section 13, 1886.
Daniel Ditzler, section 18, 1835.
Charles Mann, section 13, 1884.
George Sever, section 18, 1888.
Elizabeth Marrs, section 13, 1883.
Nicholas D. Maus, section 13. 1888.
Gustavus Swan, section 14, 1835.
Jesse Huffman, section 14, 1883.
Jacob Ice, section 14, 1833.
Moses McDonald, section 15, 1884.
Curtis Willey. section 15, 1834.
Joseph Tapscott section 15. 1885.
Thos. B. Van Horn, section 15, 1886.
Tyler Cummin, section 15, 1885.
Samuel Slater, section 15, 1885.
Valentine Shuler, section 16, 1854.
Daniel Bower, section 16, 1854.
*SectioD8 5 and 6 are referred to In the history of Ottawa Township, to which portions of them were
attached in 1857.
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PERRY TOWNSHIP.
619
Eno8 Pearson, section 16, 1854.
Ross Crosslej. section 16, 1854.
Alex. McPheron, section 16, 1854.
David McPheron, section 16, 1854.
James Shockey, section 16, 1854.
James Shockey, section 16. 1854.
David Franklin, section 16, 1854.
Wm. S. Rose, section 16. 1854.
Hugh SkiUing, section 16, 1854.
Andrew Budd, section 17, 1884.
Hugh Skilling, section 17. 1884.
Thomas Clayton, section 17, 1885.
Wm. McEibben, section 18, 1884.
George B. Frye, section 18. 1885.
Wm. Mechling, section 18, 1888.
Lewis Mechling, section 18, 1888.
Elias Bowers, section 10, 1884.
Demas Adams, section 19, 1884.
Joseph Crosby, section 20, 1888.
Joseph Crosby, Jr., section 20, 1888.
Thomas B. Van Horn, section 20, 1886.
Elias Bowers, section 20, 1884.
Martin Crumrine, section 20, 1885.
John M. Ramsey, section 21, 1888.
Saul Faulkner, section 21. 1888.
John Colvln, section 21, 1888.
Samuel Ridenour, section 21, 1882.
Huldah Crosby, section 21, 1888.
George Colvin, section 21, 1888.
Thomas Franklin, section 22, 1885.
Samuel P. Tingle, section 22. 1885.
Demas Adams, section 22, 1886.
Wm. McPheron, section 22, 1885.
James E. Caldwell, section 22, 1885.
Andrew Moore, section 22, 1888.
Andrew Caldwell, section 22. 1885.
John W. Caldwell, section 22. 1885.
Demas Adams, section 28, 1886.
Jacob Ice, section 28, 1888.
Thomas Franklin, section 28. 1885.
Wm. Summersett, section 28. 1888.
Wm. Stevenson, section 28, 1884.
Charles Mann, section 24, 1884.
Andrei McCoy, section 24, 1888.
Alf. W. Hicks, section 24, 1836.
Isaac S. Smith, section 24, 1886.
John L. Stevenson, section 24, 1884.
Joseph H. Fairfield, section 24. 1884.
Wm. Harbour, section 25, 1884.
Wm. Wical, section 25. 1885.
Jacob Hullinger, section 25, 1886.
Isaac W. Shannon, section 25, 1887.
Wm. Stevenson, section 25. 1884.
Lewis Chapman, section 25, 1886.
Mary Harbour, section 25, 1886.
Thomas Crooks, section 25, 1886.
Wm. Stevenson, section 26, 1884.
Daniel Jacobs, section 26, 1886.
Cadwallader Jacobs, section 26, 1885.
John Jacobs, section 26, 1884.
Isaac Schooler, section 26, 1888.
Hannah Kent, section 26, 1881.
Isaac Schooler, section 27, 1884.
Andrew Caldwell, section 27, 1885.
Jeptha White, section 27, 1888.
John Logan, section 27, 1888.
David Logan, section 27, 1884.
Eli Logan, section 27, 1888.
John G. Penton, section 27, 1885.
John W. Caldwell, section 27, 1885.
Alfred Logan, section 27, 1884.
Andrew Moore, section 27, 1888.
Andrew Moore, section 28. 1885.
Eli Logan, section 28, 1885.
John Colvin, section 28, 1888.
John F. Strickler. section 28. 1886.
John Strickler, section 28, 1884.
George Colvin, section 28, 1888.
Samuel D. Yoorhis, section 28, 1885.
Wm. Martin, section 28, 1885.
Wm. Ulery. section 28, 1884.
Wm. Martin, section 29, 1885.
Rufus Moore, section 29, 1885.
John Wesley Starr, section 29, 1886.
John Colvin, section 29, 1838.
David Ulery. section 29, 1885.
Samuel W. Mechling, section 80, 1885.
Wm. Mechling, section 80, 1885.
Matthew Cretcher. Sr., section 81, 1885.
Jesse Belknap, section 81, 1885.
Philip Munich, section 81, 1885.
Miles Cowan, section 31, 1835.
Elizabeth Davis, section 31, 1835.
Henry Dehart, section 82, 1886.
Wm. Ulery, section 82, 1836.
Wm. Barton, section 32, 1834.
John Stevenson, section 32, 1884.
James Taylor, section 32, 1834.
Matthew Cretcher. Sr., section 82, 1835.
Wm. Ulery, section 83. 1834.
Abelard Guthrie, section 33. 1840.
Henry Stoddard, section 83, 1832.
Valentine Ulery, section 33, 1834.
Lewis Mills Wilson, section 83, 1833.
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620 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Wm. Barton, section 88, 1882. Wm. Wonnell. section 85, 1885.
John Stephenson, section 88, 1884. Jonathan Stiles, section 85, 1884. ^
Cornelius Voorhis. section 84, 1884. Augustus Curtis, section 85, 1882.
John Gibbons Penton, section 84, 1885. John Jacobs, section 85, 1885.
Wm. Chaffee, section 84, 1886. Andrew C. Blac, section 85, 1882.
Valentine Ulery, section 84, 1884. Thomas Phillips, section 36, 1888.
Andrew C. Black, section 84, 1882. Isaac Shockej, section 86, 1880. -^
Charles Graham, section 84, 1884. Michael Harrod, section 86, 1884.
Wm. Harbour, section 85, 1881. Wm. Wonnell, section 86, 1885.
Abner Harbour, section 85, 1884. Isaac Stewart, section 86, 1882.
80HOOLB.
The first school in Perry was presided over by Leonard Skilling, in
1885. The same year a schoolhonse was erected on Section 8, located
on the Bndd farm. Mr. Hnllinger, a settler of 1840, states that a school-
honse was bnilt on Section 25, in 1844, where John Terry was employed
as teacher. The advances made by the people in educational matters
within the last half century are shown in the following statistics for
1884: Bevenne, $2,948.72; expenditure 12,860.78. There are eight
school buildings, valued at 12,800. Fifteen teachers are employed.
The number of pupils is 868 — 189 boys, 174 girls. In addition
to the township schools there is the Perr^ special district, of which
the following statistics are given: The receipts for 1884 were $1,852.77;
expenditures $875. There are two schoolhouses, valued at $2,600.
During the year thirty. nine teachers were employed, of whom only two
taught the entire year. The number of pupils enrolled is ninety-six —
forty-three boys and fifty-three girls.
SOUTH WARSAW VILLAGE.
South Warsaw, on Section 35, Perry, was regularly laid out, but never
rose above a small hamlet The little village comprises nine blocks of
twenty lots, along the south bank of the Auglaize. A postoffice was es-
tablished here, imd in the neighborhood are a few church buildings.
The little settlement known as Warsaw, is situated on Section 27.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Amherst, Sections 27, 28, 33 and 84, Perry Township, was platted^
but like the other settlements, ceased its growth then. The original
plat comprised twenty-one lots, north of Mulberry Street, and east of
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 621
Market Street Beam's Addition lies sonth of Mnlbeny, east of Market
and north of Sycamore.
The Chicago & Atlantic Railroad passes through the most northerly
sections of Perry Township from east to west The only postoffice in
the township is South Warsaw.
CHAPTER XXV.
RICHI^AND TOWNSHIP.
RICHLAND, in Towns 1 and 2 south, Bange 8 east, is still a tim-
bered land. Here, the streams known as Biley and Little Biley
Creeks have their sources. In this township also are found the head wa-
ters of Sugar Creek. Bemains of beaver-dams and spring swales are nu-
merous. The arable land is rolling and admirably adapted to all the
purposes of agriculture, even the small area of marsh- land is capable of
high cultivation. The groves of hardwood trees are large, and the water-
power, afforded by the creeks named above, most valuable. The water-
lime and Niagara formations found throughout the township are treated
of in the pages devoted to the Economical Qeology^of the county, as the
quarries of Blufflon and neighborhood form one of the leading industries.
There are two stone quarries near the L. E. & W. B. B. depot at
Bluffton, operated by John Bates and Bichler Ghreenwold. The quarries
are excavated to a depth of about 20 feet. The quarries on the east side
of the town, near the narrow gauge depot are worked by Ira M. Thomp-
son and L. Seidel. The heaviest stone produced ranges from six to eight
inches in thickness. The stone quarries in the neighborhood of Bluffton
are numerous and valuabla
The population in 1880 was 8,872 including 858 in Bluffton. It is
safe to estimate the increase within the past four years at 400, which
would bring the number of inhabitants, at present up to 8,772 or about
90 to the square mile.
ORGANIZATION.
This township was organized in 1885 under authority granted
by the commissioners of Putnam County on the petition of David
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522 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Miller and others. Henry Shank and Daniel Goble were the first jnsticee
of the peace, Henrj Garter, constable. In February, 1848, on the
organization of Auglaize, the southern tier of sections in Township 1,
Bange 8, was taken from Biley Township, Putnam County, and attached
to Bichland, thus giving it an area of 42 square miles.
Pioneer History, — The early settlers of Bichland were not backwoods-
men previous to their coming here. They were from a region cleared
by their fathers, and were little accustomed to the use of the ax. To
them a heavy growth of timber and the great fallen trees were formid-
able. A tree was not then, as now, a little mine of wealth — ^it was a
nuisance to be rid of, and to the task of destroying the forest and 8ub«
jugating the wilderness the pioneers applied themselves assiduously.
Henry Carter in his reminiscences of fifty years ago, states that he came
to Putnam County in 1834, and located in what is now Bichland Town*
ship. David Miller, a shoe-maker, and a very useful man, just in from
Bichland County, was very enthusiastic for the organization of the new
township, and quite active, and through his zeal and influence the town-
ship was erected, and named after his former county — Bichland. The
first justices were Henry Shank and Daniel Goble. Mr. Carter was
elected the first constable. People were poor, everybody avoided litiga-
tion, and all seemed willing to help their neighbors and preserve the
peace. The pioneers, in every direction, comm^nced to clear the forest,
erect new cabins, and welcome all new neighbors to the township. Men
did not lag behind, but with strong arms and resolute hearts, set to work
levelling the forests and preparing fields for culture. It was but a few
years until many of the comforts of civilized life began to reward their
toil and hardships. In due time they were joined in their labors by
Henry Shank, Joseph Cokenour, Caleb and Josiah Gaskel, Samuel Gaskel,
John Camahan, Joseph Deford,on present site of the village of Bluffton;
on Section 12, John McHenry, Green McHenry and Isaac McHenry.
These persons are all deceased. The first schoolhouse was built on
Little Biley Creek. It was a log-cabin and the teacher is believed to
have been Franklin Smith. The first preaching was in a cabin at Budd
Gaskel's. The first mill was on Biley Creek, a little corn-cracker owned
by Joseph Deford. In 1834 deer, turkeys and raccoons were very
plentiful.
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NEW YOPRK
^PUBLIC LIBRARyl
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 625
In Daniel Milliken's reminisoences he refers to Jacob Shall, Lonis
Boberts and James Woods as the snrviyors of pioneer days, and to the
following named old settlers : James Van Meter, James Lippincott,
Samuel Lippinoott, David Freet, William B. Rookhill, Thomas Bookhill,
Alexander Stewart, Stephen Cook and Jefferson Y^ner. These were
old settlers near Bookport and Beaver Dam. In Biohland Township, an
early sohoolhoose was Hilty's, and the first teacher, William Bedding.
The first church, Methodist Episcopal, at Bookpori The first horse
mill at Bockport, owned by Isaac Parker.
Lewis Jennings, who came with his parents to Allen County in 1886
and settled in Bichland in 1852, states that the neighbors within two
miles at that time were Tobias Woods, Benjamin Meek, John Shina-
berry, John Dick^rson, Clements Smeltz, Joseph Fnrshee, John Murray,
and Bichard Hall. The first school-house in his district was built in
1852 ; the first church was at Blufiton.
The following record of land buyers in the northern tier of sections,
originally belonging to Putnam County, and of those who purchased
lands in Township 2 south, Bange 8 east, establishes the history of settle-
ment Again the tax roll of 1884, given in the pioneer chapter covert
almost al) the names entitled to appear among the pioneers of the orig-
inal township.
Township I South, Bange 8 East
John LukehiU, Jr., section 81, 1886. Randolph Witmer, section 8i 1834.
Henry Shank, section 81, 1886. John Shoemaker, section 84, 1885.
Evan Ogden, section 81, 1885. Michael Neiswander, section 84, 1888.
John Amstutz, section 81, 1884. John Stoner, section 85, 1885.
Christian Basinger, section 82, 1888. John Welty, section 85, 1885.
Wm. M. Atkins, section 82, 1888. John Steiner, section 85, 1885.
John Stout, section 82, 1888. Hugh Lee, section 85, 1888.
Wm. J. Wilson, section 82, 1884. Green McHenry, section 85, 1885.
John Weaver, section 82, 1888. Thomas Elder, section 85, 1888.
Daniel B. Henderson, section 82, 1885. John Elder, section 85, 1888.
Isaac Cooper, section 82, 1884. Robert Fenton, section 86, 1885.
Christian Steiner, section 88, 1885. James Williams, section 86, 1886.
Uhrich Amstutz, section 88, 1884. Armstrong Allen, section 86, 1886.
John Sigafoose, section 88, 1885. John Darraugh, section 86. 1885.
Thomas Gray, section 8)1, 1882. John Neiswander, section 86, 1886.
Lucius Hubbard, section 88, 1884. Jacob Clover, section 86, 1888.
Abraham Ritter, section 88, 1886. Isaac McHenry, section 86, 1884.
Simon Basinger, section 84, 1835.
Township 2 Soath, Range 8 East
James Purdy, section 1, 1884. Joseph Deford, section 1, 1882.
Samuel Viers, section 1, 1885. Cynthia Purdy, section 1, 1884.
31
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626
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
John Purdy, section 1, 1884.
Joseph Jones section 1, 1883.
Samuel Deford, section 2, 1885.
Thomas Elder, section 2, 1888.
Daniel L. Goble, section 2, 1886.
John Carnahan, section 2, 1884.
John G. Staiger, section 2, 1885.
Hugh Lee, section 2, 1888.
Christian Stoner, section 2, 1886.
John Winans, section 8, 1888.
John Lugibihl, section 8, 1884.
Ullery Basinger, section 8, 1888.
Christian Neiswander, section 8, 1885.
Hugh Lee, section 8, 1886.
Jonathan Y. Sackett, section 4, 1888.
John Shoemaker, section 8, 1886.
Ulerick Nelswander, section 8, 1884.
Jonathan Y. Sackett, section 4, 1888.
Peter Garber, section 4, 1886.
Christian Lugibihl, section 4, 1884.
Christian Shoemaker, section 4, 1886.
' Peter Stoner, section 4, 1885.
Daniel B. Henderson, section 5, 1885.
Abraham Saibre, section 5, 1884.
Abijah Jones, section 5, 1884.
John Bakehom, section 5, 1886.
John Shoemaker, section 5, 1886.
Christian Saibre, section 6, 1884.
Daniel Gray, section 6, 1885.
James Turner, section 6. 1887.
John Bakehom, section 6, 1886.
Adam Van Meter, section 6, 1885.
John Feathingill, section 6, 1885.
David Bogart, section 6, 1885.
Hamilton Davis, section 7, 1886.
Thomson A. Longane, section 7, 1886.
Peter Musser, section 7, 1884.
Peter Ogan, section 7, 1836.
James H. Marshall, section 7, 1885.
George Bushong, section 7, 1884.
John Blocher, section 8, 1885.
Daniel Blocher, section 8, 1884.
John Farmwalt, section 8, 1884.
Nehemiah Miller, section 8. 1886.
Christian Musser, section 8, 1884.
Christian Bucher, section 9, 1834.
Peter Bixler, section 9, 1835.
John Maur, section 9, 1834.
Emanuel Hostetter, section 9, 1884.
Wolrick Ashelman, section 10, 1886.
David Williams, section 10, 1885.
Ulrick Neiswander, section 10, 1884.
Peter Bixler, section 10, 1848.
Christian Hilty, section 10, 1845.
John Camahan, section 11, 1884.
Elias Hutchison, section 11, 1888.
Budd Gaskel, section 11, 1885.
John G. Staiger, section 11, 1885.
Wolrick Ashelman, section 11, 1886.
Jacob Deplar, section 11, 1885.
Henry Carter, section 11, 1885.
Josiah Gaskel, section 11. 1884.
Daniel L. Goble, section 12, 1884.
John Ohler, section 12, 1888.
Green McHenry, section 12, 1888.
John Camahan, section 12, 1884.
John Watson, section 12, 1888.
Joseph Casey, section 18. 1888.
Joseph Grover, section 18, 1886.
Jacob F. Huber, section 18, 1886.
Demas Adams, section 18, 1886.
Daniel Purdy, section 18, 1834.
Jas. H. Aberthy, section 18, 1885.
Theobold Reimemenn, section 13, 1886.
Demas Adams, section 14, 1886.
David Williams, section 14, 1885.
Joseph Bookwater, section 14, 1884.
Abraham Bookwater, section 14, 1884.
Moses Adams, section 15, 1884.
James Elliott, section 15, 1885.
Joseph Gillespie, section 15, 1885.
John Goble, section 15, 1885.
Wm. Hall, Jr., section 15, 1836.
Peter Garber, section 15, 1886.
John Depler, section 15, 1835.
John Schifferly, section 15, 1884.
David H. Miller, section 15, 1834.
Christian Snyder, section 16, 1852.
Xaver Fechty, section 16, 1852.
Abram Zurfluch, section 16, 1852.
Christian Amstutz, section 16, 1852.
David Bandy, section 16, 1852.
John H. Meily, section 16, 1852.
Samuel Hauenstein section 16, 1852.
Samuel Hochsetler, section 16. 1852.
John Bohrer, section 16, 1852.
Michael Herold, section 16, 1852.
Christian A. Amstutz, section 16, 1852.
Clementz Woriyman, section 16, 1852.
Christian W. Ainstutz, section 16, 1852.
Francis Glover, section 17, 1835.
David Freat, section 17, 1885.
John Marshall, section 17, 1835.
David Freat, section 18, 1835.
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.
627
Wm. Oberlander, section 18, 1885.
Jonathan Button, section 18. 1838.
Wm. Hosford, Jr., section 18, 1888.
John Sprout, section 18, 1886.
John Marshall, section 10, 1846.
Jonathan S. Black, section 10, 1886.
James H. Marshall, section 10, 1885.
Job Combs, section 19, 1885.
Matthew E. Majbeny, section 19, 1886.
Luke Tipton, section 19, 1886.
John B. Wamsley, section 19, 1886.
Henry Stull, section 20, 1886.
Margaret Galloway, section 20, 1886.
Geo. Galloway, section 20, 1836.
James H. Marshall, section 20, 1886.
Joseph Coughenon, section 21, 1834.
Frederick Gratz. section 21, 1886.
John Luke, section 21. 1885.
Isaac L. Tharp, secUon 21, 1835.
George Lawbaugh, section 21, 1834.
Daniel L. Goble, section 22, 1835.
Ebenezer Goble, section 22, 1834.
David Williams, section 22, 1835.
Jacob ScWfferly, section 22, 1835.
John G. Staiger, section 22, 1885.
Ralph Ck>rnell, section 22. 1835.
James McCIenathan. section 22, 1836.
Robert Machan, section 23, 1835.
Andrew Jester, section 28, 1835.
Smith Hill, section 23, 1885.
Pliney Dutton, section 23, 1839.
Daniel D. Tompkins, section 28, 1839.
John Van Gundy, section 23, 1835.
Daniel Beery, section 24, 1886.
Jacob F. Huber, section 24, 1836.
Robert Machan, section 24, 1835.
John Stump, section 24, 1836.
Charles Dally, section 24, 1840.
Abraham Overholt, section 24, 1836.
Joseph Caughawen, section 25. 1836.
James Owens, section 25, 1836.
Charles Dally, section 25. 1836.
Henry L. Dally, section 25, 1835.
Joseph Umphrey, section 25, 1836.
Joseph Umphrey, section 26, 1836.
James Smith, section 26. 1836.
Philip Welty, section 26, 1836.
Wm. Templeton, section 26, 1836.
PhUip Welty, section 27, 1836.
Lanson Brown, section 27, 1836.
Peter Gerber. section 27, 1836.
James Knight, section 27, 1884.
Wm. Templeton, 8r., section 27, 1886.
John Jiams, section 28, 1836.
Edward Hartshorn, section 28, 1835.
Wm. Templeton, section 28, 1836.
Henry Shank, section 28, 1833.
Pliney Dutton, section 28, 1833.
David Preshley, section 28, 1884.
Henry Shank, section 29, 1833.
Jonathan Dutton, section 29, 1889.
John SchilFerly, section 29, 1886.
Pliney Dutton. section 29, 1833.
Christian Zimmerman, section 29, 1884.
Elias Templeton, section 29, 1886.
Job Combs, section 29, 1836.
Nathaniel Rockhold, section 29, 1836.
Colin Sharp, section 29, 1885.
Michael Close, section 29, 1838.
Job Combs, section 80, 1836.
Wm. Close, section 30, 1836.
Paul Solomon, section 80, 1836.
Michael Close, section 30, 1886.
Daniel Zooke, section 80, 1886.
John Close, section 80, 1836.
David Bums, section 30, 1836.
Robert H. Templeton, section 30, 1839.
Peter Close, section 80, 1842.
Thomas Tipton, section 80, 1835.
George Oaks, section 30, 1836.
Wm. Zooke, section 31, 1835.
George Craig, section 31. 1841.
Daniel Zooke, section 81, 1835.
Benoni M. Axtell, section 31, 1886.
David Braddock. section, 81, 1834.
John Lawhill, section 31, 1885.
James H. Officer, section 81, 1836.
James Struthers, section 31, 1881.
Jeremiah Evans, section 81, 1888.
Josiah Soule, section 82, 1885.
John Zooke, section 32, 1885.
Eli Cunningham, section 32, 1849.
Daniel Zooke, section 32. 1885.
Henry Shank, section 32, 1885.
Michael Schifferly, section 32, 1833.
Geo. Hughes, section 82. 1836.
Wm. Rex, section 32, 1886.
Joshua Vanderwert, section 83, 1886.
Elias Bawer, section 83, 1836.
Israel Heald, section 33, 1836.
John Shinaberry, section 33, 1835.
Robt. G. McFarlin, section 38, 1836.
Lorenzo Snyder, section 38, 1885.
Dutton & Tompkins, section 33, 1835.
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628 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTV.
George Hayes, section 84, 1886. Lorenzo Btalter, section 86, 1886.
Geo. Basinger. section 84, 1887. Robert Meek, section 85. 1886.
Solomon Myers, section 84, 1886. James Owens, section 85, 1886.
Elias Bawer, section 84, 1886. Jacob Cunningham, section 85, 1886.
Israel Heald, section 84, 1886. James Owens, section 86, 1886.
Beth Hoit, section 85, 1855. Jacob Neil, section 86, 1886.
Charles Dally, section 85, 1886. John Hays, section 86, 1886.
Jacob Thompson, section 85, 1886. Henry Lane Dalley, section 86, 1885.
Clement Smetz, section 85, 1886. Solomon Myers, section 86, 1886.
SCHOOLS.
The early schoolB of Bichland werw primitive in their oharaoter as
well as teachiDg. William Bedding presided over a school of half a
dozen pupils at Hilty's, while Benjamin Franklin Smith taught a few
pupils in the Jog sohoolhouse on Little Biley Creek. After some years, the
town was set off into school districts, and the system, now pursued, was
adopted. The receipts for 1884 were $6, 131.47; the expenditures
amounted to $4,845.8L There are ten school buildings valued at $14,100.
Fourteen teachers are employed. The number of pupils enrolled is 940,
503 boys and 437 girls. In the Bluffton Special School District the
receipts for 1884 amounted to (7,017.55, the expenditmres to $3,500,85.
Number of pupils enrolled 402 — 212 boys and 190 girls. There is one
school building valued at $15,000. Seven teachers are employed, of
whom live are ladies.
OHUBOHES.
At Budd Gaskel's cabin the pioneer Methodists found a home, church
and congregation. In 1842 the German Beformed Church was founded
here by George Spangler. In 1848 the Mennonite Church was organized by
John Flint, and in 1849 the Presbyterian Church by Bevs. Ualliday and
McEinney.
BLUFFTON VILLAGE.
The village of BlufinK>n, platted in 1837 under the name Shannon, by
Joseph Deford, is located on Sections 1 and 12, Bichland Township, on
the line of the Lake Erie & Western Bailroad. The name Shannon was
changed to Bluffton in 1872-73, although long prior to this the latter
name was bestowed upon it The original village comprised the four
blocks bounded by Jackson and Monroe, Jefferson and Biley, extending
Digitized by LjOOQIC
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 629
northwest to the creek, intersected by Main and Washington Streets,
with a few lots on the northwest comer of Jackson and Biley and Jack-
son and Washington, and on the southeast comer of Monroe and Jefferson.
The principal additions to the village are Goble's, Eaton's, Yance's,
Godfrey's, Farrell's and Elibler's, all df which may be said to extend north-
east from Kibler Street to Biley Greek, and northwest from the line of the
Lake Erie & Western Railroad to Little Riley Creek. A small creek
named Marsh Ron empties into Riley Creek on the line of Jackson
Street Little Riley Creek joins the main stream one block west of
Spring Street
A.t Croghan Postoffioe, snbseqaently named Shannon, and again in
1873 named Blofiton, were the families of Josiah & Bndd Gaskel,
Hogh Lee, John Camahan, John McHenry, D. W. Goble, Sam Yiers,
John Amstutz and John Steiner.
ORGANIZATION.
The village of Blnffton was organized Angnst 17, 1861, when Josiah
S. Powell was elected mayor; H. H. Edsall, clerk; James Patterson, John
H. Fennsler, John Meyer, E. P. Leslie, Hogh Walls, cooncilmen; John
Franks, Francis Smith, Isaac Seidel, A. P. Carsons and A. W. Cahill,
judges of election.
The mayors of the village since organization are named in the fol-
lowing list: Josiah S. Powell, 1861; William Wilson, 1862-65; A.
Long, 1866-72; B. Bartlett, 1872; J. J. Ferrall, 1872-74; S. S. Yoder,
• 1874-76; G. B. Sutton, 1876; S. J. Brand, 1877-80; J. H. Eaton, 1880,
(resigned); A. J. Owens, 1881; Thomas P. Johnson, 1882 (resigned);
F. C. Steingraver, 1883, elected*
The clerks of the village have been H H. Edsall, 1861-64; H. Walls,
1863 (appointed); EL Walls, 1864-66: Jacob Moser, 1866; W. L. Fer-
rail, 1868; G. Steiner, 1867; A. G. Kibler, 1869; A. J. Owens, 1870-71;
F. J. Baldwin, 1872-74; Alfred Besire, 1874-79; D. S. Fennsler, 1879-
82; John H. David, 1882 (resigned); G. W. Murray, 1882; M. G.
Smith, 1883-84..
The village elections of 1884 resulted in the choice of the following
named officials: H. J. Call, J. H. David, A. D. Lugibihl, H. C. Steiner,
O. J. Bussell, Jesse Yemon, councilmen; S. J. Brand, mayor; M. G.
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630 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Smith, clerk; A. G. Kibler, treasurer; Frank Herrmann, marshal; Thomas
Jaokflon, street commissioner.
OHUBOHBS.
Tfie Presbyterian Church of SotUh Bethel was organized June 6,
1849, bj Bev. Messrs. McKinney and Halliday, and the church named
South Bethel. Bobert Stewart was ruling elder. In 1852 the Goble
heirs donated the land on which the church building now stands, and a
house was erected soon after. From 1852 to 1873, the church was called
the PresbTterian Church of Shannon. In April the latter year, the name
was changed to Bluffton. The pastors who have served the church are
named as follows: Bevs. James Ander9on to 1850; B. M. Badeau, 1850-
51; T. P. Emerson, 1851; W. K. Brice, C. B. Van Emmons, B. H. Hal-
liday, 1872; L G. Hall, 1878; W. C. Scott, 1878; Edward Laport, sup-
ply, 1879; and B. J. Brown, March 7, 1883, the present pastor.
The original members of the Presbyterian Church of Blufiton were
Elder Bobert Stewart and wife (not Elder Stewart of the first organi-
zation), William Wilson and wife, Nancy Murray, Boxanna McConnell,
Jane Nunnemaker, Daniel Frantz, James Fenton, Emiline Fenton, Anna
Camahan, Mary Anderson, Mary A. Drittesler, William Peppel and Mrs.
Peppel. The ruling elders were Bobert Stewart, 1849-55; Bobert Stew-
art, Jr., of Knox County, Ohio; D. A. McComb, 1877; Dr. J. McPeak,
1884. The number of members enrolled is fifty-five, of whom fifteen
moved away. The value of property is about $5,000.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — The Methodist preacher had been a
frequent visitor among the people of Bichland in pioneer days, and was
one of the first ministers of the gospel to establish a branch of the
Christian Church in the township. Services were held at Gaskel's and
other places until a society was organized. In 1873 a church building
was erected at Blufiflon at a cost of $8,000. The parsonage erected in
1874 cost 12,000. Both buildings are solid brick structures. The pastors
of this society since 1865 are named as follows: Charles Ashton, 1865;
A.- J. Frisbee, 1868 ; J. C. Miller, 1870 ; L. W]. B. Long, 1872 ; A. J.
Fish, 1873 ; Jabez S. Blair, 1874; J. A. Wright,^ 1875; J. F. Crooks,
1877 ; A. C. Barnes, 1879 ; W. W. Winters, 1882, and Bev. Isaac N.
Smith, the present pastor, in 1883. The number of members belonging
to the society is seventy-six, while the Sunday-school claims 100.
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 631
St. Mary's Catholic Church, BluffUm, was toanded in 1869. The first
members were the Owens family, Frank Kennej, Joseph Kennej, Will-
iam Gnstwiller, Joseph Bemon, the Woolridge family in later years,
Laurence and Joseph Fisher, the Steinhowers, Hortingers and WiohofEs-
kys. The church building was erected in 1809 — a frame building, at a
cost of 11,000, subscribed by all classes of citizens. Bev. Fathers
Young, Rudolph and Doner have attended this church.
Oerman Reformed Church (Emanuere) was organized as a German
Reformed and Lutheran Society in 1842 by Bev. George Spengler. In
1880, under Pastor Dr. P. 6hreding, the brick church, located on north-
west quarter of Section 22, near the center of the township, was erected.
In 1861 the congregation was reorganized as a German Reformed Society,
and, as such, adopted a constitution in accordance with that of the Ger-
man Reformed Church in the United States. In 1872 a new church was
formed at Bluffton, four miles distant, by a number of the members of
this congregation dismissed for that purpose. The membership of the
old church amounts to 200 at present The ministers who have served
since the original organi^tion are George Spengler, A. Doner, C. H.
Pf aft; J. Klingler, J. Reiter, Dr. P. Greding, C. Pluess, A. Schenck, and
H. Rusterholz, and Rev. O. Kuhlen.
Oerman Reformed Church {St John's) was organized in 1872, under
Rev. A. SchencL The congregation used the Presbyterian Church as a
place of worship up to 1881, when their church building was completed.
The membership does not exceed 100. The pastor of Emanuel's German
Reformed Church is also preacher in charge of St John's.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bluffton is presided over by
Rev. G. W. Grau.
The Mennonite Church — The American Mennonites formed a society
here in 184S, their first preacher being John Thut, who was born in
Switzerland, in or about the year 1801, and died in 1867, aged sixty-six
years, six months and five days. He had immigrated to America in 1825.
On the 25th day of December, 1843, he was* chosen by lot to preach the
gospel in Holmes County, and on the 6th day of October, 1857, he was
unanimously elected to the office of bishop, in Richland Township, Allen
County. Thut and several families came here from Holmes County
in 1848 and founded this society. The American Mennonites claim a
Digitized by LjOOQIC
582 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
membenhip of eeventy for this society. The Swiss Mennoniies have an
organization in the township, and a meeting house on Section 3, while
the Reformed Mennonites are represented by a church and society on
Section 84, North Richland.
The Disciples are represented by a society at BluflEton. This church
claims a large membership.
800IETIS8.
/. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 371, was chartered May 18, 1868, with J. S.
Powell, A. J. Conrad, Jacob Moser, R. R Cox and Joseph B. Hall,
members. The present membership is abont twenty-eight The Noble
Orands since 1878 are named as follows : A. Hanenstein, William Wilson,
Wesley Cramer, H. L. Noble, A, Besire, L. Seidel, C. Lugibihl, Joseph
* Miller, H. L. Romey, D. S. Fennsler, A. J. Owens, J. F. Hissong, J. A.
Nnnnemaker, A. Hanenstein, W. 6. Richards, F. C. Steingraver, John
Amstutz, L. L. Conkey, Joseph Miller, C. Logibihi, D. S. Fennsler, W.
V. Hntchins, 1884. The secretaries : W. Cramer, H L. Romey, A.
Besire, C. Lngibihl, H L. Romey, L. W. Bell, D. S. Fennsler, A. J.
Owens, J. F. Hissong, J. A. Nonnemaker, L. L. Conkey, 'G. Steiner, F.
C. Steingraver, L. L. Conkey, and A. Hanenstein.
Bluffton Lodge 432, A. F. d A. M., was chartered October 20, 1869,
with the following members : E. W. Greene, S. S. Yoder, John Goble,
John Meyer, Jacob Moser, J. J. Ferrall, J. G. Honnell, John Eaton,
James J. Crawford. The masters of this lodge were E. W. Greene,
186© ; S. S. Yoder, 1870-78 ; J. M Cahill, 1873 ; S. S. Yoder, 1874;
J. J. Crawford, 1875-77 ; J. J. Ferrall, 1877 ; S. S. Yoder, 1878 ; A.
Hanenstein, 1870, who has held the position since that time. The sec-
retaries are A. Hanenstein, served from December, 1860 ; A. J. Owens,
1878-70, and W. B. Hntchins, 1883-84 The number of members is
thirty-fiya The lodge was held in the Bartlett store in 1860, in the
Steiner Building in 1872; and in the Kibler Building in 1882-84
Royal Arcanum Lodge, No. 193, Bluffton, was organized under dis-
pensation, November 12, 1878, and under charter in December, 1878,
with the following members: O. S. Langan, A. G. Frick, James Wilson,
Harry Eckels, Joseph Harris, S. J. Brand, S. C. Patterson, A. D. Lugi-
bihl, W. P. Bentley, W. B. Richards, I. M. Townsend, J. S. Asire, A.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 583
G. Kibler, F. C. Steingraver, J. J. Anderson, J. F. Hissong, D. Steiner.
The other members of the lodge are Thomas Jackson, Zaohariah Latham,
I. A. Dennis, R. R ZoU, Charles GnstwiUer, Andrew Kohli, A. N,
MoBride, B. J. Brown, C. L. Townsend, S. S. Yoder. The present mem-
bership nnmbers twenty-four.
Equitable Aid Union was organized at Bloffton January 28, 1882,
with the following members: M. S. Muma and wife, D. A. McComb
and wife, O. E. Townsend and wife, J. J. Miller, Dr. Steingraver and
wife, George Balentine and wife, John Wilson and wife, and W. V.
Hutchins. D. A. McComb was first secretary and Dr. Steingraver, presi-
dent. The membership is fourteen. The society is organized for the
same objects as characterize other insurance societiea
Robert Hamilton Post, 262^ O. A. R., was organized September 28,
1882, with the following members: Jesse Vernon, W. B. Richards, A.
Hauenstein, Joseph Harris, L. W. Bell,* H. W. Rieter, J. M. Woloott,*
M. W. Hesser,* 8. J. Brand, R L. Romey, H. J. Call, Patrick Noonan,*
S. B. Agin, William Lewis, Sr., F. M. Bailee, Isaac McHenry, J. A.
Nunnemacher, J. B. Lewis, Lewis Rash* and J. G. Moorhead. Of the
original members all are now members except those marked *. W. B.
Richards was first commander and A. Hauenstein adjutant. Jesse Ver-
non is now commander. The names on muster-roll number forty-one.
With three exceptions, all serred in Ohio regiments from 1861 to
1865. Lewis Homard of Jackson Township, who died about three
years ago, served all through the war but received no discharge.
Richland Township Insurance Company, — This association was or-
ganized in January, 1885, vrith Christian Stettler, presid^it, and Alfred
Besire, secretary. The district canvassers appointed were Emile Schaen-
blin, G. Althaua, C. P. Steiner, George Bailpy, John B. Marshall, Isaac
Hochstettler, J. A. Schifferly, C. Matter, Thomas Fett, H. P. Owens,
William Huber, Eben Goble, James Phillips, John Conrad, M. Edge-
comb, Moses Stager, John Amstutz, B. P. Lugibibl.
INDUSTBISS OF BLUFFTON.
Within the last few years the progress of this village has been phe-
nomenal. A short time previous to its incorporation it was classed with
the hamlets of the county, but under the impulse of enterprise it was
Digitized by LjOOQIC
684 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
raised far above this rank, and now fiHs a very important place among
the wealth contributors of Allen. The leading indostries are St John's
Sucker Bod and Handle Factory, the Althous Planing Mill, the Town-
send Saw-Mill, Shingle and Lathe Factory, the Cherry Street Foun-
dry, a small gun-shop and brass foundry, Besire & Goble's Tile Works,
Fischer's Carriage Factory, and the stone quarries of the neighborhood,
referred to in other pages. The Bnssell Elevator and the Steam Ele-
vator, each of large capacity, represent the grain trade of the village.
The mercantile interests are well represented.
Townsend Mills. This saw-mill, shingle and lathe factory may be
said to have been established in 1858, by Clinton & Woodford, was
blown up in 1878, and rebuilt the same year. In 1854 I. M. Townsend
purchased Clinton's interest, and with Woodford conducted the mill until
1862. At this time the mill was sold to Dunlap & Jackson, Mr. Town-
send building a mill below, on Biley Creek. In 1868 he repurchased
the old Clinton & Woodford Mill, and has operated ii since. The ma-
chinery, etc., is valued at $4,000. This industry gives employment to
ten men annually, and creates a large market for local lumbermen.
The Sucker Bod and Handle Factery was established here in June,
1883. The industry was established by Mr. St. John in Crawford Couniy
about 1876, the machinery moved. to Lima in May, 1880, and carried on
there until June, 1883. The frame of the building was moved to Lima,
and next to Bluffton, from Pennsylvania. This industry gives direct
employment to eighteen men. The machinery is valued at $2,500, and
the value of annual sales ranges from $20,000 to $30,000. There is a
saw-mill in connection with this industry, the lumber being supplied
mainly from without, but a large supply is taken from the forests of the
county.
The Blufton Grist Mill was established by Siddell & Son, from whom
the Steiner Bros, purchased it about 1870. In 1872, William B.
Bichards purchased the buildings and machinery and introduced new
machinery. The value of machinery at present is $6,000. The capacity
is fifty barrels per day. The mill gives employment to three hands.
The Althaus Planing-Mill was established in September, 1873, by
Peter Oberly and Peter Althaus, but is now owned by Althaus Bros.
The mill gives employment to twelve men annually. The machinery is
Digitized by LjOOQIC
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 585
▼alned at about $6,000 and the buildings at $4,000. The value of
annual product is about $30,000.
Oarriage and Wagon Works of L. A. Fisher, were established in
September, 1870, by Fisher Bros, in the Dave Franks factory build-
inga The works were carried on by Fisher Bros, up to October, 1884,
when L. A. Fisher took charge. This industry offered employment to
twelve hands. During the winter of 1884-85 the works were almost
idle, owing to the degression in all branches of trade.
This beautiful village, in the midst of one of the richest agricultural
districts of northwestern Ohio, has attained its present important posi-
tion through the steady labor and well directed enterprise of its citizens.
It is still in infancy, growing daily, and marching onward to^ the place
which its geographical position and wealth of surroundings lit it to
occupy.
BEAVER DAM VILLAGE.
Beaver Dam, on Sections 20, 80, 81 and 82, Bichland Township, was
laid out in 1858 by Frederick ShulL The original town is bounded by
North Street, the eastern continuation of the second addition, on the
south, Lima Street on the west and Church Street on the east . The
first addition lies east of the original town, extending from Lima to West
Street, and bounded by the center division of the second addition on the
south, and by North Street The second addition extends east from the
Lake Erie & Western Depot grounds to Church Street, bounded north
by the first addition and original town, and south by the south line of
Pearl Street Gates' addition lies south of Pearl Street and west of West
Street Jennings' and Wood's additions extend east from the east line of
West Street May, ShuU, Hilty, Fields, M. Edgecomb, Parker F.
Nicolet, Isaac Solomon, Honnell, Jackson Shull, James Shull, Mrs.
Augsberger and others own acre tracts within the village bouhdarie&
According to Daniel Milliken, an old resident, the legend connected
with the rillage is, that '* originally the beavers that were found there by
the Indians had built two dams, one east and the other west of the pres-
ent site of the town, so as to cause the waters to become accumulated to
enable them to use the flood for a sort of dam." The town is located
between the ancient dams.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
686 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
The Lake Erie & Western Railroad passes throngh the village; also
the high road from Bluffiton to Lima. The neighborhood is thicklj set-
tled bj an indnstrions and prosperous agricultural community.
The village of Beaver Dam was organized in 1878, under authority of
the commissioners, granted May 13) that year. Joseph Shull was elected
mayor and Albert Shull, clerk. They served until the election of Joseph
Shull and George W. Cunningham in 1881. The position of mayor has
been held by the gentlemen named as follows: Amos Miller, 1881; G. A
Bockey, acting mayor 1881; Allen Phillips, 1882; and O. A. Light,
1883-85. The village clerks have been George W. Cunningham, 1881; J.
W. Manges, 1881-85. The members of the council are Allen Phillips,
Joseph Shaw, Dr. Wetherill, Frank Trozell, John Hesser, and Lewis
Jennings.
The postoffice of Beaver Dam was established with O. W. Gk>ble,
master. The office was moved to Beaver Dam about 1840 with Fred.
Shull, master. Jackson Shull had the office in 1854, he being elected
over Samuel McKee. In 1856 Eli Cunningham was appointed and
served until 1861 when Jesse Olmsted was ap[x>inted. Mrs. Woods, now
Mrs. Hulse, succeeded. John Brown was appointed about 1869, and
transferred the office to Nathan Brown. G. W. Young was appointed
during Grant's administration; Orrin Gates, under Hayes'; D. L. Whipp
under Hayes'. Guy Huffinan was appointed in 1882 and is still in
The Methodist Church of the village is a substantial brick structure.
Here the first regularly organized body of Methodists in the township
assembled, long before the church at Blufiton was founded.
The Disciples formed a society here some years ago, and erected a
neat frame building for the use of worship.
^ The sole representative of secret and benevolent societies is the
^odge of Odd Fellows.
Beaver Dam Lodge, No, 689^ L O. O, F,, was chartered in May, 1879,
and instituted August 20, 1879, with A. J. Conrad, J. J. Conrad, JohnD.
Cunningham, Samuel W. Durkee, D. R. Champe, Jacob L, Asire, G. W.
Swany, C. F. Troxel, George A. Rockey, J. S. Reeder, F. Shannon, D.
Fields and Lewis Roberts, members. The Noble Grands of this lodge
were D. R Champe, 1879; Samuel Durkee, 1880; J. L. Asire, 1880;
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BHAWNEE TOWNSHIP. 637
Charles Goble, 1882; C. F. Troxel, 1882; James Allison, 1883; L. E.
Kelgore, 1883; J. E. Heseer, 1884
The Secretaries were J. J. Conrad, 1879( J. L. Asire, 1870; J. D.
Cnnningham, 1880; O. A. Bookej, 1880; Charles Ooble, 1881; J. A. Barr,
1881; C. F. Troxel 1882; James Allison, 1882; James Aldrioh, 1882; J.
E. Hesser, 1888; B. F. Huston, 1883; Jasper Everett, 1884 The number
of members is ihirty-fonr Hall in the Benner Block
MISOBLLAKSOUS.
The Lake Erie & Western Bailroad passes through Bichland Town-
ship in a sonthwesterlj direction, and the Gleveland, Delphos & St. Louis
Bailroad cuts across the extreme northeast comer of the township. The
postoffices are Bluffton and Beaver Dam.
CHAPTER XXVI.
SHAWNEE TO\^NSHIP.
fM iHE name of this township was singularly well chosen. It is true
JL that the traTeler will look in Tain for those sanguinarj sarages,
after whom the town was named; he will not find more than a souvenir
of those painted rascals, who aided their white military brethren in
1794-1812-13, to scalp and bum and murder the soldiers and citizens of
the Union. He will find none of this; even the wilderness is gone and
in its place a hundred happj homes, well cultivated farms, railroads,
pike-roads, schools, churches, and with all this, an intelligent people,
appear to testify to the present and give hope for the future.
OBOANIZATION.
The commissioners, in session December 1, 1834, granted the petition
of the people of Shawnee to set off Township 4, Bange 6, as a separate
township from the Hog Creek Besenration, under the name of its orig-
inal inhabitants.
The first meeting was held December 13, 1834, within the log-house
of Ezekiel Hover, when Chriffith Breese, Joseph Hover and Benjamin
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538 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Beed were elected trustees, and Ezekiel Hover, clerk The list of voters
comprised twelve names. In 1848 the southern tier of sections was
attached to the new county of Auglaize, and in May, 1857 the northeast
quarter of Section 1 was attached to the new township of Ottawa.
Almost the entire territory, now embraced in Shawnee Township, (a
half mile strip of the western sections and a quarter mile strip of the
eastern sections excepted), was included in the Indian reservation, of
twenty- five square miles, named in the treaty of September 29, 1817, and
was organized under Chief Pht, or Falling Tree, and Onowaskemo, or
Resolute Man.
PIONEERS.
The first settlers on the Indian reservation of Hog Creek, were
Griffith Breese^ who settled on Section 10 in November 1832, with his
family, and resided there until his death in 1848 ; George Coon, Sr., set-
tled on Section 11 in 1832, died in 1877 ; William Denniston on Section
11 in 1832, and Thomas Flynn on Section 12 in 1832. John Dowling
arrived early in 1838. Joseph Hover and family, Ezekiel Hover
and Emanuel Hover arrived in April, 1838. Joseph Hover settled
on Section 1 ; Ezekiel Hover took possession of the Indian farm,
and completed the council house on the plan which Falling Tree
adopted in 1831, when the building was commenced; Emanuel Hover
located his property in the neighborhood. Benjamin Beed and Samuel
Sprague, the Decorseys, Edwards, Fritzes, Adgates, Boses, Hales,
Daniels, Lowrie and Boyer may be named among the pioneers.
In the following roll of purchasers of United Stat-ee lands on the Hog
Creek reservation, as well as in the tax list of 1834, given in the pion-
eer chapter, an authentic pioneer record is found.
William Chaffe, section 1, 1882. Griffith Breese, section, 8, 1888.
John Campbell, section 1, 1883. John Lowry, section 8, 1888.
Joseph Hover, section 1, 1882. Ezekiel Hover, section 4, 1886.
John H. Porter, section 1, 1882. Thomas Hanthom, section 4, 1884.
Northe««t quarter, section 1, over in Otta- Jonathan Wilds, section 4, 1884.
wa Township. Joseph Edwards, section 4, 1888.
Joseph Barnet, section 2, 1882. Wm. Deniston, section 4, 1888.
Jas. P. Gardiner, section 2. 1882. Michael Bower, section 4, 1884.
Ezekiel Hover, section 8, 1884. Reuben Wait, section 4, 1884.
Hamilton Davison, section 8, 1885. Wm. Lippincott, section 4, 1888.
Burgess Dickey, section 8, 1884. George Coon, section 4, 1888.
Thomas Hanthom, section 8, 1884. Michael Bower, section 5, 1884.
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SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP.
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Jacob Helsel, section 5, 1884.
George Bolander» section 5, 1884.
Thomas Bane, section 5, 1834.
Henry Eridler, section 6, 1886.
Peter Apgar, section 6, 1887.
John Ireland, section 6, 1886.
John Bates, section 6, 1889.
Peter Specht, section 7, 1886.
Elijah G. Barney, section 7, 1888.
Hamilton Davison, section 7, 1861.
PhiUp Herzlng. section 7, 1887.
Samuel Rinehart, section 8, 1886.
James A. Anderson, section 8, 1886.
Thomas Purness, section 8, 1886.
Jas. Loveridge, Jr., section 8, 1886.
Peter Specht, section 8, 1886.
Philip Herzing, section 8, 1837.
Daniel Boyer, section 8, 1886.
Samuel Fritz, section 9, 1888.
Thomas Flinn, section 9, 1886.
Geo. Sheldon, section 9. 1888.
Griffith Breese, section 9, 1884.
Samuel Eridler, section 9, 1885.
James Williby, section 9. 1836.
Wesley CJoon. section 9, 1888.
Alexander Coon, section 9, 1884.
Joseph Homel, section 10, 1882.
Joseph Hoyer, section 10, 1882.
Griffith Breese, section 10, 1882.
Isaac Decorsey, section 10, 1888.
Joseph Bamet, section 10, 1882
Ezekiel Hover, section 11, 1888.
Alexander Beatty, section 11, 1882.
Abraham Swlther, section 11, 1885.
Gustavus Swan, section 11, 1885.
Jonathan E. Wiles, section 11, 1882.
Joseph Bamet, section 11, 1882.
Thos. B» Van Horn, section 12, 1885.
Griffith Breese, section 12, 1888.
Joseph Crandall, section 12, 1888.
Joseph BritUin, section 12. 1834.
Wm. Coms, section 12, 1838.
Ann Darlhig, section 12, 1838.
Joseph Dixon, section 12, 1888.
Jacob Dixon, section 12, 1888.
Jesse Eelney, section 18, 1883.
Andrew Coms, section 13, 1888.
Manuel Reed, section 13, 1888.
Jesse Eelsey, section 14, 1835.
Hugh B. Stephenson, section 14, 1834.
Griffith Breese, section 14, 1883.
Thomas Roslar, section 14, 1886.
Wm. Megrady, section 14, 1886.
Nathaniel Hardin, section 14, 1884.
James Hardin, section 14, 1884.
Joseph Hover, section 15, 1832.
Francis Lucas, section 15, 1882.
Jesse Eelsey, section 15, 1882.
Joseph Bamet, section 15, 1882.
Ezekiel Hover, section 15. 1882.
Joseph Hover, section 16, 1842.
Samuel Smedley, section 16, 1842.
Richard £. Thomas, section 16, 1842.
Wm. D. Breese, section 16, 1842.
Amasa Smedley, section 16, 1842.
Thomas Furness, section 17, 1836.
Enoch Pearson, section 17, 1837.
Wm. McClure, section 17, 1886.
Richard Malone, section 17, 1886.
Henry W. Munsell, section 17, 1886.
Daniel Boyer, section 17, 1886.
Julius A. Hover, section 17, 1841.
Wm. Brandt, section 17, 1888.
John Anderson, section 17, 1886.
Jacob Brandt, section 17, 1836.
Wm. Anderson, section 18, 1886.
Jacob Brandt, section 18, 1886.
George Swartz, section 18, 1850.
James Toakum, section 18, 1848.
Aquilla Armstrong, section 18, 1848.
Andrew Brentlinger, section 18, 1849.
John Siferd, section 18, 1850.
John Tmesdale, section 18, 1856. ^
James F. Francis, section 19, 1886.
Jacob Addleman, section 19, 1886.
Henry Wm. Munsell, section 19, 1886.
blames Williams, section 19, 1848.
Jesse A. M. Overhultz, section 19, 1852
Wm. Graham, section 19, 1851.
Paul Edmon, section 19, 1853.
John J. Graham, section 19, 1850.
Joseph Dickey, section 20, 1836.
Samuel Dickey, section 20, 1886.
James F. Francis, section 20, 1886.
Wm. Francis, section 20, 1836.
John Runion, section 20, 1834.
Benjamin Reed, section 21, 1832.
Griffith Breese, section 21, 1832.
George Breese, section 21, 1886.
Jesse Eelsey, section 21, 1838.
Samuel Rinehart, section 22, 1886.
Thomas Heholer, section 22, 1886.
Samuel Chambers, section 22, 1836.
Jesse Eelsey, section 22, 1832.
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540
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
James Nicholas, section 22, 1882.
Ezekiel Hover, section 22, 1883.
John Dills, section 22, 1886.
Campbell Dowling, section 23, 1888.
George Sprague, section 28, 1885.
Abraham S. Eellar, section 28, 1886.
Derrick P. C. Darling, section 23, 1886.
Samuel Rinehart, section 28, 1886.
Samuel Chambers, section 28, 1886.
John Chambers, section 28, 1886.
Wm. Kelsey, section 28, 1885.
Henry Williams, section 18, 1888.
Demas Adams, section 24, 1886.
Campbell Dowling, section 24, 1888.
Abiathar Newton, section 24, 1885.
Lorenzo Dow Gilbert, section 24, 1886.
Harrison Haltbie, section 24, 1884.
Campbell Dowling, section 24, 1888.
John Bobbins, section 25, 1886.
Chatman Hawlej, section 25, 1886.
Elias N. D. Williams, section 25, 1884.
John W. Williams, Bection,25, 1884.
James Mendenhall, section 25, 1885.
Vincent D. Engart, section 25, 1887.
Joseph Haskell, section 26, 1882.
George Strickler, section 26, 1885.
H. D. v. Williams, section 26, 1886.
Samuel Sprague, section 26* 1883.
George Sprague, section 26, 1835.
Henry Sprague, section 26, 1835.
Leri Goodnow, section 26, 1886.
Joseph Haskell, section 27, 1832.
Francis Brock, section 27, 1882.
Solomon Sprague, section 27, 1886.
Jno. Harper Brodc, section 27, 1835.
Dayid SteboltoH, section 27, 1836.
Jacob Delong, section 27, 1833.
Robert J. Skinner, section 28. 1882.
Jesse Eelsey, section 28, 1885.
Adam Overholser, section 28, 1884.
James Reed, section 28, 1886.
Jacob Stebolton, section 28, 1886.
John Runion, section 29, 1834.
Michael Shaffer, section 29, 1886.
Henry Shaffer, section 29, 1836.
Wm. Solomon, section 29, 1886.
Isaac Spellman, section 29, 1886.
John A. Smith, section 29, 1886.
Andrew Eessler, section 29, 1885.
John Utley, section 29, 1836.
John Gamier, section 29, 1886.
Andrew Eessler, section 80, 1885.
Henry Shaffer, section 80, 1886.
Christopher Graham, section 80, 1847.
John Graham, section 80, 1847.
Elizabeth Trissell, section 80, 1847.
John Boner, section 80, 1884.
Samuel Boner, section 80, 1884.
Peter Eauffman, section 80, 1836.
Jno. B. Hoopes, section 80, 1886.
HUHE VILLAGE.
Hume Village, Section 20, Shawnee Township, was platted as a railroad
town. The Lake Erie & Western Railroad intersects the Tillage ;
twenty-two lots lying northwest of the railroad and fifty-seven lots south-
west. Main Street rons parallel with the railroad ; Grider Street nins
due north and Spencer Street due west It is the center of a rich agri-
cnltoral district, about eight miles southwest of Lima by railroad, and
ten by pike-road, within the limits of the old Hog Creek reservation.
RBinNIBOENCES OF SETTLSMEMT.
The following relations are culled from various written statements
made by the pioneers, and are given here as an addition to the history of
early settlement. The Ezekiel Hover farm was the site of a Shawnee village,
and during the campaigns of Harmer, St. Glair and Wayne, was often the
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SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP. 541
headqnarters of the warriors. Here Blae Jacket and other chiefs often met
the venerable chief and warricM: Blad^Hoof in consultation. Many French
also met here during the campaign of Wayne. The Indians were induced to
plant an orchard in and about the Yillage. Many of the apple trees are jet
standing, and continue to bear fruit There is odb of extraordinary size still
0
bearing fruit. It is about three feet in diameter, and measures about ten
feet in circumference. The relations of Pht, it is stat-ed, returned to the
site of his burial with a view of finding and removing his bones to the
far West, but did not succeed. The old council house and the apple
trees are the only relics to be found of the palmy days of the Shawneee
on the Ottawa.
William D. Breese in his reminiscences states that his father settled
on Section 10, a part of an old Indian farm, whmre he found two cnrchards
containing about forfy apple trees each ; many of those trees being yet
alive and bearing. There were at ihe time about seven Indian cabins
scattered over the land, which had evidently been the site of a Shawnee
village.
It is stated by W. IT. Hover that the Shawnees had removed from that
region about (me year before his arrival, and bef <»re his father had located
4he home farm. There were, howevcTi a few Indians who remained and
hunted with the Wyandots until their removal. Many of the Shawneee
came back in 1884 and visited the graves of their ancestors in and about
the old village on Section 11, before their final departure to the West.
Many years after they came back and dug in many places for hidden
relics, and the hemes of their people. They seemed to regret their removal
to the West, and otien viewed the localities most dear to their younger
days, and finally bid adieu to the Indian hunting grounds. The family
of Ezekiel Hovw reside on the farm included in the old Indian village,
where the remains of the Chief Pht were buried, and where the old
Council House still stands. When Ezekiel Hover first took possession of
the farm, he had the Council House refitted for the use of his family.
George Coon, a settler of 1832, came from Bellefontaine by the way
of what is now Westminster and Lima, to Section 11 in Shawnee Town-
ship. It was all in woods at that time, and there were no roads except
Indian trails. When he came, his neighbors were Isaac Boyer, Samuel
Sprague, and Dye Sunderland, very much scattered. He was soon
32
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642 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
joined by William Deniston and family on the same section; soon after,
by Thomas Flinn, an Irishman, who settled near him on Section 12.
The first cabin had been occupied by a Shawnee family. The forests
seem.ed to have been often burned oyer by the Indians, and the young
trees have grown within the last fifty years. The first schoolhouse was
built on Section 11, about 1837, and taught by Constant Southworth.
The first preachers spoke in the cabins of the settlers. The usual place
for speaking was at the house of Mr. Goon. The earliest preacher
remembered was Thomas Hicknell, a Winebrennerian. A congregation
was formed and a church built about 1840, in Allentown. Mr. C3oon
and many of the early settlers were compelled to attend the mills of
Piqua and Cherokee to obtain grinding, over mere paths in the forests.
He often attended the government mill built by the Quakers at Wapako-
netta, and sometimes changed to St Mary's, and finally to Lima.
Col. George C. Johnson, of Piqua, writing in 1874, relates the fol-
lowing story of the burial of Blackhoof : ''The Shawnees never bury
their dead until the sun is in the tree-tops, late in the afternoon. On
such occasions they generally select six pall-bearers, who carry the corpse
to the grave and place it therein, the grave being two-and-a-half or three
feet deep. When the chief Blackhoof wbb buried, in 1831, it was in the
Indian manner; the corpse was wrapped in a clean, new Indian blanket,
and a large quantity of new fine goods, consisting of calico, belts and
ribbons were placed about the deceased, who was laid upon a new, clean
slab, prepared for the purpose. His gun, tomahawk* knife and pipe
were by his side. All the Indians present were in deep distress, having
their clothes hanging loosely about them, their hair down on their
shoulders, and were painted after the ancient manner. The chiefs sat
about smoking, looking in solemn silence upon the remains of the great
chief who had led the tribe for nearly one hundred years, had been
their faithful counsellor in peace and war, had been present at Brad-
dock's defeat, seventy-six years before, and for nearly a century had been
in all the expeditions against the 'Long Knives. ' "
For some months before their final departure, the young men of the
Shawnees, and the middle-aged, who had not abandoned their old cus-
toms, were engaged in a round of dissipation brought on by the mean
tricks of wicked traders to cheat the Indians out of every dollar of
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SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP. , 543
property they could obtain. Whisky, that bane of the Indian, was
largely distributed among the Indians by traders; in fact^ all decency
was violated by the wretches who dealt in fire-water. The better portion
of the Bhawnees were engaged for weeks in religious ceremonies, dances,
and amusements preparatory to their departure. They carefully levelled
the graves of their dead, and removed all traces of the same.
Hon. John Mcllvain accompanied the Lewistown Indians, and James
B. Gardner those of Wapakonetta. The route was by way of Greenville,
Richmond and Indianapolis. The Indians commenced to assemble in
September, 1832, and mounted their horses, and such as had wagons
seated themselves, while the Government teams hauled their provisions
and clothing. Many of them bid a sad adieu to the hunting-grounds
and graves of their fathers. « ♦ ♦ « ♦ ^1 things
being ready their High Priest, bearing a large gourd and the bones of a
deer's leg attached to his neck, led the advance. At the moment of
starting on this journey the High Priest sounded the trumpet three
times, repeated this signal when halting at night, and followed this
course until the tribe settled on their Kansas reservation.
The Shawnees who emigrated numbered 700 souls, and the Senecas,
who emigrated at the same time, 350. When they arrived at Greenville,
they encamped at Tecumseh's Point and remained a day or two to take
a final farewell of that place, so dear to their memories as the home of
their fathers and the scene of so many Indian assemblies and heroic
exploits. They had before them a journey of over 800 miles across the
open prairie, in an uninhabited country.
About one-fifth of the tribe remained at Wapakonetta and among the
Wyandots at Upper Sandusky, until the spring of 1833. The Indians
arrived at their new home about Christmas, 1832. Gardner accompanied
them to the Mississippi and turned back, when Joseph Parks, a half-
blood Quaker, who had the job of removing them, conducted them safely
to their new home They at once proceeded to raise cabins, split rails,
and make fences, but were very short of provisions, and had to depend
largely upon such game as they could find.
SCHOOLa
During the winter of 1834-35 the pioneer school of Shawnee Town-
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544 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
ship was inangorated, with. Miss Maria Hover, teacher, in a cabin which
was formerly the home of Chief Pht, just northwest of the Shawnee
ootmcil house. In 1837 a schoolhoose was erected on Section 11, pre-
sided oyer bj Constant Sonthworth. The growth of the school system in
this division of the county is shown in the following abstract of report
for 1884: Beyenue for 1884 was $8,546; ezpenditore, $4,ld6. Of the
nine school buildings, yalned at about $11,000, one was erected in 1884
at a cost of $750. Th&te are 478 pupils— 230 boys and 248 girls. Four-
teen teachers w«re employed.
CHUBOHES.
The first religious society in Shawnee may be said to haye been formed
by Bey. James B. Finley, a Methodist itinerant, who preached in the
homes of the people, particularly at George Coon's hpuse. The first
house of worship, howeyer, was erected on Section 27, Shawnee, by the
Lutherans. Thomas Hicknell, a Winebrennerian, was the first preacher.
The Methodist Episcopal Church stands just west of the old Shawnee
Council House.
ICISOELLANBOUB.
The Lake Erie & Western Bailroad passes through Shawnee ^Town-
ship from northeast to southwest, the Dayton & Michigan through the
westerly and southwesterly sections, and the Chicago & Atlantic runs
through the most northerly sections from east to west The only post-
office in the township is Hume.
CHAPTER XXVII.
SPENCEB TOWNSHIP.
r I 1J11S Township is made up of the southeast quarter of Township 4
JL south, Bange 4 east, and the twelye southern sections of the east
half of Township 3 south, Bange 4 east, together with Sections 7 and 18,
of Township 4 south, Bange 5 east, taken from Amanda in 1848. South
Forks Ditch and Grassy Creek Ditch, forming the headwaters of Jennings'
Creek, run north to their confluence in Section 27. From this point
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 546
Jennings' Creek flows in its zig-zag oonrse, and enters Marion Township,
in Section 12, Township 3, Eange 4 The Miami & Erie Canal forms
the eastern line of the town to the canal look in Section 36. Here this
waterway takes a southwestern coarse by way of Spenoerville Village,
and leaves the township in Section 14, Township 4, Range 4 east The
Narrow Gauge Railroad runs parallel with the canal almost to Spencer-
Tille and crosses this waterway jost north of the village, on its coarse
westward.
The forests of the township are still extensive, and valuable enough
to sustain, or rather furnish, the lumber mills and stave factories of
Spencerville with material.
In the northern districts the rocky conformation offers an A 1 stone
for burning, and owing to this the manufacture of lime has become an
important industry there. There are a few stone quarries worked through-
out the town; but the ruling industry is lumbering. The population out-
side the village of Spencerville is 1,114; within the village there were 582
inhabitants in 1880 (census returns), in all 1,646, or about 72 inhabitants
to the square mile.
OBQAinO mSTOBY,
Under the organic act of 1848 the northeastern quarter of Salem and
the eastern half of Jennings Townships, were taken from Van Wert
County and added to Allen County, under the name of Spencer Town-
ship. Sections 7 and 18 of Amanda were added to the new town-
ships. .Jennings Township as originally laid off June 2, 1834, com-
prised Town 3, Range 3, and Town 3, Range 4 east. It was
organized. at Benjamin GriflBn's house, June 21, 1834 Salem Township,
Town 4, Range 4 east, was established in December, 1836, and organ-
ized at Michael Tippe's house in January 1837. This territory was set
off from the old township of Wayne on the strength of a petition pre-
sented by the inhabitants of that portion of it lying in Town 4, Range
4, and named Salem. The survey was made in 1819 by Capi Beards-
ley, United States Surveyor, and settlement was commenced in 1825.
The name was bestowed in honor of CoL Spencer, a member of the State
Board of Public Works in 1848 and an ardent supi>orter of canal build-
ing enterprises. Charles C. Mai*shall was justice of peace at organisation.
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546 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
He, with Sebastian Lye and J. Hookenberry were elected trasteee; Abram
Hnfi^ clerk; and Sol. Wyatt, M. P., treasurer.
PIONEEB BISTORT.
It may be stated with certainty that previoos to 1883 there were no
permanent settlements made in this division of the ooonty. In 1834 the
first land buyers came in. Dr. Campbell who settled in Spencer Town-
ship, in 1851, in his reminiscences written in 1880, states that 'the
canal was opened for traffic in 1844, that the village of Spencerville was
laid out for Tyler, McOonnell and Gonover of Dayton, about 1844-45,
when they purchased a tract of 350 acres and built a mill at the upper
lock. 1860-1 lower mill was constructed.'' The old village of
Hartf<»rd, ceased to exist upon the founding of Spencerville, to which
location many of the Hartford people came- to reside. The two Fultons
practiced medicine at Hartford as early as 1836, Dr. Samuel Price, Dr.
Gray and Dr.. Solomon Wyatt preceded Dr. Campbell as physicians at
Spencerville, Drs. Travis, Hart and Benner settled here in later years.
In 1856 Dr. Harbison arrived, but did not practice medicine here. He
was one of the pioneer merchants of the village. Merrett Harvey, the
first town clerk; W. P. Dehart, the first blacksmith; T. C. Bartle, the
first carpenter; William Berryman, the first hotel-keeper; John Harter,
the first store-keeper; William Young and Abram Armitage came in
between 1843 and 1847.
The late C. C. Marshall having located in Salem Township, upon the
erection of Spencer Township, he continued to reside there until 1846,
and in 1847 was elected justice of the peace, his time extending until
1853, having filled the office two terms. In 1857 he was elected repre-
sentative from Allen County to the Ohio Legislature, and having served
two years, declined a second nomination by his party. In 1861 he was
nominated and elected to the State Senate, and again having served two
years declined a renomination. After the expiration of his term as sena-
tor he removed to the growing town of Delphos, where in 1865, he was
elected justice of the peace, and had been re-elected continuously every
three years up to the period of his death (see Delphos). In the early
history of the county, his father, Samuel Marshall, and himself were the
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP.
647
mail carriers between Piqna and Defiance. Letters for the first settlers
were brought to Ft. Amanda bj them, and left there for distribution.
LIST OF OBIGINAL SNTBIES.
The names, location and dates connected with the purchase of United
States lands in thafc portion of Spencer Township, known as Township
8 south, Kange 4 east, are as follows:
Ouilford D. Coleman, section 18, 1845.
James Brown, section 18, 1851.
Joseph Rickart, section 18, 1851.
Jacob Hittell, section 18, 1845.
Daniel W. Hall, section 18, 1849.
Enoch Thomas, section 18, 1851.
Avery Brown, section 18, 1851.
Jacob Peterbaugh, section 14, 1884.
T. B. Van Horn, section 14, 1884.
Benj. P. Southworth, section 14, 1884.
David 0. Brown, section 14, 1850.
George Toung, section 14, 1884.
Joseph Brown, section 14, 1884.
Solomon E. Brown, section 14, 1884.
Jacob Peterbaagh, section 14, 1885.
Anthony Santo, section 14, 1850.
John Snyder, section 15, 1851.
Anthony I. Saunders, section 15, 1851.
John Nagler, section 15, 1851.
Joseph Osborne, section 16, 1848.
John Clifton, section 15, 1848.
David B. Merper, section 15, 1849.
Oswald Sheeter, section 15, 1849.
James Oard, section 15, 1849.
Silas Mills, section 15, 1851.
James Mark, section 22, 1884.
Henry B. Wykoff, section 22, 1885.
Jacob Peterbaugh, section 22, 1884.
T. B. Van Horn, section 22, 1884.
Thomas Farmer, section 22, 1851.
Jesse Coil, section 22, 1850.
Wm. McCoUister, section 22, 1850.
Alfred Simonton, et al, section 28, 1851.
George Lance, section 28, 1851.
Wm. R. Lefflngwell, section 28, 1851.
David Erider, section 28, 1851.
Robert Lee, section 28, 1852.
Lewis M. Duren, section 28, 1851.
Joseph Walters, section 28, 1849.
John B. Talbot, section 23, 1851.
George Stiger, section 28, 1851.
Samuel Forrer, section 24, 1884.
Frederick Marquand, section 24, 1885.
Henry S. Wykoff, section 24, 1885.
Dennis Davenport, section 24, 1885.
Alexander Walker, section 24, 1851.
John Hockenberry, section 25, 1845.
Guilford D. Coleman, section 25, 1845.
Cyrill Russell, section 25. 1851.
Isaac F. Rider, section 25. 1851.
John H. Barlow, section 25, 1851.
C. Zeitzler, section 25, 1851.
Anthony Bergen, section 25. 1851.
Jacob Geckel, section 26, 1850.
Joseph Moorehead, section 26, 1850.
James Delaney. section 26, 1850.
Martin Post, section 26, 1850.
Jesse Bowers, section 26, 1850.
Christian Brecht, section 26, 1850.
Jacob Geckel, section 26, 1850.
Royal D. Hooker, section 26, 1850.
Samuel Toukey, section 26, 1850.
Henry Barnes, section 27, 1849.
Ellis J. Bayman, section 27, 1852.
Henry Barnes, section 27, 1851.
Marshall & Jacobs, section 27. 1851.
Wm. McCollister, section 27, 1851.
Allen L. Mark, section 27, 1851.
Edward Purdy, section 84, 1850.
Robert Maxwell, section 84, 1850.
Ozias W. Purdy, section 84, 1850.
Samuel Purdy, section 84, 1849.
Richard Hughes, section 85, 1851.
Charles C. Marshall, section 85, 1852.
Evan Davis, section 85, 1851.
Christ Rice, section 85. 1851.
John Burke, section 85, 1851.
Catharine Rapp, section 85, 1851.
Wm. Maxwell, section 85, 1851.
Ellis J. Bayman, section 85. 1852.
Samuel Forrer, section 86, 1884.
Fred Marquand, section 86, 1885.
Henry 8. Wykoff, section 86. 1885.
Dennis Davenport, section 86, 1885.
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548
HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
Isaac N. Skillman, flection 86, 1885. Ellis J. Bayman, section 36, 1850.
Thomas Lockhead, section 86, 1846. James May, section 86, 1849.
The Boathern portion of the township in Township 4 south. Range 4
east, was entered by the persons whose names are given below:
Caspar Smith, section 1, 1846.
James May, Jr., section 1, 1849.
John G. Vaughn, section 1, 1850.
Wm. Jones, section 1, 1850.
Elizabeth Suman, section 1, 1850.
Wm. Tyler, section 1, 1850.
Evan B. Jones, section 1, 1850.
Amy Saunders, section 1, 1851.
Thomas T. Jones, section 1, 1850.
Madiion L. Boyer, section 1, 1850.
Samuel L. Sweeney, section 1, 1849.
James W. Jones, section 1, 1848.
Phillip Herring, section 2, 1850.
Thos. T. Jones, section 2, 1850.
Thomas Farmer, section 2, 1850.
John Coil, section 2, 1850.
Patrick Pox, section 2, 1851.
Alexander Counts, section 2, 1848.
David Carey, Jr., section 2, 1849.
Daniel O. Evans, section 2, 1850.
Jno. Pritchard, section 2, 1850.
Berry Smith, section 2, 1850.
Conrad Norbeck, section 2, 1849.
Alexander Counts, section 2, 1850.
JohnEinsel, section 8, 1852.
Ellis J. Bayman. section 8, 1852.
John H. Dufley, section 8, 1850.
Thomas Farmer, section 8, 1851.
Benjamin Sides, section 8, 1852.
James Spercer, section 8, 1852.
Samuel Purdy, section 8, 1851.
Jacob Miller, section 8, 1851.
Jona M. Warrick, section 8, 1852.
John Meyer, section 8, 1852.
Thomas J. Fair, section 10. 1850.
Samuel Cook, section 10, 1850.
Bowen Dunham, section 10, 1850.
Charles Simpkins, section 10, 1851.
Calvin L. Starr, section 10, 1850.
Peter Field, section 10, laW.
Lewis T. Rupert, section 10, 1851.
Frederick Gonkle, section 10, 1850.
David Archer, section 10, 1850.
Wm. Tyler, section 11, 1845.
Margaret Rench, section 11, 1850.
Evan B. Jones, section 11, 1850.
Wm. Tyler, section 11, 1845.
Elias Barter, section 11, 1850.
Wm. Hununell, section 11, 1850.
Wm. Olien, section 11, 1851.
Fred. Marquand. section 12, 1885.
H. S. Wykoflf. section 12, 1885.
Dennis Davenport, section 12, 1885.
Wm. Tyler, section 12, 1843.
John Dehart, section 18, 1848.
Daniel Smith, section 18, 1848.
John McMullen, section 18, 1850.
Henry Barnett, section 18, 1848.
John McMullen. section 18. 1850.
Martin Bope, section 18, 1850.
Francis J. Lye, section 18, 1850.
Chas. C. Marshall, section 18, 1850.
Francis Roegner, section 18, 1852.
Robert D. Hood, section 18, 1850.
Samuel D. Bush, section 18. 1849.
Merritt Harvey, section 14, 1848.
John Mitgen, section 14, 1846.
George W. Reece, section 14, 1848.
Lewen Davis, section 14, 1847.
Andrew Coil, section 14, 1847.
Robert Adams, section 14, 1850.
Thomas McEenna, section 14, 1850.
Timothy Shaffer, section 14, 1850.
Rachel Archer, section 14, 1850.
David Sheets, section 15, 1850.
Oeorge H. Sheets, section 15, 1850.
Timothy Shaffer, section 15, 1851.
John Nugent, section 15, 1851.
Oeorge G. Long, section 15, 1851.
James Perry, section 15, 1852.
John Price, section 15, 1850.
Sam. Wagner, section 15, 1851.
Nathan Davis, section 15, 1851.
Ellis J. Bayman, section 15, 1852.
Richard E. Bush, section 15. 1852.
Sarah Brown, section 15, 1850.
Wm. H. Webb, section 11, 1848.
In the southeastern sections, 7 and 18 of Township 4 south, Range 5
east, deducted from Amanda in 1848 the following entries were made:
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 649
Phebe Smith, section 7, 1850. Peter Kephart, section 7. 1847.
Wm. Bice, section 7. 1849. Nathaniel Clawson, section 7, 1852.
Philip Place, section 7, 1849. Simon Perkins, section 18, 1885.
Elinor Peterson, section 7, 1850. E. W. Schon, section 18, 1886.
Szekiel Clark, section 7, 1850.
SCHOOLS.
Previons to 1848 what is now fractional Township 8 and 4 sonth,
Bange 4 east, was Tarionsly attached. One part belonged to Jennings,
another to Salem and still another to Amanda. Whatever attempts were
made to establish a school in the territory now called Spencer were of
the faintest character; jet school privileges were not totally wanting to
the youth of the district; for along its borders, the subscription school
and even the conmion school of our own days, were in existence. The
condition of the schools of Spencer and Spencenrille at present is shown
in the following abstract of reports for 1884: Spencenrille School
Distnct: Receipts for 1884, $2,196.72, expenditures, $1,947.89. There
is one schoolhouse valued at $8,000. Four teachers are employed. The
number of pupils enrolled is 289 — 148 boys and 141 girls. Spenoer
Township Schools: Revenue in 1884 was $8,198.06, expenditure $1,897.
There are 212 pupils enrolled, of whom 107 are boys and 105 girls.
SPENCERVILLE VILLAGK
Spenoerville, in Spencer Township, was platted in 1845-46 by Conover,
McGonnell and Tyler of Dayton, Ohio, at the time they built their first mill
at the lower lock. Hartford, an old settlement in this tovmship, ceased
to exist on the establishment of Spencerville. The population of the
village in 1880 was 582. At the close of 1884 the estimated number of
inhabitants was 800.
The act of incorporation was passed in 1867, and the first village
election held that year. In the following ofBcial history, the names of
those who have served and are serving as counciimen and corporation
ofBoers, are given.
1867. J. C. Campbell, mayor; Merritt Harvey, recorder; Jacob De-
hart, tj^easurer; W. H. Orcutt, marshal; William Moorman, Henry Staub
W. P. Dehart, J. M. Watts, A. C. Harter.
1868. John Monroe, mayor; Dehart, Orcutt, Harvey, Staub, W. P.
Dehart were re-elected. Joseph August, Henry Heap, S. H. Thomas were
elected counciimen, and Samuel Brice, supervisor.
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550 HISTORY OP ALLEN QMlimr.
1869. Isaac T. JUokr, mayor; A. C. Harter, recorder; W. P. Dehart,
tiWMwrwri S. Place, marshal; Samael Brioe, sapervisor; George Meilils, J.
G. Campbell, Franck Boeckner, Joseph August and W. P. Harter.
1870. Merritt Harvej, mayor; J. 0. Campbell, recorder; R. D.
Hooker, marshal; W. P. Dehart, treasurer; John Miniviler, supervisor;
Jacob Dehart, J. B. Robins, £. D. Fogle, Johnzey Eeeth, Joseph H. Har-
bison and William Moorman, councilmen.
1871. Merritt Harvey, mayor; Levi Oounts, N. A. Meeker, Joseph
August and K D. Fogla
1872. Merritt Harvey, mayor; W. H. Orcutt, marshal, A. C. Harter,
clerk; Philip King, Francis Roegnar, and Joseph Harbison, councilmen.
1873. Merritt Harvey, mayor; Henry Staub, R D. Hooker and
Joseph August, councilmen.
1874 George M. Hammond, mayor; John C. Campbell, clerk; W.
P. Dehart, treasurer; Tobias Foster, marshal; Theo Eisenbach, Johnzey
Keeth, A. C. Harter, Gottlieb Henna, councilmen.
1875. J. S. Fogle, Joseph Harbison, A. F. W. Meyer, councilmen.
1876. George M Hammond, mayor; Merritt Harvey, recorder; Theo
Eisenbach, treasurer; I. N. Fogle, marshal; Johnzey Eeeth, J. D. Welsh,
and Levi Counts, councilmen.
1877. J. S. Fogle, William F. Meyer and ApoUos Place, councilmen.
1878. O. S. Judd, mayor; Lambert^ Cochran, recorder; Theo Eisen-
bach, treasurer; George W. Lynch, marshal; H C. Hart, A. C. Harter
and George Henna, councilmen.
1879. Tobias Foster, W. H. Harter and C. W. Koenig, councilmen;
Thomas Shaffer, street commissioner.
1880. A. J. Travis, mayor; Lambert Cochran, clerk; S. H. Kephart,
mayor; Theo. Eisenbach, treasurer; Daniel Fitzpatrick, marshal and street
commissioner; George Henna, A. C. Harter and U. Renner, councilmen.
1881. A. S. Hooker, W. P. Dehart, O. S. Judd, councilmen. The
question of erecting the Town Hall was voted upon in April 1881, when
an affirmative vote was polled.
1882. J. W. Arnold, mayor; George Munroe, clerk; J. M. Beard,
treasurer; Fred Him, marshal; Johnzey Keeth, James E. McDonald and
James Fitzpatrick, councilmen.
1883. L. M. Place, A E. Shosker and W. P. Dehart, councilmen.
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 651
1884. J. H. Dnnathan, major; E. Moohouert, clerk; J. M. Beard,
treasurer; Samuel Place, marshal; W. P. Dehart, 0. W. King, T. C.
Bmnis, W. C. Hance, A. £. Shosker and L. M. Place, oouucilmen; J. N.
Bailey, aitomej.
It is stated that a small debt is due bj the Tillage, but the amount,
even the very nature of the debt, is not understood.
OHUBOHEa
Methodist Episcopal Churchy at Spencerville, was attached to the
Acadia Circuit On August 1, 1851, the ofScial members of Spencer
Mission assembled with William A. Baker, P. 0.; Samuel Dillinger and
Charles Post, stewards; Israel Slausson, leader, present In August,
1851, the first quarter meeting was held at Hartford, with Wesley Brock,
P. K In addition to the ofScers named above. Nelson Hayes, Alanson
Hayes, Silas Myers, William Ehine, Horace Bixby. The names of orig-
inal members of record in 1857 are Branson J. Miller and wife, William
Gamble and wife, Samuel Dillinger and wife, J. G. Young, Alfred Fritz.
Jane Nye, Rebecca Dillinger, Benjamin Hall, G. W. Eirkbride, James
Lee Gamble and wife, Francis Hall and wife, M Ellen Dibble, Melinda
Young, Nancy Young, Horace Bixby and wife, Mary Barker, Catherine
Nell, Eliza Heffher, Henry Miller, Margaret Stradley. In 1859, Spencer
was attached to Delphoe Circuit In 1868, Messrs. Post, Cochran and
Hover were elected a building committee. There are three appointments
now in the Spencerrille Circuit Of the 170 members of the circuit,
seventy belong to Spencerrille, where also is a church property valued
at 14,000.
The presiding elders of this circuit are named as follows: Hiram M.
Shaffer, 1852; J. A. Kellum, 1854; Wesley J. Wells, 1856; E. C. Gavitt,
1856; Hiram M Shaffer, 1861; F. Marriott, 1864; S. L. Robert, 1869; A.
Harmount, 1872; A. Berry, 1876; M. Albright, 1880; John F. Davies,
1884.
The pastors of the mission and circuit since 1858 are named as fol-
lows: William Gardner, P. C, 1858; Harrison Maltbie, P. C, 1854; J.
Wilcox, 1856; John N. Preddy, 1857; Wesley G. Watt^rs, 1859; Francis
Plumb, 1861; William Deal and A. Estel, 1862-68; J. F. Mounts, 1864;
F. D. Preddy, 1865; L. Herbert, 1866; Caleb Hill, 1866; T. D. Preddy,
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552 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
1867; P. S. Fagan, 1867; D. B. Rinehart, 1868; Phillip Lemaster, 1869;
L R. Henderson, 1871; A. J. Frisbie, 1873; L. W. Patrick, 1874; J. C.
Clemmons, 1875; Reuben Ranch, 1877; W. R Shnltz, 1878; T. J. Bowera,
1879; S. M. Boggs, 1880; Orlando Mnrlin, 1881; William Deal, 1882;
Benjamin B. Powell, 1884.
St Patrick's Church (Catholic), was formed in 1858, by Rev. Patrick
Henneberry. From 1858 to 1861 the charoh was attended by Rev. Fathers
Jacob and Michael. In 1871 Father Seltzer attended, and in the same
year Father Brem was appointed pastor. In 1877 he was succeeded by
Father Leddy who remained until 1878, when Father Gahill took charge.
He was succeeded in JPuly 1879 by Father Barry.
A log-cabin 26x86 was consecrated as a house of worship in 1860 by
Bishop Rappe. This was used until the completion of the present church
in 1876 by Father Brem. It cost $1,100.
Oerman Methodist Episcopal Church. — Spencerville Circuit North-
em Ohio Central German Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church has been until recently a mere outpost of missionary
work. In the fall of 1888 l^>encerTille was detached from Knozville
Circuit, when Rev. John Hess was appointed first resident pastor. Pre-
Tious to September 19, 1888, the parish was attended by the preacher in
charge of the old circuit, risiting from Knoxville. The present member-
ship is 152 members and six probationista The value of church build-
ing, pastor's house and grounds is placed at about $2,200. The pastors
in order of time, were H. Shimmelpfennig, John Fickan, John C.
Speckman, Jacob Gabler, Philip Orescle, Aug. F. Miller, John C. Egly,
and John Huaneke, the predecessor of Mr. Hess. The first Presiding
Elders were George A. Brunig, Jacob Rothweiler, D. D., George Schwinn,
and John S. Schneider, the present presiding elder, son of one of the
first German Methodists in Ohio. Mr. Hess also attends Zion Church
in Auglaize County.
Christian Church was founded March 31, 1867, with the following
named members: William Moorman and wife, B. D. Harter, Sarah J.
Harter, Eliza Moorman, Nancy E. Hill, Merritt Haryey, Eliza J. Harvey,
Adaline Monroe, Anna Harter, and Barbara Workman. In 1868 a house
of worship was erected at a cost of $1,500. The pastors of this church
since 1867 are named as follows ; M. Martz, D. Lepley, S. Whetstone^
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 653
W. C. Bimer, O. B. Gamer, L. Gaacler, T. S.Wells, and Mr. Bimer, now
serring his second term hare. The clerks have been, Merritt Harvey,
H. M. Hill, W. T. Allen, and S. L. Frjer, the present clerk, chosen in
1872. The member^p is ninety-seven.
The German Reformed Church was foanded at Spencenrille some years
ago. In 1883 a church building was erected, which was dedicated in
1884. This church is growing fast in membership.
The Find Baptiet Church was founded here about the time the ileth-
odists organized their society. Many years afterward the members of the
Baptist congregation erected a frame church building, which is still in
usa
lOSOBLLAMVOUS.
The first postmaster in Spencerville was Dr. Solomon Wyatt, who was
serving when Merritt Harvey passed through the settlement in 1845, and
held the office when Harvey settled here in 1847. Since that time the
office has be«i conducted by Webb & Barter, John Heaton, A. G. Harter,
Smith Fogle, Dr. Sticknor, Joseph Harbison and Theodore Eisenbach.
Fair Poet, No. 322, O. A. R, was (Mrganized June 16, 1888, J. B.
Post, conmiander; Joseph E. Fisher, S. Y. O. ; Henry Wasson, J. Y. G. ;
L. E. Titus, O. D.; Gharles W. Briggs, O. O.; H. G. Hart, surgeon;
Peter Lies, Q. M. ; J. M. Jones, chaplain; O. W. Biner, William Oounts,
J. L. Gombs, John Gonrad, John N. Dick, Henry Oaree, John Eies, J.
M. Lamme, S. L. Fryer, Joseph Monroe, Leandsr McMillan, Gharles G.
Post, L. M. Place, William Place, J. Bathgaber, John Schamp, Bobert
Sutton, John Sands and Fred Stork. H. M. Hill was first adjutant and
F. L. Langley, present adjutant. The number of members at present is
twenty-nine.
The Eeeth House, recently erected, is a first-class hotel, well-equipped
and conducted.
The Joumaly a weekly newspaper, was founded in May, 1878, by J.
W. Summersett, with J. W. Arnold and G. W. Smith. The present own-
ers are H J. Hamm and J. W. Arnold, the lattw being editor and pub-
lisher. The circulation of the Journal is 600 weekly. The oflice is val-
ued at 11,500.
The Masonic Lodge and the Grand Army>of the Bepublic are the only
secret and benevolent organizations in the village.
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554 HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
The Bohools and chnrohes are well administeFed; the mercantile ee-
tablishments are carried on on thorough bnsiuesB principles, while the
mills and factories of the neighborhood are extensive and well operated.
The Narrow Gaage or T. C. & St. L. B. B., e^ered the village in July,
1878, and four years later the great railroad system known as the Chicago
& Atlantic Bailroad, placed the village in direct commonication with the
East and West The Miami & Erie Canal, completed in 1845. formed the
great highway of travel previous to the advent of the railroads.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.
THIS division of the county takes its name from the number and
productiveness of the sugar maple groves of pioneer days. Here
the Indians of Charloe, and indeed of Shawnee, made their spring en-
campments, and from this district they obtained their year's supply of
maple syrup and sugar. The population is 1,032, or forty- three inhabi-
tants per square mile.
The township is well supplied with schools and churches. Through-
out the territory the homes of the people speak of the rewards of in-
dustry. In every section comfortable homes, substantial farm buildings,
well cultivated farms and orchards tell of progresa
The Ottawa River flows north in a tortuous course through the west-
em section& Sugar Creek waters the eastern sections, while the streams
known as Pike Bun, Rabbit Run, Taway Run, Beaver Run, Dug Run,
Toad Run and Honey Run offer water to the territory at a distance from
the main streams.
ORGANIZATION.
The township was set off in 1831 as a division of Putnam County.
At that time it was known as Coogressional Township 2, Range 6.
James Porter, Daniel Gray and William Turner were the first trustees ;
Abram Sarber, clerk ; Benjamin Clevenger, treasurer ; and Obed
Martin, justice of the peace. Under the reorganization of 1848, the
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SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 555
north tier of sections belonging to original Township 3 sonth, Range &
east, or Oerman, were added to the south half of Township 2 south,
Bange 6 east, or Sugar Creek, and organized under the name of Sugar
Creek. In 1834, James Nicholas was elected justice as successor to
Obed Martin, and has been re-elected for three-year terms ever since
that time.
PIONEERS.
So much has beeil written in the general history respecting the pio-
neers of Sugar Creek, the list of original entries, a history in itself, is
given here. When James Nicholas settled in Sugar Creek Township, in
September, 1833, he found a few settlers in that district. The neighbdrs
that preceded him were Sanford Bertch, Arnold Bertch, Thomas Dehen,
John Enslen, Frederick Ehernman, Thomas Watkins, David Boberts and
Adam Bussart. The first school was in a cabin, in 1833, and taught by
William Bamsey. It had but fifteen or sixteen scholars, and was what
was known as a subscription school. Preaching was gererally in the
cabins of the pioneers, and was usually by Methodist preachers. The
early milling was at a little mill built on Sugar Creek by Benjamin Clev-
enger, about 1832. The next mill was by Peter Bhodes, on Hog Creek,
1837. Some of the early settlers went to Cherokee, some to Piqua, and
some to Wapakonetta. The first carding was done at the machine of
John East, in German Township. For leather, salt, eta, thej went to
Lower Sandusky or Fremont. The Welsh put up a good log church in
what is now Gomer, in 1838. These people have greatly increased of late
years, by immijo^ration, and the membership of that church has become
quite numerous. The old church has been replaced by a large new brick,
built at a heavy cost, in 1873. The first road was from Lima to Defi-
ance. The next, the Bucyrus and Fort Wayne, was built in 1835. It
makes the principal street in Gomer.
LIST OF ORIGINAL ENTRIES.
In the following list the names of those who purchased lands in this
township, as now constituted, are only given. Sections 1 to 6, inclusive,
are in Township 3 south, Bauge 6 east. Sections 19 to 36, inclusive, are
in Township 2 south, Bange 6 east
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656
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY.
Township 8
John Qunder, section 1. 1829.
Daniel Purdy, section 1, 1827.
William Ward, section 1, 1829.
James Turner, 8r., section 1, 1825.
James Turner, section 1, 1826.
Hugh Crawford, section 1, 1829.
Michael Hidenour, section 2, 1829.
WiUiam Ward, section 2, 1829.
Isaac Myers, section 2, 1888.
Michael Ridenour, section 2, 1884.
Michael Ridenour, section 8, 1884.
John O. Ferrall, section 8, 1886.
Vincent D. Engart, section 8, 1886.
ChrUtian Weller, section 8, 1885.
Nicholas Fass, section 8, 1888.
Jeremiah Yandemark, section 8, 1885.
Hamilton Davison, section 8, 1841.
Henry Dreaching, section 8, 1885.
David Berry, section 8, 1888.
South, Range 6 East.
Charles Long,*section 8, 1884.
Charles Drusly, section 8, 1884.
John Brown, section 4, 1838.
John Brown, section 4, 1888.
David Stepleton, section 4, 1883.
Hiram Stotts, section 4, 1888.
Daniel D. Conrad, section 5, 1882.
Jacob Lakemiller, section 5, 1882.
John Margart, section 5, 1889.
Michael Ridenour, section 5, 1829.
Henry Hufer, section 5, 1880.
Hiram Stotts, section 5, 1888.
Brown & Goodman, section 5, 1854.
Daniel J. Conrad, section 6, 1829.
Michael Ridenour, section 6, 1880.
John Stemen, section 6, 1881.
Revel Roach, section 6, 1880.
8imon Dilshover, section 6. 1882.
Peter Stuckey, section 6. 1831.
Township
Richard Richards, section 19, 1833.
Eliab Carman, section 19, 1884.
Thomas Qriffln, section 19, 1884.
Shadrack Benham, section 19, 1884.
Samuel C. Benham, section 19, 1884.
John Bates, section 19, 1889.
James Johnson, section 19, 1884.
Thomas Jones, section 19, 1834.
Peter Roth, section 20, 1880.
William Clevenger, section 20, 1829.
Joseph Griffith, section 20, 1883.
Thomas G. Jones, section 20, 1882.
David Sim. section 21, 1829.
William Roberts, section 21, 1834
William Clevenger, section 21, 1881.
John Gander, section 21, 1838.
Thomas Watkins, section 21, 1833
David Roberts, section 22, 1834.
Evan Jones, section 22, 1834.
David Roberts, section 22, 1888.
Evan Evans, section 22, 1834.
William Teegardin, section 23, 1883.
William Teegardin, section 24, 1888.
Edwin Smith, section 25, 1833.
Thomas Miller, section 25, 1884.
James McKinley, section 25, 1883.
Alexander McKinley, section 25, 1838.
George Mell, section 25, 1832.
€teorge Hoffman, section 25. 1834.
Samuel McMillen, section 26, 1831.
2 South, Bange 6 East
George Mell, section 26, 1882.
Peter Oard, section 26, 1888.
Demas Adams, section 26, 1885.
Richard Oard, section 26, 1835.
Martha Jones, section 27, 1888.
David Roberts, section 27, 1888.
Rowland Jones, section 27, 1888.
Samuel Nicholas, Jr., section 27, 1884.
Thomas Watkins, section 28, 1888.
James Nicholas, Jr., section 28, 1838.
James Nicholas, section 28, 1838.
John Morgan, section 28, 1838.
Richard E. Thomas, section 28, 1834.
David Morgam, section 28, 1834.
Neal Clark, section 28, 1884.
Samuel Ramsey, section 29, 1883.
Joseph Griffith, section 29, 1883.
John Toung, section 29, 1888.
John Enslen, section 29. 1829.
Henry Myers, section 29, 1838.
Wm. Patrick, section 29, 1883.
Henry Clapper, section 80, 1882.
John Bates, section 80, 1889.
Rudolph Shank, section 30, 1884.
Samuel Stucky. section 80, 1832..
Wm. Bussard, section 30, 1885.
Henry Clapper, section 80, 1888.
Peter Buzzard, section 30. 1834.
John Sarber. section 81, 1832.
David Long, section 81, 1884.
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SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 657
George Ridenour, section 81, 1838. Henry Davis, section 84, 1884.
Jacob Conrad, section 31, 1888. C^rge Riley, section 34, 1885.
Wm. Enittle, section 81, 1884. Josiah Morgan, section 84, 1884.
Frederick Ehenemann, section 81, 1881. Jacob Whalson, section 84, 1887.
Adam Bussard, section 82, 1888. Anthony Sigler, section 84, 1847.
Jacob Stemels, section 82, 1884. George Ridenour, section 84, 1847.
John McCk)y, section 82, 1881. Martin Mellott, section 85, 1883.
John Barber section 82, 1882. Wm. Ward, section 85, 1881.
Frederick Ehenemann, section 82, 1881. Demas Adams, section 85, 1885.
John Smart, section 82, 1884. Wm. Teegardin, section 85, 1884.
Fleet Clark, section 82, 1881. Michael Ridenour, section 85, 1884.
Neal Clarke, section 88, 1884. Michael Swisser, section 85, 1880.
David Morgan, section 88. 1846. Wm. Bower, section 86, 1884.
John Stephens, section 88, 1885. Wm. Teegardin, section 86, 1885.
John Enslen, section 88, 1885. Wm. Miller, section 86, 1883.
Sanford Bertch, section 88, 1881. Christian Stukey, section 86, 1881.
Emanuel Weaver, section 88, 1881. Vance Pangb, section 86, 1882.
Richard Roberts, section 88, 1884. Samuel R. Jacobs, section 86, 1885.
John Stephens, section 88, 1842. Joseph Pangle, section 86, 1885.
John Watkins, section 84, 1888. Vance P. Bangle, section 86, 1884.
Sections 1 to 18, inolosive, which formed the north half of the original
township of Sngar Greek, still belong to the town of that name in Put-
nam Goonty.
SCHOOLS.
So early as 1838 a subscription school was opened by William Ram-
sey, and attended by fifteen pupils. The statistics for 1884 show receipts,
$4,069.89; expenditures, $2,463.30. There are seven school buildings
Talaed at $4,000. Fifteen teachers are employed. The number of pupils
enrolled is 343—196 boys and 147 girls.
OHUBCBXS.
In 1833 the Methodist preacher was known in the township, but that
denomination gave the honor of building a house of worship to the
Welshmen, who erected a log church in 1838, the same which continued
in use until 1873, when the brick building at Gomer was erected at a cost
of about $17,000. There are four buildings now in the township devoted
to the uses of religion, viz.: the Gongregational Churches at Gomer and
on Section 26, the Methodist Church on Section 30, and the building in
the northeast comer of Section 5.
KISGBLLAinEOUS.
No line of railway passes through this township, the nearest being
33
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658 HISTORY OP ALLEN COUNTY.
the Cieveland, DelphoB & Si Louis to the north of it in Pntnam County,
and the Pittsburgh, Ft Wayne & Chicago to the weet and south in Mar-
ion and Oerman Townships. Gk>mer is the only postofSce in Sugar Creek.
GOMER VILLAGE.
Gomer, Sections 20, 21, 28 and 29, Sugar Creek Township, was laid
out in 1850, by Samuel Bamsay and James Nicholas. The first and second
additions, made by D. D. Nicholas, together with the Dayis, Jones and
Congregational Church properties, constitute the village of the present
day. Here Dr. Jones came to reside in 1853, and a year later Dr. Davis
arrived. In 1873 the Welsh Congregationalists erected a house of wor-
ship, just south of the village, at a cost of over 116,000. Two and one-
half miles east the Welsh erected another church building, while one
mile west the Methodist Episcopal Society erected a house of worship.
Bethel Church is in Marion Township, west of the line of Sugar Creek;
while in the northeast comer of Section 5 a fifth house of worship standa
'^"^^^^F**'
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PAUT IV.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
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Biographical Sketches,
AMANDA TOWNSHIP.
DAVID S. ADAMS, farmer, P. O. Kempton, was born in Warren
County, Ohio, January 26, 1849; son of Lamyan, a native of Kentucky
and an early settler of Warren County, and Maria (Stewart) Adams, who
was born in New Jersey. Of their eight children, David S. is the sixth.
Our subject, when ten years of age, came to this county with his
parents; was raised on a farm, his education being limited to what he
could obtain in the common schools. He has always followed agricul-
tural pursuits. He entered upon his career in life with nothing, but by
habits of industry and economy, has gained a goodly portion of this
world's goods. He is always interested in public improvements, and gives
aid to all as far as his circumstances will permit Mr. Adams was mar-
ried March 3, 1869, to Miss Margaret Emiline Clark, born in this county
January 12, 1854, died July 23, 1884 To them were bom six children,
two of whom are deceased — Laura and Alonzo. Those living are John
Quincy, Forest Dell, Clarence and Samantha. Mr. Adams is an enter-
prising farmer, a good neighbor, highly esteemed by his friends.
ISAAC J. BABEB, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in German Town-
ship, Allen Co., Ohio, October 6, 1842; son of James and Susan.
(McMullen) Baber, natives of Virginia and early settlers of this county.
Our subject received a limited common school education, and having
been raised on a farm has naturally made farming the principal occupa-
tion of his life. He was united in marriage, October 27, 1867, with
Mary M Thomas, of German Township, this county, and by her has
eight children: William Brinton, James W., Franklin Orwood, Albert,
Naoma, Margaret, Walter, and Isaac, Jr. Mr. Baber's sole possession
when he stad;ed out for himself, at the age of twenty-one years, was a
colt valued at $25. He was fully determined to make the most of his
opportunities, however, and now owns 121 acres of land, eighty-five of
which are under cultivation, proving him to have been an active man.
Mr. Baber was formerly a granger. In his political views he is Demo-
cratic. He is a consistent member of the Christian Union Church.
ISAAC COON, farmer, P. O. Kempton, was born in Belmont County,
Ohio, March 18, 1829, a son of George Coon, a native of Pennsylvania,
who was something over ninety-five years of age at the time of his death,
which occurred in 1873. The first wife of George Coon was Christine
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562 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Moore, the mother of our subject, a natlye of Bourbon County, Ey., and
by her he had fifteen children, Isaac being the youngest; she died about
1843. Our subject was reared on a farm, and received his education in
the early subscription schools. He was three years of age when his
parents removed to Section 4, Shawnee Township, this county, and here
he grew to maturity, fully acquainted with pioneer life. At the age of
nineteen he received his time from his father and went to Delphos,
where he went to work in a saw-mill. In about a year he had saved
the money with which he bought forty acres of land in Amanda Town-
ship, this county, where he still lives, and to which he has added by sub-
sequent purchases, until now he has 280 acres in this township, and
eighty -five in Shawnee, the greater portion of which is under cultivation.
' At one time he dealt quite extensively in sheep, but at present makes no
specialtiea Mr. C!oon was married March 14, 1850, to Julia Ann Gaskel,
who died June 8, 1858. She bore him him three children: Martha E.,
Martin L. , and Benjamin F. His second marriage, which occurred March
3, 1861, was with Sarah L. Cobb, bom in Luzerne County, Penn., Septem-
ber 5, 1843, daughter of Aaron and Esther (Halstead) Cobb. To this
union six children were bom: Sanford C, Orrin F., Albert O., Charles
H., Lizzie L., and Ira E. Mr. Coon was in the service three years in
Company A, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
was in several engagements. At the battle of Franklin, Tenn. , he was shot
through the right lung, which wound still troubles him. Politically he
is a I^publican.
WILLIAM R. COON, farmer, P. O. Conant, was bom in Shawnee
Township, this county, January 27, 1842; son of George J. and Julietta
(Decoursey) Coon, natives of New England, and who came to Allen
County at an early date. Eight of their thirteen children are living, of
whom our subject is the eldest He obtained a common school educa-
tion, and having been raised a farmer has made farming the principal
occupation of his lifa He is virtually self-made, having entered upon
the battle of life a poor man, and has accumulated his property through
industry and economy. He is worthy of the reputation he sustains of
being a practical farmer and a thorough business man. Mr. Coon was
married November 8, 1866, to Jane, daughter of James Place. She was bom
in Missouri, February 22, 1842. By this union were bom nine children:
Lenora, Susan, Jane, William, Elmer, Belvy L., Hattie (deceased), Al-
* pheus (deceased) and Mercy (deceased). Mr. Coon has twice been a
servant of the people of his township, having served as trustee and
justice of the peace. In February 1862, he volunteered his services to
his country, and was with Sherman, till the close of the war. He is a
consistent member of the Christian Church. In politics he is inde-
pendent.
STEPHEN D. CBEMEAN, farmer, P. O. AUentown, was born in
Boss County, Ohio, January 10, 1827; son of Smith and Mary (Dillen)
Cremean, natives of Maryland, who settled in Boss County, Ohio, about
1805. They were parents of ten children, of whom our subject is the
seventh. In 1830 they removed to Allen County, and located in German
Township, where Stephen D. grew to maturity fully acquainted with
pioneer lifa The father died in about 1859, the mother in Febraaty,
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AMANDA TOWNSHIP. 568
1880. aged about ninety years. Oar subject obtained a limited oommon
school education, and having been raised a farmer has made that occupa-
tion the principle one of nis life. For about two years, however, he
engaged in mercantile business at Elida and Cridersville, Auglaize
Co., Ohio. In the fall of 1848 he purchased eighty acres of wild
land in Amanda Township, this county, where he still resides, and
which he continued to add to, at intervals, until his farm now consists
of 275 acres of choice land, all more or less highly cultivated; and in
connection with his farming interests has dealt in stodc, more extensively in
buying and selling hoga Mr. Gremean was united in marriage, November
5, 1848, with Tamsey John, bom in Boss County, Ohio, April 23, 1829,
by whom he has two children: Mary Jane and Ourtis. They have, how-
ever, raised five other children: Annie Strawbridge, Jessie Garr, Maria
Boush, James and Amanda Stalter. Mr. Gremean has filled the office of
justice of the peace one term, and is now serving his fifth term as town-
ship treasurer. For about ten years he has been a consistent member of
the Christian Union Church. Politically he is identified with the Dem-
ocratic party. He is a self-made man having accumulated his property
by his own efforts.
CONRAD B. GULP, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in Pickaway
County, Ohio, June 13, 1819, being third in the family of thirteen children
of Peter and Susan (Broucher) Gulp, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in
Pickaway County in 1802. Conrad B. was raised on a farm, and early in
life learned the trades of carpenter and joiner and shoe-maker. He con-
ducted a shoe store in Pickaway County about five years, and has worked
more or less at the carpenter's trade for twenty years. In connection
with his trades he has also owned a farm. Mr. Gulp was united in
marriage, in 1842, with Sarah Duncle, who died in 1847 leaving to his
care six children: Franklin (deceased), George D. (deceased), Mary S.,
John (deceased), Jacob (deceased) and Peter S. (deceased). In 1850 he was
again married, this time to Bachael Imler, who died in 1877; she bore
him five children: Sarah C. (deceased), BaChael (deceased), Hannah J.,
Clement Brinlen and Harriet I. In 1847 Mr. Gulp went to Auglaize
County where he bought a quarter seittion of wild land, built a water
saw-mill, and remained for eleven years, then removed to Lima, this
county, and for two years was engaged in mercantile business and
working at his trade. In the fall of 1800 he purchased his present
property which was then in a state of nature, and which he has converted
into a good farm, having placed the same under a high state of cultiva*
tion, it being the third farm he has cleared up in his time, one in Allen
County, one in Auglaize County and one in Fairfield County. In 1877
he erected a large barn, at that time the best in the neigborhood. His
education has been obtained in the common schools and in contact with
the wotld. From the age of fifteen years he was catechised in the
Lutheran Church until he united with Uie Christian Union Church, of
which he has been a consistent member for several years. His political
sympathy is with the Democratic Party.
JACOB FBY, farmer, P. O. Conant, was bom in Pennsylvania Feb-
ruary 26, 1827, a son of Abraham and Mary (Beckenbaugh) Fry^ of
Pennsylvania, of whose family of nine children only four are living,
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564 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Jacob being the youngest. Our subject was married, October 5, 1848, to
Amy J. ChipmaD, who died in March, 1871, the mother of seven chil-
dren : Abram L., Mary E. (deceased), Isabel (wife of L. Bowersock),
Bosetta (wife of William King), Ida A. (deceased), Mattie (deceased),
and William S. Mr. Fry came to AJlen County in 1849, and two years
later located on his farm in Amanda Township, and has been one of the
sturdy pioneers who have cleared away the forests and prepared the soil
for cultivation. He has served the people as trustee for three years.
During the war he enlisted in Ck>mpany D, One Hundred and Eightieth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, remaining in the service till the close of the
struggle. Religiously he is connected with the Baptist Church. Mr.
Fry's oldest son, Abram L., was bom January 14, 1850, received a com-
mon school education, and has always been a farmer. He is still living
on the homestead. He has been township clerk two years, and is now
serving as such by appointment on an unfinished term. He was married,
December 29, 1870, to Josephine Fryer, bom in Allen County July 24,
1854, by whom he has had four children: Ida Bell (deceased), Alphens,
Inetta and EfiQe May. Politically both our subject and son are Democrats.
THOMAS GBUBB, farmer and justice of the peace, P. O. Eempton,
was bom in Jackson Township, Allen Co., Ohio, September 27, 1852;
son of John R and Elizabeih (Bobinson) Grubb, who are still living,
the former born in Morgan County, the latter in Jackson Township,
Allen Co., Ohio. They were early settlers of Auglaize County,
Ohio. They are the parents of four living children*: John A.,
Letitia J., Thomas and Annie R Thomas was reared on a farm, and
has always followed agricultural pursuits. His education was limited to
such as could be obtained in the common schools of those days. He
was united in marriage, August 28, 1878, with Miss Catherine Bowers,
of Auglaize Township, this county, bom April 20, 1859, daughter of
John and Amanda R Bowers, the former of whom, one of the early set-
tlers of Allen County, died about 1865. To this union three children
were bom: Bolla G., Laura B. and Maud. Mr. Orubb moved to
Amanda Township, this county, in 1879, and settled on the farm where
he now resides. He was a charter member of Battlesnake Grange of
Jackson Township. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. In his political views he is identified with the Demo-
cratic party. He was elected and commissioned justice of the peace in
1880, and during his four years of service has performed most of the
official work of this office in the township. Our subject is an energetic
and enterprising man, and is destined to become one of the substantial
farmers of Amanda Township.
CALVIN HARRIS, retired farmer, P. O. Southworth, was bom in
Chautauqua County, N. Y., October 1, 1810, son of Samuel and Sally
(Beed) Harris, natives of New York State, parents of five children:
Eleazar, Elvira, Daniel, Sarah and Calvin, the last two named being the
only survivors of the family. They removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, in
1816, and soon after our subject was bound to a Quaker, with whom he
lived on a farm till he was sixteen years old. He then learned wagon-
making, a trade he followed about fourteen years. He eventually moved
to Lockland, Ohio, where he married Edith Dunn May 28, 1835. In
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AMANDA TOWNSHIP. 565
1S40 he oaxne to this county and located on the farm where he now
resides. His wife died December 9, 1881, and he now lives a retired
life, having given over his business to his son. He is a deacon in the
Baptist Church, of which he has been a consistent member since a young
man. He was originally a Whig, but is now a Republican. Of his
nine children four are now living: Mary Angeline (wife of T. A.
Handel), Koscoe B., Florence B. (wife of D. W. Ditto) and Clarence B.
ISAAC HABTEK, farmer, P. O. Conant, was bom in Amanda Town-
ship, this county, March 17,1887,and is the only surviving child of Charles
and Susan (Carr) Harter, and a grandson of Jacob and Rebecca (Copus)
Harter, who were among the very early settlers of this county. Our
subject was but six months old at the death of hie^ father, and at the age
of eleven years was also bereft of a mother's care. He was thus thrown
upon his own resources, although part of his early life was spent with
his grandparents. His education was necessarily limited, and he entered
upon his career in life with nothing but his own labor to depend upon,
but being possessed of a stout heart and energetic nature, he determined
to make his way in the world. As a result of his industry and economy
he was enabled to purchase a small piece of land in 1862. Three years
later he volunteered his services to his country, enlisting in Company
E, One Hundred and Ninty- second Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served
till the dose of the war. After that he returned to agricultural pursuits
and has now a fine farm, highly cultivated and well supplied with sub-
stantial buildings. Mr. Harter was married January 23, 1860, to Eliza-
beth Eley, bom April 26, 1841, in Amanda Township, daughter of Peter
and Rosanna (Place) Eley. To this union have been bom five children:
Susan, Cora Bell, Emma E., Charles (deceased) and Lillie (deceased).
Mr. Harter is a member of the G. A, R. Post at Spencerville; is an
adherent of the Christian Church. He is not a politician but votes for
men and principles.
CYRUS H. HOVER, farmer, P. O. Kempton, was born in Trumbull
County, Ohio, March 5, 1822, and came to Allen County ^ith his parents
in 1833, locating at Lima, where he entered on his career of life in 1846,
commencing in the foundry business. In 1850 ha removed his business
to Delphos, where he remained thirteen years. He then purchased a
farm in Amanda Township, and turned his attention to agricultural pur-
suits. The greater portion of his farm was at that time wild and uncul-
tivated, but now it is under a state of cultivation, being second to none
in his township. Mr. Hover was married August 4, 1847, to Martha
Past, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, August 7, 1827, and this union
has been blessed with eleven children: Elizal^th C. (wife of Rev. Philip
Lemasters), Laura (deceased), Joseph O. (deceased), Mary E. (wife of
R. H Gamble), Charles A., Kate P. (wife of D. H. Crites), Bryant G.,
Minnie L., Florence, Ada L. (deceased), and Mattie J. Mr. Hover is a
man of sound judgment, honorable and upright to a f^ult in all business
transactions, and is one of the most influential as well as substantial far-
mers of his township. He is a stanch advocate of the principles of the
Republican party. Religiously he and his family are identified with the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
SAMUEL LUTZ, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. AUentown, one of
the substantial farmers of this township, was born in Fairfield County,
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566 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Ohio, September 13, 1853, son of John and Elizabeth Ann (IdCiller) Lntz,
the former bom in Maryland, Janifary 13, 1820. John Lntz was mar-
ried November 20, 1845, to Sarah Ann Griffith, and by this onion was
born one child, Phoebe Ann (now wife of David Brennemen of Gfrerman
Township, Allen Ck)., Ohio). Losing this wife by death Jnly 15, 1850,
he married on the second occasion. May 1, 1851, Elizabeth Ann Miller, who
bore him foor children: William M, Samael, Sarah J. (deceased), and
Oreorge A. This wife died December 24, 1859, and he then married
Jnne 20, 1861, Sarah J. Doner, by which union there were foar children
bom: Isaac N. (deceased), Louiza I, John W. and Altha 0. (deceased).
John Lntz was an influential farmer, a man of good judgment and in
every sense a self-made man. He died February 22, 1873, and his loss
was deeply mourned. Having been raised on a farm, our subject natu-
rally chose the life of a farmer, and has always followed agricultural
pursuita He was married November 21, 1875 to Miss Catherine, daugh-
ter of Adam and Elizabeth (Housel) Alexander, natives of Pennsylvania,
and early settlers of Allen County, now residents of German Township.
They have two sons: Orlo E., born July 30, 1877, and Harry A., born
December 4, 1880. Mr. Lutz's early recollections are of the pioneer days
in Amanda Township, where his parents located in October 1855. He
still resides upon the old home farm, where he recently erected a fine
residence and frame bam, and where he has raised stock to considerable
extent, being interested in high-grade short-horn cattle and sheep, and
Poland-China hogs. Beligiously he is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Lutz inherits his
father^s energetic enterprising nature, and is highly esteemed by ihe
community, who sympathize with him in his partial retirement from
active life on account of hip- joint disease.
CHRISTIAN MACE (deceased) was bom in Germany, May 10, 1828,
and received a limited education in his native land. In 1840 he came to
America with his parents, who located in Maiion County, Ohio, and
here he grew to maturity, following the occupation of a farmer until
1852, in which year he moved to Allen County and located on the farm
where he resided the balance of his days. For many years he owned
and operated a threshing machine; for about five years was proprietor of
a saw-mill in Auglaize County, which was conducted in coonection with
his farm. Mr. Mack was twice married; on the first occasion in 1849, to
Christine Shibley, who died in 1855, leaving to his care two sons:
Charles and Isaac. His second marriage, Febraary 25, 1856, was with
Christine M Oebhart, bom in Germany, April 3, 1835, and who came to
America in 1854. Thirteen children were born to this union: John,
Katie, Lena, Conrad (deceased), Jacob (deceased), Sarah, William, Fred-
erick (deceased), Emma, Henry, Fanny M. (deceased), Benjamin and
Harry (deceased). Mr. Mack, who was a hard-working, energetic man,
was one of the pioneers who assisted in developing this part of Allen
County. During the late civil war he served about eleven months in
Company G, Eighty- first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was for several
years a member of the German Methodist Church. In politics he was
identified with the Republican party. His death occurred August 11,
1882. His widow still survives, and has successfully managed the farm
assisted by her children.
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AMANDA TOWNSHIP. 567
A. D. MILLER, farmer and teacher, P. O. Allentowa, Ohio, was bom
in Amanda Township, this county, June 18, 1853, son of Joseph and
Minerva J. (Shock) Miller, the former a native of Boss County, Ohio,
the latter of AJlegheny County, Penn. They were early settlers of
Allen County, Ohio, and are now residents of Amanda Township. Our
subject, the eldest of their nine children, received a commercial and
miscellaneous education at the National Normal School of Lebanon, and
entered upon his career in life as a teacher, finishing his first term as
such during his fifteenth year, and has followed that profession more or
lees till the present time. He was for two years engaged in railroad
offices at Elida, and during the summer seasons for the last two years
has engaged in farming. Mr. Miller was married March 5, 1876, to
Miss Darthula Place, bom August 21, 1854, by whom he has three
children: Lehr E., Freeda G. and Minerva S. Mrs. Miller is a
daughter of James Place, who was bom in Trumbull County, Ohio,
March 25, 1818, came to this county in 1836 and in 1841 married Susan
Culver, of Delaware County, Ohio, born July 4, 1818. Both are still
living. Mr. Miller has served the people of the township in several of
its offices of trust, and was elected justice of the peace in 1883, since
when he has done quite an extensive business in his official capacity.
Politically he is considered a leader of the Democratic party in this
vicinity, destined to become one of the substantial men of the township.
SIMON SHAFFEB, carpenter and farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was
born in Shawnee Township, Allen Co., Ohio, July 6, 1849. His parents
are still living, his father, Michael, a native of Pennsylvania and an
early settler of Miami and Allen Counties, Ohio, being a farmer of Shawnee
Township; his mother, Sarah (Whetstone) Shaffer, was bom in Auglaize,
this county. ' Their children, thirteen in number, are as follows: Henry,
Simon, Nancy, John, Bebecca, Michael (deceased), Alford (deceased),
Sarah, Amanda, William, Elza, George and Luella. Our subject was
raised on a farm, his education being limited to a few weeks each year
in the common schools. Early in life he commenced to work at the car*
penter's trade, which he has made his principal occupation, and he bears
the reputation of being a first-class workman in every respect. He was
united in marriage June 24, 1871, with Margaret Bichardson, bom May^
17, 1854, daughter of G. W. Bichardson, and to this union were bom
four children: Bozilla, Alby, ^Michael and Julia. When twenty-two
years of age Mr.. Shafier removed to Auglaize County, this State, but
returned to this county in 1879. For five years he has lived upon his
farm in Amanda Township, and in 1882 erected thereon what is recog-
nized as the finest frame bam in the county. He is a self-made man,
having gained his property through habits of industry and economy.
He purchased his time from his father before reaching maturity, paying
for the same the sum of $182.50. Mr. Shaffer is an active member of the
order of F. & A. M. at Spencerville. In politics he is identified with
the Democratic party.
BENJAMIN F. SOUTHWOBTH, farmer, P. O. Southworth, was
born in Clark County, Ohio, January 12, 1828, son of Benjamin P. and
Annie (Stacy) Southworth, natives of Vermont and who were parents of
six children, of whom but four grew to maturity. The father died in
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568 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1868, the mother's death hayiDg oconrred about ten years previoiislj. Onr
subject was raised on a farm and receiyed a common school education.
He came to this connty with his parents in December, 1835, and has
always followed the occupation of a farmer. He was married, December
13, 1849, to Elizabeth Sawmiller, born in Putnam County, Ohio, Decem-
ber 20, 1827, and by this union are three children now living: Enos H.,
Susan (wife of William Lutz), and Josephine (wife of Eugene Grieser).
Mr. Southworth entered upon his career in life with but money enough
to buy ten acres of land, but through habits of industry and economy
has accumulated some property, being considered one amongst the pros-
perous farmers of the township. The railway station and postoffice near
his farm are named in his honor. During the late war of the Rebellion
Mr. Southworth served his country three years, having enlisted in Com-
pany 6, McLaughlin's Squadron. He is a Republican in politics.
ANDREW WETER, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was bom in High-
land County, Ohio, March 13, 1815: son of Bamett and Catherine
(Reese) Weyer, natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively. They
were among the first settlers of Highland County, Ohio, having located
there previous to the war of 1812. Our subject's early life was spent
upon a farm and in attending the common schools to which his educa-
tional privileges were limited. As soon as he was old enough he com-
menced working in a shoe shop with his father, but eventually entered
upon his career as a farmer. He came to Allen County in 1836 and
located in Jackson Township, near Lafayette. Here he cleared a farm
of eighty acres and lived till 1871, when he removed to Amanda Town-
ship. He has never engaged in any enterprise other than his farming
interests since he has started for himself. His has been an active life,
and in his declining days it is some satisfaction for him to know that he
has always lived honorable and upright. Mr. Weyer was married m
October, 1838, to Nancy Nash, who died twenty years later. By her he
had eight children: William H. (who served three years during the late
war of the Rebellion), Lewis (who served in same, one and a half years),
Malinda, John W., Nancy R, David H., Andrew H. and Helena. On
November 27, 1860, our subject married Miss Elizabeth Rumbaugh, bom
jn Bath Township, this county, April 26, 1840, daughter of William and
Mary (Ashcraft) Rumbaugh, early settlers of that township (her father
is still living two miles east of Lima, her mother died in about 1864).
By this last union Mr. Weyer is the father of six children: Charles (at
school in Dayton), Alvan, Thomas, Nettie, Rosana and Viola. In his
political views Mr. Weyer was originally a Whig, but has been identi-
fied with the Republican party since its organization.
WILLIAM H. WEYER, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was bom in Jack-
son Township, Allen County, Ohio, April 18, 1841; son of Andrew and
Nancy (Nash) Weyer. He received a common school education and has
mostly followed the occupation of a farmer. In August, 1862, he enlisted
in Company E, Ninety -ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with Capt John
C. Walters, and with the company was attached to the Fourth Army
Corps. He was in the service till the close of the war, and took part in
all the engagements in which his regiment participated, except about
two months during which time he was in hospital suffering from a shell
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AMANDA TOWNSHIP.
569
wound Id the bead received at the battle of Cbickamanga. Mr. Weyer
was married, Aagnst 6. 1871, to Miss Mary M., daughter of Isaac and
Maty (Eumbaugh) Keller, early settlers of this county, and by her he has
had seven children: Nelson, John, Adison, Elnora, Irven, Alberta and
David Oliver (deceased at the age of eleven months, twenty-four days).
For some time after his return from the war Mr. Weyer engaged in the
saw-mill business. He removed to Amanda Township in March, 1871,
and located on his farm, then in the woods, but now under a high state
of cultivation, and supplied with substantial buildings, which demon-
strate his desire to develop the farming interests of the county. His
reputation is above reproach as a business man and farmer. Mr. Weyer
has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since
March 7, 1876. He is a Republican in politics.
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570 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
AUGLAIZE TOWNSHIP.
A. C. BITLEB, firm of Marriott & Bitler, merchantB, Harrod. This
hoose established business at Harrod, in 1883. They carry a general stock
of abont $8,500, and conduct a large and iacrati^e trade. The subject
of this sketch, junior member of the firm, was bom in Schuylkill Oounty,
Penn., June 21, 1857, son of Samue) and Sarah Bitler, pioneers and res-
idents of Auglaize County, Ohio. Our subject came to this place osten-
sibly to enter mercantile trade, in which he has been very successful. He
was appointed postmaster at Harrod, April 1, 1884, succeeding G. W.
Campbell, which position he has acceptably filled, and during his short
residence in the place he has won many friends. Mr. Bitler was married
in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1881, to Miss Clara, daughter of William
and Lydia Frasier. Two children were bom to this union, both now liv-
ing: Isa M., and Elmira G.
SAMUEL DUBBIN, farmer, P. O. Herring, was bom in Enox County,
Ohio, August 11, 1831; son of John and Sarah (Braddock) Durbin,
natives of Knox County, where the latter died. They were parents of
thirteen children, eight of whom are now living: Elizabeth (wife of H.
Kettle), Samuel, Sarah (wife of William Winters), Samantha (wife of G.
B. Growdon), John, Olive (wife of H. Barker), Philena (wife of B. Blatch-
ley), and Mansoneta (wife of L. Lewis). John Durbin, married for his
second wife Mrs. Elizabeth (Wright) Trimble, by whom he has one son,
Wright He is at present a resident of Fredericktown, Knox Co.,
Ohio, and although well-advanced in years he enjoys robust heath, and
is vigorous and strong; He has made large accumulations of property
through a life of industry; for years he was one of the prominent mem-
bers of, and exhorters in, the Methodist Episcopal Church. The subject
of this sketch was brought up on a farm, and has followed agriculture
all his life. In 1852 he went by way of the Isthmus of Panama to Cal-
ifornia. After prospecting three years, he returned to his native land
(spending five montlis in doubling Cape Horn), well satified with the
reward of his industry. EUs present farm now consists of 220 acres,
upon which he has made many improvements in way of buildings, etc.
Mr. Durbin was united in marriage, April 3, 1856, with Miss Rachel,
daughter of Adam and Isabel Shipley (both deceased in Allen County),
and a native of Knox County, Ohio. Her family were early settlers of
Howard Township, Knox Co., Ohio. Their children now living are
Eliza (wife of Henry Coles), Bachel and Emily (wife of Benjamin Austin).
To our subject and wife were bom ten children, of whom seven are now
living: Emery L. (married to Miss Mary F. Cook, have one child, Charles
E., they reside in Lafayette, this county, where Emery L., is largely
engaged in hardware trade), Willie H, Finley, Lizzie B., Emma O,
Samantha and Samuel. The family are refined and intelligent, the eld-
est children being vocalists of merit Mr. Durbin in the late war of
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AUGLAIZE TOWNSHIP. 571
the BebellioD, served m the One Hnndred and Forty-second Ohio National
Guards and saw active service at Petersburg, Ybl., and other points
He has been trustee and steward of the Methodist Episcopal Chunsh for
twenty years.
J. M. HABBOD, farmer, P. O. Harrod, was born in Auglaize Township,
this county, March 7, 1852. His father, William Harrod, was bom in Enox
County, Ohio, October 4, 1819; his mother, whose maiden name was Mary
Copeland, was a native of Ghreene County, Ohio. Becords show them to
be of Pennsylvania stock, and the family were early pioneers of Knox
County. William Harrod settled on the land he now occupies in 1841,
at which time he took up 160 acres. The farm now embraces 440 acres.
After paying taxes on his land, Mr. Harrod had but 13 left, but with
health and ambition, he began his work in the woods, and his labors
have been crowned with success. He and his wife were parents of six
children: J. W., Bebecca, Albert, Laura, Louis B. and Dora B. The sub-
ject of this sketch settled on his present farm, consisting of 120 acres in
1879. He has made excellent improvments, and has taken an active
part in building up Harrod, and improving the place. Mr. Harrod was
married in Jackson Township, this county, in 1879, to Miss Hannah C.
Leatherman, a native of this county. He has held various offices of trust
ill the township.
BENJAl^QN HEFFNEB, Jb., farmer, P. O., Westminster, was born
in Bucks County, Penn., December 6, 1827,. and is« son of Abner and
Lucy (Dafney) Heffher, both of German extraction. The family were
early settlers of Licking County, Ohio, where the parents led an une-
ventful life, and died surrounded by their children and friends. Of their
children three are now living: Benjamin, Tobias Anthony and Susanah.
The subject of this sketch settled in Westminster, this township, in 1851,
where he has since been engaged in farming, clearing a portion of the
land upon which he now resides, and passing through mucdi of the hard-
ships of pioneer life. He was married, in 1851, to Miss Catherine
Tost, a native of Pennsylvania, and by her he has the following chil-
dren now living: Alexander and Matthew, residing in Si Louis, Abner
and Adelia. Mr. Hefiner has a farm of lOO-acres of well-improved land
and a home well worthy of his hard earned labors. The family are mem-
bers of the Beformed Church.
J. G. MANAHAN, merchant, P. O. Manahan, was bom near West-
minster, Md., August 4, 1842, son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Pierce) Man-
ahan, natives of Maryland, who moved to Marion County, Ohio, in 1850,
thence to this county in 1860, where the mother died. The father is at
this time a resident of Perry Township, this county. Of their children,
three are now living: Mary (wife of W. E. Cummings^, John C. and
Erasmus B. The subject of this sketch enlisted in loo2, in Company
£, Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the
war. He participlited in the battles of Stone Biver, Mason Bidge, Look-
out Mountain, Chickamauga, Atlanta, Nashville and several minor en-
gagements. Betuming to peaceful pursuits, Mr. Manahan engaged in
farming, until he opened his present place of business, in 1888, at West-
minster Station. The postoffice was named in his hoaor, and he was
appointed postmaster in August, 1883. Mr. Manahan married in 1869,
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572 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Miss Eliza, daughter of Stephen Hardest^ and Nancy Ellia Five chil-
dren were born to this anion, all now living: John A. B., Alta K.,
Nancy E., Minnie M. and Gksorge A.
TURNER MARRIOTT, firm of Marriott & Bitler, merchants, Har-
rod, was bom in Hamilton Gonnty, Ohio, in 1839, son of Benjamin and
Elizabeth (Snyder) Marriott, natiyes of Ohio and early pioneers of Ham-
ilton County. Stacy Marriott, grandfather of oar subject, a ship carpen-
ter by trade, entered land when there was bat one store in Cincinnati;
he died of cholera in 1847. Benjamin and Elizabeth Marriott are now
residing in that county, aged respectively seventy-seven and seventy-two
years. Twelve ohildron were bom to them, all now living: Sarah (wife
of G. Bickle), Frederick, Catherine, Benjamin, Nancy, Tamer, Stacy,
Jennie (wife of O. Schaler), Anna (wife of Thomas Crabb), Amanda
(wife of J. Q. Adams), Newton and John. The subject of this sketch
established himself, in 1866, in mercantile trade, at Wrestle Creek, Au-
f'laize County, Ohio, where he has since continuously engaged in business,
n 1883 he formed the present co-partnership, which has been conducted
very successfully, Mr. Marriott, since his location at Harrod, has fol-
lowed farming in connection with his mercantile pursuits, and is dealing
somewhat in live stock. Along with Mr. Harrod he has been interested
in building up and improving Harrod. Mr. Marriott was married in this
county, in lo64, to Miss Sarah C, daughter of Gecnrge Stiles, of Au-
glaize County, Ohio. Five children were bom to this union, all now liv-
ing: Euphemia J., (wife of F. Leatherman), Armond, Maud B., Cora B.
and Turner C.
SHEPHERD RUDY, farmer, P. O. Westminster, was bom Febraary
16, 1823, in Miami County, Ohio; son of Jacob and Fannie (Neff) Rudy,
and grandson of Frederick Rudy, who was a native of Pennsylvania.
Jacob Rudy came to Ohio in 1798, and settled near Dayton, in Miami
County, as one of the pioneers of that county, before the county-seat,
Troy, was thought of. He entered 172 acres of land, which he cleared
entire, and there raised a family of eleven children, seven of whom are
now living: Frederick, Shepherd, Aaron, Nancy (now Mrs. Studebaker),
Elizabeth (now Mrs. Landis), Fannie (now Mrs. Sproul), and ''Sarah (now
Mrs. Shellabarger). Our subject received his early education in Miami
County, Ohio. He was married Jane 22, 1847, to Ann Stonburgur, by
whom he has ten children, eight now living: Almeda (now Mrs. E.,
Bowdle), Eliza (now Mrs. J. Place), Cordelia (now Mrs. R. Hutchison) Maiy
F., Adam F. , Jacob M. , William E. and OUie M. Our subject came to this
county in 1849, and settled on his present farm of 160 acres, with good
improvements, now owned by him, formerly by David Gilmer. Mr. Rudy
has been active in school matters, having been director for many years.
He is a member of, and leader, in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
VALENTINE ROSE was bom in 1820 in Mercer County, Penn., son
of Henry and Catherine (Ault) Rose, natives of Pennsylvania, where they
died. They were parents of ten children, six now living: Jacob, Henry,
Valentine* Elizabeth, Mary A. and Susan. Our subject, who is the only
one living in Ohio, was married in 1843 to Caroline C. Carlin, and to
this union were born four children, of whom two are living: Andrew J.,
married to Miss Mary J. Plummer (have one child — Lula M.) and Mar-
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AUGLAIZE TOWNSHIP.
573
garet Jane, married to David N. Moyer (have oDe child — Robert Frank-
lin). Mr. Rose came to Ohio in 1864, and settled where he now lives.
Beginning life with but little, he now owns a well caltivated farm, which
he purchased of Abraham Shockey, and on which he has made all the
improvements. Mr. Rose has followed agricaltnral parsnits the greater
part of his life.
34
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574 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BATH TOWNSHIP.
JOSEPH ALDRIDGE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Jackson
County, Ohio, Jnly 18, 1810, and is a son of Samael and Mary A. (Taylor)
Aldridge, who settled in Bath Township, Allen County, in 1829, where
they lived until 1842, when they returned to Jackson County, and died
there. Our subject was reared in Jackson and Greene Counties, Ohio,
and in 1830 came to Bath Township, this county, where he resided about
six months. He afterward lived in Greene County three years, and in
1833 returned to Bath Township, and worked at clearing and chopping
by the month and job, up to 1835, when he purchased forty acres of land
adjoining the farm he now occupies, which he cleared and improved, and
where he lived until 1850, when he traded for the farm he now occupies,
a part of which he cleared. He also purchased a tract of forty acres
opposite, all of which he improved and afterward gave to his son. Mr.
Aldridge was married August 12, 1830, to Mary, daughter of William
and Mary (Eauf enberger) Rumbaugh, of Greene County, Ohio, by whom
he had thirteen children, of whom but three survive: Catherine (wife of
D. A Hadsell), Mary (wife of ML Bellingar) and Cassius. Mr. Aldridge
never attended school a day in his life, but learned to read by his own
application to study. He and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church for many years. In politics he is a Republican.
MICHAEL ALTSTAETTER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in
Monroe Township; Allen Co, Ohio, April 18, 1848, a son of Jacob and
Catherine (Bucher) Altstaetter, and was reared and educated in the
common schools of his native township. He was united in marriage
October 5, 1875, with Catherine, daughter of Adam and Anna (Art)
Olt, of Germany, by whom he has had five children : Albert G.
(deceased), George J., and three that died in infancy. In 1876 Mr.
Altstaetter located on a farm in Bath Township, this county, the most of
which he cleared himself, and on which he has made all the improve-
ments. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church.
He has been trustee of Bath Township two terms; in politics he is a
Democrat
MARSHALL ATMUR, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Harrison
County, W. Va. November 29, 1828, son of Levi and Louisa (Marshall)
Atmur, natives of Virginia. Our subject was reared and educated in
Champaign County, Ohio, where his parents had settled in 1834, when
he was but six years of age. In 1847 they came to Allen County, locat-
ing in Perry Township, where they cleared and improved a farm, and
lived and died. They had a family of twelve children : Marshall, Mary
A. (wife of Nelson McPheron), Ravena (deceased), Jesse H., Elizabeth
(wife of George French), Lucy (wife of George Williams), Matthias,
Emma (wife of E. W. Parker), William, Martha (deceased), Eliza (wife
of C. Aldridge), Harriet (wife of Reuben Meeley). Our subject lived
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BATH TOWNSHIP. 575
with his parents until twenty-five years of age. In 1854 he located on
forty acres of land in Bath Township, which he cleared and improved,
and here he lived ten years. In 1864 he settled on the farm he now
oocnpies, a part of which he also cleared, on which he erected all the
buildings. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, serving 100 days
in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry;
was at Georgetown Heights when the rebels raided Washington, and was
honorably discharged at expiration of time. Mr. Atmur was married
September 8, 1853, to Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas and EHzabeth
(Gottwald) Hoffman, of Lima, and formerly of Pennsylvania. The issue
of this union was eight children, of whom but two survive: Miner A.
and Clarence H. Our subject's paternal grandfather, John Marshall,
was a native of Virginia, and among the eary settlers of Perry Township.
Mr. Atmur is a leading farmer of Bath Township. In politics he is a
Republican.
SAMUEL BEDFORD, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Philadel-
phia, Penn., October 28, 1808, and is a son of Thomas and Jane Bedford.
He was reared in his native city, and came to Ohio in 1830, locating in
Warren County, where he resided up to 1849, when he came to Bath
Township, Allen County, settling on the farm where he now resides, all
of which he cleared and improved himself. He was a blacksmith by
trade, which, in connection with his farm, he carried on up to 1884.
He was married October 9, 1838, to Mary A., daughter of John- and
Sarah (Stewart) Murray of Warren County, Ohio. The issue of this
union was nine children : John (deceased), Sarah (wife of Milton
Patrick), Mary E. (deceased), Milton D., James M., Margaret E. (wife
of Lewis Brentlinger), William A., Samuel S. (deceased), and Isaac N.
In politics Mr. Bedford is a Republican. He is a member of the Society
of Friends, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
HARRISON BIBLE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Rockingham
County, Va., July 5, 1835, and is a son of Christian and Mary Bible.
He was reared in his native county, where he resided until twenty-two
years of age, when he located in Coshocton County, Ohio, and worked at
clearing land until the breaking out of thev?arof the Rebellion. He
enlisted in April, 1861, in Company G, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infan-
try, and was honorably discharged after three-months service. He re- en-
listed in September of the same year in Company I, Fifty-first Ohio
Volunteer Infantry; was in the battles of Stone River, Murfreesboro
(where he was wounded in the right arm). Spring Hill, Fort Doneison,
and many minor engagements, and was honorably discharged at Indian-
apolis, Ind., in the fall of 1864. He then located in Perry Township,
this county, remaining about a year, during which time he married Sarah
Good, of that township, with whom he lived until her death. In 1866
he came to Bath Township, and worked at chopping wood or in a stone
quarry or in a lime kiln« according to the season, for three years; since
which time he has been engaged in farming. He has lived on his pres-
ent farm since 1881. Mr. Bible's present wife is Sarah J., daughter of
Joshua Greer, a pioneer of Bath Township, and by this marriage there
were bom six children: Moses, Joshua, Allen, Frank, Harvey and John
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676 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
(twins). Mr. Biblo and wife are members of the Protestant Methodist
Church. In politics he is a Republican.
HENKT BOOSE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Somerset County,
Penn., January 81, 1832, and is a son of Jfludolph and Susannah
(Walker) Boose. He was reared in his native county, and educated in
the common schools. In the fall of 1854, when in his twenty-second
year, he came to Allen County, and located in Bath Township on the
farm where he now resides, all of which he has cleared and improved
from what was then an unbroken wilderness. He has been twice mar-
ried. His first wife, to whom he was married December 6, 1855, was
Mary S., daughter of Daniel and Phebe (Shunk) Coleman, of Somerset
County, Penn., and by her he had four children: Eliza J. (wife of
Joseph Neishwitz), Cyrus D., Charles R. and Henry F. On June 27,
1870, he married his present wife — Catherine Westbay, widow of Isaiah
Westbay, and daughter of Charles and Sophia (Ludwig) Crites, of Ger-
man Township, this county. By this union there were four children :
Ellen, Clara R., Harry T., and an infant daughter (deceased). Mr.
Boose is one of the representative and leading farmers of Bath Town-
ship. The farm he now occupies comprises 160 acres. He has two
eighty-acre tracts on Section 8, a part of which he has cleared. He and
his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has
filled the office of treasurer of Bath Township upward of twelve years,
and has held other minor offices ; in politics he is a stanch Democrat.
SAMUEL BOOSE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Somerset
County, Penn., November 27, 1842 ; son of Rudolph and Susannah
(Walker) Boose, natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather.
Jacob Boose, was a native of Switzerland, and his maternal grandfather,
Philip Walker, was a native of Germany. Our subject was reared on a
farm in his native county, and resided with his parents until twenty-four
years of age. He served in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting in
July, 1862, and was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Antie-
tarn, as well as several minor engagements, and received a flesh wound in
the leg at Gettysburg. After thirteen months' service he wab honorably
discharged on account of disability, at Mt. Pleasant Hospital, Washing-
ton, D. C. Mr. Boose has been twice married, his first wife, to whom
he was married March 19, 1865, being Civilla, daughter of William and
Susan (Walker) Hay, of Somerset County, Penn., by which union there
was one child — Civilla. March 7, 1867, our subject married his present
wife, Jane, daughter of Henry and Susanah (Winegardner) Roush,
early settlers of Bath Township. The issue of this union was nilie chil-
dren : Mary S., Emma J., Henry R., Sarah R., Katie A., Maggie B.,
Martha A, Cora M., and Gracie I. Mr. Boose located in Bath Township
in 1865, on the farm he now occupies, comprising 200 acres, most of
which he has cleared himself, making nearly all the improvements. He
and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has
served the township as treasurer and trustee, and was infirmary direc-
tor of the county six years. He is one of the substantial farmers of
Bath Township. In politics he is a Democrat.
GEORGE S. BYERLY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Rockingham
County, Va., March 4, 1847, and is a son of David and Phebe Byerly.
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BATH TOWNSHIP. 577
From five years of age he was reared in Washington County, Tenn.,
where he received a common school education, and lived until 1861, when
he came to Allen County and located in Bath Township. In 1864 he
settled on the farm he now occupies, on which he has made all the im-
provements in erecting buildings, etc. He was married November 4, 1862,
to Sarah, daughter of Daniel and Polly (Leedy) Miller of Bath Town-
ship, by whom he has had twelve children, ten now living: David, Mary,
Daniel, Laura, Jesse, Ellen, Oscar, William, Frederick and Chester. Mr.
and Mrs. Byerly are members of the German Baptist Church. He has
been a school director of Bath Township for twelve years ; in politics he
is a Republican.
SAMUEL CHAMBERS, farmer and cider manufacturer, P. O. Lima,
was bom in Franklin County, Penn., April 7, 1819, and is a son of
Robert and Catherine (Hise) Chambers, the former a native of Virginia
and of English descent, the latter a native of Germany. Our subject
was reared in his native county where he remained until eighteen years
of age, when he removed with his parents to Miami County, Ohio. He
was married May 28, 1844, to Harriet, daughter of John K. and Susan
(Krebs) Miller, of Miami County, formerly of Maryland. The issue of
this union was nine children : Absolom, Sarah J. (deceased wife of New-
ton D. Hadsell), Catherine, (wife of George Smith), Eli (married to
Katurah Spaogler of Henry County, Ohio), Susan (deceased wife of
Henry D. Miller), John (deceased), Emma (wife of Joseph M Brower),
George, and Harriet L. Mr. Chambers was a resident of Miami County
up to 1852, when he came to Allen County and located in Bath Town-
ship on the farm he now occupies, which was originally settled by Moses
McClure. He was a manufacturer of sorghum for several years, and
since 1879 has been quite extensively engaged in the manufacture of
cider. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers are members of the German Baptist
Church, of which he is one of the visiting brethren. In politics he is a
Republican.
SOLOMON G. CLEMENTS, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Flem-
ing County, Ky., April 3, 1811, and is a son of Gustavas A. and Mary
(Gregg) Clements. His paternal grandfather was John Clements, a native
of Lreland, and a resident of Virginia, where he died in 1776. His
maternal grandfather was Solomon Gregg, a native of Pennsylvania, of
English descent, and a pioneer of Fleming County, Ky. In 1811 the
parents of our subject settled in Henry County, Ky., where they cleared
and improved a farm on which they lived and died. There the subject
of this sketch was reared, receiving a limited and common school educa-
tion, and lived until twentysix years of age, when he located in Gallatin
County, Ky. where he resided twelve years. In 1850 he settled in Ger-
man Township, Allen Co., Ohio, where he cleared and improved a large
farm on which he resided up to 1877, and then removed to Bath Township,
on the farm where he now resides. Mr. Clements was married March 20,
1834, to America, daughter of John and Keturah (Clements) Hance of
Henry County, Ky. The issue of this union was eleven children, six of
whom are now living : John, Mary (wife of George Taylor), Gustavus,
William, Elvira E. (wife of Christian Mullenour), and Malinda H. (wife
of Elviu Hadsel). Mr. and Mrs. Clements are members of the Disciples
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578 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Church. He is one of the substantial and enterprising farmers of Bath
Township. In politics he is a Democrat.
JAMES R. CUNNINGHAM, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Lima,
this county, January 13, 1838, son of James and MaQ-tha (Kennedy)
Cunningham, the former a native of Washington County, Penn., but
reared and educated in Licking County, Ohio. The latter was a native
of Nelson, Portage Co., Ohio. They reared a family of eleven children
of whom nine grew to manhood and womanhood: James B., Martha L.
(wife of N. W. McCormick), Mary (wife of John Winden), Emily (wife
of John Hutchinson), Kate (wife of E. C. Baldwin), Thomas L. (killed in
the Confederate service during the late war of ^e Bebellion), DeWitt
C, Flora (wife of D. D. Nichols), and Nelson W. The father of our
subject settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1833, taught school for
a time and was also engaged in mercantile business in Lima. He after-
ward engaged in farming, and cleared up a large tract of land where
South Lima now stands. The paternal grandfather of our subject, James
Cunningham, formerly of Washington County, Penn., was a Presby-
terian clergyman, a pioneer minister of Licking County, Ohio, and
died at Martinsburg. His maternal grandfather was Thomas Kennedy,
a farmer by occupation, who settled in Lima in 1834. Our subject was
reared and educated in Lima, this county. He was married Oictober 17,
1861, to Nancy J., daughter of David and Martha (Custard) Heckathorn,
of Bath Township. The issue of this union is three children: May
(wife of Oscar L. Edgecomb), Ermina and Earl D. Mr. Cunningham at
the breaking out of the late war of the Bebellion, enlisted in Company
A, Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged after tiiree
months' service. He re-enlisted in the spring of 1864 in Company D,
One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably
discharged after four months' service. He is a member of the Disciples
Church, Mrs. Cunningham of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In pol-
itics be is a Democrat
JOSHUA L. DUNLEVY, superintendent of County Infirmary, P. O.
Lima was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., November 4, 1834, and is a son of
Moses and Jane (Ledlie) Dunlevy. He was reared in his native city
until eighteen years of age, where he received an academic education.
He then went to California where he remained five years, being engaged
in mining and stock herding. In 1858 he returned to Pittsburgh, and in
1859 located in Delaware County, Ohio, and engaged in farming, which
he continued in up to the breaking out of the late war of the Bebellion.
Our subject enlisted September 30, 1861, in Company D, Twentieth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, going out as orderly Sergeant, and was in the
battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Baymond, Jackson, Cham-
pion Hill, the Siege of Vicksburg and many other engagements, and was
honorably discharged at Vicksburg in September, 1864, after three
years* service. He then returned to Delaware County, remaining there
until the fall of 1866, when he locate in Bath Township, and in the
spring of 1867 purchased a farm and engaged in small fruit culture.
Mr. Dunlevy was married September 30, 1861, to Mary E., daughter of
Moses and Eliza (Smith) Torrance of Delaware County, by whom he has
four children: Yuba, Force, George and Grace. Mr. Dunlevy has
Digitized by LjOOQIC
BATH TOWNSHIP. 579
served Bath Township twelve years as jastioe of the peace, and in the
spring of 1879 was appoints superintendent of the Allen County Infirm-
ary, which position he now holds. In politics he is a Democrat
WALTER EDGECOMB, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was bom in
Trumbull County, Ohio, August 6, 1819, son of Uriah and Betsey (Doud)
Edgecomb, natives of Connecticut, who settled in Bath Township, this
county, in 1832, locating on the farm now occupied by John Blaine,
which they cleared and improved. They had a family of thirteen chil-
dren: Uriah (deceased), Marillar(wife of Josiah DeLong), Ezra (deceased),
Lansil (deceiEused), Clarinda (deceased), Robert, Walter, Lydia (de-
ceased). Amy (deceased), Ann (wife of Elisha C. Pangle), Marquis, Sarah
(wife of Lewis Bassitt) and an infant son (deceased). Uriah Edgecomb
afterward purchased the place now known as the Hiram Protsman farm,
where he resided up to 1857, when he removed to Richland Township,
this county, and died on the farm now owned by his son, Marquis, in
1861, at the age of seventy-four years. Our subject was in his thirteenth
year when his parents settled in Bath Township. He received a limited
education in the district schools of his time, and when eighteen years of
age started in life for himself, working on a farm by the day and month
until he was twenty-one. . He was married November 18, 1840, to Laura,
daughter of Samuel and Elsie (Lewis) Bassitt, who settled in Bath
Township in 1886, and by this union there were eleven children : Ann E.
(wife of Reuben White), James (deceased), an infant daughter (deceased),
Lewis A. (killed at the Battle of Atlanta, Ga., July 21, 1864), Loretta
(wife of Hiram Barber), Sarah E. (wife of Allen Philips), Alba, Mary J.
(wife of Willis White), Elsie (wife of S. Philips), Samuel S. (deceased),
and Lansil. After his marriage, our subject engaged in farming on a
rented farm. He has owned two farms besides the one he now occupies,
clearing and improving a part of both. In 1856 he located on his pres-
ent farm, all of which he has cleared and improved, and where he has
resided ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Edgecomb are members of the Dis-
ciples Church. He filled the office of trustee for many years, and held sev-
eral other minor offices in the township. Our subject is one of the lead-
ing farmers of Bath. In politics he is a Republican.
PETER FAZE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Baltimore County,
Md., December 4, 1820, son of Nicholas and Cordelia (Zahn) Faze,
natives of Germany, who settled in Perry Township, this county, in
May, 1833, entering forty acres of land which they cleared and improved,
and on which they lived until their death. They moved from York
County, Penn., to this county, bringing their goods in a one-horse wagon,
and were five weeks making the journey. They reared a family of five chil-
dren : Paul C. (now in Wisconsin), Mary, Peter, William, Lydia (wife of A.
J. Freeman), in Massachusetts. Our subject was reared in Perry Town-
ship, this county, from thirteen years of age, and lived with his Barents
until their death. He added to his father's farm until he had 200 acres,
130 of which he cleared and improved, and it is now owned and occu-
pied by his eldest son, William B. In 1871 he moved to Bath Township,
and has resided on his present farm ever since. Mr. Faze has been twice
married, his first wife being Aurelia^ daughter of James and Margaret
(Dobbins) McCullough, of Perry Township, by whom he had three chil-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
680 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
dren : William B., Casson, and Ella M. His present wife was Marj
Parker, widow of Aaron JParker, and daughter of Andrew and Ljdia
(Creps) Winrott, of Lima ; (she had three children by her first husband
— Sarah E., wife of Lyman Means, of Wapakonetta, Ohio; Calvin, de-
ceased; and Minnie, wife of Charles Willower). Mr. Faze and wife are
members of the Market Street Presbyterian Church of Lima. In politics
he is a Republican.
GEORGE FETTER, farmer, quarryman and lime manufacturer, P. O.
Lima, was born in Baden, Germany, August 15, 1826, and is a son of
George and Barbara (Cupp) Fetter, who settled in Bath Township, this
county, in 1837, locating on Section 21, on the farm now owned by Daniel
Wollett, a part of which they cleared and improved. The moUier died
on that farm, and the father died in Shawnee Township, this county, in
1856, at the age of fifty-six years. » Their children, who grew to manhood
and womanh^Dd, were George, Catherine, (wife of Nicholas Lutz),
Jacob (deceased), Daniel, Elizabeth (wife of John Onesman.) Our sub-
ject was reared in Bath Township, this county, from eleven years of age,
and two months' attendance in the common schools comprised his educa-
tional advantages after he came to Allen County. He lived with his
parents until twenty-six years of age. and began life for himself, work-
ing by the month, though his main start was made by cutting and haul-
ing wood to the Pitteburgh Railroad for 80 cents per cord. He
rented a farm for a couple of years, then purchased forty acres of land,
and has continpied to prosper, until now he is the owner of several farms,
aggregating 872 acres. He was for years extensively engaged in buying
and selling stock, and for the past four years he has been doing a large
business in the manufacture of lime, operating from one to two kilns.
He is also the owner of a large stone quarry, comprising sixty acres, the
products being used for building and piking purposes. He uses a stone
crusher, steam drills, and all necessary implements to carry on that
branch of his business. Mr. Fetter was married, August 23, 1853, to
Sarah, daughter of William and Sarah (Ridenour) Ward, of Sugar Creek
Township, this county, by whom he has nine children : John, Elizabeth
(wife of E. E. Gray), Ellen (wife of James Hull), Daniel, George R.,
Jacob, Ida, Julius and Allie. Mr. and Mrs. Fetter are members of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church. He is one of the leading and enterpris-
ing 'citizens of Bath Township, and has filled various offices of trast
In politics he is a Democrat
WILBUR FISK, liquor dealer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Dayton,
Ohio, November 14, 1844, and is a son of Samuel F. and Harriet (Lehman)
Fisk, the former a native of New Hampshire, the latter of Pennsylvania.
He was reared on a farm in Auglaize County, Obio (where his parents
had located in 1848) and was educated in the common schools. He was
in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted December 10, 1868, as
a teamster in the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged
March 25, 1864. In* 1866 he located at Sidney, Ohio, where h« was
engaged in teaming for one year, and in 1867 went to Troy Ohio, where
he was superintendent of the gas works for six years. In 1873 he located
in Lima, and embarked in the business in which he is at present engaged.
He was married, February 25, 1869, to Laura B., daughter of Joseph
Digitized by LjOOQIC
BATH TOWNSHIP. 581
aQd Margaret (Heller) Wise, of Troj, Ohio. The issue of this union
was three children : Maggie, Samuel F. (deceased) and Amsy W. Mr.
and Mrs. Fisk are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He is a
prominent member of the I. O. O. F., in politics a stanch Democrat
STEPHEN H. GBEEB, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Montgom-
ery County, Ohio, November 7, 1827, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Kelly)
Greer. His father settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1841, where
he cleared and improved the farm on which he lived until his death ; he
was twice married, and by his first wife, Elizabeth Kelly, had three
children : Christiana (wife of John Patterson), Buth (wife of Thomas
McClure), and Stephen. His second wife was Bebecca Pearson, by whom
he had four children : Elizabeth (wife of Moses McClure), Bachel (wife
of William Hardeety), Moses, Jane L. (wife of Harrison Bible). Joshua
Greer, died May 6, 1875, in his eighty -second year. Our subject was
reared in Bath Township, this county, from fourteen years of age, assisted
his father in clearing the farm, and has always lived on the old homestead.
He was married, April 22, 1852, to Malinda A., daughter of William
and Buth (Paulin) Neely, of Bath Township, and by her he had five
children : William, Joshua (deceased), Loretta J., Matilda E., and Sarah
E. Mr. Greer is a representative farmer and citizen, has been elected
to the office of assessor three terms, although his party is in the minority
in the township. In politics he is a Bepublican. During his residence
in Bath Township, Mr. Greer has chopped and split rails for 25 cents a
hundred.
ALMON E. HADSELL, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Canaan,
Litchfield Co., Conn., June 10, 1812, son of Dan and Lydia (Boot) Had-
sell, who settled in Bath Township, in 1837, coming with our subject
with whom they lived until their death. They are buried in the Ward
Cemetery. They reared a family of six children: James, Anson
(deceased), Almon E.« Bebecca (deceased), Mary (wife of Samt^el Heath),
and Georga Our subject settled on the farm where he now resides, in
May, 1837, and first bought 190 acres of land, which he cleared and
improved. He lived in a log-cabin for several years, and in 1842 built
his present residence, which was one of the first frame houses erected in
Bath Township. He has been twice married; on first occasion in Febru-
ary, 1834, to Orilla, an adopts daughter of David Campbell, of Trum-
bull County, Ohio. The issue of this union was six children: Henry,
Milo, Caroline (wife of Thomas White), Delana (wife of William
Aldridge), Laura (wife of William Smith), and James. On may 11,
1869, Mr. Hadsell married his present wife, Theresa, daughter of Joseph
and Theresa (Kent) Woodward, of Wauseon, Ohio, and by this union
there are five children: Inez, Larolf, Lrma, Theresa and Arthur. Mr.
Hadsell was among the chief ones who laid out and made the road run-
ning through his place. He has 500 acres of land in the farm where he
resides, and 240 acres in another farm close by. He has filled many of
the minor offices in Bath Township, and was elected to the office of
county commissioner two terms — the first time by sixty majority over his
opponent, and tlie second time by 600 majority. During his term of
office he selected the site for the new court house at Lima. Mr. Hadsell
is one of the leading and enterprising farmers of Bath Township. In
Digitized by LjOOQIC
582 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1837 , when he first oame bo the county, he paid $12 for a barrel of salt
(at that time he coald buy it in no smaller quantity, and had to take it or
go without), and invited his neighbors to take some of it off his hands
to help him out, many being glad of the opportuninty. By his own
exertions Mr. Hadsell has accumulated a fine property. In politics he
is a Democrat.
DANIEL A. HADSELL, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Trumbull
Oounty, Ohio, March 9, 1835, son of Anson M. and Sarah A. (Parker)
Hadsell, who settled on Section 27, in Bath Township, this county, in
1836, clearing and improving a farm on which they lived^ and died.
The father, who was a carpenter by trade, and school teacher (he com-
menced at the age of eighteen and taught in Trumbull and Allen Counties,
in all forty terms), erected many of the buildings in Allen County after
his settlement. He was married five times, his first wife being Sarah A.
Parker, a native of Connecticut, by whom he had two children: Dan
A. and Lemuel P. (deceased). His second wife was Adeline Thayer,
of this county, a native of New York, by whom he had ten children, of
whom six are now living: Sarah E. (wife of John H. Hart, deceased),
Emma (wife of Milo Roberts), Linus H. (deceased), Elvin G., Quincey
A. (deceased), Orlo, Ella (wife of John Fetter), Harlen I.^ Alferd
(deceased), and Otis C. His third wife was Mrs. Susan Budd, and his
fourth wife was Caroline Wood, by whom he had two children: Clide
(deceased), and Omer L. His fifth wife was Mrs. Caroline Rhine. Anson
M. Hadsell died July 26, 1883, at the age of seventy-three years. He was
a prominent citizen and pioneer of Bath Township, served as justice of
the peace for twenty-seven years, and held many oUier minor offices. In
politics he was a Republican. Our subject was reared in Bath Township
and educated in the common schools. He was married, November If,
1853, to Catherine, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Rumbaugh) Aldridge,
of Bath Township, by whom he has had eight children: Sarah L.
(deceased), Joseph M., Mary J. (wife of Rev. N. L. Rockey), Laura (wife
of D. M. Bailey), Idella, Delbert, Cora and Lula. In 1854 Mr. Hadsell
settled on the farm where he now resides, all of which he has cleared
and improved himself. He has held several offices in the gift of the
township, and is one of the pushing, enterprising citizens. He and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is
a Republican.
SUMNER F. MASON, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Remsen,
Oneida Co., N. Y., July 14, 1831, and is a son of Jarvis and Elizabeth
(Hall) Mason, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Rome,
N. Y. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Elisha Mason, of
Massachusetts, and his maternal grandparents were Enoch and Esther
(Raymond) Hall, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of
Bedford, N. Y. His parents came to Allen County in 1834, and settled
in Bath Township, on the farm now owned by Peter Custer, afterward
locating on the eighty acre tract adjoining on the east, which, with the
help of their sons, they cleared and improved. The father died, July 21,
1854, at the age of sixty-six years, the mother, now in her eighty-sixth
year, resides with the subject of this sketch. They reared a family of
fifteen children: Eliza (wife of A. S. Herrington), Henry F. (deceased),
Digitized by LjOOQIC
BATH TOWNSHIP. 583
Laura (deceased), Jane (wife of Dr. N. Hartshorn), Jeanette (deceased),
Jalia (deceased), Eugenie (deceased), Sumner F., Alden (deceased), Eliz-
abeth (deceased), Zalmon R, Marcus D., Sarah H. (deceased), Nancy A.
(wife of Philip Eoush), and Sarah H. (second wife of James H. Neely).
From three years of age our subject was reared in Bath Township, and
here received a limited education in the common schools. When eight-
een years of age he began work at the carpenter's trade, at which he con-
tinued until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted,
August 30, 1861, in Company B, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
served his time, and re-enlisted in same company and regiment, serving
altogether four years, when he was honorably discharged as first lieuten-
ant. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Besaca, Lay's Ferry,
Rome's Cross-Boads, Bentonville, Big Shanty, Atlanta (July 22 and 28),
Jonesboro, and many other engagements, went through the Atlanta cam-
paign, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea, was taken prisoner
by the guerrillas at Tennessee River, at mouth of Duck River, Tenn.,
and sent to Centerville where he remained three months, and was
exchanged at Nashville, Tena After the war Mr. Mason returned to
Bath Township and resumed his trade, which he followed up to 1873,
when he engaged in agriculture on the farm he now owns and occupies.
He was united in marriage, November 30, 1873, with Mrs. Marilla Beed,
daughter of Peter and Clarinda (Edgecomb) Snyder, of Bath Township,
by whom he has one child, Alfonso. Mr. Mason is one of the represent-
ative farmers of Bath Township, which he has served as trustee several
terms. In politics he is a Bepublican.
ZALMON B. MASON, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Bath Town-
ship, this county, March 2, 1839, and is a son of Jarvis and Elizabeth
(Hall) Mason, who settled in Bath Township in 1834 Our subject was
reared in his native place where he received a common school education.
He has been twice married, on first occasion, September 30, 1858, to
Maria, daughter of Jacob Angus, of Bath Township, and the issue of this
union was nine children: Lincoln (deceased), Jeannette, Sumner, Reuben
(deceased), Franklin R., Charles E., Ida (deceased), Jessie (deceased),
Irvin H. On September 26, 1878, Mr. Mason married his present wife,
Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel G. and Rhoda (Jennings) Kidd, of
Monroe Township, this county. By this union there is one child — Will-
iam Z. In the fall of 1864, Mr. Mason located in Wood County, Ohio,
where he resided about three years. In 1867 he went to Williams
County, Ohio, and resided there until 1870, when he returned to Bath
Township, and purchased the farm now owned by Michael Roederer,
there Iresiding up to 1882 when he removed to the farm he now occupies.
Mr. and Mrs. Mason are members of the United Brethren Church. In
politics he is a Bepublican.
FRANCIS M. MAY, farmer, P. O.Lima, was bom in Bath Township,
this county, April 5,1847; son of George and Catherine (Gensel) May, who
settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1834, on the farm now owned
by Jacob Monry, which they cleared and improved, afterward locating
on the farm now occupied by our subject, where the father died in 1881,
in his eighty-first year; the mother is now in her seventy-eighth year;
both were natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject's paternal grandfather.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
584 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
John May, was a farmer of Peniisylvaiiia; and his maternal grandfather,
John Gensel, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Jackson
Township, Allen County, Ohio. George and Catherine May had twelve
children, of whom ten grew to manhood and womanhood: John, Albert,
Nathaniel, George W., Andrew, Mary (wife of Benjamin Keller), David,
Susannah (wife of Lewis Weyer), Francis M. and Jacob. Of these, four
sons served the Union daring the late war of the Rebellion: David,
George W., Andrew and Francis M. who was in the 100 days' service,
enlistinginl865,in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-first O. Y. I., and
was honorably discharged at expiration of that time. The subject of this
sketch was reared in Bath Township, this county, where he received a com-
mon school education. At the age of twenty-two years he purchased the old
homestead, in company with his brother-in-law, Lewis Weyer, which they
afterward sold, and in 1876 purchased the farm where he (Mr. May) has
since resided (he purchased his brother-in-law's interest in 1879), and has
cleared a part of the farm, making many improvements. Mr. May was
married June 3, 1866, to Melinda, daughter of Andrew and Nancy E.
(Nash) Weyer, of Lima, by whom he has four children living: Lewis,
Lizzie, Etta and Walter. Mr. and Mrs. May are members of the Ger-
man Reformed Church. In politics he is a Republican.
JOHN B. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Lima, wf^ born in Rockingham
County, Ya., April 27, 1818, and is a son of Samuel and Barbara (Sen-
ger) Miller, who settled in 1839 in Bath Township, this county, on the
farm now occupied by our subject, and there lived and died. They had
three children : Daniel (deceased), John B., and Martin (deceased). Our
subject came to Bath Township with his parents when twenty -one years of
age, and cleared most of his farm himself. He has been married four
times, on the first occasion, December 24, 1840, to Elizabeth, daughter of
John and Sarah (Leatherman) Rigle, by whom he had six children: Sam-
uel, John (deceased), Jacob, Sarah (wife of Abram Early), Elizabeth and
Barbara (twins, both deceased). His second wife was Elizabeth, daughter
of Solomon and Lydia Miller, to whom he was married October 6, 1854.
The issue of this union was five children: Rebecca (wife of Emanuel
Ridenour), Mary A. (wife of Jacob Early), Lydia (wife of Samuel ClcDrk)
and two infants (deceased). His third wife was Christiana King {nee
Coppis) to whom he was married October 3, 1863, and by whom he had
four children: Diana, George F. and two who died in infancy; and Feb-
ruary 14, 1871, he married his present wife, Rebecca Leedy (nee Hock-
man). Mr. Miller is one of the few pioneers now living in Bath Township,
and is one of its leading and substantial farmers. He and his wife are
members of the German Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat
MICHAEL ROEDERER, farmer, P. O.. Lima, was born in Baden,
Germany, July 10, 1828, and is a son of Michael and Barbara (Keller)
Roederer, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1837, loqiiting
on a part of the farm now owned by J. B. Miller, where they lived one
year. In 1838 they purchased 240 acres on Sections 15 and 16, which,
with the assistance of their sons, they cleared and improved, and there
lived and died. They had three children: Michael, Barbara (wife of
Jacob Miller) and Jacob M. Our subject was reared in Bath Township
from nine years of age, and received a limited education in the common
Digitized by LjOOQIC
BATH TOWNSHIP. 685
schools. He liyed on a part of the old homestead until 1882, when he
located on the farm where he now resides. He has been twice married,
his first wife, to whom he was wedded November 22, 1854, being Mary,
daughter of George and Catherine Gudakunst, of Auglaize County, Ohio,
the issue of which union was six children: Elizabeth (wife of Walter
Snjtier), William, John, George (deceaseil), Catherine (wife of Isaac
Boush) and Franklin. On August 1, 1868, Mr. Boederer married his
present wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Naas, widow of Christopher Naas and
daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Bucher) Altstaetter. By this union
there are two children: Lewis M. and Louisa A. Mrs. Boederer had
four children by her first husband: an infant daughter (deceased), John,
Mary (wife of Fred Fry) and Sarah (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Boederer
are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has held the
office of trustee and school director of Bath Township for several terms.
In politics he is a Democrat
FBANELIN BOUSH, farmer and wood stirrup manufacturer, P. O.
Lima, was bom in Juniata County, Penn., October 1, 1838, son of Henry
and Elizabeth (Morehead) Boush. Henry Boush came to Allen County
in 1852, and located in Bath Township on the farm now occupied by his
widow, a part of which he cleared and improved. He was twice mar-
ried, his first wife being Elizabeth Morehead, by whom he had nine
children: George, John, Joseph, William, Catherine (wife of Willis
Cppeland), Henry, Franklin, Philip and Jacob. His second wife was
Susannah Winegardner, by whom he had four children: Theodore, Jane
(wife of Samuel Boose), Emma (wife of F. M. Boberts) and Ephraim.
Henry Boush died in 1882 at the age of seventy-nine years. Our subject
was reared in Bath Township, this county, from fourteen years of age,
and was educated in the common schools. He was in the late war of the
Bebellion. enlisting in 1861 in Company D, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, and was honorably discharged after four months' service. He
enlisted again, February 28, 1864, in Company D, One Hundred and
Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving seven months, when he
was honorably discharged. He was married, March 6, 1862, to Mahala,
daughter of George N. and Nancy (Sly) Harvey, of Bath Township, by
whom he has eleven children: Willis, Bertha (wife of Charles Mumaugh),
John, Araminta, William, Mary, Alanson. Ollie, James D., lona and
Grace May. Nancy (Sly) Harvey, Mahala (our subject's wife) and Grace
May (daughter of our subject), are each youngest in families of eleven
children. After his marriage Mr. Boush engaged in farming in Bath
Township. In 1865 he removed to Lima, this county, residing there
until 1877. In 1867 he embarked in the manufacture of wood stirrups
in Lima, in which he has done quite an extensive trade, and is still
carrying on this business in connection with his farming interests. In
1877 Mr.. Boush returned to Bath Township, living on the old homestead
for three and one-half years, when he purchased the farm he now
occupies. He and his wife are members of the Disciples Church, as are
also their two eldest children. He is serving his third term as township
trustee of Bath. In politics he is a Democrat
HIBAM BOUSH, contractor, P. O. Lima, was born in Juniata
County, Penn., October 25, 1850, and is a son of Joseph and Jane (Kan-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
586 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
awel) Boosh, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1852, where
they cleared and improved a farm. They were parents of six children:
Cornelias, Solomon, Hiram, John, Edward and Isaac, all members of the
Lutheran Churcli. Our subject's paternal grandparents, George and
Mary (Mick) Boush, were natives of Pennsylvania, of German and En-
glish descent, respectively. His maternal grandparents, John and
Margaret Kanawel, were of Juniata County, Penn. Our subject was
reared in Bath Township from two years of age, and was educated in the
common schools. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the Dayton
& Michigan Bailroad Shops at Lima, where he worked at boiler-mdking
for three years and eight months, and was engaged at that kind of work
for five years. Since 1876 he has been contractor in different lines of
business. Mr. Roush has been married twice; on first occasion, August
15, 1871, to Sarah E., daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Stepleton)
Bechtel, of Jackson Township, this county, and by her he had one child —
Edith G. His present wife was Ella Whitmer, of Bath Township, a
native of Virginia, to whom he was married Maivoh 22, 1874. Mr. and
Mrs. Roush are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a
Democrat.
SAMUEL A. RTJMBAUGH (deceased), was bom in Greene County,
Ohio, May 7, 1821, son of William and Anna (Aldridge) Rumbaugh, who
settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1830. Our subject was reared
in Bath Township from ten years of age, and received a limited educa-
tion in the common schools. He was twice married, first on February
16, 1843, to Rosana Whitehouse, of Greene County, Ohio, by whom he
had two children: Anna (wife of Robert McEee), and Barton, who died
of disease contracted in the army during the late war of the Rebellion.
His second marriage, January 5, 1854, was with Susan, daughter of
Samuel and Sarah ( Wormsley) Channell, of Randolph County, W. Va.,
and the issue of this union was six children: Hannah (wife of Garrett
Dudgeon), Cornelia (wife of Thomas Wetherill), Josephine (deceased),
Grant, Calahan and Icy. In 1854 Mr. Rumbaugh located in Bath
Township, this county, clearing and improving a farm on which he
resided up to 1867, when he removed to the farm now occupied by his
widow, on which he erected all the present buildings and made many
other improvements. He was a thrifty farmer. In politics he was a
Republican. For eight years prior to his death he was a member of the
Christian Church. He died February 15, 1884, at the age of sixty- three
years.
BENJAMIN RTJMBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Greene
County, Ohio, April 21, 1825, son of William and Anna (Aldridge)
Rumbaugh, the former bom in Virginia, August 6, 1782, the latter in
Maryland, December 11, 1799. They came to Allen County in 1830,
locating in Bath Township, on a farm now owned by David Hefner, which
they cleared and improved, and where they lived until the death of Mr.
Rumbaugh, January 8, 1868. The widow, now aged eighty-tive years,
resides with our subject. They had a family of thirteen diildren : Jacob
(deceased), Samuel A. (deceased), Mary A. (wife of Dan France), Benja-
min, Elizabeth M. (wife of Lewis Roberts), Uriah F. (deceased), Lucinda
(wife of James McCluer), George, William, John B., Anna (deceased)^
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BATH TOWNSHIP. 58T
Irena (wife of Alex. McClare), and an infant daughter (deceased). Oar
subject was reared in Bath Township, this county, from seven years old,
and made his home with his parents until twenty-six years of age. After
reaching his majority he worked by the month for several years, and in
1853 settled on the farm he now occupies, all of which he cleared and
improved himself. He was married, January 27, 1851, to Mary Jane,
daughter of Sylvester and Charity (Lewis) Roberts, of Bath Township,
by whom he had six children : Uriah, Martha M. (deceased), Ann E.
(wife of Bruce Whites), Scott, Lake and Jason. Mr. Bumbaugh served
in the late war of the Rebellion, and was honorably discharged after 120
days' service. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Methodist
Church. In politics he is a Republican.
DAVID L. SEDER, liquor dealer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Berks
County, Penn., July 5, 1851, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth
(Ulrich) Seder. He was reared in Sidney, Ohio, where he was educated
in the common schools. He has been a resident of Allen County, Ohio,
since 1864, living with his parents until nineteen years of age, when he
engaged in business for himself. In 1881 he embarked in his present
business, and has had a successful trade. Mr. Seder has been twice
married, on the first occasion, December 23, 1874, to Mary, daughter of
George Leekings, of Van Wert County, Ohio, by whom he had three
children : Qeorgie M, David L. and Arthur L. July 3, 1884, he mar-
ried his second wife, Alice, daughter of George and l^artha Leekings,
of Van Wert, Ohio. Mr. Seder is a representative citizen of Lima. In
politics he is a Democrat.
PETER SNYDER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Livingston
County, N. Y., August 13, 1820, son of Philip and Mary (Sharpsteen)
Snyder, former a blacksmith by trade, and a son of Philip Snyder, a
native of Germany. Our subject's maternal grandfather was John
Sharpsteen, a farmer by occupation. Peter Snyder was but four years of
age when his father died, and at the age of twelve years he came to
l^umbull County, Ohio, with his brother, Lorenzo, with whom he lived
about a year. After that he worked by the month on a farm during the
summer, attending school winters, until nineteen years of age. In 1839
he came to Allen County, where he worked by the month, in Bath Town-
ship, for several years. About 1849 he bought a farm of forty acres,
now known as the *' Hiram Prottsman farm," a part of which he cleared
and afterward added 100 acres to. Here he resided for several years,
and then removed to. Shawnee Township, this county, on what is now
known as the " John Breese farm." In 1862 he sold out and returned
to Bath Township, and bought the farm on Section 3 (now occupied by
his son George), living there until 1875, when he purchased the farm on
l?'\pdlay Road where he now resides. Our subject has been twice mar-
ried, his first wife being Clarinda, daughter of Uriah and Betsey (Doud)
Edgecomb, who settled in Bath Township, this ooanty, in 1832, and by
this union there were born eleven children : Joseph (deceased), Marilla
(wife of S. F. Mason), William (deceased), George, Amy (wife of M. D.
Mason), Walter, Henrietta (wife of Charles Shinabery), Newton, Jasper,
Cassius C. and Anna (wife of John Prottsman). His present wife was
Mrs. Ellen Kollor, widow of George W. Kollor, and daughter of John
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588 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and Arzilla (Minnis) Baker, of Bath, by whom he has seyen children :
Alta, Ida M., Delia, Edward, James, Laura and Ada. Two of Mr.
Snyder's sons by his Urst marriage, Josiah and William, died in the
service of the Union during the late war of the Rebellion. Josiah was
in the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and William in the
Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Snyder has been trustee of •
Bath Township for several terms. In politics he is a Republican.
THOMAS K TUNGET, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Warren
County, Ohio, August 19, 1831 ; son of Peter and Sarah (Holloway)
Tunget, former a native of Stafford County, Va., latter of Maryland.
They were married December 15, 1828, and their children were nine in
number : John (deceased), Thomas H., Hiram (deceased), Eliza (deceased),
William, George, Mary A. (wife of JohnO'Neil), Lovinia (wife of Will-
iam Spencer), Elizabeth (wife of William McPheron). In September,
1833, Peter Tunget came to this county, and located in Bath Township,
on the farm now owned by our subject (then an unbroken wilderness),
which, with the assistance of his sons, he cleared and improved, and
here erected a log-cabin, in which he resided for several months without
any doors, windows or floor, and lived on the old homestead until his
death. He died March 28, 1884, at the age of seventy-seven years and
six day& His wife died March 16, 1884, in her seventy- seventh year.
William, the fifth child and fourth son, has resided on the old homestead
since his birth, December 11, 1836. Our subject, who was reared on the
old homestead, resided there until the fall of 1865, when he removed to
Paulding County, and there lived until 1881, when he returned to Bath
Township and purchased the old homestead. He served eleven months
in the late war of the Rebellion, and received an honorable discharge.
Mr. Tunget was married, May 13, 1858, to Elizabeth N., daughter of
Alexander and Margaret (Neely) McClure, who settled in Bath in 1828.
The issue of this union was two children : Laura C. (deceased) and
Flaura E. In politics Mr. Tunget is a Republican.
ALBERT G. WOOD, farmer, P. O. West Cairo, Allen County, Ohio,
was bom in Champaign County, Ohio, April 1, 1808, son of Christopher
and Mary A. (Turner) Wood, who reared a family of ten children: Sarah
(deceased), Joseph (deceased), Moston (deceased), Nancy (deceased),
Albert G., Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Lippincott), Semimirus (wife of
Henry Lippincott), Marian (deceased), Caroline (wife of Jackson Lip-
pincot), and William (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Christopher W^ood set-
tled, in 1824, on the farm now occupied by John Miller, on Section 7,
Bath Township, this county, which, with the assistance of our subject,
they cleared and improved. Christopher Wood resided there up to 1856,
when he went to Indiana to visit his son, and while on the journey was
killed in a railway collision. The paternal grandfather of our subject,
William Wood, a native of England, came to Baltimore before the war
of the Revolution, and was a pioneer of Champaign County, Ohio;
his maternal grandfather, James Turner, a native of Maryland, was also
a pioneer of Champaign County, and later of Allen County, where he
died about 1833. Our subject settled, in 1833, on the farm where he
now resides, and has cleared and improved it all himself. He has been
twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married, December 25,
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BATH TOWNSHIP.
689
1830, iras Emily Birch, of Bath Township, the issue of which onion
being nine children: James, William, Nelson, Christopher, Elizabeth,
Mary A., Melissa, Caroline and Sanford, all now deceased but Sanford,
who is a resident ojf Putnam County, Ohio. On March 8, 1860, Mr.
Wood married his present wife, Mary, daughter of Philip and Susan
(Bird) Snyder formerly of Maryland. By this union there are five chil-
dren: Albert, Ina (wife of William Smith), Sarah, Nannie (deceased),
and Franklin. Mr. Wood is the oldest pioneer now living in Bath
Township, having made it his home for sixty years. He and his wife
are members of the Christian Church. In polities he is a Republican.
3B
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590 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
GERMAN TOWNSHIP.
AUGUST ALBRECHT, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Stadt
Aldendorf, duchy of Brunswick, Germany, born March 2, 1822, son of
Carl and Joanna (Fine) Albrecht, of whose family only four suryive:
Amelia, Joanna, Ferdinand and August. Our subject, who was the only
member of the family to come to this country, arrived at Boston, Mass.,
in 1848, and there lived until 1861, then came to Ohio, and lived in
Amanda Township, Allen County until 1866, when he again moved to
Boston, and resided there until 1879, when he came to Ohio for second
time and settled at his present home in German Township, this county.
He followed sugar-refining for several years, bat now gives his attention
exclusively to farming. Mr. Albrecht was married, May 28, 1853, to
Mrs. Eliza (Schiel) Haase, of Boston, Mass. (widow of Conrad Haase,
by whom she had one son, John, now a resident of Sidney, Ohio), and
to this union were born three daughters and one son: Nettie, Carrie,
George A. and Lizzie, all now living. Mrs. Albrecht died October 16,
1881. She was a native of Bavaria, born February 18, 1823. Her
father died in his native country, and her mother and sisters came to
America and settled in Boston, Mass. (Sophia, who now resides in Lima,
Ohio, is the only one of the family now living). In politics Mr. Albrecht
is a Democrat
CHRISTOPHER ASHTON, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Eng.
land, bom in the village of Einton, Lincolnshire, August 5, 1828, and
in 1832, was brought by his parents, Francis and Elizabeth (Mackender)
Ashton, to America. They (the parents) settled in Richland County,
Ohio, where they remained a few years, and then moved to Hardin
County, Ohio, and in 1858 came to this county, where they died. Our
subject came from Hardin County, Ohio, to this county, in 1872, and
purchased a farm in German Township, on which he still resides. He
was married, in 1850, to Susan Throne, of Richland County, Ohio, a
native of York County, Penn., bom January 15, 1832, and daughter of
Michael and Susannah Throne, who both died in Richland County, Ohio.
To our subject and wife were bom seven children: Lewis J., Ann M. Ij.,
Mary Y., Francis M., William Mc, Charles E. and Elizabeth, all now
living, except Elizabeth. Mr. Ashton is a Democrat in politics.
SMITH BAXTER, farmer, P. O. Elida, is a native of Ross County,
Ohio, bom October 10, 1824; son of Samuel and Eeziah (Cremean) Bax-
ter, who were of English and Scotch descent, and^ who came from Ross
County, Ohio, to this county in 1828, where the father soon afterward
died, and where the mother died in 1853. Of their family of nine chil-
dren only five survive: James, Curtis, Smith, David E. and Eliza. Our
subject was married, March 29, 1845, to Miss Mary Cremean, of German
Township, this county, a native of Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of
William and Margaret (Miller) Cremean (both deceased) who came from
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GERMAN TOWNSHIP. 591
Boss County, Ohio, to this county in 1839, and reared a family of eight
children, all now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Baxter were born ttie follow-
ing children : Sarah E., James J., Elizabeth J., Rachel A., Samuel B.,
Mary M., Freemont W., Boxana M and Flora T., all now living but
Samuel and Boxana. Mr. Baxter entered land in German Township in
1847, which he cleared and improved, and about ten years later went into
general trading, continuing in same until about 1867, after which he
confined himself to the lumber trade for several years, then operated his
farm for a few years again, and in 1881 engaged in mercantile trade in
Elida, Ohio, disposing of his business there in 1883. Since that date
Mr. Baxter has been somewhat retired. He has served in some of the
township offices. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. Mr. BaxteV was a Democrat until 1852, since which time
he has been a stanch Republican.
BENJAMIN BECHTOL, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Centw
County, Penn., June 21, 1821, son of Samuel and Mary (Ebler) Bechtol,
natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and who moved in an early
day to Delaware County, Ohio, where Mrs. Bechtol died in 1845. Sam-
uel Bechtol then went to Seneca County, Ohio, and came to this coanty
in 1854. He had a family of fourteen children, all now living, except-
ing one. Our subject was married, September 12, 1847, to Miss Mary
A. Waters, of Delaware County, Ohio, a native of Northampton
County, Penn., bom April 8, 1818, daughter of John and Barbara
(Elamire) Wateors, natives of Pennsylvania, of German and French-Eng-
lish descent, respectively. Both died in Northampton County, Penn.,
aged seventy -nine and forty-nine, respectively. Mr, and Mrs. Bechtol
are the parents of six children, of whom three are now living : Martha
M., Alice v., and Caroline C. Our subject has devoted most of his time
to the carpenter's trade, at the same time operating a small farm. Mr.
and Mrs. Bechtol are members of the Presbyterian Church at Lima,Ohio.
In politics he is a Bepublican.
JOSEPH P. BENEBDOM, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in
Leesville, Va., November 27, 1826, son of John and Mary (Carr) Bener-
dom, who were married in Virginia, moved to Ohio in 1834, settling in
Carroll County, where they died a few years sinca Our subject came to
this county in 1864, and settled in German Township, where he still
resides. He was married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth,
daughter of William and Margaret ( Junkins) Holms, who now reside in
Hardin County, Ohio. To this union have been born nine children :
William, Mary, John, Charles, Margaret, Oby, Bertha, Thirsey and
Ida, all now living but Margaret Mr. and Mrs. Benerdom are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Allentown, Ohio.
JOHN W. BLACKBUBN, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in Lima,
Allen Co., Ohio, June 18, 1835, and is a son of William and Bebecca
(Cully) Blackburn, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, of Irish and
German descent, respectively, and who settled at Wapakonetta, Auglaize
Co., Ohio, in 1834, where the father served in the office of land receiver
for several years, and about 1844 they came to Allentown, this county,
where he purchased land, and built a saw and grist-mill. They reared a
large family. William Blackburn served several times ii^^lhe Legisla-
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592 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
tnre, and was very active Id the affairs of this county; he died May 7,
1859, aged seventy years. The widow died December 26, 1878, aged
eighty-one years. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and
has followed general agriculture all through life. He was married, Feb-
ruary 27, 1870, to Miss Mary J. McBride, of this county, by whom he
had three sons, two deceased, one now living — William J. Mrs. Black-
bum died July 9, 1872, and our subject then married, in August, 1877,
Mrs. Charity Stull, of this county, widow of John Stull, by whom she
had one son — ^Abraham. Mr. Blackburn served over three years in the
late civil war, in Company B, First Ohio Cavalry, and passed through
fiery battles. He was over seven months confined in rebel prisons. In
politics he is a Democrat
DANIEL BROWEB, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Rockingham
County, Ya., November 24, 1815, son of John and Hannah (Miller)
Brower, of German descent, former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of
Virginia. After the death of John Brower, his widow moved to this
county, where she died in June, 1856. Our subject came to this county
in 1844, settling on Section 4, German Township, on land entered by his
father in about 1832, he having made a trip through this county about that
tima Our subject was married. May 20, 1841, to Elizabeth Leedy, also
a native of Roddngham County, Ya., daughter of John and Eve (Reiser)
Leedy, also of German descent, and who died in Rockingham County,
Ya. Mr. and Mrs. Brower were the parents of eleven children, seven of
whom are now living: Mary C, Melissa J., Joseph M., Sarah E., David
B., Lydia M. and Amanda F. Mrs. Brower dying May 7, 1874, our
subject married, Pebraary 21, 1875, Lydia Miller, a native of Rocking-
ham County, Ya., and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Thomas) Mil-
ler, who both died in Yirginia. Mr. Brower has improved many acres of
land in German Township, and has followed general farm work, but for
the last ten years has given most of his time to the ministry of the gos-
pel, to members of the old German Baptist persuasion. He was received
into the German Baptist Church, with his wife, in 1845; in 1849 to the
office of deacon; in 1854 to the ministry, and in 1868 to the eldership,
where he has been laboring faithfully in observing the ancient order and
practice of the church, laboring with his own hands, that he might not
be chargeable to any, and in 1883 he took his stand with the old
German Baptist Church, which, in the year 1881, had resolved to with-
draw from the many innovations that had crept into the church, and
fully adhere to primitive Christianity, as taught by Christ and His
Apostles, in all His commands and precepts, as practiced by our fore-
fathers.
WILLIAM J. CREMEAN, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in
Ross County, Ohio, February 26, 1830, son of Smith and Mary (Dillen)
Cremean, natives of Maryland, and who were married in 1807, in Ross
County, Ohio, where they lived until 1831, when they moved to this county,
settling in German Township. Of their family of eleven children only
three survive: Curtis, Stephen D. and William J. The father died July
28, 1858, and the mother March 2, 1881, aged seventy-six and ninety
years respectively. Our subject was married November 6, 1851, to Miss
Malvina Smith, a native of Greene County, Ohio, bom August 24, 1835,
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GERMAN TOWNSHIP. 593
danghter of William and Elizaboth (Neely) Smith, natives of Virginia,
and who were married in this county. They had a family of ten chil-
dren. The father and mother now reside in Missouri, aged seventy and
sixty-eight respectively. To our subject and wife have been born four-
teen children, all living: William A., Eliza J., James H., Frances M.«
Edward S., Henrietta E., Emma, John N., Charles W., Lewis N., Jack-
son A., Addie L.. Bertha M. and Stephen D. Mr. Cremean purchased
his ftirm in 1852, and has followed general agriculture chiefly ever since.
He served nine months in the late war of the Rebellion, in Company H,
One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
since 1865 he has devoted considerable time to preaching in ''the
Church of Christ, in Christian Union,'* traveling from 1,400 to 2,350
miles annually. /
DANIEL CRIDER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Cridersville,
Auglaize Co., Ohio, February 15, 1857; son of Isaac and Susan
(Searfoss) Crider, natives of Pickaway County, Ohio, where theyfwere
married and whence they moved in 1854 to Auglaize County, Ohio,
where they lived until 1863, and then moved to Shawnee Township, this
county. They reared a family of twelve children, of whom ten are now
living, and in the fall of 1884 they removed to Kansas. Our subject
was married, March 25, 1880, to Maryettie East, a native of German
Township, this county, bom October 16, 1862, and daughter of Samuel
and Elizabeth (Mumaw) East, natives of Pickaway and Knox Counties,
Ohio, respectively, and who were married in this county in 1855, parents
of nine children, of whom five are now living. To the union of our
subject and wife has been given one son, Orvin M., born December 10,
1880. Mr. and Mrs. Crider are members of the United Brethren Church
at Elida, Ohio. In politics he is a Democrat.
JACOB CRITES, farmer, P.O Allentown, was bom in Pickaway County,
Ohio, Oct. 19, 1822. He was made a cripple for life by accidentally step-
ping on the knife of a straw-cutter, nearly severing his left foot from the
leg. Early in life he commenced to work at the blacksmith trade, an
occupation he followed seventeen years. He came to this county, in
1842, and October 2, 1845, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane
Cremean, who died September 12, 1850, leaving to his care seven
children. His second marriage occurred February 5, 1860 with Mrs.
Emily Sellars. During his lifetime Mr. Crites served the public in
nearly all oflSces of trust in the township, and to the people of the
county he has been very useful as county commissioner, to which office
he was twice elected, filling the same with honor to himself and to the
full satisfaction of the people. A great many private trusts also have
been assigned to him, such as administering on the estates of many of his
deceased neighbors. It is his intention and desire, however, to retire
from public life and devote his entire attention to his farming interests,
(which are considerable,) in addition to which he has, for several years,
been engaged more or less extensively in raising stock; his specialties
being thorough-bred hogs. Mr. Crites was one of the incorporators of
Allen Lodge, L O. O. F., and for four years was master of German
Orange, of which he has thrice been State delegate. Since the age of
twenty Mr. Crites has been identified with some religious denomination,
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594 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and for several years with the Methodist Episcopal Charch, in which he
has been very nsef al, filling several offices of the same, at present being
superintendent of the Sabbath- school.
ELIAS CRITES, farmer, P. O. Elida, was bom in Pickaway County,
Ohio, June 21, 1825, son of John D. and Catharine (Petra) Crites,
natives of Pennsylvania, and who were married in Berks County, Penn.,
and moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1812, where they died. Of
their family of thirteen children only five are now living: Charles, Amos,
Levi, Jacob and Elias. Our subject was married, in 1851, to Miss
Catharine Mowery, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, and a daughter of
John and Rachel (Dunkel) Mowery, who were among the first settlers in
Pickaway County, Ohio, where they lived and died. To our subject and
wife were born three children: Mary S. (deceased), John D. and Willison
W. Mrs. Crites died in 1862, and in the fall of same year Mr. Crites
married Mrs. Leannah (Mowery) Reichelderfer, a sister of his first wife,
and widow of Venus Reichelderfer, by whom she had two children, of
whom George S. is now living. Our subject came to this county in
1871, and settled in German Township, where he still resides. He' spent
his early years working at the carpenter's trade, but now follows farming
and pays special attention to raising short- horn cattle exclusively. He
has served in some of the township offices; in politics he is a Democrat.
DANIEL L. CRITES (deceased) was a native of Pickaway County,
Ohio, bom October 30, 1833; eldest son of Charles and Sophia (Ludwig)
Crites, natives of Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio in 1812, locating
first in Pickaway County (where they were married October 4, 1832) and
in 1839 moving to this county and settling in German Township. They
were parents of twelve children, all living but two. The father and
mother are now seventy-six and seventy-one years of age respectively.
Our subject was educated in the common schools, and was reared a
farmer. He followed teaching in winter and farm work in summer for
a few years. He served two years as deputy auditor in Pickaway
County, Ohio. Mr. Crites read medicine in 1854-55, from which time
he practiced to some extent until 1862. He served over two years in the
late war of the Rebellion as lieutenant in Company E, One Hundred
and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1865 he accepted
the position as deputy auditor of this county, which he held until 1869,
when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term in same of William
Dowling, who died in August of that year. In 1870 he accepted the
position as deputy clerk of the county, in which capacity he served five
years, and in 1875 was elected to the office of clerk of the County
Courts until 1882. Mr. Crites served as assessor and land appraiser in
his township ; was surveyor of Putnam Counfcy, Ohio; was licensed clerk
in the House of Representatives at Columbus, Ohio, during the Sixty-
first General Assembly. He took great interest in improving the schools
of his village. Our subject was married March 3, 1855, to Miss Martha
John, a native of this county, bom September 25, 1833, daughter of Griffith
and Rachel (Miller) John, and who is now the oldest person living in
the township, who is' a native of it. To this union wei*e bom two daugh-
ters: Bertha and Tirzah K. Mrs. Crites' parents were natives of Penn-
sylvania and Virginia respectively, and were married in Ross County,
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GERMAN TOWNSHIP. 695
Ohio, in 1816. They reared a family of thirteen children, and settled in
this county in 1832, where the father died February 20, 1855, aged
sixty-one years, and the mother June 23, 1861, also aged sixty-one years.
Daniel L. Crites, the subject of above sketch, died March 30, 1885.
DAVID GULP, farmer, P. O. Elida, is a native of Fairfield County,
Ohio, born October 10, 1838, eldest son of Christian and Elizabeth (Good)
Cnlp, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, and who were married
in Fairfield County, Ohio, and moved with their family to this county
in 1851. Christian Culp died January 5, 1883. His widow still resides
in this county. Our subject was married, June 20, 1861, to Miss Nancy
Brenneman, of German Township, this countv, a native of Fairfield
County, Ohio, daughter of John and Nancy (Grove) Brenneman (both
deceased) who came from Virginia, and were among the first settlers in
Fairfield County, Ohio, and who moved to this county about 1854. Mr.
and Mrs. Culp are parents of ten children: John B., Elizabeth A.,
Emma J.,NancyC.,MelindaA., Christian L., EllaM., Cora M., Martha M.
and Sarah E., all now living except Elizabeth A. and Ella M. Mr. Culp
purchased land in German Township, this county, in 1871, which he
has cleared and improved in many ways. He gives considerable atten-
tion to the breeding of Durham cattle, pure bred hogs, etc., etc. He
suffered a serious loss a few years since by fire, but is now in a prosper-
ous condition. He owns 152 acres good land, with excellent buildings.
Mr. and Mrs. Culp are members of the Mennonite Church.
ISRAEL FRAUNFELTER, farmer, P. O. Lioi^. was bom in Picka-
way County, Ohio, July 16, 1834 ; son of Adam and Saloma (March)
Fraunfelter, natives of Pennsylvania, and who were married in Berks
County, that state, moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, and here died. Of
their family of ten children, eight are .now living. Our subject moved
first to Ross County, Ohio, and in 1865 came to this county, where he
now resides. He operated a dairy for four years and now follows
general agriculture. He is a stock grower, making a specialty of
Spanish merino sheep, also graded horses, and has a good class of hogs.
Mr. Fraunfelter, was married, February 4, 1860, to Miss Leanna Good-
man of Pickaway County, Ohio, a native of Hocking County, Ohio, and
daughter of John and Sarah (Weaver) Goodman. To this union have
been bom five children : Frank, Otis, Shanon, James and Mary A. Our
subject owns 216 acres good land ; has served in some of the township
offices ; is now infirmary director. He and his wife hold membership in
the Lutheran Church at Elida, Ohio. In politics he is a Democrat
CHARLES IRELAND, farmer, P. O. Allentown, is a native of Caro-
line County, Md., born November 21, 1803, and was reared in Ross
County, Ohio, where his parents settled in 1806, and where his mother
died. His father died in this county. Our subject came to Allen County,
Ohio, in 1835, settling in German Township, where he still resides. He
was married in Ross County, Ohio, to Miss Catharine Shobe a native of
Virginia, and by her he has nine children. Mr. Ireland has cleared
many acres of land in German Township and has given his attention to
general agriculture. He and his wife- are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.
GEORGE D. KANAWL, farmer and contractor, P. O. Lima, was
bom in Juniata County, Penn., March 22, 1847 ; son of John and Bar-
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bara A, (Woods) Eanawl, natives of PenDsyivania, and who were married
in Jnniata County, Penn., and there reared their family. They had nine
children: Elizabeth M., Maggie E., John F., William W., Oeorge D.,
Joseph C, Peter P., Henry, and Jacob L., all now living except William
W. The mother died in March, 1872, and the father now resides with
his second wife in his native county, where he has held the office of com-
missioner. Onr subject came to this county in September, 1866, and
engaged in general job work for a few years. He was married in July,
1868, to Miss Adaline E. Bansbottom, of German Township, this couniy,
where she was bom October 80, 1852, daughter of Ck>meliu8 and Hannah
(Beese) Bansbottom, who came to this county about 1831, are still resi-
dents of the same, and who here raised a family of nine children: Aluste
A., Melissa A., Adaline E.,Elzina E., Neutou F., Franklin T., Mabel G.,
Alonzo L., and Lifus M., all now living except the two last named. To
the union of our subject and wife have been born two children: Charles
L. and Fannie M. Mr. Eanawl became owner of land in German Town-
ship a few years since, and devotes his attention to farm work and con*
tracting in stone work. He is township trustee. He and his wife are
members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
HENBY EIBACOFE, retired farmer, Elida, is a native of Augusta
County, Ya., born May 13, 1820; son of Henry and Margaret (Detamore)
Eiraeofe, natives of Virginia and of German descent They were mar-
ried in Augusta County, Ya., and reared a family of eight children.
The father died September 2, 1840, in his native country, aged forty-nine
years, and the mother died in this county April 27, 1865, aged seventy,
four years. Our subject came to this county in 1847, followed general
agriculture in German Township until 1877, since which time he has
lived a retired life in the village of Elida, Ohio. He was married April
15, 1841, to Miss Margaret Fifer, of Augusta County, Ya., who bore him
two children : Bobert and Mary A. (latter deceased). Bobert now
ODerates his father's farm in the township. Mrs. Eiraeofe died July 8,
lo44, and Mr. Eiraeofe then married, December 5, 1847, Mrs. Elizabeth
(Beiler) Metcalf, of this county, who died December 20, 1857, without
issue. Our subject married his third wife, Miss Delila Huffer, of this
county, September 8, 1859, and by her has three children: Saloma J.,
Lucinda M and Henrietta. This Mrs. Eiraeofe died August 3, 1884.
Mr. Eiraeofe has served in some of the township offices. He is a mem-
ber of the United Brethren Church, in which he is an officer. In politics
he is a Democrat
JOHN W. MTJBBAY, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Ashland
County, Ohio, bom February 1, 1820; son of Edward and Christena
(Youngblood) Murray, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German
descent respectively, and who moved to what is now Ashland County,
Ohio, where they both died. Our subject was married, October 28, 18«),
to Christeann Beese, of Ashland County, Ohio, and a native of Stark
County, Ohio, bom May 8, 1824, daughter of Daniel and Susan (Stock-
man) Beese, natives of Stark County, Ohio, of German descent, and who
moved to Ashland County, Ohio, at an early day, and later to this county,
where they died in German Township. To our subject and wife were
bom seven children: Daniel, James, Melissa A., Lorenzo D., Boxann,
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GERMAN TOWNSHIP. 597
Isabelle aod Charles D. — all living except Jamee. Mr. Murray pur-
obased land in German Township, this oonnty, in 1858, where he now
has 120 acres well improved. He has served in some of the township
offices; in politics he is a Democrat He is a member of the German
Baptist Church.
JAMES H. NEELY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Bath
Township, this county, March 4, 1844; son of William and Matilda
(Snodgrass) Neely, who were married in this county August 19, 1840 (of
their family only three are now living : Henry C, Alonzo L. and James
H.) The father died February 5. 1880, the mother February 10, 1877.
Our subject was married October 29, 1864, to Miss Sarah H. Mason, of
Bath Township, this county, where she was bom October 29, 1846,
daughter of Jarvis and Elizabeth (Hall) Mason, early settlers in this
county, and the parents of fifteen children. Mr. Mason died several
years since; his widow now resides in Bath Township, this county. To
our subject and wife were born seven children: Charles E., Juna L.,
Jesse M., Clifton L., Rufus M., Olive L. and Bessie, all now living
except Bessie. Mr. Neely owns 120 acres of good land, and gives his
attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Neely is a member
of the United Brethren Church. In politics Mr. Neely is a Republican.
RICHARD RICE, physician, Elida, was bom February 7, 1825, in
Oswego County, N. Y.; son of Joseph and Sarah (Buel) Rice, former a
son of Asa Rice, and a carpenter by trade, a native of Connecticut;
later a native of Vermont, and both of Welsh descent They were mar-
ried in Oswego County, N. Y., whence in 1844 they moved to Covington,
Ky., and from there, in 1868, to Elida, this county, where they both
died. They were parents of thirteen children of whom our subject is the
only survivor. Om: subject began the study of medicine in Kentucky,
and pursued it there for a short time, and graduated in 1853 from the
Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. He commenced the
practice of his profession in St. Johns, Auglaize County, Ohio, where he
remained about two years, then in 1855, came to Elida, this county.
Dr. Rice was married in August, 1849, to Miss Samantha M. Carman, of
Clinton Co., Ohio, daughter of James and Rosanna (Ellis) Carman, natives
of Kentucky and Virginia respectively. To our subject and wife were
bom three children of whom two are now living: Carman B. and
Charles B. Mrs. Rice died July 22, 1871, and Dr. Rice then married,
August 7, 1873, Miss Sarah Brown, of Wood County, Ohio, a native of
Perry County, Ohio, bom April 15, 1827, daughter of Rev. Matthew
Brown, a native of Virginia. The Doctor served three years in the late
war of the Rebellion, in McLaughlin's Squadron, Ohio Cavalry, and was
promoted from private to captain in lo62, and in 1863 to major. He
returned home in 1864. In politics he is a Republican.
ISAAC SAWMILLER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in German
Township, this county, March 28, 1845, son of Jacob and Mary A. (Huflf)
Sawmiller, who were married in this county, and reared a family, of
whom four are now living: Ruhanna, Isaac, Sylvester and John. The
father died in 1877, the mother still resides in this county. At the
death of his father, our subject became owner of land in German
Township, this county, on which he now resides, and has added to and
I
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598 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
improved the same. He was married March 28, 1872, to Miss Maggie
Herring, of this county, born in Oerman Township, February 18, 1852,
daughter of Emanuel and Julia (Orites) Herring, who were also married
in this county, rearing but one child, Maggie, wife of our subject. Her
father died in May, 1852, and her mother September 22, 1833. To
Mr. and Mrs. Sawmiller were bom four children: John B., Viola M.,
Arvilla J. and Addie L. Mr. Sawmiller gives his attention to general
agriculture; also operates a threshing marine in the season. He served
two years in the late war of the I^bellion, in Company A, First Ohio
Cavalry, passing through many hard fought battles, and coming out
unscathed. In politics he is a Democrat.
JAMES N. SHANE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Holmes
County, Ohio, January 20, 1831, son of Samuel and Sophia A. (Bower)
Shane, natives of Ohio and Maryland, and of Irish, English and Datcb
descent respectively. They were married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in
1823, then moved to Holmes County, Ohio, returning to Tuscarawas County,
from which Samuel Shane was representative in 1836. He was general of
the Holmes County militia at one time. In 1838 they moved to Zanes-
ville, Ohio, Where the father died in 1849, aged forty-nine; the mother
died in this county 'in 1874 aged sixty-seven. They were the parents of
nine children, of whom three are now living: Elizabeth, Alvina and
James N. Our subject moved to Iowa in 1855, and returned to Ohio in
1859, remaining in Muskingum County until 1868, and then coming to
this county. He engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business in Lima,
Ohio, and in 1871 purchased the land on which he now resides, and
which he has cleared and improved. Mr. Shane was married August 23,
1855, to Miss Mary McCain, of Muskingum County, Ohio, where she was
bom March 3, 1831, daughter of James and Sarah (Croy) McCain,
natives of New Jersey and West Virginia., and of Irish and German
descent respectively. They were married in Muskingum County, Ohio,
and there reared a family of nine children. Here Mr. McCain died, and
his widow still resides. To our subject and wife were bom three children :
Kate, Frank D. and Sarah E.
DANIEL STAVER, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was bom in Lebanon
County, Penn.,' in July, 1829; son of Jacob and Catharine Staver,
natives of same county and State, and who were parents of eight chil-
dren, two of whom died when sixteen years old; six now living. Catha-
rine Staver, our subject's mother, died when he was fifteen years old; his
fathei^ and five of his children moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1869,
where he bought a farm and engaged in agriculture. He remained a
widower the rest of his life, and di^ in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1880,
at the age of seventy-seven years, ten months and six days. Our subject's
paternal grandfather, Tobias Staver, had nine children living when he
died, and his grandfather on his mother's side, Frederick Sprecher, had
four children living when he died. Daniel Staver's great grandfather,
on his father's side, came from Germany when a young man. He was
the first Lutheran preacher in this section of country, when there were
yet Indians in these parts. Our subject remembers seeing, when a boy,
the old church wherein his great grandfather preached;, it was of logs
and weather-boarded, and was used as a church about ninety years; was
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GERMAN TOWNSHIP. 599
then torn down and converted into a dwelling-boase. Daniel Staver
came to Pickaway County, Ohio, when twenty-one years old, having then
but sixty cents left He hired to work on a farm, and saved his money
till he had earned 11,300, and in the spring of 1860 he came to this
county, settling in German Township. Mr. Staver was married in the
same year to Elizabeth Crites, of German Township, this county, daugh-
ter of Cyrus and Catharine Crites, natives of Pickaway county, Ohio,
both now deceased, and three of whose children are now living: Amos,
Isaac and Catharine. To our subject and wife have been bom nine chil-
dren, of whom five are now living: Sarah, Jacob, Adaline, Cyrus and
Enmia. Mr. Staver owns 260 acres of well improved land. He served his
township three years as trustee, and fourteen years as treasurer, which
latter office he still filla He and his wife are members of the United
Brethren Church in Allentown. In politics he is a Democrat.
JAMES A. SWISHER, farmer, P. O. Elida, was born in Vinton
County, Ohio, November 22, 1842; son of Jackson and Melissa (Pilcher)
Swisher, the former bom in Rockingham County, Ya., and the latter in
Vinton County, Ohio. They were married in Vinton County, and reared
a family of seven children, of whom four are now living: James A.,
Minerva, Lafayette W. and Amanda. The mother died in 1858; the
father now resides in Clarke County, Mo. Our subject was married,
November 16, 1865, t6 Miss Sarah E. Baxter, a native of German Town-
ship, this county, daughter of Smith and Mary (Cremean) Baxter, now
residents of German Township, this county, and to this union were, bom
seven children: Clara B., Mary A., Linnie M., Edna A., Ama R., Ola M.,
and Charles E., all living except Charles E. Mr. Swisher served in the
late war of the Rebellion from August, 1861, to May, 1865, passing
through twenty.two engagements, in the last of which, at Atlanta, Ga.,
August 7, 1864, he was wounded by a musket ball passing through the
left knee, necessitating amputation of the leg just above the knee. Mrs.
Swisher is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Swisher
is a member of Jehu John Post No. 476, G. A. R., at Elida, Ohio.
He has given some attention to carpentering. In politics he is a Demo-
crat.
HERMAN TREMPERT, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Saxony,
Germany, born in December, 1836; son of John and Margaret (Miller)
Trempert, who came with their family of four sons to America in 1850,
settling in German Township, this county, where the father and mother
died. One of the sons was killed in the late war of the Rebellion; the
remaining three are now living: Charles, Edward and Herman. Our
subject was married, in 1862, to Miss Mary Hany, of Montgomery
County, Ohio (where he was then working), a native of Coshocton
County, Ohio, and daughter of John and Mary Hany, also natives of
Germany. Mr. Hany died a few years since, and his widow now resides
with our subject To Mr. Trempert and wife have been bora three chil-
dren: Anna, Ella and Lizzie. He has 120 acres of land which he has
improved, and on which he has good buildings, etc. , and here he gives
his attention to general farming and stock-raising. In politics Mr.
Trempert is a Democrat.
AMOS YOUNG, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Fairfield County. Ohio,
June 25, 1843, son of John and Sarah (Meyers) Young, natives of Berks
Digitized by LjOOQIC
600 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Coanty, Pens., where they married. They moved to Ohio in 1820, and
settled in Fairfield County, where they died, the former in December
1842, and the latter in April 1879. They were boried in Dntoh Hollow
cemetery. Of their family of twelve children, fonr are now living :
David, Sylvanos, Silas, and Amos. Onr subject, who is the youngest in
the family, was married in this county April 2, 1865, to Miss Rebecca
Crites, of German Township, daughter of Charles and Sophia (Ludwig)
Crites, who still reside in German Township, and to this union wore
bom two daughters : Aurelia and Melinda, botii now living. The mother
died June 13, 1869. Mr. Young was married November 19, 1874, to his
present wife, Mrs. Catharine (Pfeif er) Borst of German Township, this
county, widow of Michael Borst, who died March 25, 1870, (by whom
she had two children — Mary and William — latter deceased), and daugh-
ter of Nicholas and Eva (Zioer) Pfeifer, natives of Hessen Darmstadt,
Germany, and who came to America about 1834, halting first at Spring-
field, Ohio, thence moving to Fairfield County, Ohio, from there coming
to German Township, this county, where they died, both in November,
1871. They were parents of eleven children, all now living. To the
union of our subject and wife have been bom one son and one daughter :
Oscar N. and Lelia M. Mr. Young did oot make a permanent settle-
ment in this county until 1868. He followed saw-milling from 1871 to
1874. He makes a specialty of breeding Spanish' Merino sheep. He
was township clerk from 1879 to 1883, land appraiser in 1880. In pol-
itics he is a Democrat. Both Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church.
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 601
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
JOHN AKERMAN, farmer, P. O. Herring. The father of our sub-
ject, William Akerman, was bom Id Onmberland County, Penn., April 17,
1810, and came to Perry County, Ohio, with his parents when but five
years of aga On arriving at maturity he removed to Morgan County,
Ohio, where he lived till 1834 when he came to this county and entered
120 acres of wild land, placing the same under cultivation ; he also
added other land, and at the time of his death owned 254 acres. He
held several offices of trust in the township and filled the office of
county commissioner four full terms. He was a son of John and
Nancy (Baird) Akerman of Pennsylvania. He was married May 9, 1838,
to Miss Eezia Carroll, who was bom in Morgan County, Ohio, May 17,
1814, daughter of Andrew and Letitia (Beech) Carroll, of Pennsylvania.
They were parents of thirteen children : Samuel B., Nancy (deceased),
John, William H. (deceased), Maria J., Andrew J. (deceased), James M.
Mary S., David C. (deceased), Albert J., Newton, Letitia (deceased), and
Eezia. Mr. Akerman had one brother, John, and two sisters, Maria
and Jane. He died October 9, 1878. Mrs. Akerman had three sisters —
Margaret, Sabina and Ruth. John Akerman, the subject of this sketch,
was bom May 12, 1838, in Allen County, Ohio, and has always been a far-
mer. He enlisted in Company I, Forty -sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
was under command of Gen. Sherman nearly four years taking part in all
general engagements from Pittsburg Landing to the close of the war;
was promoted to sergeant in May 18, 1863; first lieutenant in September,
1864, and had command of a company till mustered out He was a
charter member of Dexter Gilbert Post, No. 206 G. A. B. ; is a member
of Sager Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the P. of H. ; he a member of the
Christian Church, and president of Northwestern Ohio Christian Conf er-
enca For four years Mr. Akerman was township trustee in Hardin County,
where he lived from 1865 till 1872, and the following nine years he lived
in Paulding County, Ohio, where he improved a farm of forty acres; was
trustee five years and justice of the peace three years, and land appraiser
one year. Mr. Akerman married October 81, 1858, Sarah A., daughter of
Christian and Eve (Stumbaugh) Fisher, bi>rn in Perry County, Ohio, Sep-
tember 15, 1840. To this union were bom ten children : Norton, William
N,. ^Emma M., Eugene, Charles H. (deceased), Loren E., John J.
(deceased), Junetta, Newton and Cora. Our subject in politics is a Dem-
ocrat
SOLOMON H. ARNOLD, farmer and county infirmary director, P.
O. Herring, was bom in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, August 10, 1843; sod
of Hickman and Martha (Garree) Arnold; former, a son of Solomon and
Barbara (Stonebrook) Arnold, early settlers of Tuscarawas County, Ohio,
was born in 1820. died in 1848 (he was a captain in the Ohio National
Guards in an early day); latter was born near Bridgeport, Ohio, and is
Digitized by LjOOQIC
602 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
still living. To them were bom two children — Solomon H. and Joseph.
Our subject's mother's second husband is Samuel Fackler, by whom
she has eight children: Philip H., Catharine, Isaac, Simon, Eva, Hen-
derson, Samuel and Maggie. Our subject was reared on a farm and
his educational advantages were limited to the common schools. He was
but four years old when his father died and but ten when his mother
again married. He remained at home until he attained his twentieth
year, then commenced working at odd jobs. In 1853 his mother and
step- father moved to this county, locating near Beaver DauL The first
real estate Mr. Arnold owned was 100 acres of wild land in Paulding
County, Ohio, and he paid for the same by day-labor. In 1864 he went
to Bureau County, III, to work in a mill, but soon after enlisted in
Company A, One Hundred and Thirty- sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry
with Capi E. B. Virden, going into camp at Peoria. He was mustered
into service June 6, and eventually his regiment relieved the One Hun-
dred and Twenty-Second at Cairo. He took no part in active engagements,
but was busily employed as clerk in the commissariat department and in
transporting prisoners up and down the river. He received an honora-
ble discharge in October 1864, and for a time worked at the carpenter's
trade. January 25, 1866, Mr. Arnold married Miss Sarah Mi lliken, who
was bom in Bichland County, Ohio, August 27, 1843, and to them were
born six sons: Thomas, Ernest B., William, Joseph F., Carrie C. and
Elsworth. Since his marriage our subject has followed the occupation
of a farmer, and located in Jackson Township, in this county. In 1871
he sold out and purchased a farm of J. Wood, paying him the sum of
$6,000. He erected in 1882 the first brick residence in this vicinity.
He has dealt more or less extensively in stock in addition to his other
farm interests. Mr. Arnold was a charter member of a grange which
has since been removed and is now called Battlesnake Grange. He is
class-leader of the West Point Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically
he is an active Democrat. Having received the nomination, Mr. Arnold
was elected county infirmary director at the fall election of 1883, and
has since performed the duties of the office with honor to himself and to
the full satisfaction of the people.
T. W. CORBET, Evangelical Lutheran minister, P. O. Herring,
was bom in Guernsey County, Ohio, January 12, 1819, eldest child of
Peter and Elizabeth (Barber) Corbet, natives of England. Peter Corbet
came to America about 1806, when eighteen years of age. His death
occurred August 4, 1855; his wife died in the fall of 1839. Two of their
ten children died young, and those who grew to maturity are Thomas W. ,
Sarah A., Rachel R., Peter (an M. D.), Adam, Joseph, Elizabeth and
Rev. John B. At the age of twenty years our subject entered the Penn-
sylvania College at Gettysburg, where he finished a curriculum, grackiat-
ing in 1844. He also took a course in theology at Gettysburg Seminary,
and soon after entered u pon the duties of his chosen profession in his native
county as pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has labored
as such in Perry, Van Wert, Hardin and Allen Counties, coming to the
latter county in 1860 and locating in Lafayette, Jackson Township, where
he has since resided, and where for twenty years he has filled the office of
school director. His health having failed to such an extent as to cause
Digitized by VjO^OQIC
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 60^
his partial retirement from aotive life, he accepted the office of jostlce of
the peace, to which he was elected in 1882, and the duties thereof he has
filled with honor to himself and to the full satisfaction of the people.
His firat marriage occurred November 1, 1840, with Elizabeth G. Robins,
who was bom July 9, 1832, daughter of John and Mary Robins, natives
of England, and early settlers of Guernsey County, Ohio, where Mrs.
Corbet was bom. To this union were born six children: Emma C.
(wife of M. Contris), William H. (treasurer of Van Wert County, Ohio),
Mary E., Charles M., ElJa A. and Edward H. Politically our subject is
a Democrat
WILLIAM CRAIG, farmer, P. O. Herring, was bom in Fayette
County, Penn., January 19, 1804; sou of Joseph and Elenor (Sargent)
Craig. Joseph Craig was a son of William and Martha (Lytle) C^ig,
born in New Jersey in July, 1776, killed by a falling tree in 1824.
Elenor Craig died in 1812, leaving four children: Andrew, William,
Joseph and Richard, of whom William is the only survivor. Joseph
Craig married, for his second wife, Susan (Coughenour) Bright, who died
in about 1820, leading two daughters: Sarah and Elenor. (Elenor is
the wife of John Lilly, of Brownsville, Penn., and mother of five chil-
dren: William, Robert, Ira, John and Joseph). Sarah now lives with
her brother William. Our subject received a limited education, and early
in life served an apprenticeship to learn the chair making and painting
trades, which occupations he followed several years. He came to Adams
County, Ohio, in 1822, from there removing to Highland County, and
while here he entered land in 1835 in Alien County, and four years after
removed to the same. He cleared about 100 acres of this land, and in
1868 came to the farm, which is still his home. Mr. Craig has retired
in a measure from active life, although the management of his farm has
been under his directions He has also been quite an extensive stock
grower. Mr. Craig was married in 1825 to Sarah Taylor, who died in
1840. She bore him ond son who grew to maturity — Richard, a farmer
in Iowa. (He married Mary McDougal, of Davenport, and by her has
three children: William, Mary and Sarah.) In politics our subject has
been a lifelong Democrat
THOMAS DOTSON, farmer, P. O. Herring, was bom in Ross County,
Ohio, March 20, 1836, son of Charles and Mary M. (Debenbaugh) Dot-
son, former a native of Pennsylvania, who in his younger days was a
teamster, making nine trips over the Rocky Mountains, once widi a drove
of hogs. Although of a quiet nature he was a public-spirited man and
took an active part in public improvements. He died July 4, 1862, aged
fifty-eight years, seven months, eight days. His wife was bom in Penn-
sylvania, reared in Fairfield County, Ohio, died January 28, 1847, aged
thirty -seven years, eleven months. They had twelve children: Rufos,
Catherine, Samuel, Daniel, Thomas, Hannah, Caroline, Stephen, Charles,
• Mary, Isaac and Sarah. Mary and Thomas are the only residents of
Allen County at present Our subject was but six years of age when his
parents removed to this county, locating in Shawnee Township, where he
grew to maturity. He obtained a common school education, and at the
age of eighteen years entered upon his career in life as a farmer, which
he has made the occupation of his life. From the date of his marriage till
Digitized by LjOOQIC
604 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1871, be rented a farm, bat in that year porohased the property where he
now lives. He has been a hard-working, energetic man. and as a resalt
of hardships and exposure soffers more or less from inflammatory rheu-
matism, but his farm is carried on under his management by the assist-
ance of his children. Having been early in life thrown upon his own
resources, his property is the accumulation of years of labor, and the
appearance of his farm denotes him to be a practical farmer. Septem-
ber 28, 1854, Mr. Dotson married Susanna Betz, who was bom in Boss
County in 1833, and came to this county in 1842. She was reared by
Isaac Hefifner, her mother having died while she was an infant. To our
subject and wife were bom eleven children: Caroline (deceased), Clara
(wife of J. W. McClure), Isaac, Eliza, Stephen, Thomas, Mary, Albert,
Eatie, Jacob and Milly.
ISAAC DOTSON, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Shawnee
Township, this county, July 81, 1859, son of Thomas and Susanna (Betz)
Dotson. He received a common school education and entered upon his
career in life as a farmer. He has resided on his present farm six years,
and boars the reputation of being an enterprising young man, and is
regarded as one of the rising young farmers of Jackson Township. He
makes no specialty other than the usual crops and stock. Mr. Dotson
married, Febraary 20, 1879, Miss Meliie May Shipley, who was bom
May 80, 1862. They have one child, Pearly Lewis Delino, born August
20, 1880. Mrs. Dotson is the only survivor of the five children of Ben-
edict and Samantha (Durbin) Shipley, natives of *Enox County, Ohio,
and who came to this county in lo68. Mr. Shipley died August 19,
1880; his vndow survives. Our subject is a consistent member of the
German Beformed Church. In politics he is an active Democrat.
E. LINCOLN DUBBIN, hardware merchant. Lafayette, was born in
Knox County, Ohio, July 3, 1860, third in the family of ten children of
Samuel and Bachel (Shipley) Durbin, natives of Knox County, Ohio,
and now living in Auglaize Township, this county. Mr. Durbin was
married September 21, 1882, to Miss Mary F. Cook, daughter of Will-
iam H. Cook, and bom in Putnam County, Ohio. November 27, 1861.
Their only boy, Charles Elsworth, was bom August 1, 1883. Our
subject's earliest recollections are of Allen County, his parents having
located in Auglaize Township in 1866. He finished his education at the
Normal School at Ada, Ohio, and embarked upon his business career at
Lafayette in June, 1882, purchasing the hardware stock of S. W. Mer-
chant. By close attention to business, and through his courteous manner
in attending to the wants of his customers, his trade steadily increased,
necessitating an increase of stock, which he has made in proportion to
the demand, his sales amounting to nearly $4,000 per year. In connec-
tion with his other stock Mr. Durbin also handles a line of agricultural
implements. He and his wife are connected with the Methodist Episco-
pal Church. Mr. Durbin is a member of the Council; politically he is
a Bepublican.
LEMUEL EVEBSOLE, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Herring, was
born in Perry County, Ohio, October 30, 1829; son of Peter and Bebecca
(Snyder) Eversole, natives of Perry C^ounty, Ohio. They were the par-
ents of seven children who grew to maturity; Eliza, Catherine, Francis,
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 605
Nancy (deceased), Lemuel, Rebecca and Daniel. When our subject was
but two years of age his parents removed to Blackswamp, in Sandusky
County, Ohio, where they both died in 1835, within a month of each
other. Our subject was thus early thrown on his own resources, and his
educational advantages were necessarily limited to a few months each
year in the common schools. At the death of his parents he returned to
Perry County, and until he arrived at the age of seventeen years resided
with his uncle, John Eversole. He then served as apprentice to the car-
penter trade for three years, and received for his labors the sum of $30
and his clothes; three months after his time was out he went to Califor-
nia, and for about two years engaged in mining and constructing gold
washers. Soon after his return East, in the spring of 1852, he purchase^
wild land in Allen County, Ohio, and during the winter of that yoiur^
worked for Mussey & Winn, of Lima, at cabinet-making. Iha4(^owing
six years he worked at his trade in the eastern part of the county, and
during this time sold his land and purchased the farm of 320 acres upon
which he now resides, and on which he has made all the improvements,
having placed it under a state of cultivation, making it second to none
in this vicinity. He erected in 1872 a fine bank bam, and in 1875 a
fine brick residence, among the first in the township. Li May, 1864,
our subject enlisted, and was appointed second corporal of Company A,
One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio National Guards in the 100 days' service
with Capt. King, of Delphos. Mr. Eversole was married, July 8, 1855,
to Miss Sarah Nash, born in Jackson Township, this county, July 11,
1837, daughter of Thomas and Bebecoa (Akins) Nash, who were among
the early settlers of the county, former deceased, latter now living at
the advanced age of ninety-eight years. To the union of our subject
and wife were bom twelve children: George W., of Van Wert County,
Ohio; Eliza J. (wife of L. B. Harrod), Frank J. (in California), John E.,
Charles' A., Elva C, Daniel B., Nettie B., Lemuel N., Aura D., Balph
and an infant (deceased). While a resident of Perry County Mr. Ever-
sole united with the I. O. O. F., and was one of the charter members of
the Order at Lima. He has been a consistent member of the Christian
Church about three years; is one of the present township trustees; is a
school director. For several years he has been considered among the
most extensive as well as successful stock-raisers of the neighborhood.
In politics he has always been a stanch Bepublican.
JOSEPH FISHER, farmer, P. O. Herring, was bora in Perry County,
Ohio, August 3, 1828, son of Christian Fisher, who was born in Perry
County, Ohio, and died August 22, 1863, aged sixty-six years. Christian
Fisher came to Allen County in 1854, and held several offices of trust in
this and Perry Counties. His widow, nee Eve Stombaugh, was born in
Perry County, Ohio, April 12, 1810, and is still living. They were
parents of eleven children: Levi, Joseph, Margaret, Elizabeth, Eve,
Charles, Sarah, Hannah, Catherine, Franklin and Frederick. Five of
the above are still living, Charles, Sarah and Joseph being residents of
this county. Our subject received a common school education, and re-
mained with his parents until after arriving at maturity. In 1854 he
came to Allen County, and located upon the farm which is still his home,
and which is now under such a state of cultivation as to denote a thrifty
96
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606 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
owner. Mr. Fisher o^nis ninety-one acres. He owned the first separator
in this vicinity, and for twenty seasons followed threshing. He was also
among the first to adopt the new agricultural implements, such as mow-
ers, reapers, etc. Under Gen. Sherman he serred his country nearly four
years, having enlisted in Company I, Forty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteer
Infantry. Our subject was married January 27, 1850, to Jemima Stock-
berger, of Perry County, born January 14, 1830, and to this union six
children were bom: Mary A. (wife of J. H Umdaugh), Benjamin F.,
Almanary (wife of James W. King), Noah (deceased), Martha ElDora and
Sarah. Mrs. Fisher is a daughter of George and Christine (Boyer)
Stockberger, of Pennsylvania, who settled in Perry County, Ohio, in 1804;
the father died in 1846, the mother in 1850. They were parents of
thirteen children: Sarah, Elizabeth, John, Mary, Nancy, Susan, Cather-
ine, Christine, Hannah, George, Solomon, Jemima and Joseph. Our
subject is an active member of Dexter Gilbert Post, G. A. B., also of a
grange; he has served as township trustee several terms; is a consistent
member of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Democrat, and voted
for Grover Cleveland and Thomas A. Hendricks.
HABBISON HEFFNEB, farmer, P. O. Herring, was bom in Bdsa
County, Ohio, December 25, 1834 Isaac Heffner, the father of our sub-
ject, was prominent among the self-made men of this county. Commencing
in life a poor man, with but a limited education, he eventually became
one of the largest land owners of the county, and at the time of his death
owned about f,500 acres of land, nearly all of which he had improved.
He was bom in Pennsylvania, February 12, 1809, and when a child was
taken by his parents tp Boss County, Ohio, where he grew to maturity.
In May, 1833, he married Mary May, bom in 1807, daughter of John
and Mary (Strouse) May, natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of
Boss County. In about 1842 Isaac Heffner came with his family to this
county, and here erected the first brick house built in Jackson Township,
where he died May 30, 1884. He was a very public-spirited man, and
much credit is due him for the present state of development Jackson
Township has obtained. He was the founder of the church deeded to
the Christian denomination, although for years a member of the German
Beformed Church. Our subject has resided upon his present farm since
1863. He is one of the most extensive stock dealers in this vicinity, his
herd consisting of thoroughbred shorthorns. He was married April 30,
1863, to Miss Mahaley Ice, who was born in Auglaize Township, this
* county, March 11, 1842, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Shelenberger)
Ice, natives of Pennsylvania, and who are among the early settlers of
Auglaize Township, this county. To this union were bom six children:
Mary L., Charles E., Jennie A., Bison B., William G. and Harry H.
Mr. Heffner has served the people of Jackson Township as trustee. He
has for several years been identified with the German Beformed ChurclL
In politics he is an active Democrat
ELIJAH HELSEB, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Perry County^
Ohio, October 20, 1815; son of John Helser, a farmer, bom in Virginia,
and died in Perry County, where he was an early settler, and whose wife,
Mary (Beisen), was also a native of Virginia. They were the parents of
nine children: William (deceased), John, Daniel (deceased), Catherine
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 607
(deceased), Elijah, George, Peter, Levi and Mary. The Helser family are
of German extraction, and their ancestors were among the colonists who
settled in Virginia. Our subject was educated in the old subscription
schools, and reared a farmer. Earlj in life he learned the trades of
carpenter and cabinet-maker, which he followed in his native county
about fourteen years, saving enough of his earnings during the time to
buy 240 acres of wild land in this county, where he removed with his
family in 1854. He has placed his land under a high state of cultiva-
tion, and in 1860 erected a large frame barn, which at that time was the
best in the township. In 1875 he erected the second brick residence in
the township. Mr. Helser has been an extensive stock grower, and is one
of the substantial farmers of the county. He was married in 1841 to
Eliza, daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Snyder) Eversole, and to this union
were born nine children: John W. (married to Milly A. Sivitz), James G.
(married to Sarah Long), Lemuel L. (married to Esther Ashum), Daniel
O. (married to Ella Grant), Sarah A. (wife of F. R. Thompson, an M. D.
in Nebraska), Mel vina, George E., Jennie F. and Peter F. (deceased). Our
subject is a charter member of JacksonGranga Li politics he is a Demo-
crat, voting first for Van Buren.
SOLOMON HUBER, farmer, P. O. Bluffbon, was bom in Richland
Township, this county, October 24, 1851, eldest son of Jacob and Annie
(Depler) Huber, former a native of Germany, latter of Swiss descent,
early settlers of Richland Township (both now deceased). They were
the parents of six children: Solomon, John (deceased), Matilda (deceased),
William W., Jacob D., and John T. Our subject received a limited
common school education, and commenced farming and stock- raising at
the age of twenty-one, which he has since followed on the farm where he
still resides. Mr Huber is a public 'spirited man and takes an active
part in public enterprises and improvements, and deserves much credit
for what he has done toward assisting in the development of this part of
the county. As a farmer and stock-raiser, his aim is to excel, and a fine
residence, substantial bam and cattle sheds bear testimony of his enter-
prise. He is an extensive breeder of and dealer in extra pure Poland-
China hogs. Our subject was married September 12, 1875, to Mary M.,
daughter of Benjamin Franklin, born in Jackson Township, this county,
January 26, 1856. Their only child now living, William Henry Perry,
was bom June 7, 1876; those deceased are Annie E. and Matilda A. Mr.
Huber since 1872 has been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church; p6litically he is a leader in the Democratic party. He has
served two terms as road supervisor, and two years as school director, an
office he still holds as clerk; is a member of township school board. In
manner Mr. Huber is very quiet and peaceable, aiming to be the friend of
alL He is highly respected by all who know him \ntimately, and stands
among the best citizens of the township or county.
SAMUEL KNOBLE, dealer in stoves and tinware, Lafayette, was
bom in Switzerland, July 27, 1830, son of Frederick and Anna (Zeiset)
Knoble (both deceased). Of their nine children six are now living:
Elizabeth, Ann, Susannah, Samuel, Mary and John. Those deceased
are Frederick, Mary M. and an infant In 1834 our subject's parents
immigrated to America, and in 1835 located in Wayne County, Ohio,
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608 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
where he grew to maturity. In early life he serred an apprenticeship to
the trade of tinsmith. In 1860 he removed to Allen Coanty, and for
three years was engaged in business at Beaver Dam, and then removed his
stock to Lafayette, this county, where he has since continued his busi-
ness, and in 1876 took his eldest son, Henry, into partnership. In connec-
tion with the regular stock of stoves and tinware they handle agricnltaral
implements, and make a specialty of roofing and spouting. In 1861, Mr.
Enoble enlisted as musician in the Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Band, serving one year. Mr. Knoble Was married, in 1854, to Jane E. Chit-
ester, who was bom at Mount Eaton, Wayne County, Ohio, July 10, 1831,
and their children are Henry, Sarah E. (wife of J. L Heath) and John
G. telegraph operator. Henry was born March 27, 1855, married March
16, 1882 to Jennie Gansel, who bore him one child, Goldie, born March
16, 1883. Several years since our subject became a member of the
Lodge, F. & A. M. at Massillon, Ohio, and at its organization became
a charter member of Sager Lodge, 513, of Lafayette. He is identified
with the Lutheran Church; politically he is a Democrat He has held the
offices of township clerk and recorder of the corporation.
JOHN LONES, farmer, P. O. Herring, was bom in Fairfield County,
Ohio, October 18, 1815, son of John and Mary Magdalene (Strickler)
Lones. John Lones, the father of our subject, was bom in Shenandoah
County, Va., and died about 1843, aged fifty- seven years. He was a
farmer by occupation, an early settler of Faii*field County, Ohio. His
wife, a native of Pennsylvania, died about 1860, aged seventy-four
years. They were parents of ten children, of whom eight grew to
maturity: Catharine, Elizabeth, Leonard, Sarah, Lydia, Bebecoa, John
and Bose Ann; only three of this family are now living. Our subject
was reared on a farm and obtained his education in the old subscrip-
tion schools. In 1838 he removed to this county, where he purchased
eighty acres of land at $1.25 per acre, and he still resides upon the
same to which he has added 160 acres. The old log hut which he erected
within three weeks after his arrival in the county, is still standing, and
is occupied by his son Levi. The one in which he now lives was built
in 1850. Mr. Lones was one of the six founders of the Lutheran Church.
He belonged to the old time militia both iji Franklin and Allen Counties
in an early day. He was married, November 18, 1847, to Elizabeth
Baker, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, January 9, 1814; she died
January 4, 1Q84. She was the mother of twelve children: Samuel,
Mary J., Mancy (deceased), William, Henry, Julia A. (deceased), Levi,
Lucinda, Michael (deceased), Daniel (deceased), Susan and Aaron, all of
whom except two grew to maturity. Our subject has been a life- long sup-
porter of the Democratic party.
MOSES MoCLUER, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Allen County,
Ohio, December 1, 1826; son of Samuel and Margaret (Watt) MoClner.
Samuel McCluer was bom November 17, 1793, in Harrison County, Ky.,
where he lived till the war of 1812, in which he served as private. After
the war he removed to Champaign County, Ohio, where he married Mar-
garet Watt, who was bom July 6, 1800. Samuel McCluer was a very
influential man, sober and upright, quick to decide right from wrong,
choosing the former. He would willingly divide with those in need.
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 609
For many years previous to his death, which occurred December 20, 1876,
he was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His first
wife bore him twelve children : Sarah A. , Nathaniel, Mary, Thomas,
Moses, Elizabeth, Nancy, Cynthia, Margaret, Samuel, Robert and an
infant. By his second wife — Elizabeth Patterson, born in 1824 — he had
eleven children : John, Catherine, Isabel, James, Esther, Eliza, Joseph,
Newton, Alexander, Benjamin and William. Eleven of his twenty-three
children are still living, also his second wife. Our subject was the first
white child born in this county, and at the time of his birth the nearest
neighbor known to his parents was thirty miles distant. He remained
with his parents until his twenty-third year, assisting in clearing a large
tract of land, having always lived within three miles of his birth-place.
His education was neglected, the object being at that time rather how to
obtain food and raiment. Since arriving at manhood Mr. MoCluer has
obtained a fair education, enabling him to transact all kinds of business ;
he was administrator to his father's estate. His first real estate consisted
of forty acres of wild land, which he has improved, as well as the addi-
tional 224 acres which he has made at intervals. He also owns 108
acres in Bath Township, which joins the old home farm. Our subject
was married July 23, lo48, to Miss Elizabeth Murray, who was bom in
Highland County, Ohio, Februarys, 1831, daughter of John Murray.
She died March 7, 1855, having borne her husband four children, only
two of whom were named : Martha (deceased) and Margaret T. Mr.
McCluer was married October 18, 1855, on the second occasion, to Eliz-
abeth K. Greer, of Montgomery County, Ohio, born January 18, 1836,
daughter of Joshua and Rebecca (Pierson) Greer, of Kentucky and New
Jersey respectively (they located in Bath Township, Allen County, in
1841). Mrs. McCluer is the mother of eight children : John M. (mar-
ried to Clarissa Dotson), Isaac (married to Margaret Dotson), Rebecca
(wife of J. Sweeter), Robert W. (married to Cora Bresler), Samuel L.,
Joshua G. , Moses A. and Cynthia A. Mr. McCluer owes no man. He
is consulted upon and takes an active interest in all public improvements
and enterprises, and has always been liberal in the support of public
institutions. He was a Whig originally, but since its birth a member of
the Republican party. He offered his services to his country during the
war, but was not accepted on account of disability. For eight years he
has been a consistent member of the Protestant Methodist Episcopal
Church.
HARRISON MALTBIE, retired preacher, Lafayette, was born in
Montgomery County, Ohio, December 5, 1807 ; eon of Benjamin Malt-
bie. He was reared on a farm, and completed his education at Lane
Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. He joined the Presbyterian Church in
1828, and changed his membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church in
1842 ; was licensed to preach in 1844 ; ordained a deacon in 1851 ;
entered the traveling connection in 1853 ; ordained an elder in 1857. He
traveled as circuit preacher for twenty years in Allen, Hardin, Logan,
Auglaize, Shelby, Mercer, Van Wert, Putnam and Hancock Counties,
Ohio. In 1834 he purchased his first land in Shawnee Township, Allen
County, and removed to the same with his family in 1847, they remain-
ing there during his absence, while engaged in his professional duties.
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610 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
He is now retired from active life, and become a supemamerary. Mr.
Maltbie was married four times, first to Susannah Dowling, who bore him
three children : Salas B., William F. and Margaret A. ; second to Nancj
J. Wilkinson, who bore him one son — Thomas A.; third to Emily J. Wil-
kinson, who bore him one child (deceased in infancy); and fourth, April
4, 1882, to Mrs. Ann Moore (maiden name Ann Lochead), bom in Glas-
gow, Scotland, January 4, 1823 (she was thrice married, first to John
Moore, second to Smith Moore, and by each of these had two children,
all now deceased). Mr.. Maltbie has spent about fifteen years of his life
in the schoolroom as teacher ; was county surveyor of Shelby County
three years.
ROBERT MEHAFFET, real estate and stock dealer, Lafayette.
Prominent among the self-made men of Allen County, is Robert Mehaf-
fey, who was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, August 23, 1833. Until
1849 his life was spent upon a farm in his native land. In 1850 he
arrived in America and took up his residence in Jackson Township, this
county. His property at this time consisted of a sixpenny piece and a
few articles in a valise. He attended school during the winter and
labored during the summer, receiving as a compensation $6.00 per month.
He came to Lafayette in 1852, and entered the employ of Dr. N. Sager,
with whom he remained about seven years. He then purchased a stock
of dry goods, and continued in business about eleven years, since when
he has led a varied business career, dealing in real estate, farming, stock
dealing, etc. Mr. MehaiFey was elected justice of the peace and served
as such six years. In 1869 he was elected as clerk of the court and per-
formed the duties of that office two terms with honor. In January, 1875,
he was elected president of the First National Bank, of Lima. Three
years later he severed his connection with the bank, and for several years
remained out of that line of business, but eventually re-entered the
organization and became president of the Merchant's Bank, of Lima,
which office he still retains. His real estate business is very extensive,
as well as his live stock interests, having for about thirteen years been
one of the largest dealers in short-horn cattle in the county. He filled
the quota for men during the war of the Rebellion, and was instrumental
in clearing the township from draft; was commissioned lieutenant-colonel
of the state militia, under Gov. Tod. Mr. Mehaffey is a charter member
of Sager Lodge, 513, F. & A. M., Lafayetta His brother, James, who
accompanied him to America, died in St Louis, about 1867. August 19,
1856, Mr. Mehaffey was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Richard-
son, of Lima, who was bom January 5, 1834. This union has been
blessed with three children, William R. (with Moore Bros., Lima, Ohio),
Edith Alice (wife of Dr. Hill, of Toledo, Ohio) and George Edgar, at
home.
MICHAEL MURRAY, farmer, P. O., Beaver Dam, eldest son of John
W. and Dorcas (Widmire) Murray, was bom in Highland County, Ohio,
November 24, 1826. After receiving a common school education he com-
menced farming, which has been the principal occupation of his life, and
in which he has been very successful. Our subject was united in mar-
riage November 6, 1851, with Miss Elizabeth Guthrie, who was bom in
Licking County, Ohio, March 17, 1833. Her death occurred February
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 611
11, 1881. This union was blessed with eleven children, Mary J., Amer-
ioa A. (deceased), Emma S. (deceased), James B. , Ellen, Sarah, John,
Tabitha, Sydney, Lettie M. and an infant deceased. Daring the years
1863, 1864 oar subject served as assessor of the township, and in 1866 was
elected justice of the peace, which latter office he filled with honor to
himself two successive terms. He is an active member of Liberty
Orange and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Politically he is a Democrat
JAMES W. MURRAY, farmer, P. O., Herring, was bom on the farm
which is still his home, August 18, 1838. His father, John W. Murray,
w&s bom in Pennsylvania in 1794, went to Highland County, Ohio, in
1807, came to this county in October, 1834, locating on Section 7, Jack-
son Township. He was a self-made man and very prominent in all pub-
lic enterprises. He served as township trustee several times; although
not in active service he was a volunteer in the war of 1812; his death
occurred January 3, 1868. Sis wife, Dorcas {nee Widmire) Murray, was
bom in Virginia, March 20, 1805, and is still living. They had a family
of ten children, Michael, Sydna J., Elizabeth A. (deceased) John B.,
Robert R., James W., George W., William (deceased), and two infants
deceased. Robert R. served three years in the Fourth Ohio Volunteer
Cavalry, during the civil war. Oar subject's education was limited to a
few months each year in the common schools of the day, and farming
has been the occupation of his life. He assisted in clearing the home
farm, upon which he has made most of the modem improvements, in
tihape of buildings, etc. January 23, 1862, Mr. Marray married Miss
Bridget C. Boyd, who was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, January 6,
1844, daughter of Robert and Catherine (Crager) Boyd, who came to
this county in 1844, and are still living. By this union were bom four
children, James J., Leonia F., Charles E. and Wilbur B. (latter de-
ceased). Our subject served the township as assessor in 1874-75 ; he is
an active member of Liberty Grange 686; for fifteen years he has been a
consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in politics he is
a Democrat.
SANFORD P. PHILLIPS, farmer, P. O. Blufflon, was born in Knox
County, Ohio, April 17, 1847; son of James and Mary (Hughs) Phillips,
natives of Enox County, Ohio, and Pennsylvania respectively, and resi-
dents of Richland Township, this county. They were parents of eight
children: Levi, Allen, Nelson, Shannon, Sarah (wife of E. Huber), John,
James and Sanford P. Our subject's education was limited to the common
schools, and he has made farming the principal occupation of his life.
He was brought to this county in 1852, and grew to maturity in Richland
Township. He came to his present farm in 1871, cleared the same and
placed it under a high state of cultivation. During the year 1882 he
erected one of the finest dwellings in this part of the township. Mr.
Phillips was married March 3, 1870, to Miss Mary Huber, daughter of
William Huber, born in Richland Township, this county, January 20,
1850, and to this union have been born two children: William Arthur,
bom June 2, 1873, and James Archie, born January 20, 1879. Mr. and
Mrs. Phillips also reared Sally Huber^ a younger sister of Mrs. Phillips,
who was bom October 10, 1870. Mr. Phillips has for several years been
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612 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
a coDsistent member of the Methodist Chnrch, also an actiye Sabbath-
school worker. Politically he is an ardent Democrat.
A. S. RUDT, physician and surgeon, Lafayette, was bom in Auglaize
Township, this county, December 5, 1855; son of Frederick and Mary
(Staley) Rudy, natives of Miami County, Ohio, and who were among the
early settlers of Allen County, former born December 4, 1809, still living
in Auglaize Township; latter died in 1859, leaving seven children who
grew to maturity: Jacob, Shepherd, Caroline (now deceased), Sylvester,
Anna (now deceased), Albert and Alice. Our subject up to the age of
nineteen years, was employed upon a farm aad in attending the conmion
schools of the neighburliood. During the fall of 1874 he attended the
normal school at Ada, and taught school during the winter, his time
being thus employed for several years, and about 1877 he became
superintendent of the public schools at Westminster, Ohio, which posi-
tion he held for a period of nine successive terms. He completed the
scientific course at Ada, graduating in May 1881. Our subject had pre-
viously given his attention to the reading of medicine, and continuing
the same he attended his firstjcourse of lectures in the medical depart
ment of the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio. He entered
the medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati, in September, 1883, graduat-
ing March 7, 1884. Having passed a very creditable examination he
immediately entered on the practice of his profession at Lafayette, Ohio,
where, through his thorough knowledge of and close attention to busi-
ness, he has secured a practice justly due to years of labor, showing that
much confidence is placed in his skill as a physician and surgeon. Dur-
ing his practice the Doctor has not lost a patient, and has successfully
treated severe cases of typhoid fever, congestion of the brain, etc. He
became a member of Sager Lodge, No. 513, F. & A. M. in April 1880; was
formerly member of an order of Sons of Temperance. Politically he is
identified with the Republican party.
WILLIAM RUMBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Bath
Township, this county, July 9, 1834; son of W^illiam and Anna (Ald-
ridge) Rumbaugh, of German and Scotch descent, respectively. William
Rumbaugh, Sr., was bom in Virginia, August 6, 1792, and moved to
Greene County, Ohio, at an early date with his parents, and came to
Allen County in 1828, moving his family three years later. During the
war of 1812 he was in camp twelve days, but was not mustered in. He
was an enterprising, kind-hearted, benevolent man. He lived to see his
twelve children married, dying January 8, 1868. His widow, who was
bom in Pennsylvania, December 11, 1799, is still living. Their children
were Jacob (deceased), Samuel (deceased), Mary, Benjamin, Elizabeth,
Uriah (deceased), Lucinda, George, William, John, Anna (deceased), and
Irena. Our subject remained upon the home farm until he was twenty-
three years of age. Soon after his marriage he turned his attention to
learning the cooper trade, which for twenty years was his chief occupa-
tion. Three years he engaged in mercantile business, and four years
owned and operated a grist- mi 11 at Lafayette. Owing to ill-health he
eventually returned to agricultural pursuits, and in March, 1878, moved
on his present highly cultivated farm of 187 acres, where he makes
buying and selling stock a specialty. February 22, 1857, Mr. Rumbaugh
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 613
married Miss Anner O. Brjte, a natiye of Ashland, Ohio, bom October
22, 1836, daughter of David Brvte, who was bom in Fayette County, Penn.,
in December, 1806, and whose parents a year later moved to Jefferson
County, Ohio. He, David Bryte, followed teaching several years, and
was twice sheriff of Kichland County, Ohio. He was one of the first in-
firmary directors of Allen County, where he lived a few years. He was a
zealous Christian and an ardent Democrat; at his death his loss was univer-
sally mourned. His first wife, nee Mary Van Ostrain, lived but a short
time; his second wife, nee Wealthy Slocum, was a descendant of Anthony
Slocum, one of the forty-six original purchasers of the territory of
Cohasset, now in Massachusetts. Mrs. Bryte was born in New York,
January 16, 1816, and is still living, the mother of seven children: Anna
O., Eliza (deceased), Harriet, Hannah (deceased), Amanda, John
(deceased), and Alice A. To the union of our subject and wife were
bom two children: Charles V. (a reporter for the Daily Republican of
Lima), and Tully A. Mrs. Bumbaugh taught twenty-five terms in the
common school and seven terms in the high school after her marriage.
While in town our subject was for several years a member of the council
and school board, and held other offices of trust. He enlisted in the 100
days' service in Company Q. Fifty- first Ohio National Guards, and served
for the term of his enlistment; he was at Fort Beno in defense of Wash-
ington. For many years he has been a zealous Christian and Sabbath-
school worker. In politics he is a Bepublican.
NEWTON SAGEB, physician, Lafayette, Ohio, bom in Union
County, Ohio, October 31, 1817, is a son of Henry and Lovina
(Haines) Sager, natives of Virginia, who became early settlers of Union
County, Ohio. Henry was a farmer and blacksmith, he died about
1838, aged forty-seven years. His widow's death occurred in 1879. Four
of their eight children are now living. Newton Sager's early life was
spent on a farm, he receiving the foundation of his subsequent education
in the common schools, and when nineteen years of age, entered Oxford
University where he received a literary education. He afterward read
medicine in Pleasant Valley, Madison Co., Ohio, and graduated from
the old Jefferson Medical University in 1843. He immediately entered
upon the practice of his profession in Lafayette, Jackson Township, this
county, where he has since resided. At that early date his ride ^tended
many mi]es,the first settlements being scarce and practitioners correspond-
ingly so. With the increase of population the call for his services also
advanced and for months at a time he prescribed for as many as forty or
fifty patients in a day, and could not possibly visit them oftener than
once in two days. At times it was quite difficult to obtain supplies. This
being a malarious district, quinine was'in great demand, and the supply
at one time both in Lima and Kenton having been exhausted, the doctor
was obliged to go to Piqua to purchase. As the demand for new
remedies and drugs increascKi his stock eventually developed into a drug
store, which he has managed for several years in connection with his pro-
fessional duties. He has several times served the people as treasurer,
and politically has for years been considered a leader of the Democratic
party in this vicinity; he has always taken an active part in all public
enterprises, especially those for the advancement of educational privi-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
614 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
leges; has been liberal also in the sapport of religious institutions,
though not identified with any denomination. He joined the order of
F. & A. M. at Lima, soon after the organization of the lodge at that
place, and is a charter member of Sager Lodge at Lafayette, Ohio, which
lodge he was instrumental in having established and which was named
in his honor. The doctor came to this county a widower, having been
previously manried to Miss Hannah, daughter of Daniel Custard, of Lima,
she died in 1840, leaving a daughter — Areneta, since deceased. The
doctor was married, on the second occasion, to Miss Bethiah Gilbert, of
Vermont, bom in 1824. This union has been blessed with six children
who grew to maturity : Newton Jr., Norvel (deceased), a graduate of
Wesleyan University of Deleware, Annetta (wife of Wesley Biteman),
Lovina (wife of D. Kinsley), Norton, a f arkner, Mary Bell (wife of Geo.
B. Muir). Perkaps no man has done more for the development of this ,
part of Allen County than Dr. Sager, and to his efforts is due the locat-
ing, in a direct line, the Pittsburg, Ft Wayne & Chicago Bailroad from
upper Sandusky to Lima.
NEWTON SAGEB, Jb., physician, Lafayette, was born in Jackson
Township, this county, December 18, 1847, son of N. Sager. From the
high school of the county our subject passed a year of study in Baldwin
University, at Berea, Ohio, and having previously read medicine with
his father he took several courses of lectures at Ann Abbor, Mich., grad-
uating in the medical department of Wooeter- University, at Cleveland,
Ohio, in 1871. He immediately entered upon the practice of his pro-
fession in his native place, where he has gained a leading practice by a
thorough knowledge of, and close attention to, business, and much con-
fidence is placed in his skill as a physician and surgeon. He is an en-
thusiastic entomologist, and having given a great deal of time to the
study of this branch of natural history, has perhaps the choicest collec-
tion of specimens in northwestern Ohio. Dr. Sager was married, April
4, 1871, to Sarah M Hughs, born December, 1, 1847, daughter of Hiram
and Emily Hughs, of Knox County, Ohio, and to this union were bom
two children: Grace, bom June 29, 1873, and Georgie, born, August
80, 1876. Our subject became a F. & A. M. in Ada, and was a charter
member of Sager Lodge, 513, Lafayetta He has been treasurer of the
township two years; is an active member of the Democratic party.
JACOB STEMPLE, farmer, P. O. Ada, Hardin County, was born in
Carroll County, Ohio, July 28, 1826. Jacob Stemple, father of our sub-
ject, was a native of Virginia, born in 1702. He served in the war of
1812, under Gen. Harrison, and was captain of early militia companies
of Carroll and Columbiana Counties, where he removed from Virginia in
1816; was also a justice of the peace several years. He died in 1859.
Eve Easterday, his wife, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1797;
died in 1850. They were parents of eleven children: Catherine,
Susan (deceased), Martin, David, Jacob, Louisa (deceased), Eve,
Melancton (deceased), Levi, Barbara and Milton (the latter served three
years in the war of the Rebellion in the Eightieth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry), and David, who is now a resident of Carroll County, Ohio, was
in the 100 days' service Ohio National Guards, with our subject. Jacob
Stemple, Jr., remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 615
of age, at which time he entered on his career in life as a farmer. He
came to this county in 1849, and located on land he had purchased from
his father, to whom the land grant was made in 1835. He has improved
a farm of 120 acres, having placed the same under a high state of cul-
tivation. During the Rebellion, Mr. Stemple enlisted in Company O,
and was soon transferred to Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-first
Ohio National Guards, in 100 days' service, under command of CoL
Marble, of Delphos, Ohio, with Gapt King, and was stationed at Fort
Beno, in defence of Washington. Our subject was married, March 5,
1855, to Miss Mary Earnst, who was born in Carroll County, Ohio, May
21, 1835. She has borne him ten children: Elizabeth A. (wife of J. H^
Smith), Luther M. (deceased), Milton A. (married to Jennie ShAw), John
L., Margaret L. (wife of S. Snyder), Emma S., Clara A. (wife of F.
Jennings), Sarah J., Mary L. and Jacob O. Mrs. Stemple is a daughter
of Lazarus and Margaret (Harsh) Earnst, natives of Maryland and
Pennsylvania respectively, early settlers of Carroll County, Ohio, parents
of nine children: Hannah (deceased), Nancy, Daniel (deceased), Susan,
Abraham, John (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Mlary and Sarah (lat-
ter deceased). Mr. Stemple has been a consistent member of the Luth-
eran Church since 1843. In politics he was originally a Whig, but has
been an adherent of the Republican party since its organization.
FBANKLIN UEICH, merchant, Lafayette, was lx>m in Mahoning
County, Ohio, l^farch 7, 1841, son of David and Ann (Eckenrode) Urich
(former deceased), natives of Pennsylvania, and who were among the
very early settlers of Mahoning County, Ohio. They had a family of
ten children, of whom Franklin is the fifth. Until our subject was twelve
years of age, his life was spent on a farm and in attending school. He
then worked at the tailor's trade two years, then^ for three years was engaged
in printing, and from that time imtil he arrived at maturity he followed
farming. He then removed to Hardin County, and for two years was
again engaged in tailoring. He, next formed a partnership with Mr.
Reese, of Ada, that county, to whom he sold his interest about eleven
years later, and for three years was in the clothing business at the same
place. He also spent two or three years in the grocery trade, after which
he purchased a farm and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits.
Tiring of this, he re-entered the dry goods business; came to Lafayette,
this county, in 1875, and there gained a leading place in mercantile
business. Our subject was married, July 11, lod9, to Miss Mary E.
Maguire, who was born near Maysville, Ky., December 11, 1847. They
have two children: Bert and Clifford. Mrs. TJrich is a daughter of Viers
and Sarah (Cochrun) Maguire, early settlers of Allen County, Ohio, the
former killed in the army, the latter still living. Mr. Urich was town-
ship clerk two years and mayor of the town one year and a half, and
has been a member of the council. He has been a F. & A. M. several
years. In politics he is a Democrat He is ,a regular attendant of the
Methodist Episcopal ChurcL
CHAELES WAMSLEY, proprietor of restaurant and confectionery,
Lafayette, was born in Ottawa Township, this county, December 7, 1857,
son of J. B. Wamsley, of Lima. He finished his education in a commercial
course at Duff's Commercial College in Allegheny City, Penn. Having
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616 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
served an apprenticeship to the jewelry trade, he embarked in business
at Ada, Ohio, in 1877. Two years later he sold out, and for three years
following was engaged in the boot and shoe business at the same place.
He then removed to Lafayette, this county, where he has since been
engaged in the restaurant and confectionery line. At the spring election
of town officers he was elected mayor. Mr. Wamsley was married, May
28, 1882, to Miss Lulu, daughter of William Watt, bom November 21,
1864, and to this union was bom Febraary 19, 1884, one daughter —
Madge. Our subject has been a member of K. oif H. about three years.
In politics he is a Republican.
ROBERT WATT, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in ChampaigQ
County, Ohio, November 16, 1827, and was brought to this county by his
parents in 1829. Samuel Watt, the father of our subject, was a native
of Kentucky, aod in 1812 became a resident of Champaign County,
Ohio. While employed in digging a well he took cold, and became a
cripple for the balance of his Hfe, but although so conditioned he took
an active part in military affairs during the Mexican war, and for years
was captain of the Light Horse Guards in company with Capt. Stots,
under command of Gen. Blackburn; he died in July, 1881, in Iowa,
where for thirty years he had resided. His first wife Olive Walton, died
about 1841;' she was a native of Canada. They had eight children:
Deborah, Harriet, Christina, Nancy, Thomas, James (deceased), Samuel
(deceased) and Robert. By his second wife, nee Mary Greer, Mr. Watt had
the following children: John, Samuel, Olive, Lydia, Sydney, Sarah Francis,
all living. The earliest recollections of our subject are of Allen County,
and he has been active in keeping pace with the improvements which
have taken place. His early life was employed in hard labor, and his
education was necessarily limited. While a barefooted boy he drove a
team of oxen, employed in hauling stone for the old court house. He is
an energetic, enterprising farmer, and has placed his farm under thp best
of cultivation; the buildings are of the best, and all the surroundings
denote thrift. He has reared a good many horses for market, in addition
to raising crops, and for fifteen years he has been an extensive contractor,
building pikes. Mr. Watt was married, March 29, 1848, to Miss Eve
Staley, born in Pickaway County, Ohio, May 13, 1827, daughter of Jacob
and Eunice Staley, of Virginia (former deceased), and who were parents
of seven children: Elizabeth, Eve, Jemima, John, Eunice, Jacob and
Hannah. To Mr. and Mrs. Watt have been born seven children: Olive
(deceased), Samuel, James, Marion, William, Jacob, and an infant
deceased. In politics our subject is a leading light in the Democratic
party.
WILLIAM WATT, merchant, Lafayette, was born in Jackson Town-
ship, this county, April 4, 1839, son of William and Elizabeth (Hawk)
Watt, early settlers of Allen County, Ohio; the former a native of Brown
County, Ohio, and at one time judge of the court, Lima, died in Octo-
ber, 1838, aged forty years; the latter, born in- Maysville, Ky., died
November 14, 1883, aged eighty-nine years. They were the parents of
ten children: John, Susannah, Mary, Sarah* Willis, Elspy, Margaret,
Samuel, Eliza J. and William. Our subject remained upon the farm un-
til sixteen years of age, when he entered the employ of Dr. N. Sager, with
Digitized by LjOOQ 1.6
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 617
whom he remained nine years. He was then employed by a Mr. Fisher
till 1872, when he formed a partnership with J. W. TJmbaugh, and the
iu*m selling out in 1875, Mr. Watt has since conducted the business for
his own account, his stock consisting of nearJy everthing needed by the
farming community. The better to accommodate his trade he erected in
1879, a large two-story frame building, with three store-rooms. He also
erected, the year previous, a fine brick residence. During the Bebellion
he enlisted in Company F, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, in February,
1864, and remained in the service till the close of the war. Our subject
was married, June 17, 1860, to Miss Sarah Cloore, bom in Pickaway
County, Ohio, January 7, 1838, daughter of Daniel and Thursa (Ewing)
Cloore, both deceased. By this union were born five children: Walter,
Lulu (wife of Charles Wamsley), Arthur, Pert and Harry. Mr. Watt
has been a member of the Christian Church for several years. Politi-
cally he is identified with the Democratic party. He has served the town-
ship as clerk, and is the present treasurer. He has also held the position
of freight, ticket and express agent of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne &
Chicago Railroad fourteen years.
JOHN C. WINGATE, farmer, P. O. Herring, was born in Carroll
County, Ohio, March 28, 1819. Isaac B. Wingate, his father, was bom
in Delaware, and was an early settler of Carroll County, Ohio, coming
to this county in 1848. He was a carriage-maker by trade, but in later
days a farmer. He served in the war of 1812 as a private; died in 1870,
aged seventy-seven years. His wife, nee Ursela Crist, died August 28,
1849, aged fifty years. Their children were John C, Nicholas, Eliza,
Susannah, Delila, Martha, Cyrus, Aaron, Samuel, Isaac B., and an
infant deceased. Our subject obtained a limited education, and when nine-
teen years of age commenced working as a hired hand. In 1855 he pur-
chased his first real estate in Allen County, consisting of seventy-five acres
of wild land, which, by much labor and diligence, he has converted into
a fifne farm. He was a private in the Ohio National Guards, during the war
of the Bebellion, but was not called into active service. February 20, 1840,
Mr. Wingate married Miss Lucinda Alford, who was bom in Jefferson
County, Ohio, December 6, 1823, daughter of George and Mary (Tope)
Alford, early settlers of Jefferson County, Ohio, natives of Maryland.
To this union have been bom seven children: Lemuel, bom December
18, 1840, died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn., Febraary 10, 1863; Eliza-
beth, wife of Isaac Bowers, bom January 11, 1843; Melissa, wife of J.
Beach, born April 21, 1845; Isaac, bom July 22, 1847; Susan, wife of
William Clark, bom September 17, 1849; Mary E., widow of J. Larue,
bom December 15, 1853, and Joseph S., bom April 23, 1858. For a
period of over forty years our subject has been a consistent member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an active sabbath-school worker.
Politically he was once a Democrat, but joined the Enow-Nothing party,
and since its day has been a stanch Bepublican.
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618 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
MARIOX TOWNSHIP.
FREDERICK AMMAN, bake^ and general groceries, Delphos, waa
' born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1838, his father, George Amman, being
a native of Baden, Germany. Our subject learned the baker's trade in
Xenia, where he carried on the business nine years. In the spring of
1868 he came here and established his business, and has been successfully
connected with it since. He was married in 1860 at Kenton, Ohio, to
Margaret Kautz, of that place, her father being a native of Saxony, Oer-
many, and to this union have been bom two sons and two daughters-
living: Alwinnie (widow of Adolf Eberantz, who has a little girl — Min-
nie), Frank Henry (a baker), Maggie and William.
JAMES BAXTER, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born September 9,
1817, in Ross County, Ohio, son of Samuel and Keziah (Cremean) Bax-
ter, former bom in Knox County, Ohio, son of John and Sarah Baxter,
both foreigners. Samuel Baxter had eleven children, those living are^
James; Curtis, in Marion Township, this county; Smith, in German
Township, this county; David, in Marion Township, this county; Eliza,^
wife of William Cochran, of Marion Township, this county. The family
came to Amanda Township, this county, in 1827, where they endured all
the trials and hardships of pioneer life. The father died about four
years after his removal to this county. Our subject being the eldest,
manfully assumed the responsibility left by his father in providing for
the family and clearing the farm, and for this reason he received but
little education. At eighteen years of age he started out for himself,
engaging in daily labor. He was married, April 20, 1887, to Melissa
John, who was bom January 10, 1820, in Ross County, Ohio, daughter
of Griffith and Rachel (Miller) John, former a son of Abia and Martha
John, born September 6, 1795, died February 20, 1856; latter a daughter
of George and Sarah Miller, bom September 13, 1802, died June 23,
1862. They were married February 20, 1817. To our subject and wife
were born eleven children, four of whom died without issua Samuel,
the second child, was bom April 16, 1839 (he was a corporal in Company
I, Thirty-fourth Regiment, killed at Winchester, Va., in the battle
between Gens. Sheridan and Early; he was married to Rachel Cremean,
by whom he had three children). Those living are Griffith J., in Coffey
County, Kans.; Keziah, wife of William D. Poling, county auditor ^
David R, in Amanda Township, this county; Levi, in Amanda Township,
this county; Eliza (wife of Otis Fraunfelter), of Bath Township, this
county, and Rachel, at home, unmarried. Mr. Baxter has held the office
of township trustee for sixteen years and was for six years county infirm-
'ary director, arriving to these positions of honor by energy and close
application to busihess. The family are members of tSe Christian
Church, in which our subject was elder. He takes an active interest in
the improvement of stock and farm products, and in the advancement of
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 619
education and religion. He has lived to see a beantifnl and prodaotive
oonntry developed from the onoe dense forest, and to see thirty^two
grandchildren and fonr great-grandchildren around him.
FBEDERICE BEYER, merchant tailor, Delphos, represents the
business established here in 1857 by his father, Frank Beyer, who was
bom in Kockenberg, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, January 21, 1816,
where be learned his trade. In 1852 the latter came to America, and set-
tled in Delphos, where he carried on an active business in his line till
turning it over to his son. He married, in 1854 in Delphos, Mary Gei-
ser, who was bom in Mehlstadt, Germany, in 1818. Their only child,
Frederick, was born here July 9, 1855, and after receiving a good school
education, embarked in merchant tailoring business, wluch he success-
fully carries on in an artistic style. He was married May 20, 1880, to
Louisa, daughter of the late Edward Eoenig, of Delphos, a native of
Saalfeld, Saxony, and educated in pottery work there, but identified with
hotel business here. Mr. and Mrs. Beyer have a son and daughter,
William and an infant not named. Our subject and wife are among the
leaders in musical circles of Delphos, and he is director of the musical
society. Our subject has been a cordial supporter of public and social
matters, attending to the city's growth, and has served with ability in its
councils.
* COL. LESTER BLISS, breeder of fine cattle and hogs, P. O. Del-
phos, was bom in Cooperstown, N. Y., August 17, 1817. His father,
Dr. David Bliss, a native of Vermont, removed from Cooperstown in 1818,
and settled in what is now Morrow County, Ohio, where he was well and
favorably known as a pioneer and a physician of repute. Col.
Bliss obtained a liberal education at Fredericktown high school, and
completed a good classical and literary education at Granville College.
At twenty-one years of age he engaged in the study of law at Mt Yer-
non, Ohio, under the tuition of Henry B. Curtis, Esq., and was admitted to
the bar of Ohio at Marion in June, 1841. In August of the following year
he located in Lima, where he carried on an active practice of law for sever-
al years. He served as prosecuting attorney for the county one term dur-
ing this time, and subsequently declined a nomination for that office.
Our subject married in Lima, in 1844, Miss Belinda Ann, daughter of
the late Manuel Hover of Shawnee Township, this county, who departed
this life in 1847, leaving two sons, David M., now a farmer and stock
raiser of Marion Township, this county, and Lester Le Grand, who,
after completing a fine commercial education, died at the age of twenty-
one years in Fort Scott, Kan. Our subject, on second occasion, married
Mrs. Aldulia Kennedy, daughter of the late William Curtis, of Mi Ver-
non, Ohio, by whom he had one son — Charles C. , now a merchant drug-
gist of Delphos. Again Col. Bliss was compelled to lay to rest his com-
panion in life, and he subsequently married Harriet N., (sister of his
first wife), with whom we find him happily associated. He removed to
Delphos in 1850, and engaged extensively in manufacturing. While
residing on the Van Wert side of the Miami & Erie Canal, which di-
vides Delphos in halves, he was elected and served one term as county
commissioner, of Van Wert County, and served as township trustee for a
long series of years. In 1852 he was elected to represent ^llen County
Digitized by LjOOQIC
620 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
in the Legislature, it being the first representation of the county
under the new constitution. He has engaged actiyely in railway
building, and during this time declined the nomination for lieut.
governor of Ohio, but had the satisfaction of seeing his party com-
ing through by an immense majority. In August, 1862, he volun-
teered his services in defense of the Union, and was commissioned
first lieutenant and assigned to quartermaster's duty with the One
Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In the early part of
the following year he received honorable promotion as a field officer with
the rank of major. In the spring of 1864 he was commissioned a lieutenant-
colonel, and did active and honorable service until his resignation. After
retiring from war service he engaged at farming and stock breeding, and
has given his exclusive attention to it since. During his residence in
Delphos he was active in the promotion and development of its interests,
with which he still continues prominent The Colonel is a stockholder
and director of the Commercial Bank, and is interested in other indus-
tries. He served as the first mayor of the city and filled many other
local official positions. Col. Bliss still retains the vigor and ambition
of his youthful days, and will long be remembered in the history of this
locality as one of its most reputable and persevering pioneers.
DAVID M. BLISS, farmer, P. O. Delphoe, was bom at Lima, Ohio,
July 17, 1845; son of Ool. Lester and Belinda (Hover) Bliss. From the
high schools of the county, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at
Delaware, studying there two years. He spent some time reading law,
with the intention of following the legal profession, but eventually
engaged in mercantile business at Delphos, for a year and a half, then
went to Sidney, Ohio, and edited the Sidney Journal for over a year,
after which time he returned to this county, and turned his attention to
farming and breeding shorthorn thorough- bred cattle, of the Lady Eliza-
beth stock. Mr. Bliss served the people as justice of the peace and town-
ship treasurer etc. He was married January 5, 1867, to Mary A.
Lytle, who died nine months later without issue. She was a daughter
of R. E. Lytle, of Delphos. Our subject's second marriage occurred
September 20, 1869, with Alice J. Neel, who was born in Fairfield
County, Ohio, September 10, 1845, and by this union were bom five
children: Lester L., bom August 10, 1870; Neel V., born March 28,
1872; Charles M. and Morgan C. (twins), born September 11, 1876, died
in infancy; and Mary Aldulia, bom November 15, 1878. Our subject is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Demo-
crat.
Charles Bliss, half-brother of our subject, was born in this county,
son of Col. Lester and Aldulia (Kennedy) Bliss. He read medicine wi&
Dr. Wagner, of Delphos, three years, attending lectures in Bellevue Hos-
pital College, N. Y., and graduating in Michigan, in 1874. He returned
to Delphos, and, disliking the profession after a practice of four years,
engaged in farming, and in February, 1883, entered into the drug busi-
ness with J. W. Evans. He was married February 8, 1877, to Sophronia
A. Herrick, a native of Mount Gilead, Ohio, daughter of Simeon Herrick.
Charles Bliss is P. S. W., of F. & A. M., at Delphoa
THOMAS BBEESE, farmer and stock-breeder, Delphos, Allen County,
was bom in North Wales, March 15, 1835; son of Richard and Elizabeth
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 621
(Bollands) Breese, former of whom died November 20, 1875, aged seventy-
three; latter September 28, 1852, aged forty-eight years. They came to
America, landing at Philadelphia, and settled the same year on the farm,
where the subject of this sketch now lives, there being only four acres,
cleared oat of the 160, and for which Richard Breese paid $100 cash.
Here, before the father's death, they cleared about seventy acres, and
endured the trials and hardships of pioneer life. Richard Breeae was a
man of prominence in his township, a deacon in the Congregational
Church many years. He and his wife, were parents of seven children:
Mary (wife of Joseph Watkins, in Sugar Creek Township, this county),
Thomas, Ann (wife of John Morris, of Lima), Jane (wife of Evan Mor-
gan, in Benton County, Ark), Alice (single), Richard (deceased, leaving
a family of three children in Delphos), Samuel R. (who enlisted in May,
1861, in Company H, Thirty-second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
going out as the first lieutenant, he was killed in the Battle of Harper's
Ferry, in August, 1862, and had his death not occurred, he would have
been promoted to lieutenant colonel in a few days). Thomas Breese, n
the subject of this sketch, received a meager education; being the eldest
son, his services were required in clearing up the farm. He was married
September 6, 1861, to Martha Davis,'a native of Montgomeryshire, Wales,
bom September 10, 1842, daughter of Rev. James and Mary (Davis)
Davis, who came to America in August, 1849, and settled in Cincinnati,
Ohio, where the former preached for three years, in the Lawrence Street
Congregational Church. They then came to Gomer, this county, in 1853,
where Mr. Davis preached eight years, thence moved to New York State,
remaining two years, thence to Radnor, Ohio, where he preached eight
years. Rev. James Davis, was a son of Isaac and Sarah Davis; he died
in April, 1873. His widow who is still living with Mr. Breese, is a
daughter of Richard and Margaret (Davis) Davis. Rev. James Davis
was the father of seven children, of whom three died without issue.
Those who had families were Sarah (deceased wife of John Thomas,
leaving family in Van Wert County, Ohio), Benjamin (deceased, leaving
family in Crawford County, Eans.), James (a business man in Sandusky
City, has a family of three children), William (a merchant in Keokuk,
Iowa, has a family of three children), and Martha (Mrs. Breese). To our
subject and wife, have been born six children: Emma, born July 10,
1862; Samuel, born July 23, 1864; Mary (deceased at five years of age);
James D., born January 31, 1874; Richard, born May 1, 1878, and
Mary, bom May 20, 1881. The life of Mr. Breese has been spent chiefly
on the farm which he now occupies. He takes an active interest in all
educational and religious matters. The family are members of the Con-
gregational Church. In politics he is a Republican.
DAVID BRENNEMAN, farmer and stock-breeder, P. O. Elida, was
bom in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 28, 1840, son of Jacob and
Caroline (Ogden) Brenneman, latter of whom was born in Hardy County,
Va., July 12, 1819. Jacob Brenneman was a native of Rockingham
County, Va., son of Abraham and Magdalena (Shank) Brenneman, natives
of Pennsylvania, former bom 1745, and died aged seventy years. ^Was
twice married, and had in all sixteen children, the youngest of whom is
the only survivor. Jacob was also twice married, first to Mary Beery,
37
Digitized by LjOOQIC
622 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
-who was bom November 20, 1802, and moved with her hnsbaud from
Virginia to Fairfield Coantj, Ohio, in 1828, where she died four years
later. Her children were John L., born October 24, 1821, in Marion
Township, this county ; Abraham, bom Jmie 21, 1823, in Lancaster
Comity, Ohio ; Barbara, bom Jane 7, 1824, wife of John Keller, in
Branch County, Mich. ; Isaac, bom September 25, 1825, in Adair County^
Mo. ; Elizabeth, and Joseph. Annie and Mary died yonng. Jacob Bren-
neman, by his second wife, Caroline (Ogden) Brenneman, had the fol-
lowing named children : Catharine, bom March 8, 1888, widow of
Abraham Friesuer (deceased), now wife of George Keckler, in Branch
County, Mich. ; David, bom November 28, 1840, in Fairfield County,
Ohio ; Jacob R., bom May 18, 1848, a draggist in Elida ; Rebecca,
bom January 2, 1847, wife of Daniel F. Berry, in Branch Mich.;
Sarah A., bom November 10, 1849, wife of Thomas Wisher, in Van
Wert County ; William F., bom April 80, 1852, in Elida ; Noah E., bom
November 8, 1855, in Marion Township ; Charles B., bom July 12, 1862,
in Blanchard, Isabelle Co., Mich. Jacob Brenneman died January 1,
1865, aged sixty-eight years, two months and twenty-five days. David
Brenneman received very limited educational advantages, remaining
with his father upon the farm until August 10, 1862, when he enlisted
in Company A, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, in which he did valiant duty, participating in the siege of
Knoxville, the battle of Resaca and Buzzard's Boost ; under fire from
Dalton to Atlanta, Oa.; at Salisbury, N. C, and in Sherman's march to
the sea. He was discharged June 20, 1865, never having been ofif duty
a single day, was neither sick nor wounded during the ymole time, but
always in tiie front rank. He was married, September 27, 1866, to Phebe
A. Lutz, who was bom in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 15, 1846,
daughter of John and Sarah (Griffith) Lutz, former a native of Maryland,
latter of Fairfield County. By her he had four children : Laura A. , bom
October 10, 1867 ; Lrwin K, bom August 28, 1869; Sarah K, born July
10, 1871; Stephen A., bom November 8, 1878. David Brenneman has a
valuable farm of 165 acres, secured principally by his own efibrt& He
takes an active interest in the improvement of farm products, the advance-
ment of education and religion. He is a member of Mart Armstrong
Post 202, G. A. R., at Lima. The family are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
B. J. BROTHERTON, mayor of Delphos, was bom in Piqua, Miami
Co., Ohio, June 24, 1850, son of Jasper Brotherton (camenter), a native
of Hamilton County, Ohio, his father, Abel Brotherton (farmer), having
settled there from Pennsylvania at an early date, prior to the history of
the State. The subject of our sketch, after receiving a good literary
education in the Piqua High School, from which he graduated when
nineteen years of age, entered the Denison University, uf Granville,
Ohio, pursuing a classical course of study, subsequently taking up law
under the able tuition of the Hon. J. F. McEinney, of McEinney Bros.,
attorneys, of Piqua. He was admitted to the bar of the State, August
20, 1872, and soon after came to Marion Township and engaged in the
practice of his profession, with which he has been creditably connected
since. He has taken an active interest in the development of the many
Digitized by VjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 628
indnstries of Delphos ; is present member of the board of directors of
Delpbos Gas Company ; a stockholder of the Delphos National Bank, as
-well as an active member of other interests. Dnring the war he did hon-
orable service as bugler of Company I, First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry.
He married, in Warsaw, Ind., October 17, 1877, Miss Hattie L., daughter
of James M. Laemon, a prominent pioneer merchant of that city, origin-
ally from Virginia. They have two daughters : Jennie W. and Mary
Margaret ]^. Brotherton is a member of the Baptist Church, Mrs.
Bro&erton of the Christian denomination.
JOHN C. CAMPBELL, physician and farmer, Landeck, was bom in
Belmont County, Ohio, May 14, 1827 ; son of Charles and Jane (Clung)
Campbell, natives of Pennsylvania, former deceased, latter still living.
They were parents of three children : Charles, Ann and John C. Onr
subject received a common school education, and after completing a med-
ical course at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, graduated
in 1851, and entered on the practice of his profession in Perry County,
Ohio, landing there September 10, same year, the memorial day of
Perry's victory. Soon after, he removed to Spencerville, Ohio, where he
practiced tweniy-eight years, and then returned to Landeck in the fall of
1888. In addition to his professional duties the doctor owns and works
a farm. Dr. Campbell was married in May, 1856, to Sarah J. Wells,
who was bom in Licking County, Ohio, in 1830, and by her has three
children : Oral, Mary J. (wife of F. Fackler), and an infant, deceased.
The doctor's success in life is due entirely to his own efforts. His prac-
tice has been successful, and he has experienced the hardships incident
to the lives of all medical men in pioneer days. He was the first mayor
of Spencerville, also served the people as justice of the peace. He was
formerly a member of the order of L O. O. F. at Clear Cut In politics
he is an active member of the Democratic party.
SAMUEL D. CHAMBERS, ex-auditor of Allen County, Delphos, was
bom in Bolivar, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, November 2, 1835; son of Thomas
Chambers of Pennsylvania, and grandson of James Chambers who came
from Lreland and settled in Pennsylvania. Samuel D. Chambers began
life as a molder when fifteen years old, but after a few years abandoned
that trade and took up merchandising here as clerk, and at the expiration
of six years' close application engaged as principal in the business. He
has since enjoyed a prominent position in the mercantile interests of this
city. Upon the organization of the Ohio Wheel Company's works here,
he took an active part in that industry, and has since remained an able
supporter of it. For many years he has been one of the directors of the
Delphos National Bank; was also a member of the Conm^ercial Bank,
with which he but recently severed his connection, and has assisted in
many other enterprises of the city and locality. Upon the organization
of the Toledo, Delphos & St Louis Railroad, he assisted materially,
and continued for many years an active member of its board of directors.
Mr. Chambers married in Columbia City, Lad., in 1862, Miss Sarah J.,
daughter of W. W. Kepner, a pioneer merchant of that city. Their
family consists of one son, William T., a student of the Pennsylvania
Dental Institute of Philadelphia, Penn., and one daughter, Anna, a lady
of fine literary and musical attainments, a graduate of Oxford Female Col-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
624 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
lege. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Daring the late
war of the Rebellion our subject did active service as quartermaster of the
One Hundred and Fifty-first Kegiment, Ohio l^ational Guards, from which
he was honorably discharged. He has been an active F. & A. M. for many
years, and is a member of the Shawnee Commandery at Lima. He has
been a member of the city council for many years, and has filled its
clerkship with ability. Mr. Chambers is an honest and conscientious
Republican in politics, and has always served his party with great in-
terest and zeal.
JOHN F. CLAPPER, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was bom on the Rob-
erts' farm in Sugar Creek Township, this county, near his present home,
March 31, 1840; son of Andrew and Stasha (Schlegel) Clapper, natives
of Fairfield County, Ohio, foimer a son of Henry and Eleanor (Bussert)
Clapper, latter a daughter of John Schlegel, a native of Maryland.
Henry Clapper, who was a native of Pennsylvania, bom near Hagerstown,
Md., died July 24, 1860, aged eighty-four years; he was a mill-
wright by .trade, served in the war of 1812, moved to Fairfield County,
Ohio; cleared up a farm and plied his trade until 1832, when he came to
this county with his wife, three sous and three daughters, a part of the
family remaining in Fairfield County. The father of our subject, who
was one of the number who came to this countv, died April 25, 1881,
aged seventy years; his wife died in November, lo51. They had thirteen
children: Jacob, in Marion Township, this county; Mary A. (died, aged
seventeen years), an infant (deceased), Hannah (deceased, aged twenty
years), Margaret J. (wife of Curtis Leist, in Marion Township, this
county; Nancy A. (deceased wife of John Conrad, leaving a son, Stephen
T., in this county), John F., Joseph H., in Van Wert County, Ohio;
William D. (deceased October 20, 1863, at Chattanooga, Tenn., of disease
contracted in the United States service, while a member of Com-
pany E, Ninety-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry), Elizabeth,
(wife of Lewis Allen of Marion Township, this county), Rachel (wife of
Isaac Conrad), Susan and Jemima, single. Andrew Clapper for his
second wife, married Lovina Bechtel, a native of Pennsylvania, but an
early settler in this county. By her he had eight children: Mary M.,
Vasta (wife of Benjamin Runyan, of Ft. Jennings), Sarah, Charles,
Amos, Salena, William A. and Albert M. (last two twins). The subject
of this sketch remained upon the farm with his father, and attended win-
ter school until his marriage, May 29, 1861, with Sarah Stuckey, who
was born on the farm where she now lives, June 2, 1843, daughter of
Samuel H. and Mary (Peters) Stuckey, former one of the first settlers in
Marion Township, this county, and a prominent man in official cir-
cles in the township, being one of its first officers. He entered
the land upon which Mr. Clapper now lives, receiving his patent
for eighty acres November 27, 1833, signed Andrew Jackson. Samuel
H. Stuckey, who was a son of Christian and Mary M. (Harsh)
Stuckey, natives of Maryland, but early settlers in Fairfield County,
Ohio, was born September 27, 1806; he died April 25, 1876. His
wife, Mary (Peters) Stuckey, was a native of Fairfield County, Ohio,
born March 8, 1811, died October 1, 1876. She was a daughter of Daniel
and Elizabeth (Nye) Peters, natives of Maryland, but early settlers of
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 625
Ohio. Samuel H. Staokey and his wife were parents of the following
children: Levi, in Van Wert County, Ohio; Enos (deceased), Ezra, married
(deceased): Elizabeth (deceased wife of Isaac Sthralem; she left one
child, William L., in Lawrenceburg, Ind.), Mary M. (deceased wife of
Henry Sherriek, of Marion Township; she left six children), Maria (wife
of Henry Friesuner, of Marion Township, this county); Surah (wife of
John F. Clapper); Daniel P. (deceased February 14, 1865, in South Caro-
lina, while a member of Company D, Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volun-
teer Infantry, Seventeenth Army Corps), Christian, in Marion Township,
this county; Lydia A. (deceased). To our subject and wife were bom eight
children: Minnie F. (died, aged three years, four months), William D., bom
May 27, 1866; Mary A., born September 14, 1868; Joseph C, bom Septem-
ber 6, 1870; Lula A., born July 11, 1873; Elliott E., bom September 19,
1875; Clara C, born November 6, 1877; Margaret J., born December 27,
1881. Mr. Clapper enlisted August 8, 1862, in Company E, Ninety-ninth
Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in twenty-eight battles with
that repriment before its consolidation with the Fiftieth Regiment. He was
a faithful soldier, good and true; was never sick nor wounded, and never
oflf duty. He was discharged June 26, 1865. His brothers, Henry and
Daniel, and brother-in-law, Lewis Allen, served with him in the same
regiment. He is a member of the Unit'ed Brethren Church, superinten-
dent of the Sabbath-school, and generally takes an active interest in
educational matters.
JAMES COCHRUN, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Delphos, was
born in Ross County, Ohio, November 25, 1804, descended from a line
of Scotch pioneers of that name in Virginia. He has a brother and two
sisters living: John M., Catharine and Nancy. Mr. Cochrun came to
this county in 1817. He married, in 1829, Miss Julia Ann, daughter of
Andy Russell of Amanda Township, this county, who settled there in
1817. He has one son, William M., living, by this marriaga His
second marriage was in 1834 witJi Isabel, daughter of William Sunder-
land, who settled in Amanda Township in 1817. He has two sons and
six daughters living by this marriage: Elizabeth, Julia Ann, Mary,
James M., Ellen, Hattie, Nancy and Orlando, and lost a daughter and
three sons, one of whom George W., died in Mellon Prison, Ga., after
an honorable service in the Union Army. James M., the second son liv-
ing, was married in 1870 to Ellen, daughter of Jacob Roush of Amanda
Township, who bore him a daughter, Minnie Almerta, now living, and
two sons, William S. and Edward, who are buried with their mother in the
King cemetery here ; and in 1878 he married Catharine, daughter of Sam-
uel Baxter, and by her he has one son and two daughters: Dora, Orlando
Bertrue, and Viola. He did active and honorable service in Company B,
McLaughlin's Squadron, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, during the last two years
of the war; is a member of Reul Post G. A. R. James Cochrun Sr., has
been a member of the Presbyterian Church for thirty-five years, and an
elder in it for many years. He is well and favorably known as one of
the public- spirited pioneers of Allen County.
S. F. CONKLING, M. D., Delphos, was bom in Cincinnati, Ohio,
April 9, 1826, son of Isaac Conkling, who moved to that city from New
Jersey and there settled at an early period of the city's history. Our
Digitized by LjOOQIC
626 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
subject graduated from Farmer's College in a literary course of study in
1847-48, and entered tbe Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, horn
which he graduated in 1851. He carried on a profitable medical prac-
tice.in Beading, Hamilton Co., Ohio, for several years. In 1858 he
came to Delpbos and actively engaged in manufacturing business, with
which he has continued for several years, retiring from it latterly to
return to the practice of his profession. Dr. Conkling married in Butler
County, Ohio, in 1851, Miss Margaret, daughter of Isaac King of that
county, by whom he had a family of three sons and five daughters:
Luella (wife of J. Abel, a merchant of Walton, 111.), Eva, Lillie, Frank
K. (a farmer of Beno County, Kans.), Harry W. (of the Dutton House,
Topeka, Kans.), Eddie P. (at home) ; Clarabell died November 25, 1875,
Hattie died in August, 1880, and they are buried with their mother, who
departed this life in 1867. The doctor was married on second occasion
to Mrs. Ann Cowan, a daughter of J. S. Feeley, of Delphos, by whom he
has two daughters, Minnie and Mollie, and had one son, Willie (deceased).
Dr. Conkling has been one of the many active supporters of Delphos
interests. He has served in the city council; was commissioner of Van
Wert County several years; member of the board of school directors and
has held other |local ofiicial positions. He is a Boyal Arch Mason and
has been a F. & A. M. for many years.
CHABLES S. DAVIS, of the firm of Weger & Davis, manufacturers
of all kinds of hoops, staves, heading and lumber, Delphos, was bom
in Oakville, Canada, November 10, lo44. At the age of fifteen he went
to New York State, where he remained for several years. In 1869 he
came to Delphos and engaged in his present business, and has since been
actively connected with it here. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Mary
Jane, daughter of G. W. Hall of this place. They have one son and
two daughters: Jessie Belle, G^rge Bay and Grace Bebecca. Mr. Davis
is an active Mason and Odd Fellow and has held official positions in
both societies hera He is also a member of the J. W. F. Hook and
Ladder Company.
JOSEPH DEBWOBT, hardware, stoves and tinware merchant, Del-
pbos, was bom in Buffalo, N. T., March 19, 1849, son of Marcus and
Catharine (Beider) Derwort, former of whom was bom April 25, 1822,
in Sachsen, Weimar-Eisenach, Amt Grisa, Genpany, and came to America
August 17, 1889, latter bom at Geismar, Germany, November 25, 1826.
They were married October 8, 1844, and are still living in Delphos, this
county. They had a family of thirteen children: Elizabeth; Elenor,
died July 17, 1847; Joseph;Mary; John; Marcus, died November 21, 1865;
Henry; Sophia; Bosalia; Francisca, died July 19, 1862; Anna; Theresia
and Josephine. Our subject* s education was limited to four years in the
common schools. He came to this county with his parents, in 1860, and
first worked at the cooper's trade with his father, then he learned the tin-
ner's trade, and engaged in same line at Delphos, in 1870. His business
has steadily increased, and he has added, in proportion to the demand, a
complete line of hardware, stoves, etc., employing five men. He now
occupies a two-story brick building and a large warehouse for surplus
stock ; his success is the result of his own efforts. In 1872, having lost
nearly all by fire, be had to commence again. Oar subject was married
Digitized by VjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 62T
Augost 1, 1882, to Mies Annie Elier, who has borne him one son, Joseph,
bom November 28, 1888, and one daughter, Theresia, bom May 11,
1885. He is a member of the Gatholio Choroh ; politically a Democrat
JACOB DIENSTBEBGEB, w&?on and carriagemaker,Delphos, was
bom in Baden, Germany, July 4, lo31, and learnt the trade of black-
smith there. At eighteen he inmiigrated to this country and completed
his trade at Norwich, Conn. In September, 1851, he came to Delphos,
this county, followed his trade a short time, and then worked in the iron
foundry. In April, 1860, he began business for himself as wagon and
carriage-maker, and has accumulated a handsome competency. Mr.
Pienstberger married here, in 1853, Miss Caroline, daughter of the late
Christopher Gessner, a farmer of Washington Township, Van Wert
County, and by ^is union are two sons and two daughtm : Charles
(blacksmith, witii his father), Christopher (painter, with his father), Amelia
(wife of Tobias Foster, a blacksmiUi of Spencerville), and Mary. Our
subject has served in Delphos city council, and has filled other local
official positions of honor and trust. He is interested considerably in the
ooal and iron trade, from which he derives a handsome revenue. During
the late Bebellion he did active service in Company I, Ohio Yolunteer
Infantry, from which he received an honorable discharge at the close of
.the war.
JONATHAN DILLSAYEB, farmer and stockbreeder, P. O. Elida,
was bom in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 8, 1828, son of Simon and
Elizabeth (Winstead) Dillsaver, former a native of Shenandoah County,
Va. (he was in the war of 1812, died in 1880, aged about ei^ty>three
years), latter a daughter of Ghriffin and Magdalene (Smith) Winstead.
The Dillsaver and Smith families are of German, the Winsteads of Eng-
lish extraction. Simon and Elizabeth Dillsaver had four children, who
became heads of families : Nancy (deceased wife of Solomon Moyer, she
left a family in Sugar Creek Township, this county), Jonathan, Mary A.
(wife of Benjamin Sigman, living in Van Wert County, Ohio) ; Matilda,
(wife of Jacob Nitler both deceased, leaving no family). Our subject
came in 1834 to Sugar Creek Township, this county, with his parents,
who entered land and experienced the trials of pioneer life in clearing
up the country. Here he remained till 1860, when he came to his pres-
ent home. He was married December 14, 1851, to Miss Melinda Shope,
a native of German Township, this county, daughter of William and
Elizabeth (Tester) Shope, early settlers of this county from Fairfield
County, Ohip. By this marriage there were thirteen children : Elizabeth,
William and Bachel, all deceased ; those living are : John, born Decem-
ber 24, 1852, now in Delphos, Ohio ; Matilda, born January 8, 1854 ;
Bebecoa, bom June 26, lo56 (wife of John M. Garvey) ; Simon, bom
July 31, 1857 ; George, bom November 19, 1858 ; Mary E., born April
18, 1860 (wife of Joseph Seitz), in Putnam County, Ohio ; Lucinda, born
September 22, 1864 (wife of Charles Stemen), in Sugar Creek Township,
this county ; Amanda, bom May 13, 1867 ; Susan, bom May 20, I860 ;
Noah, bom August 12, 1871. Mrs. Malinda Dillsaver was bom Febru-
ary 27, 1831, and died November 23, 1873. Our subject then married
July 30, 1874, Melinda E. Manker, who was bom January 12, 1830.
Mr. Dillsaver joined Company A, Thirty third Begiment, September 24,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
628 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1864, in which he served until Jnne 8, 1865, when he was discharged at
Gamp Dennison. He was severely wounded in a skirmish near Gills-
boro, March 16, 1865. The family are members of the Lutheran
Church, in which he has been deacon and trustee.
SIMON DILLSAYEB, farmer, P.O. Delphoe, son of Jonathan and Me-
linda (Shope) Dillsaver, was born in Sugar Creek Township, this oounty,
July 31, 1857. He remained on farm with his parents until after arriving
at maturity, receiving a common school education, and entered on his
career in life as a farmer. Although young in years, Mr. Dillsaver is
considered one of the most enterprising young farmers of the township.
He makes no specialties other than general farming and stock breeding.
He was married, November 15, 1879, to Mar} E. Ridenour, who was bom
in Marion Township, this county, May 1, 1862, daughter of Alex and
Ann (Hover) Bidenour, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and early
settlers of this county, and to this union was born, July 30, 1881, one
daughter— Rhoda Bell. Mr. Dillsaver is a consistent member of the
Lutheran Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat
DAVID W. DITTO, farmer and bee keeper, P. O. Delphos, was bom
November 16, 1846, in Brown County, Ohio, son of William W. Ditto,
also a native of Brown County, Ohio, bom October 23, 1823, died May 13,
1884, and Mahala (Brown) Ditto, bom August 12, 1822, in Brown^Countj
Ohio, and still living. ' They were parents of eight children: Melvioa^
wife of J. Lrick; Rel^cca (deceased); David W; William BL (deceased);
Caroline (deceased); Benjamin D. (deceased); Emily wife of S. D. Crites
and Samuel F. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Richard and
Rebecca (Dunham) Ditto, former a native of North Carolina, latter of
Brown County, Ohio. His maternal grandfather was William Brown of
New Jersey, and one of the earliest settlers of Brown County, Ohio. In
1849 our subject's parents moved to this county, locating on section 9,
Marion Township, and there David W. Ditto grew to maturity, his earli-
est recollections being of pioneer scenes and industries. From the
common schools he entered the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, and has
taught five terms of school in connection with his farming interests. He
is now one of the most extensive bee keepers in the section, and in this
line he has been successful. He is also interested in breeding graded
stock. Mr Ditto came to his present farm in 1871, and has since erected
a substantial residence and barn. The appearance of his farm denotes
him to be an enterprising man and a practical farmer. During the war
he was a member of Company A, Thirty-third Ohio National Guarda
Mr. Ditto's marriage occurred December 25, 1870, with Elizabeth Burk-
holder, who was bom February 12, 1851, and died August 22, 1872.
Her son, Charles Albert, died at same dat« aged four months and twenty-
five days. Our subject married, on second occasion, September 18, 1873,
Miss Florence B. Harris, who was bom in Hamilton County, Ohio, Jan-
uary 7, 1849. She is the mother of four children: Clifford, bom
November 12, 1874, died twelve days later; Theodore Walter, bom
November 25, 1875; Raymond C, bora July 19, 1880; Editli Ethel, bom
April 28, 1883. Mrs Ditto is a daughter of Calvin and Edith (Dunn)
Harris, early settlers of Amanda Township, this coanty. Mr. Ditto is a
F. & A. M., a member of Marion Grange. He is a member of the Meth-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 629
odist Episcopal Church, taking an active part in the sabbath school.
Politically he is identified with the Bepablican party.
SAMUEL F. DITTO, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was bom February 16,
1858, on the homestead farm, where he still resides; son of William W.
and Mahala (Brown) Ditto. He received his education in the common
and high schools of the county, was brought up a farmer and has followed
agriculture all through life, in connection with which he takes a practical
interest in graded stock. Mr. Ditto was married, December 27, 1879,
to Miss Sarah Isabel Strayer, who was bom September 27, 1858, in
Amanda Township^ this county, daughter of Samuel K., and Sarah A.
(Elliker) Strayer, ea^ly settlers of Amanda Township. To our subject
and wife have been born three children: Zelmer, born May 1, 1880, died
August 23, 1880; Jeanetta, bora October 22, 1881; Wilmer, born Novem-
ber 11, 1883. Mr. Ditto is a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican.
THOMAS B. EDWARDS, dealer in general groceries, etc., Delphos,
was bora in Jackson County, Ohio, February 4, 1855. His father, the
late Benjamin Edwards, farmer of that county, settled there from Wales
about 1840. The subject of our sketch received a good common school
education in his native county, and for a time engaged in farming, but
on April 22, 1877, he t>ook up merchandising here, with Jones & Grif-
fith, and in March of the following year assumed entire control of the
business, has by dint of able management secured a very lucrative
trade, and has already amassed a nice competence although a young
man, amid old-established competitors. Mr. Edwards married in Del-
phos, in 1879, Lucy Ann, daughter of the late John Morrow of Indiana.
She was reared and educated in this city and is a lady of good literary
and musical attainments. They have two sons and one daughter:
Robert Thomas, Edna May and an infant (unnamed). Mr. Edwards is
one of the progressive men of Delphos, an able supporter of its interests.
He is a member of the K. of P. and of the R. A.
WILLIAM H. ELWER, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ham-
ilton County, Ohio, February 20, 1840, son of William Elwer who was
born and reared in Westphalia, Prussia, and w^o came to America and
to Hamilton County, Ohio, when a young man, and September 29, 1853>
to Marion Township, this county; his children are William H. and
Joseph. Our subject was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Ann Recker,
daughter of Andrew Recker, a pioneer farmer of Putnam County, Ohio,
a native of Hanover, Germany; and to this union have been born two
sons and four daughters: Kate, Frederick, Christena, Mary, Rosa and
Andrew. Mr. and Mrs. Elwer are members of the Catholic Church. He
has been an active worker. Has served on school board two years and
had filled other official positions.
JOSEPH ESCH, proprietor of restaurant, billiard room and saloon,
Delphos, was bora August 27, 1856, son of Bernard and Mary (Heckman)
EscL He clerked for his father until the latter^s removal to Kansas, and
in 1877 he embarked in his present enterprise. October 16, 1879, he
was married to Miss Kate Kroft, born in Dayton, Ohio, February 14,
1856, by whom he has a daughter — Niona, bora July 22, 1880. Politi-
cally Mr. Esch is a Democrat He is a member of the Catholic Church.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
^30 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
The father of our subject was bom January 1, 1821, near Osnabruck,
Germany, where he lived till 1842, when he came to America with Theo
Wrocklage, locating at Fort Jennings. A year later he assisted in build-
ing the lirst log-cabin at Delpho& In 1844 Each & Wrocklage, formed
a partnership and erected an ashery, and in the following-year opened a
general store, continuing in business till 1855. He was a member of the
town council several years, was one of the original movers in the organi*
zation of the First National Bank, and for several years was one of its board
of directors. He was elected county commissioner in 1870, and being
reelected served in that office six years, making one of the most efficient
and capable commissioners the county ever had, and through his exer-
tions a system of road improvements was inaugurated, the benefits of
which are now enjoyed by almost every section of the county. His death
occurred June 8, 1884, at Dexter, Kansas. In 1847 Mr. Bernard Each
married Mary Heckman, who died in 1857, leaving to his care three
children: Henry (agent for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad
at Middletown, Ohio), Annie (widow of Lehm Kahl), and Joseph. His
second marriage occurred in 1859, with Catharine Karst, who survives
him. By this union were bom six children: Bernard, Lewis, Theodore,
Alexander, Frank and John.
RICHARD EVANS, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Delphos, was bom
in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, September 4, 1817, and immigrated
to America in 1840, settling in Butler County, Ohio. In 1852 he came
to this county and settled on his present farm, paying 11,860 for 160
acres uncleared land, of which he has cleared 135 acres. His parents
were Evan ahd Mary (Jones) Evans, who died in Wales. (Evan Evans
was a son of John and Mary Evans who were married at the ages of nine-
teen and seventeen years, respectively, and lived together until they were
aged, respectively, one hundred and three and one hundred and one, a
period of eighty-four years of married life). They were parents of nine
children: John, who died without issue; Lewis, living with family in
Montgomeryshire, Wales; Evan, died in London, single; Mary, died
young; Edward, died, leaving a family in Wales; Elizabeth, died young;
Richard, and Margaret, deceased wife of Edward Evans, leaving one
daughter and son residing in Allen County. Mr. Evans received but
twelve days' schooling during his life-time, but having a natural love for
live stock he hired out as a herd in Wales, and turned his attention to
the study of the habits and diseases of stock, thus arriving at a considera-
ble degree of prominence as a veterinary surgeon and dealer and shipper
in stock. He has, in connection with his other business, been engaged in
the manufacture of brick for thirty-five years. Mr. Evans was thrice
married, his first and second wife bearing him children who all died
young. His third marriage was with Mary Jones, who was born March
20, 1827, on Paddy's Run in Butler County, Ohio, from which place her
father, John B. Jones, came to what is now Gomer, this county, in 1834,
being one of the first and most prominent settlers of that place. To our
subject and wife have been bom ten children, eight of whom died in
infancy. The surviving two are now living with their parents: Marga-
ret J. (wife of John W. Humphreys) and Francis (who married Eliza-
beth J. Howell 8, by whom he hid one child). Mr. Evans is an enterpris-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 631
ing man, and takes an active interest in all edacational and religions
matters. With his family he is a member of the Congregational Chnroh.
0. A. EVANS, M. D., Delphos, was bom in Hillsboro, Ohio, July
29, 1828, and comes of a people who have furnished a fair share of
medical talent in the West, several of whom are reputable practitioners,
dating, on the patenml side, their coming to this countxy about 1775,
locating in Kentucky, and their advent in Ohio about lo02. On the
maternal side, the Duckwalls came from the Bhine Provinces in connec-
tion with Methodist mission work here, early in the eighteenth century.
The subject of this sketch began the study of medicine at nineteen years
of age, and at twenty-two graduated from the Ohio Medical College of
Cincinnati, in the class of 1849-50. In June of 1850 he came to Del-
phos, and has since been successfully identified with the practice of med-
icine here. He was married, April 4, 1855, in Columbia City, Ind., to
Miss Katie Ensier, a highly educated lady, and an ardent worker in
church and social interests. Upon the organization of the T. C.
& Si L. Railway, Dr. Evans took up railway work with;; that corpora-
tion, with which be was actively identified till it ceased to be a Delphos
enteirprise. He organized the Delphos & Kokomo Railway, and remained
its president till 1878. In the following year he organized a railway to
Kokomo, Ind., (D. B. & F. Ry.), and was chosen its President In 1880
he organized the Cleveland, Delphos & St Louis Railway, serving as Pres-
ident till 1881, when he resigned and accepted the Vice-Presidency of
the Construction Company. He has also been connected with the estab-
lishment *of other lines. During the last year he has attended quietly to
his professional practice. The Doctor served the city as mayor four suc-
cessive terms, and has filled other civic official positions.
JOHN W. EYANS, druggist and bookseller, Delphos, one of the
most worthy and enterprising men of the city, was bom May 21, 1847,
among the mines in Jackson County, Ohio; son of William and Jane
(Evans) Evans, natives of Aberystwyth, Wales, and who came early to
America. They had seven children: two died early in jife; D. W., a
farmer and stock-dealer in Yenedocia, Ohio; Jane, wife of D. K Evans,
a merchant in Yenedocia, Ohio; John W.; William, farming in Yan Wert
County, Ohio; and Thomas, who died aged twenty- three years. The
father was killed while at work at Cambria Furnace, in Jaclnon County,
Ohio, the subject of this sketch being then but seven years of age. The
mother was afterward married to Isaac Jones, of Jackson County, Ohio,
where she died. Mr. Evans received the chief part of his education by
the time he reached his twelfth year, attending but two terms afterward,
as at that age he was engaged in hauling ore, iron, coal etc., at the mines
and furnaces. Upon starting out for himself at sixteen years of age he
received $18 from his stepfather, and this he was compelled to use for
necessary clothing and traveling expenses to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he
arrived penniless. He secured work, however, on gun-boats which were
being built at that place, and here, by industry and application, he soon
commanded the confidence of his employers and the highest praise for
his labor. He first came to Yan Wert County, Ohio, in the fall of 1863,
and returned to Jackson County, where he worked until the following
fall, when he again came to Yan Wert County, and taught school during
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632 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
the winters^ continaing bis work at the same time. In the fall of 1867
Mr. Evans was married, and then engaged in farming and teaching for
seven years. He next beoame a partner, in the drag and book firm' of
Eysenbach & Co., in Which he continued two years, when Mr. Eysenbach
retired and the firm became Bvans & Evans. Early in 1883 another
change occurred, and the firm became Evans & Bliss, as at present Mr.
Evans is engaged with his brother-in-law, Hugh Evans, in the real
estate business. His wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Richard E. and
Mary (Jones) Evans, who were natives of Llanbrynmair, Wales, and who
first settled in Franklin County, Ohio, thence moved to Van Wert
County, Ohio. By her he has five children: Richard J., Jane, John H.
v., Irvin Blaine and Viola Ann. While a resident of Van Wert County
Mr. Evans was township trustee, and was commissioned justice of the
peace under Gov. Noyes. Since his residence in Delphos he has been a
member of the city council several years. He is P. G. and treasurer
of Okonoxy Lodge, I. O. O, F., No. 201, also collector of Delphos Coun-
cil No. 200 Royal Arcanum.
HUGH W. EVANS, druggist. Palace Drug Store, Delphos, was born
in Brown Township, Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1853; son of Richard E.
and Mary (Jones) Evans, former a native of Wales, a farmer by occupa-
tion, and a resident of Van Wert County, Ohio; latter, also a native of
Wales, died in 1880. They were parents of eight children: Richard M.,
Elizabeth, Jane, Catherine, David H., John R., Mary A. and Hugh W.
Until he was fourteen years of age, the life of our subject was spent on
a farm. He then came to Delphos and engaged in a drug store, in order
to learn the business. In 1875 he became a member of the firm of Eysen-
bach & Co., which three or four years later became Evans & Evans,
remaining so lill 1883, when the firm dissolved, and our subject formed a
new partnership with F. G. Beckman. Mr. Evans has been a member
of the American Pharmaceutical Association since September, 1881, and
his knowledge of the Welsh, in addition to the English language, is an
advantage in his business, whilst his many years experience justly enti-
tle him to the confidence of the people. Our subject was married, March
20, 1883, to Miss Annie Robinson, by whom he has one son — Robinson
Blaine, born March 15, 1884. In politics Mr. Evans is a leader and a
stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party. He is an
active member of Hope Lodge, F. & A. M.
WENDEL EYSENBACH, professor of music and inventor of
astronomical instruments, Delphos, was bom in Eberstadt, near Darm-
stadt, Germany, April 29, 1810, and was reared on a farm. At seven-
teen he attended the Seminary of Friedberg, and graduated from that
institution as public teacher at the age of twenty. After acting for
awhile as private instructor, he received appointment as public teacher,
and was very reputably connected with that profession in his native land
for many years. He was, however, impeached (during the troubles of the
Revolution in 1848) for his very outspoken liberal sentiments, and upon
trial was sentenced, but embarked for this country with his family-, in
1851, and settled in Delphos. He had married, in 1838, Miss Margaret
Schilling, by whom he had foar sons and a daughter born in Germany:
Louis, a farmer in Marion Township; Henry P., a prominent merchant
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MARION TOWNSHIP. . 638
and manafaotarer in Delphos; William, proprietor of billiard hall
and saloon in Delphos ; Theodore, a merchant in Spencerrille ;
Mary, widow of George Schilling, of Delphos; and Lina (bom in Del-
phos), now the wife of John Yetter, hardware merchant, in Delphos.
Since coming to this oonntrj Mr. Ejsenbach has applied himself suc-
oessfully in different business pursuits, and beside accumulating a nice
competence, has educa ted his family well and has lived to see them pros-
perously connected. For several years he has been well known in the
county and elsewhere as an able music- teacher. During the last four
years he has applied himself to inventing and perfecting astronomical
apparatus, which is his pride, and his workshop amply attests to his
close observation and industry.
LOUIS EYSENBACH, farmer and stock-breeder, Delphos, was bom
May 22, 1841, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany; and ^came to America
with his parents at ten years of age. He received the advantages of the
German schools until leaving the ^ Fatherland,^ and also some instruc-
tion in the schools of Delphos, this county. He remained with his father
on the farm untilJuly26, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-
ninth Kegiment, under Capt. William C. Scott; starting from Gamp
Lima, he went through the Kentucky, Tennessee and Atlanta campaigns,
thence was transferred to North Carolina, where he wound up his
military career, and was discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio. He par-
ticipated in the battles of Stone River, Bingold, Chickamauga, and at
Lookout Mountain, where the colors of the brave Ninety -ninth waved
over two of the enemy's forts. He was also at Mission Ridge, Pigeon
Mountain and Nashville. The regiment having by this time suffered
heavy losses, the remnant was consolidated with the Fiftieth Regiment.
Mr. Eysenbach never was off duty during the whole time, was never in
the hospital and never wounded, excepting a bruise in the shoulder by a
ball at Stone River, not sufficient to relieve him from duty. He was
mustered out of service in July, 1865, and returned home and engaged in
general farming and stock raising at his present place. He was married,
August 17, 1869, to Minnie Winkleman, bom in Mecklenburg, Germany,
December 1, 1844, daughterof William and Eamestine (Mueller) Winkle-
man, former a native of Strelitz. latter a daughter of Theodore and Fredrica
(Tack) Mueller. But two of their children survive, Mrs. Eysenbach and
Eliza, who is in Cincinnati. Mrs. Eysenbach, after immigrating with her
parents in 1854, losing her mother one week after reaching this country,
lived in Cincinnati until 1856, and after changing places of residence sev-
eral times in Ohio and Lidiana, went with her father to Minnesota in 1857,
where they were some of the founders of New Ulm. Living there among
the Sioux Indians, her father was at one time offered thirty ponies for
her by an Indian chief, but being refused, he tried to capture her afterward,
when the Indian outbreak occurred at that place in July, 1862. On this
occasion the whole family had a very narrow escape, having their house
burned and losing all other property. They returned to Cincinnati
where Mrs. Eisenbach completed her education, and engaged in teaching
public school until her marriage in 1869. To Mr. Eysenbach and wife were
born nine children: Gretchen, born June 24, 1870; Earnest, born Sep-
tember 13, 1872; Ella, bom March 26, 1874; Ida, bom December 23,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
684 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1875; Oscar, born AiLrast 15, 1877; Wendell, bom Augist 15, 1879 j
Lonis, bom July 8, 1881; Dora, bom September 2, 1888, and Jnliania,
bom January 17, 1885. Oar subject was the first to introduce into Allen
County the famous Holstein cattle of which he has a small, but fine herd.
HENBY P. EYSENBACH, druggist, Delphos, was bom in Odem-
heim, Germany, December 12, 1848. His father, Wendel Eysenbach, a
teacher, in 1851 came to this country with a family of four sons and one
daughter, viz. : Mary (now widow of George Schilling), Louis, a farmer,
Henry P., William, a merchant, all of Delphos; Theodore, a merchant
of Spencereille ; Lina, bom here, wife of John Yetter, a hardware dealer
of Delphos. The subject of this sketch spent his early life upon the
farm taken by his father in Marion Township in 1851. After receiving
a good education he entered the drug business at the age of eighteen,
and has by dint of able business tact secured for himself a handsome
competence. He has been an active promoter and stockholder in many
of the important interests of the city, chief among which may be men-
tioned the Delphos Paper Company, of which he is president, and the
Delphos Woolen Company, as well as many others, providing, in the
aggregate, support to about 100 people. Mr. Eysenbach has l^n ever
ready to uphold all measures tending toward the growth of the city and
locality. He is a member of the city council and school board, and has
filled other local official positions. During the late war of the Rebellion
he did active service in Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-first Begi-
ment Ohio National Guards. He married in Delphos, in 1867, Miss
Augusta, daughter of the Rev. Frederick Altstatter, late of Delphos. She
was bom in Eoenig, Germany, in 1848, and reared and educated in
Marion Township, &is county, having come to this country in the same
ship as her future husband. Mr. and Mrs. Eysenbach have one son and
two daughters living: Clara, Lina and Gustav; their eldest daughter,
Louisa, died aged fifteen years and is buried in the city cemetery. The
family are supporters of the German Reformed Church, but Mr.
Eysenbach has always contributed liberally to all denominations.
EDWARD FINCEH, proprietor of restaurant ibd saloon, Delphos,
was bom in Wurttemberg, Germany, June 20, 1841; son of Augustus
and Theodora (Zimerle) Finckh, also natives of Wurttemberg, where they
died. Augustus Finckh was stadtpfleger at Ellwanger, Wurttemberg.
Our subjed; came to America at the age of twelve years, with his uncle,
Joseph Zimerle, and the first two years after his arrival in this countzy
worked in a baker}^ and brewery; then clerked for Wrocklage & Co. nine
years, and afterwwl was engaged in butchering with Lawrence Deubler.
In 1864 Mr. Finckh was married to Anna Womer, who was bom May 12,
1843, in Wurttemberg, Germany, coming to Delphos, this county, at
seven years of age. To this union have been bom eight children: Annie,
Edward (in drug business in Delphos, Ohio,), Adolph (preparing for the
priesthood at Notre Dame College, South Bend, Ind.), Josephine, Alex-
ander, Flora, Joseph and Albert. August 31, 1864, Mr. Finckh com-
menced the wholesale liquor business, in which he remained until 1870,
and then engaged in brewing in Delphos, and also Yan Wert, Van Wert
Co., Ohio, until 1874, when he embarked in his present enterprise. Mr.
Finckh started out in life a poor boy, having received but a meager edu-
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 68&
I
cation, but by energy and application he has snrmonnied many obstacles,
and has succeeded in taking his place amotig the iirst in his line in the
city of Delphoe. He was a member of the city council several terms.
He is active in politics and educational matters. The family are mem-
bers of the Catholic Church.
H. GOETTE, secretary and treasurer of the Pittsburg Hoop and Stave
Company, Delphos, was bom in Berlin, Prussia, November 22, 1840, and
there received a thorough mercantile business education. In 1866 he
came to this country and engaged in his professional work in New York
City, from which he traveled in the interest of wholesale trade for several
years. In 1878 he went to Pittsburgh, where he was connected with mer-
chandising till 1880, and in that year he engaged with the Pittsburgh Keg
and Barrel Company, who had established a business here, and came here
in their employ as book-keeper and cashier. After the burning of their
building here he joined F. A. Weger, and bought the plant, etc., which
he represents. Mr. Goette was married at Pittsburgh, in 1875, to Miss-
Emily, daughter of G. G. Backofen, a hardware and tinware merchant of
that city, and a native of Nuernberg, Bavaria, Germany. Mr. and Mrs.
Goette have one son and two daughters: Elida, Carl and Catherine. Our
subject has been an active supporter of matters tending to the city's-
growth since coming here, and may be reckoned as among the prominent
and enterprising citizens of Delphos.
THEODORE A. HANDEL, farmer and stock-breeder, P. O. Delphos,
was bom in Licking County, Ohio, May 1, 1834; son of Nicholas and
Millie (Hayes) Handel; former a native of Yirginia, a miller by trade, and
an early settler of Licking County, Ohio, died in about 1870, aged eighty,
four years (he served as private in the war of 1812); latter, a native of New
York, died in 1856; by a former husband she had six children: George (de-
ceased), Harvqy (deceased), Amanda (wife of J. Saffcnrd, in Michigan), Sarah
(deceased), Lanson (deceased) and Mary (wife of J. Andrews, in Iowa)*
To Nicholas and Millie (Hayes) Handel was bom one child, Theodore A.,
our subject, who came to this county with his parents in 1846. His
education was limited to the common schools, and at the age of fourteen
he left home and lived with Ormon Kephort, of Amanda Township, this
county, till after arriving at maturity, receiving for his services, besides
his board, forty acres of wild land, which he sold soon after. In 1850
he rented and eventually purchased the farm on which he now lives,
cleared the same, and placed it under a high state of cultivation, erecting
a fine residence and bam. During the war he enlisted in Company f
Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service of
his country three years, most of the time as a non-commissioned officer,
and received an honorable discharge. He participated in all the battlea
in which his regiment was engaged except one, and received a slight
wound at the battle of Chapmanville. Mr. Handel was married April 5,
1857, to Miss Mary Angeline Harris, who was bom at Lockland, Hamil-
ton Co., Ohio, October 13, 1836, daughter of Calvin and Edith (Dunn)
Harris. They have no children of their own, but have reared two as
adopted: flmest A (Emerick) Handel and Sabina Coon. Mr. Handel ia
a member of the G. A. E. at Delphos; a member of the Baptist Church;
in politics a Republican.
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636 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ENOS W. HASTINGS, superintendent of Union Schools, Delphos,
was bom in Jefferson County, Ohio, Junel, 1845, his grandfather having
settled there at a very early period in the history of that county. Prof.
Hastings completed a good literary education in the schools of his
district and at sixteen began teaching. He continued successfully in the
profession and at twenty-one entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at
Delaware, Ohio, taking a classical coui-se of study, graduating from that
institution at the age of twenty-six years. After receiving his degree he
continued reputably in the profession as principal and superintendent of
Chesterville schools till 1878, when he accepted his present incumbency,
which he has held honorably since. He has given a cordial support to
the social and literary interests of the town and county, and has assisted
very materially in their advancement He has served upon the examin-
ing boards for teachers and has carried on institutes for the development
of the people of the teaching profession. Prof. Hastings married in
Delaware, Ohio, in 1872, Miss Bessie A., daughter of J. T. Rippey, a
prominent merchant, citizen and public man of Shippensburg, Penn.
She is a lady of able literary and musical attainments, and a graduate of
Mary Institute of Carlisle, Penn. They have one little girl — Mary M.
During the war Prof. Hastings did service in Company E, One Hundred
and Forty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from which he received an
honorable discharge. Since locating h^re he has devoted himself very
closely to his professional work.
REV. JOHN B. HEILAND, Catholic priest, Landeck, was bom in
Bavaria, Germany, August 81, 1839; son of Adam and Margaret
(Haeckel) Heiland, both still living in Avon, Ohio, and who were the
parents of six children: John Baptist (our subject), Lawrence, also a
priest, educated at Cleveland, now in charge of the church at New Wash-
ington, Ohio; George, John, Annie and Catherine, all living. Up to his
fifteenth year our subject remained with his father on a farm, then came to
America with his parents, who located at Avon, Lorain Co., Ohio. He
worked at the stone-mason trade till 1862, when he entered St. Mary's
College, at Cleveland, Ohio, remaining four years each in college and
seminary, and in 1870, being ordained a priest, he entered on his clerical
duties at Rockport, Ohio, where he remained two years. He then
went to Shelby, Richland Co., Ohio, for five years; thence to Tiffin, Ohio,
one year, and has since had charge of the church at Landeck, this
county, which was organized in 1867, being formed from a part of St.
John's congregation of Delphos. Father Heiland has elevated himself
to his present position through his own efforts and the help of God,
having entered upon his career in life a poor boy. (For record of the
Catholic Church at Landeck, see Church History, Marion Township.)
IRA S. HERRICK, dealer in general hardware and agricultural im-
plements, Delphos, was bom in Kirkersville, Licking Co., Ohio,November
9, 1842. His father Simeon was born in Delaware, Ohio, 1812, and was the
son of Septimius Herrick, a native of Vermont, who served in the war of
1812, and after its settlement, located in Delaware. Mr. Herrick's an-
cestry dates back to very early times in the history of the Union, both
from the Herricks and the Hatchs (his mother's people), and among the
latter is Rufus Hatch of New York City. In 1873, Mr. Herrick left
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 637
farming in Licking County, and engaged in his present line here where he
has been suocessfallv connected since. He married in 1875, Mrs. Eliza-
beth, widow of Mr. Schauber (by whom she had a daughter, Zella), and
daughter of Jacob Boos, farmer of Knox Ck>unty, Ohio, and a native of
Pennsylvania. They have one son, Harold HerricL Mr. Merrick has
been an active citizen since coming here and has given a cordlial support
to the development of Delphos' interests. Upon the call for troops in
1861 for 75,(XK) men, he willingly responded, and did service in Company
G., Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Lifantry. In October of the same year he
re-enlisted in Company D. Sixty-lifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where
he did active and honorable service for three years and three months,
when he was honorably discharged.
JOHN HENRY HESSELING, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was born in
Hanover, Germany, December 8, 1829; son of John Harmon and Nar-
pheimia (Beenmun) Hesseling, former a shoemaker in Germany, and a
farmer in America (he helped to out the road through from Ottawa to
Clyde, Ohio; he died in 1844); latter died in Germany in 1831, leaving
five children: John Harmon, Jane, Catherine, Eliza and John Henry.
By his second wife — Catherine (Fracita) — John Harmon Hesseling had
two children: Margaret and Lucetta. Our subject was brought to America
in 1832, his parents locating in Putnam County, Ohio, where he grew to
maturity, assisting on a farm and attending the common schools. He
came to this county in 1869, and has cleared and placed under cultiva-
tion all but twelve acres of his farm of 140 acres, and has also assisted
in clearing six other farms. He has recently purchased a farm of fifty
acres near Delphos for his son, and erected, in 1881, a substantial resi-
dence. April 28, 1857, Mr. Hesseling was married to Mary Ann Hemme,
also a native of Germany, bom July 25, 1835, and who came to America
in 1841; nine children have been bom to this union: Frank, Mary, John
Harmon, John Henry, Charles Andrew, Katie, Joseph, Denie and Will-
iam. Our subject is an active member of the Catholic Church.
LEONARD HILTNEB, farmer and postmaster, Landeck, was bom
in Germany, Febraary 24, 1828; son of Leonard and Barbara (Dim-
hofer) Hiltner (both deceased), parents of seven children: Michael, Eva,
Annie, George, Leonard, Barbara (deceased), Theresa (deceased), and
Barbara (deceased). Our subject i^^s educated in the common schools
of his native land, and in 1853 came to America, locating in Van Wert
County, Ohio, near Delphos, and for eight years was engaged in teach-
ing a German school. He also spent three years teaching in Wisconsin
and Minnesota, after which he purchased the only store at Landeck
and embarked in mercantile business. Mr. Hiltner was conmiissioned
postmaster at Landeck in 1872, which office he still retains. He rents
his store room and gives iiis attention to farming. He was married,
May 29, 1865, to Elizabeth Wedig, who was bom in Germany in
1840, daughter of Henry and Annie Wedig. Ten children have been
bom to this union: Annie M., Mary A., Leonard (deceased), Philip,
Kate, Michael, Bosa, John G., Henry W., and an infant (deceased). Our
subject is a member of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
BEV. FATHEB ALOYSIUS ISIDOBE HOEFFEL, pastor of the
Church of Si John the Evangelist, Delphos, was born in Llitzelbourg,
38
Digitized by LjOOQIC
638 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
department of Meorthe, diocese of Nancy, May 14, 1832. At the age of
fourteen he entered the college of St Amand at Ooortrai, Belgium,
remaining there five years. He afterward spent four years in Fene-
trange College and Pont-^ Mousson Seminary, France, and was inscribed
at Nancy, bat soon after left for America, and after passing a few days
with friends and relations, near Norwalk« Ohio, immediately entered
St. Mary's Seminary at Cleveland, Ohio, where, after three vears' study,
he was ordained by the Very Key. Bishop Rappe, June 13, 1858. He
was then sent to Defiance, Ohio, to replace Father Weeterhold, from
where, for ten years, he performed clerical duties in the following coun-
ties: Defiance, Henry, Paulding, Williams, Fulton, touching over to Lucas
and Putnam County, and coming here in the latter part of January, 1868,
where he has been actively engaged in clerical work since.' (See History
of Catholic Church at Delphos, p. 451.)
JOHN HOTZ, proprietor of restaurant and saloon, Delphos, is a
native of Crawford County, Ohio, bom May 8, 1857; son of Joseph and
Catharine (Frehlick) Hotz, the former a native of Baden, Germany, the
latter of Weissemburg, Alsace. Joseph Hotz came to America in 1848,
settling first in Huron County, Ohio, where he wa^ married, thence moved
to Crawford County, then to Putnam County, and finally to this county,
where he arrived about nineteen years ago, and where he has been a
prominent farmer since. The mother of our subject, on coming to
America, landed at New York, where she remained for a time, thence
went to Huron County, Ohio. They had eleven children, two of whom
died in childhood. Those now living are Frank J., in Delphos, with his
brother; John, Mary, Frank, William, Catharine, Francis, Anna and
Benjamin. All are single but the eldest who married Mary Heitz, by
whom he has one son, Georga Mr. Hotz received a common school
education and staid on the farm with his father until eighteen years of
age, when he began learning the blacksmith trade, at which he v^rked
six years in various places. He then engaged in clerking in a restaurant,
and in August, 1884, he opened out for his own account at his present
stand where he is carrying on a first-class business in his line. Mr.
Hotz started out in the world without a dollar of financial aid, and has
won for himself a place second to none in the business in which he is
engaged. Politically he is an active Democrat
EVAN HUMPHREYS, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was bom near Mach-
yulleth, Montgomeryshire, North Wales, in October, 1818; son of Morris
and Mary (Roberts) Humphreys, also natives of Montgomeryshire; the
mother was a daughter of Evan Roberts. After the death of Mr. Humph-
reys she married William Paul, and died in her native country. The
children bom to Morris and Mary Humphreys were Annie (who died at
twenty-one years of age),Hannah (who became the wife of Richard Fauks,
both dying, leaving tiiree sons and one daughter), and Evan. Our sub-
ject was but six years of age when his father died, and he wbb then
taken by a Mr. Williams, a farmer, to be brought up. He never attended
school a day in his life, but by tact and practical application became
thoroughly acquainted with the system of agriculture, and won the prize,
in a pleasant contest in his native country, over more than sixty teams.
He came with Richard Breece to America, having been married about
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 689
two years previously, or in 1846, to Elizabeth Pugh, who was bom in
1817, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Tibbot) Pogh. After arriving
at Oinoinnati, Ohio, he started oat on foot for Butler County, Ohio, with
but three cents, all he then possessed, in his pocket There he remained
two and a half years, working in the harvest field at seventy cents per
day, and chopping in the winter season at twenty-five cents per cord,
boarding himself. Upon his arrival in this county from Butler County,
he purchased for $600 eighty acres of his present farm, which was then
heavily timbered. Here he secured a farm of 260 acres, one of the most
beautiful and well-cultivated in Allen County, and by practical ability
has placed himself in the foremost rank of agriculture. His children
are Lizzie, bom in Butler County in 1849, now widow of David T.
Morgan (by whom she had three children: Evan, Robert and Essie);
Evan, who was born in Allen Cpunty, May 14, 1851, farming with the
father (he was married to Maggie Davis, daughter of Edward Davis of
Van Wert County, Ohio, and by her has had three children: Evan,
Annie E. and Edward). The family are members of the Congregational
Church.
WILLAM J. HUMPHREYS, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was bom in
Wales, August 27, 1828; son of John and Elenor (Ellis) Humphreys,
also natives of Wales, the former of whom died in 1864 aged sixty-seven,
latter in 1879. They were the parents of ten children: Mary, David,
William J., John, Hugh (died in the army), Elenor, Edward, Bollond,
Biohard and Ann. The paternal grandparents of our subject were
William and Ann Humphreys, and the maternal grandparents were Darid
and Elenor Ellis. Our subject was thirteen years of age when his par-
ents immigrated to America, locating in Cambria County, Penn., where he
grew to maturity, assisting on a farm and attending the common school.
He came to this county in 1858, comparatively a poor man, but industry
and enterprise have now placed him in possession of property worth about
$10,000. From a state of nature his farm has gradually developed into
one of the best in the township. In 1884 he erected a very Une frame
residence, and his other buildings are all in keeping. During the late war
Mr. Humphreys served 100 days in Company F, Ohio National Guards,
One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment, was drafted later and served
till the close of the war in Company D, Seventy-sixth Regiment. He
was married March 1, 1853, to Miss Margaret Davis, also a native of
Wales, bom April 7, 1832, died October 8, 1874, and to this union were
bom ten children: John, Elizabeth, Harriet, George, Howard, Mary
(deceased), David, William, Mary E. and Margaret (deceased). Mr.
Humphreys was married for the second time November 27, 1877, to Miss
Jane W. Evans, of Cambria County, Penn., bom October 13, 1834, daughter
of William and Nancy (Cade) Evans. Our subject is a consistent mem-
ber of the Welsh Congregational Church at Gomer; in politics he is a
Republican.
JACOB HDNSAKER, was bom where Pittsburgh, Penn., now is,
about the year 1783, and was a descendant of the early Swiss settlers of
the Stata At the age of eight years he was captured by the Indians,
his parents being murdered at the time and scalped, and the scalps sold.
After his capture he was taken through the wilderness of the eastern part
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640 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
of the State of Ohio, and finally over to Canada, near the Falls of Niag-
ara, and there resided with an Indian chief named Walker, who kept a
trading post at the time. At the death of the chief he was exchanged as
a prisoner, haying been with the Indians nine years, returning to Penn-
sylvania. In the year 1804, he was married to Elizabeth Hoffman^ a native
of Lancaster County, Penn. (her father was a soldier in Gen. Wayne's
expedition* against the Indians, through the western part of the now
State of Ohio, and was killed at the battle of the Rapids, a few miles
below Fort Defiance, on the Maumee River, in August, 1794). Shortly
after their marriage, in 1804, they emigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio,
and settled ten miles east of Lancaster, in Rush Creek Township, and
resided there to the time of their death, which occurred in 1853 and
1854, respectively. By occupation he was a farmer and auctioneer.
There were born to them three sons and three daughters. George Hun-
saker, their eldest son, was bom May 12, 1809; Mary Stemen, his wife,
was born August 26, 1806. Her parents came from Greene County, Penn.,
to Fairfield County, Ohio, in the year 1803. In October, 1841, they set-
tled in Allen County, Ohio, and there died, the mother August 23, 1844,
and the father in October, 1855. George Hunsaker and Mary Stemen
were married June 16, 1831, and settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, and
Samuel Hunsaker, their eldest son, was bom May 20, 1832. In the year
1834 they moved to Perry County, Ohio, and there the rest of the family
were born, four daughters and one son, the son dying in infancy, April
25, 1849. In the year 1852 they, with their family of one son and four
daughters, came to Allen County, Ohio, and settled in the then forest,
and now th^farm where their son Samuel now resides, three miles east
of Delphos, on October 20, 1852, and there continued to reside till the
death of George Hunsaker, who died January 9, 1877; his widow, Mary,
died June 12, 1883; they are interred in the Mennonite cemetery in
Sugar Creek Township, this county. They were members of the Mission-
ary Baptist Church. Their three daughters are residents of the county;
the eldest daughter died in Iowa, in April 1881. Samuel Hunsaker was
married December 13, 1866, to Petra Nella Huyeeman, of Putnam
County, Ohio, who was bom March 10, 1844, in Province of North Bra-
bant, Holland. In June, 1848, she immigrated with her parents, Henry
and Petra Nella Huyesman, and settled in Monteray Township, Putnam
County, Ohio. After their marriage they settled on the farm where they
now reside, known as the Old Hunsakei* Farm. There were bom to them
the following children: Augusta, bom November 11, 1867; Nella
W., bom January 10, 1869; George Henry, bom September 29,
1870; Louisa, bom March 12, 1872; Mary, bom January 31. 1874;
Emma H., bom January 27, 1876 ; Samuel, born May 2, 1878 (died
September 1, 1878); Aaron, bom March 11, 1880; Lydia E., bom Sep-
tember 11, 1882.
JAMES I. IRICE, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was born in Mercer County,
Ohio, July 29, 1845, son of A. F. Irick. He remained with his parents
until after arriving at maturity, receiving a limited education. He first
purchased a farm of forty acres which he has placed under cultivation,
and here he erected a fine residence and made other improvements, and
his farm now consists of 120 acres of choice land. Mr. Irick enlisted in
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 641
the Ohio National Guards daring the war of the Rebellion, bat was not
called into active service. He was married September 6, 1866, to Miss
Melvina Ditto, daughter of William W. and Mahala (Brown) Ditto, and
born in Brown Coanty, Ohio, July 16, 1845. To thi^ union have been
born ten children: twins, not named and deceased in infancy; Emma,
bom May 22, 1868; William W., born January 6, 1870; Alexander, born
October 23, 1872, died August 14, 1873; Charles, bom July 5, 1874,
died September 5, 1874; Frank, born July 9, 1875; Stephen, bom May
16, 1877; Albertas J., bom November 22, 1879; Arthur E., born July
19, 1884 Mr. Irick is a member of Marion grange; in politics he is a
Democrat.
EVAN H. JONES, farmer and engineer, P. O. Delphos, was un-
doubtedly the first child of Welsh parentage to come into the world in
Marion Township, bom on the farm which is his present home, January
15, 1844, son of Daniel and Martha (Jones) Jones, who were parents of
eight children: Evau H., Elizabeth A. (wife of John B. Williams, in
New Straitsville, Ohio), Mary J., Martha (wife of Evan D. Thomas, in
Putnam County, Ohio), Hannah (wife of Thotnas W. Evans, in Putnam
County, Ohio), Bichard (deceased), Margaret (deceased wife of John G.
Evans, family in Putnam County, Ohio), Bobert D., in Putnam County,
Ohio. The father died October 2, 1862, highly respected by the entire
community. His widow, who now resides with her son, was born April
13, 1817, in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, Great Britian, daughter of
John and Elizabeth (Hughs) Jones, both of whom came to America in
1843, and here died. The subject of this sketch received an indifferent
education, remaining with his father until August 21, 1862, when he
enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Eighteenth Begiment, Capt.
Budolph Beul, of Delphos. He was in the engagement at Besaca,
through the Georgia campaign, at Atlanta, Franklin, Tenn., Nashville
and Fort Smith, N. C. He was bruised by a solid shot, this being his
only wound, and was discharged June 24, 1865, and returned home where
he engaged in farming. Mr. Jones was married January 11, 1870, to
Mahala Myers, who was bom in Fairfield County, April 22, 1848,
daughter of Isaac J. and Leah (Houser) Myers, who came to Sugar
Creek Township, in 1848. Our subject and wife have had four children:
Martha L., Daniel E. and Sarah E. (these two died in childhood), and
Augusta. Mr. Jones, outside of farming, is engaged in civil engineer-
ing. Politically he is a Bepublican. He and his family belong to the
Congregational Church.
WILLIAM WILSON JUDKINS, farmer, P. O. Box 77. Delphos,
was bom in Brown County, Ohio, January 10, 1835, son of John D. and
Elizabeth (Dunham) Judkins, natives of Brown County, Ohio, former of
whom was born October 11, 1811, died September 6, 1841; latter was
born January 12, 1814, died February 8, 1876, a daughter of Gideon and
Mary (Bowen) Dunham, whose children were Sarah, Buth, Gideon
(ex- member congress), Bebecca, David, Wilson and Elizabeth. John D.
Judkins, born October 11, 1811, was a son of Joel Jadkins, who was
without doubt a descendant of Joel and Sarah Judkins, of Boston, latter
of whom died in that city November 26, 1657, and where her eldest son.
Job, was bom May 3, or 10, 1637, and died the same year. The paternal
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642 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
grandmoiher of oar subject, Rebecca Drake, was a descendant of the cel-
ebrated English navigator, Sir Francis Draka The children of John
D. and Elizabeth Jadkins were William Wilson; Franklin D., who
enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, and died at Nashville, Tenn., December 8, 1863, leaving no
heirs; Rebecca Drake, deceased, leaving one son — Franklin Drake Ho\>-
son; Sarah E., wife of John W. Antrim (have two children: Fen ton D.
and Isadora Anna, both graduates of Delphos School), and Susannah
(deceased wife of N. W. Stemen, she left two daughters: Elizabeth and
Sarah P.). When our subject was six and a half years old his father
died, and at the. age of nine years, being thrown on his own resources,
he entered upon his career as a clerk in a store, receiving $6 per month.
After nine months at this work, which was not to his taste, he turned his
attention to agricultural labor and has since made farming his chief
occupation of life. After arriving at maturity, he attended, for six
months, a common school where he obtained his education in such
branches as to enable him to teach school, and he eventually taught
eighteen terms, as well as attending to other business interests. Mr. Judkins
was married November 10, 1857, to Miss Emily J. Manker, who w^ bom
in Highland County, Ohio, October 3, 1838 or 1839 (owing to a change
in the records the exact date cannot be determined on), daughter of Hiram
and Phoeba (Swadley) Manker, natives of Highland County, Ohio (both
deceased), and who were the parents of six children: Ellen (wife of J.
Dillsaver), Louisa (deceased), Melvina, Sarah A., Emily J. and Santford
H. To this union were bom three children: John H., married to Martha
E. Patrick (they have two sons: Orlo W. and Clarence), Ella J. and
Charles D. Mr. Judkins came to this county March 15, 1858, and
located in Marion Township on Section 16, remaining two years, and then
returned to southern Ohio and engaged in teaching till the commence-
ment of the war, when, being unable to go into active service, he entered
the quartermaster's depai*tment of transportation, and was stationed at
Camp Nelson, Ey., where he remained till the close of the war; he then
returned to this county and engaged in farming and teaching. Mr.
Judkins purchased his present farm in 1865, twenty acres of which were
improved; the balance he placed under a very high state of cultivation,
erecting substantial buildings thereon. He is an active member of
Marion grange, and since the age of twelve years has Yyeen a consistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and an active Sabbath school
worker. In politics he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the
Republican party. He has in his possession an old book containing the
rules of arithmetic written on English crown paper, in 1800, by his
grandfather Judkins.
JOHN KING, attorney at law, Delphos. was born in Greene County,
Ohio, January 22, 1822, his father. David King, a farmer, having located
there from^ North Carolina; the original members of the family settled in
Virginia in early times. Mr. King completed his literary training at the
Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware, Ohio, and engaged in the prac-
tice of law, coming to this locality about 1846. He married in Delphos,
in 1848, Miss Annie M Metcalf, of Cincinnati, daughter of Rev. Amos
and Sarah (Cl3rmer) Metcalf (former deceased), and niece of the late Hon.
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 648
Benjamin Metcalf, of Lima. They have one daughter — Fannie, wife of
Horace A. Reeve, attorney at law, Delphos. Mr. King has alwajH given
a hearty support to measares in the interest of the social and basiness
life of the city. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Ohnrch;
has been for many years a F. & A. M. ; is a R. A. M.
FREDERICK EOLLSMITH, wagon and carriage mannfactorer,
Delphos, was bom near Osnabmck, Hanover, Germany, October 19, 1835,
his father, Henry Kollsmith, being a blacksmith there. Frederick was
reared to that business, and at the age of sixteen came to America and
settled in Delphos, where he has since been successfully connected with
this industry, his various kinds of wagons, etc., being well and favorable
known, the business being started in 1855. He was married in 1858 to
Miss Mary Ossenbeck, bSrn near Deep Gut, Auglaise County, in 1839,
her father, Henry Ossenbeck, a brewer, having settled in the state, (from
Germany) in early times. Mr. and Mrs. Kollsmith's family consists of
six sons and three daughters: John, Frank, Clara, Henry, Joseph, The-
resa, Freddie, Flora and Leo. In January, 1884, Mrs. Kollsmith passed
away in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church, and is buried
in the Roman Catholic cemetery here. Mr. Kollsmith has always given
a cordial support to all measures tending to the city's development.
He was chief of the fire department for three years; has been a member
of the council, and has held other important local official positions.
KRUTSCH BROS., dealers in furniture, etc., Delphos, repre-
sent a leading factor in this important industry here. The firm consists
of two brothers, Charles A. and Frank H, who for many years carried
on contracting in painting and decorating here. They established their
present business April 4, 1881, and now propose to do considerable in
the way of manufacturing. They come from a pioneer family in the
State, their grandfather, George Krutsch, having settled in Fairfield
County, Ohio, from Germany, about 1805. Their father, George W.
Krutsch, now a contractor and builder in Delphos, was bom in Fairfield
County, April 17, 1822, and had four brothers and four sisters: Rachel
{deceased), Benona C, a carpenter in Delphos; Elizabeth (deceased),
William (deceased), Catherine (deceased), Margaret, David Otho, a car-
penter and builder; and Henry C. (deceased). George W., the father,
learned wagon -making in Perry County, and in 1849 came to Marion
Township where he subsequently engaged at carpentering and building.
He married, September 7, 1848, Miss Rosanna Burkett, by whom he had
five sons and a daughter, of whom Charles A. and Frank H. survive.
The deceased are Oliver H., Mary Elizabeth, Joseph and George B., all
buried in the city cemetery here. He did active service in the Mexican .
war. Since coming here he has accumulated a nice competence, and has
given a helping hand in the furtherance of many of the interests of Del-
phos.
HENRY KUNDERT, livery,feed, sale and exchange stables. Delphos,
was born in Delphos, September 28, 1860, son of Henry and Wilhelmina
Pedicord (Myers) Kundert, the former a native of Switzerland, the
latter of Rotterdam, Holland; she had one child, William, by her first
marriage, and he is in the saddlery business at Fennimore, Wis. Henry
Kundert was a contractor and builder, and carried on business many years
Digitized by LjOOQIC
644 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
in DelphoB before his death. The children by his first wife were Fred
and Annie, who is the wife of Walter Cordell, both of Delphos; and the
children by the second marriage were Martha, wife of Evan J. Williams
of the firm of Tnar & Williams; Henry, Egbert, Jacob and Minnie. The
subject of this sketch, owing to his father's death, started oat for himself
early in life, engaging first in the produce and commission business, in
which, by shrewdness and business tact he was successful. He then
embarked in his present business, in which he is one of the foremost in
the city. He is affable and pleasant, an energetic and enterprising busi-
ness man.
B. H. LAUSE (deceased) was a native of Mela, Germany, born March
20, 1820, died November 15, 1871; he was a son of Henry Lause who had
five children, D. H. ; Clara, widow of Caspar Metzger, living in Marion
Township, this county; Mary, wife of Andrew Glucky, in Dayton, Ohio;
Frederick, in Marion Township, this county; Elizabeth, widow of Joseph
Swatzengerber, also in Marion Township. Our subject landed at New
York in 1844, and settled at Fort Jennings, in Putnam Co., Ohio.
He was married April 10, 1849, to Elizabeth Miller, born April 80, 1832,
near Osnabruck,Germany, daughter of Frederick and Catharine (Soharf)
Miller, who came to America in 1847, landing at New Orleans, thence
moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there to Delphos, the same year,
where the father worked at the carpenter's trade until his death. He died
in 1853, aged fifty-two years. Mrs. Lause was their only child. All her
uncles and aunts on her father's side left families in Germany. To our
subject and wife were bom ten children, all living in this county, viz.:
Catharine, bom October 11, 1850, wife of Christopher Beckman ; Mary,
born September 13, 1855, wife of William Potchas ; Fredrica, (deceased,
aged 3 years); Anna, born February 3, 1859, wife of Matthew Sever,
died Febraary 2, 1881, leaving two children ; Clara, born October 26,
1860, wife of William Sever ; John, born February 6, 1863 ; Eliz-
abeth, born September 3, 1866, wife of John Potchas ; Josephine, born
January 12, 1868 ; Emma, born March 13, 1870 ; Henry, born April 5,
1872. Mr. Lause took an active part in the improvement of stock and
farm products. He started out in life in slender circumstances, but by
great energy and perseverance, secured for his family two fine farms of
each 120 and eighty acres. He was highly esteemed by his neighbors
and the citizens of Marion Township generally. His son, John, who
is farming on the homestead, and looking after his mother and family,
is following closely in the footsteps of his father, and is a highly re-
spected young man.
FREDERICK LAUSE, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was born in Hanover,
Germany, March 2, 1825, son of Henry and Mary (Giesker) Lause, who
were parents of seven children: Henry, Catharine, Elisabeth (deceased),
Mary, Frederick, Elisabeth and Clara. Our subject received a common
school education, and learned the carpenter's trade in his native land,
coming to America when twenty years of age, and locating in this coun-
ty. He purchased his present farm in 1850, and from a forest has trans-
formed it into one of the best farms of Marion Township. His fine resi-
dence was erected during the summer of 1884. Mr. Lause was married
April 3, 1856, to Mary Pohlmann, bom in Hanover, Germany, May 2,
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 645
183S, and who was brought to America when six years old. Her parents,
Caspar and Clara (Henseler) Pohlmann, had the following children:
John, Mary and Clemens (living); Elisabeth, Henry, Joseph, Theresia,
Anna, Catharina and Clara (deceased.) Twelve children were born to
our subject and wife: Mary, Elisabeth (deceased), Dina, Caspar, Henry
(deceased), Frank Clara, Anna, Clemens, Joseph, Frederick and Aloy-
sins. The fami^ are consistent members of the Catholic Church.
HENRY LINDEMANN, trustee of Marion Township, and boot and
shoe merchant, Delphos, was born near Osnabruck, Germany, November
25, 1834, son of Frederick and Clara (Monter) Lindemann. He came
to America in 1845 with his people, who settled here, and at eigh-
teen years of age began his trade in Delphos, and has since been success-
fully connected with the business here. He married, in 1858, Miss Clara
Ossenbach, who was born in Kossuth, Auglaize County, Ohio, her father
having settled there, coming from Oldenburg, Germany, about 1840. They
have live sons and four daughters: John, assistant probate judge of Al-
len County ; Theresa, Franks a shoemaker; Clara, Alexander, Rosa, Mar-
quis, Ida and Willie. Mr. Lindemann has served in civic offices in Del-
phos for many years ; has been trustee for six years, marshal of the city
ten years, deputy sheriff ten years, and has held other important local
official positions. For four years he has been treasurer of the Roman
Catholic Church.
BERNARD AND FREDERICK LINDEMANN, manufacturers and
dealers in boots and shoes, Delphos, are sons of Frederick Lindemann, a
farmer who came from near Osnabruck, Germany, and settled on a farm
in Marion Township, this county, in November, 1844. His family con-
sisted of eight sons and three daughters: Joseph, a farmer; Fredenck;
Henry, a shoe-maker; Frank, a farmer; Anna, widow of Charles Vonder-
embse, deceased; Bernard ;Conrad, a farmer; Eate,wifeof Henry Beckman,
carptsnter and builder; Otto, a shoemaker; Mary, wife of Frank WahmhofE^
druggist; and John, a shoemaker. Bernard Lindemann was bom in
Delphos, March 7, 1850, and learned his business here. He married in
September, 1871, Miss Margaretta, daughter of the late Michael Brick-
ner, merchant of this place, bom in Bieme, Bavaria, and who came to
America in 1836, when a boy, settling in Marion Township, this county,
in 1851. Frederick Lindemann, the other member of the firm, was bom
in Germany; he married, in 1860, Elizabeth Schwarte, of XJlm, Germany.
They have three sons and three daughters: Frances, Lizzie, George,
Charles, Rosa and Bernard.
MINOR T. LONG, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Delphos, was bom
in Clermont County, Penn., Aug. 24, 1845. His parents, Jacob and
Rebecca Long, are natives of Ohio and early settlers in this county.
The subject of our sketch was reared on the farm and has been a success-
ful agriculturist. He has always given a cordial support to measures
tending to the advancement of the best interests of his locality, and has
figured prominently in municipal politics, serving with honorable reputa-
tion in the township council and the school board of his district Dur-
ing the late civil war he did active service in McLaughlin's Squadron,
Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, from which he received an honorable discharge
at the end of the struggle. He is present commander of Reul Post,
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€46 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
No. 95, Q. A. B. Mr. Long married in 1867 Miss Jane Tucker, daughter
of Greenbur J Tucker, and to this union have been bom one son and one
daughter, living; Oora E, and Delmer D. He and his wife are mem-
bers of the Metiiodist Church in which he has served as an official for
several years.
ISAAC LXJDWIG, owner of "Sunnyside" Farm, P. O. Delphos, was
born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 3, 1842, and was brought to
this county in 1849 with his people. His father, Jacob Ludwig, a
native of Pickaway County, was a son of Jacob Ludwig, who set-
tled in that county, coming from Bucks County, Penn., about seventy
years ago. The subject of our sketch was reared on the farm. Upon
the breaking out of the war of the Bebellion, he enlisted in Company
B, McLauchlin*s Squadron, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and remained
in service till the close of the war, when he received an honor*
able discharge as a paroled prisoner from Libby prison, where he had
been but recently confined. After the war he retamed to farming, a
pursuit he has since been successfully engaged in. Mr. Ludwig was
united in marriage in 1866, with Miss Sophronia J., daughter of the
late Thomas Harbaugh, of Putnam County. They have a family of four
children: Thomas J., Omar L, Luella and Guy. He and his wife are
active members of the Presbyterian Church of Delphos. He is a mem-
ber of Beul Post, G. A. B., Marion Grange 802, Edith Lodge, E. of H.,
Hope Lodge, F. & A. M. and Delphos Chapter 105, B. A M.
CHABLES C. LUDWIG, farmer and teacher, P. O. Delphos, is a
representative of one of the oldest and most prominent families in Mar-
ion Township, bom in Allen County, Ohio, May 12, 1853, son of Jacob
Ludwig. His life until attaining his majority was spent with his father
on the farm, excepting such time as was occupied in attending the dis-
trict school and one year spent in Lebanon, Ohio, and about one year in
Normal, 111. Since then he has been engaged as a teacher and farmer.
He was married, February 8, 1883, to Melissa J. Neff, who was bom
near Fremont, Ohio, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Myers) Neff,
and by this union has been bom one son, Lucien Earl. Mr. Ludwig is a
Master Mason of Hope Lodge 214, at Delphos; a member of Lodge
201, 1. O. O. F., and a member of Marion Grange 302. He has taught
twenty- four terms in the schools of Marion Township, and as a teacher,
citizen and friend is most highly esteemed and regarded as a most enter-
prising, energetic and genial man.
FBANCIS JOSEPH LYE was born in the hamlet of Wollschiller,
Alsace, Germany, March 19, 1817. In 1828 his father came to America
with his family, of whom an unmarried daughter, Frances, and the sub-
ject of our sketch remain. Their father, Francis Joseph, died h^re in
1869, and their mother, Anna Maria, in 1872. Mr. Lye began life at
wagon-making (his father's business), and after six years took up hotel
business in ]o46, and subsequently engaged in merchandising, with which
he has been identified here since. He has also been inl^rested in most
of the important industries of Delphos. He was one of the original
proprietors of the First National Bank, and held a directorship for many
years. He was prominently identified with the organization and build-
ing of the XToion Flouring Mills; has held the treasurership of Allen
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 647
County; been trostee of Marion Township; member of the city councils
many years; of the city school board, and has held many other local
official positions. Mr. Lye was married in McCutcbenville, Ohio, to
Mary Ajin Burton, who died in 1872. They had eleven children, eight
of whom are living: Lauretta Odelia, wife of J. H. Zimerle; Clement
Vincent, in St Paul, Minn.; Rosalia Frances, wife of S. F. Shenk; Jo-
seph Marcellus, in Sioux City, Iowa; Leo F., a miller; Mary Lucina,
wife of Joseph F. Limbach, a teacher; Francis A., butcher; William £.,
tinner, in Delphos. Mr. Lye has always been a member of the Boman
Catholic Church, of which Mrs. Lye died a full communicant
B. E. LYTLE, banker and manufacturer, Delphos, was bom in
Stark County, Ohio, February 17, 1819 ; son of Bobert and Hannah
(Knox) Lytle, former of Lrish, latter of Scotch descent They were
parents of the following children : James, deceased, leaving a family at
8t Mary's, Ohio ; Mary, who became the wife of David Williams, both
of whom are now deceased ; Edmond, residing near Sidney, Ohio ;
Margaret, widow of John Walkup of Delphos ; and B. E. The father
died in 1821, the mother in 1842. The subject of this sketch, with his
mother and other members of the family, moved to Sidney, Ohio, in
1833. In 1839 he entered the freshman class at the Miami University,
and there remained until completing his junior year ; he then began the
study of medicine with Dri G. Yolney Dorsey, an eminent surgeon of
Piqua, Ohio, where he remained one year. Bnt surgery being distasteful
to him, he discontinued the study of the profession and devoted his time
to school teaching until 1845, when he came to Delphos and took charge
of the general store of Hollister, Bliss & Petit, in which capacity he
continued two and a half years, when he became a member of the firm of
Hollister, Bliss & Lytle, which continued until 1856. The clothing and
dry goods firm of Lytle & Bobuck was then formed, and existed until
1859, when it was dissolved. The firm of B. E. Lytle & Co., dealers in
general merchandise, was next established, and was carried on until 1864,
when Mr. Lytle rented his store room and removed to Sidney, Ohio, to
live a retired life on account of poor health. Two years being spent in
retirement, Mr. Lytle became interested in the firm of Lytle & Scoft, of
Delphos, which in 1873 was terminated, owing to Mr. Scott's health.
Our subject remained in Sidney until 1872, when he returned to Delphos,
and engaged with his partner in building the Lytle Block. In 1874,
upon the organization of the Commercial Banking Corporation, he be-
came president, in which capacity he still continues. He is a director in
the Ohio Wheel Company, also a director in the Union Stave Factory.
At the request of the people of the Fifth Congressional District, he became
a candidate for Congress upon the Bepablican ticket, against A. V. Bice,
receiving 8,279 votes against 13,477 for his opponent, which was the
smallest Democratic majority ever given in the district Mr. Lytle was
thrice married, first at St Mary's, Ohio, in 1846, to Martha L.,
daughter of Samuel Major, and by her had six children, all of whom
died young. Mrs. Lytle dying in 1864, Mr. Lytle married, in 1866,
Mary Sprague of Wooster, Ohio, daughter of Lindol Sprague. To
ihis union were bom two children, both of whom are living: Lindol
8. and Margaret E. The mother of these children died in 1874.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
648 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and our subject's third marriage occurred, May 10, 1876, with Mise
Isabelle B. Harn of St. Mary's, Ohio, daughter of Denton and Bachel
(Pickett) Harn. Both he and his present wife are descended from
the celebrated Knox family ; his mother a distant ccnnection of
James Knox Polk, eleventh President of the United States. Mr. Lytle
is a Boyal Arch Mason and a member of the Royal Arcanum. He is a
member of the Presbyterian Church of Delphos, in which he is a trus-
tee and of which he was instrumental in the construction.
JAMES FRANCIS McSHANE, merchant, was bom in Pittsburgh,
Penn., June 1, 1851. His father, James McShane, merchant of t«hat city,
having come to Pittsburgh from Dungannon, County Tyrone, Ireland,
about 1820, Mr. McShane was reared to merchandising and completed
a good business education in the Iron City College of Pittsburgh, ^e
was afterward very reputably identified with book-keeping and managing^
of business interests in his native city. He was united in marriage, in
1878, with Miss Catherine A., daughter of the late Peter Phelan, and the
only survivor of that family. She is a lady of fine literary and musical
attainments, a graduate of the Ursnline Convent, Toledo. To our subject
and wife have been bom one son, Peter, and one daughter, Kathleen A. ,
living, and one child (the eldest) buried in the Roman Catholic cemetery.
In lo78 Mr. McShane came to Delphos with the view of taking charge
of the interests of the late Peter Phelan, and has had successful business
connections here since. He is a director of the Delphos National Bank ;
of the Decatur National Bank, of Decatur, Ind.; also dii^tor of the
Ohio Wheel Company, of Delphos ; general manager, secretary and treas-
urer of the Delphos Gas Light Company ; and has held stock in many
other interests here. He and his wife are regular communicants of the
Roman Catholic Church.
GEORGE MEIHLS, proprietor of billiard room and saloon, Del-
phos, was born in Hessen -Darmstadt, Germany, June 23, 1836 ; son of
John and Mary (Leit) Meihls, natives of Germany (both deceased), par-
ents of six children : Elizabeth, John, Andrew. Jacob, Philip and
George. Our subject received a common school education in his native
land* and in his seventeenth year came to America, locating at Delphos,
Ohio, where he worked in a cabinet shop eight months, then engaged in
the saloon business two years. In 1858 he moved to Spencerville, this
county, where he was for about twenty -six years proprietor of the **Kol-
ter House." He returned to Delphos in May, 1884, and re-entered the
saloon and billiard business. Our subject was married April 26, 1858, to
Miss Elizabeth Eleinheus, who was born in Germany in August, 1886, died
April 14, 1870. By this union were born five children: Susie, Milton,
George, Minnie and Philip. Mr. Meihls' second marriage was in 1872, with
Elizabeth Neidhardt, who was born in August, 1848, and their family
numbers four children : William H., Mary, Herman and John. Mr.
Meihls was clerk of Spencer Township, this county, twelve years and
councilman three years. He was a charter member of the order of Red
Men at Spencerville, and is an active member of the I. O. O. F. In pol-
itics he is a Democrat. Our subject has paid two visits to his native
land, on the second of which his father came to America with him.
DAVID MINNIG, proprietor of Minnig's planing mill and furniture
factory, Delphos, was born in Berne, Switzerland, February 10, 1828,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 649
and there learned cabinet making. At twenty-two he came to America
and in Augost, 1850, located in Marion Township. In 1853 he united
in partnership with E. A. Garfield, manufacturer of this place, and who
died in 1855, since which time Mr. Minnig has conducted the business,
giving employment to about eight or ten skilled workmen. He married
at DelphoB, in 1857, Miss Margaret Foulk, who was born in Aran, Switzer-
land, in 1842. They have no children of their own, but have adopted
Isaac Justice. They are members of the German Reformed Church.
HENBY JOHN MOENNIG, merchant, Delphos, was bom nearOsna-
brack, Germany, January 15, 1830, son of John Christopher and Eliza-
beth Moennig, and grandson of John D. Moennig. In 1843 they came
to this country and settled in Delphos. His father's family consisted of
Henry J., William, in Chattanooga, Tenn., Mary (wife of Henry Gerde-
man, pioneer of Washington Township, Van Wert Ca), Angelica
(deceased), Herman (deceased), and Frederick H., a merchant of Delphos.
The parents and grandfather are buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery,
Delphos. The subject of our sketch when seventeen years of age engaged
in merchandising, and when twenty-two embarked in business for himself
with a general stock of goods, continuing successfully for many years.
He married in Delphos, in 1897, Miss Mary B., eldest daughter of the
late Ferdinand Bredeick, by whom he has three sons and two daughters
living: Ferdinand H., Elizabeth B., Henry J. Jr., Agnes and Otto. In
1866 he opened out in the hardware business, adding agricultural imple-
ments, and carried on a successful trade until he retired, turning over his
hardware trade to his eldest son, Ferdinand H., retaining the agricul-
tural implement business. He has given a cordial support to many other
interests of Delphos, including banking and manufacturing, and is con-
siderably interested in agriculture and stock raising. He has served
several terms as a member of the city council, clerk and treasurer of
Washington Township, trustee of the Roman Catholic Church, and has
filled other local and official positions.
DAVID H. MTERS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Delphos, was bora
on his present farm, Decembers, 1849; son of Silas Pryor Myers, a native
of Hamilton County, Ohio, who settled in Marion Township, this county,
in 1848, his father having come here from Virginia at an early period
in the history of Hamilton County. The subject of our sketch received
a good literary training and engaged in mercantile pursuits, but relin-
quished them after a short time and returned to the farm upon which he
has been prosperously located since. He married, in 1870, in Van Wert,
Miss Mary Ellen, daughter of the Rev. James F. Mounts, of the Meth-
odist Conference, who was a native of Ohio, and a son of Humphrey
Mounts, of Marion County, Ohio, a native of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs.
Myers have one little girl — Luella A. Mr. Myers is an active, enter-
prising citizen, a shrewd, far-seeing farmer. He is a cordial supporter
of measures tending toward liberal principles in our public, social and
industrial institutions.
JOSEPH OSTENDORF, merchant and manufacturer, Delphos, was
born in Hanover, Germany, February 2, 1822, and was there reared to
the cooper's trade. At the age of twenty-one he came to America and
carried on his business in Cincinnati, moving to Delphos in 1848, and
Digitized by LjOOQIC
650 BIOOBAPHICAL SKETCHES.
oontinuing the same oocnpation till 1860. In 1852 be engaged in mer-
cbandising, from which he retired in 1875. In 1869 he beoiame united
with George W. Hall, in the establishment of the Delpboe Union Stave
Company; in 1875 he accepted the presidency, and has honorably filled
the incumbency since. Mr. Ostendorf married in 1849, Agbes Paul, who
departed this life in 1850, then, in 1852, he married Mrs. Elizabeth
Bredeick (nee Wrocklage), by whom he has two sons and two daughters;
Otto J. and Henry, merchants; Theresa (wife of Henry J. Mulfhorst),
merchant, and Agnes (wife of Dr. F. H. Schlink), all of Delpho& Mrs.
Ostendorf had three daughters by her first marriage, viz: Bemardina
(wife of Henry J. Moennig), merchant; Mary (deceased wife of Charles
E. Shenk), and Emilia (wife of George F. Lang), all of Delphos. • Mr.
Ostendorf has always given a hearty support to all measures condu-
cive to the improvement of the city, and has held prominent positions in
connection with its citizens. His family, who are all grown up, hold
creditable positions in the commercial and social life of Delphos.
ALFORD M. PATRICK, farmer, P. O. Southworth, was bom in
Sugar Creek Township, this county, October 81, 1842s son of Will-
iam and Mary (Demorest) Patrick, former a native of Virginia, an early
settler of Marion County, Ohio, and who came to this county soon aftar
its organization, locating in Sugar Creek Township, dying in 1863, aged
seventy-seven years; latter died in 1846. William Patrick was four times
married, his first and fourth wives dying without issue. His second wife
bore him two sons and one daughter: Washington, in Nevada; John, in
Kansas, and Rebecca (deceased). His third wife bore him six children:
William C, in Sugar Creek Township, this county; Isaac W. in Kansas;
Alford M., Leah (deceased), Mary J. (deceased), and Julia (wife of C. E.
Ensiow, in Indiana). Our subjects education was limited to the common
schools of the neighborhood, and at the age of twenty years he enlisted in
Company E. Ninty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with Capt John Wal-
ters, serving thirty months. He took part in every battle in which his
regiment was engaged, and received an honorable discharge on the con-
solidation of regiments. He came to his present farm in 1867, and from
a wild state he has transformed it into one of the best cultivated farms in
Marion Township, his residence and other buildings being among the
best in the neighborhood. Mr. Patrick was married July 4, 1861, to Miss
Sarah J. Bedford, who was bom in Warren County, Ohio, May 17, 1841,
daughter of Samuel and Mary (Murray) Bedford, now residents of Bath
Township, this county. To this union have been bom seven children:
William A., married to Sarah A. Brown (have one child, Albertie), and now
living in Illinois, Frank W., married to Sarah C. Smith (have one child,
Ella F.), Viola M., Josie E., Julia (deceased), Annie E. (deceased), and
an infant (deceased). Mr. Patrick is a membeo: of Reul Poet, G. A. R., at
Delphos. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically
he ;s a Republican.
BENJAMIN POLING, farmer, P. O. Elida, was bom January 24,
1815, in Fairfield County, Ohio, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Stemen)
Poling, former a son of Rodner and Margaret (Black) Poling, natives of
Virginia; latter a daughter of Peter and Magdalene (Swick) Stemen, also
natives of Virginia. Our subject's parents had a family of six sons and
Digitized by LjOOQ IC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 651
seyen daughters, of whom are now living : Peter (in Hooking County,
Ohio), Benjamin, John (in Fairfield Conntj, Ohio), Noah and Ezra (in
Hocking County, Ohio), Elizabeth, single and living with her sister
Margaret (now the wife of Nathaniel Tucker, in Highland County, Ohio),
fmd Louisa (wife of Bartlett McGinnis, in Van Wert County, Ohio).
Mr. Poling received indiffeirent educational advantages. He was chiefly
with his father assisting him in farm work, unti] his marriage, April 29,
1841, with Elizabeth Short, a native of Pennsylvania, bom September 7,
1817, and who came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in about 1821, with her
parents, John and Elizabeth^(Donaldson) Short, who came to America
from Ireland soon after marriage, landing at Philadelphia. Our subject
and wife are parents of five children: Anna M. (wife of Lafayette Seitz,
of Delphos), William D. (the present county auditor), Rachael (wife of
George W. Laman, in Marion Township, this county), Mary K (at home),
Samuel A. (in Marion Township, this county). Our subject came to his
present home in the fall of 1845, and here he has since resided carrying
on general farming. He has cleared about eighty acres of land in this
county, and now has a nicely improved farm of 120 acres with pleasant
surroundings. Although not desiring ofi^ce, Mr. Poling has been urged
to accept positions of trust, and has taken an active interest in all thinga
conducive to the advancement and general welfare of the people of hia
community. The ancestry of our subject have been remarkable for
longevity of life, all having died at greatly advanced ages.
PATRICK REDMON, proprietor of livery business, Delphos, was
born in county Westmeath, Ireland, in 1828, and immigrated to America
when about eighteen years of age, locating in New York City. Subse*
quently he traveled through several States, visiting Chicago, St. Louis,
New Chrleans, etc., eventually settling down in the livery business for a
time at La Grange, Mo. In 1858 he moved to Van Wert, establishing
the first livery business there, thence went to Crestline, Ohio, where he
engaged extensively in trading and dealing in horses, mules, &c. , doing
a profitable business for some years, and afterward located in Delphos,
in the livery business. Mr. Redmon married, in Crestline, Miss Louisa
Breece, of Delphos, Ohio, and to this union have been bom six sons
and two daughters : Charles, Ida, William, Michael, Albert, Philip,
Arthur and Lillie.
HORACE A. REEVE, attorney at law, Delphos, was born in Han-
cock, Delaware County, N. Y., March 29, 1854 His father, William
Reeve, was a pioneer merchant there, and his immediate ancestors were
the descendants of pioneers of New Jersey, among whom is known the
Hon. Tapping Reeve, of Connecticut, author of ** Domestic Relations'*
and other publications. The subject of our sketch graduated in a full
classical course of study at twenty-two (he had however been admitted
to the practice of law, in Ohio, upon attaining his majority) and after
graduating he accepted the principalship of the schools of Rosco, Ohio.
In 1877 he came to Delphos and engaged actively in the practice of law,
and has been prominently identified with it since. He has given a cordial
support to all measures tending to the city's growth and development;
has held a directorship of the Commercial Bank for several years, and ia
secretary of the Delphos Paper Co. , in both of which institutions he is
Digitized by LjOOQIC
652 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCnES.
stockholder. He married, in 1879, Miss Fannie, onlj child of John
King, a pioneer attorney of Delphos. She is a lady of excellent attain-
ments, a graduate of Wesley College, Cincinnati. Thef have two sons:
Albert King and Horace Kent.
DR. RUDOLPH REUL (deceased) was bom in Offenborg, Baden,
Germany, November 24, 1826. He laid the foondation of his education
in his native city, which has long been noted for its splendid high schools,
and at the age of eighteen went to the University of Freiburg for the
study of medicine. Just as he had finished his studies, the latent lires of
the German revolution of 1848 burst forth into flames, and like many other
educated young men, our subject joined the ranks of the revolutionary
army as lieutenant, sometimes serving as surgeon. In 1849, when the
revolution was subdued, he was imprisoned, and after a time fled to
Strasburg, France. In the fall of the same year he came to the United
States and directly to Delphos, Ohio, where he had connections, and
lived alternately there and at the Riley settlement. After his marriage,
in the fall of lo54, at Letitz, Penn., with Miss Marie Hepp, daughter of a
Protestant minister in Baden, Germany, our subject settled permanently
in Delphos, devoting himself to the practice of medicine. His father,
Joseph Reul, a tailor by trade, and for long years a citizen of Offenburg,
followed his son to this country with his wife and daughter, in the spring
of 1853. With a short interruption, he stayed in his son's family alto-
gether, and died ' there in the winter of 1875, at the ripe old age of
seventy-nitie. When the Civil war broke out the doctor joined the army
of the Republic, after Lincoln's call for 300,000 more men, in the fall of
1862, as captain of Company F., One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment
Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was with the Twenty-third Army Corps in
Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia until the fall of 1864, when, having
been wounded in the back before Atlanta, he retired from the service, and
afterward devoted himself to his large practice. At the same time he
acted as director and president of the school board, always taking a lively
interest in educational matters, and the growth and prosperity of Delphos
be had ever at heart Naturally a strong man, he never felt perfectly
well after the war, which he attributed to the exposure of the campaign,
but strange enough, the real cause of his sufferings, and which ultimately
led to his premature death, the wound in his back, he, the experienced
physician, never thought of. After having twice visited his old home in
Germany, where he took his two eldest sons to school, and which journeys
refreshed his health greatly for a while, he declined gradually. He was
struck with paralysis on July 29, 1879, and after much suffering, died
August 19, 1879. Of his three sons only the youngest was present at his
death bed. The two elder, whom he had called home in the last letter
he ever wrote, started on their homeward journey on the day of his death.
JAMES A. RISE represents the leading hotel business of Delphos,
in the ''Rose House," which is located convenient to the business
interests of the city and at the crossing of the Pittsburgh, Ft Wayne &
Chicago, the Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis and the Cleveland, Delphos &
St. Louis Railways. It is entirely new, and furnished with all modem con-
veniences, the enterprising proprietor having spared no pains in the im-
provements. He has an able corps of assistants, and the valuable support
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 653
of his wife, Mrs. James Bisk, a landlady to whom too mach credit tor her
abilities cannot be given, and his son, J. M. Bisk, under whose general
management the hostlery is kept, and whose able executive abilities
renders ''Bose House" one of the most convenient and comfortable
hotels In this part of the State. The traveling trade will take no '^ risk"
in stopping at this place.
GHABLES W. BISLET, general freight and passenger agent of the
Cleveland, Delphos & St. Louis Bailway, Delphos, was lx>m in Delphos,
August 18, 1851. His father, Winchton L. Bisley, a native of Vermont,
Fettled in Delphos in an early day. The subject of our sketch, after
completing a good common school education, was employed as postal
clerk in the poetoffice (his mother succeeded his father in the postmaster-
ship of Delphos}. At seventeen he engaged in a collegiate course of study,
and, at twenty-one, accepted a position in the then First National Bank
as book-keeper, subsequently becoming assistant cashier. Betiring from
this position, in 1878, he engaged in insurance business with the Fidelity
Fire Insurance Company, of Delphos, and was appointed its acting secre-
tary. He subsequently accepted the position of adjuster with the Fire
Insurance Adjustment Company of Cincinnati. Upon the organization
of the Cleveland, Delphos & St. Louis Bailroad Company, Mr. Bisley
accepted the secretaryship of the Ohio Construction Company, who
built the road, and when the road became operated by the present corpor-
ation in 1882, was i4>pointed to his present incumbency, which he credit-
ably fills. In 1879 our subject was married, in Delphos, to Miss Bose L.,
daughter of Charles H. Whittier, manufacturer, of Delphos, Ohio. She
is a lady of good attainments. They have one daughter, Mary L. Mr.
and Mrs. Bisley are active members of the Presbyterian Church, of which
he is one of the board of trustees. He is one of the representative men
of Delphos, an ardent supporter of all measures tending to its growth
and welfare.
STEPHEN Q. BOLOSON, photographic artist, Delphos, was bom in
Delaware County, Ohio, February 28, lo55, and is descended of a line
of pioneers of this county. His father, XJtley Boloson, wbb bom in
Delaware County, son of Nathaniel Boloson, who settled there, coming
from Pennsylvania at an early period in the history of the county. The
subject of this sketch completed a good literary education and engaged
at farming till at the age of twenty-five years, when he came to Delphos
and took up his present vocation, which he has successfully carried on
since. He has always given a cordial support to measures tending to the
development of the social life of the ci^. He is a charter member of
Delphos Lodge, No. 180, Knights of Pythias, and its present chancellor
commander. He has also been for several years a member of I. O. O. F.,
of which he is a past grand.
JOHN BOTH, retired butcher, Delphos, was bom in Bierne, Bavaria,
in 1816, and engaged at butchering there. In 1842 he came to America
and completed learning his trade in Baltimore, Md., afterward locating
in Logan, Hocking Co., Ohio, where he was successfully connected wi(£
butchering for fift^n years. He was married in Logan, in 1845, to Miss
Mary, daughter of the late John Bamser, a native of Alsace, Germany,
and at one time a prominent merchant of Logan. Our subject and wife
39
Digitized by LjOOQIC
654 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
had a family of four sons and four daughters: Mary (wife of Joseph
Kindly, of Delphoe), Joseph J. (of the firm of BoUi Bros.), Barbara
(wife of George Stevens, of Delphos), John (also a member of the firm),
HeniT (a butcher in California), Kate, Frank (of the firm) and Julia
In 1859 Mr. Both came to Delphos and carried on the butchering busi-
ness successfully until his retirement from it in 1879, when he transferred
it to his sons, who constitute the firm of ''Both Bros.,** having a
meat market, prominent among the leading industries of Delphos. Mr.
Both, by steadily working at his business, secured a handsome com-
petence, and he has lived to see his family occupying good positions in
the social and industrial life of his adopted city. He has visited the
land of his nativity on different occasions. He and his family are mem-
bers of the Boman Catholic Church.
FBANCIS HENBY SCHLINK, M. D., Delphos, Ohio, was bom
January 14, 1856, in Milan Township, Allen County, Ind., being the
second youngest of nine children, six boys ai^d three girls, four boys smv
viving. His father, George Peter Schlink, at the age of twenty, with his
mother, step- father Knore, one brother and one sister, came to this
country in 1882, from Londau, Bavaria. He settled with his folks in
Eaton Township, Erie County, N. Y., about eighteen miles south of
Buffalo. In 1837 he removed to New Haven, Allen County, Ind. The
Doctor's mother, Mary Anna (Bose) Schlink, when also at the age of
twenty, came with her father, mother, sister and three brothers, to this
country in 1842, just ten years later than his father. She with her
folks came from Alsace, France (now belonging to Germany), and settled
in Fort Wayne, Ind. The Doctor's parents were united in marriage at
Fort Wayne, Ind., January 1, 1843, the late Very Bev. Benoit, of Fort
Wayne, officiating. George Peter Schlink died February 11, 1865, the
widow following him to his grave the same winter, March 25, 1865. Dr.
Schlink being thus left an orphan, went to New Haven, Ind, where he
completed a liberal common school education. At sixteen he engaged in
a literary and scientific course of study, graduating at the University of
Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind., in 1877. He then entered 'Ann Arbor,
Mich., University, in a medical course of study, again graduating
at the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, class of 1880. He also
attended a private course on physical diagnosis in the hospital wards,
also a special course of lectures at the Cincinnati City Hospital, and
upon graduating he became eminently fitted for his profession, the duties
of which he entered upon in the spring of 1880, and has been very suc-
cessful. In 1882 he became a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medi-
cal Association, and in 1883 he was appointed a delegate from the North-
western Ohio Medical Association to the American Medical Association,
of which he became enrolled a permanent member the same year. He is
member of the Board of Health of Delphos, Ohio, and examining physi-
cian at Delphos for the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, of
Detroit, Mich. Dr. Schlink was united in marriage in Delphos, May 18,
1881, with Miss Agnes, youngest daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth
Ostendorf, Bev. A. J. Hoeffel officiating. To this union were bom one
son and one daughter, Elmer John and Josephine Elizabeth. Mrs.
Schlink is a lady of able literary and musical attainments.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 655
C. A. SCHMIDT, of the firm of Schmidt & Steinle, brewers, Del.
pho6, Ohio, is a native of Ohio, bom and reared in Fremont, where he
was engaged in merchandising for a few years. Retiring from that line
of business, he then united, in 1883, with F. Steinle in their present
enterprise. Mr. Steinle, who is a native of Germany and a practical
brewer, came to this country with an able experience in his profession,
and after following it successfully in many of the important cities of
this country, located in I^Vemont till 1883. The firm, since coming into
possession of their present property, have added materially to its capaci-
ties and facilities. They now turn out about 5,000 barrels per annum;
have a new twenty- five horse power steam steel boiler from the Ricord
Bros, manufactory, Toledo, Ohio, and are laying pipe to the canal to
facilitate their water privileges. They have improved on the general
make-up of the brewery so as to effect a very successful change in this
importfuit industry of Delphoe. All in all, the firm is composed of men
of ability in the trade, and who have determination to make their busi-
ness second to nona
ALEXANDER SHENK, commissioner of Allen County, Delphos,
was born in Heckingen, Hohenzollem, Prussia, July 19, 1842. His
father, Martin Shenk, a merchant tailor of that place, came to this
countiy with his family in 1852, and settled in Delphoe October 8, 1853;
he is buried in the Roman Catholic cemetery here. He left a family of
five sons and one daughter, of whom three are now living: Charles E.,
Alexander and Sylvester. The deceased are Saffron, Constantine and
Catherine, wife of H. J. Tream. Alexander Shenk, when young,
engaged in the drug business with J. W. Hunt at Delphoe, and at nine-
teen years of age bought a business in that line for himself with which
he has been successfully connected for many years, retiring from it to
engage in his present business of flour milling. He was married in Del-
phoe, in May, 1863, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Matthias Wrocklage
(deceased), a worthy pioneer of this locality. She is a lady of able
attainments. (They have no children.) Mr. Shenk has given his cordial
support, and been an active promoter of many of the industries of Del-
phoe. He has been a reputable public officer for many years, serving as
member of the city council, treasurer and clerk of Marion Township;
commissioner of Allen County, and in many other local official positions.
Mr. Shenk has been a very active member of the Roman Catholic
Church, and was prominently identified with the erection of their hand-
some church in Delphos.
SYLVESTER F. SHENK, merchant, Delphoe, one of the most
prominent and enterprising business men of the city of Delphos, was
bom in Wurtemberg, Germany, December 31, 1847 ; son of Martin and
Christine (Kern) Shenk, both now deceased. They landed at New York
January 11, 1854, and came soon after to Delphos. Mr. Shenk received
the advantages of a common school education during his earlier years,
and at thirteen years of age commenced life as a clerk, in which capa-
city he served until 1876, when he became the head of the firm of Shenk
& Zimerle, subsequently becoming sole proprietor, and increasing the
stock and business, until he is now one of the foremost in his line
in this part of the State. He was married, June 29, 1872, to Miss
Digitized by LjOOQIC
656 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
RosiJla Lye, a natiye of this county, and daughter of F. J. Lye, of Del-
phos. This onion has resulted in seven children : Frank, Mary, Martin,
Amedus, Alexander, Sylvester and Bichard. Mr. Shenk takes an active
stand in the furthering of those measures tending to the advancement of
education and religion, the improvement of the county and the elevation
of the people. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.
JOHN SHENK, farmer and preacher, P. O. Elida, was bom Janu-
ary 19, 1848, in Hocking County, Ohio, eldest living son of Henry and
Susan (Brenneman) Shenk, former of whom, a native of Bockingham
County, Va. , died in 1877, aged fifty-eight years. He was an early set-
tler of Fairfield County, Ohio, but resided at different times in Hocking
County, Ohio, and Hamilton County, Lid., coming to this county in I860;
latter is a native of Fairfield County, and is still living, aged sixty-five
years. They were parents of nine children : Jacob (deceased), Henry
(deceased), Annie (deceased), John, Andrew, Daniel, Catherine, Lydia,
and Abraham. Our subject followed broom-making for a time, but gave
most of his attention to farming till 1876, when he was ordained to the
ministry by the Mennonite Church, near Elida, and has since devoted
most of his time to the duties of his calling, although still retaining his
farming interests. He erected a large bam in 1877, and a good residence
in 1883. He obtained a good education, and has taught common school
several terms. Mr. Shenk married, December 24, lo68. Miss Frances
Good, who was bom in Bockingham County, Va., March 24, 1840, and
to this union have been bom eight sons : Henry (deceased), Abraham,
Amos, Simon, Moses, Beuben, John and Levi.
ABBAHAM ISAIAH STEVEB, farmer, P. O. Elida, was bom on
the farm where he now lives, June 2, 1840; son of Jacob and Nancy L.
(Doner) Stever. The father, who is still living, was bom in Franklin
County, Penn., July 20, 1805, son of John H. and Elizabeth (Cover)
Stever, natives of Pennsylvania ; the mother was bom July 18, 1817,
died September 17, 1844. They were parents of two children : Mary E.,
bom October 5, 1837, in Butler County, Ohio (now widow of Calvin
Clark, of Marion Township, this county, and the mother of ten children,
five of whom are now living), and Abrdiam I. The subject of this sketch
received a limited education, remaining at home until his enlistment,
August 14, 1862, in Company I, Thirty-fourth Begiment Ohio Volunteer
Infantry. He participated in the battles of the campaign of Kanawa
and Shenandoah Valleys ; was taken prisoner near Beverly, W. Va, about
January 8, 1865, by Confederate Gen. Bosser, and was confined in Libby
prison, at Bichmond, until February 15, when he was paroled. He was
discharged from the United States service June 12, 1865, at Camp Chase,
by reason of General Order No. 77, releasing all paroled prisoners. He
was a good soldier, and brave. After his return home he engaged in
farming. Mr. Stever was married, December 24, 1863, while at home
on furlough, to Bebecca J. David, bom September 6, 1840, in Marion
Township, daughter of Daniel and Catharine (Fair) David, who came to
this county at an early date, and who were parents of ten children, six of
whom became heads of families, viz. : Bebecca J. ; Mary C, wife of Michael
Bums, of Marion Township ; Johanna, wife of Bobert Mills, of Delphos ;
Martha J., wife of Erastus Bryant, of Delphos ; Saloma, of Delphos, and
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 657
Sydney J., wife of William Allison, in Yenedooia. Isaac F. died April 11,
1864, of disease, at Nashville, beinga member of Company O, Eighty-first
Regiment, tmder Capt W. D. Hill. To our subject and wife were born nine
children : Jacob A., born January 14, 1866; Rachael R., born August 6,
1867 (married February 7, 1884, to David Hilliard, of Amanda Town-
ship, by whom she has one child); Anna C.,born August 16, 1869; Ella
J. (a twin), bom April 24, 1872; Tursey J., bom November 17, 1878}
Adeline, bom June 14, 1882, and three died in childhood. Thomas J.
Fair, grandfather of Mrs. Stever, was one of the first trustees of Marion
Township after its organization in 1834. Mr. Stever is a member of the
G. A. R. Post, at Delphos. He is a school director, and takes an active
interest in education and the improvement of stock and farm products.
D. H. TOLAN, editor of the Delphos Herald, Delphos, was born in
Carrollton, Carroll Co., Ohio, April 14, 1836. After completing a lib-
eral education, he engaged, when fifteen years of age, at type-setting in
the office of the Ohio 'Picayune, Carrollton, now the CaiToll Countjf
Chronicle, where he completed the business. In 1869 he came to Del-
phos, for the purpose of establishing the Herald^ and has been actively
connected with it since. He has worked industriously in the promotion
of all measures tending to the prosperity of the city and locality. Upon
the organization of the Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad Company,
he was chosen its secretary, and became one of the board of directors. He
has held the mayoralty of Delphos, served as member of the councils, and
has officiated with credit in many, lesser capacities. He married in Car-
rollton, in 1861, Miss Artamesia, daughter of Hon. John Beatty of that
city, a lady of estimable attainments; she departed this life in 1876, in
full communion with the Presbyterian Church, leaving t^o sons: C. M.
associate editor, and R. B. , a student. Mr. Tolan has been an active member
of the E. of P. for several years, and a member of the R. A.
HENRY TRENTMAN, farmer, P. O. Delphos, was bom in Hanover,
Germany, July 28, 1830; son of Adam and Elizabeth (Creamer) Trentman,
natives of Germany, former of whom died January 15, 1873, aged sixty-
nine years; latter November 7, 1864, aged sixty- two years. They were
the parents of three children: Mary (deceased), Kate (wife of Herman
Ricker), and Henry. Our subject was educated in the common schools of
his native land. In 1843 his parents immigrat'ed to America, and located
in Marion Township, this county. Here Henry Trentman grew to matur-
ity, fully acquainted with the hardships and privations incident to
pioneer life, and his exertions helped clear away the forests and prepare
the soil for cultivation. Farming has been his life vocation, and he is
still living on the old homestead. Our subject was twice drafted during
the war of the Rebellion, but each time provided a substitute. He was
married June''2, 1858, to Miss Clara Luersman, also a native of Germany,
born in 1841, died February 23, 1884. She bore him eight children:
John, Mary, Henry, Frank, Bemard, Fred, Rosa and Agnes. Mr. Trent-
man is virtually a self-made man, having commenced life poor, accum-
ulating his property through his own efforts. Politically he has always
been a Democrat He has for years been a member of tl^e Catholic
Church.
HENRY P. WAGNER, M. D., Delphos, was bom January 7, 1824, in
Wendelsheim, near the city of Mentz, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany.
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658 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
His father, Loais Wagner, was a gentleman of fine literary taste, a
highly oaltiyated mind, and in comfortable cirenmstances, bat being dis-
satisfied with the monarchical government of Germany, he decided at
the age of forty-fonr years to find or establish a new home for himself
and family, in a free country, the United States. Accordingly he with
his wife, Magdalena, and their eight children (four sons and four daugh-
ters), sailed for New York, afterward coming to Oolumbus, Ohio. After com-
pleting a good literary and scientific course, Henry P. Wagner, engaged
in the study of medicine, at the age of eighteen years, under the pre-
ceptorship of Edwin H. Davis, A. M., M. D., professor of Materia Med-
ica and Therapeutics of New York Medical College, city of New York,
for three years, after which he visited Germany, where he pursued his
studies several years. On his return to this country, he commenced and
entered upon the practice of his profession at Chilicothe, Ohio, where he
remained until he located at Delphos, then known as Section 10, in 1847.
With the view of gaining additional knowledge of specialties in his pro-
fession, and to be more fully posted with the present state of the sciences
connected with medicine, he visited New York in 1863 and 1864, where
he attended private instructions of Prof. Austin Flint, Sr., M. D., in
physical diagnosis; Prof. Frank H. Hamilton, M. D., in surgery; Prot
Austin Flint, Jr., M. D., in microscopy, and others. He also attended
clinical lectures in Bellevue Charity, New York City, and other hospitals,
and followed the private practice of distinguished physicians in the city.
As testimonials of his ability and devotion to his profession, he received
a diploma from Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and letters of com-
mendation from eminent and distinguished physicians. Having actively
practiced medicine ^urlng the past thirty-eight years in Delphos, while
a considerable portion of the surrounding country was undeveloped and
almost a wilderness, this has made him one of the pioneers in his pro-
fession, in Allen County. Dr. Wagner was married November 8, lo49,
at Delphos, to Maggie M. Martin, daughter of Eev. E. N. Martin.
Besides a faithful attendance to professional duties, he has been connected
with nearly every important enterprise tending toward the promotion of
the welfare of the community, or the improvement and prosperity of the
city and vicinity, and he has almost continually held positions of honor
and trust.
JOHN H. WAHMHOFF, druggist and member of the American and
Ohio State Pharmaceutical Associations, Delphos, was bom in Buffalo,
N. Y., March 11, 1851. His father, the late Steven H. Wahmhoff of that
city, was well known in railway circles as master mechanic with the Erie
Central Bailway, and in social circles as one of the prime movers in the
establishment of the Roman Catholic Central Societies throughout this
country. He was a native of Hanover, Germany, and came to this
country when a young man. His family consisted of John H.,a merchant
and druggist of Delphos; Frank, druggist; Mary (deceased); August, a
tinsmith, of Delphos; and Agnes. He died in 1858. The subject of our
sketch came here in 1861, with his mother, two brothers and sisters, who
settled on a farm, where he remained till he was fourteen years old, when
he entered the drug business as apprentice clerk, meanwhile applying
himself closely to the study of pharmacy and pharmaceutical jurispru-
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MARION TOWNSHIP. 659
dence. He is a member of the Ohio State Association, a committee on
phannaceatical laws, and is recognized by the profession as a prime fac-
tor in the revision and establishment of the late laws in relation to
pharmacy. At the age of twenty-eight he embarked in the drag busi-
ness at Delphos, with which he has been sacocessfolly connected since.
Mr. Wahmhoff married in 1881, in Delphos, Miss Christina Catharina,
daughter of the late Joseph Eich, a native of Koln, Germany. They
have two little girls: Elizabeth and Henrietta. Mr. Wahmhoff has given
a cordial support to the social and industrial interests of Delphos. He
is present chief of the fire department, of which he has been an active
meniber since it organization.
SQUIRE WILLIAM E. WATKINS, owner of Cherry Ridge Farm,
P. O. Delphos, was bom in Sugar Creek Township, this county, March
28, 1835, second child of Welsh parentage bom in the county. His
father Thomas Watkins, a native of Wales, came from Butler County,
Ohio, September 18, 1883. Our subject completed a good education in
the schools of his district and engaged in farming. He married in 1859,
in Yenedocia, Van Wert Co., Ohio, Miss Margaret, daughter of the late
William Bebb, and cousin of Gov. Bebb of Ohio. By this marriage he
had four children: Martha J., wife of D. W. Pugh; Thomas L., civil
engineers of Van Wert; William B., a farmer; Margaretr A., a teacher.
On September 9, 1866, Mrs. Watkins was laid to rest in the Venedocia
Cemetery, and in October, 1867, Mr. Watkins married Miss Margaret,
daughter of the late Richard Humphrey, of Marion Township, by whom
he had four children: Katie, John H., Richard B. and Minnie E. Sep-
tember 15, 1879, this wife died; she is buried in Gomer Cemetery.
April 27, 1882, our subject married Catharine, sister of his second wife,
by whom he has one son — Victor Emmeti In 1860, Mr. Watkins located
on his present farm of 160 acres (then unimproved), and has improved
it handsomely and stocked it well. He is a thorough supporter of the
principles for which he did service under arms, and has named his resi-
dence '* Lincoln Mansion." This is built on an eminence commanding a
view of the farm, and is tastefully laid out and surrounded with nice gar-
dens. When the call for troops for the defense of the Union came, he
enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio National
Guards, from which he retired with an honorable commission. He has
been interested in measures tending to the development of his locality;
is an active official and is the present justice of the peace and notary
public of Marion Township, Allen County. He is an adherent of the
Congregational Church, a member of Reul Poet, G. A. R. , Lodge No.
139, K. of P., and Marion Grange No. 302. Squire Watkins has been
fortunate in his business pursuits and possesses in *' Cherry Ridge"
one of the handsomest farms in Marion Township.
F. A. WEGER, superintendent of the Pittsburgh Hoop and Stave
Company, Delphos, was bom in Bavaria, Germany, April Qf 1845. His
father, George K, Weger, came to this country with his family in 1852,
and settled in Baltimore, Md., where our subject was reared and edu-
cated. He learned the trade of cooper, which he carried on in Balti-
more for several years. He afterward spent a few years in the business
at New Castle, Penn. Mr. Weger was united in marriage in 1871, with
Digitized by LjOOQIC
660 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Miss Margaret Elizabeth, daughter of Michael Dietzel, a shoe-maker of
that city, and a natiye of Pmseia, and to this anion were bom three sons
and two daughters: Katie, George, Augustas, Mary and Frankia In
1878, Mr. Weger came to Delphos as foreman for the Pittsburgh Keg
and Barrel Company, with whom he remained till joining interests with
Mr. H. Goette in their present enterprise.
HON. HENRY WEIBLE, member of the State board of public
works, Delphos, was bom near Canal Dover, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio,
December 10, 1827, son of Jacob Weible, who settled there with his
people, who came from Wurtemberg, Germany, when he was about eight
years of age. The subject of our sketch being left on his own resources
when young, apprenticed himself to the blacksmithing business in his
native town, where he completed learning his trade. In 1851 he came
to Delphos, and established the second shop of the kind, and carried on
a successful business for many years, retiring from it to pay his attention
to public affairs, to which he had been chosen by the people of Van
Wert County. In 1872 he represented their interests in the Sixtieth G^-
eral Assembly of the State, where he served with distinction as chairman
of the committee on drains, ditches, water-courses, and enunciated and
brought about many good measures in that connection. Upon the expir-
ation of his term of office, his constituents again elected him, in lo74,
and he continued to represent their interests. Upon his retirement he
engaged in manufacturing for ^ few years, but retired from that industry
and embarked in merchandising, with which he is still identified. He
married in Van Wert County, in 1840, Miss Mary, daughter of Peter
Will of that place, who settled there from Maryland in 1836. They
have a family of two sons and four daughters living: George and Henry,
merchants in Dupont, Ohio; Anna and May, ladies of excellent literary
attainments, and graduates j Mattie, now Mrs. Henry Burgfelt; and
Agnes, at school. Mr. Weible has always been an able patron of scho-
lastic interests, and has educated his family in the different branches of
a good school training. He has held a directorship in the school board
of Delphos for about twenty-eight years; has served as justice of the
peace of the city and Washington Township for thirty years continuously;
was member of the city council nine years; commissioner of Van Wert
County three yeara In 1882 he was elected to his present incumbency
in the State board of public works. Mr. Weible has always been a lib-
eral patron of all measures tending to the develpoment of the public,
social and industrial life of his community.
GEORGE H. WILLIAMSON, M. D., Delphos, is a native of Ohio,
bom in Delaware, Delaware County, August 28, 1858, son of Henry
Williamson, farmer, also a native of Delaware County, his father, John
Williamson (millwright), having settled in that county at an early day,
from Washington County, Penn. ; latter was a son of Isaac Williamson,
also a millwright, a native of England, bom near Dorchester, and who
located in Pennsylvania at an early period in the history of that State.
The subject of our sketch, after receiving a good training in the public
schools, entered Oberlin College in a classical and literary course, from
which he graduated in June, 1874 He had meanwhile taken up the
study of medicine, under the preceptorship of Dr. Andrews, of Che^ire,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MARION TOWNSHIP. 661
and upon completing his coarse at Oberlin, Entered Colombos Medical
College, of Columbus, Ohio, graduating from that institution at the close
of 1877-78. He then came to Delphos, where he has since been success-
fully engaged in the practice of his profession. The Doctor married,
July 26, 1881, Miss Stella Hughes, a lady of able literary and musical
attainments, daughter of the late William Hughes, merchant of Delphos,
and niece of the Hon. Hughes, of Allen County. Mr. and Mrs. Will-
iamson are supporters of the Presbyterian Church, in which she is an
active worker.
JOSEPH H, ZIMEELE, justice of the peace, Delphos. was bom in
Ellwangen, Wurtemberg, Germany, October 5, 1844. His father, Joseph
A. Zimerle, a brewer, came to this country with his family in 1853, and
settled in Delphos. His children are Joseph H.; Annie, wife of Caspar
Kahl, merchant, of Defiance, Ohio; Emma, wife of John Smith, of Kan-
sas City, Mo.; Frederick, of Cincinnati; Frances, wife of Charles
Smith, of Defiance, Ohio. The subject of this sketch engaged at an
early age in merchandising in Evansport, Ohio, coming here in 1863, in
connection with different mercantile pursuits, with which he has been
successfully identified. He has been an active supporter of other inter-
ests in Delphos, and has filled positions in the councils of the city and
of the township, holding his present incumbency for the past year. Mr.
Zimerle married in Delphos, in 1871, Miss Lauretta Odelia, daughter of
Francis Joseph Lye, merchant. They have one son living, Joseph Fran-
cis, and have buried an infant son, and two daughters — Lauretta and
Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Zimerle are regular communicants of the Roman
Catholic Church.
-?|;^m;fe~
Digitized by LjOOQIC
662 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
MONftOE TOWNSHIP.
JACOB ALTSTETTER, farmer, P. O. West Cairo, was born Febru-
ary 21, 1811, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Oermany, son of Gecnrge F. and
Elizabeth (Bauer) Altsietter, the former of whom died in 1818 in his
fifty-third year, the latter in 1849 in her seventy-third year. Their
•children were : Oeorge L. (deceased, leaving a family in Hessen-Darm-
stadt), Mrs. Magdalene Miller (deceased, leaving a daughter in Delphoe,
Ohio), George F. (deceased, leaving a family at Delphos), Peter (de-
ceased, leaving a family residing in Monroe Township, this county),
Philip (deceased, leaving a family in Wiesbaden, Germany), Jacob and
Mrs. Elizabeth Buedinger (a widow residing in Delphos, Ohio). Jacob
Altstetter received his education under the compulsory school law of his
'^ fatherland " and served six years at the cabinet-maker's trade with his
uncle. In 1882 he came to America, landing at Baltimore, August 28.
He worked at Hagerstown, Md. for a time, and in 1834 came with a
party to Cincinnati, Ohio, soon removing to Dayton, Ohio, thence to Salem,
Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he worked at his trade, and was mar-
ried October 126, 1885, to Miss Catharine Bucher, daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Miller) Bucher, natives of Vermont, but very early settlers in
Ohio. Mr. Altstetter located upon forty acres in Section 19, Monroe
Township, this county, receiving a patent from the Government and pay-
ing therefor the sum of $50. Li this isolated spot he built a hewed-log
cabin, worked at his trade and made a clearing in the wilderness. Seven
years later he purchased the first horse he ever owned, his neighborsv in the
meantime, doing the necessary teaming for him, he exchanging work
with theuL In 1846 he delivered at Delphos his crop of oats at six
cents, and com at ten cents per bushel. Notwithstanding the scarcity of
money at that time he deprived himself of the necessities of life, rather
than run into debt, and by adhering closely to that rule he is one of the
most substantial citizens of his township. His children, thirteen in num-
ber, were Mrs. Elizabeth (Naas) Boederer, living in Bath Township ;
George F.; John, died at twenty- four years of age of typhoid fever;
Mrs. Susanna Haas, living in Dayton, Ohio ; Mrs. Sarah Zulinger, liv-
ing in Lima ; George L., living in Monroe Township ; Michael, resid-
ing in Bath Township ; Mrs. Maria M. Bummel, residing in Monroe
Township ; Mra Louisa Haas, residing in Monroe Township ; Catharine,
at home, single ; Bertha, died at nineteen years of age ; Philip J., single,
residing in Dayton, Ohio ; and Frederika A. , died at two years of age.
Mr. Altstetter was one of six men who organized the Evangelical Society
and built the first church, in 1856, since which time he has been one of
its pillars ; he assisted in building the first schoolhouses of the neigh-
borhood, and has always taken a great interest in educational affairs.
He was one of the first to engage in the nursery business in th^ county,
the propagation of fancy fruite, trees and hedging, much of the seed used
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MONROE T0WN3HIP. 663
being seat from Germanj. George Ludwig, his son, was married in
Montgomery County, Ohio, November 9, 1871, to Margaret A. Olt,
who was bom February 24, 1849, in Hessen- Darmstadt, Germany,
daughter of Adam and Eve (Orth) Oldt (deceased), and to this union
were bom seven children, three of whom died in infancy. Those living
are Eva B., Catharine L., Margaret A. and Louis M. George L.
Altstetter has been chosen by the voters of his township for various offices
of trust. He is one of the substantial and enterprising farmers of
Monroe Township, taking an active part in the improvement of agricul-
ture and stock. The family are members of the Evangelical Church in
which he is superintendent of the Sunday-school.
GEORGE FREDERICK ALTSTETTER, farmer, P. O., West Cairo,
was bom January 26, 1838, in Allen County, Ohio; was married,
October 18, 1866, to Elizabeth Krouse, who was bom August 18, 1846,
in Richland County, Ohio. Her father, John Krouse, was bom Septem-
ber 11, 1820, in Beckenbach, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to
America in August, 1831, with his parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Reder)
Krouse, who died in Putnam County, Ohio, after a residence in Rich-
land County, Ohio, of several years. The mother of Mrs. Altstetter,
Margaret (Stein) Krouse, was bom May 21, 1815, in Hessen-Darmstadt,
and landed in Baltimore in July, 1834. Her parents were Adam and
Margaret (Young) Stein, the latter of whom died in her native land, the
former came to Ajnerica in 1884 Mrs. Krouse is the only one living of
the family ; her brothers Adam and Christopher left families in Rich-
land County, Ohio. Henry and Elizabeth (Reder) Krouse had ten chil-
dren : John; Adam, living with family in Putnam County, Ohio ; Mrs.
Catharine S. Clevenger, and Mrs. Margaret Clevenger, also in Putnam
County ; Christopher, living with family in Arkansas ; Henry, with
family in Putnam County ; Mrs. Elizabeth Clevenger, with family in
Illinois ; Peter (deceased, leaving a daughter ' in Nebraska) ; Mrs. Su-
sanna Ripley (deceased, without issue).; and Mrs. Nancy Goodman, with
family in Putnam County, Ohio. To our subject and wife were born the
following children : John, bom July 21, 1867 ; Charles, bom May 21,
1872, and George F., bom April 10, 1876. Mr. Altstetter is a man of
prominence in his township. He and his family are connected with the
Evangelical Church.
J. S. CLIPPING ER, physician and surgeon, West Cairo, was bom
May 80, 1840, in Butler County, Ohio ; son of Humphrey and Sarah A.
(Jacques) Clippinger, who moved to this county in 1841, settling in
Shawnee Township, about four miles from Lima, where the former fol-
lowed farming and carpentering. Humphrey Ciippenger is said to have
started the tirst nursery in the county, and after moving to Lima was
engaged largely in building, the machine shops at that place being
among the important contracts. His wife was killed near Dayton, Ohio,
in a railroad collision, in the latter part of the year 1863. They were
parents of nine children : Mary (deceased at the age of eighteen years) ;
Mrs. C. M. Hughs (a widow) ; Mrs. Susie M. Seaver, a resident of Tole-
do ; J. S.; ^&s. Sarah J. (Kiplinger) Stiles, in Washington, D. C,
where her husband holds a government position ; Samuel D. , a member
of Company G, One Hundi^ and Eighty-Hrst Regiment Ohio Volunteer
Digitized by LjOOQIC
664 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Infantry, killed at Atlanta, Ga.; Mrs. Adelia Nye, in Wisconsin ; A. H.»
in Streator, 111. ; and Mrs. A. B. Raitt, in Pierce City, Mo. Hamphrey
Glippinger's second marriage was in 1865, with Mary Delap, who bore
him three children, all now living : Clifford, Fred and Edward ; last
named being a prominent resident of Joplin, Mo. Onr subject attended
the common schools, and assisted his father until the spring of 1860,
when he began the study of medicine with Drs. Ashton and Kinkead of
Lima, and graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati in
the spring of 1863. The same year he located at St Mary's, Ohio,
where he remained four years, when he returned to Lima and engaged in
mercantile business, until 1860, in which year he commenced his profes-
sion at West Cairo, where he now resides, making a specialty of the
diseases of children. The Doctor is a member of the Northwestern
Medical Association, and has been prominently identified with the edu-
cational and municipal progress of the village, having been elected, to
the office of mayor two terms, and is now a member of the town council
He was married in 1870, to Emma A., daughter of William and Hulda S.
(Howey) Eeeder. They have one child, Lowell M., bora July 20, 1871.
Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in
which he is an officer. In politics he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM Mc. CRANE, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam
County, was born February 18, 1809, in Colerain Township, Ross County,
Ohio, where he lived until thirty *two years of age, son of James and
Margaret (McClure) Crane, former born about 1762, died in 1844, latter
born in 1766, near Harrisburg, Penn., died in 1841). Their children were
Sarah (deceased wife of Joshua Hall, leaving a family in Hocking
County, Ohio), Jane (wife of Robert M. McCartney, died leaving a
family in Noble County, Ind.), Mary (wife of Dumah Bartlett, died
leaving a family in Adelphi, Ross County, Ohio), Margaret (deceased,
unmarried), Mrs. Rebecca Bartlett (died leaving a family at Adelphi),
James (deceased, was engaged iq the furniture businesss at Circleville,
Ohio, where he left a family), and William Mc. Our subject commenced
the cabinet- maker's trade, working at it three years, then engaged in
business with his brother at Adelphi, Ohio, where they continued thir-
teen years. He then came to this county in 1840, where he entered
eighty acres of his present farm, and purchased forty acres of a Mr.
Maberry, where there was a little clearing. Here he endured the trials
and hardships of pioneer life, doing odd jobs at his trade to secure
the necessaries of life. Mr. Crane was married, May 28, 1837,
to Susan Swinehart, who was born April 3, 1818, near Adelphi, Ohio,
daughter of Anthony and Susan (Frederick) Swinehart, natives of Penn-
sylvania, and who settled in a very early day in Ross County. (They
had three sons and six daughters, all of whom had families but one
daughter. Those now living are ^Rebecca, wife of Enoch Pertee in
McLean County, 111. ; Sarah, widow of Jacob Will, of Vinton County,
Ohio; Daniel, residing near Ligonier, Ind; Susan, Caroline, wife of
William Kieffer, residing near Decatur, 111.; Mary, widow of John Lay-
ton, in Springfield, Ohio). To our subject and wife were bom Jane
(wife of John Whitis of Macon, Mo.), Elmira (deceased in young woman-
hood), Sarah, James A., Margaret (deceased wife of Harrison Turner^
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MONROE TOWNSHIP. 665
leaving a family in Harvey County, Kans.), Mary (wife of John Mar-
shall, residing near Colnmbas Grova Mr. and Mrs. Crane are mem-
bers of Rockport Presbyterian Church, in which he was the first elder.
ROBERT E. DAVIS, general merchant, and ex-mayor of West Cairo,
was born November 10, 1852, on Paddy's Run, Butler County, Ohio;
son of David D. and Elizabeth (Evans) Davis. David D. Davis, bom in
1821, in Wales, immigrated to America in 1842, settling in Butler
County, Ohio, where he married Elizabeth Evans, a native of that county
and daughter of John and Sarah (Nicholas) Evans, the former a native of
Wales, ^e latter a native of America, and sister of Squire Nicholas, of
Gomer, Ohio. The subject of this sketch received a common-school
education in this county, remaining on the farm until sixteen years of
age, after which he received three months' schooling. At seventeen years
of age he engaged as clerk in the dry goods store of J. H. Dague, of
Lima, where he remained for a time, when he was employed in the store
of J. C. Thompson, remaining until the spring of 1878, when he came
to West Cairo, and engaged in merchandising in partnership with John
B. Morris, until early in the year 1882. In June of that year he formed a
partnership with N. M. Johnson, with whom he continued until January 1,
1884, since which time he has carried on the business himself. Mr. Davis
was married December 14, 1875, to Esther Neff, a native of Lima, this
county, and daughter of John G. and Catharine (Faurot) Nefi*. By this
marriage he has two children: Elsie May, and Donald. Our subject
was a member of the town council for a term; was chosen to fill the
office of mayor, made vacant by the resignation of David Hartzog, and at
the expiration of tliat term, he was elected to the office, which term
expired April 1, 1885. He was also president of the township school
board, and assistant chairman of township committee. In politics he is a
Republican.
DANIEL EVER80LE, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam
County, was bom April 14, 1833, in Sandusky County, Ohio, son of
Peter and Rebecca (Snyder) Eversole, natives of Perry County, Ohio,
former a son of Peter and Nancy (Shelhom) Eversole; latter a daughter
of Daniel Snyder. They had seven children: Eliza (wife of Elijah
Heiser, in Jackson Township, this county), Catharine (widow of John
McCarty, in Perry County, Ohio, with her family), Frances (wife of
Henry Hersey,* farmer in Noble County, Ind.), Nancy (deceased wife
of Jacob Heiser, also deceased, in Perry County, Ohio), Rebecca (wife
of William Wolf in Fairfield County, Ohio), Lemuel (farmer in Jack-
son Township, this county), and Daniel. The parents dying when our
subject was about three years of age, he was then taken back to his
native county, where his uncle raised him, and for whom he worked,
receiving through him a very meager education. At sixteen years of
age Mr. Eversole was bound out for three years to learn blacksmithing,
having two weeks each harvest in which he could work in order to earn spend-
ing money for the whole year. At nineteen years of age he went to San-
dusky County, Ohio, where he worked one year at his ^ade at $12.25 per
month. The following year he came to this county, locating near
Lafayette where he followed his trade several years. In 1858 he moved
to a piece of land where there was a small clearing. On January 10,
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666 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1857, Mr. Eversole was married to Malvina Tompkins, who was bom
November 25, 1837, near Lima, Ohio, daughter of Abel and Elizabetli
(Heindel) Tompkins, who arrived at Lima, from Marion County, Ohio,
on election day of President Jackson's second term. They had twelve
children, eight of whom died in infancy. Those living are William H.
(married in August, 1879, to Jane Sear foss, by whom he has two children.
Earl and Charles), Francis M. (married in February, 1880, to Sadie
Allen, of Putnam County, Ohio, by whom he has one child, Mary M.),
John H. and Walter H. William H. and Francis M. are farming along
with their father. Mr. Eversole came to his present home in March^
1866, where he has accumulated a large and well-kept farm of 320 acres.
Mrs. Eversole's parents are still living, the father bom March 14, 1799,
the mother October 15, 1801. Of their fourteen children two are living:
Mrs. Eversole and Eleanor (wife of Theophilus Raines, by whom she has
a family of five children). Mr. Eversole is a man of enterprise and
prominence among the people of the township in which he lives, having
been chosen to fill the offices of trustee and treasurer, which latter he now
holds. He was a member of Company D, One Hundred and Fifty -first
Regiment Ohio National Guards, doing duty at Washington, D. C,
resisting Gen. Early's attack on that city. He takes much interest in
educational and religious matters. Li politics he is a Republican. He
and his family are members of the Christian Church.
FRANK EWING, physician and surgeon. West Cairo, was bom May
19, 1843, in Trumbull County, Ohio, son of John A. and Elizabel^
(Clemmens) Ewing, the former a native of Mahoning county, Ohio, the
latter a native of Pennsylvania. They moved to Hancock County, Ohio,
in 1850 where they engaged in farming. Their children were Mrs.
Sarah J. Walker, residing near Ada, Ohio; Alexander C, residing near
Bluffton, this county; Frank; Thomas C, who fell in the battle of Eenesaw
Mountain in 1864, while fighting nobly in the western army; Myron J.,
professor of natural sciences in Ada Normal College; Mrs. Eliza A.
Miller, residing near Blufiton, this county. The f atiier of our subject
was twice married, on second occasion to Mary Battles of fibincock County,
Ohio, and by this union were bom five children : Flora, Chase, Calvin,
Nettie D., and Cora. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject,
Daniel Clemmens, who is mentioned in the history of the Revolution, was
Gen. Washington's cook Dr. Ewing's educational advantages were
not great until his seventeenth year, when he began teaching, closely
applying himself to study until August 11, 1862, when he enlisted in
Company B, Niuety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry under General Thoma&
He participated in uumerous deadly battles, and saw considerable hospital
service in wound dressing, &c until discharged July 26, 1865. Returning
home he engaged in teaching, traveling and laboring as a lumberman in
the lumber regions of northern Michigan for his health, and attending
school until 1867 when he began the study of medicine, pursuing the
lecture course at the University of Michigan during the years 1868, 1869,
1870 graduating from that institution in medicine, March 30, 1870, and in
chemistry and pharmacy June 27, 1870. The Doctor is truly a self-made
man, having relied exclusively upon his own resources for his own
education, showing subsequently his magnanimity . in assisting in
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MONROE TOWNSHIP. 667
ednoating his brother, Prof. EwiDg, of Ada. He located at West Cairo in
Aogast, 1870, where he has met with marked success in his profession
and other important business interests. Our subject is a stockholder
in the First National Bank at Lima, owns and controls a farm, and is an
active partner in a grist-mill. The high standing of the village schools
is largely due to his great interest in educational matters. He is a
meml^r of the Northwestern Medical Association also of the Pharma-
ceutical Association of Ann Arbor, Mich. He was married, December 20,.
1872, to Nancy, daughter of Robert Downing, and they had three children:
Dolly (deceased), Addie, and Bessie.
A. M. FASIQ, druggist. West Cairo, was born in Ashland County,.
Ohio, March 19, 1850; son, of Samuel and Lucinda (Greenland) Fasig,
former a native of Pennsylvania, a Baptist minister located at Havensville,
Kans., latter a native of Ohio. Their family numbered nine children.
The names of those living, and those deceased having issue, are: Mrs. Ella
Beed (deceased) late of Forest, Ohio; W. B. who at fifteen years of age
entered the service of his country under Qen. Garfield, in which he
remained three years, was cashier of the Cleveland branch of the New
York Mutual Life Insurance Company, and is now a man of prominence in
the State as a horseman, is secretary of the Cleveland Driving Park
Association; A. M.; and Charles S., a druggist of Cridersville, Auglaize
County. The subject of this sketch at seventeen years of age began the
mason*s trade under his father, with whom he worked for a number of years,
contracting and building, which he still carries on in connection with his
other business. He came to West Cairo in the spring of 1877 engaging
in the drug business with a branch store in Cridersville, with his brother
Charles, as a partner. He was married November 1, 1870, to ISIarietta
Clark, who was born September 9, 1851, in Cincinnati, Ohio, daughter ^
of George W. and Martha J. (Randolph) Clark. To this union have
been born two children — Walter S. and Cora B. Mr. Fasig takes a
lively interest in educational and municipal matters. He and his family
are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church of the village; in
politics he is a Republican.
PETER HOFFERBERT, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam
County, was born August 11, 1834, in Eoenig, Hessen-Darmstadt, Ger-
many; son of Philip J. and Mary E. (Naas) Hofferbert (deceased). Our
subject landed in New York in the spring of 1852, locating in West-
moreland County, Penn., finally engaging in farming. He came to. thia
county, settling on Section 7, in lo68, moving to his present farm. He
received his education under the compulsory school law of the *' father-
land, ** and learned the butcher's trade, serving for three years, for which
his father paid fifty gulden. He was married, January % 1854, to Mrs.
Philopina Weaver, bom December 15, 1819, daughter of Robert and
Anna Mechling (deceased), natives of Pennsylvania. They have four
children — Anna E., at home; John L. married and living in Putnam
County, Ohio; Philip J. in Monroe Township, this county; William, alsa
in Monroe Township. Our subject is next youngest in a family of twelve
children, of whom two sons and two daughters, only, are now living. Three
died leaving families in Germany, and one sister still resides in her
native land; his brother Leonard lives in Delphos, and a sister, Mrs.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
668 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Eve C. Urick, lives in Monroe Township, this county. Mr. Hofferbert,
being drafted daring the late war, entered the One Hundred and Sixtj-
eighth Pennsylvania Regiment as corporal in Company H, and received
his discharge in 1863. He is a Kepublican in politics; is a prominent man
in Monroe Township, having heen chosen by the people to the offices of
trust. He and his family are members of the Evangelical Church in
which he has been trustee.
ISAAC HOLMES, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam County,
was bom November 30, 1827, in Carroll County, Ohio; son of William
and Elizabeth (Davis) Holmes, former a native of Washington County,
Penn., born August 20, 1801, died in February, 1884. He was a son of
John and Sarah (Norris) Holmes, first named being a native of England,
and one of the early settlers of Seneca County, Ohio, where he and his
wife died; latter a native of Carroll County, Ohio. William Holmes was
first married to Mary Joseph, by whom he had four children — William,
residing near Carrollton, being the only one now living. By his second
marriage there were eighteen children: Isaac, Mrs. Catharine Fishill
(deceased, leaving family in Carroll County, Ohio); Mrs. Martha Cruni-
becker in Carroll County, Ohio; Jonathan, killed by a falling tree when
sixteen years of age; James '(deceased), a surgeon in the Forty-seventh
Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Rebellion: Mrs. Myrian Harlan
(widow), in Wayne County, 111.; Samuel, in Greenwood County, Eans.;
Mrs. Eliza Best, and David, residing in Wayne County, 111. ; Oliver in
Fairfield, 111., where he was county clerk for eight years; Martin and
Daniel died young; Milton in Wayne County, 111.; Mrs. Sarah Webb in
Lyon County, Eans. ; Mrs. Eleanor N. Enlow in Wayne County, 111. ; Mrs.
Samantha J. Robertson in White County, III. ; Calvin, near Clifton, Tex.,
and an infant (deceased). The third marriage was with Mrs. Martha
Weisman, who bore him following children: Eli, living in Wayne County,
111.; Mrs. Melissa Statten and George, raiding near Denver, Col., and
Mrs. Mary Westfall, in Wayne County, III. Six of the sons were in the ^
late war of the Rebellion, and all held offices — James, Samuel, Oliver,
David, Milton and Calvin; five sons-in-law were also in the service — A.
Best, M. Webb, J. Enlow, J. Robertson and J. Crumbecker. Calvin
served five years in the regular army. All of these twenty-six children
were born between the years 1821 and 1859, all single issue, and sev-
enteen of them are still living. Our subject was married, August 22,
1850, to Elizabeth Downs, born in Carroll County, Ohio, February 26,
1828, daughter of George and Sarah (Miller) Downs, and by this union
were bom nine children, five of whom died in early childhood; those now
living are George William, married and living in Putnam County, Ohio;
Amos B., also married and residing in Putnam County; Martha A. and
Clark B., at home. Mr. Holmes, in 1870, was one of the land apprais-
ers for Putnam County. He has held the offices of justice of the peace,
assessor and township trustee, of the latter of which he is present incum-
bent. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics
he is a Democrat.
GREGORY JENNINGS, fanner, tile and brick manufacturer, P. O.
West Cairo, was bom September 13, 1836, in Monroe Township, this
county ; son of Aaron and Lucy (Hughs) Jennings, who were married in
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MONROE TOWNSHIP. 669
Tuscarawas County, Ohio; latter, a daughter of Daniel Hughs, a native
of Ireland, was bom near Emmittsburg, Md., and came to Tuscarawas
County, Ohio, in early life. Aaron Jennings was born in Tuscarawas
County, Ohio, December 26, 1804, died December 22, 1872, son of
Gideon Jennings, born December 24, 1778, in Virginia, son of Benjamin
Jennings, bom December 8, 1748, in England. The children of Aaron
and Lucy Jennings were eleven in number, live dying young; the others
were Mrs. Oracle J. and Elizabeth J. Curtis, both deceased, leaving
families at Beaver Dam, Ohio; Gregory; Margaret, Mrs. Amos Lewis,
living in Monroe County, Mich; Malinda, widow of T. Crane, living in
Putnam County, Ohio; and Daniel, in Monroe Township, this county.
The father of our subject came to this township in 1834, where he pat-
ented 160 acres of land, locating on Section 34, his brother David also
locating on same section. His grandfather, and brothers Gideon and
John, located in Bath, and brother James in Jackson Township. In this
swampy wilderness, without money, they endured all the trials and hard-
ships of pioneer lifa Our subject remained with his father until twenty
years of age, when he took the contract for cutting one mile 100 feet
wide, on £e track of the Dayton & Michigan Railroad, receiving there-
for 1195, this he completed in forty -two days. In the spring of 1857 he
learned the Bary system of horse-training, and traveled through differ-
ent States and Canada engaged in that business. Mr. Jennings was mar-
ried, Febmarj- 27, 1859, to Salinda Hall, who was bom in Carroll
County, Ohio, February 27, 1837, daughter of William and Christina
(Smith) Hall, natives of New Jersey, but who moved to Carroll County
in 1833, to Tuscarawas County in 1837, and to this county in 1857, for-
mer bom July 27, 1799, latter September 15, 1798. They were married,
February 19, 1819, and have following: nine children, sixy-one
grandchildren, seventy-seven great-grand and four great-great-grandchil-
dren. To our subject and wife were bom the following children: Adelia
(died, aged two years); Celia A. ; James William; Lillie Florence; Aaron
K; Lucy E. ; Homer B.; Gregory M.; Sherman Grant and Blaine. Mr.
Jennings is a member of the firm of Jennings, Harding & Umbaugh,
saw-mill and tile factory in Perry Township, this county, established in
1880, also of the firm of Jennings & Snyder, saw-mill, tile and brick-
making on his farm in Monroe Township, this county; the business was
established in the spring of 1883. He received in 1869, a patent for a
clod-fender, and later a patent for a rein-holder for harness and buggies;
he also applied for a patent on an improved kiln for burning tile,
which has proved by thorough testing to be the best in use; patent
granted, patented February 3, 1885. Mr. Jennings was first sergeant
in Company C, One Hundred .and Fifty-first Regiment, Ohio National
Ghiards, called into service in May, 1864, and doing duty at Fort Sumner,
D. C. In politics he is a stanch Republican. Our subject and family
belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JACOB EOHLI, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam County,
was bom April 1, 1839, in Holmes County, Ohio, son of Christian and
Margret (Berkey) Eohli, former of whom, a native of Germany, came
to Holmes County in 1821, when about thirteen years of age; latter a
daughter of John and Christina Berkey, natives of Pennsylvania, and
40
Digitized by LjOOQIC
670 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
who died in Holmes Conntj, Ohio. Jacob Eohli, who was a son bj his
father's first marriage, received a common school education, and began
life for himself at eighteen years of age. He learned wagon manofac-
taring, at which he worked until August 25, 1861, when he enlisted in
Company E, Fourteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served
three years, was discharged and immediately re-enlisted as a veteran in
the same company and regiment, and was discharged at the close of the
war as sergeant. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Mis-
sion Bidge, Jonesboro and others, his life being twice saved by the bul-
lets striking his gun barrel while in the act of shooting; in the engage-
ment at Goldsboro, he was color-bearer of his regiment. He came with
his father to Putnam County, Ohio, settling near Columbus Grove, in
1845. Our subject was married, August 24,1865, to Nancy Featheringill,
a native of Putnam County, Ohio, born October 3, 1846, daughter of John
and Martha (Ramsey) Featheringill, who came to Putnam County, from
Franklin County, Ohio, in 1833. The father died in 1867, aged sixty-
three years, the mother is still living aged seventy -six years. To this
union were born nine children: John C, Charles H., Annie M., William
F., Peter N., Mary I., Theodore G., Brice J., and Jesse G. Mr. Eohli
came to his present farm in the fall of 1870. The family are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HENBY MILLEB, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam County^
was bom April 29, 1841, and is a son of Michael, bom December 19,
1805, and died October 7, 1879, and Catharine (Eunkleman) Miller, latter
bom May 27, 1806, daughter of Leonard and Magdalena (Eoch) Eunkle-
man, natives of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and is still living. Our
subject's parents were married June 18, 1830, and their childi^n were
John, born February 2, 1831, died at the age of twenty-nine years,
Christopher, born April 21, 1833, and died at thirty-seven years of age;
leaving widow and four children (she afterward married to Aaron Huysman,
and is now living in Putnam County); Leonard, bom June 15, 1838, and
died at thirteen years of age; an infant (deceased), Henry, bom April
29, 1841, and Adam. Our subject was married, November 14, 1863, to
Mary Sauer, who was born January 21, 1846, in Schlesien, Prussia,
dau^ter of Frantz and Catharine (Harmon) Sauer, who came to America
and settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, where they resided a few years,
then moved to Monroe Township, Allen County, where they now reside.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Miller are Maggie M. (married to
William Hofferbert, April 27, 1884), John F., Emma L., Anna C, Alice
M., Sarah A., Caroline B., Bertha A., William H,, Harmon M., and
Lewis P. Mr. Miller is one of the sturdy farmers and influential men of
his township, taking a great interest in schools, having been a member of
the board for several years in succession.
ADAM MILLEB, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam County,
was bom February 8, 1845, in Hessen-Darmstadt, G^ermany, and came to
Allegheny County, Penn., with his parents, in L849. Tliey moved to
Allen County, Ohio, April 9, 1852, settling on the farm of 1(X) acres,
where the subject of this sketch now lives, two-thirds of which farm the
latter had purchased from the other heirs. Our subject received his
education from the district schools, and assisted his father until 1871.
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MONROE TOWNSHIP. 671
farmed on shareB for a time, and finally made the purchase of the farm.
He was married, December 17, 1874, to Lovina C. Hartman, who waa
born March 7, 1856, daughter of John S. and Elizabeth (Morris) Hart-
man, natives of Ohio. By this marriage there are three children: Mary
E., John M. and Joseph W. Mr. Miller is one of the enterprising young
men of his township, interested in agricultural, educational and religious
matters. In politics he is a Democrat.
HENRY MORRIS, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam County,
was twice married; first, November 20, 1866, to Nancy Palmer, by whom
he had two children, Margaret Y. being the only one now living, bom
September 24, 1869. His wife dying February 7, 1872, Mr. Morris was
married, November 11, 1875, to Rachael Sherret, born January 1, 1855,
daughter of Malinda (Suery) Sherret, natives of Tuscarawas Coanty,
Ohio. They have three children living: John R, David L. and Elizabeth
L. Our subject^s father, Judge Henry Morris, a native of Kentucky,
came to Clark County, Ohio, with his parents, in 1812, when but six
years of age. In the fall of 1832 he came to the farm on which his
widow now lives, and where he died in 1877. It was then Putnam
County, and in 1833 he was made first associate judge of the Territory,
whic|i he held three years, and then resigned to attend to home duties.
He was a leader in the affairs of the community, as well as in religious
matters, being a teacher, for over thirty years, of the doctrine of predes-
tination. His parents were Joseph M. and Lovina (Drake) Morris, who
died in Clark County, Ohio. He was married August 30, 1832, to Mar-
garet Weaver, bom May 11, 1812, in Clark County, Ohio, daughter of
G^rge and Elizabeth (Hempleman) Weaver, natives of Virginia, but
very early settlers of Clark County. The children bom to this union
were Qeorge, living in Monroe Township, this county; Mrs. Elizabeth
Hartman, residing in Monroe Township, thiB county; Mrs. Lovina Hol-
comb (deceased — leaving one son, Henry M., who is now residing in
Russell County, Kans.); Joseph, a physician in Columbus Qrove, Patnam
County, Ohio; Mrs. Sarah Crables (deceased — leaving a son, Henry M,
in Russell County, Kans.), and a daughter, Mrs. Bogard, in Putnam
County, Ohio; Henry; Mrs. Mary Schaffer, residing in Putnam County,
Ohio; John, residing in Russell County, Kans.; Mrs. Ellen Schlosser,
and Mrs. Catharine Schlosser. John Hartman was born in Pickaway
County, Ohio, August 11, 1832.
JACOB B. RINEHART, farmer, P. O. West Cairo, was born Novem-
ber 30, 1840, in Montgomery Coanty, Ohio, son of Daniel and Esther
(Brumbaugh) Rinehart, former a son of Jacob and Susanna (Bromer)
Rinehart, latter a native of Pennsylvania, daughter of Henry and
Elizabeth (Folk) Brumbaugh. Our subject, who is the eldest of ten chil-
dren, six of whom are now living, was first married, January 27, 1863,
to Elizabeth M. Emrick, of Miami County, who died January 8, 1864,
in her twenty-first year, and Mr. Rinehart then married, October 1, 1867,
Mary E. Early, bom March 7, 1842, by which marriage were born seven
children, two deceased in infancy. Those now living are Jesse S., bom
July 31, 1868; Chalmer F., bom September 12, 1869; Henry E., bom
March 25, 1872; Mary K, (a twin) bom May 23, 1874; Cora Emma, bom
April 24, 1883. The family are members of the German Baptist Church.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
672 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Id politics Mr. Binehart is a BepabHcan. The brothers and sisters of
onr subject are Sarah (wife of Levi Spitler), John, Hannah (wife
of Aaron Sollenberger), Henry (at present a medical stadent in Brooklyn,
N. T.), and Noah, all residents of Montgomery County, Ohio. Mrs.
Binehart's parents, both now living, are Samuel and Harriet (Wright)
Early, natives of Virginia, the former born May 19, 1810, in Bockingham
County, son of Jacob Early (who lived to be ninety years of age, blind
Jie last forty years of his life) and Magdalene (Wanger) Early, a daugh-
ter of Henry Wanger. Samuel and Harriet (Wright) Early were mar-
ried August 11, 1831, and had ten children; three daughters died in
infancy. Those who grew to maturity were David (farming near Salem,
Oreg.), John (a minister in the German Baptist Church in Cherokee
County", Iowa; Jacob (died leaving a family in Bath Township, this county),
Noah (farming in Johnson County, Mo.), Mary K (with whom her par-
ents reside), Samuel (farming in Newton County, Mo.), Isaac (residing
with his family in Barry County, Mich.). Two sons, Jacob and Samuel,
served in the late war. The family are members of the German Bap-
tist Church.
JOHN SCHLOSSEB, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam Coun-
ty, is a son of Daniel Schlosser who was twice married; first to Sarah
Bichards (deceased) a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, daughter of
Henry and Mary (Eroeninger) Bichards, natives of Pennsylvania, and by
this union were bom John (subject of this sketch) bom March 19, 1843,
Mrs. Mary A. Herring, bom April 23, 1845, residing at Bochester, lud. ;
David born April 15, 1847, living in Monroe Township, this county.
The second marriage of Daniel Schlosser was with Priscilla Bennett,
October 9, 1848, who bore him eleven children. Those now living are
Daniel W., born October 9, 1853, residing in Monroe Township, this
county; Nathan, bom October 7, 1865, in Putnam County, Ohio; Mrs.
Melvina Gander, bom May 28, 1858, in Putnam County, Ohio; Mrs.
Margaret E. Granger, bom July 14, 1860, residing in Columbus Grove,
Ohio; and Permellia, bom July 19, 1866, at home. The subject of this
sketch was married, May 3, 1866, to Ellen Morris, bom July 25, 1850.
They had a family of seven children : James William, bom March 22,
1867; Oliver, bora February 21, 1869; Elizabeth M., bom Febraary 26,
1871; John Frankie, bom July 24, 1873, died November 10, 1884, of
typhoid fever and inflammation of the bowels, aged eleven years, three
months and sixteen days; Anna May, bom July 23, 1875; Bcortie L., born
October 1, 1880, and Sarah J., bom July 8, 1883. Our subject served
three years in the war of the Bebellion, enlisting in 1862, and was honor-
ably discharged in 1865. Mr. Schlosser is an energetic and enterprising
young farmer, and is held in high esteem by the people of his community.
LEWIS SIQLEB farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam County,
was born May 10, 1821, in Mifflin County, Penn., son of Jacob and Mary
A.(Stoneroad) Sigler, also natives of Mifflin County, Penn., the former a
son of John Sigler, the latter a daughter of Lewis and Sarah (Gardner)
Stoneroad. Jacob Sigler was bom July 9, 1797, died October 3, 1846,
aged forty-nine years, two months and twenty- four days. Mary A.
(Stoneroad) Sigler, was bom July 11, 1795, died January 2*2, 1870, aged
seventy-four years, six months, eleven days. Jacob and Mary A. (Stone-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MONROE TOWNSHIP. 673
road) Sigler were married in June, 1818. They were parents of nine
children : Mrs. Sarah Crepps, in Page County, Iowa; Lewis; David,
single, in Page County, Iowa; Mrs. Johanna Montooth '(widow) in Put-
nam County, Ohio; Joel, in Leipsio, Putnam County, Ohio; Thomas in
Putnam County, Ohio; Mrs. Hannah Miller (deceased) leaving four
children in Indianola, Neb. ; Valentine, enlisted in the service, was in
Prentiss' division, was taken prisoner at the battle of PiU-sburg Land-
ing, and died in rebel prison; Rebecca M., died in infancy. Mr. Sig-
ler* s parents settled near Leipsic, Putnam County, Ohio, in the spring of
1837, where the father died. The subject of this sketch received but
meager educational advantages until thirteen years of age, assisting his
father before and after that age in the blacksmith shop and on the farm. He
was married September 25, 1849, to Sarah J. Watters, who was born Sep-
tember 18, 1831, in Wayne County, Ohio, daughter of Judge John W, and
Jane (Miller) Watters, natives of Pennsvlvania, but who moved to Wayne
County, thence to Putnam County, in lo36, the latter part of their lives
being spent near Lima. To our subject and wife were born seven chil-
dren: John D., deceased in 1875: Lewis C, in business at Columbus
Grove, Ohio; Anna, at home; William W., at home; and Margaret, at
home; Mary J. and Sarah E. died in infancy. Mrs. Sigler died February
3, 1880. Our subject came to his present farm in 1851, clearing most
of it himself. He carries on general farming, stock-raising and black-
smithing. He has held the offices of trustee and school director and was
elected a justice of the peace, but did not serve. The family are members
of the Presbytertan Church in which he has served as elder. In politics
he is a Democrat.
JABEZ SMITH, blacksmith, P. O. West Cairo, was born September
23, 1849; son of Henry and Rebecca (Crites) Smith, who are now living
in Pickaway County, Ohio, former a son of John Smith, latter a daughter
of San^uel Crites. They were parents of ten children: Sophia, wife of
Francis Ward; Jacob; Perlina (deceased), wife of Josiah Ward; Jabez;
Caroline, wife of Henry Ward; Jerome; Samuel, in Fairfield County,
Ohio; John; Samantha (deceased), wife of Edward Atkinson; Frank
(deceased at age of twenty years); those now living being residents, with
their families, of Pickaway County, Ohio; all the sons learning black-
smithing in their father's manufacturing establishment. The subject of
this sketch was married, April 26, 1868, to Catharine, daughter of Isaac
and Sarah (Ward) Moyers, and born in Sugar Creek Township, this
county, July 11, 1848. They have had eight children, three of whom
died in childhood. Those now living are Jennie F.. Drusilla E.,
William F., John H., Sarah A. Y. L. Mr. Smith came to Cairo, this
county, in 1870, where he plied his trade, entering into partnership with
O. H. Waltz, in 1879, in manufacturing and repair work. In the spring
of 1881, F. W. Snyder was taken into the firm, and the following fall Mr.
Waltz retired, In the spring of 1883 Mr. Smith retired from the firm
and worked at Buckland, Ohio, until 1885, when he again entered into
partnership with F. W. Snyder, in general shop work and the manu-
facturing of a combined roller, harrow and cultivator of the Hines patent.
Mr. Smith is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Columbus Grove, Ohio; has
been a member of the village council several years, being one of the first
members of that body. In politics he is a Bepublioan.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
674 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LEVI SNYDER, farmer, P. O. West Cairo, was bom January 28,
1842, in Stark County, Ohio; son of Benewell and Margaret (Snyder)
Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania, the former bom April 4, 1817, and the
latter March 15, 1815. They moved to this county in about 1849, where
they died during the war. Their 'children were Susanna (died young),
Levi, Catharine (died young), Oliver (who enlisted in June, 1863, in the
heavy artillery, was discharged and returned to this county, where he
died a short time after of consamption, contracted by exposure while in
the service), Lovina (Mrs. Thomas Myers, in this county), John N. (a car-
penter residing in Steuben County, Ind.), Emily (Mrs. E. Snyder, in
Steuben County, Ind.), Mrs. Lucy A. Thorp (residing with her sister
Emily), and Franklin (a mechanic in West Cairo). Our subject was
twice married, his first wife being Lydia Moyer, who bore him five chil-
dren : two died in infancy, Franklin S., Richard L. (born July 23, 186S),
and Willie J. Mr. Snyder was married on the second occasion May 2,
1874, to Mrs. Mary A. (Faunce) Jennings, who was born August 12/
1837, in Trumbull County, Ohia She was a classmate of Mrs. Lucretia
Garfield, and a student at Hiram College while the lamented President
Garfield was yet a student and teacher in that institution. Mrs. Snyder
taught many terms of school before her marriage and while a widow; she
taught sixteen terms in this county. Her first husband, John Jennings,
was a soldier in the Seventy -fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infant^,
was discharged on account of ill health and returned home. Being
urged by his friends to join the Ohio Volunteer Militia, he was made
First Lieutenant of Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment
Thirty third Battalion. He was honorably discharged, returned home
and died a few months later of consumption. They had one child —
Sadie — now Mrs. Edward McDonnell, residing in Monroe County, Mich.
By her second marriage Mrs. Snyder has had one child — XJrton, bom
April 13, 1878. She is a daughter of Robert and Lexcina (Everitt)
(Smith) Faunce, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of New
York. Ancesix)rs of the Faunce family came over in the ** May Flower"
and settled at Plymouth Rock. Robert Faunce is now living at Cort-
land, Ohio. Mr. Snyder enlisted in August, 1862, in Company D, One
Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of the
Western army; was severely wounded four times in the charge at the
battle of Resaca, and, supposing^hat he was beyond recovery he was left
forty-eight hours without treatment ; then the bullets were extracted, and
during the following two weeks the wounds were dressed twice. After
lying on his back three months, and spending one year in the hospital,
he was discharged May 18, 1865, and returned to Monroe Township,
this county.
JOSEPH A. STATES, farmer and county commissioner, P. O. West
Cairo, was bom April 20, 1848 ; son of "Uncle Daniel" and Jane (Jen-
' nings) States, former born April 14, 1810, in Lycoming County, Penn.,
son of Peter and Susan (Praul) States, natives of Berl^ County, Penn.,
who were parents of eleven children, four of whom died without
issue, Daniel being fourth in the family. The father of Peter States was
Daniel States, a native of France', and the father of Susan (Praul) States
was Nathan Praul, a native of England. Peter States and his wife died
Digitized by LjOOQIC
MONROE TOWNSHIP. ' « 675
in 1842, within one day of each other, he in his sixty-third and she in
her fifty-third year. " Uncle Daniel " States came to Monroe Township,
this county, in March, 1835, settling on Section 21, and assisted in the
organization of the township, being one of nine men who voted at the
first election. He entered 120 acres of land, receiving the patent from
Gov. Lucas, and here he endured all the trials and hardships of pioneer
life. He hauled his provisions from Perry County, and being a man of
wonderful strength, endurance and enterprise, he accomplished a great
amount of work for himself, and assisted in building all the first churches
and schools of his neighborhood, the first school of thdt vicinity being
built upon his farm. He was a public-spirited man, and took an active
interest in the affairs of his township, having been elected township
treasurer and trustee, holding the latter office about fourteen years.
They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was mar-
ried April 1, 1833, to Jane Jennings, a native of Perry County, bom
June 16, 1810, daughter of Benjamin and Betsey (Milick) Jennings, the
latter a relative of &ov. Tod, of Ohio, and daughter of John Milick, a
Pennsylvanian. They had seven children : John, now living in Craw-
ford County, Eans. ; George and Susan £. (deceased in childhood), Mar-
garet (deceased wife of Scott Harris, left a family in Monroe Township,
this county); Mary J. (deceased, leaving no children), Joseph A. and
Hnldah R., wife of Epluraim Fussing, of Van Wert County, Ohio. The
mother of the family died January 20, 1873. Our subject was married
September 3, 1867, to Mary J. Powell, who was born March 6, 1842, near
Spencerville, Ohio., daughter of David and Sophia (Walden) Powell,
who were natives of Juniata County, Penn., former bom March 12,
1812, and died aged thirty-six years ; came to this county when a young
man with his father, Amos Powell, who was a native of Wales ; the lat-
ter is still living in Hicksville, Ohio, in her sixty -third year. To them
were born Mary J.; William, residing at Hicksville, Ohio; Harriet, now
Mrs. Elickner, of Hicksville; George, located near Walton, Kans. To our
subject and wife have been bom Anna Y., William C, Arthur L., Sam-
uel E. (died in 1877) and Mary L. Sophia Walden, a native of Trum-
bull County, Ohio, came to Bath Township, this county, in 1838, with
her parents, Jonathan and Maria (Curtis) Walden, the former a native of
New Jersey, the latter of Connecticut ; they subsequently removed to
Defiance Count}', where they died. Mr. States was elected to the office
of county commissioner in the fall of 1881, and re elected in 1884. He
is the youngest member of that board, a man of prominence, having held
ihe important township offices.
VALENTINE H. WRIGHT, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Put-
nam County, was bom in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, November 2, 1832,
son of Samuel and Margaret (Hofiman) Wright, natives of Allegany
County, Md., and who moved to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1830, where
the former died in 1859, aged fifty nine years; the latter in this county
in 1883, aged seventy-two years. Their children were twelve in num-
ber, two dying in infancy; those reaching maturity wei^e Elizabeth,
deceased; George; Mary, deceased; Valentine H. and Bachaei A., twins;
Henry (deceased) and John, twins; William; Margaret, deceased; and
Elisha, deceased. Elisha was a member of Company D, Fifty-second
Begiment, and was killed at the age of eighteen years in a railroad col-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
676 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
lieion. Until fifteen years of age our subject attended the winter schook
of the time, assisting his father on the farm until he attained his major-
ity, when he commenced daily labor for himself. He was married, in 1830,
to Julia A. Salisbury, who was born in Tuscarawas County, November 28,
1838, daughter of John and Sarah Salisbury, natives of England, both
of whom were exhorters in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our sub-
ject and wife have had eight children: John, William, Thomas, Mary A.
and George; three died young. Mr. Wright enlisted, August 9, 1862, in
Company D, Fifty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving
under Gens. Bosecrans, Sheridan and Sherman, and participating in the
battles at Perryville, Stone Biver, Buzzard's Bo(»st, Besaca, Kenesaw
Mountain, AUatoona, Chickamauga, Mission Bidge, Marietta, Peachtree
Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Savannah, Columbia, Averysboro and Benton-
ville. He never was in the hospital a day as a patient, and wad dis-
charged in 1865, without receiving a scratch, and in August of that year
came to his present home, where he has become one of &e most honored
men of Monroe Township. Since 1858, Mr. Wright has been a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been steward many years.
NOAH B. YANT, farmer, P. O. West Cairo, was born near Carroll-
ton, Ohio, April 27, 1827, son of Henry and Margaret (Stoody) Tant,
natives of Washington County, Penn., and who moved to Carroll County,
Ohio, about 1810. Henry Yant, a son of John Yant, was bom Febru-
ary 16, 1784, died December 14, 1833. His widow, a daughter of G^rge
and Barbara (Shooster) Stoody, born January 21, 1798, is now living
with her son in Clarke County, Mo. They were parents of eleven chil-
dren: Mrs. Mary E. McCreery,'decea8ed, leaving a family in Sandusky
County, Ohio; Mra Catharine Carnahan, deceased, leaving a family in
Carroll County, Ohio; Mrs. Magdalene Bedman, living in Wooster, Ohio;
George W., farming in Clarke County, Mo.; Mrs. Barbara A. (Tresel)
Hayes, living in Carroll County, Ohio; Solomon, died at eighteen years
of age; Noah B.; Daniel H, druggist, in Hancock County, W. Va., held
position of quai*termaster in a regiment during the war; Mrs. Sarah A.
Baxter, living in Carrollton, Ohio; Elizabeth, deceased in childhood;
Mra Margaret Moore, residing in Carroll County, Ohio (by second mar-
riage with Jacob Moore there was one child — Lovina Moore. The sub-
' ject of this sketch was married September 11, 1851, to Drusilla Miller,
who was born April 7, 1828, daughter of James and Bachel (Knotts)
Miller, natives of Virginia, but who came to Carroll County, Ohio, at
an Hsrly date. James Miller was a son of Isaac and Drusilla (Downing)
Miller. Bachel Knotts was a daughter of William and Hannah. (Van
Meter) Knotte, all natives of Virginia. By this union there were seven
children: Mrs. Samantha A., of West Cairo; Mrs. Sarah B. Waltz, of
Clinton County, Mich. ; James M. , married and farming in Coffey County,
Eans. ; William H. ; Hugh M. ; Jonathan K. ; and Frank E., bom August
18, 1870, died August 14, 1875. Mr. Yant came to Allen County in 1864,
locating on Section 32, Monroe Township, where he has since resided,
carrying on general farming and stock-raising. He is a member of the
extensive firm of Ferguson, Ewing & Yant, millers of West Cairo. He
has filled offices of trust in the township. He is earnest in his labors for
the advancement of educational and religious matters, being connected
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a trustee.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
OITAWA TOWNSHIP. 677
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP.
DAVID a. APLAS, blacksmith, Lima, Ohio, was born March 28,
1833, in Rhine- Germany, of German descent. His parents, David and
Rosanna (Bellinger) Aplas, came to America in 1822, and settled in
Shelby Coanty, where they lived and died. They were the parents of
five children, all now living: Jacob, in Indiana: John, in Ohio; Chris-
tiana (Mrs. Swane); Louisa (Mrs. Cisco), in Michigan; and David G. Oar
subject was married, in 1866, to Mary Blair, by whom he has six chil-
dren: Bertie, Nora, Frank, Clara, Allen and Brice. At the breaking out
of the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Aplas enlisted in the Fifteenth Ohio Yol-
nnteer Infantry, serving under Capt Cagy for three months, then
re-enlisted in the Sixty-sixth Illinois Western Sharpshooters with Capt
Taylor, under Col. Bark, for three years. He was wounded at the battle
of Rome's Cross Roads, Ga., and served till the close of the war. Mr.
Aplas was educated in the German and English languages, and is a
shrewd business man. He came to Lima, in lo54, learned blacksmithing
in the shop which he afterward bought, giving his labor for part pay-
ment and $1,500 cash (borrowed at a high rate of interest), and this
proved a paying investment for the property, which is located next to the
new opera house, largely increased in value in the last twelve years, being
now worth $10,000. Mr. Aplas has ceased carrying on business, but
rents the place for a similar purpose; he has a fine residence on West North
Street, Lima, Ohio.
F. G. ARTER, M. D., Lima, was bom in Columbiana County, Ohio,
April 2, 1838, son of Simon and Elizabeth (Burger) Arter, former a native
of Maryland, latter of Columbiana County, Ohio. His grandfather
and grandmother. Abraham and Magdalene Arter, settled in Columbiana
County in 1802, and their names are registered among the pioneers of
that county. Our subject is one of eleven children born to his parents,
ten of whom survive: Maria (wife of Isaac Webb), Daniel A., Samuel
E., Anthony H., Aaron B., Francis G., Cordelia A. (wife of D. F. Pike),
Jerutha C. (wife of Edwin Hull), Simon M. and David L. Francis G.
began reading medicine in i860, wiih his brother, Daniel A., a physician
at Greensburg, Penn. He subsequently abandoned the study and took
up law; was admitted to the bar in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1866, and
began practice at New Lisbon, Ohio, with his preceptor, Samuel Smith.
After a short practice, however, he returned to his medical studies;
attended lectures at Ann Arbor, Mich., in winter of 1866-67, graduating
in the latter year at Ann Arbor Pharmacy. The following year he grad-
uated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, at which place he began the
practice of medicine. Subsequently he removed to West Liberty, Mus-
catine Co., Iowa, and two }'ears later came to Lima, where he has since
been continuously engaged. Locating under adverse circumstances the
doctor has established a permanent practice, and as a citizen and physi-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
€78 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
<sian is highly esteemed. In Angast, 1862, he answered the call for
troops, enlisting' in Company H, One Hnndred and Fifteenth Ohio Vol-
unteer Infantry. He was promoted to orderly sergeant, in which rank
he left the volunteer army and accepted a position as first lieutenant in
the regular service, resigning in that rank in October, 1865. The doctor
participated in the battles of Stone Biver and Columbia, and in the
siege of Nashville, and was mustered out at Bridgeport, Ala. Dr. Arter
is a member of the Northwestern Ohio and Allen County Medical
Societies; he is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity.
He was married in 1868 to Miss Martha McCnme, a native of Blairs-
ville, Penn. Zelma M. and Francis D. are their living children. The
family are connected with the Presbyterian Church.
WILLIAM ASHTON, dealer in real estate, Lima, was born June 7,
1821, in Lincolnshire, England, a son of Francis Ashton, a contractor
for bricklaying, plastering and masonry in England. Francis Ashton
was bom July 6, 1796, and was thrice married, his first wife (to whom
he was married when but eighteen years of age) having died without
issua He was married on the second occasion to Elizabeth Mackinder, born
September 17, 1796, and by this union had nine children, five born in
England: William, Charles, Edwin, Christopher and Francis, all now
residents of Lima, save Charles, who resides in Guthrie County, Iowa;
four in Ohio: Eliza, now the wife of John Bowles; Henry, a lieutenant
in the army during the lat« civil war (he wa^ married to Sarah Lewis,
and left three children); J. B. and Buth (latter deceased in infancy).
Francis Ashton, subject's father, came to America in 1831, and after vis-
iting New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and Michigan, returned
to England. The following year (1832) he returned with his family,
buying land in Bichland County, Ohio, where he«first settled, but subse-
quently purchased 200 acres of land in Allen County, moving to the lat-
ter county in 1854, and there died March 25, 1882. Our subject was
married, August 10, 1844, to Sally O., daughter of Samuel Holmes, and
by this union has one son, Francis, now engaged in the machinery and
molding business at Bochester, Ind. Mr. Ashton at one time carried
on a hardware store at Kenton, and was also engaged in the same busi-
ness in Lima, with his brother Francia He sold his interest to W. E.
Boone, and embarked in banking business at Bochester, Ind., but after
a time returned to Lima, where he has since been interested in real
estate.
EDWIN ASHTON, physician and druggist, Lima, was born in Lin-
colnshire, England, July, 1826; his parents were Francis and Elizabeth
(Mackinder) Ashton, who immigrated to the United States in 1832, and
settled in Bichland County, Ohio, in November of that year. Previous
to that time, the father had followed the brick-laying and stone-mason
trade, but in settling in this country, he located on a farm and reared
seven sons in agricultural pursuits. In 1854 the parents removed to Lima,
where the mother died in 1869, the father in March, 1882. To them
were born ten children: Christopher, who died in early childhood, Wil-
liam, Charles, Edwin, Christopher, Francis, Eliza, Henry, John B. and
Buth Ann. The latter died in early childhood, in Lima; Henry died in
1880. The subject of this sketch received bis education in the district
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 679
school and the Academy of Ashland, Ohio. Studied medicine under Drs.
Benschooter and Bevier, at Plymouth, Ohio, and the Cleveland Medical
College, and began the practice of his profession in Eenton, Ohio, in
1851, remaining there until the fall of 1884, when he removed to Lima,
and entered the drug business, in which he is still engaged. He
was united in marriage in 1856, with Miss Sarah J., daughter of Evan
Hughes. To them have been born live children: one that died in
infancy, ButhH., Emma J., William A. and Charle&
FRANCIS ASHTON, lumber dealer, Lima, was bom in Lincoln-
shire, England, March 9, 1831, son of Francis and Elizabeth (Mclnder)
Ash ton, natives of England. Our subject was educated in Ohio, and
first engaged with his elder brother, William Ashton, in the hardware
trade at Eenton, Ohio. In 1854 he embarked in the hardware trade on
his own account in Lima, and followed this business for thirteen years.
Mr. Ashton was married in 1856 to Mary, daughter of Abraham Lontz,
by whom he has five children: Elizabeth (wife of Charles D. Dunnan —
have two children: Frank D. and an infant), Anna B., John B., Hattie
B. and Francis L. Our subject, in company with Thomas W. Dobbins,
entered the lumber trade in 1880, opening a yard on South Main Street,
Lima, where they have done a well r^ulated business up to the present
time. Mr. Ashton is a F. & A. M., and a member of the I. O. O. F.
J. B. ASHTON, dealer in machinery, Lima, was born October 20,
1837, in Bichland County, Ohio, the youngest son of Francis and Eliza-
beth Ashton, natives of England. Francis Ashton came to America in
1831, traveling through New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. He then
returned to England, but in 1832, accompanied by his family (having
then five sons), came back to Ohio, and purchased land and settled in
Bichland County, where he remained until 1852, when he came to Allen
County, his family then numbering seven sons and two daughters. He
gave his children the advantages of the best schools of the day, and they
now occupy respectable positions in life, and are all residents of Lima,
except Charles, who resides in Quthrie County, Iowa. Mr. Ashton was
a highly respected and honorable man, looking not only to his own fam-
ily's interests, but to the good of the community. Our subject was edu-
cated in the common schools of the county, and moved to Lima with his
parents. He enlisted during the late civil war, August 12, 1862, and
was assigned to Company A, One Hundred and Eighteenth Begiment
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and afterward transferred to Company I, of same
regiment ; was detailed to duty in hospital department, and subsequently
promoted to hospital steward, remaining with his regiment until it was
mustered out of service at Salisbury, N. C, June 24, paid off at Cleve-
land, Ohio, July 9, and reached home July 13, 1865. Mr. Ashton was
married, October 25, 1866, to Margaret E. Clippinger, by whom he had
one son, Edwin, who died in infancy. Mrs. Ashton died March 25, 1872,
and our subject was again married, November 25, 1874, this time to
Mary C. Melhorn, by whom he has two children : Harry M. and Paul.
OLIVEB BAKEB, dealer in carpets, etc., Lima, was bom April 19,
1842, in Massachusetts, of which State his parents, Sylvester and Sabra
(Matthews) Baker, were also natives, the latter of whom is now a resi-
dent of Baltimore, Md. Of their family only three members are now
Digitized by LjOOQIC
680 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
living: Martha B., now Mrs. C. Sears, in Baltimore, McL; Edwin, in
Tiffin, Ohio, and Oliver. Oar subject received his primary education in
Massachusetts, and completed same in Providence, B. L He came to
Ohio in 1864, settling in Cleveland, where he remained until 1870, when
•he went to Akron, Ohio, and there engaged in the carpet trade. He sub-
sequently returned to Cleveland ; in 1874 went to Cincinnati, where he
resided for about one year. In 1879 Mr. Baker moved to Toledo, enter-
ing the firm of Baker, Sterling & Co. , in the carpet business. In 1882
he took charge of one of the largest carpet departments in Cincinnati,
Ohio, and in 1884 came to Lima, where he keeps a large assortment of
carpets, curtains, draperies and paper hangings. Mr. Baker was mar-
ried in 1864, to Mary E. Bice, of Ashby, Mass., and to this union have
been born four children : Edwin B., Alice M, Sarah M. and Edith H.
Mr. Baker is a member of the Boyal Arcanum and of the Legion of
Honor.
GEOBGE W. BASFOBD, baker, Lima,'wafl bom October 29, 1856,
in the village of Jeromesville, Ashland Co., Ohio ; son of George W.
Basford and a grandson of George W. Basford, Sr., a native of Ireland,
and who came to Ohio in a very early day, becoming one of the largest
landholders of the State, and who at his death left his children and
grandchildren well provided for. The father of our subject has a family
of five children : Napoleon O., Mary E., George W., John F. and Harry
E. Our subject was educated in Ashland County, Ohio. He was united
in marriage, December 25, 1879, with Philira, daughter of James Leoffer,
of that county. To this union were bom two children : Ethel and
James Carlos. Mr. Basford came tiO Lima in October, 1884, and opened
out in the bakery business.
SAMUEL A. BAXTEB (deceased), was born in Washington County,
Md, September 26, 1807; sou of Samuel A. Baxter, of English descent^
his ancestry being among the early settlers of Maryland and Virginia.
Our subject, a hatter and furrier by trade, was offered an opportunity to
take charge of a hat store in Lancaster, Ohio, by a gentleman who met
him while East buying goods. He accepted this offer and immediately,
in company with another young man, set out, having one horse which
they rode alternately. On arriving at his destination Mr. Baxter took
charge of the business which he conducted many years, and eventually
bought out During his residence in Lancaster, and while working at
his trade, he commenced to study law under ex-Gov. William Medill. In
1838 he removed to Lima, and opened a hat store, which he carried on
most of the time till 1846, when he spent a winter attending the law
school at Cincinnati, and was admitted to the bar in 1847. Betuming
to Lima, he then commenced to practice his profession and soon became
a prominent member of the bar. He dealt largely in real estate, was
enterprising, persevering, generously giving of his means to the poor
and every good cause, and was foremost in every enterprise conducive to
the improvement of Lima. Mr. Baxter was married in 1833, to Miss
Nancy, daughter of Henry Mason,^by whom he had three children, two
now living: Alfred C. and Samuel A. Mrs. Baxter died in 1862, and
our subject subsequently married Annie M., daughter of John Mason,
by which union there was one child — Nancy M. S. A, Baxter, the third
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 681
son, began the study of medicine nnder Dr. William H. Harper, of Lima,
which he completed with Dr. J. Dawson of Colnmbus, Ohio. He grad-
uated at Cincinnati College, and began the practice of his profession in
the army, in 1863, in the Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where he
remained until the close of the war. He then returned to Lima and
after practicing for five years, retired from the profession to become the
president of the First National Bank, a position he still fills. He was
married, in 1866, to Deborah, daughter of W. P. Ellison of Chicago, by
whom he has three sons : Frank, Don and Clem.
GEORGE M. BAXTER (deceased) was born December 8, 1834, in
Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio; son of Samuel A. and Nancy M. (Mason)
Baxter. Samuel A. Baxter, a hatter and furrier by trade, came to Lan-
caster in an early day to take charge of a hat and fur store there, which
he conducted for many years. While thus employed he took up the study
of law, under the preceptorship of ex-Gk>v. William Allen, and fin-
ished his studies at the Cincinnati Law School, subsequently becoming
a prominent lawyer of Lima. Our subject, also a graduate of the Cin-
cinnati Lflw School, was admitted to the bar. He was married in June,
1855, to Margaret C., daughter of William Chaney of Lima, and to this
union were bom four children (one now living): Fannie M., married to
J. K. Brioe, August 30, 1880, died July 12, I882j Alfred C, secretary
Lima Gaslight Company, was married January 7, 1885, to Carrie,
daughter of B. C. Faurot, a banker and proprietor of the opera house ;
Medora and George. Capt. George M. Baxter raised the first company
of Zouaves of Lima, and, in 1862, went into the field where he served
until 1864, then resigned on account of the death of his mother, and
returned to Lima He died May 16, 1865.
JOHN P. BOURQUIN, hotel keeper, Lima, was born July 9, 1845,
in Loraine, France, son of Joseph Bourquin, who was the parent of
three children : Julia, Joseph F. and John P. Joseph Bourguin died in
France, and in 1856, his widow and family came to America, locating at
New York, being among the passengers on the last sailing vessel
which sailed previous to the introduction of ocean steamers. Our sub-
ject was educated in Wayne County, Ohio, and came to Lima, in 1865,
working for R. Hughes, tinner and stove dealer. Being of a specula-
tive turn of mind, Mr. Bourquin began trading in real estate and also
opened a restaurant, which he now rents. May 28, 1882, he bought the
Bennett House of S. Y. Bronnell, which he has rebuilt, remodel^, and
refurnished, so that it is now one of the leading hotels of Lima. He is
an enterprising yonns man and a popular landlord. Mr. Bourquin was
united in marriage, August 27, 1879, and has one child named Bonnie.
BYRON BOWERS, house painter, Lima, was bom December 16,
1841, in Lima, son of Abraham and Phebe (Neel) Bowers, natives of
Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio, settling in Wayne County. Here
they lived until 1834, when they moved to this county. Abraham Bow-
ers was a cabinet-maker and carpenter. Of their family of twelve chil-
dren, five are now living: Andrew, James, Susan (Mra Morris), Lizzie
(Mrs. Nye), and Byron. Our subject was educated in Lima. During
the late war of the Rebellion, he enlisted, in 1861, in the three months*
service, and the following year, 1862, re-enlisted and served three years
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682 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
After his discharge he returned to Lima and resumed his trade, that of
house painting. Mr. Bowers was married, in 1868, to Nancy K, daugh-
ter of James W. Shockey, and by this union there is one child — Iva. Mr.
Bowers is a member of the I. O. O. F.
P. H. BROOKS, physician, Lima, was bom near Oxford, Butler
County, Ohio, February 7, 1845. His father, Kennedy Brooks, a native
of Lreland, acquired a thorough education, and in early manhood left
the land of his nativity to found a home among the liberty-loving people
of America. He was without means, and made his way to the wilds of
Butler County, where he met and wedded Elizabeth H Butler, a native
of Vermont, who proved a willing helpmeet and the foundation of his
success. She taught school with her first bom in her arms, while he
struggled manfully in clearing the forest land, and securing support.
In time he was enabled to purchase a small piece of land* and at the
close of his life, in 1878, he left over 300 acres to his children, his com-
panion having preceded him to the better world in 1865. Kennedy
Brooks was a man of strict religious principles and an expert 2kiathema>
tician. His death was mourned by a large concourse of friends, espec-
ially the poor, to whom he had always extended aid and assistance. He
and his wife were parents of ten children, eight of whom were classical
graduates. The eldest, Andrew, is a teacher at Springfield, III ; Arpasia
is teaching near Joplin, Mo. ; Elizabeth S. is the head of a private academy
at Carthage, Mo. ; Emily died at the age of seventeen just prior to
graduating ; Anthony, entered the naval service and died of heart dis-
ease at the siege of Yicksburg, in 1863 ; Robert, a physician at Carthage^
Mo., served as a surgeon in the navy during tiie war of the Rebellion;
Lucretia and Annie residing on the homestead ; John, who was also a
soldier during the civil war; and Peter H Our subject received his
primary education in the district schools, and a collegiate classical course
at the Miami University, graduating in the class of 1868. His brother,
Robert, was his preceptor in the study of medicine, and after two courses
of lectures at the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, began the prac-
tice of his profession at Paddy's Run, Butler County, Ohio, in 1872. In
1877, he moved to this city where he has established a successful practice,
and is one of the leading physicians. The doctor joined the ranks of the
Union Army in 1864, and served to the close of the war of the Rebellion.
He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, is widely
known and highly respected.
JOHN F. BROTHERTON, attorney at law, Lima, was bom in July,
1844, in Piqua, Ohio, son of Jasper and Jane (Widney) Brotherton,
came to Lima in October, 1865; was a graduate in the class of 1864, of
the Weslyan University of Delaware, Ohio; was admitted to the bar by
the Supreme Court of Ohio in March, 1865; came to Lima in October of
the same yeaf (1865), and is now one of the leading members of the Lima
bar. He served as prosecuting attorney of Allen County from 1867 to
1871, and as city solicik>r of Lima from 1881 to 1883, filling both of
these ofiices with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people.
He was united in marriage, in June, 1868, with Clara, daughter of the
late T. K. Jacobs, and by this union five children were born, one son
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 68S
and fotir danghters, Cloyd, Mary, Bessie, Kobert A. and Clara L. Mr.
Brotherlon was at one time editor of the Miami County Democrat^ and
has engaged in other literary pursuits.
CASPAA F. BRYAN, attorney at law, Lima, was born September
17, 1848, in Granville, Ohio, a town noted for its educational facilities,
possessing a fine union school, two female colleges, and the Denison
University (two of these schools are under the auspices of the Baptist,
and the other under the Presbyterian Church). Granville has a popula-
tion of 1,000 or 1,200 souls, mostly of New England origin, who pride
themselves on their neat and well-regulated town, where a pumpkin is
said to have grown to its full size, undisturbed, on one of its side streets.
Our subject's father. Dr. E. F. Bryan, moved to Granville in 1830, and
is one of its oldest physicians. He was a student at Yale College, and
studied medicine under the old school system. After following his pro>
fession successfully for sixty years, he is now living a retired life. The
doctor was twice married, on the first occasion to Miss Julia Peck, who bore
him four children: two sons, Cliarles Marshall and Caspar F., and two
daughters, Mary P., and Georgiana, of whom Caspar F., is the only child
living, the others having died in childhood. Caspar F. received the benefit
of the good schools and colleges of his native place, and in 1873 commenced
the study of law with J. J. Bell, of London, Ohio, and was admitted to
the bar at the district court of Greene County, Ohio, in March 1876.
He was married the same year (1876) to Miss Ella, daughter of Lynn and
Margaret Crabb, of London, Ohio, and by this union there is one child,
Grace W. Mr. Bryan began the practice of law in Lima, in the fall of
1883, opening a law office in partnership with Albert G. Stewart ; they
are both members of the Presbyterian Church, at Lima. Mr. Bryan is
a member of the Knights of Pythias.
DAVIS J, CABLE, attorney at law, Lima, Ohio, was bom August
11, 1859, in Van Wert County, Ohio, son of John L and Angle R.
(Johnson) Cable, and grandson of Davis Johnson one of the earliest set-
tlers of Van Wert County, Ohio, and of Joseph Cable an early settler of
Ohio before it became a State, who edited the first paper at New Lisbon,
Ohio ; he also represented what was formerly the fifth district, consist-
ing of Columbiana, Stark, Jefferson and Carrol Counties in United
States Congress for two terms, 1848-1852. He was the author of the
first homestead bill presented to Congress, was associate judge of Co-
lumbiana County. His son John L is a prominent citizen of Van Wert
County. Our subject received his early education at the public schools
of his native county, and later entered the law school at the University
of Ann Arbor, Mich. Afterward removed to Lima, and in 1881 was ex-
amined by the Supreme Court at Columbus, and admitted to the bar and
began the practice of law at Lima, was elected in 1882 city solicitor, a
position he held for two yeara Was married in 1882, to Mary A. Harnly.
He is a member of the K. of P.
ESAYAS CANTIENY, dealer in crockery and chinaware, Lima, a son
of Domenie Cantieny, was bom December 26, 1840, in Switzerland, where
he was educated. He and four brothers came to America. He came here
in 1856, settling in Missouri, where he remained for ten years. In 186ft
he moved to Lima, and along with Mr. Purtscher, embarked in the con-
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684 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
fectionerj business, which he carried on until 1882, when he opened the
crockery and ^china store on Main Street, opposite the Opera House,
whore he also keeps a variety of toys. Mr. Cantieny was married in
1868, to Yieny Amelung, by whom he has seven children: Charles,
Angeline, Mary, Domenie, Vieny, Nina and Nicholas.
EDWAED CHRISTEN, proprietor of Bottling Works. Lima, was
born January 10, 1849, in Upper Sandusky. Wyandot Co., Ohio; son of
Anthony and Frances (Mpntor) Christen, who Came from France to
America, in 1827 and 1829, respectively. They first located in Philadel-
phia, Penn., where they were married and resided three years; then
lived nine years in Mobile, Ala., whence they moved to Ohio, settling in
Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, about the time the Indians were prepar-
ing to leave. They were parents of four children, all now living (the
eldest bom previous to, the others after, their arrival in Ohio), their names
are: Louisa, Adelia (wife of Mr. Heart), Edward and Catherine (wife of
Capi Metts, commander of Kirby's Light Guards, Ohio State Militia. Our
subject was united in marriage, in 1873, with Rose A. , daughter of Vic-
tor and Catherine Gutzwiller, and by this union were bom five children:
Mary, Eddie, Leo, Eugene and Harry. In February, 1882, Mr. Christen
established the Bottling Works, located on Spring Street, four doors west
of Main Street, Lima, where he manufactures daily about 20,000 dozen
bottles of ginger ale, birch beer, champaign eider, syphon seltzer, mineral
waters and other plain health- giving beverages.
WALTON E. CLARK, teacher of music, Lima, was born May 20, 1859,
in Mattapoisett, Plymouth Co., Mass.; son of Capi James M. and
Maria P. (Benson) Clark, and grandson of James Clark and Stillman
Benson, descendants of the pilgrim-fathers who landed at Plymouth Rock.
Capt. James M. Clark was twice married, having had by his first wife
one child, Susanna, wife of Capt. James W. Blankinship, who was inter-
ested in the steamship ** Worcester," of Boston, and in several Steamship
Companies. By his second marriage (with Miss Benson), there were
three children: James M., Walton E. and John S., who died in infancy.
Our subject was educated at the Middleborough High School, graduating
in 1877, and there began the study of music, which he complete at the
New England -Conservatory of Music, at Boston, Ma.s8., graduating in
theory and harmony. He came to Lima, in August, 1883, and in Sep-
tember of the same year, took the place of Prof. S. R. Webb, and now •
presides at the organ of Market Street Presbyterian Church. He is also
engaged in teaching the pianoforte, etc., and intends to open a music
school in Lima. He is a meml)er and organist of Lodge No. 01, K. of P.
JESSE MAHLON COE, president of the Lima Machine Works,
Lima, Ohio, was bom May 12, 1823, in Frederick County, Md. ;
son of Thomas and Mary (Souder) Coe, natives of Maryland and Penn-
9ylvania, respectively. Thomas Coe was thrice married, first, September
4, 1817, to Anna, daughter of Jacob Souder, by whom he has one child
living — David. He was married on the second occasion, March 10, 1822,
to Mary Souder, a sister of his last wife, and by this union had four
children : Jesse Mahlon, Clarissa, Ellen, John S. and Mary T. This
wife died in Maryland in 1831, and Mr. Coe again married, this time
Abia Souder, by whom he had six children of whom only Caroline is now
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 685
living. Thomas Coe died in May, 1858. Our subject was a student in
the public schools of Tiffin, and a graduate of the Ohio Wesley an Uni-
versity, of Delaware, Ohio. He was married, February 2, 1858, to
Harriet, daughter of James Brown; by whom he has two children: A. B.
and George W. A. B., the elder, was a graduate of Heidelberg College
and the founder of the Lima Stm, now the Lima Daily Republican, which
he sold to become the secretary of the Lima Machine Works, and subse-
quently he went into the Lrvine Wheel Works, but is now doing a whole-
sale and retail fruit trade. He was married June 16, 1881, to Lizzie M.
Oglevie, by whom he has two children: Lena M. and Jessie M. George
W., the younger, is a professor of music, and author of several pieces of
popular music, which he has published. J. M. Coe, the subject of this
sketch, has been one of the directors of the First National Bank of Lima,
Ohio, also one of the trustees of the new Trinity Methodist Episcopal
Church, nearly since their organization.
JOHN J. COLE, proprietor of nursery and fruit grower, Lima, was
born October 28, 1823, in Warren County, Ohio; son of John F. and
Nancy A. (Watson) Cole, natives, the former of New Jersey, the latter
of Virginia, and who came to Allen County, Ohio, November 10, 1831,
being among the first settlers; they were married in 1822, and of their
family of thirteen children, only John J. and Eliphelet P. are now liv-
ing; they came to Lima when there were but two houses in the place,
and a third in course of erection. John F. Cole was a shoemaker, also
a reed manufacturer; he drove a team from Lima to Cincinnati for
goods before the railroad was built; he died in May, 1881, his widow
in 1884. Our subject attended the country schools, and has otherwise
improved his education since. His early playmates were Indian boys, and
his knowledge of the growth of the county is extensive. He learned
the tailor's trade, and carried on a business in that line for some years.
Mr. Cole was married September 15, 1844, to Mary A., daughter of Levi
and Mary Saint, latter of whom is still living. To this union were born
six children: Lutitia E. (now Mrs. Stienour), Crittenden (married to
Annie Friend), Adriana S., Filmore H., Minnie E. (wife of L W. Boyer),
and Ollie D. Mr. Cole has been constable, assessor and township trustee.
He has been long engaged in the nursery and fruit growing business, and
is an extensive apiarist He is a F. & A. M.
SAMUEL COLLINS, retired grocer, Lima, was born in March, 1824,
in Belmont County, Ohio; son of John and Bachael (Cunningham) Col-
lins, natives of Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio in an early day,
settling in Belmont County, where they passed the remainder of their
days*,, they were the parents of nine children, six of whom are still
living: William, John, Daniel, Martha (Mrs. Moore), Margaret (Mrs.
Plumber), and Samuel. Our subject was educated in his native county.
He was married, in 1847, to Mary, daughter of Christian Brinser, by
whom he has three children: Rose (married to J. Rinkle), Daniel (mar-
ried to Emma Pierson), and Peny (married to Catherine Fenlon). In
1852 Mr. Collins came to Lima and began in the grocery business on the
spot where the Collins Block now stands. In 1861 he was elected sheriff,
and served until 1865. He built the Collins Block in 1874; has been
very successful, financially, and is now living a retired life, respected and
honored by all who know him. 41
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686 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
H. M. COL YIN, Lima, is the eldest of a family of four children: J. A.,
Fannie and Harry, and was bom February 6, 1§58, in Perry Township,
this county; son of W. R. and Ada (Daniels) Colvin, and great grand-
son of James Daniels, latter being one of the first settlers of the
county, having served as Allen County's first commissioner, having
filled that ofQce in the year 1831; also tike first court ever held in Allen
County having been held in his (James Daniel's) log-cabin, standing at that
time near the present site of the Market Street bridge; our subject's ma-
ternal grandfather, Benjamin M. Daniels, was a noted teacher, scholar and
Baptist divine, having by his own efforts and wholly unassisted, obtained
a fine education, and served the county for years in the capacity of exam-
iner of schools. The father of the subject of this sketch (W. R. Colvin),
was elected city marshal of Lima in tibe year 1876, and faithfully and
honorably discharged the duties of said office for three successive terms,
in the aggregate six years in all; after the expiration of his office he en-
gaged in the grocery business with his sonH. M. Colvin; after doing
business as grocer successfully for two years, he bought a fine farm in
Perry Township, where he still resides. The subject of our sketch
first began the battle of life in the capacity of delivery boy and grocer's
clerk, clerking for John Wheeler, S. J. Mowen, and acting for
Moore Bros, wholesale grocery, as traveling salesman, and in 1878, he
formed a partnership with a fellow townsman, J. M. Bond, and conducted
the grocery business at No 76. East Market Street, Lima, afterward
buying his paiiner out; he has since successfully conducted the business
on his own account Mr. Colvin is one of the few men selected by nature,
as it seems, to make a ''mark in the world;*' beginning with nothing, he
has quite successfully battled with the "adversities of life," and has, by
nis judgment and own personal ability, acquired the ownership of some
fine city and farm property, and he is still doing a thriving business at
the ''old stand," 76 East Market Street
ISAIAH COPELAND, carpenter, Lima, was bom March 16, 1841, in
Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Penn.; son of Willis and Mary A. (McKinney)
Copeland, natives of Little York, Penn. , who were the parents of twelve
children, nine now living, four of whom reside in Ohio; two, Isaiah and
an elder brother, in this county. Our subject began learning his trade
in 1857, in Juniata County, Penn., with Philip Coffman. He came
to Lima in the spring of 1864, and here for eleven years worked with
Mr. McEeney on some of the most prominent buildings in the city. Mr.
Copeland was married, in the fall of 1867, to Anna B., the second in the
family of eight children of William Young, of Allen County. To Mr.
Copeland and wife have been born five children: William W., Frank K,
Flora, Lulu and Bay. Mr. Copeland personally is a straight, well pro-
portioned man, five feet ten inches in height, pleasant in manners, and
a workman well worthy of his hire.
JAMES H. CORNS, railroad employe, Lima, was bom March 6,
1826, in Zanesville, Ohio; son of Henry M. and Cynthia A. (Harden)
Corns, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania, respectively. Henry M.
Corns came to Ohio in an early day, and settled near Duncan's Falls,
Muskingum County, Ohio, where he remained for a few years; in 1832
he came to this county, purchasing a farm one mile and three-quarters
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 687
east of Lima, bnt afterward, in 1876, he removed to Missouri, where he
died. His widow subsequently returned to Lima, where she resides
with one of her daughters. Of her children four are now living: Sarah
(wife of John Dixon), Irena (wife of William Osborn), Lucina (wife of
Michael Whisler), and James H., all residing in Allen County. Henry
M. Corns was a millwright by trade, and built the first mill in this
county (locating on Hay Creek, four miles east of Lima) for Mr. Joseph
Ward. Our subject has been employed by the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne
& Chicago Railroad Company for many years; is now night clerk in the
freight ofSce, and for years has had the charge of the mail delivery of
Lima. He is one of the substantial men of the city, having 150 acres of
well improved land and a fine residence. He was married to Mary A.
Dixon, and to this union were born Henry (married), Ella (wife of Henry
Rogers), and Ada (wife of Lee Fangle). The mother of these children
died in 1863, and in October, 1864, Mr. Corns married Mary F. Anmod.
Our subject enlisted during the war of the Rebellion, October 10, 1861,
in Company B, Eighty-tirst Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where
he served until the close of the war, being five times slightly wounded,
first time at Pittsburg Landing. He is a F. & A. M., and a member of
the I. O. O. F.
MILTON C. CRAIG, miller, Lima, was bom February 20, 1821,
in the town of Beaver, Beaver Co., Penn.; son of Samuel and Elizabeth
(Balon) Craig, natives of Pennsylvania, and who were the parents of six
children, three of whom are now living: Theodore, Susan (wife of Charles
Weaver, of Pennsylvania), and Milton C. Three of the sons (all now
deceased) served in the late war of the Rebellion — Robert, James and
Ralston. Ralston was accidentally shot by the premature discharge of his
pistol, which fell from his pocket as he was drinking at a spring. Our
subject received his early education in his native Stata He was married,
in 1846, to Elizabeth Christie, also a native^ of Pennsylvania, and by her
has four children living: Samuel, Sarah (wife of John Tracy), William
and Grace. Mr. Craig came to Ohio in 1856, and helped lay the track
of the Pittsburgh, Ft Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and was also employed
by the Dayton & Michigan Railroad Company for eighteen years. He
located permanently in Lima, Ohio, and in 1881, opened the mill which
stands near the bridge on East Market Street, principally engaged in
grinding corn and all kinds of feed.
J. W. CRUM, manufacturer of and dealer in chain pumps and fixtures,
and dealer in force pumps, hose, pipe, etc., Lima, was born January 3,
1836, in Seneca County, Ohio; son of John and Margaret (Evans) Crum,
of German and English descent, respectively. John Crum, a farmer and
wagon-maker by trade, was one of the early pioneers of Seneca County,
settling there in 1823, when it was a wilderness. He was married three
times and had fourteen children (six by first and eight by second wife),
six of whom are now living: Rebecca (Mrs. Crawford), Amanda (Mrs.
Ludwig), Frances (Mrs. Wolgamuth), Hamilton, George and J. *W. Our
subject was educated in Seneca County and came to Lima in 1880, and
began the manufacturing of pumps, in which he has met success. He is
now doing a fine business, dealing in rubber bucket chain pumps, iron
force pumps, etc. He formerly carried on a carriage shop. During the
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688 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
war of the Rebellion he enlisted in August, 1861, in Company A, Forty-
ninth- Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving one year, and was
discharged on account of disability; later he served three months in
Company D,One Hundred and Forty- fourth Regiment National Guards.
Mr. Crum was married, in 1866, to Mary, daughter of Alex Carothers,
and to this union have been born three children, two now living: Fred
and Clara. Mr. Crum is a F. & A. M.
NOAH CULP, tool-dresser, Lima, was bom January 27, 1840, in
Fairfield County, Ohio; son of Christian and Elizabeth (Good) Culp, who
came to Ohio in 1833, settling in Fairtield County. They were parents
of ten children: David, Noah, Magdalene, Fannie, Nancy, Annie, Susan
(deceased), Sophia, Elizabeth and Christian C. Six of the family reside
in this county; Sophia is in Allen County, Ind.; Anna is a resident of
Adams County, Ind. Christian Culp was a blacksmith, working at his
trade during the week, and preaching in the Mennonite Church on the
Sabbath. He came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1850, and settled on a farm
in Sugar Creek Township, where he lived until his death in 1884; his
widow still resides there. Our subject began his trade, in 1868, in Allen
County, became a fine workman, and since 1880 has been tool-dresser in
the Lima Machine Works. He was married November 19, 1862, to
Elizabeth L., daughter of David Ashbaugh, by his second marriage, with
Annie Armatroui To Mr. Culp and wife have been bom two children:
James E. and Clara A., wife of Edward Drieschman (they have one child
—Earl Cleveland).
THEODORE E. CUNNINGHAM, attorney at law, Lima, was bom
October 31, 1830, in Wayne County, Ohio; son of Dr. William and Anna
(Ewalt) Cunningham, natives, the former of Washington County, the
latter of Bedford County, Penn. Dr. William Cunningham came to the
State of Ohio, in 1821, with his father, Archibald C, who settled in
Wayne County, and in January, 1832, came to this county, settling in
the then village of Lima, and erected a cabin on a spot where the south-
east comer of the public square now terminates, and there lived and
raised his family of seven children, four of whom are still living: Eliza
(widow of H. Walters, a resident of Lima), Clementina (marrieid to G.
Brice, of Lima), Sarah B. (wife of B. Mannis of Putnam County, Ohio)
and Theodore E. Our subject was educated in this county, and with his
natural ability, genial manners, close attention to business, has won for
himself a leading position in the city, and he is still one of its principal
attorneys. He entered the printing business as an apprentice with Hon.
James Mackenzie, then in Ealida, Ohio, and in 1852 bought the Lima
Argu8, in company with William C. Tomkinson, which was then pub-
lished by Matthias Nichols, who, having been elected to Congress, retired.
The Argus was the only paper then published in Lima, and this they
carried on until 1854, when Mr. Cunningham retiring, he was succeeded
by T. M. Robb, who continued the Argus until the fall of 1855, at which
time our subject and Mr. Poland took possession of the office, and started
an anti-Neb. paper, entitled the People^s Press, which they carried on
about one year, when Mr. Cunningham retired. He then entered the
law (having been admitted to the bar in 1852) with Mr. Waldorf, which
partnership continued until 1860, when he was commissioned one of the
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 689
board of eorollmeDt of the Fifth Distriot of Ohio, and in 1866 was
elected representative of the Johnson Coustitutional Convention, again
resuming law practice in 1873.
ELIJAH CUBTISS, the well-known and highly esteemed physician
of Lima, was born April 11, 1812, in Berkshire County, Mass., son of
Abner and Elizabeth (Salter) Cortiss. The family came to Ohio in 1821,
and settled in Sammit County. They traveled with a three-horse team
(taking thirty one days to make a journey now accomplished by railroad
in a day and a half) to within six miles of Cleveland, where one of the
horses died from the effects of eating castor beans, then the balance of
the journey had to be made with two horses. Abner Curtiss, who was a
farmer, experienced all the struggles and hardships of pioneer life. He
reared a family of eight children on the reserve, four of whom are now
living: Anna (wife of John Hartsill), Percis (wife of George Phelps, of
New York), Daniel and Elijah. Our subject received his education fit
Hudson College, and began the study of medicine, when nineteen years
old, at Akron, Ohio, with Dr. Elijah Hanchett, attending a course of
lectures at Herkimer Medical Institute. The doctor was married to Floia
F., daughter of Elijah Hanchett, his former preceptor, and to this union
were bom two children: Mary E. and Charles, who was educated at Oxford,
studied medicine under his father, took a course of lectures at Cincin-
nati, and began to practice at Decatur, Adams Co., Ind., returning to
Lima in 1875, where he entered into partnership with his father. He
^BB married in 1880 to Miss Liprick (have two children — Dwight and an
infant). He is a F. & A. M. and a member of the L O. O. F.
G. DAY, a member of the firm Ring & Day, Lima, was bom May 31,
1832, in Wilbraham,Mass., son of Alvin and Olive M. (Stebbins) Day. He
was married in 1857, to Martha Oldershow, a native of England, by
whom he has three children: Ella M., Leila L. and Alfred Mott Mr.
Day served as a member of the city council two years and of the school
board four years, and advocated the graded school system of the city
which carried. The firm of which he is a member is the oldest in Lima,
and is known as one of the solid and essential houses. Mr. King estab-
lished himself here about 1845, and Mr. Day came from Connecticut and
became a partner in 1855, since which time the firm has been King &
Day. After Mr. Day's arrival a warehouse was built, size 40x60 feet,
and the firm handled grain, eggs and butter, only for a short time, when
they went into the pork business, slaughtering about 1,000 hogs each
winter. Business increasing they were compelled to build a pork-house
30x50 feet, and in a short time still another was built 15x50 feet, and
two years later they erected another brick pork-house 30x50 feet. They
have also a double smokehouse 20 feet square, with a capacity of smok-
ing 3,000 pieces at a time, and being compelled to enlarge their facilities
to meet the demands of their increasing trade, they erected a second and
larger slaughter-house on the creek below the paper-mill, which is sup-
plied with every improvement, and has a capacity of killing 500 hogs per
day. For several years this firm killed from 7,000 to 10, (XK) per winter.
Most of the pork packed is shipped to Eastern cities, except their jobbing
trade in hams and leaf lard, which finds a ready market at home. Their
grain business is good, and they have a capacity for handling 1,000
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690 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
bushels per day. A]l kinds of seed and grain are dealt in, and thej have
done muoh toward helping the farmer dispose of his product In the
butchering season they employ from thirty -five to fifty hands. They also
run a retail meat market where they supply beef and other meats to the
city trade. Outside of their grain and pork business they are manu-
facturing wood stirrups, and in the shop a large force of hands find
employment. Mr. King is located at Xenia, engaged in the powder bus-
iness, and Mr. Day assumes control of the business here. Both of these
gentlemen are well known in this county, and for a third of a century
have enjoyed a reputation in the business and social circles for honesty,
enterprise and reliability that is a monument which time will not efface.
They have aided in the growth and prosperity of Lima, by employing
many workmen and running a business here which is to the interest of
the city, and keeps money in circulation at home, and Lima can point
with pride to this as one of her oldest and leading enterprises.
G. W. DISMAN, superintendent of the Lima Machine Works, Lima,
was bom in September, 1831, near Philadelphia, Penn. His parents,
Joseph and Anna (Matthews) Disman, were descendants of the noted
Swayne and Butler families, of William Penn's days, and who were
among the early settlers of Philadelphia and the surrounding country.
Joseph Disman was a farmer by occupation. Our subject, who is the
oldest of nine children (all of whom are living: O. W., John, Sarah,
Bachael, Hannah, Joseph, Elizabeth J., Anna and Israel), was educated
in the common schools of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and early learned his
trade (machinist). In 1847 he came to Ohio, some time before his
father's family. He was married in 1865, to Miss Washburn, by whom
he had three children: Charlotte I., Marion and O. W., the two latter
deceased. Mr. Disman, sixteen years ago, began as superintendent, and
has been since in the machine works of which he is now manager,
employing in the busy season about 130 hands. He is an energetic
business man and is well fitted for the position he occupies.
GIDEON DITTO, attorney at law, Lima, was bom December 1,
1836, in Brown County, Ohio, son of Bichard W. and Bebecca (Dunham)
Ditto, natives, the former of North Carolina, the latter of Ohio. Bich-
ard W. Ditto was born in 1799, and came to Ohio in 1814 with an older
brother, Col. William Ditto, who had served through the war of 1812.
Beturning to his native St^ite in 1821, on horseback, he brought his
father back with him to Ohio in 1822. Our subject's grandfather, Zebe-
Ion Ditto and Gideon Dunham were both Bevolutionary soldiers, and the
latter settled near Maysville, Ey., at the close of the Bevolution. and parti-
cipated in several engagements with the Indians. Bichard W. Ditto
was blessed with eleven children, six now living: Elenor J. (wife of
Peter Vondervort), Gideon, Sarah (wife of H Longwell), Buth, (vrife
of A. Poling), Almira, (wife of A. Leist) and Bichf^ M. The father
died in February 1884, the mother February 8, 1875. Our subject re-
ceived his education in the early schools of this county, and taught
school for several terms in different parts of the county, up to the time
of the breaking out of the war of the Bebellion, when he enlisted April
27, 1861, in Company F., Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Militia, serving
three months. He again enlisted in Morton's Independent Bifle
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OTTA'WA TOWNSHIP. 691
Regiment, afterward the Eighty-first Ohio Yolonteer Infantry, Com-
pany B., serving three years. He was present at the battles of
Shiloh, or Pittsbarg Landing, Oorinth (first), luka, Town Creek, Cor-
inth (second), where he was wounded October, 1862, was also wounded
May 14, 1864, at Besaca, and again at Atlanta July 22, 1864, and in
October, 1864, was discharged. Our subject was married in 1861
while on a short furlough to Miss Susanna^ daughter of Andrew Linn.
He attended the school at Lebanon from 1871 to 1873 and then gradua-
ted. He taught school for several years at Spencerville, Ohio. He was
admitted to the bar in 1877, and commenced practice in Delphos, Ohio,
but became engaged in other business and retired from practice. In
1882 he opened a law office in Lima, and in April, 1883, was elected
justice of the peace. He was a charter member of Mart Armstrong
Post, O. A. B. and its commander during the year 1883.
T. W. DOBBINS, lumber dealer, Lima, was bom April 26, 1834, in
Poland, Mahoning Co., Ohio, son of Joseph Dobbins, Scotch and
Welsh origin. His paternal grandfather came to America from the
north of Ireland in 1797, and first settled in Maryland, afterward moved
to Washington County, Penn., and subsequently became a pioneer of
Ohio, and settled in what was then Trumbull (now Mahoning) County,
where he was killed by the falling limb of a tree May 18, 1819. Has
family are all now deceased. Our subject's maternal grandfather,
Thomas Williams, was an early settler of Maryland. Our subject began
the pursuits of life teaching in the common schools during the winters,
and laboring at carpentering during the summers for five year& He
then taught school two terms and engaged in surveying Government
lands in Missouri, returning to Ohio in lo59. He was married in 1861
to Jane, daughter of William Fenn, by whom he has six children, Ollie
J., Carrie (wife of J. Balston), William F., Orant, Arthur and Emma.
During the late war of the Bebellion in 1862, Mr. Dobbins was appointed
provost-marshal, which position he filled for a year. He enlisted in
1864 and served as a member of the One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry until the close of the war. He came to Allen County
in 1863 settling on a farm and serving as justice of the peace of Shawnee
Township for three years. He has followed bridge building to some ex- $
tent, and in 1880 embarked in the lumber business, which he has since
carried on in Lima. He is a K. T. , a member or the lodge of Lima,
also a member of the 6. A. B.
JAMES M. DUNGAN, hardware merchant, Lima, was born June 13,
1841, in London, Madison Co., Ohio, son of John and Susan (Blue), Dun-
gan, natives of Ohio, and who had a family of ten children, six now living:
Almyra (wife of S. Watson), Jesse W., Johiel G., James M., Martin W.,
Elizabeth J. , Eliza C. (wife of Frank Beebe), Le Boy S., Debora and
Flora. John Dungan was a hardware merchant for forty years in Lon-
don, Ohio. Our subject acquired his education in his native town, and
began for himself in the hardware business when seventeen years old.
When the war of the Bebellion broke out, he enlisted in 1861, served
ninety days and returned home. Subsequently he re-enlisted, was ap-
pointed fir^t lieutenant, and assisted Capt James Watson in organizing
Company D., which was placed in the Fortieth Begiment Ohio Yolun-
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692 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
teer Id! antry, and served until September, 1862, and then entered the One
Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio National Guards, serving 100 days. Mr.
Dungan was united in marriage January 8, 1863, with Sarah C, daugh-
ter of Thomas J. Poteet, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively,
and to this union were bom the following children: Flora, James
(first) deceased, Lee, Paul, Jesse, James (second). Mr. Dungan came to
Lima in 1881 and opened out a full stock of hardware on east Public
Square. He is a thorough-going business man.
R. H EBERSOLE, photographer, Lima, was bom January 11, 1858,
in Flat Bock« Seneca Co., Ohio, son of Peter and Cynthia J. (Harpster)
Ebersole, the former a native of Cumberland County, Penn., and the
latter of Ohio. Peter Ebersole came to Ohio in 1832, settling in Seneca
County, where he remained for many years. He is now residing in
Huron County, Ohio. Our subject was educated in Huron County,
Ohio, and commenced the business of photography in his native town,
after studying under more experienced artiste. He was married Sep-
tember 22, 1880, to Sarah, daughter of John Hamler, proprietor of the
town of Hamler, Ohio. To our subject and wife has been bom one son
— John K. Mr. Ebersole entered into partnership with Samuel K
Erauss in 1883, and the firm are well known as leading photographers
in the county.
JAMES A. ELDER, grocer, Lima, was bom in March, 1827, in Juni-
ata County, Penn., son of David and Mary (Alexander) Elder, natives of
Franklin County, Penn., and who had a large family, four of whom are still
living. Our subject received his education and began business for him-
self in his native state. A tanner b}* trade, he carried on this business
in Pennsylvania for six years. He has been twice married, and by his
first wife, also a native of Pennsylvania, he had two children, one of
whom, David, is living. Mr. Elder was married on the second occasion
in 1861, to Sarah J. Deihart, and to this union were bom three children:
Pearl A. James A. and Mary A. Our subject is the only member of his
family that came to Ohio, excepting one sister older than he, who came
at an earlier date, married to T. K. Jacobs. In 1858 he settled and has
since lived in Lima, where he opened a stove and tin store and later a
meat-market, which he ran successfully for a number of years, and in
1880 he embarked in the grocery trade, opening out on South Main
Street, where he is doing a good business at the present time.
TIMOTHY EVANS, carpenter and builder, Lima, was bom Septem-
ber 28, 1850, in Sugar Creek Township, Putnam Co., Ohio, son of David
and Ann (James) Evans, natives of Wales, and who came to Ohio in
1839, locating in Sugar Creek Township, Allen County, afterward mov-
ing to Sugar Creek Township, Putnam County, same State. Their chil-
dren were ten in number: Mary, David (deceased), John, Benjamin
(deceased), Hannah (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Evan, Ann, Lucre-
tia and Timothy; four eldest born in Wales. The father is still living;
the mother died in 1882. Our subject received his early education in
the county schools, and learned carpentering. He came to Lima in 1870
and began life on his own account as carpenter and builder, and has been
so employed up to the present time. Though comparatively a young man,
Mr. Evans has much ability and turns out first-class work. He was
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 698
united in marriage in October, 1880, with Miss Mary, a daoghter of
Thomas Reese, a native of Wales, and by this union there is one child —
Franklin. Mr. Evans is a member of the I. O. O. F.
GEORGE FELTZ, editor Lima Courier, Lima, was born March 18,
1843, in Tiffin, Ohio; son of Florentz and Margaret (Loeffler) Feltz, the
former bom November 7, 1803, in Otterstahl, France, the latter a native
of Bavaria, Germany. Florentz Feltz was a soldier in France, serving
under Charles X, and afterward under Louis Philippe, in the Thirty-
eighth Regiment, and served in the revolution of Paris of 1830 and
throughout the Belgian campafgn. He married his first wife in 1833,
and in April, 1840, landed in New York, then soon after moved to San-
dusky, Ohio, thence to Seneca County, where he remained until 1850,
then moved to Mercer Counfcy, Ohio, where he now resides, and is a
farmer by occupation. By his first wife Florentz Feltz had two children:
Joseph (in Wisconsin) and Florentz (in Nebraska). This wife dying in
1840, soon after coming to America, he married, in the same year, Mar-
garet Loeffer, by whom he had five children, two now living: Louis and
George. Our subject received his early education in Seneca and Mercer
Counties, Ohio, and in 1859 he attended St Mary's College at Dayton,
Ohio. In 1860, at the age of seventeen, he commenced teaching school
at Fry burg, Auglaize Co., Ohio, and continued there up to April, 1864.
In 1864 he was married to Elizabeth Holdgreve, of Delphos, Ohio, a
teacher, and by this union there have been born Hve children, four of
whom are now living: Leander A., Albin G., Arthur C. and Otmar J.
He taught school soon after his marriage in Sidney, Ohio, for two years,
and afterward took the position of operator on the Dayton & Michigan
Railroad. Mr. Feltz came to Lima in 1867, and carried on the grocery
trade for a short time, then engaged in the insurance and notary public
business, and in 1877 established the Lima Courier, a live newspaper
enjoying a circulation of over 1,000.
J. J. FERRALL, attorney at law, Lima, was bom March 4, 1835, in
Crawford County, Ohio, during Andrew Jackson's administration; son of
Edmund and Nancy (Eden) Ferrall, natives of Ohio, the former a farmer
in Crawford County, that State, and of Scotch descent, his parents having
been early settlers of Ohio. Edmund Ferrall and wife had a family of
eleven children, of whom J. J. 'is the fifth. Our subject was educated
in the common schools of his native place, and has since been a deep
student and reader, a clear observer of men and things. Mr. Ferrall
was married, in 1858, to Elizabeth, daughter of Alanson Robinson, of
New York, and who came to Ohio when young. This union has been
blessed with four sons and four daughters: May, Josie A., William,
Edward, Charles, Blanche, Orland and Edith May (now Mrs. Kagy). Mr.
Ferrall began the study of law in 1873, and was admitted to the bar by
the district court of the county July 30, 1877, and commenced practice
in 1877 in Blufifton, this county, of which place he was mayor four
years. He came to Lima in 1881 and opened the law office where he has
since been actively engaged. He is a F. & A. M.
WILLIAM M. FLETCHER, physician, Lima, was bom in 1854 in
Dalton, Wayne Co., Ohio; son of William and Ann Eliza (Moffitt)
Fletcher, natives of the north of Ireland. His grandparents came to
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694 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
America aboat 1833 and settled in Wayne County, Ohio, where William
(subject's father) was reared. In after years he was a coal merchant
William and Ann Eliza Fletcher had a family of seven children, all of
whom survive: Belle, Ella, Frances, Wesley, William M., Charles and
John. Our subject when quite young, began the study of medicine, and
later took a course of lectures in the P. M. Medical Institute of Cincin-
nati. He first practiced his profession for two years in his native town,
and then removed to Si John's, Auglaize Co., Ohio, where he remained
four and a half yeara In September, ^884, the Doctor came to this
county, locating in South Lima, where he opened what is known as the
"South Lima Drug Stora" He also enjoys a successful medical
practice.
OWEN FRANCIS, dealer in boots and shoes, Lima, was bom Janu-
ary 18, 1841, in Wales, son of Ellis and Catherine (Jones) Francis, na-
tives of same country, and who were the parents of eight children: Owen,
Susan (wife of T. H. Jones), Jennie and Kate, living; Mary, Annie,
Hugh and an infant are deceased. Ellis Francis came to America in
1852, landing in New York, and settled in Pennsylvania, where he
remained for three years. In 1855 he came to Ohio, and being a farmer
settled in Sugar Creek Township, Putnam County, and in 1862 moved to
Sugar Creek Township, Allen County. He died in 1879; his widow
still resides in the county. Our subject was reared on a farm, and re-
ceived his early education in Pennsylvania. He was married in 1873, to
Apuie J., daughter of Richard and Ann Lewis, natives of Wales and res-
idents of Delaware, Ohio. This union was blessed with four children:
Nannie, Richard (deceased), Edna and Hugh. Mr. Francis, in 1882,
opened a boot and shoe store in Lima, where he still continues in busi-
ness. During the late war of the Rebellion, he enlisted, in 1861, serving
three months in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He re-
enlisted the same year (1861) in Company A, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volun-
teer Infantry, and served in the capacity of private, corporal, sergeant,
sergeant-major, second lieutenant and first lieutenant, until March 12,
1885, when he was captured while out in charge of a foraging party, near
Fayetteville, N. C, and was held as a prisoner of war for two months,
then paroled, when he returned to his home in Allen County. The war
being over he never returned to his regiment. Mr. Francis is a success-
ful business man, enjoying the pleasure of doing the largest boot and
shoe business in Lima,
EMANUEL GALE, merchant tailor, Lima, a native of England, was
bom in October, 1844, son of George Gale, who lived and died in that
4K>untry. His parents had three children of whom he was the only one
to come to America. He learned his trade in his native land, whence he
came to New York, where he remained for a few years, and in 1869 he
came to Ohio. Mr. Gale was married in September, l875,to Miss Elizabeth
Frazier. In March, 1879, he came to Lima, and opened a merchant
tailoring establishment. In 1883 he removed to the Fall Block, where
he conducts one of the most fashionable tailor shops in the city, making
perfect fits and keeping on hand a large and well-selected stock of
goods.
N. H GARRETSON, dairy farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom October 4^
1824, about thirteen miles East of Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, son of
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 695
William and Elizabeth (Sleighle) Garreteon, who were of Scotch-Irish
and German descent, respectively. William Garretson came to Ohio in
1816, and settled in Stark County, soon after buying a farm in Wayne
County, where he labored for many years and reared bis family, consist-
ing of three sons and five daughters, four of whom are now living: Will-
iam, Sarah (Mrs. Bowman), Mary (Mrs. Hardesty), and N. H. Our subject
was married March 21, 1849, to Cynthia, daughter of William Hunter,
and to this union were bom William H. (married to Carrie Harris),
Charles S. (married to Emma Carns, and who is a furniture dealer), Rob-
ert M., Theodore S. (married to Stella Gardner of Louisville, Ky. ), Mary A.
(married to Bobert W. Parmenter), Steel L. (a mute, was educated at
Columbus, Ohio, and graduated in 1879, when he returned to Lima),
Sarah C. and Lydia B. (latter deceased). Mr. Garretson came to Lima
in 1840, and for fifteen years has been engaged in dairying, keeping
from twenty to thirty cows most of the time.
GEOBGE A. GIBSON, cabinetmaker, Lima, was bom September 18,
1831, in Franklin County, Penn., son of George A., Sr., and Hannah
(Buchanan) Gibson, former a native of Pennsylvania, and who came to
Ohio, settling in Crawford County, where he remained until his death
six years later. His family numbered nine children: John, Isaac, Mary
A., Eliza J., Rebecca (deceased), William A., George A., Bobert C. and
Claudius B. Our subject was educated in Crawford County, Penn., and
there learned his trade with C. Howenstein. He was married in 1851 to
Sarah B. Perkins, by whom he had five children, three now living: W.
B. married to Alberta Hanson; Eva B. and Alton. Mr. Gibson came to
Lima in 1849 and began his trade with Nicholas Gonkle, with whom he
continued five years. He then removed to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and
there remained ten years; then returned to Lima, and in company with A.
B. Webber, commenced dealing in musical instruments, a business he
carried on for fifteen years successfully. In 1881 Mr. Gibson obtained
the contract to furnish foundation stone and lay the stone sidewalks for
Lima, and has since been busily engaged in improving the city. He
served as deputy provost-marshal in 1862-63.
LEWIS F. GOEBEL, shoe-maker, Lima, was bom December 3, 1850,
in Kenton, Hardin County, Ohio, son of John and Mary (Borst) Goebel,
natives of Germany. John Goebel first immigrated to Canada, thence
moved to New York State, and in 1850 came to Ohio where he reared his
family of six children, all of whom are now living: John G., Anna M.,
Lewis F., Andrew N., Joseph and Philip. Our subject learned his trade
with L. Van Pelt, in Lima, beginning in 1868. He was married in 1874
to Caroline Ogan, a daughter of an old settler of Putnam County. This
union was blessed with six children, three now living: Willie (deceased),
Carrie (deceased), Maud (deceased), Bessie, John B. and Luah. Mr.
Goebel is now engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, along with
L. Van Pelt of Lima.
JOSEPH GOLDSMITH, proprietor of Lima House, Lima, was bora
in 1834 in Germany; son of Simon and Henrietta (Levi) Goldsmith who
lived and died in their native land. Our subject was second of five chil-
dren living, three of whom came to this country. Joseph Goldsmith
came to America in 1851, and located at Akron, Ohio (his two brothers
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696 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
came later) where be remained three years; lived about three years in
Newark, Ohio, and Indianapolis and South Bend, Ind., and in Mansfield,
Ohio, from April 1857 until January 1862, when he was appointed
quartermaster in the Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in
which capacity he served until June 1863, when he resigned. He then
went to Bucyrus, Ohio, where he entered Uie clothing business in which
he had previously engaged. Mr. Goldsmith was married in 1863 to Nancy,
daughter of M. Simon, of Bucyrus, and by this union are two children:
Etta and Sally. Our subject removed to Cleveland in 1865, but returned
in 1868 to Bucyrus, and conducted the Sims House until 1873, when he
and his father-in-law, M. Simon, came to Lima and purchased the Lima
House, where Mr. Goldsmith has since been in business. He is a F. and
A. M., a member of the I. O. O. F.
WILLIAM B. GORTON (deceased) was bom April 1, 1825, near
Painesville, Lake Co., Ohio, a descendant of the Gorton family, origin-
ally from England, and who were prominent in the early history of the
United States, their lineage here extending back to 1614, when they are
first mentioned in connection with the political events of American his-
tory. His parents, Benjamin and Eluthera Gorton, were natives of Ver-
mont and Massachusetts, respectively, and were the parents of two sons
and four daughters: Ellen (Mrs. Freeman, residing in Florida), F. W.
(deceased), Elizabeth J. (Mrs. Hathaway, a resident of Wisconsin), Laura,
Anna and William B. (deceased). Our subject was married, in 1848, to
Frances L. Roberts, and to this union were bom two daughters: Mary
(wife of George W. Myers), Ella F. (wife of E. C. Mackenzie, clerk of
the Lima courts). Mr. Gorton received his education in Painesville and
was a mechanic and a manufacturer of wood. He came to Lima in 1868
and purchased the Ottawa Mills, which he conducted up to time of his
death, having improved them so that they became the most popular in
the county, their capacity being 125 bbls. per day, operated by the new
process or roller system. Mr. Gorton died very suddenly of heart disease
January 1, 1885, deeply lamented. He was a E. T.
JAMES GROVE, manufacturer of carriages, wagons and buggies,
Lima, was born October 12, 1825, in Fairfield County, Ohio, son of
Jacob and Jane (Stewart) Ghx)ve, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania,
respectively, and who came to Ohio in a very early day, living to a ripe
old age. They reared a family of eight children (seven of whom are
still living): James (in Allen County), Susan, Mary (married to Thomas
Starr), Augustus, Anna (married to N. Frazier), Sarah (married to H.
Poland), Ella (deceased), and Jacob (in Allen County); the rest of the
family were residents of Hocking County, Ohio. Our subject, in the
fall of 1836, when but a lad, began learning his trade in Logan, Hock-
ing Co., Ohio. He was married September 2, 1840, to Ruth Eldridge,
who died in 1876 leaving to his care six children: Eleanor, Zoah M.,
Ida B., Emma, Eva J. and James. The daughters keep house for him.
Mr. Grove was a soldier in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting No-
vember 9, 1861 in Company G, Eighty-first Raiment Ohio Volunteer
Infantry in which he served for three years, the last year in the capacity
of repairer of tools with Gen. Dodge's pioneers. He was mustered
out at Rome, Ga., November 8, 1864, and returned to Pulaski ville,
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 697
Morrow Co. , Ohio. In the spring of 1865 he moved to this connty
and opened a carriage, wagon and boggy manufactory in Lima, where
he has since been engaged, and is now carrying on the business.
W. E. HACKEDORN, attorney at law, Lima, was bom January 29,
1855, in Ontario, Ohio, son of Dr. George G. and Lucinda (Shur) Hacke-
dorn, former a native of Huntingdon County, Penn. , latter of Ohio. Dr.
George G. Hackedom, a graduate of Starling Medical College, came to
Ohio in 1848 and practi<>Bd his profession for a time in Ontario, then
removed to Cardingfcon, Ohio, where he remained until 1866, in which
year he came to Lima. He was the founder of the Allen County Bank,
Lima Paper Mills, and other institutions in Lima. A leading
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was the first lay delegate
sent to the Brooklyn General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church from the Central Ohio Conference. His children were four in
number: H. R (president of the Enterprise Cracker Company), H. F. (now
assistant to general attorney Lake Erie & Western Railway), Virginia
(wife of George Hall, a dentist in Lima), and W. £. The father died
in 1874, the mother is now living in Lima. The family attend the
Methodist Episcopal Church: Our subject received his education at the
Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, graduating in the class of
1875, and having taken a classical course, at once began the study of
law, and was admitted to the bar in 1877. He is now one of the promising
young members of the Lima bar, and has been for the last five years
general attorney of the Lake Erie & Western Railway Company.
H. B. HACELEDORN, president and general manager of the Enter-
prise Cracker Company, Lima, was bom February 22, 1857, in Ontario,
Richland Co., Ohio, and is a son of George G. Hackedom and L. S. Hack-
edom. Our subject received his education in the schools of Lima. He
was united in marriage, in December 1883, to Miss Blanche, daughter of
T. E. Cunningham, by whom he has one child, Marjorie, bom September
27, 1884. Though comparatively a young man Mr. Hackedom is enter-
prising, energetic and possessed of steady business habits. The company
of which he is manager was organized, in 1880, under style Hackedom,
Baxter & Co., subsequently becoming an incorporated company, known
as the Enterprise Cracker Company, with Mr. Hackedom as president
and manager; A C. Baxter, Jr., vice-president; and E. M. Hughes, Jr.,
treasurer. The manufactory is fitted up with improved machinery and
is able to compete with any other cracker manufactory in the State, hav-
ing a capacity for cutting and baking eighty barrels daily of the finest
crackers, which are noted for their brittleness and excellent flavor.
CALVIN HALLADAT, merchant, Lima, was bom June 4, 1832,
in Suffield, Conn. His father, Edmond T. Halladay, a native of
Connecticut, was twice married, first to Caroline Noble, who bore him
four sons: Horace, Calvin, Albert and George. Mrs. Halladay dying in
1840, he married for his second wife Miss Clarissa Kendall, and by this
union there were three children, of whom only Edmond, a representative
in the State Legislature of Connecticut, is now living. Our subject was
educated in his native town. He came to Ohio in 1848, and was bound
out to a Mr. King, also a native of Connecticut, the indenture being that
he should receive $35 and board for first year, which should be increased
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BIOGRAPHIC^ SKETCHES.
$10 each year until he received $100. After completing his time he
started oat for himself. He was married, September 19, 1854, to Isabella
Eincaid, by whom he has three children: Edgar B. (married to Ella,
daughter of L. Beichelderfer, have two chil<ken — Clara and Calvin),
Fannie K. (wife of Thomas Shaw), and Leila (unmarried). Calvin Halla-
day was a member of the firm of Harriot & Halladay eight months, with
B. P. Holmes one year, when the firm became Halladay & Brown, which
partnership lasted fourteen years, the firm again becoming Halladay &
Holmes, which continued until the latter's death, when the business was
sold to A. C. Stutson. After three months our subject entered a store in
Hardin County, where he remained three years, and then returned to
Lima (his family having resided there during his absence), and has since
done business on Main Street here. He is a successful business man, had
but $2,(X)0 to start with, and has always been able to pay 100 cents on the
dollar.
JOHN P. HALLEB, city engineer, Lima, was bom February 9,
1827, in Franklin County, Penn. ; son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Beck)
EEaller (former a stone-mason by trade), who came to Ohio in 1885, and
for one year remained in Licking County, removing thence to Fairfield
County, where they remained three years, and from there coming to this
county. All this territory was traveled by team, there being no rail-
roads and but few boats running by steam. They had a family of seven
children, two now living: Jacob B. and John P. The father died July
5, 1853, and the mother May 7, 1867. Our subject, who was educated
in the country schools, studied civil engineering under Mr. Washbem.
He was elected county surveyor in 1850, and re-elected in 1853 and 1856,
serving nine years; was elected county auditor in 1861, and re-elected in
1863, continuing in same till 1866, and was in 1866 employed by the
city council as engineer for four years, and was in 1880 elected city
engineer, being re-elected in 1882 and 1884. Mr. Haller has been a con-
tractor for some years, and built the first large brick schoolhouse in this
city. He was married September 15, 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of
Cluristian Koeer, by whom he has had seven children, foui* now living:
Sylvia A., Emma E., Samuel C. and JaneG.; Ida May, William T. and
Harry S. are deceased. Our subject is a member of the State Engineer
Organization.
J. M HALLEB, real estate agent, Lima, was born March 30, 1838,
in Fairfield County, Ohio, son of J. B., a farmer, and Leah (Myers) Hal-
ler, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, coming to Ohio
soon after. They remained for a time in Fairfield County, Ohio, and in
1838 came to this county, settling in German Township, where they have
since resided. They are parents of five children: J. M., Christopher L. ,
John F., Mary (married) and Catherine (unmarried). Our subject was
educated in the common schools of the county, and spent the early part
of his life on a farm. Having considerable tact, he soon became one of
the prominent business men of the county. He was married December
10, 1857, to Anna, daughter of John Stephenson, by whom he has three
children: Christiana (married to O. C. Dewwece, of Columbus Grove,
Ohio), J. W. and Frank. Mr. Haller was assistant auditor in 1860, and
was elected to the office of recorder in 1863, in which he served
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 699
«ix years. He has traveled considerably in a commercial capacity, and
'entered into the real estate business in 1881.
W. B. HALM, proprietor of the City Laundry, Lima, was born in
March, 1852, in Lima, Ohio, son of Simon and Sophia (Stamp) Halm, who
came from Greene County, Ohio, to Lima in 1840, and here Simon Halm
worked at his trade, that of carpentering. Their family consisted of
fieven children, five sons and two daughters, all of whom survive: J. C,
G. C. and Albert C, residing in Chicago, 111.; Lucy and George, in
Arkansas; Mary and W. B. Li 1878 our subject established and has
-since carried on the City Laundry, which is fast becoming one of the
leading industries of Lima. He is supplied with all the latest improve-
ments, steam and robe irons, etc, whidi enable him to do a vast amount
of labor in a short space of time, and satisfactorily to the public.
THOMAS HANTHORN, the eldest of a family of four sons and six
daughters, was bom in Chester County, Penn., March 17, 1810, and died
at Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, August 26, 1877, in the sixty-eighth year of
his age, and, to use the lan^age of his obituarian, the Hon. T. E. Cun-
ningham, of Lima, Ohio, " old age is always beautiful, but when it
crowns a life full of kindness and charity, it is a glory. This was the
life of Thomas Hanthom, and when he died none can remember an act
of his they would have forgoften. His character was that of a sincere
Christian, a loving husband, an affectionate father, and devoted friend;
always cheerful, always kind, and always charitable, he ripened into per-
fect manhood, and when old age came upon him,^ his Heavenly Father
«aved him from old age's infirmities, and took him to His rest while his
eye was yet undimmed and his natural force unabated." When Thomas
Hanthom was eight years of age, his father with the family removed to
Perry County, Ohio, where they resided until the year 1832, when
the family, including Thomas, came to Allen County. That same year
he entered a piece of land at the general land office, at that time located
at Piqua, Ohio, the land comprising the Samuel McCullough farm, east
of the city. At that time Allen County was a " howling wilderness, "
and a good part of the Shawnee Indians as yet unremoved. Thomas
Hanthom was intimately acquainted with the chiefs of the Shawnee tribe,
including Pht, Little Fox and Jim Quilna, and many are the anec-
dotes he could relate in after years of his dealings with them. He re-
lated that they were always ready to assist the settlers in erecting their
oabins, and would frequently take an active part in ^ log-rolling. ^
Thomas Hanthorn at that early day possessed but little of &is world's
goods, having but an ox-team, an ambitious and indomitable will, and
good health, and was on a common footing with the other first settlers
that came to Allen County fifty or sixty years ago. They came to battle
with the wildemens, with the diseases and home-sickness of pioneer life,
4md to their energies we owe the present prosperity of our country; they
«re all silently and calmly passing away, and we will soon only have the
memory of their lives, their hardships and their triumphs. Shortly after
ooming to Allen County our subject was married to Miss Myra Daniels, who
lived only about two years. He remained unmarried until January 14, 1840,
when he was united to Elizabeth Colvin, her maiden name being Har-
desty, her father's family emigrating in an early day from the State of
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700 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Maryland, and settling in eoathem Ohio. By this onion nine children
were born, seven of whom have attained their majority : Thomas S., Mrs.
Elizabeth A. Rowlands, Mrs. Emma Crumrine, George Lyman, Mrs.
Sarah Alice Frost, Howard and Mrs. Belle Swallow. At a very early age
Mr. Hanthorn made a profession of the Christian religion, and united
with the Baptist Church in Perry County. He was one of the few pio-
neers who organized the Baptist Church in Lima, in the year 1833. Li
1854 he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in com-
munion of which he lived until his death. In appearance Thomas
Hanthorn was tall, standing about six feet high, and weighing about 180
pounds, being, in the prime of life, a giant in strength, and it was a
common remark with him, and well authenticated by those who knew
him, that he had never found a man that could break him down lifting
at log rollings. And so ^' he rests from his labors, and his works do fol-
low him."
JOHN P. HARLEY, one of the leading druggists of Lima, was bom
December 12, 1850, in Dalton, Wayne Co., Ohio, son of Dr. Levi G. and
Mary M. (Fluke) Harley, who came to Ohio about 1837, and settled in
Wayne County. They were the parents of nine children, who received
the best educational advantages the county afforded. Of this family, four
now survive, viz. : Virginia (wife of Dr. George McKnight, residing in
Sterling, N. Y.), Annie (wife of Mr. Sharp, of Apple Creek, Ohio), John
P. and May (married to Mr. Holmes, of Lima). Our subject, who is a
graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York, first
engaged in the drug business in. 1871, at Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio. He
was united in marriage in January, 1875, with Miss Justina, daughter of
C. C. Baker, of that place. Mr. Harley came to Lima in 1877, pur-
chased the stock of Dr. Howard, and opened out on Main Street, near the
public square, where he does a prosperous business, keeping a neat, well
selected stock of the finest goods in his line. Mr. Harley is a member
of the K. of P.
W. H. HARPER, physician and surgeon, Lima, was bom March 29,
1819, in Greene County, Ohio. He is a descendant of the Harpers, of
Maryland, who gave name to the ferry known as Harper's Ferry. He is
a son of Thomas and Maiy (Sirlott) Harper, and grandson of John
Harper, who (John H.) lost his land in Maryland, owing to irregular
title, and with his family moved to Ohio in 1814, locating in the vicin-
ity of Chilicotbe, where be remained one year ; then removing to Greene
County, where he settled on Massie's Creek, which took its name from
Gen. Massie. Thomas and Mary Harper had seven children, two dying
in infancy ; two girls and three sons still live. Dr. Harper, the eldest,
began the study of medicine in the spring of 1840, in Jamestown,
Greene Co., Ohio, under the tuition of Prof. John Dawson. He
attended his first course of lectures at the medical college, Louisville,
Ey. He then practiced his profession, both in Greene and Allen
Counties. He came to Lima in 1845, where he has been engaged ever
since in his profession. He graduated from Starling Medical College,
Columbus, Ohio, in 1852. Dr. Harper was married in th^ fall of 1840,
to Clarissa Winans, of Jamestown, Ohio, daughter of Dr. M. and Mary
Winans, and to this union have been born ten children, of whom four
are living : Mrs. R. K Syfers, of Lidianapolis, Ind. ; T. W., an attorney
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 701
at Terre ELaate, Ind. ; Yinnie, a teacher in the Lima high school, a grad-
uate of Wooeter University, Ohio; W. EL, Jr., an employe in the Lima
National Bank. Dr. Harper was postmaster of Lima for one term, was
also member of the school board. He was surgeon of the One Hundred
and Fifty-first Regiment, during the war of the Rebellion, was also pen-
sion surgeon, and is now a member of the pension board. Dr. Harper,
has added a splendid block to fche city of Lima, situated opposite the
new court house, which bears his name. He is a member of the Christian
Church.
WILLIAM H. HARTER, sheriff, Lima, was bom August 19, 1848,
in Spencerville, Allen County, Ohio; son of Bennett D., dry goods mer-
chant, and Sarah J. (Jones) Harter, natives of Pennsylvania and Ken-
tucky respectively, and who came to this county in a very early day.
Their children were five in number (three now living): Mary A., Newton
J., James B., Mary E. (Mrs. I. Rockey), and William K Our subject
was educated in the county schools. He was married in September,
1871, to Marretta, daughter of J. Morton, by whom he has five children:
Hugh W., James M., Mintie, Nettie, and May. Mr. Harter was elected
to, and filled the offices of marshal, constable and councilman. He was
a soldier in the navy during the late war of the Rebellion, under Capt
Howard, serving two years. After the war he returned to Allen County,
Ohio, and in lo81 was elected sheriff of the county, and is now occupy-
ing his office in the new court house. He is a member of the Red Men
and of the L O. O. F.
Q. W. HOHL, bakery and restaurant, Lima, Ohio, was bom August
9, 1841, in Zaisersweiher, Wurtemberg, Oermany ; fourth son of P. and
Louisa (Benkendurfer) Hohl, the parents of seven children, viz. : Fred-
erick, Carl, Gh>ttlob, G. William, Louis, Paul and Louisa. The mother
dying, the father married again a Mrs. Yolmer by whom he had one child
— Wilhelmina. Our subject immigrated to America in May, 1865, spent
several years in working at the baker's trade in several towns and cities
in Ohio, viz.: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Bucyrus, and in 1877 he came to
Lima, where he then engaged in his present business. He was married
in Bucyrus, June 16, 1874, to Mis6 Louisa M Burgbacher, and to this union
have been bom five children: Franklin W., Charles, Eddie, Frederick and
Bertha. Our subject's wife is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, bom
August 20, 1851.
BRANSON P. HOLMES (deceased), one of the prominent mer-
chants of Lima, was born January 13, 1826, in Licking Coimty, Ohio,
son of Samuel and Susan (Weaver) Holmes, descendants of a Pennsyl-
vania family, and who came to Ohio in a very early day, and took up a
large tract of land, settling in Licking County, near the old reser-
voir which supplied the canals in that part of the State. Samuel Holmes,
who helped survey the greater part of Central Ohio, removed to Marion
County, where some of his children received their education. His fam-
ily numbered eleven children. Our subject was married in April, 1845,
to Miss Jane Williams, a native of Wales, daughter of David Williams,
who died while she was young. Her sister, Elizabeth (now deceased),
was the wife of Judge W. H. West, and her brother, John Williams,
resides in Chicago, lil. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes were blessed with the
4t
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702 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
following children: Viella E. (wife of W. L. Porter), Mary R. (w^fe
of George P. Waldorp, postmaster, Lima), Frank W., married to May,
daughter of Dr. Harley, of Apple Creek, and Florence E., married to W.
L. Mackenzie. Mr. Holmes came to Lima in 1840 and entered into
mercantile trade, which he followed for many years. He died December
10, 1870. His widow, in 1888, built a brick block, adjoining the Har-
per's Block, which she is now extending south, and the whole, which is one
of the finest improYements in Lima, will be styled the ' 'Holmes Block."
V. H. HOTJTZER, insurance, Lima, was born March 10, 1840, in
Berlin, Shelby Co., Ohio; son of John J. and Marcuria (Rem) Houtzer,
natives of Germany, who came to America in 1835, and settled in
Shelby County, Ohio. John J. Houtzer was a potter by trade. He was
thrice married, having no issue by the first union. By his second wife
(the mother of our subject, and who died in this county in 1846), he had
three children: Y. H., John C. and Robert, all living in Ohio. Mr.
Houtzer* s third marriage was with Mrs. Evaline (Day) Hawthorne, a
widow, by whom he had one child — George (deceased). Our subject
received his early education in Shelby County, and came with his pa-
rents to Allen County in 1845. He followed farming in youth and for a
time left Allen County, but returned when eighteen years old, and learned
the trade of a potter, working with his father up to 1870. He was mar-
ried, September 14, 1861, to Adeline, daughter of John Boyer, by whom
he has six children: May, William (in the insurance business with his
father), Mary, Emma, John and Ida Mr. Houtzer commenced the
insurance business in September, 1873, representing several companies,
and is a reliable business man.
J. R. HUGHES, merchant, Lima, Ohio, is a native of New York
State, bom September 7, 1829; son of Rollin and Gertrude (Lewis)
Hughes, natives of Wales, and who immigrated in 1820 to New York
State, coming eight years later to Licking County, Ohio, where they still
reside. Our subject was educated in Granville, same county, where he
also learned the trade of tanner. He began business in Sunbury, Ohio,
and there married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of James and Delia Wiloox,
who died in 1854. He then married, in 1856, Ellen, daughter of Dan-
ford and Sarah Carpenter (they are natives of Vermont), and to this sec-
ond marriage were born two daughters, viz. : Florence V. and Gertrude.
Mr. Hughes came to Lima in 1858, and engaged in a tinware and stove
store, which he still carries on and to which he added in late years a
fine collection of china-ware. He has served the city of Lima in several
of its offices; mayor three years during the late war of the Rebellion; also
councilman, etc., etc.
C. M. HUGHES, Jr., cashier of the First National Bank, Lima, was
bom May 24, 1856, in German Township, Allen County, Ohio; son of
Richard T. Hughes, and a grandson of Richard Hughes, Sr., a native of
Virginia, and who came to Allen County, Ohio, in a very early day,
where he farmed and carried on his trade, that of tanner and currier, and
of whose children, twelve in number, following survive: Hugh W., presi-
dent of the Union National Bank of Cincinnati; Harvey; J. W. ; John
L., of the firm of Johns & Hughes, manufacturers of furniture, Lima;
Richard T. (father of our subject); Charles M., judge Common Pleas
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 708
Court; Ann M. Bowers and Eliza J. Ward. Richard T. Hughes was
born May 24, 1828, in Virginia, and came to Ohio with his parent& He
was married, May 24, 1855, to Charlotte Clippinger, of this county, by
whom he had the following children: Charles M., Richard H, William
C. (deceased), Callie M. (deceased), Mary F., Clara and Lenore. Mr.
Hughes was a farmer up to 1870, when he became a member of the firm
of East & Hughes, millers, of Lima. The following year he sold out his
interest, being elected county treasurer on the Republican ticket; was
subsequently re-elected, serving two terms. After leaving this office he
entered the grocer}' trade, which he followed nearly up to the time of his
death, which occurred in March, 1879. Our subject entered the First
National Bank as individual bookkeeper in 1874, and in November,
1875, was appointed assistant cashier in the Allen County Bank, where
he remained for five years, when he was elected to his present position
of cashier in the First National Bank of Lima. He was married,
June 18, 1878, to Kate M. Colbath, of Lima, by whom he has two
children: Clarence L. and Margaret E. Mr. Hughes is a R. A. M., a
member of the Lodges at Lima.
GEORGE H. IRVIN, dentist, Lima, was bom January 2, 1854, in Vir-
ginia ; son of John and Malinda Lrvin, natives of same State, who came
to Ohio in 1858, and settled in German Township, this county, and lived
for many years on a piece of land bought of a Mr. Beiler. They are
now residing in Elida, Ohio, aged seventy-four years. They were blessed
with five children : Mary, wife of Isaac Early ; Samuel, a farmer in Sugar
Greek Township, this county; John N., a graduate of Wesleyan University,
Delaware, Ohio, and of the Drew Theological College — is now a Meth-
odist Episcopal minister at Dayton, Ohio ; Henry, a farmer in Sugar
Greek Township, this county, and George H. Our subject received his
early education in Allen County, and took a collegiate course at the
Otterbine University, finishing his education at Ann Arbor, Mich. He
came to Lima in 1874, and began the study of dentistry, graduating in
1877, and immediately began practice. Mr. Irvin was united in mar-
riage, in 1879, with Samantha, daughter of John and Sarah Weaver, of
German Township, this county.
E. W. JACKSON, Lima, was bom December 16, 1845, in Homer,
Licking Co., Ohio, son of Philip and Margaret (Campbell) Jackson,
former of whom came from the East in 1830, and settled in Licking
County. Philip Jackson was an attorney at law, and soon became a
leading man in Ottawa Township, where he resided for many years; at
one time he lived in Burlington, towa, but is now a resident of Au-
glaize County, Ohio, he was twice married; had nine children by his first
wife (four of whom are living) and five children by his second. Our sub-
ject, who is the fifth child in his father's first family, was educated in
Burlington, Iowa. He was employed as Government ganger for eight
years. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company C,
One Hundred and Fifty -sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infanti^^, serv-
ing in the commissary department most of the time. He was married,
November 4, 1869, to Miss Clara Saint, a descendant of one of the early
families of the county, and to this union was bom one child — Mabel.
The first business enterprise of our subject, on coming to Lima, was
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704 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
keeping a book-store, which he sold oat in 1871, then engaged in the
jewelry business for a few years, bat this he also sold oat He has since
been manager of the Enterprise Laundry. Mr. Jackson is a member of
the I. O. O. F.
T. K. JACOBS (deceased) was bom January 81, 1812, in Mifflin
County, Penn., second son of William and Sarah (Williams) Jacobs, who
were among the early settlers of Pennsylyania. They had a family of
six sons and two daughters, who grew up to be heads of families, and
five of whom came to Ohio : Benjamin, John, Samuel, George and T.
K William Jacobs came to Ohio when well adyanced in years, and died
at the home of his son, T. K, his wife dying in an early day. Our sub-
ject was educated in Juniata County, Penn., and early learned the tailor's
trade, which he followed ten years, commencing business at Mifflin,
Penn., and in 1888 came to Ohio, locating in Ashtabula (then Richland)
County for one year, then returned to Mifflin County. Here he was mar-
ried, September 25, 1834, to Anna, daughter of David Elder, then pro-
ceeded a second time to Ohio, remaining in Richland County four years,
after which he moved to Lima, Ohio, where he was engaged in land spec-
ulations for many years, in addition to farming to some extent. He had
a family of nine children, four of whom are now living : W. C, a prac-
ticing physician in Akron, Ohio ; Dr. T. K., Jr., in Chicago, 111.; Aditha,
wife of H. A. Moore ; Clara, wife of J. F. Brotherton, in Lima, Ohio.
Mr. Jacobs lost his first wife in 1880, and in May, 1881, was married to
Mrs. Mary C. Jacobs. Mr. Jacobs, in October, 1841, was elected treas-
urer of the county, serving nearly ten years uninterrupted, save by the
election of A. Beaty, who died, our subject being appointed to fill his
unexpired term. He was elected to the Legislature, and was there when
the fbring on Fort Sumter took place, being one of those who voted to have
Ohio placed on a war footing, a measure which was carried after some
delay. He served two years, and then returned to Lima, where he was
appointed quartermaster of the Ninety -ninth Ohio Regiment, in which he
served up to March, 1865, when he was discharged on account of disability.
Mr. Jacobs, after those exciting times, passed a somewhat retired life. He
died November 12, 1884, in Lima, Ohio. He was a K T.
GEORGE W. JAMES, grocer, Lima, was bom September 7, 1838,
in Fayette County, Ohio, son of William and Sarah (Jemison) James,
natives of Pennsylvania, former of whom died when our subject was but
a lad; the widow, with her family of ten children, then came to Ohio and
settled in Steubenville, where they remained until 1861, when. Mrs.
James removed to New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, and tb^:^
died. Five of her children are now living, Joshua S., Mary A., Sarah
(Mrs. J. Jeffrey), George W. and Lizzie (Mrs. Ghribble). Our subject,
who was a marble cutter for many years, came to Lima in 1861. The
same year he entered the army and served in the Sixth Battery, Sher-
man's Brigade, until the close of the war of the Rebellion, when he
returned to Lima, and has since been engaged in the grocery trade on
Market Street.
E. H. JOHNS, manufacturer, Lima, was bom June 11, 1834« in
Fauquier County, Ya., son of Elias and Adaline (Otiey) Johns, natives
of Alexandria, Ya. Elias Johns, one of the early pioneers of Union
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 705
County, Ohio, settled in Washington Township in 1852, where he bnilt
the first hewed log-house. He was at first a farmer, bat after the country
became more settled he engaged in the dry goods trade, and opened a
store in Essex. His family numbered twelve children of whom six are
now living: Thomas,, E. H., Samuel, Eliza (wife of J. N. Pickering),
Nathaniel and Lewis. Our subject was educated in Virginia and began
teaching school when eighteen, and continued in that profession until he
was twenty- seven years old, when he enlisted, in 18^, in Company B,
Eighteenth Regiment, United States Infantry, of which body only eight
men where ^le to stack arms after the battle of Stone River, where our
subject was wounded, and left upon the field. He was in the hospital
from December until the following September, after which he was in the
recruiting service for balance of his term of service, and was honorably dis-
charged in 1864. He has never entirely recovered from the effects of his
experience in the army. Mr. Johns was married in 1857, to Elizabeth,
daughter of William Cheney, of Cnion County, Ohio, by whom he has
four children (two now living): Sarah A. (deceased), Henrietta M.
(deceased), Silas H. and Septia J. Mr. Johns came to Lima in 1864,
and entered the grocery trade, which he followed up to 1879, when he
took an interest with Townsend & Moser in the manufacture of furniture,
putting up machinery, and doing a lively trade till 1884, when he, together
with Judge Hughes bought the entire stock, and are now manufacturing
to a greater extent and with better facilities. Our subject is aK. T., a
member of the lodge, chapter and council; a member of the city council.
REV. THOMAS P. JOHNSTON, Presbyterian minister, Lima, was bom
March 15, 1819, in Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, son of Thomas and Abi-
gail (Powell) Johnston. His father, Thomas Johnston, a native of the
north of Lreland, was of Scotch-Lrish extraction and a descendant of one
of those Presbyterian families who nobly stood to their faith even amidst
persecution; and one of his ancestors, William Johnston, who immigrated
to America some time in the latter half of the eighteenth century, is
supposed to be of the same lineage as Tecumseh or Richard M. Johnston, of
Lidian notoriety. Our subject's mother was a native of Pennsylvania,
her father's family, the Powells, being among the early settlers of Ches-
ter County, that State, where they have owned lands for over a century.
Thomas Johnston, Sr. ,came to America some time in 1802, where he worked
at his trade, that of tailor, and engaged in farming. His family numbered
ten children, (four sons and six daughters) three of whom are still living:
Mary E. (Mrs. Bamett), Thomas P. and Robei*t T. The subject of this
sketch was educated in Jefferson College, Penn., also in the Western Theo^
logical Seminary, Allegheny City,Penn. He was licensed to preach by the
Beaver (now Shenango) Presbytery, and in 1848 was ordained a minister,
the same year accepting his first call at Clarksvi lie, Mercer Co., Penn. He
was united in marriage, in 1848, with Miss Mary, daughter of Charles
and Elizabeth Dana Haskell, both of whom were descendants of families
of early settlers of Marietta, Ohio, and who with the other pioneers oc-
cupied the block- house for several years. Our subject and wife are the par-
ents of three children living : Mary E., Charles H. and Grace Dana. Lizzie
A. married James A. McLain, and died in 1882. Charles H. was ordained
and installed a minister of the Presbyterian Church, in 1881, and went
Digitized by LjOOQIC
706 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
to Wichita Falls, Tex., where he follows in the footsteps of his father,
and is a faithful minister of the Gk)spel ; he was married to Miss Mary
B. Smith of Lebanon, Penn. Oar snbjeot came to Lima, in Jane, 1858,
where he supplied the Presbyterian Church with spiritual food for twelve
years, but his health failing he moved to eastern Ohio, remaining there
for several years, and then returned to Lima, in 1878, where he has since
residedyfilllDg the pulpit most of the time.
ALFRED D. JOHNSTON, insurance, Lima, was bom December 21,
1863, in Meadville, Crawford County, Penn., son of W. D. and Mary
(Morris) Johnston, who came to Ohio in February, 1881, settling in
Lima. Our subject was educated in Meadville, attending Allegheny
College, and also spent some time in the schools of Lima. He entered
the insurance business with Hooper & Son, in 1881. In 1883 he entered
into partnership with his uncle, James B. Johnston, in the Meily Block,
and they are representing six prominent English companies, and thirteen
companies of the New England and Middle States, all being of solid
indemnity. Alfred D., though a young man, has enterprise and ability
equal to the work before him, and the firm is one of the most popular in
their line in the city.
B. C. JONES, proprietor of the '* Cambrian House," Lima, was bom
August 18, 1841, in Jackson County, Ohio, son of John and Mary
(Jones) Jones, natives of Wales, and who came to Ohio in 1841,
settling in Jackson County, where they both died. (John Jones was
formerly a sailor, but in later life a farmer.) They were parents of five
children, three of whom are now living: Daniel (in Jackson, Ohio),
Mrs. Mary Evans (in Jackson, Ohio), and B. C. Our subject was
united in marriage, in 1866, with Mary, daughter of John Evans, of
Gomer, Ohio, and by this union there are two children: John C. and
Mary E. Mr. Jones, who for some years kept boarders and clerked in a
grocery store, opened a first-class hotel in the Holmes Block on Main
Street, Lima, near the court house, and the ''Cambrian House" bids
fair to become one of the leading hotels of Lima.
PHILIP KEIL, retired, Lima, was bom July 26, 1842, in Heesen-
Darmstadt, Germany, next to youngest in the family of Sebastian and
Josephine (Miller) Keil, who had eleven children, seven of whom came
to America, viz. : Margaret, Mary, John B., Christena, Josie, Philip and
William. Our subject was educated in his native land. He came to
America in 1860, settling in Marion County, Ohio, and the year follow-
ing (1861) came to Lima, where he was engaged in cabinet-making up to
within a few years. He has been a succeeshil and extensive manufac-
turer. He built a large brick block on Main Street, and owns the large
manufactory in its neighborhood. Mr. Keil was married, in 1867, to
Elizabeth Amlung, a native of Germany, and who came with her parents
to Allen County, in 1850. To this union were born the following chil-
dren: Hoeohila, Josephine, Mary, Midleo, Clara, Eliza, and a son who
died in youth.
JOHN W. KELLER, cabinetmaker, Lima, was bom June 9, 1828,
in Bedford County, Penn. ; son of Samuel Keller, who came to Ohio and
settled near Massillon, Wayne Co., Ohio, and there passed the re-
mainder of his days. His children were as follows: John W., Mary,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 707
Elizabeth, Samuel, Daniel, Wilson, Isaac, Sarah and Emily. Oar
snbjeot received his education in Ohio, and spent the years . 1845-
46-47 and 184S, learning the cabinet trade, which he has since fol-
lowed, and he is now manufacturing all kinds of furniture. He was
married, in 1849, to Elizabeth Waters, and this union has been blessed
with three children: Henry, Charles (both conductors on the railroad,
with headquarters at Lima), and Anna (married to Dr. A. Amerman, and
now residing in Alliance, Ohio). Mr. Keller has been an eye witness of
the growth of Lima, contributing his share toward its improvement.
OTTO F. EEMMEB, insurance, Lima, was bom August 29, 1857, in
Lima, Ohio; son of Charles and Sophia (Le(^old^ Eemmer, natives of
Saxony, Germany, and who came to America in 1851, settling in Lima,
where they have since resided. (Charles Kemmer, who was a captain in
the regular army in Oermany, and commissary sergeant in the late war,
has followed the cooper's trade since coming to America). Their chil-
dren, seven in number, are all living: Agatha (Mrs. Rosier), Augusta
(Mrs. William F. Miller). Bernard K, Charles W., Christian G., Otto
F., and Ida A. (Mrs. C. H. 'Breckheisen). Our subject was educated in
Lima, and entered the insurance business in 1877. He was married,
October 1, 1884, to Sarah, daughter of Bev. A. S. Bartholomew. Mr.
Kemmer is a member of Lima Lodge, No. 91, K of P.
HABMAN EIBBY, retired, Lima, was bom February 1, 1819, in
Simsbury, Conn., the only son who grew to manhood of Moses and Tamar
(Knight) Kibby (formerly Kibbee). Moses Kibby is a descendant of an
old Welsh family, who left their native country during the religious per-
secutions, and settled in Connecticut. Moses Kibby came to Ohio, in
1819, and located in what was then Geauga (now Lake) County, Ohio,
being among the early settlers of that county and of the reserve; he
lived there until 1837, when he moved to Hardin County, same State,
and settled on a farm; he died in December, 1877, his wife in 1856.
Their family of thirteen are all dead except Maryett (now Mrs. L. Manly,
residing in Lake County, Ohio), and Harman. Our subject received his
early education in the schools of Geauga County and at Painesville. He
commenced life by teaching school, and then followed the business of
builder and contractor. He subsequently took contracts on the Mad
Biver & Lake Erie Bailroad, and in 1848 came to Lima. He then fol-
lowed the occupation of general collector, having twenty-five counties in
northwestern Ohio, and three in Indiana, doing his traveling on horse-
back. Mr. Kibby was manied in November, lo53, to Mercy A., daugh-
ter of Eliab and Mary (Harford) Purdy, of New York, and they had a
family of three children: Clara T. (married Dr. A. N. Smeall, of Toronto
School of Veterinary Surgeons, Ontario), Laverne H. and May P. Mr.
Kibby dealt in live stock for ten years, until the close of the war
of the Bebellion, from the West to the East, and came out success-
ful He was for a time engaged in the tanning business in which he
also met with success up to lo72, and then entered the jobbing grocery
trade; closing this out at the end of five years, he conmienced building
the fine residence in which he now lives. In 1881, he established, along
with others, the Lima Lron Fence Company, and in May, 1884, began the
block at Lima known as the Kibby Block, in which the K. of P. have the
finest hall in Ohio, 79x81 feet.
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708 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
SAMUEL K. KRAUSS, photographer, Lima, was born August 23,
1889, in Lehigh County, Penn. , son of Jacob and Lydia Krauss, natives
of Pennsylvania, parents of eight children, of whom Samuel K. is the only
one who came to Ohio. Our subject was educated in his native State,
and came to Ohio in 1864, settled at Wooster and went into the photo-
graphic business, from which place he went to Maumee Cityy Ohio, and
in 1866 came to Lima. He was formerly a mechanic, having early learned
the carpenter's trade, at which he worked at Philadelphia, Penn. Mr.
Erauss was married MarcU 14, 1867, to Gatherina E., daughter of Rev.
M. Workman, of Wooster, Ohio, and by this union was born one child
who died in infancy. Our subject took into partnership R. H. Ebersole
in the photographic business in July, 1883, and the firm ranks among the
leading artists of the northwestern part of Ohio.
CHARLES L. LONG, editor Daily Republican, Lima, was bom
October 18, 1827, in Franklin, W^arren Co., Ohio; son of Jacob and
Maria M. Long, former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of Long Island.
Jacob Long came to Ohio in 1816 with his father and mother, Michael
and Agnes Long, and settled in Hamilton Couftity, near Cincinnati, where
Olendale now stands. Mrs. Jacob Long was twice married, and by her
first husband had three children: Agnes, now Mrs. Kinder; Jacob, and
Charles L., our subject, who was quite young when his father died. Mrs.
Long then married Orson Britton, by whom she had four children:
Elizabeth S.; Alma, now Mrs. Henry Spillman; Orson; and Richard. Our
subject's mother died in 1877. Charles L. Long received his early edu-
cation at Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio. He entered the office of the
Cincinnati Gazette as an apprentice in 1840, remaining six years, and at
the breaking out of the Mexican war he enlisted in the United States ser-
vice for one year in the First Ohio Regiment, participating in the battles
of Monterey, Saltillo and other minor engagements. He was mustered
out at New Orleans in 1847, and returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he
followed his trade until 1848, and then worked in a mill for a time. In
1849 he crossed the plains to California, returning in 1851. He assisted
in the opening of the Hamilton & Dayton R^ailroad, on which he after-
ward became a conductor. Here he remained three years, and then re-
turned to his trade as printer, soon after going on a farm belonging to
his mother. In 1857 he returned to Cincinnati and again took up his
trade, working at it until 1861 when he enlisted in the late war, and as
captain took a company composed of printers into Camp Harrison, then
on the organization of the Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infant^ he was elected
major, in which rank he served three months. In August, 1861, he was
appointed lieutenant-colonel of the Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
which regiment he remained in command of till July 13, 1863, when he
resigned. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Corinth, Chapel
Hill, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Triune, Mission Ridge and
others. He afterward was the agent of the Atlantic & Great Western
Railway, and the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad at Dayton for
several years. In 1880, after having been engaged on the Daily Sentinel
of Indianapolis, he came to Lima, and purchased the Allen County Repub-
lican of that place, a weekly paper of which he is editor and proprietor.
In August, 1882, he made important additions to the office, and established
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 709
a morning daily, and March 5, 1884, a joint stock company was formed of
which he is president Mr. Long was married in 1857 to Miss Josephine
Fitz Gibbons, and to this union have been bom two children, one now
living: Richard L. Our subject is a F. & A. M., a member of the
G. A. R., A. O. U. W., and of the military order of the Loyal Legion of
Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM McCOMB, Jr., mayor of Lima, was bom January 29,
1851, in Tompkins Cove, Rockland Co., N. Y., son of William and Sarah
(Sandw) McComb, natives of Ireland, and who came to America in 1849,
settling in New York State, where they remained until 1864, then
coming to this county, located in Lima, where they now reside. They
had a family of seven children, of whom William Jr. is the only sur-
vivor. Our subject was educated in Lima, and learned the trade of iron
molder, at which he worked for many years. He then took a course at
Wilkes Commercial College, after which he was employed in the poet*
office as clerk, under Mr. Parmenter, and in the spring of 1884 he waa
elected to his present office of mayor of Lima. Previous to this he spent
three years in the interest of the Commercial Gazette as agent. He is a
member of I. O. O. F. Mr. McComb was married February 7, 1878, to
Francis E. Bitner.
JAMES MACKENZIE, Lima, was born in Scotland, July 14, 1814.
His father, William L. Mackenzie, was a resident of Canada, and a mem-
ber of the Parliament of Upper Canada (now Ontario), who, in 1837, be-
came a leader in the insurrection for the independence of Canada. W.
L. Mackenzie had long been a Liberal, and was the first publisher of a
paper, the Colonial Advocate, that advocated the rights of the Canadian
people to liberal and free government, all power being then in the
colonial govemors and a junto of office-holders, known as the 'Tamily
Compact," who controlled all offices, judicial and political, except mem-
bers of the lower house of Parliament, in the province. In his father's
office James Mackenzie learned printing, and came to the United States
in 1837 in the insurrection against English rule; was upon Navy Island,
and from thence took part as an officer in the frontier movement, from
Navy Island west to Detroit; was a part of the movement of the in-
surgents who went on Point ATelee and Fighting Islands, but were un-
able to sustain the attack of the British troops, and were driven back to
the United States. The whole movement on the frontier, after the defeat
in Canada, was a mistake, and could only end in faihure, but a young
man was not likely to realize that at Mr. Mackenzie's age. He went East,
and after aiding various movements, commenced at Lockport, N. Y., a
newspaper in the interest of the Canadian cause, called the FreemarCa
Advocate. It was sustained for nearly a year, encountered Van Buren's
proclamation of neutrality, had for a time a large circulation in several
of the States on the frontier; but when the expedition under Gen. Bieroe
failed at Sandwich in 1839, it was discontinued, and Mr. Mackenzie,
though doing whatever appeared practical to aid the cause, did not there-
after act with the '* hunter's lodges," as they were called, or encourage
further expeditions from the United States into Canada. Afterward he
was employed as editor of the Workingmen^a Advocate, at the city of
Rochester, for Vick & Company, who published a daily paper in the in-
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710 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
terests of American workingmen, and when they sold oat to Mr. O'Reilly,
who established the Rochester Advertiser, Mr. Mackenzie was employed
for a brief period as local editor and reporter, by Mr. O'Reilly, on the
Advertiser, bat after a short time he concladed to come to Ohio, and
there continued his law stadies (which he had commenced with Mr.
Nicholls, of Lockport,) under Messrs. Bishop & Backus, of Cleveland,
Ohio, at which city he was admitted to citizenship and to the bar in
1843, when he removed to Henry County, in northwest Ohio. His first
employment was in teaching school, and while doing so he was elected
township clerk, and afterward, in October, 1844, prosecuting attorney
of Henry County. He resigned this position and removed to Putnam
County, in 1845, and purchased the Ealida Venture, which he continued
to publish for ten years thereafter. It was a Democratic paper of the
county, and received support from several other counties that had not
then established newspapers. In October, 1846, and again in 1848, and
in 1850, Mr. Mackenzie was elected prosecuting attorney of Putnam
County. In 1853 he was elected a member of the Ohio State Legislature
from Uie counties of Putnam and Henry, and served as such. Again in
1856 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Putnam County; and he re-
moved in 1858 to Allen County, and for two years and a half edited and
published the Allen County Democrat In 1861, and in 1863, Mr.
Mackenzie was elected prosecuting attorney of Allen County, and in the
fall of 1865 he was elected judge of the Court bf Common Pleas, to sup-
ply the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge Metcalf, and to com-
plete his term of service. Mr. Mackenzie was re-elected judge in
1869, and again in 1878, completing his judicial service in February,
1879. At the close of his judicial career the gentlemen of the bar of
Allen, Putnam and Shelby Counties, constituting the part of the subdi-
vision over which he presided, passed resolutions in compliment of
his discharge of his judicial duties. Since leaving the bench he has
returned to the practice of the law, in company with T. D. Robb, Esq.,
at Lima, Allen County, where he resides. During nearly all the period
of his residence in Putnam County, Mr. Mackenzie was school director
at Kalida, and school examiner of the county. He was also, for several
years, county school examiner in Alien County, and for the last fifteen
years has been one of the city school examiners. In May, 1846, he
was married to Lucina P. Leonard, and by her has had seven children —
two sons and five daughters — six living. One of his sons, Eugene C, is
clerk of the courts in Allen County, and the other, William L., is a prac-
ticing attorney at the Lima bar. Mr. Mackenzie still continues the active
practice of his profession as a lawyer, and has, during his residence in
northwest Ohio, taken an active interest and part in public affairs. He
has, since being admitted to citizenship, acted with the Democratic party,
and during the war supported actively the preservation of the Union.
JOHN MoEIBBEN, inventor and manufacturer, Lima, was bom in
Stark County, Ohio, August 8, 1819; son of William and Anna (Moore)
EcKibben, natives of Fayette County, Penn., and Westmoreland,
respectively. The families were the descendants of sturdy old Scotch
Presbyterian non-conformists, who, in the times of the 'Vars of persecu-
tion" fled to the north of Ireland and to America. Those coming to
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 711
America did good service in western Pennsylvania, in the mountain
wildernesses, in making settlements, protecting them, and founding
chorcbes and schools. William McKibben was twice married, both
times in Washington County; his first wife was Polly, daughter of Will-
iam Bay of Gross Greek, same county. She bore him one daughter,
Anna, and one son, Samuel Ray. Anna Moore, sister of James Moore^
of Cross Greek, his second wife, bore him six children: Polly, Jane,
Sarah, William, Eleanor and John. About 1809 the family, as then con-
stituted, moved into Stark County, Ohio, then in the woods; here John was
bom. Somewhere about 1790 the fatlxer did service **on the frontier"
with Capt Adam Poe, brother of Andrew, of "Bigfoot Indian*' memory, on
Yellow Greek west of Ohio Biver, and after Hull's surrender he marched
from Stark County to the Northwest with a regiment of volunteers from
eastern Ohio. In 1820, when John was a few months old, the family moved
to Trumbull County, where the children received most of their schooling,
and where the father died in 1834. John learned his trade with Mr.
Barnabas Lee, who carried on tailoring business in Poland, then in Trum-
bull County. In the last summer of his apprenticeship he had one
term in Prof. Bradley's select school in Poland. In November,
aft^r voting for G^n. Harrison, he came to Lima, his brother William
having been one of the pioneers to Allen County, having brought their
mother and sister Sarah, later. In the spring of 1841 John rented rooms
and brought his mother dnd sister to Lima; they, withWilliam, wife and
one child, having lived together in a new cabin in the woods for a time.
The next year Mr. Barnabas Lee wrote to John, his late apprentice,
offering him the benefit of a scholarship in Allegheny College, Mead-
ville, Penn., and money for expenses to take a college course, money
to be repaid whenever it suited him; but, situated as he was, with
mother and sister, he had to forego the advantages so magnanimously
offered by Mr. Lee. During this spring, 1841, his business being dull,
John worked with his brother William and John Carlisle, who had
Scott's saw-mill, at the river near East Market Street bridge. They left
it in his hands, going to their new places near. John McKibben sawed
the plank for Uie first frame bridge at that crossing. Mr. David Tracy
was the builder. In 1842-43 he was in partnership, in the tailoring
business, with Mr. T. K. Jacobs, who was elected County Treasurer, their
shop being transferred to the east room of the Treasurer's office in the,
then, new court house, Mr. J. being the first Treasurer occupying that
office therein. Mr. McKibbeu's health failing, with a view to fitting him-
self for teaching, he attended two terms of Bev. Chaffee's select school in
Lima. But July 1, 1845, he accepted a position in J. W. King's
''Old Cash Store," then about a year established here, where he remained
several years. In 1846 he married BIrs. King's sist-er. Miss Mary Ken-
dall, daughter of Mr. Simon Kendall, at her father's residence in Suf-
field, Conn., and to them were born three sons and three daughters: William
K., Annie E. (who died at the age of near ten), George F., Mary C, Ida
E. and Justin H. William K. was educated at Dennison University,
Granville, Ohio, and at Bochester, N. Y. While in the latter semi-
nary he was married to Miss Bebecca Collett, of Granville, Ohio, going
the next year, as missionary, to Swatow, China, remaining about nine
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712 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
years. George F. graduated in Lima high school, at Dennison University,
being two years before at Rochester, N. Y., with William K., and in Theo-
logical Seminary, Morgan Park, 111. ; spending a year in Europe, the fall,
winter and spring terms in Leipsic University; he is now professor of
modem languages in Dennison University, Granville, Ohio. George, after
returning to Granville, married Miss Lizzie Stillwell, of Dayton, Ohio.
Mary and Ida graduated in Lima high school, and in the Young Ladies'
Institute, Granville, Ohio, are teachers in Lima union schools. Justin
H. married Miss Ella E., daughter of Mr. G. Day, of Lima; is sec-
retary of King's Great Western Powder Company, at Xenia, Ohio.
Our subject, John McKibben, is the inventor and patentee of several
articles of value; his safety bridle and reins are very efficient and
humane in operation; his reclining and extension chair a very convenient
one; and his automatically locking couplings for vehicles, neck yoke and
pole for carriages, etc., are perfect models of simplicity and utility, and
may be highly ornamental. There is reason to believe he wiU realize from
these, manufacturing or on sales of patents, sufficient to make him and
his amiable wife, now both sixty-six years old, comfortable their old
age through. John McKibben, who entered, settled and, in 1837, died
upon the land now known as North Lima, was a cousin of our subject
JOHN MABTIN, dealer in saddles and harness, Lima, Ohio, was
bom December 19, 1827, in Kichland County, Ohio, son of Charles and
Christiena (nee Menchey) Martin, the former a native of Germany, the latter
of New York State. Charles Martin came to Ohio in 1820, settling in
Kichland County where he remained for a few years; thence removed to
Crawford County, subsequently sold his estate there, and went into
Huron County, Ohio, and there remained until his death. Mrs. Christi-
ena Martin was twice married, and by her first husband (Mr. Houser) had
five children: William, Anthony, Michael, George and Lydia; by her
second husband she had five children: Henry, John, Mary, George and
Samuel. George was killed in California. Our subject was educated in
Huron and Crawford Counties, and began his trade in Huron County, in
1845. He was married to Lucy K., daughter of A. F. Parker, of Hancock
County, by whom he has four children: Charles F., Samuel H. (married
to Miss Minerva L Bently), Harry H. and Eva M. Our subject came to
Lima in 1878, where he opened a shop and is keeping a complete stock
of goods in the saddlery line. He is enjoying a fine trade.
GEORGE H. MEILY, attorney at law, Lima, was bom August 28,
1849, in Lima, son of John H. and Catherine (Fisher) Meily, natives of
Pennsylvania, former bom November 15, 1817, in Lebanon, at one time
a weaver of fancy quilts, he was also a practical iron mold^, came to
Ohio in 1836, located in Mansfield, and there remained ten years, and
then moved to Lima, settling on Main Street where now stands the Meily
Block. John H. Meily built the first foundry in the county, where the
Globe Machine Works now stand. He was subsequently elected clerk of
the court, a position he filled six years. He then engaged in the manu-
facture of brick in Lima, and built the hardware storeroom on the east side
of Public Square, and the large brick block on Main Street; he was for a
number of years engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, finally
engaging in real estate business until his ultimate retirement from active
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 713
life. He died December 25, 1884. His family numbers nine children:
Catherine O. (wife of O. 8. Brice), L. M., Ann Eliza (wife of C. Y. Free-
man), Bingold W., Frances J. (wife of Col. Orr), George H., Harriet A.,
Mary Y. (wife of Dr. Irvin, of Indiana,) and Sarah E. Oar subject was
educated in Lima, and began the study of law in 1868 in the office of
Lamison & Ballard, and was admitted to the bar in the State Court of
Ohio, in August, 1871, and to practice in the United States Courts, March
27, 1874, at Cleveland, Ohio. He began practice in Lima in 1878. He
was engaged in the construction of the Lake Erie & Western Bailroad,
the Chicago & Atlantic and the Michigan & Ohio Railroads; was also one
of the projectors of the Lima & Columbus Railway.
JOHN MELHORN, insurance, Lima, was bom February 18, 1819,
in York County, Penn., son of George^ and Hester (Neiman) Melhom,
natives of Pennsylvania, and who were the parents of seven children, two
of whom are now living: Caroline (wife of Frank Bull) and John. Our
subject came to Ohio in 1840, settling in Champaign County, and in
1854 came to Allen County. He was united in marriage November 8,
1842, with Margaret, daughter of George Bell, and to this union were
bom twelve children, five of whom are now living: Elizabeth (Mrs. J.
D. Foye), Mary C. (Mrs. J. R. Ashton), Annie B. (Mrs. Q. S. Vicary),
Edgar Lincoln and Minnie Kate. Mr. Melhom engagepi in the shoe
trade for fifteen or sixteen years, and also in manufacturing, until his
health failed, when he sold out his business. In 1878 he entered the
insurance business, and is now representing prominent companies of New
York, Philadelphia, Brooklyn and Hartford. He was a member of the
city council, and was elected mayor, serving from 1855 to 1857. He is
a F. & A. M
CHARLES METZOER, physician and surgeon, Lima, was bom in
Germany in 1887, son of Daniel and Dora (Snyder) Metzger, who were
the parents of four children, two now living: Henerietta (now Mrs.
Hagermon) and Charles. Daniel Metzger came to America in 1840-41
and settled in Herkimer County, N. Y., where he remained for ten years;
thence moved to Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, and thence to Springfield,
where he spent the remainder of his days. Our subject was educated in
the schools of Ohio, and, in 1858, began the study of medicine with Drs.
Sanders and Blair, in Cleveland, Ohio. He then took a course of
lectures and ^aduated at the Western Homoeopathic (now the Cleveland
Hospital) College. During the late civil war the doctor enlisted, in
1861, in Company C» One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Regiment Ohio
Volunteer Lif antry, and was elected first lieutenant of same. He came
to Lima in 1864, and has since successfully followed his profession. He
was united in marriage in 1865. with Clara, daughter of Scott Cunning,
ham, and to this union were born two children: Dora and Fannie. The
Doctor is a F. & A. M.
WILLLLM MILLER, butcher, Lima, was bom March 27, 1831, in
Germany, son of Charles G. and Mary E. (Hofferbert) Miller, of Germany,
and who had a family of eleven children, six of whom came to Amer*
ica: Michael, Margaret (now Mrs. Rummel), Eva E. (now Mrs. Wolf),
Jacob, Charles and William. The subject of this sketch was educated in
his native land, and came to America when fifteen years old with his
Digitized by LjOOQIC
714 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
brothers, Michael and Jacob. He came to Lima in 1848, subsequently
moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and there learned the butcher's trade. He
was married in Cincinnati to Elizabeth Brothers, by whom he has had
eleven children: Daniel 6. (married to Mary Dell), Kate (Mrs. Seeley),
Fred W., Caroline (deceased), Charles G. (married to Kate Boyd), John
L., Pauline, Lewis G. (married to Sarah Stevenson), Kosella, Alexander
H., George W. Mr. Miller returned to Lima in 1860, where he has
since remained, and is conducting a butcher-shop. He was elected coun-
cilman, serving three terms, and in 1873 was elected sheriff, which office
he filled four years. Mr. Miller is a charter member of the L O. O. F.
J. W. MOCK, photographer, Lima, was born in October, 1853, in
Fayette County, Ohio, son of John, a farmer, and Mary (Pierson) Mock,
and grandson of John Mock, Sr. , who came from Virginia in an early
day, settling in Fayette County, Ohio, and there remained. Our sub-
ject's parents had a family of seven children (six of whom are now liv-
ing): Martin L., Alfred P., Lavenia C, J. W., John F., Charles E.
(died young) and Lonie. These were educated in Fayette County, where
the family still reside. Our subject began the photographic business
when young, and March 1, 1884, opened out in trim order a gallery, in
which he displays the art to good advantage, his portraits proving him
to be a first-class artist Mr. Mock was married, in 1876, to Miss Ada
Homey. He is a F. & A. M., a member of the lodge at Washington
Court House, Ohio.
JACOB MOSEB, undertaker and dealer in furniture, Lima, was
bom April 13, 1835, in Minster, Canton Berne, Switzerland, son of David
and Anna Moser. David Moser, a hatter by trade, came to America in
1853, and settled in Newville, Wells Co., Lid., where he followed farming
to some extent. His family consisted of two sons and three daughters:
Jacob, Mary (married to Mr. A< Bamseyer, of Lima), Eliza (now Ik&s. G.
Sourer, of Newville, Ind.), Bosina (now Mrs. Cannen, of Newville, Lid.)
and Fred (a druggist of Lima). Our subject was educated in his native
land and came to America with his parents. He was a hatter by trade,
but for eight years was engaged in the drug trade at Bluffton, Ohio;
thence removing to Lima, and here carried on a drug business for five
years with J. Myers. Ikbr. Moser sold his interest in this business in
1884, and has since engaged in the undertaking and furniture trade,
under the firm name of Townsend, Moser & Co. Our subject was mar-
ried, March 11, 1861, to Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Newensch wander,
natives of Switzerland, residing in Wayne County, Ohio, and to this
union were bom four children: Emma (wife of Dr. Stueber, Petersburg,
111.), Bertha, Calvin and Albert. Mr. Moser is a F. & A. M, and a mem-
ber of the L O. O. F
ISAAC S. MOTTEB, attomey at law, Lima, was bom January 10,
1852, at Williamsport, Md., son of Isaac Sr., a farmer, and Mary
(Snively)Motter, natives, the former of Maryland, the latter of Pennsyl-
vania, and who had a family of seven children, all now living. Our
subject was educated in his native State at Boanoke College, Virginia.
He began the study of law atHagerstown, Md., with Col. George Schley,
and was admitted to the bar at Hagerstown in 1876. He came to Ohio
in 1881, forming a partnership in Lima with W. L. Mackenzie, a son
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 715
of ex- Judge Mackenzie. Messrs. Motter and Mackenzie are enterpris-
ing young members of the bar, and seem destined to rank with the
prominent attorneys of the city.
GEORGE W. MYERS, miller, Lima, was bom January 81, 1846,
in Massillon, Ohio, son of Jacob and Catherine (Briarley) Myers, natives
of Germany, and who had a family of eight children, six of whom are
now liTing: David, Godfrey, Charles, George W., Catherine and Rosa
(Mrs. M. Alden). Jacob Myers was a farmer, and engaged extensively in
buying and shipping stock. Our subject, the only member of the family
residing in Allen County, came here in 1865. The first few years he
was employed by Holland & Baxter in their hardware store; he subse-
quently acted as agent in the Adams and United States Express offices for
sixteen years. He formed a partnership with Mr. Gorton in the Ottawa
Mills, August, 1882. Mr. Myers was married in April, 1871, to Miss
Mary A., daughter of the late William B. Gt>rton, a worthy citizen of
Lima, the mainstay of the Episcopal Church here, proprietor of the Ottawa
Mills, and whose death was deeply lamented by all who knew him.
After Mr. Gorton's demise Mr. Myers and his wife's brother-in-law, Mr
E. C. Mackenzie (clerk of the court) took charge of the mills; this was in
January, 1885. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers were ^m three children: Harry,
Albert and William. Mr. Myers, though comparatively a young man, has
good business qualifications, and is well fitted for the position he occupies.
He held the office of township clerk for two years (1870, 1871). He is a
K T.
HENRT C. NEFF, foreman of the Lima Paper Mills, Lima, was bom
June 20, 1846, in Marion County, Ohio, son of John G. and Catherine
(Faurot) Neflf, natives of Virginia and New York, respectively. John G,
Neff came to Ohio in 1832, settling in Marion County, where he remained
until 1862, when he moved to Lima, purchasing a farm of B. C. Faurot,
where he lived for fifteen years, then he sold and moved two and a half
miles west of Lima, on the old Richie farm, which is held by his family
to-day. His children, six in number, were Henry C, Howard and
Harvey, residents of Lima ; Princess, residing in Marion, Ohio ;
Esther, wife of R. E. Davis, a merchant of Cairo, Ohio, and Alice, wife
of Henry Bolton, who died March 26, 1884, leaving one child, Frank.
Our subject was married, October 13, 1870, to Miss Jennie, daughter of
Michael Mauk, and to this union were bom six children: Bert, Blanche,
Geraldine, Corbin, Bessie and Katy (latter died when two years old).
In 1870 Henry C. Neff became foreman of the paper-mills in Lima, which
position he still retain& The mills were established in 1860 and have a
capacity of making fifteen tons of straw board paper daily, employing
100 hands. Mr. Neff is a member of Lima Lodge, No. 581, L O. O. F.
HENRY NEISE, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, Lima,
was born May 81, 1826, in Lancaster County, Penn., son of Peter and
Elizabeth (Shively) Neise, who came to Ohio in 1828, settling in Rich-
land County. Of their family of eleven children, seven are still living:
Benjamin, John, Samuel, Henry, Peter, Nancy (Mrs. Lewis, a widow)
and Elizabeth (Mrs. Evil). Our subject was educated in the conmion
schools of Richland County. In 1842 he began business for himself,
engaging successfully in the shoe trade at Ashland, Ohio, and in the
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716 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
flpriDg of 1855, he opened a shoe shop and store in Lima, where he has
since remained. Mr. Neise was married, in 1849, to Fannie, daughter of
Samuel J. Miller, of Richland County, Ohio, and to this union were born
the following children: William H., Hiram M., James, John C, Fred-
erick K., BurtF., Etta M. William H. is in business with his father,
and is married to Matilda, daughter of J. Myers, and has three children:
James H., Grace M. and Carrie E. Mr. Neise is a thorough-going busi-
ness man. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
PETER O'NEILL, a leading tailor of Lima, was bom in April, 1825,
in County Carlow, Lreland, a son of John O'Neill who died in Ireland,
and whose family consisted of nine children, three of whom are still Uy-
ing: Andrew, residing in Ireland; Mary, now Mrs. Clowery, and Peter.
Our subject was educated in his native land and learned the tailor's trade
while yet a youth. He was married in 1845 to Bridget, daughter of
William Nolan, and four years later came to America, settling in Lima,
Ohio, where he reared his children, ten in number, named as follows :
Thomas; Lawrence; Mary, married to P. Leveringham; Patrick; Margaret;
Theresa (first) deceased; Annie; Bridget, married to John S. O'Connor;
Michael, and Theresa (second), married to J. Shanon. Lawrence O'Neill
(subject's son), was born November 14, 1848, and was educated in Lima,
Ohio. He was married in July, 1874, to Laura, daughter of William
Mumaugh, an old settler of the county, and by this union were born two
children — Alice and Esther. L. O'Neill was elected marshal of the city
in 1882, which office he still holds. He is a thorough business man and
a practical blacksmith, having learned his trade in the Dayton & Michi-
gan Railroad shops.
ALBERT OSBORN, merchant, Lima, was bom in February, 1836, in
Youngstown, Ohio; eon of John and Isabel (Duncan) Osborn, natives,
the former of Virginia, the latter of Washington County, Penn. John
Osborn was a miller in his early days, but in later life took up farming.
He came to Ohio in his youth, and became an early settler of Mahoning
County, where he married and raised a family of fourteen children, nine
of whom are now living: Mary, Rachael, Jane, Harriet, Laura, Henrietta,
Marcus L., John H. and Albert. Our subject received his early educa-
tion in Trumbull County, Ohio, and immediately began business for him-
self. In the winter of 1856 he married Sarah A., daughter of John and
Elizabeth McCorkle, and to this union has been bom one son — John M.
Mr. Osborn went to Pennsylvania in 1862, and entered into oil commerce,
boring wells and speculating in real estate until he had reaped sufficient
to warrant him in returning to this county in 1868, and engaging in the
queensware trada This he followed nine years, and then selling out his
interest in 1877, he opened his present general grocery and provision
8t6re. He is a member of Lima Lodge, F. & A. M.
I. NEWTON PANGLE, liveryman, Lima, was bom in Marion Town-
ship, this county, November 22, 1856; son of Ferguson B. and Mary J.
(Rome) Pangle. His paternal grandfather, Vance Pangle, bom in Jan-
uary, 1774, in Virginia, married August 14, 1799, Rebecca Longaore, a
native of Virginia, borp December 14, 1781. In 1830 they came to Lan-
caster County, and in 1834 to Allen County, Ohio, and settled in Sugar
Creek Township, where Mr. Pangle died September 15, 1835. His
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 717
widow remained on the old homestead with her son, Elisha, until 1844,
when thej removed to Marion Township, where she lived until her death
in December, 1880, in her one hundredth year. Her mind was vigorous
at the time of her death, and her recollections of pioneer life in the
woods of Allen County were vivid and clear. She reared a family of
twelve children, all of whom were residents of Allen County. The
father of our subject, in the pioneer days, was a buyer of hides and
pelts, and subsequently embarked and for several years engaged in the
grocery trade at Delphos. In the meantime he built a large warehouse
on the banks of the canal, and was an extensive dealer in grain and prod-
uce of all kinds. He was also a large owner of real estate. He started
out for himself, without means, and by industry, frugality and business
tact accumulated a large competency. He died August 5, 1857, at the
age of forty years. He had seven children: Francis (Mrs. D. L. Will-
iams), Elizabeth (Mrs. W. P. Davis), Julia (deceased), Ida (deceased),
Eliza (Mrs. B. R Jervis), I. Newton and Ferguson 6. Our subject was
reared in Delphos, where he received a high school education. He mar-
ried, November 15, 1878, Anna J., daughter of DeWitt C. and Lena
Bichmond, of Lima, by whom he has one child — Lena J. After he
became of age Mr. Pangle engaged for three years in farming in Marion
Township. In 1879 he located in Lima and embarked in the livery busi-
ness, which he has continued to the present time. He exercises a vigi-
lant supervision over the general work and management of his business,
and by his attention to the wants of his patrons has made many friends
and built up a large patronage.
H. PABHAM, dealer in agricultural implements, wagons, buggies,
etc, was born in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, March 27, 1841; son of
Charles and Bebecca (Davis) Parham, the former a native of England,
the latter of Wales, and whose parents came to this country when they
were young. Charles Parham is a farmer by occupation, and resides in
Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio. He has reared a family of seven children
(five sons and two daughters), six of whom are now living: Henry,
Hiram E., Frederick C, John M., Martha (wife of Nelson Dodge) and
Sabina. One son, Albion, was killed at Atlanta, Ga., during the
war. They were all educated in the common schools, afterward
attending and graduating from Iron City College, Pittsburgh, Penn.,
and Mt. Union College, Mt. Union, Ohio. Our subject embarked
in the hardware trade at Bavenna, Ohio, where he married his present
wife April 18, 1868, then Miss Bessie S. Howland (whose ances-
tors came over in the historical " May Flower," landing at Plymouth,
Mass.), moved to Lima, Ohio, the same year, and re-embarked in the
hardware business, remaining in the same until the year 1874. Mr.
Parham is one of Lima's active business men, is doing a large and pros-
perous business. Is a member of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church;
of the Masonic order; also a member of the city council, and chairman
of two of its most important committees. The family consists of himself,
wife and daughter — Edith May.
OBVILLE L. PABMENTEB, patentee and manufacturer of egg
boxes, Lima, was born June 10, 1844, in Austinburg, Jefferson Co., Ohio;
Bon of Austin W. and Sarah (Calkins) Parmenter. Our subject came to
43
Digitized by LjOOQIC
J
718 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Allen County, Ohio, in 1882. He is the inventor of an egg box yalnable
for shipping purposes, and in October, 1884, a stock company was
formed, styled **The Ohio Egg Case Company," the officers being M.
Seiberling, president; Morgan Thomas, vice-president; L. Beichelderfer,
treasurer; W. E. Ghray, secretary; and O. L. Parmenter, manager. The
firm, which is considered a safe and reliable one, have leased the paper
mill to facilitate their operations, and are doing a large business manu-
facturing this patent The enterprise is fast becoming one of the lead-
ing industries of Lima. Mr. Parmenter was married, in 1870, to Jennie
T., daughter of H. McBride and grand- daughter of Gen. Springer. To
this union have been born three children: Henry, James and Bessie.
ISAIAH PILLARS, attorney at law, Lima, was born in Jefferson
County, Ohio, March 17, 1838; son of Samuel and Charlotte (Potts)
Pillar, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of German extraction, the
latter of Virginia and of English descent His father, Samuel Pillars,
was a carpenter, never rich in this world's goods. During Isaiah's child-
hood the family lived in Carroll County, Ohio, thence moved to the vil-
lage of Bisden (now a part of Fostoria), Seneca Co., Ohio, where the
mother died when our subject was eight years old, and, from that on, his
life was that of a poor boy throvm among comparative strangers. At the
age of sixteen he commenced teaching school, and by industry and
application prepared himself for an academic course, beginning in the
Seneca County Academy, then under the management of T. W. Harvey
(afterward school commissioner of Ohio), and finishing at Heidelberg
College, Tiffin, Ohio. He read law in the office of his brother, James
Pillars (who has since been judge of the common pleas for ten years),
was admitted to the bar when not quite twenty-one years old, and com-
menced to practice at Lima in 1855. In 1862 he was appointed com-
mandant of Camp Lima by Gov. Tod, with the rank of colonel, and
under his supervision the Ninety-ninth, One Hundred and Eighteenth
and Eighty-first Begiments were organized. In 1866 our subject was
elected prosecuting attorney of Allen County on the Democratic ticket;
was Democratic candidate for Presidential elector in 1868. In 1871 was
elected representative in the general assembly, and after serving one
term declined re-election. During his legislative term he vigorously
resisted a proposed measure for levying a tax for the purpose of railroad
construction. The wisdom of his course was afterward sustained by the
supreme court that pronounced the measure unconstitutional. He was
also author of a minority report in favor of the abolition of capital pun-
ishment, a summary of the argument being as follows:
First : That the infliction of death as a punishment for crime is a relic
of the laws of revenge and retaliation. Second: That crime is not les-
sened by, and that the protection of society in no way demands, the
death of an offender. Third: That the infliction of capital punishinent
does not deter others by way of example from the commission of crime.
Fourth : That its effect upon society is to debase and blunt the finer sen-
sibilities, and thereby increase the disposition for the commission of
crima Fifth: That by it one of the legitimate purposes of punishment,
the reformation of the criminal, is wholly defeated. Sixth : That by capi-
tal punishment the divine right to life is violated under sanction of Uie
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 719
law, the sacred regard for human life destroyed, and many times inno-
cent persons put to death. Seventh : That, by the substitution of impris-
onment for life for the death penalty, convictions and punishment would
be rendered far more certain, and thereby crime would be lessened and
all the purposes of punishment be accomplished.
In the fall of 1877 Mr. Pillars was elected attorney-general for the
State of Ohio by the Democratic party. It will be proper in this con-
nection to state that until 1864 he was identified with the Republican
party, but at that time, for reasons satisfactory to himself, he abandoned
it, and since has been a warm adherent of Democratic principles. In
February, 1856, Mr. Pillars was married to Miss Susan Fickle, of Lima,
Ohio. In February, 1870, his wife died and he has since remained a
widower. The death of his wife, to whom he was devotedly attached,
was a crushing blow, from which he but slowly rallied. He has three
children — two boys and one girl : James, Theodora and Stuart. He had
another child, Pearl, who died in infancy. Early in life Mr. Pillars
developed a passion for books. For years he has devoted himself to
collecting rare and old works. In 1871 a fire destroyed many of his
treasured volumes along with a valuable law library. In religious belief
our subject is a firm believer in the doctrines of Emanuel Swedenborg,
and is Uie author of a written treatise on the life, works and doctrines of
that eminent philosopher. Mr. Pillars continues in active practice of
the law in the State and federal courts.
W. D. POLING, county auditor,Lima,wasbom in April, 1843, in Perry
County, Ohio, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Short) Poling, the former
a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and the latter a native of Pennsyl-
vania. Both the Poling and Short families came to Ohio in an early day,
settling in Fairfield County; Benjamin Poling's father coming from Vir-
ginia. Benjamin Po]ing came to this county in the fall of 1845 and
settled in Marion Township, where he at present resides. His family
numbered icL^e children — two sons and three daughters: Anna M., wife of
L. D. Sites; W. D.; Bachel, wife of G. W. Liman; Mary E., and Sam-
uel, married to Emeline Snow. Our subject was married November 18,
1869, to Miss Kisiah, daughter of James Baxter, and by this union were
bom seven children: Melissa A., Arthur B., Mary E., James B., Bertha
v., Rachel A. and Carl B. Mr. Poling was elected to the office of
county auditor in October, 1881, and re-elected in October, 1884. He is
a member of the E. of P.
W. L. PORTER, coal and oil merchant, Lima, was born September
15, 1832, in Washington County, Penn., son of William and Jane(Lan-
gan) Porter, of Pennsylvania, and a grandson of John Porter, who came
from Ireland to America in 1770, landing at Baltimore, Md., where he
remained for a few years. Our subject's paternal grandmother was born
in one of the old Revolutionary forts in Pennsylvania, and his father,
William Porter, who was a miller by trade, came with his family to Ohio
in 1836, settling in Parkman Township, Geauga County, where he died
in 1852. His wife died in 1834 in Washington County, Penn. They
were parents of three children now living: Elizabeth, John and W. L.
Our subject was educated in Geauga County, Ohio, and began the pur-
suits of life when a youth. He was for several years successfully engaged
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720 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
in the patent medicine business. He was twice married, on the first
occasion in 1860, to Emma Harley, by whom he had one child — William
Harley. Mrs.Porter dying in 1865, Mr. Porter married in 1878, Viella,
daughter of 6. P. Holmes, one of the early settlers of this county, and
by her he has one child — Jane. Our subject came to Lima in 1870 and
engaged in the drug business, and in 1872 he sold out his drugs and
conmienced the coal and oil trade, in which he now does a large busi-
ness. He is a F. & A. M., a member of the lodge at Lima.
HENCHMAN S. PROPHET, Lima, was born January 26, 1836, iu
Evesham, Burlington Co., N. J. His parents, John and Catherine
(Roberts) Prophet, were English, and came to America about 1829, set-
tling in Philadelphia, Penn. They subsequently lived in the city of
New York and at Evesham, N. J. From thence they came to Ohio, about
1838, settling in Columbiana County. Several years later Mr. Prophet,
with his family, removed to Morrow County, where he resided to the end
of his life. Eight children were bom to them : Ann, Henry, Jane,
Alfred, Kate, John, H S. and Elvira, all of whom are living, with the
exception of Kate. The subject of this sketch, the only member of the
family residing in Allen County, was educated at Cardington, Ohio.
When twenty years of age he commenced the study of law under Ross
Bums, and completed the study with Judge J. A. Beebe ; was admitted
to the bar Febmary 2, 1860, in the Supreme Court of Ohio. He imme-
diately commenced the active practice of his profession as a partner of
Judge Beebe. Lnmediately on the breaking out of the late war of the
Rebellion, he enlisted in the ranks of the Union Army, and was elected
second lieutenant. As the quota of 75,000 volunteers was full, he
again enlisted as a private soldier in Company C, Fifteenth Ohio Vol-
unteer Infantry, which had been accepted l^ the governor, served three
months, and was* then mustered out with his company. He assisted in
the organization of Company B, of the Forty-third Ohio Volunteer
Lifantry, in which he served as second lieutenant, first lieutenant,
and captain, and resigned in the summer of 1863, by reason of ill health.
He was wounded in tiie second battle of Corinth, in 1862. Returning
to Mount Gilead, he was elected Colonel of the Second Regiment Ohio
Militia, and was commissioned by the Governor. He practiced his pro-
fession and edited and published a newspaper for five years, and in 1866
was appointed Postmaster under President Johnson. In the fall of
1869, he was elected State Senator from the Seventeenth and Twenty-
eighth districts, serving one term. Mr. Prophet removed to Lima in
1872, where he has since been in the constant practice of his profession,
as a member of the firm of Prophet & Eastman. For a number of years
Mr. Prophet has served as the official stenographer of the county. He
has served as City Solicitor four years. Prosecuting Attorney four years,
and as Mayor of the city two years, declining a renomination. He also
served as a member of the Board of School Examiners for two terms.
He is a member of the L O. O. F. ; politically he is a Democrat. Mr.
Prophet was joined in marriage, December 25, 1867, with Miss Frances
A., daughter of Judge J. A. Beebe, and this union has been blessed
with four children, three of whom are living : Edgar S., Herbert S.,
and Gracie Alice. Mrs. Prophet is the eldest of eleven children, a lady
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 721
of rare abilities and educational attainments. The family are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CAPT. LEVI REICHELDERFER, lumber merchant, Lima, was bom
in March, 1828, in Pickaway County, Ohio. He was early thrown on
his own resources, leaving home when a lad, and going among strangers,
being subjected to all those vicissitudes, which, though discouraging at
the time, tended to develop an energy which otherwise might have re-
mained dormant In 1849 our subject was married to Saville Binkley,
who bore him six children: Austin C, who is now engaged in the Gas
Company's office at Lima, Clara E., wife of T.W. Burrows, superintendent
of the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad, and a resident of St. Louis;
Ella N., wife of E. B. Halladay, a dealer in rubber goods at Chicago, 111. ;
Laura S., wife of Charles Owen, a lumber merchant of Lima; Minnie M.,
wife of L. Stamets, a dealer in buggies, carriages etc., Lima, and Merritt
D. Our subject's education was mainly the result of his own application
and energy, but he gave his children good educational advantages, and
they all occupy good positions in society. Mr. Reichelderfer learned the
carpenter's trade in youth. He went to Morrow County, Ohio, in 1855,
and there cleared a farm. He afterward located at Cardington, and be-
came identified with its growth and improvements, and in 1860 served
as commissioner of Morrow County. He served as a soldier in the
Mexican war, and during the late war of the Rebellion, in 1862, organized
and was chosen captain of Company C, Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantery, and led his company through several engagements under Col.
Vance. After the war the captain returned to his home in Morrow
County, and in 1873 he came to Lima, where he has since been actively
engaged in the lumber trade and other business enterprises; served as
infirmary director, and is member of the Ohio Egg Case Company, the
Tennessee Marble Company, and is a director of the First National Bank
of Lima.
WILLIAM RHODA, blacksmith, Lima, was born March 18, 1857,
in Westminster, Allen Co., Ohio; son of Christopher and Mary (Snook)
Rhoda, natives of Germany. Christopher Rhoda, who is a farmer, came
to America in 1852-53 and settled in Westminster, this county, where
he remained eight years; he then moved to German Township where he
has resided twenty- five years. His children, four in number, are all
living: Louisa, wife of Jacob Newbright; William; Charles and Lewis.
Our subject, when seventeen years of age, was put to learn his trade with
J. C. Blocker, who is now his partus. He was married, in 1878, to
Clara, daughter of Conrad Lemermon, and by her he had three children,
one now living: Minnie (deceased), Carrie and Askor (latter deceased).
Mr. Rhoda entered into partnership with his former preceptor in the
spring of 1884, locating on Union Street, where they are now engaged in
making wagons, buggies, etc. , and where they make a specialty of repair
work and horse-shoeing.
THOMAS M. ROBB (deceased), was bom October 25, 1812, in
Washington County, Penn., and came in the winter of 1815 to Ohio with
his parents, who settled in Ghiernsey County. The family are of Scotch
descent, and date back to the days of religious persecution in Scotland,
when their ancestry fled to the north of Ireland; from there emigrating
to America. The education enjoyed by our subject was limited, and
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722 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
when but a lad he learned the printer's trade in Cambridge, Ohio, work-
ing at it afterward in Zanesville, Cincinnati and Marysville, Ohio. Being
anxious to see his native State, he, in 1830, crossed the mountains on
foot into Pennsylvania, and visited Philadelphia and Baltimore. Return-
ing to Ohio, he located in Belief on taine, where he edited the Aurora in 1836
and there remained till 1852. He began the publication of the Union
Gazette in 1841-42; served as postmaster seven years. Mr. Robb was next
appointeil clerk of the court of Logan County under the old constitu-
tion, and this office he filled until lo51. In the spring of 1852 he moved
to Bond County, 111., and in the fall of the same year came to Lima,
where he entered law practice with Charles N. Lamison. In 1856 he
was elected probate judge, in which capacity he served six years. In
1862 he was elected mayor of Lima, filling the chair till ]867, when he
was elected to the Legislature of Ohio, serving nearly two terras. When
near the close of his second term he was struck with paralysis, where-
upon he returned to Lima. He died in 1879. Our subject was married,
in 1835, to Miss Ann Moore, by whom he had eight children: Edward
L., Mary Josephine, Thomas B. (deceased), Theodore D., Elizabeth
(deceased in infancy), Anna Cornelia, John M. and Frank R. Theodore
D. is one of the leading members of the Lima bar, bom June 29, 1839,
in Belief ontaine, Ohio. He was admitted to the bar in 1870, as was his
father before him. In politics he is a Democrat
JOSIAH B. ROBERTS, farmer and stock-dealer, Lima, was born in
Frankford, Greenbrier Co., Va., February 20, 1822, son of William
and Hannah (Morrison) Roberts, natives of Virginia, and of Scotch-Irish
descent William Roberts was a carpenter by trade, a son of Thomas
Roberts. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Andrew Morrison, was a
native of Virginia and a farmer by occupation. Our subject was reared
in his native county and educated in the common schools. When eight-
een years of age he came to this county with his mother and stepfather
(John Perkins), who purchased a farm in Auglaize Township, and with
them he resided up to 1844, when he embarked at Westminster in mercan-
tile business, in which he was engaged up to 1852. In 1854 he located
in Ottawa Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, and
has since been engaged in farming, besides doing an extensive business
in buying and selling stock. Mr. Roberts was married August 6, 1841,
to Margaret, daughter of Andrew and Lydia (Creps) Winrott,of Auglaize
Township, this county. The issue of this union was nine children, of
whom six grew to manhood and womanhood; William, Oliver C, (died
March 16, 1877, of disease contracted in the army during the late war),
Thomas C, Alton H., Leonora (Mr8.H. H Holdridge), Viola (Mrs. J. R.
Dunlap). During his residence in Auglaize Township, Mr. Roberts
served as justice of the peace two terms. In politics he is a Republican.
REV. A. T. ROBERTSON, pastor of the Main Street Presbyterian
Church, of Lima, was bom September 14, 1849, near Waynesburg, Stark
Co. , Ohio. His father, Alexander Robertson, was a native of West-
moreland County, Penn.; his mother, Mary (Arbuckle) Robertson, was a
native of eastern Ohio. In an early day his parents settled near Waynes-
burg, Ohio. They had a family of ten children, seven of whom are liv-
ing: John, Oeorge, Martin, Alexander T., Rebecca J., Ella and Eliza-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 728
beth. James A. and William B. (both of whom served their coantry
daring the Rebellion, are dead). Alexander Robertson, who is still a resi-
dent of Stark County, Ohio, worked a farm until his children were reared
and educated io the country schools; his wife died in 1884. Our subject
received his classical education at the University of TVooster, Ohio, and
the University of Highland, Kans., graduating at the latter institution in
1875, and at the former in 1877. He pursued his theological course at
the seminaries at San Francisco, Cal., and Allegheny, Penn., and gradu-
ated at the latter in 1878. He was licensed to preach by the San Fran-
cisco Presbytery in 1877, and was ordained to the ministry by the Pres-
bytery of Osage, Mo., in 1879. He came to Lima in the spring of 1883 and
took charge of the congregation where he still ministers. Since coming
here Mr. Robertson has laid out an addition to Lima, in the northwest-
ern part of the city, which he has improved considerably. He was united
in marriage, in 1877, with Laura J., daughter of Rev. Dr. T. Y. Milli-
gan, of Steubenville, Ohio, (now of East Liverpool) and this union has
been blessed with two children: Helen A. and Lorin M.
DR. CHESTER F. RUNKLE, Dr. 8. M. Smith's associate in office,
Lima, was bom in Albany, N. Y., in 1840; son of William and Maria
(Johnson) Runkle, natives of that county. William Runkle was a. mill-
wright by trade, and was among the early mill -builders of New York State,
but afterward followed farming. Of the five children born to this couple
three are now living: the father died aged eighty-two, the mother seventy,
three. Chester F., the fourth son, received his early education in Albany,
and in 1866 began the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. \V. H.
Runkle, of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating from the Albany Medical Col-
lege, New York. He came to Lima in 1872, opened an office and entered
upon his profession, and since 1874 he and Dr. Smith have occupied the
same office. Dr. Runkle was married August 20, 1861, to Elizabeth,
daughter of Nathan Talbott. The latter, who has attained the age of
eighty-seven years, has been an active contractor and builder, and still
looks after his business with an untiring energy. Dr. Runkle and wife
have three children: Emma (wife of C. G. Sulivan, of Cincinnati),
William and Nathan.
SAMUEL SANFORD, retired physician, Lima, was bom July 22,
1823, in Hoboken, N. J., son of Nathan P. and Anna (Hoyt) Sanford,
natives of Connecticut. Nathan Sanford came to- Ohio in 1833, and set-
tled in Madison County, Ohio, where he purchased a farm on which he
lived for many years, and reared a family of six children. He was a car-
riage and wagon-maker by trade, at which he worked part of the time,
but being handy with tooln, was a useful man in the community, and
turned his hand to everything. He lost his wife, and in 1855 came to
Lima, where he spent the remainder of his days. Of his children: Will-
iam F. located in Madison County, Ohio; Edwin is in Hardin County,
Ohio; Abigail is now Mrs. William Farrington. Our subject began the
study of medicine, io 1842, in Madison County, finishing in Lima. He
came here in 1846, opened a drug store, and in 1849 began the practice
of his profession. In latter year he was married to Miss Jane, daughter
of William and Jane Scott, old residents of Lima. Mr. Sanford owns a
part of the old Lippincott farm, which now forms a part of the city limits,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
724 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
has several acres of land well-improved, and is now enjoying the fmita of
his ]abor. His children, six in number, were Charles A., who died aged
twenty-nine; Harry; Anna M., wife of J. Y. Marmon; Oniska, married
to A. C. Beichelderfer; Samuel and Lewis. Mr. Sanford served as city
coroner for some years, also county director of the poor; was appointed
postmaster under Pierce's administration; and also filled the ofSce of
township trustee.
ISAAC W. SATTEETHWAIT, retired, Lima, one of the early jew-
elers of Lima, was born March 14, 1829, in Gk>8hen Township, Colum-
biana Co., Ohio, son of Richard and Bebecoa (Wright) Satterthwait,
natives of New Jersey, and who were the parents of nine children, six of
whom are now living: John, in Urbana, Ohio; Barkley A., in Dayton,
Ohio; James M., in Lima; Caroline W., married to E. Bonsall, in Keo-
kuk County, Iowa; Joseph W., near Lima, and Isaac W. Our subject was
educated in Columbiana County, and early learned the jewelry trade.
In 1850 he opened a store in Lima, where he conducted a successful
business until 1883, when he retired, having laid up a nice competenca
He was married March 5, 1855, to Martha, daughter of Dr. McHenry,
who is the oldest physician and one of the first in this county. To this
union was bom one child, Cora. Mr. Satterthwait resides on West
North Street, enjoying the fruits of his labor.
W. SCHULTHEIS, farmer, etc., Lima, was bom October 12, 1824,
in Bavaria, Germany; son of George and Catherine (Summers) Schul-
theis, parents of five children, of whom our subject and his brother John
were the only ones to come to America. They arrived in this country
in the spring of 1847, and for a year resided in Columbiana and Lan-
caster Counties, Penn. Our subject then came to Ohio and worked in
Cincinnati for one year, thence removed to Fort Wayne, and after some
months to Bidgeway, Ohio. He was married in the latter place, in 1850,
to Mibs Helena By ers, by whom he has four sons: George, John, Charles
and Gustavu& After his marriage Mr. Schultheis established a tannery,
between Horden and Newport, which he sold later, then returned to Bidge-
way, where he remained for four years. He then bought a tannery in
Auglaize County, forming a partnership with William Kingsley, which
continued seven years, when our subject sold his interest and engaged in
business witli his brother, John, and Mr. Swabb, but after a year tought
out Mr. Swabb's interest and later his brother's, now carrying on the
entire tannery alone, the business amounting to $40,000 annually. Mr.
Schultheis, who is a thorough business man, has also a well regulated
leather store in the city where his sons (who are practical tanners) are
handling and shipping hides, their business being most extensive, doing
a considerable Kansas trade.
OLIVEB B. SELFBIDGE, proprietor of handle factory, Lima, was
bom September 5, 1825, in Cattaraugus County, N. Y. ; son of Neal
and Martha (Hillman) Selfridge, natives of New York and New Jersey,
respectively. Neai Selfridge came to Ohio in 1833 and settled near
Bichmond, Jefierson County, where he remained for five years, but in
1838 he moved to Cadiz, Ohio, and there died. Of his family of nine
children four are now living: Charlotte (Mrs. Hugh Smith, residing in
Iowa), Cassandra (married to Ellis B. Pugh, is residing in McArthur«
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 725
Ohio), John (residing in Indiana), and Oliver B. Our subject, as were
also the other members of the family, was educated in the common
schools of Ohio. He was married April 17, 1849, to Eliza, daughter of
Electa Camp, both being natives of Ohio, and by this nnion there were
four children: Martha F. (wife of W. H. Standish, formerly a merchant
of Lima), Charles C, Oliver B., Jr., and Nellie K The subject of this
sketch came to Lima in 1864, in the capacity of traveling salesman for a
New York house. He became, subsequently, cashier of the Merchants Na-
tional Bank, which position he resigned in June, 1883, to enter the firm
of Self ridge, Woods & Co. ; the same year he bought the interest of his
partner, and is now principal proprietor of the handle factory, which is
one of the leading industries of that place, giving employment to many
persons. Mr. Selfridge is an enterprising business man and a popular
citizen. He is a F. & A. M., and a member of the Commandery of
K T.
O. B. SELFRIDGE, Jr., editor of the Democratic Times, Lima, was
bom April 7, 1855, in Millersburgh, Holmes Co., Ohio, son of Oliver
B. and Eliza (Camp) Selfridge, the former being the senior partner in
the Lima Handle Factory. Our subject is the third in a family of four
children, and although comparatively a young man, is full of business
life. He was educated in Lima, and began his business career in the Gazette
office as an apprentice in 1872, and served there three years, at end of
which period he entered the office of the Allen County Democrat, then
edited by H. B. Eelley. Here he remained four years, and in 1879, in
company with E. B. Halladay, opened the office of the Democratic Times,
which paper he now edits and publishes, publishing both daily and weekly
editions, the former being the only Democratic daily newspaper published
in the Fifth Ohio Congressional District, the strongest Democratic dis-
trict in the Stata Mr. Selfridge has since added an extensive book bind-
ery, together with a blank-book manufactory, to his newspaper enterprise,
and in 1880 he built a handsome stone- front building on NorUi Main Street
to accommodate his business. He was one of the incorporators of the
Merchants' National Bank, of Lima, and is the junior member of the
firm of O. B. Selfridge & Co., extensive handle manufacturers of this
city. He is also identified with several other business enterprises in
Lima He is a F. & A. M., and a member of the K. of P. at Lima.
DANIEL J. SHULEB, chief of fire department, Lima, was bom
October 30, 1841, in Allen County, Ohio; son of Daniel and Hannah
(Kennedy) Shuler, natives of Penosylvania and Ohio, respectively, and
whose parents came to Ohio in a very early day. Daniel Shuler came
to Allen County in 1833, and settled in what is now Perry Township, when
the underbrush was the thickest. He was a farmer, helped to clear up
the country, purchasing a farm on which he lived until he had reared
his family of six children, when he removed to Lima. He was acci-
dentally caught between two trains passing each other at Lima and killed,
in March, 1872. He had been twice married, and by his first wife (the
mother of our subject) had the following children: Valentine (deceased),
Elizabeth (Mrs. Krebbs), Sarah (Mrs. Munma), Daniel J., Mary
(deceased), and William. All of these children received their education
in the schools of Allen County. The father was married on second occa-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
726 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
fiion to Elizabeth Mowery, by whom he had one child — Emanuel W.
Oar subject was married February, 1866, to Miss Caroline, daughter of
Henry and Mary Sherman, and by this union there were six children:
Walter (deceased), Cloyd, Charles, Ferdenand, Harry and Ray. Our
subject has been chief of the fire department of Lima for three and a half
years, and has also filled all the other offices of same. At the breaking
out of the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted for three months in the
Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, subsequently re-enlisting in the
Eigthy -first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served three years and was mus-
tered out in 1864. when he returned to his home in Lima.
O. W. SMITH, attorney at law, Lima, was bom March 7, 1834, in
Marion County, Ohio: son of John H. and Elizabeth (McNeal) Smith,
natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and English descent, respectively.
John H Smith came to Ohio in 1881, and settled in Marion County as a
farmer and stock-dealer, and raised a family of fifteen children, thirteen
of whom are now living; of those deceased, John H. was accidentally
killed by the kick of a horse, when a man grown, and Edward was
scalded to death accidentally. Our subject was educated in the common
schools of Marion County, Ohio, afterward taking a six years' term, and
commenced reading law about the time of his leaving school, in June,
1864. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1867, under the supreme
court, and came to Lima, November 28, 1868.
SALATHIEL M. SMITH, M. D., Lima, was born in Jefierson County,
Ohio, in 1845, son of William and Isabel (McEee) Smith, natives of Ohio,
and a grandson of John McEee, who served in the war of 1812, and was
an early settler of Ohio. Our subject, the youngest of nine children,
received his early education in the schools of Stark County, Ohio. During
the war of the Rebellion he served the Government as a telegraph
operator. He began the study of medicine in Jefferson County, under
Dr. George Saltsman; took a course (one term) of lectures in Starling
Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from the Ohio Med-
ical Institute, in 1870. Dr. Smith is a man of good proportions, and of
prepossessing appearanca He first practiced his profession in Belmont
County, Ohio, thence went to Wheeling, but after a time located in the
oil regions of Venango County, Penn., moving from there to Indiana,
thence returning to Ohio, and in 1874, settling in Lima. In 1877, he took
a special course of study in the eye and ear department of the Chicago Med-
ical College, and has since that time confined himself to the special prac-
tice of otology and ophthalmology. The doctor was married in July,
1865, to Mary J. Barney, a native of Greenup County, Ky., by whom he
has three children: Taliess V.. Charles E. and Sydney. He is F. & A.
M., a member of the Lodge at Seville, Medina County, Ohio.
WALTER H. STANDISH, merchant, Lima, was bom in January,
1841, in Lima, Ohio; son of Henry and Amanda (Beemus) Standi^,
natives of New York State. Henry Standish settled in Allen County,
Ohio, in 1821-22, as papers summoning him to appear at a general mus-
ter, in 1823, are in his son's possession. Being a farmer, he first located
in Amanda Township, but afterward removed to Lima, and lived a retired
life, the interest of his money being sufficient to mantain him and his
family, eight in number, six of whom attained maturity: Melvina (Mrs.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 727
Maltbj), Louisa, Walter, Angeline (deceased; was Mrs. Hadsell and left
one child, Lula), F. M. and Nancy. Onr subject was educated in Lima.
At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, he enlisted in 1861, in
the Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Lifantiy, serving three months, then
returned home, but subsequently entered the navy, under Admiral Porter,
and served thirteen months in the Mississippi Squadron. He then retired,
and later took a trip to Enoxville, Tenn., where he engaged as a clerk for
two years, in a dry goods store. He came back to Lima, in 1865, and
clerked here in a dry goods store for one year« and then went to Toledo,
where he remained five years. Returning to Lima, in 1877, Mr. Stand-
ish opened a store and engaged in selling dry goods till lately, but has
now sold out, and is settling up out-standing claims. He is junior war-
den No. 14, Knights Templar, Shawnee C!ommandery, Lima, Ohio. Mr.
Standish was married February 12, 1872, to Florence, daughter of O. B.
Selfridge, by whom he has two children: Harry and Miles.
ALBERT G. STEWART, attorney at law, Lima, was bom Novem-
ber 17, 1827, in Dundaff, Susquehanna Co., Penn., son of Ezra and
Sarah A. (Brown) Sfcewart, natives of Connecticut, and who came to Ohio
in 1824, thence moved to Pennsylvania, and subsequently returned to New
Haven, Huron Co., Ohio, in 1840, of which county Ezra Stewart was
associate judge for a number of years. In 1861 Ezra was elected a mem-
ber of the legislature, and served two terms. He died at Plymouth,
Ohio. His children were nine in number, six of whom are now living:
O. F., in Shelby, Ohio; Edwin E., in Toledo, Ohio; Mrs. Sophia W.,
Portello, a widow, residing in Lima; Ellen, wife of A. Cleland, in Shiloh,
Richland Co. , Ohio ; Albert G. , and Charles W. , in Plymouth, Ohio. Our
subject, the fourth bom, received his early education in Norwalk, Huron
Co., Ohia He commenced the study of law in 1855, with John W. Beek-
man, and was admitted to the bar at Norwalk, Ohio, in 1857, and began
the practice of his profession in Huron County, where he remained for
two years. He then moved to Buffalo, and commenced a mercantile life,
continuing in the produce business there for ten years. He removed to
Hillsdale, Mich., in 1868, and for ten yearu was interested in the produce
business there. In May, 1878, he came to Lima, again resumed the
practice of law, and opened an office, and in November, 1883, formed his
present partnership with C. F. Bryan, and they are now doing business
under the firm name of Stewart & Bryan. Mr. Stewart was married
in New Haven, Huron Co., Ohio, September 16, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth,
daughter of J. W. Johnston, of Huron County, and by this union there
are three children: Frank M., president of the First National Bank at
Hillsdale, Mich.; Charles F., cashier in same bank; and Edmund E.,
who was fifteen years of age October 1, 1884, and is living with his
parents, attending school.
J. B. SUNDERLAND, county treasurer, Lima, was bom July 22,
1848, in what was then Allen County, now a part of Auglaize County,
Ohio, son of James and Jemima (Baker) Sunderland, natives of this
county, and grandson of Dye Sunderland, who came to this county in
1820, and was one among the earliest settlers. James Sunderland had
seven children, six of whom are now living: Henrietta, wife of C.
Welsh; Charles P., married to May J. Byrd; Mary E., wife of R. H.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
728 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Horberson; Mercy, wife of Charles Hover; Amanda J., wife of E.
McBride; and J. £. Onr subject, who is the eldest in the family, was.
educated in this county and brought up to farming life. He was mar-
ried, May 5, 1870, to Emma P., daughter of John F. Tone, natives of
New Hampshire, and who came from Delaware County, Ohio, in 1856,
and settled in this county. To our subject and wife have been bom
three children: James F., Harry B. and Lula M. He was elected treas-
urer of the county in October, 1883, which office he now holds.
ROBERT W. THRIFT, United States examining surgeon for pen-
sioners, Lima, was bom February 1, 1823, in Fairfax County, Va. Hia
father, James Thrift, whose ancestors were from the north of Ireland,
was a farmer in moderate circumstances. His mother, whose maiden
name was Sina Ball, was descended from an English family of that
name. His father and uncle were in the land service in the war of 1812.
As there were no public schools in Virginia at that time, young Robert
W. Thrift was educated at a private and select school. At the age of
twenty-one he removed to Muskingum County, Ohio, and began the study
of medicine under Drs. Bealmere & Ball. In 1847 he commenced to
practice his profession at Ealida, Putnam Co., Ohio, continuing there
for thirteen yeara During 1851-52 he attended lectures at the Ohio
Medical College, Cincinnati, graduating in 1852. At the breaking out
of the Rebellion, though a native of Virginia, he immediately responded
to the call of the Government, and was appointed to a captaincy. When
surgeons were called for, however, he offered his services, was examined
and accepted, and then resigned his captaincy, May 3, 1861, to enter the
United States Army as a surgeon, continuing as such until September,
1864. During this period he filled the position of surgeon- in-chief of
the Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps; Third Division, Fourth
Army Corps, and medical director of the general hospitals at Danville,
Ey. Returning to Kalida in 1865, he resumed his profession, and
remained there two years. In February, 1867, he removed to Lima,
where he is at present In 1876 he was elected to the chair of the pro-
fessorship of the diseases of women and children, in the medical col-
lege at Fort Wayne, Ind., and is now an emeritua professor in that
institution. In July, 1877, he was appointed United States examining
surgeon for pensioners, and still continues to hold that position, being
president of the Lima Board. On May 1, 1854, the doctor was married
to Miss Angerona Rice, born May 1, 1834, in Ashland County, Ohio,
daughter of Clark H. and Catherine Rice, of Kalida, and a sister of Gen.
A. V. Rice, who represented the Fifty-first Ohio District in Congress.
Mrs. Thrift's sister Julia is the wife of Hon. Joshua R. Seney, of Toledo,
Ohio. Dr. R. W. Thrift has a family of three daughters and one son:
Flora R., Eate R., Robert W., Jr., and Julia. Of these Robert W. is
now cashier of the First National Bank of Lima, of which Dr. Thrift is
a director.
WILLIAM TIMBERLAKE, county recorder, was bora November 14^
1825, in Enox County, Ohio; son of Charles, a saddler by trade, and
Elinor (Cramer) Timbidrlake, natives, the former of Virginia, the latter
of Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio at an early day, settling in Mt
Vera on, Enox CJounty, and in 1830 moved to Dayton, Ohio, and in 1850
Digitized by LjOOQIC
OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 729
to Loaisville, Ky.,«where they died. They were parents of five children:
Elizabeth (wife of William Wolfington, of Lonisville, Ky.), William,
Henry (deceased), Edward (deceased), and John B., a practicing physician
in Louisville, Ky. Our subject was married April 28, 1853, to Joseph-
ine, daughter of Charles Snyder, by whom he has one daughter, Ella.
Mr. Timberlake came to Lima from Dayton, Ohio, in 1862; was elected
county recorder in 1881, re-elected in lo84, and is filling this office at the
present time.
W. W. TIMMONDS, editor Allen County Democrat^ Lima, was bom
July 3, 1844, in St. Marys, Mercer Co., Ohio; son of George W. and
Catherine (Boyer) Timmonds, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, re-
spectively, and who were married at Dayton, Ohio, settling in St Marys.
They were parents of ten children, six of whom are now living: James
F., Frances (married to B. Linzee), Susan (married to B. Bobuck), Maria
(married to Chas. W. Williamson), Charles U. and W. W. George W. Tim-
monds was a tailor, and worked at his trade in his early days. While
yet a young man he came to Ohio, and in 1846, removed to Celina, Mercer
County, and the same year was elected sheriff of the county, serving
four years, and again in 1862 was elected to the same office. In 1866 he,
in company with D. J. Callen, bought the Mercer County Standard from
A. P. J. Snyder, and published it one year, when they sold it back to the
former owner. Our subject began the printer's trade in his father's
office, and finished under Mr. Snyder. He afterward went to Sidney,
Ohio, but one year later removed to Portland, Ind., where he purchased
the Portland Democrat, which he published for ten years. In 1881 he
sold this paper, and removed to Lima, purchasing the Allen County
Democrat, which he now edits, his office being located in the Harper
Block, near the court house. He was married in 1866 to Miss Julette
Hampy, of Celina, Ohio, by whom he has four children: Nettie L., Charles
F., Louise and Carrie. Mr. Timmonds is a prominent publisher of this
county; in politics he is a stanch Democrat
JAMES B. TOWNSEND, attorney at law, Lima, was bom in 1851,
in Allen County, Ohio; son of Charles M. and Catherine (Barry) Town-
send, the former of New York, the latter a native of Ireland. Charles
M. Townsend came to Allen County in 1850, and resided in Jackson
Township two years. He then returned to New York, and again, in
1859, came to this county, settling in Bluffton, where he remained
three years, and in 1862 came to Lima, where he now resides. He was
formerly a commission merchant, and now is the proprietor of the cele-
brated Townsend medicines, which are so extensively advertised through-
out the world. Our subject received his education in the Lima schools,
and early in life commenced the study of law, and continued the
same while traveling through the country with a first- class company of
vocalists, giving concerts and lecturing in the interest of the Townsend
medicines. This was from 1868 to 1874, when he was admitted to the bar by
the Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio. Soon after he was elected a justice
of the peace in Lima, filling the office with satisfaction to the public for
three years, after which he was elected mayor of Lima for five years, and
it was during his administration and through his personal diligence that
the fair city was purged of the tramp nuisance, and other evils. Mr.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
730 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Townsend formed a law partnership with Gen. Pillars, which continued
two years, and in 1878 entered into partnership with Frank E. Mead,
under firm name as at present existing. Our subject was elected
prosecuting attorney in I80I, an office he still holds. He became gen-
eral attorney for the Construction Company of the Chicago & Atlantic
Railroad, and after the railroad was taken out of the hands of the Con-
struction Company, became attorney for the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad
Company of Ohio. He is now a director of the Lima & Colmnbus Rail-
road, and proprietor of the newly (1883) laid out village of Harrod on
this railroad, which bids fair to become a lively town. Our subject was
married November 11, 1880, to Ida E., daughter of Daniel Rumple, of
Allen County, Ohio, and three children have been born to this union.
SAMUEL H. TREAT, life insurance, Lima, was bom October 18,
1826, in Fremont, Ohio; son of Samuel and Jane (Taylor) Treat, the
former bom in New Jersey, December 6, 1791, the latter in Washington
County, Penn., in 1792. Samuel Treat, a prominent lawyer and farmer,
was twice married, first in 1820, at her father's house in Maysville, Ey.,
to the lady who became our subject's mother, the ceremony being per-
formed by Rev. Robert Wilson, and by this union had three children:
John C. and William S., who were born in Kentucky, and Samuel H.
He came to Ohio in 1821, and remained in Chillicothe for a few years,
thence removed to Delaware, Ohio. He lost his first wife in Sandusky,
Novei^ber 1, 1826, and September 27, 1827, married Lydia Souder, by
whom he- had four children, three now living: Jane E. (now the widow of
H. Clark, residing in Charlotte, Mich.), John and Lydia A. (wife of L.
Bennett, of Grand Rapids, Mich.). Samuel Treat died February 14,
1855. Our subject received his education at Berea and Delaware Uni-
versities, and learned the harness-making trade. He has taught school
for thirteen years, having had charge of the high schools of Fremont,
Ohio, for five years; Green Springs, two years; then taught for a time at
Tiffin, Ohio, with Col. De Wolf (now of Toledo), and finally took charge
of the schools of Melmore, Seneca County, for five years. He then
worked at his trade one year (in 1865), after which he traveled two years,
lecturing in the interest of the Ghx>d Templars, and establishing lodges
in different parts of Ohio. He is deputy supremo president o^the E. A.
U. of O. ; a E. T. ; a member of the I. O. O. F. He was married March
2, 1854, to Martha A., datighter of Daniel and Catherine Hefihor, of
Maryland, and by this union has two children: RoUin J. (sculptor) and
Reyno H. (dry goods merchant in Lima, married to Miss Emma F.
Howard, have one child — Howard H.). Mr. Treat came to Lima in 1867,
and engaged in the insurance business, which he has since followed, repre-
senting well-tried mutual life insurance companies of Pennsylvania.
GEORGE W. WALDORF, postmaster, Lima, was born December
20, 1849, in Brookfield, Trumbull County, Ohio; son of Asa B. and
Jerusha R (Wilmot) Waldorf, natives of Massachusetts. Asa B. Wal-
dorf was bom in 1834, in Trumbull County, Ohio, where he studied law,
and was admitted to the bar in 1848. He married in that year Miss
Jerusha E., daughter of Ransom Wilmot by whom he had four children,
two now living. He came to this county in 1852, and commenced the
practice of law, becoming a leading man in the Republican rank&
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 731
Oar subject was educated in the public schools of Lima, and afterward
attended the Philips Academy of Exeter, N. H. Hetuming to this county
he entered into the stationery trade which he carried on for a few years.
He was married November, 1872, to Mary R., daughter of B. P. Holmes,
and by this union have been born two children: Kate B. and Burton H.
Mr. Waldorf was appointed postmaster of Lima, in May, 1877, re-ap-
pointed December 15, 1881. He is a F. & A. M. In politics he is a
Republican.
WILLIAM W. WILLIAMS, merchant, Lima, was born in May,
1820, in the town of Wem Llanbrynmair, Wales; son of William, Sr., and
Mary (Thomas) Williams, who were parents of six children: Mary
(deceased), Jane (deceased), Catherine, Hannah (deceased), John and
William W. (the two last mentioned being the only ones of Uie family to
come to America). Our subject came to this country in 1848 and settled
at Gomer, Allen CJounty, Ohio, where he carried on a small grocery store
for several years. In 1859, he removed to Columbus Grove, and here
carried on business nine years, adding a stock of dry goods to his gro-
ceries. He came to Lima in 1868, where he has since been in business.
When the Harper Block, one of the neatest and most artistic buildings
in the city was completed, in 1885, Mr. Williams leased a double store
and enlarged his stock, making one of the finest displays in his line in
the county. His family reside in the country on a farm of 400 acres,
well stocked and improved. Mr. Williams has been engaged in business
in Lima for nineteen years. He is a man of ordinary stature and unas-
suming manners, full of business energy. He is partner in a large mar-
ble works in Tennessee, and does a heavy business at both places. Mr.
Williams was married September 12, 1852, to Hannah ijrthur, also a
native of Wales, and by her has five sons and two daughters: Elizabeth;
Mary; John; William, married to Miss Ellen, daughter of William R.
Evans of Sugar Creek Township, this county (have two children-Elizabeth
and Lillie); Thomas; Edward, and Georga
A. R WILLIAMS, dyer and renovator, Lima, was bom August 30«
1847, in Sandusky County, Ohio; son of David and Rebecca (Stewart)
Williams, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, and wha
came to Ohio in a very early day when the Indians were numerous;
they reared a family of eight children: Sarah, Angeline, James and
Alexander (twins) , Eliza, Stephen, Rebecca and Hannah. Our subject
was educated in the schools of his native county, and was a long time
acquiring the process of dyeing fabrica He was united in marriage,
January o, 1879, to Ella Jacobs, of Fremont, Ohio, by whom he has two
children: Jessie and Frederick. Mr. Williams came to Lima in Septem-
ber, 1873, and opened the establishment on West North Street, where he
is doing a good business.
JACOB WISE, merchant, Lima, was bom June 4, 1838, in Nieder-
hochstadt, Germany ; son of Abraham and Fannie (Yoaohim) Wise, who
were parents of eight children : Regina, Michael, Rose, Jacob, Yedda,
Lena, Edward, and one deceased in infancy. The father died in Ger-
many ; the mother and two sons still reside there. Our subject
was educated in his native land, and began business at Cleveland, Ohio.
He was married in 1868, to Helen, daughter of Jacob Lichtenstadter, of
Digitized by LjOOQIC
732 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Cleveland, and by this union has three children •, Dora, Albert and San-
ford. Mr. Wise came to Lima in 1865, bought the stock of Levi Jacobs,
and opened out a clothing store, where he has the latest style of goods.
D. A. WORLINE, baker and confectioner, Lima. Mr. Worline suc-
ceeded Williams & Phillips in the present business in 1880, therefore he is
but fairly established. He has succeded in building up a lucrative trade,
and as a business man is well and favorably known. Mr. Worline is a
native of Delaware County, Ohio, where he was bom in 1833. His par-
ents were David and Mary A. (Tipton) Worline, former of whom was
bom in Berks County, Penn., and came to Ross County in 1813, then in
about 1819-20, settled in Delaware County, Ohio, where he passed the
remainder of his life ; latter settled in Marion County, Ohio, and also
died in Delaware County. Their living children are Albert, Rebecca,
wife of Fred Denier, and D. A. Our subject enlisted in the Union Army,
in 1861, serving seven months in the Sixty- third Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry. He has been engaged mostly in milling and farming. He was
married in this city, in 18o6, to Miss Rebecca, daughter of David Heff-
ner, one of the early pioneers of the county, and three children were
born to this union, all now living : Arthur, Effie and Herbert.
GARRETT WYKOFF, retired, Lima, was born July 21, 1831, in
Butler County, Ohio : son of Rulef and Desire (Marshall) Wykoflf, the
former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Virginia. Rulef Wykoff
was bom in 1796, and came to Ohio when twenty- one years of age, enter-
ing land and settling in Butler County, where he remained the balance
of his days. He reared a family of nine children, five of whom are liv-
ing : James, Arthur, Rulef, Mary A., married to J. Currier, and Garrett
Our subject was educated in his native county, and there learned the
trade of blacksmith, at which he labored for twelve years. He came to
Lima in the fall of 1852, opened a shop where he manufactured wagons
and did blacksmi thing. He also bought and sold real estate, and was a
successful business man, but is now living a more retired life, attending
only to his own real estate. Mr. Wykoff was married, in 1854, to Miss
Annie E., daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Strayley.
SAMUEL S. YODER, probate judge, Lima, was bom August 16,
1841, in Berlin, Holmes County, Ohio; son of Yost and Nancy (Hos-
tetter) Yoder, and grandson of Abraham Yoder, natives of Lancaster
County, Penn., and who came to Ohio in 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Yost
Yoder were married in Ohio, and had a family whose names appear
below. The father died in 1849, near Winesburg, Holmes County,
Ohio, and his widow (who is now deceased) then married Tobias Miller,
having one son by her second husband, who is also deceased. The
children raised by Mr. and Mrs. Yost Yoder were Moses F. , Jacob T. , Josl}-n
Z., Noah W., Samuel S., Aaron Y. Miller, Rachael, Tina, Mary, Elizabeth,
Catherine and Anna (two last named deceased). Noah W. was a soldier in
the war of the Rebellion. He assisted in organizing Company G, Fifty-first
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and had command at the battle of Stone River,
where he received seven wounds, losing a leg. He afterward became
a member of the Veteran Reserve Corps, and served as such until the
close of the war, but while on his way to visit a patient (he being a
physician) was accidentally drowned. Moses F. was also a soldier
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OTTAWA TOWNSHIP. 733
daring the Rebellion, having enlisted in Comply G, Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, organized by his brother Noah W., and was mortally wounded
at Eenesaw Mountain. Jacob T. was a member of the Second Ohio
Light Artillery, in Gen. Banks' Red River expedition, and died at Milli-
ken's Bend, La. Our subject was also a soldier in Company G, Hoff-
man's Independent Battalion, which afterward became a part of the One
Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was after-
ward commissioned second lieutenant. At close of the war he returned
to Holmes County, Ohio, and there finished the study of medicine, which
he had begun before the war, took a course of lectures at the Kentucky
Institute of Medicine before the war, aad after at Ann Arbor Univer-
sity, Michigan. Mr. Yoder was married October 6, 1870, to Minerva E. ,
daughter of Abner Maxwell, of Berlin, Holmes County, Ohio, and to
this union were bom four children: an infant (deceased), Leon (deceased
in infancy), Early D. and Elfie A. Our subject was member of the council
and mayor, and practiced medicine at Bluffton, this county, to which
place he came in 1877, and there continued until he was elected to fill
the ofiSce of probate judge in 1881. Judge Yoder is a member of Bluff-
ton Masonic Lodge, No. 432, of which he was the first elected master,
and was master for nine years. He is now a member of Ottawa Chapter,
Lima Council, Shawnee Commandery, No. 14, E. T., Lima, Ohio, and
a member of Mi-a-Mi Grand Lodge of Perfection, Northern Light Coun-
cil, P.\ of J.'., Fort Industry Chapter Rose-Croix, Valley of Toledo, also
Ohio Consistory of S.'. P.*. R.*. S.'. 32^, Cincinnati, Ohio, a member of all
the degrees in the I. O. O. F., and of Mart Armstrong Post, G. A. R.
ADAM ZIMMERMANN, Jb., brewer, Lima, was bom July 22, 1846,
in Baden, Germany; son of Adam and Catherine (Detterer) Zimmermann,
who came to America from Germany in 1863. They had a family of
seven children: Bertha (wife of H. Duval, residing in Auglaize County,
Ohio), Mary, Louisa, Lewis, Michael, Henry and Adam, all living except
Mary. Adam Zimmermann, Sr., died in 1872; his widow still lives
in Lima. Our subject was married in 1873, to Miss Henrietta K. Collier,
of Hardin County, Ohio, and by this union has one child, Charles H.
Adam Zimmermann, Jr., commenced business with Joseph Wolf, after-
ward engaged with his brother-in-law, and finally in 1878, along with his
brother Lewis, established what is now known as the Lima Brewery,
located on the railroad near the river, in the eastern part of Lima, where
they conduct a brisk business.
44
Digitized by LjOOQIC
734 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
PERRY TOWNSHIP.
JAMES H. BEDFORD, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Warren
County, Ohio, September 26, 1846; son of Samuel and Mary A. (Murray)
Bedford, who settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1849. He was
reared in Bath Township, and educated in the common schools. He was
married December 19, 1876, to Catherine, daughter of Samuel and Susan
(Rogers) Ditzler, of Perry Township, this county, and the issue of this
union is one child — Charles A. Mr. and Mrs. Bedford are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject has filled several of the
minor offices of Perry Township where he located in 1881. In politics
he is a Republican.
JAMES BIDDINGER, farmer, P. O South Warsaw, was bom in
Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 7, 1831; son of Samuel and Rebecca
(Boyd) Biddinger, natives of Ohio, who settled in Auglaize Township,
this county, in 1837, where they cleared and improved a farm, former of
whom died in 1883, at the age of seventy-six years. They had eleven
children: James, Mary J. (deceased), Henry W., Edward (deceased),
Sarah A. (wife of W. W. Creps), Bridget (wife of I. N. Smith), Arm-
strong E., Catherine (wife of O. H. Wiswell), Ellen (wife of John
Schooler), Hugh N. and Samuel T. (deceased). Our subject's paternal
grandfather, Henry Biddinger, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a
pioneer of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and his maternal grandfather was
James Boyd, a native of Ireland, and a pioneer of Auglaize Township,
this county. Our subject was reared in Auglaize Township, this county,
where he received a limited education in the common schools. He resided
in that township up to 1875, when he located in Perry Township on the
farm he now occupies. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having
enlisted October 15, 1861, in Company H, Eighty-first Ohio Volun-
teer Infantry, serving three yeara He re-enlisted in February, 1865, in
Company H One Hundred and Ninety second Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He was in the
battles of Shiloh and Florence, and went through the Atlanta campaign
under Sherman. Mr. Biddinger was married May 9, 1875, to Mrs. Sarah
E. Franklin, widow of J. H. Franklin, and daughter of George and
Elizabeth (Fassett) Schooler, of Perry Township, Ohio. By this union
there are three children: William A., Orrin L. and Rebecca E. Mrs.
Biddinger* s paternal grandfather, John Schooler, was a pioneer of Knox
County, Ohio, and her maternal grandfather, Arthur Fassett, was a native
of Ireland, also a pioneer of Knox County, Ohio. Mr. Biddinger has
served one term as township trustea In politics he is a Democrat
JESSE L. BOWDLE, farmer, P. O. South Warsaw, was bom in Ross
County, Ohio, February 26, 1810; son of Joseph W. and Luoretia
(Brown) Bfjwdle, former a native of Maryland, latter of Delaware. They
were pioneers of Ross County, Ohio, settling there in 1800, and moved
Digitized by LjOOQIC
PERRY TOWNSHIP. ^ 735
thence to Hardin County, in 1831, where thej cleared and improved a
farm, and lived and died. They reared a family of ten children: James
B., Jeese L., Rebecca 0. (deceased), Nelson (deceased), Thomas, Milton
W., Priscilla (deceased), Isaac N. (deceased), Ann and William. Onr
subject was reared in Ross County, Ohio, and educated in the district
schools. He came to Hardin County with his parents in 1831, and was
married September 10, 1835, to Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew and Sarah
(Williams) McCoy, pioneers of Auglaize Township. The issue of this
union was eight children: 'Miriam (wife of Andrew Ice), Thomas H.,
Sarah L. (wife of Jacob Vorhis), Priscilla A. (wife of A. J. Chapman),
Almira J. (wife of George Beach), Alonzo F., Franklin W. (deceased),
and Azuba C. (deceased). Mr. Bowdle settled in Wayne Township, now
Auglaize County, in 1835, and cleared and improved a farm there on
which he resided up to 1852, when he bought the farm he now occupies
in Perry Township, all of which he has cleared and improved himself.
He has twenty grandchildren living, and five deceased, also one great-
grandchild. Mr. and Mrs. Bowdle have been members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church over fifty years. In politics he was originally a Whig,
but joined the Republican party at its organization.
ANDREW J. CHAPMAN, farmer, P. O. South Warsaw, was born in
Butler County, Ohio, May 22, 1833, son of Lewis and Catherine (McTag-
gart) Chapman, both natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Perry
Township, this county, in 1837, locating on the southwest quarter of
Section 25, which they entered, and on which they made some improve-
ments. The father died there in 1845, at the age of forty.four years ;
the mother died at the residence of our subject in November, 18o0, in
her eighty-second year. They had five children : Andrew J., John H.,
and three deceased in infancy. The maternal grandfather of our sub-
ject was Henry MoTaggart, of Pennsylvania. Andrew J. was but four
years of age when his father came to tiiis county. He received a limited
common school education in Perry Township, and lived at home with his
mother until he was thirty-three years of age, when he located on the
farm where he now resides, a part of which he cleared, making all the
improvements in buildings, etc. At thp time of his purchase his farm
was low and wet, but by a system of draining, he has made it one of the
finest in the township. Mr. Chapman has been twice married, his first
wife to whom he was married, May 8, 1866, being Lillie C, daughter of
Alexander E. and Jane (McCoy) Eew. His second wife was Priscilla A.,
daughter of Jesse L., and Elizabeth (McCoy) Bowdle, of Perry Town-
ship, to whom he was married May 9, 1869. By this union tibere are
six children: Harley W., Effie W., Laura L., Sarah E., Jesse G., and
Bessie. Mr. Chapman was in the late war of the Rebellion, having
enlisted September 10, 1861, in Company D, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volun-
teer Infantry, and was honorably discharged, April 27,' 1863. He re-
enlisted, May 4, 1864, in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio
National Guards, and was at Washington, D. C. during Early's raid,
and in several skirmishes. He was honorably discharged in August,
1864 Mr. Chapman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
with which lie has been connected for twenty-five years. He is a breeder
of thorough-bred Poland-China hogs, and his farm is a model of thrift
Digitized by LjOOQIC
736 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and neatness. He has served as treasurer of the township, and was
appraiser of real estate in 1880. In politics he is a Republican.
WILLIAM R. COLVIN, farmer, P. O. South Warsaw, was bom in
Clark County, Ohio, June 7, 1834, son of James and Elizabeth (Hardest^)
Colvin, natives of Virginia, and who settled in Auglaize Township, this
county, in 1837. His maternal grandfather, Henry Hardesty, was among
the first settlers of Auglaize Township, this county, where he cleared and
improved a farm, ou which he lived and died. James and Elizabeth Col-
vin had two children: William R. and Henry J., the latter deceased.
James Colvin died when our subject was about four years of age, and his
widow married Thomas Hanthorn, by whom she had seven children:
Elizabeth A. (wife of Daniel Rowlins), Thomas E., George L., Emeline
(wife of John Crumrine), Belle (wife of George Swallow), Howard and
Alice (wife of James Frost). Our subject was reared in Perry Tovm-
ship, this county, where he received a common school education. He
was married, January 20, 1855, to Mary A., daughter of Benjamin M.,
and Martha (Hanthorn) Daniels, early settlers of Perry Township. By
this .union there were four children : Harmon M., Jerome A., Fanny
and Harry. Aft«r his marriage Mr. Colvin located in Lima, where he
worked at the carpenter's trade for several years, and where he served as
city marshal for years. After the expiration of his office (as city mar-
shal) he engaged in the grocery business with his son, H. M. Colvin, for
two years. He was in the late war of the Rebellion. In the fall of
1883 he located in Perry Township, on the farm where he now resides.
He is a F. & A. M. ; in politics a Republican.
ROSS CROSSLEY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Warren County,
Ohio, December 23, 1818, son of Joseph and Mary (Wright) Crossley,
who settled in Bath Township, in 1832, locating on the farm now owned
by George French, where they resided about a year, when they removed
to Perry Township, and there lived and died. Joseph Crossley was a
Baptist minister, and served as justice of the peace of Perry Township,
this county, for several terms. He had ten children : Sally (deceased),
Samuel (deceased), Eliza (deceased), Julia A. (deceased), Huldah,
Joseph (deceased), Reynolds, Ross, James and William (deceased).
Our subject was fourteen years of age when his parents came to Allen
County, and has resided in Perry Township since 1833. He was mar-
ried January 9, 1844, to Phebe, daughter of Henry and Joan (Davis)
Apple, and who has resided in Perry Township since 1832. By this
union there were twelve children, of whom ten are now living : Lavina
(wife of Robert Hill) ; Elizabeth A. (wife of Joseph Tapscott) ; Henry,
Isaiah S., Cloyd J., Miner C, Viola L., Elmer E., Arminta and Eddie
£. Mr. Crossley settled in 1847 on his present farm, most of which he
has cleared and improved. He was a manufacturer of brick for several
years, and the last he made (in 1854) were used in the construction of
his present residence, built in 1855. He is one of the substanial farm-
ers of Perry Township ; starting in life poor, he has by his own exertions
accumulated a fine property. He has never been an office seeker ; in
politics he is a Democrat
LEONARD CRUMRINE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom on the farm
where he now resides in Perry Township, this county, March 12, 1847;
Digitized by LjOOQIC
PERRY TOWNSHIP. 737
a son of Martin and Catherine (BroHhes) Ommrine, who settled in Perry
Township, in the spring of 1835, clearing and improving the farm now
occupied by onr subject. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, son
of Christopher Crumrine; his mother was a native of Perry County,
Ohio, a daughter of Leonard and Margaret (Hetrick) Broshes. They
were married in 1830, and reared a family of seven children : David
(deceased), Leah, wife of Joseph Sellers; Catherine, wife of Christo-
pher Martin; Margaret (deceased), Mary, wife of Isaac McLain; John;
and Leonard. The father died in 1860, in his fifty-third yeary the
mother resides with our subject on the old homestead, now in her seven-
ty-sixth year. Our subject was reared on the old homestead where he
has always resided. He was married February 4, 1869, to Tamar,
daughter of Hiram and Emma (Ulrey) Bums, early settlers of Perry
Township, and now residents of Lima, this county. The issue of this
union was eight children: Alva, Harry (deceased), Emma, Lawrence,
Carrie, Cliff, Maggie, and Willie. Mr. Crumrine is a representative
farmer. * He has neither held office nor sought it; in politics he is a
Democrat.
FRANCIS Y. DAVIS, farmer P. O. Lima, was born in Orange
County, Vt., October 29, 1827, a son of Francis and Lydia (York) Davis,
who moved from Coshocton County, Ohio, and settled in Perry Township,
this county in 1845, where they cleared and improved a farm. Our sub-
ject's father was twice married, and by his first wife, nee Lydia York,
he had eleven children, four of whom grew to manhood and womanhood :
Boxana (deceased)^ Francis Y., George E. and Fanny (deceased) ; his
second wife was Elizabeth Gilbert, of Logan County, Ohio. Francis
Davis served in the war of 1812, was at Plattsburg, and after an honora-
ble discharge, received 160 acres of land from Congress for his services
as a soldier. He lived in Perry Township, this county, up to 1863, when
he removed to Defiance County, Ohio, and there resided until his death ;
he died in March, 1875, at the age of eighty-seven years and twenty-four
days. Our subject was reared in Coshocton County, Ohio, from six years
of age. He was educated in the common schools, and early in life
taught school during the winters. After he became of age he followed
brick- making as an occupation, two years. He then bought a farm on
Section 3 in Perry Township, this county, which he cleared and improved,
and where he resided up to 1864, when he removed to Section 16, on an
eighty acre tract, part of which he also cleared and improved. In 1882
he located on the farm of 160 acres he now occupies on Section 19.
same (Perry) Township. Mr. Davis was married May 5, 1852, to Sarah,
daughter of Bufus and Nancy (Dawson) Coats, who settled in Wayne
Township (then Allen County), in 1836, and removed to Perry Township
in 1842. By this union there were nine children : Lydia, wife of Jeffer-
son Shade, Ira E., Albert E., William F., Clara B., Charles, L., Har-
mon C, Daniel E., and an infant daughter (deceased). Mrs. Davis'
parents reared a family of nine children, of whom three besides herself
are now living : Aurilla, wife of Henry Parker ; Lucinda, wife of B. L.
Underwood; and Albert — (two brothers were in the late war of the Rebell-
ion; Albert, who was a colonel in the regular army several years, served
his country two terms of five years each, a part of which was in the late
Digitized by LjOOQIC
788 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
war, and Bofas E., who died in Andersonville prison). The father of
Mrs. Davis was twice married, his second wife being Mrs. Boeella Jacobs,
by whom he had four children, of whom two are now living : Martha
Jane, wife of William Perrill and Bosetta, wife of Fred Cribley. Two
half brothers of Mrs. Davis, Daniel and Charles W. Coats, were in the late
war. The former was a captain in the Union Army daring the war, and
later moved to Arkansas and became editor of the Madison Arkansas
Free Press. He was a member of the convention to form a constitution
for that State, and was the Bepublican nominee for Congress in the Be-
publican district in which he resided at the time of his death in 1869 ;
the latter died of disease contracted in the army. Our subject was also
in the late war, having enlisted in September, 1861, in Company D, Fifty-
fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was in the battle of Shiloh, where he
was paralyzed by the explosion of a shell, and was discharged on that
account in July, 186^. He re- enlisted in September, 1864, in Company
A, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was in the
battle of Kingston, N. C, and several skirmishes, and was honorably
discharged in July, 1865. Mr. Davis is a leading farmer of Perry Town-
ship. In politics he is a Bepublican.
JACOB DITZLEB, farmer, P. O. Westminster, was born near Lan-
caster, in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 20, 1826; son of Daniel and
Catherine (Ice) Ditzler, former a native of Greenbrier County, Va. , and
latter of Pennsylvania, who came to Allen County in 1836, settling
in Perry Township, on the farm now owned by W. W. Crops. Daniel
Ditzlor entered the land, which, with the assistance of his sons he
cleared and improved, and here he died in 1844, in the forty-seventh year
of his age; his widow died in 1874, at the age of eijghty-f our years. They
reared a family of five children: Jacob, Samuel, Elizabeth (wife of
Benjamin Boyer), Frederick and Catherine (wife of W. H. Biddinger).
Our subject was reared in Perry Township, this county, from ten years
of age, and was educated in the common schools. At the age of seven-
teen he was apprenticed to Levi Saint, of Lima, Ohio, for three years, to
learn the tanner's trade, serving his time and remaining with him for five
years. After this he embarked in business with J. J. Maus, of West-
minster, this county (where they carried on a tannery), for four years,
and then sold his interest in the business. In 1852, he went to California,
where he was engaged in mining for five years. In 1858, he returned to
Perry Township, this county, and purchased the farm where he now
resides, on which he has made all iiie improvements in buildings, etc.
Mr. Ditzler has been three times married, first in 1859, to Angeline,
daughter of Eli and Mary Stevenson, of Perry Township, this county,
and his second marriage was in 1863, with Maria, daughter of Miles and
Mary McElroy, of Perry Township, and by her he had one child : Daniel
L. His third wife, to whom he was married in 1865, was Mrs. Maria
Littlefield, widow of Daniel Littlefield, and daughter of Edward Corlin,
of Bichland County, Ohio. The issue of this union is two children:
Thomas and Perry. Mr. and Mrs. Ditzler are members of the Universa-
list Church. He has served his township as justice of the peace one
term and has held other minor offices. He is a F. & A. M. ; in politics a
Democrat.
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PERRY TOWNSHIP. 739
SAXJL FAULKNER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Mad River
Township, Champaign County, Ohio, February 24, 1811, and is a son of
George and Elizabeth (Collins) Faulkner, the former a native of Virginia,
the later of Kentucky. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native
county, where his parents had settled in about 1804. In 1833 he came to
Lima, and worked on a farm by the month for a part of two years. In
1836 he settled in Perry Township, this county, on a farm where he
now resides, which he cleared and improved, and where he has lived
forty-nine years. Mr. Faulkner has been twice married, on the first
occasion, February 1, 1835, to Mary, daughter of John and Phebe
(Lorgent) Fitzpatrick, of Champaign County, Ohio. The issue of this
union was six children: Lewis E., George W., John H. (deceased),
Phebe A., wife of Minor Harrod; Silas, killed at the seige of Yick&burg
during the late war of the Rebellion; and Elizabeth F., wife of Fred-
erick Ditzler. March 21, 1855, our subject married his present wife,
Sarah, daughter of John and Rachel (James) Berryhill, of Bath Town-
ship, this county, and by this union there were three children: Mary
E. (deceased), an infant daughter (deceased), and Sarah A. Mr. Faulk-
ner is a substantial farmer and a worthy citizen. In politics he is a Re-
publican.
WILLIAM FAZE, farmer, P. O. Westminster, was born in York
County, Penn., January 30, 1823, son of Nicholas and Cordelia (Zahn)
Faze, natives of Germany, who settled in Perry Township, this county,
in 1833. Our subject was reared in Perry Township from ten years of
age. His educational advantages were limited — six months' attendance
during his boyhood in the district schools, and three months when
twenty.five years of age comprising all his schooling. In 1843 he went
to Berkshire County, Mass., where he worked in a paper-mill at Mill
River for seven years; then located at Great Barrington, where he worked
at the carpenter's trade eight years. He was married May 19, 1850, to
Betsey, daughter of Killian and Margaret Smith, of Great Barrington,
Mass. The issue of this union was twelve children, of whom seven
survive: Ida (wife of Clint Beiler), Nelson F., Flora D. (wife of W. G.
Kerr), Cora, William, Mary and Pearl. In 1858 Mr. Faze returned to
Allen County, and for several years lived in Perry, Lima and Mon-
roe Townships, locating, in 1867, permanently in Perry Township, on
the farm where he now resides, on which he has made considerable im-
provements. His sister Mary, his brother Pet«r and himself are all the
members of his father's family now living in Allen County. Mr. Faze
is one of the enterprising farmers of Perry Township. In politics he is
a Republican.
JAMES FRANKLIN, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Tioga County,
N. Y., April 29, 1812; son of Thomas and Hannah (Sibley) Franklin,
who settled in Perry Township, this county, in 1831, locating in what is
a part of the corporation of the city of Lima, where they cleared and im-
proved a farm upon which they resided for many years. They had a
family of eleven children: Eli (deceased), John (deceased), Clarissa (de-
ceased), James, Thomas, William, Elisha, Joseph (deceased), Harriet
(deceased), Cynthia A. (deceased) and David. Our subject was reared in
Warren and Miami Counties, Ohio, and in 1833, sealed in Perry Town-
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740 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ship, this county, on the farm where he now resides, comprising eighty
acres of land, which he cleared and improved; he also owns another farm
of sixty acres near by, which he has also cleared and improved. He was
married December 11, 1834, to Sarah, daughter of George and Nancy
(Shepherd) Hawthorn, of Perry Township, this county, by whom he had
nine children: Benjamin, Sarah A. (wife of John W. Bond), Elizabeth
J. (wife of Henry Garrison), Thomas J. (deceased^, £meline (deceased),
George W., Joseph, J. Shepherd, Alice A. (wife of Peter Zurmeahly).
His youngest son, J. Shepherd, who resides with him on the old home-
stead, was married December 30, 1874, to Laura, daughter of Joseph and
Ellen (Moninger) Dixon, of Shawnee Township, this county (they have
two children — Gertrude and Leonora). Our subject is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, as are also his wife and son, who reside
with him. Li politics he was formerly a Democrat, but has been a Re-
publican since the organization of the party. When twenty- one years of
age Mr. Franklin started in life with but $5 in his pocket, and by industry
and frugality has accumulated a fine property.
SAMUEL D. FRENCH, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Trumbull
County, Ohio, July 10, 1823; son of William and Elizabeth (Davison)
French, who settled in Bath Township, in 1834, purchasing eighty acres
of land in that township, and eighty in Perry (now owned by our sub-
ject). William French died of consumption in 1836, at the age of fifty-
seven years. He was a native of Washington County, Penn., son of
Alexander French, a pioneer of Trumbull County, Ohio. The maternal
grandfather of our subject was Benjamin Davison, formerly of Cumber-
land County, Penn., and a pioneer of Trumbull County, where he settled
in 1800. William French had eight children: Ann (deceased wife of
John Rankin), Elizabeth (deceased), Samuel D., David (deceased), John
(deceased), Mary J. (deceased), George, Newton (deceased). Our subject
was eleven years of age when his parents came to this county, his
father dying shortly after his settlement. He, being the eldest son, along
with his mother, managed the farm, most of which he cleared and im-
proved. His education was received in the common schools, and com-
prised but three months' attendance after his coming to Allen County.
He was married April 23, 1847, to Margaret T., daughter of William and
Hannah (Morrison) Roberts, formerly of Kentucky, and early settlers of
Auglaize Township, Allen County. By this union there were four chil-
dren: Lois A. (deceased), William (killed when seventeen years of age
by mules he was taking to water), Elizabeth, and Leola (wife of Jesse
Growdon, have two children — Lois A. and Samuel D.). Mr. French re-
sided in Bath Township up to 1847, when he removed to the southern
part of his farm, in Perry Township. He has always lived on the old
homestead farm, where his father settled in 1834. He is a Republican
in politics, and one of the substantial farmers of Perry Township.
JOHN HARDIN, farmer and manufacturer of lumber and drain tile,
P. O. South Warsaw, was born in what is now Auglaize County, Ohio,
January 31, 1840; son of Jesse and Mary (Brentlinger) Hardin, the for-
mer a native of Pennsylvania, latter of Ohio, and settled in Union Town-
ship (now in Auglaize County), in 1837, where they cleared and improved
a farm on which they lived and died. Their chil<ien, numbering eleven,
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PERRY TOWNSHIP. 741
were John, Martha (deceased), LoniBa (deceased), Martin (deceased)^
Catherine (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Lucinda (Mrs. S. D. Focht), Anna
(Mrs. Joseph H. Lnsk), Frank P., Melissa (deceased), and Maryette (Mrs.
Dr. Peter Van Trump). The paternal grandfather of our subject, John
Hardin, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Enoz and Au-
glaize Counties, Ohio. His maternal grandfather was Daniel Brentlinger,
an early settler of Auglaize County. Our subject was reared in Union
Township, Auglaize County, and educated in the common schools. He
was married, September 14, 1868, to Elizabeth, daughter of Cadwallader
and Sally (Lepley) Jacobs, of Perry Township, Ohio, by whom he has six
children: Frank P., Jamesi Willett, Eli, Baxter and Sally. In 1863 Mr.
Hardin settled in Perry Township, and in 1866 located on the farm
where he now resides, most of which he has cleared and improved. In
the spring of 1881 he embarked in the lumber trade, and has since done
an extensive business in that line, manufacturing and dealing in all
kinds of hard wood lumber, grained lumber, and fence posts. He also
in the spring of 1881, in company with G. Jennings and D. L. Umbaugh,
entered into the manufacture of drain tile, and in 1884 they turned out
nearly $6,000 worth. In politics Mr. Hardin is a Democrat
HARRISON HEFFNER, farmer, P. O. Westminster, was bom in Au-
glaize Township, this county, September 11, 1854; son of Gabriel and
Rachel (Strausser) Heffner,early settlers of Auglaize Township, this county.
His paternal grandparents were Isaac and Susannah (Worline) Hef&ier,
pioneers of Ross County, Ohio, formerly of Berks County, Penn.; his
maternal grandfather was Daniel Strausser, a native of Pennsylvania,
and also a pioneer of Ross County, Ohio. The children of Gabriel
Heffner were nine in number: Taylor, Maggie (wife of Phelan Stevick),
Harrison, Clara, George, Ada, Anna and Annie (twins), and Frank. Our
subject was reared in Auglaize Township, and educated in the common
schools. May 15, 1879, he married Clara, daughter of Brice and Mary
(Perdue) Blair, early settlers of Jackson Township, and by this union
there is one chiJd, Earl. After his marriage Mr. Heffner engaged in
farming in Perry Township, on the farm where he now resides. He is
a Democrat in politics.
DAVID HE!FNER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Berks County,
Penn., June 22, 1804; son of Isaac and Susannah (Worline) Hefner,
pioneers of Ross County, Ohia His father died in that county, his mother
in Perry Township, this county. From twelve years of age our subject
was reared in Ross County, where he received a limited education in the
common schools. He was married, in April, 1828, to Frances, daughter
of Daniel and Christiana (Strausser) Frederick, natives of Pennsylvania,
and early settlers of Ross County, Ohio. The issue of this union was
nine children: Susannah (wife of John Gillespie), Amos, William, Mary,
Sarah (wife of Levi Brentlinger), Albert, Isaac, Jane (deceased), and
Rebecca (wife of David Worline). Mr. Hefner settled in Perry Town-
ship in 1840, locating on the farm where he now resides. His farm
comprises 320 acres of land, all of which he has cleared and improved.
He is one of the leading farmers of Perry Township, and a worthy citi-
zen. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. «He cast
his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and has always been a stanch Democrat.
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742 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ISAAC HEFNER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Perry Town-
ship, this oonnty, November 20, 1841, and is a son of David and Frances
(Frederick) Hefner, who settled in Perry Township, this county, in 1840.
His paternal grandparents were Isaac and Susannah (Worline) Hefner,
pioneers of Boss County, Ohio, and his maternal grandparents, Daniel
and Christiana (Stransser) Frederick, were also pioneers of Boss County.
Our subject was reared in Perry Township, this county, and educated in
the common schools. He was married July 30, 1865, to Nancy C,
daughter of Dr. Brice and Bebecca (Perdue) Blair, of Jackson Township,
this county. He was in the late war of the Bebellion, having enlisted
in Company A, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
July 23, 1862, and served in the Georgia and Alabama campaigns under
Sherman, receiving an honorable discharge at Cleveland, Ohio, July 9,
1865. After this he returned to Allen County, and engaged in farming,
and has resided on his present farm in Perry Township since 1882. He
is a representative farmer and worthy citizen. In politics he is a Demo-
crat.
JAMES C. HULLINGEB, farmer, P. O. Westminster, was born in
Greene County, Ohio, October 13, 1810, son of Christopher and Mary
(Crabb) Hullinger, who settled in Auglaize Township, this county, in
1840, and there lived and died. Natives of Virginia, they came to Boss
County, Ohio, while it was a territory. They had eleven children:
Daniel, James C, Jacob (deceased), Jeremiah, John, Nancy (Mrs. Wil-
liam Stevenson), Margaret (Mrs. ^aac Shannon), Harriet (Mrs. Daniel
Hill), Priscilla (Mrs. John Bayliff), Elizabeth (deceased), and Charles
(deceased). Our subject was reared near Springfield, Ohio, where he
was educated in the schools of his day. He came to Allen County in
1836, locating in Auglaize Township, where he rented a farm for three
years. In 1840 he settled in Perry Township, on the farm he now
occupies, most of which he cleared himself, making all the improve-
ments in way of buildings, etc. He has been twice married, on first
occasion, in 1828, to Susannah, daughter of Samuel and Margaret
(Hamilton) Shannon, of Springfield, Ohio. By this union were bom
eleven children: Christopher (deceased), Jacob D. (deceased), Eli, John,
Samuel, James W., Thomas, Henry, Mary (Mrs. S. B. Bailey), Margaret
(deceased), Samantha A. (deceased). Mr. Hullinger married April 26,
1857, for his second wife, Catherine, daughter of Emanuel and Elizabeth
(Snyder) Binkley, formerly of Perry County, Ohio, but who settled in
Jackson Township in 1850, and the result of this union has been seven
children : Sarah (deceased), Emanuel (deceased), Elijah, William,
Lemuel E., Francis M. and an infant son (deceased), Mr. Hullinger
and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, which is located
on his farm, and was erected chiefly by him. In politics he is a Be-
publican.
CADWALLADEB JACOBS, farmer, P. O. South Warsaw, was bom
in Deerfield Township, Warren County, Ohio, July 22, 1813, and is a
son of Jehu and Elizabeth (Critzer) Jacobs. His paternal grandfather
was John Jacobs, of Pennsylvania, a farmer by occupation, whose father
came fiom England to America with William Penn. His maternal
grandfather was Adam Critzer, a man of large property, a miller by
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PERRY TOWNSHIP. 743
occapation, and a prominent citizen of Dauphin County, Penn. Our
subject was reared in Warren County, Ohio, where he received a limited
^ucation in the common schools. At the age of twenty-one he started
in life for himself, and in 1837 he navigated the Ohio and Mississippi
Rivers on a flat-boat as a coaster, selling all kinds of goods at different
points on those rivers, which occupation he followed for five years, and
during that time there was a period of nine months in which he
never slept on land. After he quit boating he returned to Ohio and
settled in Perry Township, this county, on the farm he now occupies,
the most of which he has cleared and improved himself. He was married
September 1, 1842, to Sally, daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Morrison)
Lepley, of Perry Township, this county, by whom he has had five
children: Eli B. (deceased), Elizabeth (wife of John Hardin), John P.
(deceased), Nancy L. (wife of William Baker), and James A. Mr.
Jacobs resided in Perry Township up to 1864, when he removed to Wis-
consin, where he remained three and a half years, then returned to
Perry and has here lived ever since. In 1827 he was elected to the
ofiSce of commissioner of Allen County, a position he held for two
successive terma He has also filled various offices in his township. In
politics he is a stanch Democrat
JAMES A. JACOBS, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Clinton
County, Ohio, March 4, 1833; son of John P. and Elizabeth (Hazard)
Jacobs. His father was a native of Warren County, Ohio, bom June 3,
1806, and a son of Jehu and Elizabeth (Ereitser) Jacobs, who settled in
Warren County, Ohio, in 1802, where they cleared and improved a farm
on which they lived and died. The great grandfather of our subject was
John Jacobs, a native of Montgomery County, Penn., of Quaker parent-
age, and of English descent, his ancestors having come to America with
William Penn. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and was a pioneer
of Miami County, Ohio, where he located in 1812, and resided until his
death at the age of ninety-five years. The wife of Jehu Jacobs was a
daughter of Adam Ereitser, a native of Germany, and a resident of Cum-
berland County, Penn. The children of Jehu were six in number: Eliz-
abeth (deceased), Samuel (deceased), John P., Ann (in Auglaize County,
Ohio), Cadwallader and James J. (in Auglaize County, Ohio). The
maternal grandparents of our subject, John and Elizabeth (Miller) Haz-
ard, were natives of Dutchess County, N. Y., and pioneers of Warren and
Clinton Counties, Ohio. John P. Jacobs was married in 1829, and
reared a family of four children: Elizabeth (deceased), James A., Phebe
D. (wife of William Harrod), and Ann (wife of John HaiTod). He set^
tied in Union Township, now Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1834, and his was
the seventh family to locate in that township. Clearing and improving
A farm there, he resided on it up to 1858, when he settled in Perry
Township, this county, where he also cleared and improved a farm, resid-
ing thereon until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1880, since
when he has lived with his son James A. Our subject was reared in
Auglaize County, Ohio, and educated in the common schools. He was
married, April 17, 1856, to Martha J., daughter of Samuel and Maiy
SRumei:^ Bi tier, of Union Township, by whom he had six children: Elwil
wife of F. M. Bacome), John C, Samuel D., Charles D., William H.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
744 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and Olive O. In 1858 Mr. Jacobs settled in Perry Township, this
conntj, on the farm where he now resides, all of which he cleared and
improved. He is one of the leading and enterprising farmers of the
township; has held the ofiSce of justice of the peace one term, and served
in several other minor offices; in politics he is a Democrat
MILTON LONES, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Columbiana
County, Ohio, April 8, 1823, and is a son of John and Mary (Spar)
Lones, natives of Virginia, and pioneers of Columbiana and Crawford
Counties, Ohio. They settled in the latter county in 1834, clearing and
improving the farm on which they lived and died They had a family
of nine children, of whom two have been residents of Allen County^
Ohio. Aaron J. located in Perry Township in 1859, where he resided
until his death; he died in June, 1882, at the age of sixty-six years.
Our subject resided with his parents until forty years of age. In 1865
he located in Perry Township, this county, on what is now known as
the *'Osman Farm,^ on the Belief ontaine Pike, where he resided nine
years. He then removed to Lima, living there two years and a half,
when he returned to Perry Township, and located on the farm he now
occupies. Mr. Lones was married, in 1854, to Mary, daughter of Enoch
and Bebecca (Gordon) Enoble, of Crawford Counfy, Ohio, by whom he
has one child — Charlotte. Mr. Lones is one of the leading and repre-
sentative farmers of Perry Township. His first vote for president was
cast for Henry Clay, and he has voted at every presidential election
since. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but has been a stanch Bepub-
lican since the organization of the party.
ELI MECHLING, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom on the farm where
he now resides, in Perry Township, this county, October 1, 1836; son of
Joshua and Sophia (Weimer) Mechling, who settled in Perry Township
in 1836. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of
Perry County, Ohio. They settled on Section 18, and cleared and
improved a farm, a part of which is now owned and occupied by our subject
They had nine children: Harriet (wife of J. Brentliuger), Eli, Hannah
(wife of Geoi-ge Bidenour), William L., Elizabeth (deceased). Simon A.,
Maria (wife of William T. Rimes), Martha and Sophia (wife of E. V.
Bidenour).. Joshua Mechling died December 17, 1879, aged seventy
years and thirteen days. His widow is still living at the old homestead
at the age of seventy- four. The paternal grandf atiier of our subject was
William Mechling, of Westmoreland County, Penn., and a pioneer of
Perry County, Ohio, where he settled in 1812. His maternal grandfa-
ther was Gottfried Weimer, a native of Pennsylvania. Our subject was
reared on the old homestead, where he has always resided, and was edu-
cated in the common schools. He was married, March 22, 1866, to
Sarah, daughter of John and Lydia Bidenour, of Perry Township, this
county, by whom he has had two children: Lewis L. (deceased), and
Milton A. Mr. and Mrs. Mechling are members of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church. He has been clerk of Perry Township two terms. In
politics he is a Democrat.
BEUBEN V. MEELY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Bichland
County, Ohio, January 4, 1849, son of George and Margaret (Stock),.
Meely; the former, a native of Germany, was born May 11, 1799,
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PERRY TOWNSHIP. 745
and died June 11, 1881; the latter was born in Troy County, Penn., Jane
22, 1807, and died at the age of sixty- nine years. They located in Rich-
land County, Ohio, in 1845, and in 1852 settled in Union Township, Van
Wert County, Ohio, where they cleared and improved a farm on which
they lived and died. They had eleven children, of whom eight grew to
manhood and womanhood: Christina (wife of M. M. Bittenhouse), Wil-
liam, George, Charles, Elizabeth (wife of Andrew Callahan), Margaret
(wife of Lorenzo Staley), Beuben Y. and Levi A. All the sons, except
our subject, were in the late war, Levi A. dying at Nashville, Tenn.
Our subject was reared in Van Wert County, Ohio, from two years of age,
and was educated in the common schools; he served an apprenticeship at
the painter's trade which he followed for eight years. Since 1875 he has
been principally engaged in farming. He was married, October 18,
1876, to Harriet, daughter of Levi and Louisa, (Marshall) Atmur, who
settled in Perry Township, Allen County, in 1848. By this union
there are two children: Vergie E. and lona A. Mr. Meely located in
Lima in 1881 and removed U) Perry Township, on the old Atmur farm
homestead, in 1888. During his residence in Union Township, Van Wert
County, he served two years as township clerk, and was at one time nom-
inee for county recorder. In politics he is a Democrat.
HENBY C. NEELY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Bath Town-
ship, this county, May 17, 1840; son of William and Matilda (Snodgrass)
Neely. William Neely settled in Bath Township in 1827, locating on
the farm now owned by J. B. Cunningham, which he cleared and im-
proved, and afterward exchanged for a farm in German Township, this
county, on which he removed and resided until his death. He was twice
married, his first wife being Buth Paulin, of Greene County, Ohio, by
whom he had ten children, two now living: Elizabeth (wife of Jeremiah
McLain), and Melinda (wife of S. H. Greer). His second wife was
Matilda Snodgrass, of this county, by whom he had seven children, three
now living: Henry C, James H. and Arthur. Our subject was reared in
Bath Township, this county, and educated in the common schools. He
was married May 30, 1860, to Margaret, daughter of William and Cathe-
rine (Miller) McComb, of Putnam County, Ohio, by whom he has six
children: Anna (wife of George Shade), John, William, Harry, Burton
and Calvin. After his marriage Mr. Neely bought the old homestead in
Bath Township, this county, where he resided three years, when he sold
out and bought the Satlerthait farm in Bath Township, living there until
1870, when he located in Perry Township, on the farm he now occupies,
a part of which he has cleared and improved. Mr. Neely served five
years in the Ohio military service, and was honorably discharged. He
and his wife are membera of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat.
GEOBGE H. BANKIN, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Auglaize
Township, this county. May 11, 1846; son of John and J^u (French)
Bankin. His paternal grandfather, George Bankin, was a native of Vir-
ginia, who settled in Perry Township, this county, in 1839, locating on
Section 4, on a part of the farm now owned by Thomas C. Boberts,
which he cleared and improved, and afterward removed to Section 15,
where he lived until his death; he died in July, 1881, in his eighty-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
746 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
fourth year. He had eight children who grew to manhood and woman>
hood: tfohn (deceased), Maria (wife of James Tapsoott), William (deceased),
Mary (deceased), Joshua, Eliza (wife of A. R. Krebs), Charlotte (wife of
Adam Stoops), Isabella (wife of Joseph Neeley). The maternal grand-
father of our subject was John French, who settled in Bath Township,
this county, in 1834. John Bankin had five children : William (deceased),
Perseba (deceased), Oeorge H., Lyman, and an infant daughter (deceased).
He was in the stock business in Westminster, this county, for several
years prior to his death; he died August 1, 1850, at the age of thirty
years. Our subject was reared in Perry Township, this county, where he
received a common school education. He was married September 24,
1867, to Celinda, daughter of James L. and Nancy (Crane) Williams, of
Perry Township, this county, formerly of Kentucky; by this union there
were* five children, of whom two are now living: Minnie and Alvin.
Before his marriage Mr. Bankin worked at the carpenter's trade, but
afterward embarked in farming, in which he is at present engaged, and
has resided on his present farm since the spring of 1882. He and his
wife are members of the Disciples Church. In politics he is a Democrat
PETEB BIDENOUB, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Perry
County, Ohio, September 22, 1817, son of Isaac and Lydia (Cotterman)
Bidenour, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Allen County, Ohio, in
1834, locating on Section 8, in Perry Township, clearing and improving
the farm now owned by Samuel Collins,and there they lived and died. They
had thirteen children, of whom ten are now living: Peter, Samuel,
Catherine (wife of N. J. Locke), Anna (wife of Peter Yerbreoht), Eliza
(wife of John Wesby), Mary (wife of H. J. Apple), James, Lovey (wife
of Peter Imler), Sarah (wife of George Blubaker), and Henry. The sub-
ject of this sketch was married in March, 1854, to Mrs. Lydia Bowell,
daughter of John and Eve Losh, of Perry Township, by whom he has
four children living: William, Lucy (wife of Douglass Coats), Delilah
(wife of Frank Satters), and Alferetta. Mr. Bidenour cleared a farm in
Perry Township, on Section 21, comprising forty -six acres, which he still
owns, and on which he settled in 1855. Here he lived until 1872, when^
on account of the death of his wife, he went to reside with William
Ebling, Jr. Our subject is one of the oldest settlers now living in Perry
Township, this county. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat.
THOMAS C. BOBEBTS, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in West-
minster, Auglaize Township, Allen County, Ohio, April 14, 1853, son of
Josiah R and Margaret (Winrot) Boberts. He was reared in Ottawa
Township, this county, from two years of age, and educated in the Union
school of Lima, residing with his parents until twenty-six years of age.
He was united in marriage June 18, 1879, with Elizabeth I, daughter of
William and Amanda (Ballard) Moore, of Lima, this county. The issue
of this union is one child, Florence M. In 1879 Mr. Boberts located in
Perry Township, on the farm where he now resides, on which he has
made all the improvements in buildings, etc. He is one of the enterpris-
ing young farmers of Perry Township. In politics he is a Bepublican.
JOSEPH SELLEBS, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County,
Ohio, was born in Franklin County, Penn., March 9, 1828, and is a son of
Leonard and Elizabeth (Winyard) Sellers, natives of Pennsylvania, who
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PERRY TOWNSHIP. 747
settled in Allen County, Ohio, in 1837, clearing and improving the farm
now owned by their son, William. They had nine children; Joseph,
John, Henry, Samuel, William, Catherine (deceased), Susan (wife of J.
Walton), Eliza (wife of Miles Lowry), and Harriet (wife of Charles Car-
ter). Our subject was ten years of age when his parents came to this
county. He was educated in the common schools and lived with hia
father until twenty-four years of age. He was married in 1852, to Leah,
daughter of Martin Crumrine, an early settler of Perry Township, this
county, by whom he has six diildren: Daniel, David, William, Eliza
(wife of George A. Beeler), Margaret (wife of George Mosher), and
Franklin. Mr. Sellers located, in 1853, on the farm where he now resides,
most of which he has cleared and improved himself. He is a leading
farmer of Perry Township and one of its enterprising citizens. He has
held the offices of trustee and treasurer of the township for several terms.
In politics he is a Democrat He and his wife are members of the Luth-
eran Church.
NATHAN D. STEVENSON, farmer, P. O. Westminster, was bom in
Perry Township, this county, March 14, 1842, and is a son of William
and Nancy (Hnllinger) Stevenson. His paternal grandfather, Francis
Stevenson, was a pioneer of Clark County, Ohio, and later of this
county, settling in Auglaize Township in an early day, where he cleared
and improved a farm on which he lived and died. He reared a family
of eight children who grew to manhood and womanhood : William (de-
ceased), John, James, Eli, Elias, Joseph, Kate and Betsey. The father
of our subject was reared in Clark County, Ohio, and settled in Perry
Township, this county, in 1842, on the farm now occupied by his widow,
which he cleared and improved, and here he lived and died. He had a
large family of children, of whom five are now living: Nelson; Nathan
D. ; Maria, wife of James Wonnell ; Samantha, wife of John Allison ;.
and George. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Christopher
Hullinger, was a native of Pennsylvania, and an early settler of Perry
Township. Our subject was reared in Perry Township, and educated in
the common schools. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having
enlisted in July, 1862, in Company E, Ninety- ninth Ohio Volunteer
Lifantnr; was in twenty- three engagements, and honorably discharged in
July, 1865. He was married, December 5, 1867, to Catherine A.,
daughter of Nelson Basle, of Auglaize County, Ohio. They have na
children. Mr. Stevenson is a Bepublican in politics. He is an enter-
prising citizen of Perry Township.
ELI J. STEVENSON, farmer, P. O. South Warsaw, was bom in
Perry Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, Septem-
ber 2, 1848 ; son of John and Susannah (Brentlinger) Stevenson, the
former a native of Kentucky, latter of Pickaway County, Ohio. His
paternal grandfather, Francis Stevenson, a native of Kentucky, settled
in Auglaize Township in 1830, where he cleared and improved a farm
on which he lived and died. He reared a family of eight children :
Elizabeth, James, John, Eli, William, Jesse, Elias and Catherine, all
now deceased. John Stevenson, the father of our subject, was reared
in Kentucky, where he was bom January 15, 1806. He was twice mar-
ried, his first wife to whom he was married March 6, 1825, being Ann^
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748 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
West, of Champnign County, Ohio, and the issue of this anion was six
children : Rachel, wife of John Beam ; Mary, wife of John Miller ;
Francis M., James I. (deceased), Sarah J. (deceased), and Anna, wife of
Jacob Hollar. For his second wife he married, August 14, 1836, Miss
Susannah, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hoiines) Brentlinger, early
settlers of Auglaize County, Ohio, and by this union were bom eight
children: Lucinda (deceased), Catherine (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased),
John (deceased), Silas W. (deceased), William, Eli J. , and Jefferson P.
(latter deceased). John Stevenson settled in an early day in Perry
Township, this county, on the farm now owned and occupied by our
subject, all of which he cleared and improved, and where he resided un-
til his death in 1854. He was assessor of what is now Allen and Au-
glaize counties for three terms before the counties were divided, and was
township assessor of Perry for several years. He was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church -^ in politics a Democrat. Our subject was
reared on the old homestead, where he has always resided. He was mar-
ried, November 26, 1871, to Catherine, daughter of James and Mary
(Naus) Carter, of Auglaize County, Ohio, by whom he h&s four children :
Susannah, Mary J., Andrew F. and Cuba M. Mr. Stevenson has
served his township as trustee. In politics he is a Democrat.
JOSEPH TAPSCOTT, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Perry
Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, December II,
1850 ; a son of James S. and Maria (Bankins) Tapscott, natives of War-
ren County, Ohio, the former bom January 23, 1808, the latter October
19, 1822. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph Tapscott,
was a native of New Jersey. His maternal grandparents were George
and Wealthy A. (Tunget) Bankins, formerly of Virginia, who settled in
Perry Township in 1839, clearing and improving a farm. James S.
Tapscott, the father of our subject, settled in Perry Township in 1848,
clearing and Improving u farm on which he resided until his death.
He died May 9, 1884, in his seventynseventh year. He had four chil-
dren : Joseph, Ann (deceased), James (deceased), and an infant daughter
(deceased). Joseph, the only survivor of this family, has always resided
on the old homestead. He was married November 26, 1872, to Eliza-
beth A. , daughter of Boss and Phebe (Apple) Crossley, of Perry Town-
ship, 'by whom he has four children : Jessie, Augusta, Mnlford and Will-
iam. Mr. and Mrs. Tapscott are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Our subject is one of the pushing, enterprising young farmers
of Perry. He is one of the present board of townisihip trustees. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat.
BEUBEN WHITE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Bath Township,
this county, November 7, 1837, son of Adam and Bebecca M. (Walton)
White. His paternal grandfather, Adam White, Sr., was a native of Ger-
many, and a pioneer of Brown County, Ohio. His maternal grandfather,
Joseph W. Walton, was a native of New York, who settled in Bath Town-
ship in 1827, clearing and improving the farm on which he lived and
died. Adam White, the father of our subject, a native of Kentucky, set-
tled in Bath Township in 1827, on the farm now owned by S. O. Cle-
ments, Esq., which he cleared and improved, and there lived and died.
He was the first county treasurer of Allen County, then comprising what
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PERRY TOWNSHIP. 749
are now the connties of Allen, Anglaize and Mercer. His total collec-
tions at that time did not amonnt to the salary he received for his ser-
vices, he receivini^ $20 more from the state than he had collected. He
was justice of the peace of Bath Township for many years. His chil-
dren, nine in number, were Susan, wife of Jonas Lehman; Gilbert (de-
ceased), John (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Deborah A., wife of John
Lehman; Lydia (deceased), Beuben, Nancy (deceased), and Jessie (de-
ceased). Our subject was reared in Bath Township, where he received a
limited school education. He was married, August 21, 1858, to Ann E.,
daughter of Walter and Laura (Bassett) Edgecob, of Bath Township,
by whom he had eleven children: Sarah A., wife of John F. Whiterall;
Ida E., wife of Daniel Fetter; Eirby, Laura, Albert (deceased), Walter
E., Oscar E. (deceased), John E., Gary M., Willis A. and Rebecca. Mr.
White served in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted October 1,
1861, in Company E, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He partici-
pated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Resaca, Dallas, Atlan-
ta, and in many other engagements, and was honorably discharged at
Rome, Ga., October 3, 18i34 Mr. White resided on the old homestead
in Bath Township up to February 26, 1878, when he removed to his pres-
ent farm in Perry Township, where he now resides. He is a thorough,
practical farmer and a wortiiy citizen. He is treasurer of Perry Town-
ship; in politics he Is a Republican.
EDWARD WONNELL, farmer and stock- dealer, and postmaster at
South Warsaw, was born in Perry Township, this county, April 10, 1836;
son of William and Sarah (Stiles) Wonnell, who settled in Perry Town-
ship in 1835, the former a native of Delaware, the latter of Woodstock,
Yt His paternal grandfather was William Wonnell, a native of Dela-
ware, and his maternal grandfather was Jonathan Stiles, a native of Ver-
mont, and among the first settlers of what is now Auglaize County, Ohio.
Our subject was reared in Perry Township, this county, where he
received a limited education in the common schools. He was married
December 23, 1858, to Mary J., daughter of Robert and Rebecca (Tur-
ner) Smith, of Auglaize County, this State, by whom he had seven chil-
dren: Sarepta A, wife of A« A. Thomas; Emma, deceased; Callie, wife
of James F. Kerr; Willie, deceased; Eva I., Alva M. and Nellie G.
After his marriage, Mr. Wonnell engaged as solicitor for several publi-
cations, an occupation he followed up to 1861, when he embarked in
general mercantile business in South Warsaw, continuing in the same
up to 1883. In the meantime he purchased the farm he now occupies,
comprising over 200 acres of the b^st land in the township. Since 1877
he has been a breeder of short-horn cattle, all registered in the American
Herd Book and Ohio Shorthorn Record; is also a breeder of Poland-
China ho^ and Hambletoniau and Clydesdale horses. Mr. Wonnell was
in the 100 day's service during the late war of the Rebellion, going out
in May 1864, in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio National
Guards. He was soon after detailed as nurse and assistant hospital stew-
ard at Fort Reno, and was honorably discharged December 15, 1864
May 29, 1862, he was appointed postmaster at South Warsaw, which
position he has held continuously to the present time. He served as
secretary of Allen County Agricultural Society one year, declinirg
4S
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750
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
re-election; was a member of the Board of Agrictdtnre for six years, and
is now serving his second term as a member of the board of the Far-
mers' and Mechanics' Gonntj Fair Association, of Ada, and has always
taken an active part in the promotion of agricnltoral interests. Mr.
and Mrs. Wonnell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Ghorch. In
politics he is a Bepnblican.
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 751
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.
GODHARD ALTHAUS, fanner, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Switzer-
land, February 7, 1836. His father, John Henry Alihaas,and bis grand-
father, Rudolph Althaus, were physicians. His great-gi*andf ather, Ulrioh
Althaus, a farmer and dairyman in Germany, was bom in 1705, and lived
to be ninety- three years old. Our subject possesses portraits of all these
ancestors. His mother, whose maiden name was Barbara Oa^il, was
also a native of Switzerland. Godhard Althaus was the tenth in a fam-
ily of twelve children, nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood*
He came to America in 1854, traveled in the West for two years, and in
1859 settled in Allen County, Ohio. In 1859 he was married to Eliza-
beth Steiner, whose parents were natives of Switzerland, her father a
farmer; and to this union were born John, Barbara, wife of Martin Gris-
more; Jacob, Johanna, Elizabeth, Mary, Maggie and Albert Our sub-
ject, who has made farming the business of his life, is the owner of a
well-improved place, comprising fifty-five acres. Mr. and Mrs. Althaus
are members of the Mennonite Society. He has been school director
of this township. Politically, he is a Democrat.
JOHN C. AMSTTJTZ, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Wayne
Coimty, Ohio, December 12, 1825; son of Christian and Anna (Burk.
halter) Amstutz, natives of Switzerland, who came to America and settled
in Wayne County about 1824, former a farmer. They reared a family
of six children (three sons and three daughters), of whom John C. is
the eldest Our subject received a common school education in Putnam
County, Ohio, where his parents moved when most of the county was a
wilderness. He used to drive the oxen over the wheat to thresh it, and,
when it was ready, had to go many miles to a mill to have it ground. He
worked from the time he was large enough to do anything, and can re-
member when Richland Township was almost covered with woods. He
has been thrice married. The children by his first wife {nee Anna
Amstutz to whom he was maried March 2, 1848) were Abraham (deceased),
and Fannie, and those by his second wife {nee Mary Ann Habegger, to
whom he was married February 17, 1853) were Isaac (deceased), Jacob
and Anna (twins) both now married, and Elizabeth (deceased). Mr.
Amstutz was married to his present wife {nee Anna Kaufman, February
15, 1861), and to this union were bom eleven children, nine now living:
Catherine (married), Lydia, Peter, Lena, Christian, Sarah, Noah, Gideon
and Ida; Mary and Josephine (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz are
members of the Mennonite Church. Our subject has had to make his
own way in the world. He owns eighty acres of land which he has
cleared and improved, himself. Politically he is a Democrat
CHRISTIAN U. AMSTUTZ. farmer, P. O. BlufPton, is a native of
France, born August 28i 1829,and is next to the youngest of the four children
of Ulrich and Barbara (Clay) Amstutz, the former a Frenchman, the
Digitized by LjOOQIC
752 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
latter a native of Switzerland. Ulrich Amstutz, a fanner by occupation,
came to America in 1833, settling in Wayne County, Ohio, and was one
of the pioneers of Allen County, coming here in 1837. Our subject
acquired his education in the district schools of Richland Township;
learned the carpenter's trade and worked at it for a time, but has farmed
for many years, and now owns 331 acres of land. He was married, in
1854, to Fannie, daughter of Ulrich Neusch wander and brother of Michael
Neuschwander, who was the first German settler in Bichland Township,
this county. To this union were bom the following children: David
and Samuel, married and farming in this county; Christian, a student,
school teacher and the author of a Sabbath school singing book, which
has a fair sale; Barbara, Adam, Ulrich, Amos and Ephraim. They are
members of the Mennonite Church.
SAMUEL AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Richland
Township, this county, July 29, 1858,^ of German parents. His father,
Christian U. Amstutz, was a farmer, a school teacher, and a pioneer of
Allen County, where he now owns 831 acres of land. Our subject was
the third in a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living. He
grew to manhood on the farm, attended the Bichland Township school,
and has farmed all his life; now resides on one of his father's farms in
Bichland Township. He was married, in 1881, to Elizabeth Gerber, by
whom he has one child, Paulina. Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz are members of
the Mennonite Church. In politics he is Democrat.
CHBISTIAN B. AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. Blufflon, was bora in
Wayne County, Ohio, May 20, 1837; son of John and Fannie (Lehman)
Amstutz, natives of Switzerland, who came to America when young. His
father lived in Pennsylvania two years, thence went to Wayne County,
Ohio, where he was married and commenced farming, and in 1849 settled
in Putnam County, Ohia He reared ten children, of whom Christian B
is the seventh. Our subject was reared on a farm, received his education in
Wayne and Putnam Counties, and early in life taught both German and
English schools. He has spent most of his days, however, farming in
Allen County, where he now resides, owning a well improved farm of 155
acres. He was united in marriage, in this county, in 1859, with Catha-
rine, daughter of Christian and Barbara (Hilty) Lugibihl, natives of
Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz were born fourteen children, ten
of whom are now living: Christina, Caroline, Elizabeth, Mary, Menno,
Susanna, Christian, Edwin, Helena and Levina. Our subject and wife are
members of the Mennonite Church. In politics he is a Democrat
PETER B. AMSTUTZ, farmer, P. O. BlufPton, was bom in Wayne
County, Ohio, January 6, 1846, and is the youngest of twelve children
bom to John B. and Fannie (Lehman) Amstutz, natives of Germany, who
came to America in 1818, settling first in Pennsylvania, but who subse-
quently moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1850 came to this county.
Our subject was reared on the farm, and taking advantage of good schools
improved his time, obtaining a good education both in German and
English. He then learned the carpenter's trade at which he worked
several years and also operated a saw-mill for five years. He is now
devoting his time to farming, having eighty acres of land. He has been
twice married, first in 1870 to Elizabeth Lugibihl, who died in 1873
Digitized by LjOOQIC
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 753
leaving one child, Dina. Jnst ten years to the day after the marriage of
his first wife, he married Leah Gerber, which union has been blessed
with one son, Amos. Mr. and Mrs. Amstatz are members of the Men-
nonite Church. This church has an insurance society for protection
against fire, and our subject is the secretary of this society. In politics
he is a Democrat.
JOHN AMSTUTZ, Jr., farmer and stock-rai^r, P. O. Bluffton, was
bom in Richland Township, this county, February 7, 1846, son of John
and Elizabeth (Steiner) Amstutz, who were of German descent. John
Amstatz, Sr., is living, at the advanced age of seventy-four years, in
Richland Township, this county, of which he has been a resident for over
half a century, and in which he has filled nearly every office of public
trust. His wife was a daughter of Rev. Christian Steiner, the first Men-
nonite preacher in Richland Township, and who organized the first Men-
nonite Church in this county. Their family consisted of twelve children,
six of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and who are now living
and prospering. John Jr., the fifth bom, was raised on the farm and
wisely chose the occupation of his father, making agriculture the busi-
ness of his life, and he is now the owner of eighty acres of land. He
was united in marriage, in 1871, with Sarah Klinger, of German descent,
and a daughter of Adam and Eva (Hofifart) Klinger. To this union were
bom the following children, Lona, Paulina, Philip (deceased), and
Albert William. Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz are members of the German
Reformed Church, in which he has served as trustee. He has been one
of the school directors of Richland Township; is a member of the I. O.
O. F. ; politically, he is a Democrat.
G. W. BAILEY, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was bom in Rocking-
ham County, Va., June 15, 1834, son of William and Lydia (Neusch-
wander) Bailey, also natives of Virginia, of English and Irish descent,
former a farmer. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving a common
school education. He settled in Richland Township, this county, and
engaged successfully in farming. He was married, in 1852, to Malindn,
daughter of Dr. Jacob Driver, and to this union were born twelve child-
ren, all of whom are now living: John P., an attorney at law in Ottawa,
Ohio; P. R., a law student, now engaged in the insurance and
loan business at Lima, Ohio; Mary, a teacher, wife of John Luke;
Jacob W., a telegraph operator; Daniel M., a school teacher and general
agent; Jennie, wife of A. G. Kenney; and Nancy K, Alice, Charles, Sadie,
Melvin and Edward at home. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey take much interest in
their children, four of whom received collegiate education, five teaching
school. Mrs. Bailey is a member of the German Baptist Church. Our
subject is an industrious man and now owns a well>improved farm in
Richland Township, this county.
A. BALMER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Blufifton, is a native of
Richland Township, this county, and was born March 9, 1843. His
parents, Peter and lifary (Stauflfer) Balmer, natives of Switzerland, came
to Wayne County, Ohio, and were there married. In 1849 they came to
this county and settled on a farm here. They were parents of thirteen
children, twelve of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, nine of
whom are now living. Our subject, the fifth bom, was reared on th«
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754 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
farm, attended the school in Richland Township, and worked at the car-
penter's trade. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Anna, daughter of
DaTid Beeler, by whom he had three children : CaWin, Amanda and
Andrew. Mrs. Balmer died in 1875, and two years later our subject
married Jennie Beeler, a cousin of his first wife and a daughter of John
Beeler. To this union were born three children, two now living : Sarah
and Ella. Both wives were of German descent Mr. and Mrs. Balmer
are members of the German Reformed Church, in which he has served
as deacon. Mr. Balmer is one of the trustees of Richland Township.
In politics he is a Democrat.
B. BALMER, farmer and stock-raiser, Bluffton, was bom in Richland
Township, this county, February 15, 1847; son of Peter and Mary Ann
(Stauffer) Balmer, natives of Switzerland, and who were parents of thir-
teen children, twelve growing up, nine of whom are now living. Our
subject, the seventh child, was reared on the farm, acquired a common
school education, and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked
four years, farming, however, being the principal business of his lifa
He is the owner of eighty acres of land, on which he now resides. He
was married in 1871 to Elizabeth Lugibihl, the fourth born in the family
of nine children of John W. Lugibihl, a farmer, and an early settler of
Allen County. Her parents were German, and most of their family now
reside in this county. To our subject and wife were bom the following
children : Emma, William, Peter and John. Mr. Balmer is a roembor
of the German Reformed Church, his wife of the Mennonite Society.
He has served as a school director. In politics he is a Democrat.
REV. JOHN BARNHARD, retired minister and farmer, P. O. Rich-
land, was bom in Maryland, February 20, 1821, eldest son and second
in the family of David (a farmer) and Margaret (Walker) Bamhard, who
were of English and German descent. They raised two daughters and
two sons. Our subject was reared on the farm, and, not having ever
had the privilege of attending school, educated himself. He was mar-
ried when twenty years old to Nancy Lambert, a native of Germany,
where her parents were also born, and the children by this union were as
follows : Melvin Z., Virgil F., Leonadas Q., Philena M., Sylvester W.
(The first three named served in the Union Army during the war of the
Rebellion.) They also raised and adopted John T. Huber, who is now a
telegraph operator at Beaver Dam. Mrs. Bamhard died in 1860, and in
1861 our subject married Amanda C. Jennings, by whom he has one child,
John Williams Wesley. Mr. and Mrs. Bamhard are members of the
Methodist Church. He has been a local preacher, and was engaged in
farming for a number of years. He lived in Knox County, Ohio, from
1829 till he came to Allen County, in 1856, and has since resided hera
He owns a well -improved farm in Richland Township, which he rents,
however, and is now living a retired life on his property in Beaver Dam.
In politics Mr. Bamhard is a Republican.
JOHNC. BASINGER, farmer and stock-raiser, P.O Columbus Grove,
Putman County, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 5. 1834; son
of Christian and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger, natives of Germany, who
came to America when young. His father, a farmer, who lived to the ad-
vanced age of eighty.five, died in 1882. They raised a family of fifteen
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 765
children^ of whom John C, the third, was reared on the farm, receiving
his edacation in the schools of Bichland Township, this county. Our sub-
ject has been a farmer all his life, and now owns a first-class farm in Rich-
land Township, consisting of 160 acres, whereon he resides. He was mar-
ried, in 1859, to Elizabeth Wixel, a native of Germany. Their children are
Theophilos, Christian, Noah, Leah (deceased), and Caroline. They have
an adopted daughter — Maggie Flatt Mr. and Mrs. Basinger are members
of the Mennonite Church.
REV. DAVID P. BASINGER, minister and farmer, P. O. Bluffton,
was born in Bichland Township, this county, August 14, 1841. His par-
ents, Christian, Jr., and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger, were natives of
Germany, the father, a farmer by occupation, being a son of Christian
Basinger, Sr., who came to America in 1824, settling in Virginia, where
he lived for ten years, and then moved to this county, in 1836. Here the
father of our subject lived, from the time he was nineteen years of age
until his death, which occurred April 21, 1876. David P. was the eldest
of twelve children, nine of whom attained maturity. He was reared on
the farm, early attending the common schools but, later, academies in
Findlay and Lima,and then taught school for six years in Allen and Putman
Counties. He also worked at carpentering for a time. He was married in
1867, to Mrs. Barbara Amstutz, daughter of Peter Schnmaker, an early settler
and prominent farmer of this county (by her first marriage she had two
children: Peter D., a school teacher, teaching German and English, and
Abraham C, a farmer). To Mr. and Mrs. Basinger were born the follow-
>ing children: Nahum, Joel, Noah, Lydia, Julia, David and Reuben. Mr.
Basinger was ordained a minister of the Reformed Mennonite Church, in
1882. He is an earnest and devoted follower of the Great Master, and
allows no personal concern to stand between him and his duty to God. He
has been also engaged in farming, during his life, and is owner of a
well improved farm in Richland Township.
PETER P. BASINGER, farmer, P. O. BluflElon, was bom on the farm
where he now resides in Richland Township, this county, June 3, 1857;
son of Christian, Jr. , and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger, natives of Alsace,
Germany (then belonging to France). Christian Basinger, Jr., a farmer
by occupation^ was born in 1817, and when seven years old, his parents
came to America and settled on a farm in Virginia, where they remained
for ten years, thence moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, and after a few
years to this county. The family consisted of twelve children, nine of
whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject, the eleventh in
the family, grew to maturity on the farm where he now resides, receiving
his education in the township schools. He was married, in 1880, to Miss
Mary Alice Lower, a daughter of Samuel Lower, a farmer, and Cath-
erine (Baer), who were natives of Wayne County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs.
Basinger have been blessed with three children: Catherine Olive, Samuel
Alfred and Isadora Our subject and wife are members of the Reformed
Mennonite Church.
NOAH C. BASINGER, farmer and school teacher. P. O. Bluflfton,
of German descent, was born in Richland Township, this county, June
15, 1860, youngest son and twelfth in the family of Christian and Cath-
erine (Lagibihl) Basinger. Our subject was reared on a farm in his
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756 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
native township and here obtained the radiments of his edncation, sub-
sequently attending the high schools at Bluffton and Ada, and Hayesville
College. He then taught for several terms, but subsequently engaged
in farming, which has been his principal occupation. Mr. Basinger
owns a half interest in the farm, comprising 140 acres, where he and his
brother Peter P. now reside. He is not a church member. In politics
he usually votes the Democratic ticket.
SAMUEL BASSETT, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was bom in Allen
County, Ohio, October 23, 1848, son of Lewis and Sarah (Edgecomb)
Bassett, of English descent, and natives of New York and Ohio, respect-
ively, the former of whom came to Allen County, Ohio, over half a cen-
tury ago, and was a farmer all his life. They reared a family of eight
children. Samuel, the eldest, was reared on the farm, receiving his edu-
cation in this county, and early in life commenced to teach school. Dur-
ing the late civil war he enlisted in 1864, in Company I, Twenty-seventh
Ohio Volunteer Lifantry; was engaged in the battle of Atlanta, and
participated in other battles and skirmishes. He was discharged at the
close of the struggle, and returning home worked at the carpenter's trade
for a time, then commenced farming. He is now the owner of two f arma
Mr. Bassett was married in 1868, to Mary, a daughter of D. L. Whip, a
retired f aimer of Beaver Dam, and to this union were born six children:
Otis, Bossie, Sadie, Louise, Clarie and Samuel. Mr. Whip was bom in
Maryland, December 31, 1822, son of George and Sarah (Barnett) Whip,
who were of German descent; he has been twice married, Mra Bassett
being the fourth in a family of six children by his first wife; Mr. Whip's
present wife's mother, aged eighty- five, and his own mother, aged eighty-
six, are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in which he is class leader. In politics he is a Repub-
lican.
J. T. BATES, proprietor of stone quarry, P. O. Bluffton, was bom
in Allen County, Ohio, April 27, 1837, son of Elijah and Nancy (Chan-
deler) Bates, natives of Virginia, the former of English descent, who
had been a fanner all his life, and the latter of ]^sh descent Our
subject, the sixth in a family of eleven children, was reared on the farm,
receiving his schooling in the log schoolhouse in Bath Township, this
county, and worked on the farm until he was tweoty-seven years old.
He then went to Lima, Ohio, and worked by the day for a time. Li
1874 he came to Bluffton, and opened a stone quarry, which he has con-
ducted successfully to the present time. Mr. Bates was united in mar
riage in 1860, with Miss Susanna Bope, whose parents were Germans (her
father, George Bope, was a farmer in Allen County). This union has
been blessed with six children: William H (a telegraph operator in Col-
orado, and who learned telegraphy at Bluffton under Myron' Rounsavell,
who is the agent here for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad), Tempa J.,
Nannie May, Elijah H., Bertha B. and John Earl. Mr. and Mrs.
Bates are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Repub-
lican in politics; has served as supervisor and township trustee of Rich-
land.
GEORGE BENROTH, proprietor of saloon, Bluffton, was bom in
Germany, September 1, 1844; son of Charles and Anna (Scheller) Ben-
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 757
roth, former by trade a cooper. Our subject received a good educa-
tion in the common schools of Germany, and there learned the cabinet-
making trade, at which he worked till he came to America, in 1865, set-
tling at Bluffton. After engaging at his trade here for two years, he
opened a furniture store which he carried on till 1881, when he sold out
and commenced a saloon and lunch room business; he also sells tobacco,
and has a ffood trade. Mr. Benroth was united in marriage, in 1867,
with Miss Anna, daughter of Rev. Ulrich Steiner, a Mennonite minister;
she is a native of Allen County, Ohio. This union has been blessed with
eight children: Edward, Ferdinand, Rosa, Mary A, Pauline, Albert,
Emma and Minnie. Mr. Benroth is a Democrat in politics.
THOMAS J. BENTLEY, farmer and stock-raiser, Bluffton, was born
in the eastern part of Ohio, July 14, 1822; son of John and Nancy
(Patten) Bentley, of English descent John Bentley, a native of Massa-
chusetts and a farmer by occupation, died at the advanced age of ninety-
two years. Mrs. Nancy Bentley, bom in Maryland, died aged seventy-six
years. During the last ten years of their lives they made their home
with our subject. Thomas J., the fifth in a family of six children, was
reared on the farm, receiving a limited education in the common schools
of Ohio, and early in life learned wagon making at Youngstown, Ohio.
In 1852 he came to Hancock County, subsequently returned to Allen
County, and settled in Bluffton, where for four years he carried on a
wagon shop. He then purchased a farm, and has since engaged success-
fully in agricultural pursuits, owning now 160 acres where he resides, in
Richland Township. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Bentley has
been twice married, first in 1845, to Miss Barbara Fusselman, by whom
he had the following children: W. S., a farmer; Edward; Ella, wife of
N. Carney; Rozelia; Agnes and H. O. Mrs. Bentley died in 1863, and
in 1865 our subject was married to Mrs. Rachel M. Ault, of English
descent, widow of Philip Ault, who was a member of the Fifty-seventh
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and lost his life in defense of his
country. They were parents of seven children, all married: Nancy E.,
Rosanna, Matilda, Theodocia and R. S.; Elijah and Wellington are
deceased. Mrs. Bentley's grandfather served in the Revolutionary
war. Her father, Elijah Perkins, a wealthy farmer, whose parents died
when he was a child, has been very successful in business, possessing at
one time 800 acres, and is at present owner of 600 acres of well-improved
land in Richland Township; he is ninety-eight years old, and his wife
ninety-two years.
T. H. BIERY, buteher, Bluffton, was born August 16, 1844, in Lehigh
County, Penn. ; son of John (a farmer) and May (Kimerer) Biery, who
were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent Their family
consisted of ten children, of whom T. H. is the youngest Our subject
received a common school education, and early learned butchering, in
which business he has continued all his life. He came to Bluffton, this
county, in 1875, and opened a butoher shop and meat market, and has
continued here ever since, meeting with more than average success. He
was married, in 1867, to Miss Sarah Wasser, a native of Hancock
County, Ohio, and to this union were born eight children: William, Lew,
Felix, James, John, Milton, Charles and Stillman. Mr. Biery is a mem-
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758 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ber of the German Reformed Church, his wife of the Lutheran Church.
In politics he is a Democrat.
PETER BIXEL, P. O. Bluffton, is a representative farmer, and was
prominent among the early settlers of Allen County. He was bom in
Holmes County, Ohio, April 28, 1833; son of Peter and Fannie (Diller)
Bixel, natives of France and Switzerland, respectively, and who came
to America when young. They were married in Holmes County, and
had a family of twelve children, of whom Peter is the fourth; they came
to Allen County in 1845, and settled od a farm. Our subject received
his education in the common schools of Putnam and Allen Counties, and
wisely chose farming as his life occupation, as his father and grandfather
had done before him. He has been very successful, and now owns 200
acres of well improved land. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Fannie
Suter, a native of Putnam County, Ohio, and of French descent, and
this union has been blessed with thirteen children, eleven of whom are
now living: Christian, David, Maggie, Peter, Anna, Fannie, John, Mary,
Elias, Samuel and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Bixel are members of the
Mennonite Church, of Richland Township. Our subject takes a just
pride in his children, and has carefully educated them. He has served
ten years as school director of his township. In politics he is a Demo-
crat.
R. F. CAHTLL, grocer, Bluffton, was bom in Cumberland County,
Penn., December 2, 1831; son of Richard and Sarah (Foulk) Cahill, the
former born in Maryland, and of Irish descent, the latter a native of the
Keystone State, of German lineage. His father, a physician, came to
Ohio, where he followed his profession for many years, and in 1858 settled
in Blufflon, same State, and here practiced. Otir subject, the third in a
family of seven children, received a common school education in Wayne
County. His Orst business enterprise was buying and shipping live stock.
On comiug to this county he entered into partnership with H. Waltz, who
is now in the commission business in Buffalo, N. Y. After the diesolu-
tion of this partnership Mr. Cahill continued in the stock business alone
until 1876, when he embarked in the grocery business, which he has car-
ried on with more than average success ever since. He employs four
clerks and enjoys a good trade. Mr. Cahill was married, in 1859, to Miss
Carrie Alexander, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Rev. John Alexan-
der, a pioneer minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and who was
also a politician, a Democrat, and who at an early day served as county
recorder of Allen County. Mr. and Mrs. Cahill have two children:
Lulu B. and Harry Lee, who is clerk in the store when not attending
school. Mr. Cahill went to California in 1850, returned in 1851, but the
«ame year went back to the gold fields of that State, where he remained
for about two years. In politics he is a Democrat
H. J. CALL, life and fire insurance and real estate agent, and traveling
ticket agent for the Lake Erie and Western Railroad Company, with head-
•quarters at Blufflon, was bom in Erie County, Ohio, July 28, 1842; son
of D. C. and Eliza (Grenolds) Call, of English descent, and natives of
Vermont and New York, respectively. D. C. Call is a minister of the
Disciples Church, and has lived in Allen County since 1874; of his six
children H. J. is the second. Our subject received his education in the
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 759
<3ommoD and high schools, and at Oberlin College. Daring the war of
the Rebellion he enlisted, in 1861, in the Seventh Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, acting as Second Sergeant; was discharged in 1863, re-enlisted in
Company C, Seventy-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
seryed till the war closed. He then went to Ottawa, Putnam County,
Ohio, and embarked in the grocery business. In 1866 he came to Bluff,
ton, this county, and engaged in the manufacture of oil barrels, in com-
pany with J. C. Powell. Subsequently selling out his interest bere, he
went to Lima, where he carried on the same business; afterward returned
toBluffton, and for a time engaged in a similar pursuit, but in 1879 he
commenced the insurance business, and now represents eight Hre and
life companies, and is also in real estate business. Since 1882 he has
also been traveling ticket agent for the Lake Erie and Western Railroad
Company. Mr. Call was married, in 1865, to Miss N. J., daughter of
Hon. James Hogland, ex-congressman from Holmes County, Ohio. Mrs.
Call is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Call has
served as trustee of Richland Township; is a Democrat in politics; a
F. & A. M.
JOHN CHARLTON, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Hunting-
don County, Penn., September 9, 1809; son of Thomas and Elizabe^
(McClain) Charlton, the former, a farmer, of Irish descent, the latter a
native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch lineage. Our subject, the eldest in a
family of four children, received his education in the oonmion schools of
Pennsylvania, and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for
eighteen years. He came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1849, and bought
bis present farm comprising seventy-four acres of land, which he has
Bince improved. He was married in 1828, to Elizabeth Kemp, a native
of Huntingdon County, Penn^, and of Irish descent She died in 1883.
She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the eight
children bom to this union only four are now living: Ellen, wife of
Isaac McHenry; Jane, wife of Mr. Russell; Martha, wife of Mr. Bern-
bard; and Mary, who is single and keeps house for her father. Mr.
Charlton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Re-
publican in politics.
J. ROSS CLARE, physician, Bluffton, was bom at Marietta, Wash-
ington Co., Ohio, January 8, 1827, the only son of Miller and
Rachel (Corns) Clark. Our subject's maternal grandmother, of German
origin, was a resident of Valley Forge, at the time Gen. Washing-
ton and his soldiers wintered there. The doctor's father, a farmer by
occupation, came to Ohio in 1798, and here he was reared among the
rural scenes of farm life. He was of Irish descent, but of a family who
came to America in an early day, his uncle, Abraham Clark, being one of
the signers of the Declaration of Independence. At the age of eighteen
years our subject commenced teaching, an occupation he followed with
success for fifteen years. During this time he studied medicine, and
after he had fitted himself for the profession he abandoned teaching and
immediately commenced to practice, first in Wyandot County, Ohio,
then at Mount Blanchard, subsequently at Beaver Dam, this county,
where he remained five years, and finally, in 1867, came to Bluffton
where he has been in regular practice ever since. The doctor has been
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760 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
twice married, and is father of six children, four by his first wife:
Marshall, Cynthia, Lowell and Lillie, and two by his second wife: Bow-
ena Mabel and Boscoe. Onr subject is a Republican in politics; has
never held any public offica He is a member of the Northwestern
Ohio Medical Association.
L. C. CBIBLEZ, proprietor of saw-mill and lumber dealer, Beaver
Dam, was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, January 15, 1883. His
father, Victor Criblez, who came to America in 1836 and settled in Ohio,
was a shoe-maker and carpenter, and worked at these trades until be
came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1846; he reared a family of nine chil-
dren. Our subject, the eldest, was educated in the common schools of
this county and worked at the carpenter's trade until thirty-five years of
a^e. In 1879 he built the saw-mill at Beaver Dam with a capacity of
10,000 feet per day, and is now employing from four to six men in the
same. He was married, in 1862, to Bachel, daughter of John Jennings,
an early pioneer of Allen County. Mrs. Criblez was bom in Ohio and
is of English descent The children bom to this union are Jehu, Will-
iam and L. C. Mrs. Criblez is a member of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Criblez has constructed several saw-mills, and now owns 100 acres of
land, besides a half interest in the mill, and town property at Beaver
Dam. He is a F. & A. M. ; in politics a Democrat «
N. W. CUNNINGHAM, editor and proprietor of the Bluffton News,
Bluffton, was bom at Lima, Ohio, February 24, 1856; son of Col.
James and Martha (Kennedy) Cunningham, natives of Ohio. His father,
who came to Allen County in 1832, firot settled on a farm, but was after-
ward a merchant at Lima, and held almost every office in the county from
supervisor to State senator. Our subject, who is the youngest of the
eleven children born to his parents, learned the printer's trade in the
Democrat office at Lima, which was then conducted by D. S. Fisher, and
there remained four years. In 1875 he established his present paper in
Bluffton. He was married at Durango, Col., in 1882, to Miss Eva A.
Ballard, formerly a teacher of Bluffton Schools.
CHABLES S. DAY, of the firm of Day & Hilty, proprietors of
grocery and bakery, Bluffton, was bom in Putnam County, Ohio, Jan-
uary 31, 1861; son of B. B. and Mary (McBride) Day, the former a
native of Vermont, the latter of New York, who were parents of two
children, of whom our subject is the elder. His father enlisted during
the late war of the BebelUon, in the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
and was killed in battle in 1864. Charles S. received his schooling in
his native county and came to Bluffton, Ohio, when sixteen years old, and
for six years was engaged as a clerk, the first two years with B. F.
Cahill, the last four with Vernon & Steiner. He was married, June 5,
1882, to Catherine Keim, to which uoion has been born one child — Hallie.
In politics Mr. Day is a Bepublican.
HENBY DILLMAN, grocer, Bluffton, was bom in Hancock County,
Ohio, February 27, 1844, and is the sixth in the family of seven children
of Peter and Elizabeth (Bame) Dillman, natives of Germany. His father
came from his native land to America and settled on a farm in Jefferson
County, Ohio, and there Henry was reared. Our subject received his edu-
cation in Hancock County, living with his parents until he attained his
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 761
majority, wheD he went to Sprin^eld, Ohio, and lived there one year,
and came to Blnffton, clerking for two years for Philip Tranch. In 1869
Mr. Dillman embarked in the grocery businees, in which he has con-
tinned snocessfully ever sinca He is now the owner of a business room,
three houses and lots in Blufiton. He was united in marriage, in 1875,
with Miss Emma Helms, a daughter of Joseph Helms, a pioneer and
prominent farmer of Hancock County, Ohio. To this union have been
born five children: Maud, Harley, Budd, Charles and Toney C. Mrs.
Dillman is a member of the Methodist Church at Bluffton. In politics
Mr. Dillman is a Democrat.
M K. EDGECOMB, retired farmer, Beaver Dam, was bom in Trumbull
County, Ohio, December 11, 1826, son of Uriah and Elizabeth (Doud)
Edgecomb, of English descent, and who came to Allen County in 18S1
or 1832, settling; in Bath Township. Their family consisted of thirteen
children, twelve of whom grew to manhood and womanhood and five now
living in this county. The father, who died at the advanced age of
eighty years, was a farmer, and made his home for many years with his
son, M E. , previous to his death. Our subject, the ninth in the family,
was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He has
been very successful in life, has engaged in farming most of the
time, and now owns a farm in Richland Township and property in
Beaver Dam. He operated a threshing machine during the falls and
winters from 1844 to 1858, and now keeps a hotel in Beietver Dam. He
was married, November 18, 1847, to Hannah E., daughter of Jacob
Everitt, a farmer and an early settler of Allen County, this State, and of
English descent. Their children are Madison, married and farming,
G. W. and William. Mr. and Mrs. Edgecomb are members of the
Disciples Church, in which he is elder and of which he has been super-
intendent of the Sabbath-school. He is a Republican in politics.
WILLIAM Mc. FENTON, retired farmer P. O. BluflRon, was born in
Trumbull County, Ohio, December 25, 1815, son of Robert and Jane
(McCrea) Fenton; the former a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, in
early years a carpenter, but in later life a farmer; the latter born in Ireland.
They settled on a farm in Richland Township, this county, in 1836. Our
subject, the fourth in their family of nine children, was reared on the
farm, receiving his education in the pioneer log schoolhouse. He
has made farming the occupation of his life, and is the owner of
eighty acres of land in Richland Township, this county, on which he now
resides. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Jane Hatch, born in Marion
County, Ohio, in 1837, a daughter of Gardner and Harriet (Dudley) Hatch,
who were natives of Maine and of English descent, former a farmer in
Hardin County, Ohio. This union was blessed with five children: Emma
Jane (deceased), William James, Lizzie May, John McCrea and
Charles Gardner. Mr. and Mrs. Fenton are members of the United
Presbyterian Church, in which he has officiated as elder. In politics he
is a Riepablican. He has served as trustee of Richland Township. Mr.
Fenton worked hard in early life, and by prudent management of his
resources has succeeded in accumulating enough of this world's goods
to keep him comfortable in the declining years of his life.
JOHN FENTON, a prominent pioneer of Allen County, was bom in
Trumbull County, Ohio, July 11, 1825; son of Robert and Jane (Mc-
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762 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Crea) Fen ton, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland, respectively, the
former of whom, of English descent, a farmer by ooonpation, enlisted in
the war of 1812, though he did not see active servica John Fen ton and
his twin sister (now IkLrs. James D. Bentley) are the youngest in a family
of eight children. When ten years of age our subject accompanied his par-
ents to this county, and was here reared on the farm, attending the log
schoolhouse near by, and has made farming his life avocation. He was a
dutiful son, attending to the wants of his parents who lived with him until
they died — his father in 1852, aged seventy five years, and his mother in
1855, aged seventy-one years. He was married in 1849, to Isa-
bella Outhwaite, who was bom in England in 1830, a daughter of George
and Isabella (Swan) Outhwaite. Mr. Fenton came to this township forty-
eight years ago, before BlufEton was incorporated, and when the country
was almost a wilderness. During the late civil war he enlisted, in 1863,
in the First Ohio Heavy Artillery, serving till the close of the struggle.
Mr. and Mrs. Fenton have an adopted son, Frederick G^rge Fenton, a
farmer of this county. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Bluffton. He is a Republican in politics.
CHRISTIAN GEIGER, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove, Putnam
County, was bom in Switzerland, November 16, 1835; son of Peter
and Anna (Welty) Geiger, also natives of Switzerland, former of whom
came to America in 1837, settling on a farm in Richland Township, and
raised a family of eight children. Christian, the youngest, was reared on
the farm, receiving a common school education, and has made fanning
the business of his life. He is the owner of a well -improved farm of
eighty acres of land. He was married, in 1858, to Anna, dau^ter of
Peter Thut, a native of Switzerland and a pioneer of Allen County. To
Mr. Geiger and wife were bom Elizabeth (wife of Albert Shutz, a farmer
in this county), Ellas (a farmer), Emma (at home), Mary and Sarah. Mr.
and Mrs. Geiger are members of the Mennonite CHiurch. In politics he
is a Democrat
FREDERICK GEIGER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Put-
nam County, Ohio, October 17, 1838; son of John and Barbara (Welty)
Geiger, natives of Switzerland, who came to America in 1835, and settled
on a farm in Riley Township, Putnam County, Ohio. They were parenta
of seven children, three boys and four girls, all of whom are now living
and prospering. Our subject, the sixth bom, was reared on the farm,
receiving a common school education, and early in life learned the cabinet-
maker's trade. He is of a mechanical turn of mind, and a first-class
workman. In 1853 he completed the first pipe organ in Richland Town-
ship, which is still in use. Farming, however, has been the principal
business of his life, and he is now owner of 116 acres of well-improved
land in Richland Township. Mr. Geiger was married, in 1864, to Eliza-
beth, daughter of John Hilty, a prominent farmer of Allen County, Ohio.
Her parents were natives of Switzerland. To our subject and wife were^
born ten children: Amos, Paulina, Calvin, Menno, Katie Ann, Emma,
John, Isaac W., Lavina and Lillie May. Mr. and Mrs. Geiger are mem-
bers of the American Mennonite Church, io which he is a deacon.
CHRISTIAN GERBER, farmer, P. O. Bluflfton, was bom in Wayne
County, Ohio, September 6, 1823, only child of TJlrich (a farmer) and
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 76S
Elizabeth (Li^iherman) Gerber, natives of Switzerland, and who came
to America in 1822» settling in Wayne County. Oar subject received a
common school education, and has been a farmer all his life. He is now
the owner of a well-improved farm, comprising 116 acres of land, in
Richland Township, where he has resided since 1852. He was united
in marriage in 1854 with Mary, daughter of John Basinger, a farmer
and an early settler of Allen County, Ohio, and of German descent.
Their children are Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Amstutz ; Leah, wife of
Peter £. Amstutz ; David, farming on the home f arm, and Hannah. Mr.
and Mrs. Gerber are members of the Mennonite Church. In politics h&
is a Democrat.
A. D. GOBLE, a member of the Bluflfton Tile Company, Blufflon,
was born in Alabama, September 15, 1849, son of John and Catherine
R (Isbel) Goble, natives of Pennsylvania; former of Scotch-Irish descent,
a Presbyterian minister, who came to this county in 1866; latter of
English origin. They were parents of six children, of whom A. D. is
the next to the eldest Our subject was educated at Hayesville Institute,
and chose for his ooouption the drug business, in which he continued
but one year, however. He then went West, remaining for four years,
then ran an engine ten years, and in 1874 came to this county, embark-
ing in his present business in 1884. He was married in 1872 to Rachel
J., daughter of Jacob Dilley, a farmer residing at Beaver Dam, Ohio.
They are of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Goble have had four chil-
dren : Otis, Lewis C, Irma Zoe and ECarley. Mr. Goble is a member of
the Lutheran Church, his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In politics he is a Democrat
REV. PETER GBEDING, D. D., farmer and minister, P. O. Beaver
Dam, was bom in Thusis Graubunden, Switzerland, February 28, 1837; '
son of Peter and Barbara (Pemisch) Greding, also natives of Switzer-
land, where the former died, leaving a widow with two children, Peter
being the younger. Mrs. Barbara Greding came to America with her
family in 1858, and settled in Milwaukee, Wis. Our subject received a
good education in his native land« graduating from the Cantonal College,
in Chur, in 1856. After coming to America he studied the English lan-
Siage and theology in Heidelberg College and Seminary, Seneca County,
hio, where he was afterward a professor. He is a member of the
Reformed Church in the United States, was ordained a minister in that
denomination in 1859, and the same year came to Allen County, Ohio^
where he established the first German Reformed Church at Lima, and
organized the Emanuel's congregation at Riley CreeL He has been the^
means of having several churches built in different parts of tlie country
since he was stationed in Ohio, and is actively engaged in ministerial
duties, filling the pulpit regularly. The farm on which he now resides,^
and which he operates, comprises 133 acres of land. Our subject was
married in 1860 to Miss Anna, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Matter,
also natives of Switzerland. They have following named children :
Lydia, wife of J. Scott ; Jennings, a farmer and school teacher ; Calvin ^
Emma ; Bertha ; Clara ; Amelia ; Leander, and Hulda.
JOHN GRISMORE, farmer,P. O. Blufflon.was born in Pennsylvania,
August 26, 1812. His parents, Abraham and Elizabeth (Eerchner) Gris-
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764 BIOGRAPHICA.L SKETCHES.
more, were natives of Germany; the father was a farmer, but not very
successful, for he died a poor man leaving a family of ten children.
Our subject, from childhood, had to practice economy. He learned the
tailor's trade which he followed for seventeen years. He was united in
marriage, in 1837, with Catherine Weaver, of German descent, and who
was born November 8, 1816, in Butler County, Ohio, daughter of Henry
Weaver. To this union were bom nine children: Sarah (deceased), Henry,
Mary Ann,George, Elizabeth and an infant son (deceased), Harriett, Phebe
Ann, and Martin. Mrs. Grismore, a member of the Lutheran Church,
died in 1880. Mr. Grismore has been a resident of Richland Township,
this county, since 1842 and has done more to increase its prosperity than
any other man here. He first bought sixty eight acres of land, to which
he added by subsequent purchases, until at one time he owned 630 acres.
He has been induslxious, economical and very successful, financially, and
by judiciously investing his money has now a comfortable competency.
He is a Democrat in politics.
MARTIN GRISMORE, farmer, P. O. BlufEton, was born in Rich-
land Township, this county. May 17, 1861, son of John Grismore, a
wealthy retired farmer and pioneer of Allen County. Our subject received
a common school education and has followed agricultural pursuits all bis
life, being owner of the farm on which he now resides. He was married,
in 1882, to Barbara, daughter of Godhard Altbaus, also a farmer here.
Mr. and Mrs. Grismore have two children: Viola May and Harry Lee.
Mr. Grismore is a Democrat in politics.
CHARLES GUSTWILLER, manufacturer of carriages, busies
and wagons, Bluffton, a native of Germany, was born January 9, 18o0,
son of Sebastian Gustwiller, also a carriage-maker, and who came to
America locating in New York, subsequently moving to Detroit, Mich.,
where he followed his trade till 1860, when he came to Allen County,
Ohio, remainimg here till 1862; he then went to Henry County, same
State, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1882. Of the
six children bom to his parents, Charles is the eldest son. He received
his schooling in this county, worked with his father at carriage -making,
and in 1871 came to Bluffton, working for different parties until 1875,
when he went into business on his own account. He was united in mar-
riage, in 1873, to Sarah E. Cahill, a sister of R. F. and a daughter of
Richard Cahill, M. D. (deceased). They have two children: Lulu B.
and Richard Clair. In politics, Mr. Gustwiller is a Democrat He is
secretary of the R. A. at Blufiton.
SIMON HERR, harness and saddlery, Bluffton, an enterprising
business man of this town, is a native of Allen County, Ohio, born April
17, 1851; son of Christian and Catherine (Mosser) Herr, who came to
Ohio from Germany, their native land, over half a century ago, spending
many years in this county. Of their seven children six grew to manhood
and womanhood. Our subject's father, who learned and followed weav-
ing in Germany, devoted his entire attention to farming after coming to
America; he died in this county in 1856. Simon Herr was reared on
the farm, receiving his education in the common schools of this county.
He learned the hamess-makinfi" trade, and has successfully carried on
this business in Bluffton since 1870. He has also at different times en-
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 765
gaged in selling sewing machines, wagons, baggies and carriages. Mr.
Herr is owner of sixty feet front on Main Street, occnpied by business
houses, which he made still more valuable by building, in 1884, the
Herr's Opera House, which is one of the finest places of entertainment
in this part of Ohio, having a seating capacity for 500 persons, folding
chairs, raised floor, stage 40x22, four dressing rooms, good scenery
etc Our subject was married at Lima, Ohio, in 1876, to Maggie Tre-
mains, also a native of Ohio, of English descent, and to this union
were bom Bertha, Anna, Jessie, and one deceased. Mrs. Herr is a member
of the Disciples Church
NOAH HILTT, fanner and stock-raiser, P. O. Blufiton, was bom in
Bichland Township, this county, March 4, 1852; son of Peter and Eliza-
beth (Neuschwander) Hilty, natives of Switzerland. Peter Hilty, a
farmer by occupation, was bom September 8, 1821, and was the third
in the family of five children of Peter and Fannie (Lngibihl) Hilty,
natives of Switzerland, and who came to America in 1826, settling on a
farm in Wayne County, Ohio. Our subject's father was reared on
the farm and attended the log schoolhouse, and came to Allen County
in 1838, settling in the wild woods. He was married in 1842, and to this
union were bom ten children: Isaac, John, Barbara, Catherine, Benjamin,
Noah, Mary, Peter B., Samuel and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Peter
Hilty are members of the Mennonite Church; he has served as school
director of this township. Noah Hilty was reared on the farm, received
a common school education, and worked for four years at the carpenter's
trade, bufc is now a farmer and stock raiser, owing sixty acres of land.
He was married in 1876, to Sarah, daughter of Rev. John Moser, a Men-
nonite minister, and of German descent I'heir children are Elam,
Elizabeth (deceased), Elmer^ Dora and Edmond. Mr. and Mrs. Noah
Hilty are also members of the Mennonite Society.
J. HILTY, of the firm of Day & Hilty, proprietors of grocery and
bakery, BlufEton, was bom in AUen County, Ohio, August 7, 1859. He
was educated at Bluffton, Ohio, and leamed the harness-maker's trade, at
which he worked for six years. In company with Charles S. Day he
purchased the grocery and bakery in 1884. They are both good trades-
men, doing a cash business, and aiming to handle only first-class goods.
J. GUY HONNELL, physician and farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, Ohio,
was bom in Oreene County, Penn., January 9, 1831, son of William and
Eleanor (Pratt) Honnell, of French and German descent, former a farmer
by occupation, being a native of Virginia; they were parents of twelve
children, eleven of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Our sub-
ject, the sixth in the family, was reared on the farm, attending the
common school of the home district and at Sidney, Ohio, until he was
sixteen years old. He then commenced teaching in the winter and
attending school in the summer, and while at coUesre he paid his own
tuition and board and bought his own clothing. He was in school most
of the time until he was twenty-one years of age. He then entered
the ofiSce of Dr. Robert Johnson & Son, where he studied medicine for
two years, then commenced to practice in Montra, Shelby Co., Ohio, fol-
lowing his profession there till 1855, when he came to Allen County,
Ohio, and here he has practiced ever since. The doctor is well known,
46
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766 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and at one time had an extensive practice, haying had as many as 100
calls in one day, many of whom he was compelled to turn away. He
has never been a rigid collector, was always liberal to the poor, and
though he has been very successful, is not wealthy. He is owner of 200
acres of valuable land. Dr. Honnell was married in 1855, to Amelia C,
daughter of Bev. Ezra W. and M. S. (Stiles) Clark, former a Baptist min-
ister, of English and German descent Their children are Stella, wife
of Henry S. Shull ; Carrie V., wife of H. C. Hobart, of Cleveland, Ohio;
Annie, wife of J. Marshall ; Jessie, at home ; Eugene Ouy, eight years
old, the only son, also at home with his parents. The doctor is a Pres^
byterian of the Calvinistic type. His wife is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. In politics he is a prohibitionist of the ultra stamp,
always claiming that alcohol, in all of its forms, is more sedative than
stimulant, and the use of it is not necessary in the treatment of diseasa
LEWIS W. HUBER, farmer and stockraiser, P. O. Bluffton, was
born in Allen County, Ohio, October 29, 1848, son of William and Sally
Ann (Cunningham) Huber. William Huber was bom in Batavia, Oter-
many, in l81o, second of the five children (all boys) of Jacob Huber, a
blacksmith, who married Bai'bara Maier, and came from Germany to
Pennsylvania in 1832, and after working at his trade there for two years
came to Bluffton, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. Our
subject's father is a very wealthy farmer, and has lived in this couniy
since 1835; his wife was a native of Virginia; they reared a respect-
able family, of whom Lewis W. is the eldest Our subject was reared
on a farm, and received a common school education. He has made agri-
culture the principal occupation of his life, and now owns a well- Improved
farm of seventy-live acres in Richland Township. Mr. Huber was mar-
ried in 1873 to Matilda Girod, whose parents were natives of France.
To this union was born four children, three now living : Maud, John
and Orville. Mr. and Mrs. Huber are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. In politics he is a Democrat
LEWIS JENNINGS, miller, Beaver Dam, was bom in Tuscarawas
County, Ohio, January 20, 1828, son of James and Elizabetii
(William) Jennings, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Welsh and English
descent, the former of whom was a pioneer farmer of this county, having
moved here with his family over forty-eight >ears ago. Lewis was the
eldest son of eight children, and had only a few weeks* schooling, as
there were no schools in Eichland Township for ten years after the fam-
ily settled here, but he studied at night, after working hard all day,
fitting himself to be a teacher, and taught school for several winters in
this county. He was married in 1852, to Ann McEee, who bore him the
following children : Hiram (deceased), James B., Anna, John M.
This wife died in 1860, and our subject then married, in 1861, Mary A.
Everett, a native of this county, and of English descent The children
born to this union are Francis M., B. F., Alfred, Clara, George.. Eittie
May and Jasper W. W. Mr. and Mr& Jennings are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as trustee and stew-
ard. He is a Republican in politics; has been trustee of Richland
Township. Our subject owns a well-improved farm, and made fanning
and stock-raising the business of his life till in 1882, when in company with
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 767
0. 0. Woodard he built the flooring-mill at Beaver Dam. This mill is
in a first-class condition, having six doable sets of rollers and one of
bnhrs, costing him $18,000. Mr. Woodard sold his interest in 1884, and
the business is now conducted by Lewis Jennings & Sons.
O. S. LANGAN, banker, Blufflon, a native of Ireland, was bom De-
cember 19, 1839, son of Thomas Langan. He received his literary educa-
tion in Ohio, and took a commercial course at Pittsburgh, Penn., graduating
in 1861. When the war of the Bebellion broke out he promptly answered
the call for men and enlisted in the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
being soon after appointed corporal, then sergeant, was then promoted
to orderly sergeant, and subsequently to sergeant-major of the regiment.
He was wounded at the battle of Ohickamauga, taken prisoner and held
on the battle field for ten days — when he was exchanged and sent to
hospital at Nashville, thence to Camp Dennison, where he remained till
the expiration of his term of servica He then returned to Ohio, and in
1866 was married, in Findlay, Hancock County, to Miss Ella Mungen,
and to this union were born the following children: William I., Belle,
Merle and Olen. Mr. and Mrs. Langan are members of the Presbyterian
Church, of which he is a trustee. In politics he is a Republican. Mr.
Langan has been very successful in bis business enterprises. He served
as corporation treasurer and as a member of the school board. He is
a F. & A. M.
WILLIAM LEWIS, Bluflfton, was born in Harrison County, Ohio,
Decembor 25, 1815, son of Henry and Leah (Hill) Lewis, the former of
whom was a laborer. Our subject grew up among strangers, and the
man with whom he lived put him to chopping wood as soon as he was
able to handle an ax, keeping him at it and allowing him but one-half
a day's schooling, depriving him at same time of sufficient clothing, so
that until he was sixteen years of age our subject never wore a hat, and
bad but two pairs of shoes until he made them for himself./ But he was
bale and hearty, almost as fleet-footed as a deer, and he claims he could
catch a rabbit in a fair race. The Indians were numerous here at that
time, and young Lewis won a wager of $78.50 by outstripping a famous
Indian runner; he also threw the champion wrestler of this race. In
1840 he climbed the liberty pole in Van Wert, height seventy. five feet,
and cut the ropes used in raising it. William Lewis was never a very
large man, 170 pounds being his greatest weight, and forty inches his
chest measura He was noted as a wood-chopper, cutting and cording, on
one occasion, 100 cords of wood in twenty-two days. In his lifetime he
has cleared 217 acres of land with his own hands, and has cradled six
acres of wheat in one day. He became an expert marksman, carrying
off many prizes in shooting matches, and one summer he killed eighteen
deer and a bear. Mr. Lewis came to Allen County in 1882, and for a
long time engaged in cutting and clearing timber lands, but in later
years has been manufacturing brick. He comes of patriotic stock, his
grandfather having been a soldier in the Revolutionary struggle, and bis
father in the war of 1812. During the late war of the Bebellion our
subject enlisted in 1862, in Company B, Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry; was injured by a wagon falling on him at the second battle of
Bull Run, and was discharged on account of disability. After coming
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768 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
home, however, his health improved, and in 1865 he re-enHsted, serving
till the close of the war, bat has never been able to do much hard labor
sinca Mr. Lewis was married in 1842, to Sarah Myers, of Van Wert
Gonnty, Ohio; a daughter of Henry Myers, a farmer, and their children
are as follows: James B. (also a member of Company £, Sixty-first
Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry), Mary J. (wife of C. E. Bowen, of
Dayton, Ohio), William J. (a stonemason, married and residing at
Bluffton), and George H. (interested with his father in the manufacture
of brick, and who was bom September 24, 1851, in Bluf^ton, Ohio, and
married in 1875 to Elizabeth Conrad, have three children, Gertrude A.,
Bertha May and Hallie Edith). William Lewis and his sons are Re-
publicans in politic& Our subject has been financially successful, and
now owns five acres of land in Bluffton, four houses and lots, and a
small farm in Hancock County, Ohio. He has been elected to public
offices of trust in this coimty. He is well liked and is familiarly known
as "Uncle Billy."
G. A. LIGHT, druggist and physician, Beaver Dam, was bom in
Putnam County, Ohio, August 7, 1860, son of Amos, a farmer, and
Elizabeth (Wells) Light, natives of Ohio and of German and English
descent They reared a family of four children. Our subject, the eld-
est, acquired his education at Amalthea University, at West^rville,
Franklin County, and Putnam County, Ohio. He studied medicine three
years with Dr. H. T. Breckhill, and practiced with him for six montha
In 1882, he commenced business on his own account, opening a drug
store at Beaver Dam, where he still continues. Dr. Light has had to
make his own way in tiie world, and prior to studying medicine, was for
a time clerk in a dry goods store, and also taught school for nine terms.
He was united in marriage in 1882, with Miss S. F., daughter of Sam-
uel Morr, a farmer. Her parents were Pennsylvania Germans. To this
union was bom one child — Roy Austin. The doctor and wife are mem-
bers of the United Brethren Church. He is a F. & A. M. In politics
a Democrat; in 1884 he was elected justice of the peaca
BENJAMIN P. LUGIBIHL, farmer, stock-raiser and breeder of fine
horses, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county,
August 81, 1849. His father, David Lugibihl, was bom in 1819, son of
Christian and Catherine (Steiner) Lugibihl, natives of France, who came
to America in 1824, and settled on a farm in Holmes County, Ohio.
They reared a family of seven children, of whom David was the sixth.
Our subject's father came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1836, settling in
Richland Township, where he has lived ever since, and is among its
wealthy farmers; he was married three times, his first wife being Cath-
erine, daughter of Christian Geiger; they were married June 18, 1840,
and their children were Mary, Regina (deceased wife Christian Basin-
ger), Elizabeth (deceased wife of Peter B. Amstutz), and John (deceased).
He was married (the second time) August 19, 1848, to Anna Sutter (nee
Am8tutz),widow of John Sutter, and their children were Benjamin P.,
Jacob and Fanny. August 17, 1865, he married, for his third wife, Anna
Lederman. Benjamin P. was educated in the common schools of his
native township and has successfully engaged in farming. He was mar-
ried in 1875, to Catherine, daught^ of Jacob and Anna (Stettler) Shif -
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 769
ferly, natives of Switzerland. The children bom to this union were
Bhoda, Walter, Hnldah (deceased). Mrs. Lugibihl was a school teacher
before her marriage. Oar subject and wife are members of the German
Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat He has been school
director for six years and has served his township two terms as trustee.
JAMES McPEAE, a successful physician of Bluffton, was born in
Ireland, October 21, 1844, son of Samuel and Mary (Brown) McPeak,
natives of Ireland. Samuel McPeak, an iron molder by trade, came to
America in 1846 and settled in Cincinnati. Our subject, the second in
a family of six children, attended the graded schools and also a private
school in Cincinnati. During the late civil war he enlisted, in 1861, in Com-
pany C, Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantjy, was private, and at
the close of his three years' service, was appointed aide, with rank of
captain, to Col. Greenwood, who was then inspector- general At the close
of the memorable struggle, our subject returned home and commenced
(in 1866) the study of medicine in Cincinnati, in the office of Dr.S. B. Tom-
linson, where he remained* three years. He then entered the Ohio Med-
ical College, graduated in 1870, and same year was appointed district
physician and surgeon of Cincinnati, and was thus employed for two
years; he then engaged in regular practice there for three years, and was
at two other places before he came here in 1882. Dr. McPeak was mar-
ried August 29, 1871, to Eliza White, who was bom in Cincinnati, of
Irish descent, and a daughter of Robert White. Their children are
Blanche, Robert Samuel and Maggie. Dr. McPeak and wife are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder.
JAMES H. MARSHALL, farmer and stock-raiser, Beaver Dam, was
born in Pennsylvania, April 9, 1823; son of J. H., a farmer, and Jane
(Patterson) Marshall, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German
descent, respectively, and who had a family of ten children, all of whom
grew to manhood and womanhood. James H., the eldest, was reared on
the farm, receiving his education in the log schoolhouse, and has made
farming the business of his life. He came to Allen County, Ohio, in
1842, and engaged in clearing, and helped make the first roads in his
part of the township. His farm, then in the woods, is now well im-
proved, and comprises 112 acres of land. Mr. Marshall has been twice
married; first time, in 1846, to Nancy, daughter of John Steele, and a
native of Pennsylvania, of German descent To this union were born
seven children: Mary (wife of Jacob Zeiders), Jane (wife of R. Campbell),
J. H., Sarah (wife of Samuel Stewart), Cyrus A., Margaret (wife of F.
Miller) and John. Mrs. Marshall died in 1859, and Id 1860 our subject
married Siisan, daughter of James and Maria (Shrieves) Yanmeter, who
were of Irish and German descent. The children bom to this union are
Robert, Alice. George and Estella L. Mr. Marshall is a Presbyterian;
his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he
is a Republican.
CYRUS MARSHALL, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Cranberry, was
born in Lawrence County, Penn., June 22, 1826, a son of James Hayes Mar-
shall, a farmer. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish
descent. Our subject, the fifth in a family of ten children, was reared on
the farm, acquiring a common school education. He was united in mar-
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770 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
riage, in 1850, with Mary, daughter of Samuel Beed, a native of Mahoning
County, Ohio, and of English desoent To this union were born four chil-
dren: Jamee H. and Margaret Alice (both deceased) ; John B. (who has beeh
a school teacher, but is now a prominent farmer of this county), and Albert
H. (also a farmer) — they both graduated from the normal school at Ada,
Ohio, are married and own their farms. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church at Bockport, Ohio, which he helped build,
has been a member thirty-three years, and is now trustee in same. In
politics he is a Republican. Our subject came here by wagon in 1851,
and settled in the woods on the farm where he now resides, comprising
150 acres, which his father, who never lived here, however, had previous-
ly entered. He put up a cabin, and began clearing his farm, sending
the grain he raised to the mill at Delphos. By industry he has accumu-
lated a comfortable competency, and now owns two well-cultivated farms,
comprising 160 and 154 acres, respectively. He has been engaged in
buying and selling live stock, making a specialty of sheep, and now has
450 head of Spanish merinos.
W. H. MOHLEB, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Cumberland
County, Penn., August 8, 1846; son of Henry and Anna (Howser) Mohler.
natives of Pennsylvania, the former of English descent, the latter of Ger-
man lineage. His father was a farmer, and lived many years in Ohio. Our
subject was raised on the farm, attending the district school, and has made
farming the business of his life. He came to Allen County in 1880, and
bought the farm of eighty-seven acres where he now resides. He has
been twice married; first, in 1870, to Harriet Quabill, who died in 1883,
leaving two children — Ettie and Jesse. His second wife, whom he mar-
ried in 1884, was Miss Katie Eeim, bom in Hessen, Germany, December
19, 1856, and whose father, Jacob Eeim, came to America in 1866, set-
tling in Bichland Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Mohler are
members of church, the former of the Dunker's sect, and the latter of the
Evangelical denomination. Our subject is a neat farmer, and takes just
pride in educating his children. In politics he is a Bepublican.
WILLIAM W. MOOBE, physician and surgeon, was bom in Luzerne
County, Penn. ; son of Elijah and Sarah (Moss) Moore, who reared a fam-
ily of eleven children, of whom William W. is the sixth. His father, a
carpenter and farmer, was in good circumstances until he moved to Ohio,
when misfortunes overtook him, at which time the health of William W.
became poor, and his father,f earing that the labors of farm life would be too
hard for him, gave him his time at the age of fifteen years, advising him to
acquire an education, telling William when he needed help to call on him.
Accepting his father's advice,our subject managed to secure sufficient means
to enter the academy at Normal k, Ohio, where he pursued a course of
study for about three years. He next devoted himself to the study of
medicine with Drs. Cole and Cook, at Monroeville, Ohio, during two
years. He then commenced the practice of medicine at Bockport, Ohia
Having spent some two years in the practice of medicine, he next went to
Cleveland, and attended the Western Beserve Medical College until find-
ing his funds somewhat exhausted; he then left college and located at
Decatur, Adams Co., Ind., where he practiced medicine thirteen years.
He subsequently went West, but, his health failing, he came to Allen
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 771
County in 1878, locating at Beaver Dam, and in 1882 moved toBloffton,
where he still pnrsnes the practice of medicine and surgery. Dr. Moore
has been succeasfal as a physician, and though he has met with some
butfinees reverses, sustaining heavy losses, he is yet in fair circumstances,
and owns some real estate in Bluffton and also in Lima. He is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal GhurcL In politics he was a Democrat until
1864, since which time he has identified himself with the Republican
party.
THOMAS MURRAT, retived farmer, Bluffton, a prominent early set-
tler of Allen County, was born at CongriBss Lake, Stark Co., Ohio, Feb-
ruary 12, 1820; son of John and Charity (Friest) Murray, natives of
Pennsylvania, of Dutch and Lrish lineage, and who were parents of thir-
teen children, ten of whom attained maturity — seven sons and three
daughters. His grandfather, Thomas Murray, was for many years a
member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. His father, who was a farmer,
at the time of his death bad sixty-four grandchildren and sixteen great-
grandchildren, many of whom are now living. Our subject was reared
on his father's farm and acquired his education in the subscription
school, held in a log-house, in Mahoning County, Ohio, where his parents
lived for many years; has followed agricultural pursuits nearly all his
life. He came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1848, settling in Bluffton,
where he followed farming and was among the first to make cheese. He
afterward kept hot^l for ten years, but at present is living a retired life
in comfortable circumstances. He owns lands in Ohio and in the West,
and considerable town property. Ho manages all his business himself
and has made all he now owns by his own industry. Mr. Murray has
been twice married, first in 1844, to Julia A. Osborn, who died in 1868.
Their children were A. J., the eldest daughter, wife of A. G. Eibler, a
prominent merchant in Bluffton, Ohio; Elizabeth F., wife of Joseph
Miller, of Bluffton; Marietta, at home; Alexander, on a farm of 250 acres
belonging to his father, in Kansas, and Cynthia A., at home. Mr. Mur-
ray was married, on second occasion, in 1864, to Mrs Nancy (Yanmeter)
Marshall, widow of Robert Marshall, a pioneer farmer of Allen (then
Putnam, County, Ohio, by whom she had six children, five now living:
Calvin, a farmer; Yiama Amethia, widow of Mr. Young, now residing in
Bluffton; James F., married and farming in Kansas; C. C, a railroad
man, Chicago, III, and Nancy L., at home. Mr. Marshall died in 1855.
By his second marriage Mr. Murray has one son — William B. Our sub-
ject was a Democrat in politics until the Kansas trouble, since when he
has been a Republican. He served as township trustee in an early day,
and many years on the school board. He has never taken a drink of
whisky, never been sick a day in his life, and has never sued any one for
debt or been sued himself, although he has done a large amount of busi-
ness.
F. MARION MURRAY, physician and druggist, Bluffton, was born in
Bluffton, Ohio, January 17, ]855; son of Joseph A. and Nancy (Dray)
Murray, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-German descent,
the latter of Ohio, of English-Irish lineage. His father, a wagon-maker
by trade, has been a resident of Bluffton since 1851. Our subject, the
sixth in a family of eight children, received his literary education in the
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772 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
schools of his native town, and here commenced to work in a dmg store
when but thirteen years old, and continued clerking for over four years.
He then went to Key West, Fla., being appointed steward and apothe-
cary of the United States Marine Hospital, a position he held for four
years, and during this time he studied medicine and pharmacy. He sub*
sequently entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, whence he
graduated in 1876; at the same time attending lectures at the Jeflferson
Medical College, graduating in 1877; and, in 1878, the degree of Doctor
of Philosophy was conferred on him by the University of Pennsylvania.
Immediately after graduating in medicine he began practicing in the
city, whence he moved to Lenni, Delaware Co., Penn., where he continued
in active practice until be came to Blu£fton in 1883, and here followed
his profession till the latter part of 1884, when he became a partner
with A. Hauenstein in the drug business. The doctor was married,
in 1880, to Amanda Eirby, by whom he has two children: Jessie and
Marian. Mr. and Mrs. Murray are members of the Presbyterian Church,
of which he is trustee. He has had a longer medical training and has
secured more diplomas than any other physician in Allen County. He
is a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association, the Ohio State
Pharmaceutical Association; the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy; an
honorary member of the Florida Medical Association; D. D. G. M. of
the I. O. O. F. , and is a Master Mason.
, l^QCHAEL NEUSCHWANDER, farmer, BluflEton. Among the
early pioneers of Allen County and the first German families in Rich-
land Township was the Neuschwander family. Michael, our subject,
the youngest of five children, was bom June 11, 1823, on mid ocean, his
parent® being on their way brom Switzerland to America. They located
the same year (1823) in Wayne County, Ohio, where they remained for
ten years. The father, a cooper by trade, engaged in farming after com-
ing with his family to Allen County, Ohio, in 1833. They settled on
the farm where our subject now resides, camping out for three weeks
until a temporary cabin covered with brush was erected. The wolves
were numerous at that time, and a fire was kindled at night in front of
the cabin to frighten them away. On one occasion, Daniel, our subject's
elder brother, was chased by them, and, though in great peril, managed to
effect his escape by urging on his horse. Deer and other game were
plentiful. The Indians, who were camped near the settlers, proved them-
selves to be good neighbors, and were always friendly to the family.
Later the father built the log-house which is still standing. Our sub-
ject was married in Richland Township, in 1845, to Fannie, daughter of
John Geiger, a pioneer of Putnam County, Ohio, and the children bom
to this union are John S., Mary, Anna, Joshua, Amos E., David and
Sarah. Mr. Neuschwander a ad wife are members of the Reformed Men-
nonite Society. He is owner of a fine farm of 200 acres with first-class
improvements.
J. S. NEUSCHWANDER, proprietor of farm and market garden,
Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county, November 28,
1849, son of Michael and Fannie (Geiger) Neuschwander. His father,
who was a farmer the latter part of his life, was born en route from
Switzerland to America, his moUier was a native of Switzerland. They
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 773
eame to Allen County, Ohio, iu 1833, and settled in Richland Township.
They r^^ed a family of seven children — fonr sons and three daughters.
Our subject., the eldest now living of this family, was reared on the farm,
and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He was married, in
1882, to Fannie Bender, who was bom in Fulton County, Ohio. Her
parents were natives of Switzerland, her father a farmer. To this union
was bom one child: Effie Pearl. Mr. Neuschwander and wife are mem-
bers of the Reformed Mennonite Church. Our subject is now engaged
in raising garden truck, berries, etc., for the market He owns seventy
acres of land, ten acres being laid out in town lots.
ISAAC N. NEUENSCHWANDER, farmer, P. O. Columbus Grove,
Putnam County, was bom January 1, 1845,son of John and Barbara (Basin-
ger) Neuenschwander, natives of Switzerland, who inmiigrated to this
country with their parents when quite young, and settled in Wayne
County,^ Ohio. His father is now a wealthy influential farmer of Han-
cock County, Ohio. Our subject, the youngest in a family of fonr chil-
dren, lost his mother when he was but five months old, and was raised by
Christian Basinger on a farm. At the age of nineteen years he com-
menced to teach school during the winters, farming in the summers,
which routine he followed for six years. He was married, April 16,
1869, to Catherine, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Lngibihl) Geiger,
natives of Switzerland. To this union were born the following children:
Emma, Jacob, Caroline, Elias, David, Elizabeth, Lydia and Luela.
Mrs. Neuenschwander is a member of the Mennonite Society. Mr. Neuen-
schwander is owner of eighty acres of land. In politics he is a Democrat
ELIAS NEUENSCHWANDER, farmer and stockraiser, P. O.Bluflf-
ton, was bora in Allen County, August 14, 1848, son of Isaac and Mary
(Steiner) Neuenschwander. He was reared on the farm, acquiring a com-
mon school education. He was married, in 1873, to Annie Neuenschwan-
der, who bore him one child — Emma. This wife dying in 1876, our sub-
ject married, on second occasion, in 1879, Christene Welty, a daughter
of Frederick Welty, a farmer, who is a native of Switzerland, and to
this union were bom Sarah, Rhoda, Alice and Catherine. Mr. and Mrs.
Neuenschwander are members of the Mennonite society. In politics he is
a Democrat. His father, Isaac Neuenschwander, a pioneer of Allen
County, came here in 1836; he was born iu Switzerland, March 24,
1821, son of John and Catherine (Furrey) Neuenschwander, also natives
of Switzerland, and who c^me to Wayne County in 1826, first settling on
a farm there, but later moving to Allen County, traveling with an ox-
team, and taking fourteen days to make the journey. John Neuen-
schwander died September 12, 1838, his widow in 1853. Isaac, father
of our subject, was their sixth child, and as there was a scarcity of
schools here at that time, his whole attendance comprised but five weeks,
and he grew to manhood inured to toil; he was married, in 1847, to
Mary, daughter of John Steiner, a farmer and early settler of this county;
he and his wife commenced housekeeping in a very primitive way;
their cabin and bed were made of logs, and their table and cupboard of
clapboards; in those days he had to take his min to the mill at Sidney,
Ohio, and at times had to wait fifteen days for his grist. The children
bom to this pioneer couple were as follows: Elias, our subject; Lydia,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
774 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
wife of Job Steiner, fanner; Samael and David, married, and farming
in Patnam County, Ohio; Susannah, wife of Jacob Lngibihl; Elizabeth,
wife of David Sutter, Philip, married, and farming in Putnam County;
Gideon, deceased April 7, 1885; Amos, at home, and Sarah. Mr. and
Mr& Isaac Neuenschwander are members of the Meiinonite society. He
is a director of Richland Township; politically a Democrat For years
he owned 400 acres of land, but lately divided the property among his
children, and at present he has 211 acres himself.
J. H. PATTERSON, merchant, Bluffbon, was bom in West Virginia,
July 1, 1837, son of Enoch and Mary (Moore) Patterson, who came to
Ohio in 1838; the former, a farmer by occupation, bom in old Virginia,
of Irish descent; the latter, a native of Ohio, of English lineaga Of
their three children J. H. is the eldest. Our subject received a common
school education in Mercer County, Ohio, and early in life commenced
clerking in a dry goods store. When the war of the Rebellion broke
out, he promptly enlisted, in 1861, in Company A, Forty-sixth Regi-
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was orderly sergeant of the company.
He was discharged on account of disability, but soon regaining his
health, he re-enlisted in the Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
when the company was organized was elected second lieutenant, being
soon afterward promoted to first lieutenant He participated in Shiloh
and other battles. After his discharge he returned to Ohio and farmed
for two years, then engaged in mercantile trade at Mendon, Mercer Co.,
Ohio, and in 1875 moved to St. Mary's, opened a store, and also engaged
in the grain business, in which he still continues. In 1881 Mr. Patter-
son opened a dry goods store at Blufifton, this county. He was married,
in 1866, to Mary J. Balliet, who bore him the following children: Emma,
James and Ida. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He held most of the township offices in Union Town-
ship, Mercer Co., Ohio; is commander of Post 83, G. A. R. In politics
he is a Republican.
JAMES PHILLIPS, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was born in Harrison
County, Ohio, September 11, 1823, son of William and Polly (Walker)
Phillips, natives of Maryland, and of German and English desceoi
William Phillips served in the war of 1812; he was a farmer, and came
to Ohio in 1818, settling on a farm in Harrison County, but six years after
moved to Knox County, and here James, who is fifth in a family of twelve
children, was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the county
schools. Our subject chose farming as an occupation for life. He came
to Richland Township, this county, in 1851, and settled on the farm
where he now resides, when the woods were almost impenetrable. But
he went to work with a will, and the result of his labor is to be seen in
his well-improved farm, where he is happily surrounded by an industri-
ous and respectable family. Mr. Phillips is a Democrat in politics; has
held most of the township offices of trust, and has served four terms
as assessor. He was married, in 1845, to Mary, daughter of Bamett
and Sarah (Gettis) Hughes, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch and
Irish descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were bom the following chil-
dren: Levi, Sanford P., Allen, Nelson, Wilson S., Sarah E. (wife of E.
Huber), John Alfred, James A., all of whom were raised to manhood and
Digitized by LjOOQIC
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 775
womanhood. The six eldest are married and doing well Mr. Phillipe
served as a soldier for a short time in the Union Army during the late
war of the Rebellion.
ALLEN PHILLIPS, senior member of the firm Phillips Bros.,
Beaver Dam, was bom in Knox County, Ohio, November 23, 1848; son
of James and Mary (Hnghes) Phillips. He was reared on the farm and
attended the Lima High School and also a school in Ada, Ohio. He
sold his farm in 1881 and opened a general merchandise store at Beaver
Dam, which business he and his brother W. S. now carry on. Mr.
Phillips was married, in 1872, to Sarah Ellen, a daughter of Walter and
Laura (Bassett) Edgecomb, and a sister of Mrs. W. S. Phillips. She is
a member of the Diciples Church, Mr. Phillips of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. He is a temperate man. He usually votes the Democratic
ticket; has been mayor of Beaver Dam, and is now member of the town
council. He is secretary of the I. O. O. F. The father of Allen and W.
S. Phillips is a prominent farmer and an early settler of Bichland Town-
ship, this county.
W. S. PHILLIPS, merchant, junior member of the firm Phillips Bros.,
Beaver Dam, was bom in Richland Township, this county, February 27,
1855; son of James and Mary (Hughes) Phillips, and was reared on the
farm in Richland Township. He was married, April 18, 1880, to Elsie
Maria, daughter of Walter and Laura (Bassett) Edgecomb. Their
children are Alfred and G^rge Allen. Mr. Phillips is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal denomination, his wife of the Disciples Church. He
is a Democrat in politics.
J. W. POGUE, of the firm of Pogue & Miller, blacksmiths and
manufacturers of wagons, carriages, etc., Bluffton, was bom near Indiana-
polis, Ind.; son of John and Melinda (Ferguson) Pogue, the former
of French and the latter of English descent His father, a carpenter, was
twice married, and reared four children, three by his firat wife, of whom
J. W. is the youngest Our subject received his education and learned the
blacksmith trade in the city of Indianapolis; then went to Illinois and
settled in Paris, Edgar County, and there carried on business for five
years, when he sold out and bought a place, which he farmed till 1866,
when he came to Crawford County, Ohio, settling in Bucyrus and work-
ing at his trade there till 1883, when he came to Bluffton, Ohio, and
embarked in his present business. He was married, in 1858, to Emma
D., daughter of Hon. Henry Babcock of Indianapolis, Ind., and of
English descent The children bom to this union are Ada, Frances E.,
Minnie, Enuna, and Roy Ellsworth; of these Frances E. was married in
1883 to L. J. Miller, born in Ohio, January 23, 1855, son of Leonard
(a cooper) and Frances (Oabe) Miller, and to this union was bom one
child — Earl W. Mr. and Mr& Pogue are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which he is a class leader. In politics he is a
Democrat
LEWIS ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was born in the Em-
pire State, June 3, 1827, son of Sylvester and Charity (Lewis) Roberts,
who were of English descent and natives of New York. His father, a
farmer, was three times married, and had nine children by each of the
first two wives; had no children by his third wifa Our subject, the
Digitized by LjOOQIC
776 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
seveDth child by the first marriage, was reared on a farm, and has liyed
in the county forty-nine years ; has been a farmer all his life, and is
owner of 188 acres of land in Allen Connty. Mr. Boberts was married
in 1850, to Elizabeth, daughter of William and Anna (Aldridge) Bum-
baugh, the former a farmer by occupation, of German descent, the
latter of Scotch-Irish lineage. To this union were bom the follow-
ing children: Samuel (married to Sarah J. Parker), Electa (married to
John Nicolet), Lafayette, Eoxanna (deceased), Sylvester (married to Dor-
B. Weaver), Lewis l<>eman, Albert F. and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Bob-
erts are members of the First Disciples Church; in politics he is a Be-
publican.
A. J. ST. JOHN, manufacturer, Bluffton, was born in Walton,
Delaware Co., N. Y., August 26, 1836; son of Smith and Emily (Hand-
ford) St. John, natives of Connecticut, and of English descent, former a
farmer. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving a common school
education. At seventeen years of age he commenced Qie manufacture of
oars and handles in Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he remained till 1865,
when he went to Logansport, Ind., and here he engaged in the manufacture
of walnut lumber for two years. He then bought a tract comprising 300
acres of land in Warren County, Penn., and after working the timber
into lumber went to Erie City, Penn., where he bought a planing-mill
which he operated till 1879. Li 1881 he came to Lima, Ohio, and same
year moved to Bluffton and erected his present mill, where he employs
about twenty men the year round. In 1884 he manufactured and shipped
40,000 sucker rods for oil wells, also 200,000 fork and hoehandlea Mr.
St. John owns 400 acres of land in Ohio, besides his manufacturing
establishment, and a substantial residence on Main Street in Biufiton.
Politically he is a Democrat, and in politics as well as in business he is
outspoken and pronounced. He was united in marriage, in 1862, with
Miss Helen Trimmer of Ashtabula County, Ohio, of English descent, and
to this union were bom three children, two sons and a daughter: Guy,
Zoe and Mac.
JOHN SCHIFFEBLY, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was bom in
Switzerland, May 26, 1819, and there received a common school educa-
tion. His father, a farmer, immigrated to America in 1833, located in
Wayne County, Ohio (having in his possession at that time only $23.90),
and in 1836 settled on the farm where his son, John, now resides, in
Bichland Township, Allen (then Putnam) County, and here died in 1861.
Our subject, the youngest in a family of three children, was raised in the
woods, and followed clearing and farming in early life. He was married
in 1848 to Christine Swartz, a native of Germany. Her father was a
pioneer farmer of Hancock County, Ohio. To this union were bom
eleven children, eight now living : Gideon, married, and farming in
Hancock County, Ohio; John W., a farmer, whose wife died in lo83^
leaving one child ; Jacob D. , married to a tinner in Beaver Dam ; Mary,
wife of J. E. Lugibihl ; Willie E., a tinner in Beaver Dam ; Frederick,
at home ; Sarah E. , and Margaret E. Mrs. Schifferly is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject, who now owns 152 acres
of good land and a house worth $2,000, started with but. forty acres of
heavily timbered land, on which he built a cabin, and has by his own
exertions accumulated a handsome competency.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 777
JACKSON SHULL, house plasterer, P. O. Beaver Dam, a native of
Ohio, was born November 25, 1826, son of Frederick Shall, who laid
out the town of Beaver Dam. Our subject received a common school
education, and at the age of eighteen learned the mason's trade, which
he has made the business of his life. He was married March 27, 1856,
to Julia Ann Allison, of German-Irish descent, and who was born in
1832, in Allen County, Ohio, daughter of Alexander Allison, a pioneer
farmer of this county. Their children are Cora, Zoe (deceased) and
Lula. Mr. Shull is an independent thinker, well read, and posted on all
the questions of the day. He is not a member of any church. He is
owner of town property and a good farm of 159 acres adjoining Beaver
Dam. He was appointed postoiaster of Beaver Dam in 1856, serving
two years. Politically he is a Democrat.
JOSEPH SHULL, notary public, collector and justice of the peace,
Beaver Dam, was born at Mount Eaton, Wayne Co., Ohio, July 4, 1838;
son of Frederick and Catherine (Fackler) Shull, natives of Pennsylvania
and of German descent. Frederick Shull, a soldier in the war of 1812,
was by turns a hotel keeper, merchant, farmer and miller, and was among
the pioneers of Allen County, Ohio; he laid out the town of Beaver
Dam, and built the first flour-mill in the village; he had a family of
fourteen children by his first wife and three by his second, Joseph being
the eighth child by the first wife. The father died in Allen County in
1865. Our subject was reared on the farm and educated in the common
schools. He worked in the mill until he was twenty years of age, when
he attended school in town for four months. Then he taught in the
town and country schools for ten years. Three years of this period
were spent in Illinois and three years in Beaver Dam. During the late
war of the Rebellion he enlisted, in 1861, in the Eighty-first Regiment
Ohio Volunteer Lifantry, and was discharged in 1862. He was married
in 1863 to Mary J. Carlile, also a teacher, and a daughter of Hector Car-
lile, a farmer, and Elizabeth (Woods) Carlile, who were of English and
Lrish descent Mr. and Mrs. Shull both taught school the first year after
their marriage. Their children are H. F.. C. E., H. J. and Cloyd. Mr.
Shull has been an active business man. He carried on a dry goods store
from 1859 to 1861, then engaged in the drug business, whidi he sold out
in 1882, since when he has been notary public, collector and money
loaner. In politics he is a Democrat
GEORGE SOLOMON, carpenter, contractor and farmer of Beaver
Dam, and trustee of Richland Township, was bom in Wayne County,
Ohio, February 8, 1828, youngest in the family of fourteen children of
Paul and Catherine (Philipey) Solomon, natives of Pennsylvania, and of
German descent Paul Solomon, who was a farmer, came to Allen
County, Ohio, in 1837, settling on the farm where our subject now lives.
He died here in 1839, his widow in 1867. Onr subject was reared on the
farm, attended a district school, and at the age of eighteen learned the
carpenter's trade, at which he has worked most of the time since. He was
married, in 1860, to Catherine, daughter of Minor and Mary (Bemer)
Loyd, who were natives of Maryland, and of German descent Her
father, a farmer by occupation, came here in 1840. To Mr. and Mrs.
Solomon were bom two children: James (now in Kansas) and George H.
Digitized by LjOOQIC
778 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Mrs. Solomon is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Oar
subject is a Democrat in politics; has been a member of the school board
of Richland Township several terms, and is now trustee of said township.
In 1864, during the late civil war, he enlisted in the One Hundred and
Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served one hundred daya He
is owner of a farm in Bichlaud Township, this county.
MOSES STAGER, Bluffton, who is prominent among the representa-
tive farmers of Allen County, was bom in the Keystone State, December
4, 1828. His parents, Frederick and Rebecca (Fensler) Stager, of Ger-
man origin, were natives of Pennsylvania; they had a family of nine
children, of whom Moses is fifth. His fatiier, who was a farmer,
never succeeding in gaining much of this world's goods. Our subject
received but a limited education, and early in life learned the tailor's
trade in Pennsylvania. After working for ten years with but average
success, at his trade, he commenced farming, came to Ohio in 1856, and
in 1860 to Allen County. Here lie rented a farm for seven years, and
then purchased it. He has been successful as a farmer, and now owns
187 acres of land, with good improvements and well-stocked. Mr. Stager
was married, in 1850, to Miss Mary Ann Weichrich, daughter of Ger-
man parents. Their children are John (married, and farming in this
county), Emma (wife of Philip Carbauch), William (also engaged in
farming in this county), David (at home), Mary Ellen (at home) and
Sarah. Mr. Stager has served as township trustee and school director.
Politically he is a Democrat
HORACE W. STEARNS, grocer, Bluffton, was born at St. Mary's,
Auglaize County, Ohio, December 19, 1848; son of Rufus and Sarah Ann
(Carpenter) Steams, natives of Ohio and Vermont, respectively, and of
English descent Rufus Stearns, who was a physician, a graduate of the
Ohio Medical College, practiced for many years in Ohio; he reared
a family of six children, of whom Horace W. is next to the youngest
Our subject received his education at St Mary's graded schools and Ada
normal school, and at the age of eighteen began teaching school, an
occupation he followed in four counties, Ohio, for thirteen years.
During this time he was for two years in the grammar department of
schools in Celina, Mercer County, one year as assistant superintendent of
St Mary's Union School, and lastly, in 1881, in Richland Township,
this county. Mr. Steams embarked in the grocery business at BlufElon
in 1882. He has been twice married, on first occasion, in 1878, to Nettie
Bruner, who bore him one child — Ada Lou; the mother died in 1880.
Mr. Stearns' second marriage, In 1882, was with Hannah, daughter of
of Robert Watkins, and to this union was bom one child — Otis. Mr.
Stearns is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he
is a Republican.
REV. C. P. STEINER, farmer and minister, P. O. Cranberry, was
bom in Wayne County, Ohio, August 19, 1832, son of Peter D. and
Fannie (Steiner) Steiner. His parents, natives of France, moved to
Wayne County, Ohio, in 1824, and settled on a farm. His father, who was
a minister of the Mennonite society (the family history shows that there
has been a minister in the. family for the past five generations),
started in the world a poor boy and when he died, in 1854, owned 650
Digitized by LjOOQIC
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 77&
acres of land. Onr subject, who is the third iu a family of eleven chil-
dren, came to this county in 1855, and settled on the farm where he now
resides. He was married, in 1855, to Magdalena Glosser, who was bom
in Virginia, of German parents, and died in 1856. Mr. Steiner then mar-
ried, in 1861, Barbara, daughter of Eev. John Thut, and to this union
were bom Paulina, Meno S., Jennie, Nancy, Josiah. Sarah, Aaron
(deceased), Albert, Reuben and Elvina. They are members of the
Mennonite Church. Mr. Steiner was ordained a minister of the American
Mennonite Church in 1871. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.
H. C. STEINER, butcher, Blufiton, was born in Baton Rouge, La.,
April 24, 1850, son of John J. and Margaret (Kloetze) Steiner, natives of
Switzerland, former of whom, a commission merchant and importer of
foreign wines and liquors, became very wealthy. Our subject, the eldest
of a family of four children, received a classiscal education in Switzer-
land, graduating from Neuchatel College in 1866. His father then sent
him to England, where he studied the English language at college in the
city of Hull, till his father's failure and death. In 1867 he came to
New Orleans, La., where his uncle lived, intending to continue the study
of the English language, but this uncle died the same year, of yellow
fever, and H. C. was ^us thrown on his own resources when but seven-
teen years of age. He then went to Canada, and there learned the
butcher's trade in Toronto. Mr. Steiner was married, in 1878, ta
Estella, daughter of Theophilus Charpie, now farming in this county.
Her parents were bom in France. Mr. Steiner moved from Toronto to
Buffalo, N. Y., where he worked at his trade till 1868, when he came ta
Allen County, Ohio, went into business on his own account, butchering
and buying and shipping live stock, and has been successful, financially.
A Democrat in politics, he has been sent to county and State delegations,
and has served as a member of the advisory committee of his party. He
has served as, and is no^ a member of the town council, and has been
township trustee of Richland. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
CHARLES F. STOCKLER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in
Germany, October 13, 1834, only son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Brakel)
Stockier. His father was a well-to-do farmer, and gave him good oppor-
tunities for obtaining an education in his native land. In 1854 our sub-
ject immigrated to America, and after remaining in New York a short time
came to Franklin Countv, Ohio, thence moved U) Champaign County, and
was there married, in 1859, to Olaracy Henkle, who bore him the follow-
ing children: Albert E., Ida May (wife of Saint Boyd, a farmer), Emma
(wife of Robert Hall), Elizabeth, Henry (deceased), Mollie, Frank, Nanie,
Joseph and Ross. Mrs. Stockier is a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church. During the late civil war Mr. Stockier enlisted, in 1862, in
Company G, One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
in lo64 re-enlisted in Company G, Fifty-fifth Kentucky Volunteer Infan-
try, serving as a non- commissioned officer. In 1869 he moved to thia
county and bought his present farm, where he has resided since 1870; the
farm comprises fifty-five acres of good land, the result of his own exer-
tions, and which he has greatly improved. Our subject is a F. & A. M. ;
in politics a Republican.
O. W. SWANY, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was bom in Knox
County, Ohio, March 19, 1836, son of Israel and Susannah (Doty)Swany;
Digitized by LjOOQIC
780 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
the former a farmer, a native of Pennsylyania, of Irish descent, camo to
this county in 1846; the latter was a native of New Jersey, of English
lineage. Their family consisted of eight children. G. W., the tiiird
born, was reared on the farm on which he has spent the greater part of
his life, receiving a common school education. He worked at saw-milling
for a time, but farming and stock-raising has been his chief occupation.
He was married April 25, 1868, to Isabella, daughter of Samuel Swear-
ingen, a farmer of Allen County, and by her he has had six children,
three now living: Samuel L Frtmk and Laura E. Mr. Swany is a Dem-
ocrat in politics.
ABRAHAM THUT, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was bom in Holmes
County, Ohio, November 24, 1839, son of Bev. John and Christina
(Bechtel) Thut, the former bom in Switz^land, the latter in Pennsyl-
vania, of German descent. Bev. John Thut, a carpenter and farmer, came
from his native land to Holmes County, Ohio, when a young man, and
was there married; then came to Allen County in 1847, settling on a farm
in Bichland Township; he was a Mennonite minister for many years, and
died in 1867. Our subject, who is the fifth in a family of thirteen chil-
dren, ten of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, was reared on the
farm, acquiring his education in the common school. He is the owner
of 100 acres of well- improved land. Mr. Thut was married in 1866, to
Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Steiner, a native of Wayne County, Ohio,
and of German descent. Their children are Beuben, Enos, Noah,
Malinda, Mary Ann, Timothy, John and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Thut
are members of the American Mennonite Church.
WILL A. TBIPLETT, artist, Bluffton, was bom in Licking County,
Ohio, March 26, 1860, son of Peter and Nancy (Conaway) Triplett His
father, of German descent, is also a native of Licking County, where he
is engaged in farming; his mother, a native of Ireland, was brought to
America when but a child. Our subject was reai»d on a farm, attending the
district school and high school at Newark, Licking County, until eight-
een years of age, when he learned the art of photography, an occupation
he has since followed. He first opened a gallery in Plain City, Ohio,
thence went to Troy, Ohio, but not finding a suitable room for his studio,
he came to Bluffton in 1881, and opened his art gallery in a large, beau-
tiful room in the Herr Block. Mr. Triplett is a fine artist, wonderfully
attached to his profession, polite and courteous in his manner to his
patrons, and sends out fii-st-class work. He was married in 1880, to Miss
Mabel Spooner, of Plain City, a daughter of Stephen Spooner, and of
English descent Their children are Morris and Bay. Mrs. Triplett is
a member of the Methodist Church.
BEV. J. V. UPDIKE, Bluffton, was bom in Celina, Mercer County,
Ohio, January 23, 1850, the only child of J. V. and Maria (Lincoln)
Updike, natives of Ohio, former of whom, a merchant and farmer, died
in 1849 (before J. V. was bom). Our subject received his literary
education in his native town, and early in life became a member of the
Church of God, and when but eighteen years of age was licensed to preach
the gospel. When twenty years of age he received a regular appoint-
ment to preach at West Unity, Williams Co., Ohio. Since then he has
accomplished much Evangelistic work, and has occupied several prominent
Digitized by LjOOQIC
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 781
positions. In 1879, Mr. Updike severed bis conneotion with theChoroh
of God, being better satisfied with the tenets of the Disciples Chorch, and
accepted a call at Bluffton, Ohio. Althongh our subject is still a young
man, yet a record of his eventful life would fill a volume in itself. He
has been the means of brining 2,530 persons into the Church, and has
baptised, by immersion, 2,0(X) of this number, and at one protracted
meeting held in Findlay, the county seat of Hancock County, Ohio, he
baptiz^ 156 persons. Mr. Updike is editor of the Oospel Light, a
monthly paper published at Blufiton, Ohio. He is grand lecturer of the
mechanic's and laborer's society, and has taken an active part in the
Sabbath-school work of this State. He was married, in 1870, to Anna £.
Houts, and by this union has had the following children: Cora Etta,
Emma Belle, Perry Otto and Harry Edgar (twins, the last named now
deceased) and Farron Mercer. Mr. Updike*s ministerial work is now in
Blufiton and Beaver Dam, this county. Financially, he has been success-
ful, owning a neat, substantial residence in Blufiton.
JESSE VERNON, retired merchant, Blufiton, was born in Knox
County, Ohio, January 11, 1832, son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Lambert)
Vernon, natives of Ohio, and of English and German descent., former a
farmer by occupation. Our subject, the eldest in a family of nine chil-
dren, received his education in the common schools of Knox County, Ohio.
At the age of seventeen he learned the carpenter's trade,, which he suc-
cessfully followed till the breaking out of the war of the Eebellion, when
he enlisted, in 1862, in Company A, Twentieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer
Infantry. After participating in three engagements he was discharged,
in 1863, on account of disability, caused by a gunshot* wound in his left
arm and side. He then came to Knox County, Ohio, bought a farm
which he carried on till 1873, when he came to Blufiton, opened a store
and here followed merchandising until the latter part of 1884, when he
sold out. Mr. Vernon has been successful in business, and has accumu-
lated an ample share of this world's goods. He was married, in 1852, to
Sarah Brollier, a native of Pennsylvania and of English descent. They
have two children: A. W., a baker by trade who lives in Blufiton; and
Hester M., a graduate of the Blufiton High School, in which she is a
teacher; she is also a music instructor. Her parents have taken great
pride in their daughter's musical education, supplying her with first-
class teachers and a splendid piano. Mrs. Vernon and daughter are
members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Vernon, a Republican in politics,
has taken an active interest in Bluffton afiiairs, serving many years as a
member of the school board. He has filled other minor offices, and is
now a member of the town (x>uncil.
JOHN VON GUNTEN, manufacturer of brick, Bluffton, was bom
in Richland Township, this county, November 16, 1856, son of John and
Anna ^Snitter) Von Gunten, natives of Switzerland, and who were among
the pioneers of Richland Township, this county, where they are still resid-
ing in comfortable circumstances, owning a well improved farm; they
have eight children of whom John, Jr., is the eldest. Our subject was reared
on the farm, receiving a common school education. When nineteen years
old he commenced the carpenter's trade, which he followed about four
years, and then, work being slack, he learned brick-making of W. M. Mclnd-
47
Digitized by LjOOQIC
782 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
eley, working at it for about two years. In 1880, having accomnlated
enough money to start on his own account, he embarked in his present
business, which is increasing every year, and in which he has been very
prosperous. He now owns seven acres of land in the corporation of Bluff-
ton on which his brick-yard Is located, and also his residence which cost
him over $3,000. He makes on an average about 500,000 bricks annually,
and cannot supply the large demands for his goods, which he ships to
Lima, Findlay, and surrounding towns. In 1884 he sold 100,000 to one
man alone, at Lima. He was married, December 22, 1881, to Catherine
Pifer, a daughter of Jacob Pifer, a pioneer and prominent farmer of
Hancock County, Ohio. To this union have been bom two children:
Orland and Tilman Grover. Mr. Yon Gunten is a member of the
Reformed Church, his wife of the Lutheran Church.
ROBERT WATKINS, retired farmer, Bluffton, was bom in Wayne
County, Ohio, September 6, 1820, son of Thomas and Susan (Miller)
Watkins, natives of Ohio, Uie former of Irish and the latter of German
descent. Thomas Watkins followed farming, and died in Hancock
County, in 1865. Our subject, the fifth in a family of twelve children,
received a district school education in Wayne County, Ohio, and has
farmed all his life; was one of the pioneers of Hancock county, Ohio;
has been very successful in all his undertakings; is owner of a farm,
though he is now living a retired life at Blufiton. Mr. Watkins has
been twice married, on the first occasion, in 1841, to Susan Showalter,
who died in 1850, by whom he had four children, all now living: Re-
becca, wife of James Rail, a farmer in Henry County,Ohio; William, Amos
and Martin. All of these sons are married and engaged in farming.
Our subject was again married, in 1851, this time to Mary Ann Benner,
by whom he has five children now living: Jefferson J., married and
farming; Lydia,wife of John Williams, a farmer; Susan Y., wife of Gid-
eon Clymer, a farmer in Hancock County, Ohio; Hannah, wife of Horace
Steams, a merchant of Bluffton; Clement, married and also farming.
Mr. and Mrs. Watkins are members of the Christian Union Church, in
which he has been an officer for twenty-three years, and is at present
ruling elder. Mr. Watkins is a Democrat in politics, and has held most
of the township offices.
I. R. WETHERILL, physician, Beaver Dam, was bom in Hardin
County, Ohio, January 21, 1853, son of John R. and Elizabeth (Gloyd)
Wetherill, the former of whom, a farmer by occupation, a native of
England, came to America when a young man; the latter was bom in
Virginia, and was of Scotch descent Our subject was the eleventh bom
in a family of fourteen children, thirteen of whom grew to manhood and
womanhood. He received his literary education in the Ohio Normal
University, and studied medicine with Dr. R. Davenport of Ada, Ohio.
He also took a thorough course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons
in Baltimore, Md., 1879-80 and 1881, and the same year came to Beaver
Dam, where he has since continued in active practica He is a member
of the Northwestern Medical Association, llie doctor was married in
1874 to Susan, daughter of John Latimore, a prominent farmer of
Hardin County, Ohio, who served as a soldier during the late Rebellion,
and lost his life in the defense of his country. To our subject and wife
Digitized by LjOOQIC
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP- 788
were bom Ova, Webb and Cliff. Mrs. Wetberill in a member of the Disci-
ples Church. The doctor is a member of the I. O. O. F. In politics he
is a Repablican.
WILLIAM WILSON, undertaker and justice of the peace, Bluffton,
was born July 25, 1815, in Balljmena, County Antrim, Ireland, a son
of James Wilson, a soap boiler and chandler in IrelandL Our subject,
the third in a family of five children, acquired his education in his
native land, and there early be^an to learn the trade of carpentering and
the undertaking businesa In 1838 he came to America, remaining in
New York until 1843, when he was joined by his brother and sister, and
in 1847 the family came to Putnam County, Ohio. In 1849 our subject
came to Allen County, settling at Bluffton (formerly Shannon), where he
has since remained. Since coming to America he has worked mostly at
his trader was general workman for nine years in a large furniture store
in New York City. When he came to Bluffton there were only seven
families in the place, none of whom now reside here. Mr. Wilson was
married in 1840, at Brooklyn, N. Y., to Miss Anna Eckles, and of the
ten children bom to this union only six are now living: Anna, James
(married and conducting a stove and tinware store in Bluffton), William
D. (a harness-maker, residing in Paulding County, Ohio), Martha (wife
of Maurice S. Muma, a grocer of Bluffton, Ohio), John (married,
residing in Bluffton), and Leonard (with his brother William). Mr. and
Mrs. Wilson are members of the Presbyterian Church. In 1862 our
subject was elected mayor of Bluff'ton, serving three years. He has been
justice of the peace for eighteen years; is notary public; has been
administrator of several estates, and has attended to a large amount of
public business; he is noted for his exactness and honesty in all business
transactions. Mr. Wilson has commenced to write a history of his life
for the benefit of his children.
M. E. ZELLEE, harness-maker, Bluffton, was bom in Gilboa, Putnam
Co.,Ohio, November 8, 1845, son of Andrew (a wagon-maker) and Catherine
(Henderson) Zeller, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively,
and who reared a family of five children. Our subject, who is next the
youngest, received a common school education, and early learned the
hamess-maker's trade, which has been the business of his life. He is
also an inventor, and has taken out patents on eight articles, all pertain-
ing to harness, except one which is a carriage improvement His inven-
tions, which are all practical, will eventually come into general use, and
he owns them all except one that he sold to a manufacturing company
in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Zeller worked a^ his trade in Massillon, 111.,
and in 1865 came to Bluffton where he also works at harness-making, and
is engaged in manufacturing a spring bed (not his patent). He was
married here in 1866, to Nancy, daughter of Joseph Reese, of Richland
Township, this county, and their children are Charles P., Catherine,
Winfred, Earl Scott, Jacob A. and Lillie May. Mr. and Mrs. Zeller are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Demo-
crat
Digitized by VqOOQlC
784 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
SHAWNCE TOWNSHIP.
CHARLES H. ADGATE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was borD in Shawnee
Township, this county, December 11, 1844; son of Charles H. and Mary
(Carlisle) Adgate, former a native of Connecticut, latter of Trumbull
County, Ohio. His paternal grandfather, John Adgate, was a native of
Connecticut, and among the first settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio, and
his maternal grandparents, David and Margaret (Galbraith) Carlisle,
were natives of Pennsylvania, and pioneers of Trumbull County, Ohio.
His parents came to this county, in the fall of 1834, and settled on the
farm in Shawnee Township, now occupied by Henry C. Adgate, which
they cleared and improved. Charles H. Adgate, Sr., who was associate
judge of this county in 1844, died October 12, 1854, aged fifty-seven;
his widow still resides on the old homestead. They had seven children :
Margaret A. (deceased), Henry C, HartC, GouveneurH. (killed at the
battle of Corinth, Miss., in the late war of the Rebellion), Charles H.,
and two infant sons (deceased). Our subject was reared on the old
homestead and was educated in the common schools. He was in the late
war of the Rebellion having enlisted in April, 1864, in Company D, Fifty-
fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Fifteenth Corps, Second Brigade, Second
Division, under John A Logan; was in the battle of Resaca and the
chief engagements in the Atlanta campaign; was siezed with typhoid
fever near Marietta, Iowa, and remained in the hospital three months, re-
joined his regiment in North Carolina on its return from the march to the
sea, and was honorably discharged at Little Rock, Ark., in July, 1865.
He then went to Kansas and engaged in freighting grain across the
plains one year. After which he located in Delphos, this county, where
he embarked in the produce business. He then went to Sidney, Ohio, where
he published the Sidney Journal two years, in partnership with D. M.
Bliss. In 1870 he engaged in farming again, and has been located in
Shawnee Township since 1875. Mr. Adgata is a member of the E. of
P. In politics he is a Republican.
JOHN H. BERRYMAN, farmer, P. O Lima, was bom in Logan
Township^ now a part of Auglaize County, Ohio, August 19, 1843; son
of Russell and Margaret (Slain) Berryman. His paternal grandfather
was William Berryman, a native of Ireland, who settled in Logan Town-
ship (then a part of this county) in 1823, where he died soon after.
His children were ten in number: Anna M., William, Ephraim, John,
Russell, Thomas, Eliza, Martha^ Emeline and Mercy; all now deceased
except Eliza (Mrs. Henry Noble). After the father's death the boys took
hold of and cleared the farm, and the homestead afterward came into
possession of Russell, the father of our subject, who resided there until
his death; he died in 1879, at the age of sixty-three years; he was
twice married, his first wife being Margaret Slain, a native of Virginia,
by whom he had five children: Cornelia (Mrs. E. A. Stocking), Eplu-aim,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP. 785
Rosabel (Mrs. A. F. Blackburn), John H. and James W. ; his second
wife was Elizabeth Whetstone, by whom he had twelve children, nine of
whom grew to maturity: Flora (Mrs. John G. Miller), Abram, Mar-
garet (Mrs. L. Gochron), WiJliam, Eussell, Bosetta (Mrs. William
Mires), Mattie, Warren and Cora. Our subject was reared on the old
homestead in Logan Township, and received a common school educa-
tion. After he became of age he engaged in farming, and buying and
selling stock, and in 1867, he located in Shawnee Township, this county,
purchasing the farm he now occupies in 1880. Mr. Berryman was mar-
ried, March 12, 1868, to Sally C, daughter of Abraham and Maria
B. (Hover) Boyd, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in
1837, locating on the farm now occupied by our subject, which they
cleared and improved. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd reared a family of four child-
ren: Henry E,, Sally C, Margaret Ann (deceased), and Mary B. (Mrs.
John W. Black). Mrs. Berryman's maternal grandfather was Ezekiel
Hover, a native of New Jersey, a commissary in the war of 1812. He
was a pioneer of Shawnee Township, this county, where he settled in
1882, having purchased a tract of land in the Shawnee reservation at
the government sale. To our subject and wife have been born five chil-
dren: Myrtle, Maggie, J. Russell, Hattie and Robert F. Mr. and Mrs.
Berryman are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has
filled several offices in the township. In politics he is a Democrat.
JOHN BOYD, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County, was bom
in Allegheny County, Penn., November 4, 1807, son of Henry and Mar-
garet (Beer) Boyd, both natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Trum-
bull County, Ohio. Our subject was reared in Trumbull County, Ohio,
where he was educated in the common schools. After he was eighteen
years of age he began working on a farm by the month, and also engaged
in teaming and teaching school until he was twenty four years of age.
He was twice married, his first wife, to whom he was married, February
21, 1833, being Mary C, daughter of John and Rebecca (McKinney)
Johnson, of Canfield, Ohio. The issue of this union was two children,
Rebecca J. (Mrs. James Robison, deceased), and John (deceased). His
present wife is Anna, daughter of Frederick and Christena (Hartzel)
Lazarus, of Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, to whom he was married,
March, 16, 1837, and by whom he has had four children: Frederick who
died in the army during the late war, at Bowling Green, Ky., a member
of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Susan (Mrs. David E.
Hover), Maria (Mrs. W. A. Wolf) and Christiana (Mrs. George Tamplin).
After his first marriage Mr. Boyd settled in Berlin Township, Trumbull
Co., Ohio, where he resided fourteen years; from there he went to Deer-
field. Portage Co., Ohio, where he lived until 1854, when he came to this
county, settling in Shawnee Township, on the farm he now owns and oc-
cupies, which he cleared and improved. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church of Lima. He has filled several of the
minor offices of the township. In politics he is a Republican.
GEORGE BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Franklin
County, Penn-, October 1, 1817, son of Griffith and Mary (Mowen)
Breese, who settled on Section 10, Shawnee Township, this county, in
1832, where they lived one winter in the Indian Council House, after-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
786 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ward entering the land now owned by their sons, William D. and David
M., which they cleared and improved, and where they lived and died.
The father was a native of Wales, the mother of Pennsylvania. They
reared a family of six children: Nancy, George, John (who was killed
while moving a house, by a hook flying and striking him on the head),
William D., David M. and Griffith (who was a member of the Ninety-
ninth Eegiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late war, and died
of disease contracted in the service before the expiration of his term).
Our subject, who was fifteen years of age when his parents settled in
Shawnee Township, this county, received a limited education in the schools
of his day, and resided with his parents until their death. He was mar-
ried September 6, 1855, to Sarah, daughter of Solomon and Ruth (Carter)
Yoakum, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1842. The
issue of this union is four children: Charles L., Mary E. (Mrs. C. D.
Strawbridge — have one child, Cloyd E.), Ina and John O. After his
marriage Mr. Breese settled on Sections 9 and 16, Shawnee Township,
this county, a part of which he drained and improved. He afterward
moved to Section 21, same township, on a farm of 160 acres, which he
also cleared and improved, and afterward bought an addition of 160 acres
adjoining, on Section 16, and this he also cleared, and where he now
resides in the fine residence built by -him in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Breese
and three children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of
which he served as trustee for several years. In politics he is a Re-
publican.
WILLIAM D. BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Butler
County, Ohio, April 30, 1822; son of Grifilth and Mary (Mowen) Breese,
former a native of Wales, latter of Franklin County, Penn. His pater-
nal grandfather was John Breese, a native of Wales, who came to
America in 1798, settling in Champaign County, Ohio, in an early day,
and whose children were Susan, Griffith, Robert, Mary and John (all
new deceased). Our subject's maternal grandfather was Lewis Mowen,
a native of Pennsylvania. William D. Breese came with his parents in
1832 to this county, where the latter entered land in Shawnee Township,
a part of which is now occupied by our subject, and which, with t)ie
assistance of their sons, they cleared and improved. Here the father
died in 1848, at the age of fifty-eight, and the mother in March, 1853,
at the age of sixty-two. They ha^ a family of six children: Nancy,
George, John (killed while moving a house), William D., David M. and
Griffith (who died in the army October, 1862). Our subject was reared
in Shawnee Township, this county, from ten years of age, and has always
resided on the old homestead. He was married March 15. 1859, to
Ellen, daughter of Solomon and Ruth (Carter) Yoakum, who settled in
Shawnee Township, this county, in 1842, and to this union was bom one
son, G. Alva (who was married January 20, 1881, to Iva, daughter of
Jehu and Mary (Clark) John, of Elida, Ohio, by whom he has three
children: Clifford E., Julius C. and Vida M. Mrs. Breese died in Feb-
ruary, 1861, at the age of twenty-eight years; at the time of her death
she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Breese has
served the township as justice of the peace one term, was township
treasurer for several years and also township clerk. He is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican^
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SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP. 787
DAVID M. BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Butler
County, Ohio, February 27, 1825, son of Griffith and Mary (Mowen)
Breese, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1832, former
a native of Wales, latter of Pennsylvania. They were parents of six
children: Nancy, Oeorge, John (killed while moving a house), William D.,
David M. and Oriffith. Our subject was seven years of age when he
came with his parents to this county, and was reared on the old home-
stead, a part of which he now owns and occupies, receiving a limited
education in the country schools. He was married January 1, 1849,
to Mary, daughter of Crane and Mary (Harper) Valentine, of Berrien
County, Mich. The issue of this union was three children: Mary E.
(Mrs. Columbus Maltbie), George L. and Emmett (deceased). Mr.
Breese after his marriage located on Section 3, Shawnee Township,
this county, on what is now known as the Shaffer farm, which he cleared
and improved, and where he lived fourteen years. In 1863 he removed
to his present farm, a part of the old homestead originally entered by his
f^her, where he has resided ever sinca He was in the 100 day's service
during the late war of the Bebellion, enlisting in Company B, One
Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was at Washington,
D. C, at the time of Gen. Early's raid, and was honorably discharged at
the expiration of his term of service. Mr. and Mrs. Breese are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a F. & A. M. since
1862. In politics he is a Bepnblican.
WILLIAM H. BREESp, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom September
12, 1848, in Shawnee Township, this county, on what is known as the
old "Turkey Foot farm'', and is a son of John and Emily (Valentine)
Breese, the former a native of Butler County, Ohio, bom April 18, 1820;
the latter a native of Champaign County, Ohio, bom April 21, 1820.
His paternal grandparents were Oriffith and Mary (Mowen) Breese, the
former a native of Wales, and a son of John Breese, who immigrated to
America in 1798; the latter a native of Pennsylvania, a daughter of
Lewis Mowen. Our subject's maternal grandparents were Crane and
Mary (Harper) Valentine, who settled in Lima, Ohio, in 1832, when there
were but ten houses in the place. His maternal great-grandparents were
William and Johanna (Crane) Valentine, natives of New Jersey and pio-
neers of Champaign County, Ohio. Mrs. Mary (Harper) Valentine was
a native of Virginia, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Cunningham)
Harper. John Breese, father of our subject, who was twelve years of age
when his parents settled in Shawnee Township, this county, received a
limited education in the schools of that time, and commenced the world
for himself on what is known as the ** Turkey Foot farm," this county,
where he resided three years; in 1851, he removed to the farm now
owned and occupied by Samuel Zurmehly, a part of which he cleared
and improved, where he lived until 1863, when he located on the farm
now occupied by our subject, and here he resided until his death, which
was caused by being struck on the head with an iron hook while engaged
in moving a building, November 16, 1865, his death ensuing the day fol-
lowing; he .was in the 100 days' service in the One Hundred and Fifty-
first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late war of the Bebellion; he
held several minor offices in Shawnee Township; in politics, he was a
Digitized by LjOOQIC
788 BIOGRAPHIC^ SKETCHES.
Bepnblioan; he was an actiye member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Our subject is the only child of his parents, and was reared
and educated in Shawnee Township, this county, where he has always
resided. He was married November 10, 1874, to Ida A., daughter of
James A. and Isabel K. (Ferguson) Hover, of Shawnee Township, this
county, and by her he has two children: Naamah B. and John E. Mr.
Breese is serving his first term as trustee of the township. He and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is
steward. In politics, he is a Bepublican.
GEOBQE BtJBKHABT, farmer, P.O. Cridersville, Auglaize County,
was bom in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 20, 1845, son of George and
Elizabeth (Friesinger) Burkhart, who came to America in 1847, the for-
mer of whom settled in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1850, and cleared
and improved a farm in Noble Township, where he still resides; the lat-
ter died the year they came to America. Our subject was reared in Noble
Township, Auglaize County, from five years of age. He never attended
school, but his father taught him sufficient to enable him to read Ger-
man. He lived with his father until twenty-one years of age, when he started
out for himself, and engaged in chopping for several years, until he had
saved enough to purchase the farm he now occupies in Shawnee Town-
ship, this county, all of which he cleared and improved himself, and on
which he built a tine residence in 1882. Mr. Burkhart was married
twice, his first wife being Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth
(Delong) Bowsher, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in
1836, and by this union have been born five children: Charlie, Ida, Frank,
William and Mary. The present wife of our subject is Emma, daughter
of Samuel and Lydia (Wagner) Bowsher, who settled in Shawnee Town-
ship, this county, in 1851, and the issue of this union is one child —
Francis. Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart are members of the Lutheran Church.
In politics, he is a Democrat.
JOSEPH B. CHIPMAN, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Licking
County, Ohio, July 4, 1834; son of Don L. and Elizabeth (Dickey)
Chipman, the former a native of Jericho, Chittenden Co., Yt., bom April
17, 1801, son of Joseph and Amy (Eeed) Chipman, early settlers of Lick-
ing County, Ohio, where they located in 1816. Don L. Chipman
lived in Licking County, Ohio, up to 1848, when he came to this
county, locating in Shawnee Township, on the farm he now occupies,
most of which he cleared and where he made all improvements; he was
married three times, his first wife being Elizabeth Dickey, of Licking
County, Ohio, by whom he had six children who grew to maturity: Amy
J. (Mrs. Jacob Fry), Joseph B., Lorenzo D. (deceased), James M., Albert
A. (died of disease contracted in the army during the late civil war), and
Mary A. E. (Mrs. Miles Wilson); his second wife was Cynthia Connett
{nee Morris), of German Township, this county, and his present wife
was Mary A. Jennings {nee Thayer), of Bath Township, this county, by
whom he has one child living — Ettie. Don L. Chipman cast his first
vote for Gen. Jackson when nominated for president in 1824, and has
voted at every presidential election since. Our subject was reared in
Licking County, Ohio, until fourteen years of age, when he removed to
Shawnee Township, this county, and assisted his father in clearing his
Digitized-by LjOOQIC
SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP. 789
farm. He received a limited eduoation in the common schools, spending
his leisure time in educating himself, and at the age of nineteen was so
far advanced as to be able to teach a country school, an occupation he
followed for fifteen winters. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, hav-
ing enlisted February 14,1865, in Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-
second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served seven months, and was hon-
orably discharged in September, 1865. Mr. Chipman was married July
4, 1861, to Margaret, daughter of Andrew aud Nancy (Hamilton) Ham-
mond, of Amanda Township, this county, by whom he has four children*.
Ella, Nettie, Clement and Onie. Mrs. Chipman is a member of the Bap-
tist Church, her eldest daughter of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Chipman served as justice of the peace of his township four times^
refusing a re-election. He served as county infirmary director from 1875
to 1881. In politics, he is a Democrat.
JOSHUA Bi COON, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Shawnee Town-
ship, this county, January 23, 1842; son of Wesley and Mary A. (Flinn)
Coon, former a son of George Coon, of Oerman descent and a native of
Pennsylvannia, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1832;
and latter a daughter of Thomas Flinn, a native of Ireland, who also
came to Shawnee Township same year. George Coon had a family of
nine children: Betsey, Wesley, George, Abigail, Margaret, Amy, Alexan-
der, Isaac and Tobias, and of these, Wesley, father of our subject,
entered a farm on Section 4, Shawnee Township, this county, in 1835,
which he cleared and improved, and where he resided until his death ;
he died in 1866, at the age of fifty-six years; he was twice married, .
his first wife beiug Mary A., daughter of Thomas and Polly (Wilson)
Flinn, and by this union there were five children: Joshua B. , Caleb,
Philema (Mrs. James Gaskell), Sarah A. (Mrs. Thomas Gorham), and
Mary E. (Mrs. Henry Nungester); his second wife was Caroline, daugh-
ter of Jacob Croft, of Shelby County, Ohio, by whom he had three chil-
dren: Lydia (Mrs. William' Benardon), Rachel (Mrs. Scott Rumbaugh),
and Nettie M. Our subject was reared in Shawnee Township, and edu-
cated in the common schools. He was in the late war of the Rebellion,
enlisting October 18, 1861. in Company E, Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry; he was in the Atlanta campaign, and with Sherman in his
march to the sea; was in the battles of Chattanooga and Yicksburg, and
many other engagements, and was honorably discharged July 22, 1865,
after three years and nine months' service. After his discharge he
returned home and purchased the farm he now occupies, most of which he
has cleared and improved, himself. Mr. Coon was married, June 27,
1867, to Mary, daughter of William and Eliza (Schilliug) Buckley, of
Shawnee Township, this county, and ^the issue of this union has been
five children: Naotia (deceased), Maude (deceased), Charles W., Mary A.
and Virgil M Mr. and Mrs. Coon are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. , He has filled several of the minor offices in the town-
ship. In politics he is a Republican.
ABRAHAM CRIDER, farmer and county commissioner, P. O. Lima,
was bom in tickaway County, Ohio, October 19, 1828; son of Ephraim
and Mary (Dunkle) Crider, former bom December 25, 1805, died in 1880.
Ephraim Crider was a son of Abraham and Sophia (Larick) Crider, who
Digitized by LjOOQIC
790 BIOGRAPHICAL SiCETCHES.
settled in Pickaway County in 1814, and were parents of Sophia (mar-
ried to Andrew Thompson and who died, leaving a family in Wyandot
County, Ohio), David (deceased, left family in R<^ County, Ohio), Sal-
ly, wife of Timothy Spangler (died leaving a family in Pickaway Coun-
ty, Ohio), Ephraim, father of our subject ; Amelia, the only one
living of the family, married to a Mr. Howell, who died leaving a
family in Ross County, Ohio; and Oeorge (deceased, left family near
Adelphi, Ohio). The children of Ephraim and Mary Crider were ten in
number: Isaac (residing near Howard, Eans.); Eliza (died, aged six years);
Abraham; Hannah, wife of Jacob Darst, in Auglaize County, Ohio; Ma-
ria, wife of Alexander Shaw, of Cridersville, Ohio; Leanna, wife of
Allen Spiker. in Cridersville, Ohio; Reuben, in Auglaize County, Ohio;
Susan (deceased wife of John Rieichelderfer, who lives in Auglaize
County, Ohio); Ephraim (deceased, aged two years); and John J., in Cri-
dersville, Ohio. Ephraim Crider came to Auglaize County, in 1854, and
in 1855 laid out the town of Cridersvilla The subject of this sketch
received a limited schooling, but studied late at nights by fire-light He
remained with his father until his marriage, September 26, 1852, with
Mary Oarling, who was bom June 11, 1828, in Fairfield County, daugh-
ter of John and Catharine (Hummel) Garling, natives of Pennsylvania,
who came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in the winter of 1824 John
Garling was a son of Frederick Oarling, and died in 1872, aged eighty-
two years; his widow died in 1884, aged eighty -three; she was a daugh-
ter of Frederick and Hannah (Stein) Hummel, natives of Pennsylvania,
but early settlers of Ohio. The children of John and Catharine Gar-
ling were Jeremiah, Solomon and William, in Logan County, Ohio;
Daniel, in Hardin County, Ohio; Mary, and John, in Columbus County,
Ohia Mr. Crider and his wife came to this county in Deceml>er, 1852,
with a team and |90 in cash, all their wealth, and here they endured the
trials and hardships of pioneer life. In 1854 Mr. Cridet bought eighty
acres of land where he now lives, to which he added until he now owns
400 acres. To our subject and wife were bom nine children: John F.
and F. E. born October 2, 1853, both married, the former residing in
Ada, Ohio, the latter in Shawnee Township, this county; George W., bom
February 16, 1855; Catharine, bom December 15, 1856, wife of Amos
Reichelderfer, in Auglaize Connty, Ohio; William R, bom May 29, 1858;
Flora C, bom December 20, 1859, wife of Frank Terwilleger, in Tipton
County, Ind.; Mary A., bom June 22, 1861; Margaret M., bom Decem-
ber 26, 1863; Hattie V., born March 11, 1868. Mr. Crider was chosen
by the people of his township to the office of trustee and treasurer,
which he held many years, and as a further reward for his strict business
integrity he was chosen in 1882, by the people of his county, to the
more responsible position of county commissioner, being now chairman
of that board.
JOSEPH DIXSON, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Muskingum
County, Ohio, October 22, 1827; son of Jacob and Mary (Hardin) Dix-
son, former a native of Virginia, latter of Bedford County, Penn. His
paternal grandfather was Joseph Dixson, a Virginian and a pioneer of
Muskingum Connty, Ohio, where he lived and died; he was a teamster
in his early days, and later a farmer. The maternal grandfather of our
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SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP. 791
subject was William Hardin, a native of Pennsylyania, who lived and
died in Bedford County, that State. Our subject was reared in Ohfo,
and acquired a limited education in the country schools, prior to his be-
ing eight years of age. His father at one time was a resident of Shawnee
Township, this county, where he located in 1835, and lived three years;
then removed to Franklin County, and from there to Licking County,
where he resided until his death; he had eleven children: Mary A. (de-
ceased), Dorcas (Mrs. Jacob Ridenour, Jr.), Joseph, Julia A. (Mrs.
William Eeester), John, Jacob, Oeorge, Enoch (deceased), James, Seth
and Austin. Our subject came to this county in 1848, locating in Shaw-
nee Township, and in 1849 settled on the farm now owned by H. C.
Kemper, which he cleared and improved and resided on until 1874, when
he removed to the farm he now occupies. He was married October 24,
1850, to Barbara E., daughter of Mahion and Sophia (Nye) Moninger,
of Fairfield County, Ohio, by whom he has had fifteen children: John,
Joseph (deceased), Mary S. (Mrs. A. E. Brown), Laura (Mrs. J. S. Frank-
lin), Jacob E. (deceased), an infant son (deceased), Clara E. (deceased),
Melva H., James S., Francis L., William C, Henry O., Harvey L.,
Holmes C, and an infant son (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Dixson are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was in the late war of the
Bebellion in the one hundred days* service. Li politics he is a Repub-
lican.
CHRISTOPHER GRAHAM, farmer, P. O. Hume, was born in
Guernsey County, Ohio, April 3, 1825; son of William and Mary (John-
son) Oraham, who settled in Union Township, Allen (now in Auglaize)
Co., Ohio, in 1835, where they cleared and improved a farm on which
they lived and died. They reared a family of seven children: Richard
(deceased), Christopher, John (deceased), Mary A. (Mrs. David Mc-
Pheron), Charles and William C. (who reside on the old homestead) and
Barton E. Our subject was reared in Union Township, now in Auglaize
County, Ohio, from ten years of age. He settled in Shawnee Township,
this county, in 1847, locating on the farm where he now resides, enter-
ing eighty- seven acres of land from the government, which he cleared
and improved, and he has since added to his possessions by enlarging the
farm to 262 acres. He was married, June 2z, 1848, to Mary T., daugh-
ter of Miles and Fanny (Blew) Cowan, of Auglaize County, Ohio, by
whom he- has had ten children: Beach, Fanny L (deceased), Ann B.,
John, Missouri L (Mrs. Theodore King), Ida L. (Mrs. Charles Settle-
mire), Edla A. (Mrs. Daniel Hoak, deceased), Mary R., Jerusha L. and
Roger. Mr. Ghraham has held several of the minor offices of the Town-
ship. In politics he is a Democrat.
MRS. MARGARET HALL, widow of Jesse Hall, P. O. Lima, was
bom December 29, 1827, in Jackson County, Ohio, and came to Auglaize
County, Ohio, with her parents, David and Nancy (McGrady) Anthony,
former a son of George and Susan (Piper) Anthony. George Anthony
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, was captured by the Indians, but
effected his escape. Mrs. Nancy Anthony was a daughter of Samuel and
Elizabeth (Iddings) McGrady, former a native of Scotland, latter of Ire-
land. The children of David and Nancy Anthony were eight in number:
Margaret, Mary (wife of B. F. Dunnan, in Lima, Ohio), Elizabeth
Digitized by LjOOQIC
792 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
(widow of Philip Eussler, by whom she had two children; is now
the wife of James Yokum, of Shawnee Township, this county), Qilderoy
(in Lima, Ohio), Angeline (deceased wife of Bev. Samuel Fairfield, in
Van Wert County, Ohio), Catharine (widow of David Manner, in Lima,
Ohio), and two deceased in childhood. Jesse Hall was bom in Trumbull
County, Ohio, February 28, 1825, and came to this county in 1835, with
his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Truesdale) Hall, natives of Connecti-
cut. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were married September 19, 1847, and had a
family of ten children : Angeline, Estella, one not named that died in child-
hood, Nancy E. (wife of George Wolf, in Shawnee Township, this
county), Mary E. (deceased wife of William L. Grove, in Van Wert
County), Sidney D. (wife of John Bussert, a merchant of Beaver Danu
Ohio), Jacob S. (died at twenty-three years of age), Sarah C. (wife of
Jonathan Hesser, a partner with Mr. Bussert), David G. (at home, a
teacher) and Isaac J. (at home). Mr. Hall was one of the first to rally at
the call of Gov. Tod for the "Squirrel Hunters, ** and received his
discharge in September, 1862. May 2, 1864, he went as ser-
geant of Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment, under
Capt William Huston, did duty at Washington, D. C, and was dis-
charged June 24, 1864. He died December lo, 1878, his health having
been seriously impaired in the service of his country. He took an active
part in all measures which might conduce to the advancement and eleva-
tion of the people of his community. He commanded the respect and
esteem of the people, and his death was lamented by all who knew him.
The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JAMES A. HOVER, farmer, P. O., Lima, was born near Warren,
Trumbull County, Ohio, April 1, 1828; son of Joseph and Caroline
(Adgate) Hover, natives of Pennsylvania, who were married February 7,
1809. Joseph Hover located in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1802 and in
1833 came to this county, settling in Shawnee Township, on the farm
now occupied by our subject, and here lived and died. Joseph and Car-
oline Hover had eight children: Eliza M., deceased wife of Rev. John
Alexander, a missionary in this county in the interest of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in 1833-34 (she died May 27, 1852, aged forty-one
years), Josiah C. (died September 24, 1834, aged twenty-six years),
Julius A. (died June 29, 1843, aged twenty seven years), Joshua B. , Cyrus
H., William XJ., James A. and Joseph O. (died April 23, 1851, aged
twenty years). The paternal grandfather of our subject was Manuel
Hover, a native of New Jersey, of German descent, captain of a company
during the war of the Revolution, and a pioneer of Trumbull County,
Ohio, where he lived and died; the maternal grandfather of our subject
was John Adgate, also a pioneer of Trumbull County, Ohio. James A.
Hover was reared in Shawnee Township, this county, from five years of
age and was educated in the country schools. He has resided on the
old homestead since 1833, with the excepjtion of two years spent in Lima,
Ohio, (in which city he was engaged in the milling business) and two
years in California, where he went in 1849, and while there was engaged
in mining. He has been twice married, his first wife, whom he married
April 6, 1852, being Isabel E., daughter of Thomas and Catharine
(King) Ferguson, of this county, and by this union were born three
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I^HAWNEE TOWNSHIP. 793
children: Ida A. (Mrs. W. H. Breese, born April 29, 1853), Alma A.
(Mrs. D. C. Ford, bom March 16, 1856), and Cyrus A. (born Auffust 27,
1860). His second wife, to whom he was married, March 8, 1865, was
Nancy, daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth (McEibben) Dobbins, of
Lima, Ohio, and by her he has one child, Alfred C, born December 23,
1865. Mr. and Mrs. Hover are members of the Presbyterian Church. In
politics he is a Eepublican.
THOMAS A. MALTBIE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Sidney,
Ohio, January 19, 1845, son of Harrison and Nancy J. (Wilkinson) Malt*
bie, natives of Ohio, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in
1847, on the farm now occupied by Alexander McCoy, which Harrison
Maltbie had cleared and improved and where he lived up to the spring
of 1884, when he removed to Lafayette, Ohio, where he now resides.
Our subject's father was four times married; his iirst wife was Susan-
nah Dowling, of Lima, Ohio, by wbom he had three children: Silas B.,
William F. and Margaret (Mrs. Alex. McCoy) ; his second wife was Nancy
J. Wilkinson, by whom he had two children: James H. (deceased) and
Thomas A; his third wife was Emily J. Wilkinson, by whom he had one
child: an infant daughter (deceased); and his fourth wife was Mrs. Ann
Moore {nee Longhead). Our subject was reared in Shawnee Township,
this county, from two years of age, and was educated in the common
schools. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted March
25, 1861, in Company D, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was
in the battles of Besaca and Kenesaw Mountain, and in the Atlanta
campaign. He was honorably discharged July 13, 1865, and returned
home, where he engaged in farming on the old homestead, and here he
remained until December, 1869, then located on the farm he now occupies,
which he has cleared and improved. He was twice married, his fixst wife,
to whom he was married December 16, 1869, being Ann M., daughter of
Miles and Ann (Daniels) Langstaff, of Shawnee Township, this county,
and the issue of this union is two children: Frank and Lizzie. His pres-
ent wife, to whom he was married February 16, 1875, is Ella, daughter
of David M. and Mary (Valentine) Breese, of Shawnee Township, this
county. To this union has been born one child: Bertha B. Mr. and
Mrs. Maltbie are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In
politics he is a Republican.
AMOS MOWERY, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County, was
bom in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 20, 1833 ; son of Jacob and
Catharine (Stepleton) Mowery, former a native of Pennsylvania, and a
pioneer of Pickaway County, Ohio, and who came to this county in 1854,
locating in Shawnee Township, where he resided until his death. Jacob
and Catharine Mowery had seventeen children, fifteen of whom grew to
maturity: John, Samuel (deceased), Jacob (deceased), Polly (Mrs. John
King), David (deceased), Elizabeth (Mrs. George Wolf), Jeremiah, Peter
(deceased), Hester (Mrs. John De Long), Amos, Catherine (deceased),
Levi (deceased), Isaac, Joseph and Lydia (Mrs. E. Bigler). Our sub-
ject was reared in Pickaway County, Ohio, where he received a limited
education in the common schools. He came to this county in 1852 and
in the following spring moved to Auglaize County, Ohio, remaining there
until 1860, and then locating on the farm where he now resides, in
Digitized by LjOOQIC
794 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Shawnee Township, this county. He was married, October 10, 1853, to
Catherine, daughter of Peter and Mary (Dotson) Meffley, who settled in
Shawnee Township, this coonty, in 1843, former of whom, a tailor by
trade and a native of Germany, died of cholera in 1849. To Mr. and
Mrs. Mowery have been born four children: William A., Alice (Mrs. N.
P. Myers), Lovina (Mrs. Levi Boysel) and Luella (Mrs. Oeorge Baker).
Mr. and Mrs. Mowery are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church,
with which he has been connected since sixteen years of age. In politics
he is a Democrat
WILLIAM NAPIER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Black Rock,
Erie Co., N. Y., May 16, 1817, son of Joseph and Rebecca (McCaracan)
Napier, former a native of England, latter of Connecticut, pioneers of
Vermillion Township, Huron Co., Ohio. Joseph Napier, who was a sailor
by occupation, was downed in Lake Erie in about 1827. Our subject
was reared in Huron, Lorain and Trumbull Counties, Ohio, and received
a limited education in the common schools. In 1843 he came to this
county, and settled on Section 23, Shawnee Township, where he cleared
and improved a farm of forty acres, now owned by Rachel Langstaff, and
where he resided up to 1856, when he settled on the farm he now occu-
pies, then an unbroken wilderness, comprising 200 acres of land, 150 of
which he has cleared and improved. Mr. Napier was married April 19,
1838, to Sarah, daughter of Adam and Anna (Hall) Hough, of Trumbull
County, Ohio, former a native of Virginia, latter of New Jersey. To our
subject and wife have been bom ten children, seven of whom grew to
maturity: Adela (Mrs. Salem Reed), Harriet (Mrs. Silas Reed), Hamlin
(member of the Fifty- fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late
war of the Rebellion, in which he served eighteen months), Susan (Mrs.
Freeman Reed), Hilra, Sarah (Mrs. W. A. Smith) and Mary. Mr. Na-
pier has served the township one term as justice of the peace, and has
filled other minor offices. In politics he is a Republican and an advo-
cate for prohibition.
JEROME RAYMOND, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Scipio,
Cayuga Co., N. T., September 15, 1811; son of David and Rebecca
(McCaracan) Raymond, natives of Connecticut, and pioneers of Cuyahoga
County, Ohio, where the father died. The mother afterward married
Joseph Napier, settled in Vermillion Township, Huron Co., Ohio,
from there removing to Rockport, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and died in Mer-
cer County, Penn. Our subject was reared in Ashtabula County, Ohio,
and two and a half months' schooling there was all the educational
advantages he received. On coming of age he engaged in farming in
Middleburg Township, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where he resided until
1852, in which year he came to this county and settled in Shawnee Town-
ship, on the farm he now occupies and most of which he cleared and im-
proved. He has been twice married, his first wife, to whom he was mar-
ried in 1839, being Almira Ackley, daughter of Thomas Ackley, of Mid-
dleburg, Ohio. His present wife, to whom he was married April 15,
1869, was Mrs. Eliza Truesdale, widow of Jesse Truesdale, and daughter
of Jacob and Margaret (Warner) Connor, of Auglaize County, Ohio. Mr.
Raymond participated in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted
in September, 1861, in Company B, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry;
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SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP. 795
re- enlisted as a veteran in the same company and regiment, in 1863, and
was honorably discharged July 23, 1865. He was in the battles of Shi-
loh, luka, Corinth, and in the Atlanta campaign, after which he was
assigned to the care of baggage and received his final discharge at Gamp
Dennison, Ohio. Mr. Raymond filled the office of township trustee one
term. In politics he is a Republican.
MANUEL REED, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Trumbull County,
Ohio, February 7, 1808; son of Thomas and Jane (Hover) Reed, natives
of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Trumbull County, Ohio, where they
lived and died. Our subject was reared in Trumbull County, Ohio,
where he received a limited education in the country schools. In 1833
he came to this county and entered the laud he now owns and occupies,
on which he settled in 1837, and all of which he cleared and improved.
He was married November 17, 1835, to Elizabeth, daughter of Arthur
and Henrietta (Jemison) O'Hara, of Irish descent; parents of eight chil-
dren, two now living: Horatio Q., now in Reno, Nev., and Elizabeth
(Mrs. Manuel Reed). Arthur O'Hara was a pioneer merchant of Lima,
where he located in 1833, and in 1837 moved to Wisconsin where he died.
Our subject and wife are parents of ten children, all born on the old
homestead: Arthur (deceased), Warren (a physician in Ealida, Putnam
Co., Ohio), Lorinda (Mrs. J. L. Smith), John, Irvin, Uretta (Mrs. An-
drew McClintock), Sarah (Mrs. Solomon Shappell), Anna (Mrs. Jerry Bow-
sher), Jennetta (deceased), and Aldulia. Mr. and Mrs. Reed are among
the first pioneer families left in Shawnee Township. They have twenty-
four grandchildren. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mr. Reed has filled several of the township offices. In politics
he is a Democrat.
SAMUEL REED, farmer, P. O. Hume, was bom in Fairfield County,
Ohio, August 31, 1814, son of Noah and Betsey (Stahl) Reed, former a
native of Connecticut, latter of Virginia; they were pioneers of Fairfield
County, Ohio, where they lived for many years. Our subject was reared
in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was married, August 15, 1837, to Mary,
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Culp) Akers, of Fairfield County, Ohio,
by whom he had ten children: Clarissa (deceased), Silas, Salem, Isaac,
John, Freeman, Nelson, Almeda . (deceased), Emma (Mrs. Charles
Andrew) and Laura. Mr. Reed came to this county in the fall of 1852,
and settled in Shawnee Township, on the farm where he now resides, all
of which he cleared and improved. In politics, he is a Republican.
SOLOMON SHAPPELL, proprietor of saw-mill and farmer, P. O.
Hume, was bom in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 8, 1847, son of George
and Mary (Riggle) Shappell, natives of Berks County, Penn., former a
son of Yarmus Shappell, a native of Switzerland now deceased, latter
now living in her seventy.first year, daughter of John G. and Elizabeth
(Selteimer) Riggle. To George and Mary Shappell were bom eleven
children: J. G., in Shawnee Township, this county, Elizabeth (wife of
William Hastings), Sarah (wifeof William Bo wsher, of Auglaize County,
Ohio), Nelson (in Kansas), Eli (deceased at eight years of age),
Jacob (residing near Lansing, Mich.), Daniel, Solomon, Catharine
(widow of William Baker), andEmma F. (wife of James Sellers), all in
Shawnee Township, this county, and Ursinus, a doctor in Auglaize
Digitized by LjOOQIC
796 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
County, Ohio. J. G., Nelson and Daniel enlisted Angost 13, 1862, in
Company G. Eighty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and did
Taliant duty. The subject of this sketch was married, August 4, 1871,
to Miss Sarah Beed, who was lx>m July 30, 1853, daughter of Emanuel
Beed of Shawnee Township, this county, and by this union wc^re bom
five children: Clyde, a daughter bom June 15, 1873; Obediah, bom
January 28, 1876; Duly, died in infancy; Bolly, born June 28, 1881,
and Lora, bom May 7, 1884. Mr. Shappell remained on a farm until
twenty- three years of age and came to Hume, this county, in the fall of
1875, where he is engaged in milling and farming, being a member of
the firm of Shappell & Berryman. l^is firm have improved machinery,
a No. 2 circular saw, twenty-five horse-power engine, the only enterprise
of the kind in this vicinity, and doing a large business. Our subject is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a
Democrat.
SAMUEL SPYKEB, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County,
was bom in Circleville, Ohio, November 13, 1813, son of Henry and
Elizabeth (Todd) Spyker, former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of
Kentucky. They were pioneers of Pickaway County, Ohio, and later of
this county, where they died. Their children were eight in number:
Mary (deceased), Samuel, Luther, Julia A. (deceased), Bachel (deceased),
Henry (deceased), Eliza (Mrs. John Vannetta) and Levi, a soldier in the
late war of the Bebellion, who died in Libby prison. Our subject was
reared in Pickaway County, Ohio, where he resided until 1841, when he
came to this county, settling on the farm he now occupies on Section 25,
Shawnee Township, and which he cleared and improved: he also cleared
a farm of 100 acres on the same section further east. Mr. Spyker has
been twice wedded; his first wife, to whom he was married December 13,
1835, was Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Fox) Weaver, of
Pickaway County, Ohio, and by her he had eight children, seven of
whom grew to maturity: Martin, Lewis, Elizabeth (Mrs. Francis Steven-
son), Allen, Mary (Mrs. Francis Mohler), Henry (deceased) and Jacob.
His second wife, to whom he was married August 13, 1851, is Margaret,
daughter of Michael and Eva (Smith) Losch, and to this union have been
born twelve children: Jonathan, Sarah (deceased), Samuel (deceased),
Peter (deceased), Theodore (deceased), Effie (Mrs. D. Tippy), Charlie
(deceased), Joel, Nettie, Addie, and twins deceased in infancy. Mr. and
Mrs. Spyker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat.
DAVID STEPLETON, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, Auglaize County,
was bom in Shawnee Township, this county, July 12, 1846 ; son of John
and Hester (Bowsher) Stepleton, former a native of Pickaway County,
Ohio, son of David Stepleton, a native of Pennsylvania, who was among
the pioneers of Shawnee Township, this county, locating on the farm
now occupied by his son Joseph, which he had cleared and improved, and
where he lived and died. David Stepleton, Sr., had a family of eight chil-
dren : Elizabeth (Mrs. Jonathan Harpster), Sarah (Mrs. William
Beichelderfer), John (deceased), Mary (Mrs. Charles Bowsher, now '
deceased), Levi (deceased), Polly (deceased), Joseph and Jacob (deceased).
The maternal grandfather of our subject was Daniel Bowsher, a native of
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SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP. 797
FennsylTania, who settled in Shawnee Township, this ooanty, in 1835,
clearing and improving a farm, on which he lived and died. The child-
ren of John and Hester Stepleton were David and Elizabeth (latter
deceased). Onr subject was reared and educated in Shawnee Township,
this county, and in 1867 he located on the farm^he now occupies, all of
which he cleared and improved. He was married, September 26, 1867,
to Maiy E., daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah A. (Pierce) Mowery, early
settlers of Shawnee Township, this county, and by this union have been
born four children : Franklin A., two infant daughters (deceased), and
Vilas E. Mr. and Mrs. Stepleton are members of the Lutheran Church.
He has served as clerk of Shawnee Township three terms, and justice of
the peace one term. In politics he is a Democrat
ROBERT Q. STOCKTON, farmer, P. O. Cridersville, . Auglaize
County, was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 9, 1840; son of
Thomas and Sarah (Rea) Stockton, natives of Washington County, Penn.,
and pioneers of Licking County, Ohio. In 1865 they came to this
county, locating on Section 14, Shawnee Township, afterward moving to
Lima, where they died. They were parents of seven children : Joseph
R., Belle S. (Mrs. Henry C. Adgate), Robert O., Thomas M. (killed at
battle of Richmond, Ey., duringthe war of the Rebellion), James A., John
v., and Mary A. (deceased). 'Hie Stocktons are of Scotch-Irish descent,
and some of their ancestors came over in the ** Mayflower" in 1632. Our
subject was reared in Licking County, Ohio, where he received a common
school education. In 1865 he came to this county, with his parents, and
in 1877 located on the farm he now occupies, all of which he has cleared
and improved* This farm was purchased by his father in 1839. Mr.
Stockton was married, December 29, 1870, to Mary, daughter of Daniel
and Lydia (Otstott) Heindel, natives of Pennsylvania, of Oerman
descend and who settled in Lima, in 1840. Mr. Heindel was a miller by
trade, and was engaged in milling in Lima for many years. To Mr. and
Mrs. Stockton have been born four children : Eva L. , Laura B. (deceased),
Amanda B. and Lydia A. Mr. Stockton is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, Mrs. Stockton of the Lutheran. In politics he is a Republican.
SAMUEL ZXJRMEHLY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in eastern
Pennsylvania, January 23, 1822, son of John and Susannah (Shafiher)
Zurmehly, former a native of France, latter of Switzerland. The parents
immi^ated to America about 1816, traveling the previous fall to the sea
coast, a distance of 700 miles, with a hand-cart, but were detained until
the following spring, and on their arrival in America had to work three
years as a return for their passage across the ocean, the father in a stone
quarry, although by trade he was a silk weaver; he afterward accumu-
lated enough money to buy a horse and cart, and in 1823 came overland
with his family to Picsaway County, Ohio, where he operated a copper
still, by which, with the assistance of his wife, who spun yam and wove
doth, he managed to support his family. This couple died in Pickaway
County, Ohio, the mother in 1835, the father four years later. They had
nine children : Robert, Frederick, Samuel, Jacob (deceased), John
(deceased), Amos (deceased), Susannah (deceased), Peter (deceased),
Mary (Mrs. Solomon Morgan). Our subject left home when ten years of
age, working the first year for his board ; the second year he got 13 per
43
Digitized by LjOOQIC
798 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
month and board, the money received going toward the support of his
father's family. His mother dying when he was in his thirteenth year,
he retamed home, where he remained two years, assisting in the house-
work and looking after the yoonger members of the family. In 1837 he
went to work on a farm, at which he continued until 1841, when he b^an
work at ihe carpenter's trade, and this he followed up to 1845. In 1846
he came to this county, and settled on Section 24, Shawnee Township,
where he cleared and improved a farm from what was then an unbroken
wilderness, and here he resided until the spring of 1865, when he located
on the farm of 168 acres he now occupies, most of which he has
cleared, and on which he has made many improvements. Mr. Zurmehly
also owns eighty acres in another part of the township. He has given a
farm to one of his sons, and also to a son-in-law. Mr. Zurmehly was
married, October 14, 1844, to Catherine, daughter of Samuel and Mary
(Kraft) Books, of Pickaway County, Ohio, by whom he had seven chil-
dren : Mary E. (Mrs. Isaac Beed), John W., Jennie (deceased), Wilson
S., Peter F., Charles L. and Ida B. (Mrs. Alonzo McLain). Our subject
and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics
Mr. Zurmehly is a Bepublican.
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 799
SPENCER TOWNSHIP,
NICHOLAS J. ARDNEB, farmer, P. O. Landeck, was bom in
Seneca County, Ohio, June 24, 1854; son of Nicholas and Susan (Adams)
Ardner, natives of Germany and early settlers of Seneca County, Ohio,
and who are now living in Marion Township, Allen County, Ohio.
They are the parents of seven children. Nicholas J., the third child,
received a common school education and entered upon his career in life as
a farmer, an occupation he has always followed. He came to Spencer
Township, this county, witti his parents in 1864, and located on the farm
where he still resides, and upon which he has assisted in making the im-
provementa Hei is considered one of the rising young farmers, highly es-
teemed by the community for his many good qualities. He was united
in marriage, October 7, 1879, with Miss Margaret Toungpeter, who was
born in Seneca County, Ohio, July 4, 1858, daughter of Hubbard and
Annie Toungpeter. To them have been bom three children: Louie,
Edward and Lizzia In his political views our subject is identified
with the Democratic party.
JOHN W. ARNOLD, editor, Spencerville, was bom in Hampshire
County, Ya., June 22, 1844; son of Joshua and Martha (Powell) Arnold,
who are natives of and still living in West Virginia. Our subject's
facilities for attending school were limited, and he has obtained his edu-
cation by his own efforts. He was raised on a farm and has followed
agricultural pursuits most of his life, in connection with which he has
done more or less insuring. During the late war of the Rebellion he en-
listed in the Confederate Army, in the First Virginia Cavalry, and was
taken prisoner December 22, 1862. He took the oatib of allegiance at Camp
Chase, and has since made the North his home. He came to Auglaize
County, Ohio, in November, 1863, and while there served as township
clerk for four years. He was married, May 7, 1867, to Miss Matilda
Bobbins, bom April 18, 1849, daughter as James and Celia (Brewer)
Bobbins. By this union were bom ten children, five of whom died in
infancy. The living are Albert B., Loretta M., Bay C, Elvin D., and
William Clayton. In April, 1878, Mr. Arnold came to Spencerville, and
a year later purchased the Spencerville Journal On January 17, 1888, he
lost all his property by fire, but soon after started in business again. He
served as mayor of the town one year and then resigned. In politics he
is a Democrat. For many years he was an active member of the
L O. O. F.
JOHN N. BAILET, lawyer, Spencerville, was bom in Auglaize
County, Ohio, September 3, lo39 ; eldest son of Christopher and Nancy
(Noble) Bailey, natives of Virginila and Ohio, respectively, early settlers
of Auglaize County, and who are still living on the old homestead Our
subject was raised on a farm and received a common school education.
He was married, February 11, 1861, to Minerva Baber, who died in 1876,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
800 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
leaying to his care seven children: Mary A., Minnie M., Alice M.,
Emma J., Charles F., Lillian and Arthur N. His second marriage,
which occurred November 20, 1879, was with Hannah Caldwell, of Darke
County, Ohio. Early in life Mr. Bailey learned the carpenter's trade,
at which he worked as contractor, building railroad bridges, etc., till
1880. He read law more or lees till that year, and then entered the law
school at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in June, 1882, and inmiediately
commenced practice at Spencerville. Although young in the profession,
his success is such as usually attends years of hard labor. In addition
to his practice Mr. Bailey owns a farm in Amanda Township, this coun-
ty, consisting of 216 acres of land, and also other property in Spencer
Township. His property is the result of his own efforts, and he is virtually
a self-made man. He is master of Ajxsadia Lodge, No. 306, F. & A. M.
He has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for
nearly twenty-three years. Our subject is a stanch Bepublican, although
not an office seeker. In the performance of his professional and busi-
ness transactions he bears the reputation of being an honorable and up-
right man.
JOHN M. BEABD, drug^st, Spencerville, was bom in Mahoning
County, Ohio, February 3, 18& ; son of Milo and Mary (Osburn) Beard^
natives of Mi^oning County, Ohio, latter of whom died in 1851 ; for-
mer still resides in Fort Wayne, Ind. Our subject's early life was
spent on a farm. In 1865 he went with his parents to Allen County,
Ind., and during 1866-67 he attended the school at Boanoke, Ind., and
the three following years at Fort Wayne, and Cleveland, Ohio. During
twenty-four months of this time he engaged in teaching. He entered
upon his business career as drug clerk, in the employ of T. M. Biddle,
druggist, of Fort Wayne, with whom he remained seven years. He
then engaged about four months with J. A. Tyler & Co., at the end of
which time he purchased an interest in a drug store at Delphos, Van
Wert Co., Ohio, in partnership with H. P. Eysenbach, and carried with
him to his new place of business the best wishes of the community he
had served so long as prescription clerk, and where he had gained the
reputation of being a careful and efficient pharmacist Remaining in
Delphos over a year, he then removed to Spencerville and formed a part-
nership withTheo. Eysenbach, in the drug and hardware business; two
years later the firm dissolved and divided the business, Mr. Baird retaining
the drug department. On December 14, 1881, he was mairied to Miss
Eva Brown, who was bom in Delphos, Ohio, January, 18, 1860, by whom
he has one child, Lois, bom Febmary 28, 1883. At present Mr. Beard
is township and corporation treasurer. He is a member of Summit City
Lodge, No. 170, F. & A. M., of Fort Wayne; politically he is identified
with the Democratic party.
EPHBAIM BERYMAN, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was bom in
Allen County, Ohio, January 29, 1840, the eldest of six children bom to
Russel and Margaret (Slawer) Beryman. Russel Beryman, a native of Mont-
gomery County, Ohio, was but six years of age when brought to Shelby
Counfy, Ohio. He was an influential farmer and stock dealer, and died
July 9, 1879, his wife having preceded him May 9, 1848. Our subject
was reared on a farm; and his educational advantages were limited to a
Digitized by LjOOQIC
SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 801
few weeks each year in the common schools. He entered upon his career
in life as a farmer, which he has made the principle occupation of his
life, in connection with which he has done more or less trading in and
handling of live stock. He was married Deceaiber 5, 1861, to Deborah
B. Blackburn, who was bom in Columbiana County, Ohio, May 28, 1842,
daughter of George and Charlotte (Weber) Blackburn, early settlers of
Columbiana County. To this union eight children were bom: Harley
A., John Q., Elbert S., George W., Alma M., David K, Ira P., and
Flora E. Mr. Beryman purchased his farm in Spencer Township, in
1875, and removed to same three years later, since when he has added to
his original purchase and now owns 120 acres of land situated on the
Lima and Spencerville Pike, and which is considered one of the beet
farms in this locality. He has placed the same under a high state of
cultivation, the result of many days of hard labor. His aim is to excel in
the production and quality of his crops. Mr. Beryman Was formerly a
member of the Grange. He is a consistent adherent of the Baptist
Church.
JACOB BCKDK, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was bom in Marion
County, Ohio, July 24, 1844; son of John and Catherine (Epley) Book,
natives of Germany, who were the parents of nine children of whom
Jacob is sixth. John Book came to America in 1821, and located in
Marion County, Ohio; he is now retired from active life, a resident of
Van Wert County, Ohio; his wife died in 1878. Our subject was mar-
ried, March 23, 1871, to Isabel Masters, who was born in Clermont
County, Ohio, July 22, 1850, daughter of William and Malinda (Ross)
Masters, of Van Wert County. She has borne him six children: John F.,
Nancy C. (deceased), William H. (deceased), James A.*, Joseph A. and
Bosa E. (twins). Mi, Book is one of of the most influential men of the
township, and, as the appearance of his farm denotes, is a practical
farmer. He aims to excel, and to produce and to have the best to sell.
Having been reared on a farm, his educational advantages were necessa-
rily limited to the common schools. Although not an office seeker he is
a leader of the Democratic party in this vicinity; is an active member of
Jennings Grange, No. 1320. He came to Spencer Township, with his
parents in 1863, and in 1871 purchased the homestead where he still
lives.
A. BRYAN, M. D. and druggist, Si)encerville, was born in Franklin
County, Penn., April 21, 1828; son of John and Elizabeth (Kraig) Bryan,
natives of Pennsylvania, and parents of eleven children. Our subject, the
fourth in the family, received a common school and academic education,
and after five years spent in reading medicine, he entered the medical
schools of Philadelphia, Penn., graduating in 1867. He entered upon
the practice of his chosen profession in Clermont, Penn.; soon after
went to Elk County, remaining there till 1875, when he removed to
Buffalo, N. Y, and graduated at the Medical University. He then spent
about three years in practice in the oil regions. In 1879 he moved to
Colorado, where he was interested in mining, at same time following his
profession till 1883, when he went to Bloomfield, Ind, and engaged in
the drug business a few months, but losing his stock by fire, and not
being able to procure a suitable room in which to continue business, he
Digitized by LjOOQIC
802 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
came to Spencerville, purchasing a stock of drugs, which he has receatlj
moved into a commodious room near the Eeeth House, and here he car-
ries on the drug business in connection with his duties as a physician.
The doctor was married, in 1865, to Clara Holden, a native of Pennsyl-
vania, who has borne him one son — Charles, born November 4, 1866.
Politically Dr. Bryan is a Democrat
CHARLES F. BUEHLEB, stoves and tinware, Spencerville, was
bom in Baden, Germany, November 4, 1853, youngest child of George
and Anna Maria (Floesch) Buehler, and was brought to America by Ms
parents when an infant They located at New Bremen, Auglaize County,
Ohio. 'Early in life our subject learned the trade of tinner, and since
the age of fourteen has depended upon his own efforts. He came to
Spencerville, January 14, 1875, and opened a tin store with a limited
capital, but by industry and economy his trade steadily increased,
and he was able to add continually to his stock, which is now complete.
In addition to stoves and tinware he deals quite extensively in all kinds of
hard and soft ooal. Mr. Buehler was married, November 18, 1879, to Miss
Eatherine Schoenthaler, who was bom in Philadelphia, Penn., March 22,
1855. She has borne him one son and one daughter — Frederick and
Lillie. Mr. Buehler is a consistent member of the German Lutheran
Church. He was formerly a member of the town council. Socially, he
ranks high in the estimation of the community for his many good
qualities.
THOMAS C. BURNS, dry goods merchant, Spencerville, was bom
in Ashland County, Ohio, May 17, 1843; son of John H and Margaret
(McClure) Bums, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Pennsyl-
vania. They had nine children, of whom Thomas C. is fourth. Our
subject was raised on a farm, and received a common school education.
He entered upon his career in life as a harness-maker, an occupation he
followed about two years. He then engaged as clerk in a dry goods
store at Perrysville, Ohio, where he remained about eleven years. In
1879 he removed to Spencerville, opened a dry goods store, in partner-
ship with E. F. Yeach, and has since continued in this line. From the
commencement of his business career his trade has gradually increased,
and his kind and obliging manners in attending to the wants of his
many customers, as well as by bis close attention to business, have
gained for him hosts of friends. In order to better accommodate this trade
Uie firm removed, in September, 1884, to their present commodious room,
and their stock is as complete as any in the town. Mr. Burns was mar-
ried, February 23, 1870, to-iate Castor, who was born in Vermont, July
25, 1850, by whom he has two children: Wade A. and John H. Mr.
Bums is one of the present councilmen; was formerly a member of the
I. O. O. F.; religiously he is a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Politically he is a stanch Democrat
L. Y. COCHRUN, merchant, Spencerville, was born in Sugar Creek
Township, this county, August 3, 1849; son of Simon and Lucinda
(Miller) Cochrun, early settlers and still residents of Amanda Township.
They are the parents of five children, of whom L. T. is the second. Our
subject was raised on a farm, and received a common and normal
school education. He entered upon his eareer in life as a teacher, and
Digitized by LjOOQIC
SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 803
for fiye years followed that occupation. He was married, March 31,
1872, to Miss Margaret Berriman, of Auglaize County, Ohio. To them
have been born three children, yiz.: Bert, Carrie and Jennia Mr Coch-
run came to Spencerville in about 1874, and engaged in mercantile busi-
ness with Joseph August for about two years, and a year later opened
business for himself. From a small grocery he has gradually increased
his business, which now comprises a general merchandise stock. In Jan-
uary, 1883, he had the misfortune to lose his building and about half
of his stock by fire, but he has since erected a brick building, 26x80,
into which he remoTed his stock about April, 1884. He has been town-
ship clerk two years, and clerk of the corporation six years.
JOHN H. DUNATHAN. merchant and mayor, Spencerville, was
bom in Sidney, Shelby Co., Ohio, March 13, 1836, eldest child of Robert
H. and Mary E. (Porotzman) Dunathan, the former a native of Franklin
County, Penn., the lattw of Montgomery County, Ohio. They were the
parents of nine children, four now living: John H, David P., Jacob B.
and Edmond P. Robert H. Dunathan came to Mercer County in 1840,
died in 1873, his wife having preceded him in 1855. Our subject was
raised on a farm, and made agriculture the principal occupation of his
life until 1878, when he embarked in mercantile business at Deep Cut,
Auglaize Co., Ohio, dealing more or less extensively in grain and prod-
uce. In the spring of 1882 he removed his business U> Spencerville,
and a year later took in as partner J. H. Taft, under firm name J. H.
Dunathan & Co. Our subject was married, October 13, 1858, to Mary
A., daughter of Thomas Upton, of Mercer County, bom in April, 1842,
by whom he has eight children: Elizabeth F., Margaret B., Hettie A.,
Thomas B., Harmon, Susan, Edna and Clarinda. While a resident of
Auglaize County Mr. Dunathan served as justice of the peace twelve
years, and as county commissioner five years, offices he filled with honor
to himself. In the spring of 1883 he was appointed to fill the office of
mayor of Spencerville, and was duly elected to that office at the ensuing
election. In politics Mr. Dunathan is a stanch Democrat.
JAMES FITZPATRICK, Spencerville, was bom in Wayne county,
Ohio, July 2, 1848, son of Patrick and Margaret (Doudel) Fitzpatrick,
former of whom when twenty years of age came to America, and located
in New York, from there moving to Summit County, Ohio, and eventually
to Wayne County. The latter came to America when sixteen years of
age. They were married in New York State, and to them were born eleven
children, of whom James is next to the youngest The early days of our sub-
ject were spent on a farm and in attending school. He entered upon his
career in life as a farmer, and in 1879 came to this county, where he has
since engaged in the grocery and queensware business. His trade is
extensive, and he is recognized as one of the best grocerymen of Spen-
cerville. Mr. Fitzpatrick was united in marriage, in 1875, with Miss
Maggie Lannon, a native of Hamilton Count}% Ohio, born September
9, 1857. To this uuion were born two children : Alice I. and Eddie.
Mr. Fitzpatrick has served the people as* a member of the council, and
is the present township clerk. Politically he is identified with the
Democratic party.
H. CLAY HART, physician, Spencerville, -was bom in Troy, Miami
County, Ohio, July 19, 1841, son of Levi and Sarah S. (Tullis) Hart,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
804 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Datives of New Jersey and Virginia respectiyely, and who were the
parents of three children^ of whom H. Clay is the yoongest. The sub-
ject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and when ninet^n years of age
he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Yoluntc^
Infantry, remaining in the service till discharged from the second battal-
ion Veteran Beserve Corps at the close of the war. He was ordered dis-
charged because of physical disability by President Lincoln, in the spring
of 1864, but refused the kindness because of loyalty to bis country, and
has the President's written compliments for his patriotism, his discharge
however prohibits his being ever re-enlisted, because of physical inca-
pacity. Upon his return from the army, finding his health would not
permit of farm labor, he commenced to read medicine. In February,
1869, he graduated in medicine and snrgery at the Pennsylvania Univer-
sity, and in the spring following, located in Spencerville, and entered
upon the practice of his profession, which has increased until his ride
now extends into four counties ; and it may be said that, while in health,
he has attended professionally in a few years as many calls as any man
in the State. The doctor was married, November 5, 1871, to Mrs. Sally
H. Bathgiver, who was born in Baltimore, Md., July 14, 1842, daughtcor
of Henry Staub. He has been chairman of the board of health ; has
served on the school board five years, and in the council six years. He
was formerly a member of the L O. O. F., and of the Improved Order of
Bed Men, and is now surgeon of Fair Post, G. A. B. of Spencerville.
Although not a politician, the doctor is identified with the Bepublican
party.
ASA C. HABTEB, retired, Spencerville, was bom in Miami County,
Ohio, February 24, 1885, son of John and Ann Harter, natives of Ken-
tucky and early settlers of Miami County. They were parents of five
sons and three daughters, of whom Asa C. is the sixth. Our subject
received a common school education, and, at the age of twelve years,
entered upon his career in life as a clerk in a grocery, where he remained
about two years, then removed to Shelby County, Ohio. In 1854 he came
to Spencerville, and three years latter embarked in merchandising, since
when he has been engaged, more or less extensively, in this line until
1881, when he retired from active life, and disposed of his business to
his son. Mr. Harter was married, February 6, 1859, to Miss Mary
Briggs, daughter of John Briggs, and born in 1842. By this union
there are six children : Bollo, merchant of Mendon, Ohio ; Charles, at
home ; Everett, operator at Delphos ; Tina ; Gerby and Frank. Mr.
Harter served the people of the township as clerk for nine consecutive
years, treasurer about four years, and was a member of the school board
twelve years. He was commissioned postmaster under James Buchanan,
and filled that office ten years. For many years he was a member of the
I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Democrat.
MEBBITT HABVEY, retired, Spencerville, was bom in Vermont,
October 20, 1824, son of Apollos an<i Mary (Bockwood) Harvey, natives
of Massachusetts and Vermont respectively, the former of whoni was bom
in 1796, and died Febraary 29, 1848; the latter was born in 1800, died
in 1836. They were parents of seven children, of whom Merritt is the
third. While an infant our subject removed with his parents to Troy,
Digitized by LjOOQIC
SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 805
N. Y., where he grew to maturity, spendiDg his ear]y life in attending
school, preparatory to entering college, but instead of so doing, he moved
to Ohio in 1843, and fonr years later to Spencervilla He engaged in
boating on the canal for several years, and eventually turned his atten-
tion to merchandising, in which he continued at intervals for several
years. He also taught school more or less for thirty years. He has
within three years past retired from active life and labor. In his bus-
iness career he has experienced the ups and downs incident to trade, but
has retired with sufficient property to live comfortably to the end of his
days. He was twice married; on first occasion, in 1852, to Eebecca Ann
Wicks, who died in March, 1864, and he then married, in 1865, Mrs.
Eliza Ann Wicks, who was born at Dayton, Ohio, July 6, 1835 (by her
first marriage she had three children: Charles, John and Samuel). To
this union were bom five children: Frank, William S., Wallace, Martha
and James M. Mr. Harvey was one of the first township clerks, and was
mayor six years, and has also been a member of the town council. Dur-
ing the late war of the Bebellion, he enlisted in Company E, One Hun-
dred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with Capt C. Bice, and
was in the service about nine months. Politically he is identified with
the Democratic parly.
A. E. HERMINGHUYSEN, merchant, Spencerville, was bom in Hol-
land, March 30, 1842, son of Ems F. J. and Mary (Eobinstine) Herming-
huysen, natives of Holland. Our subject came to America in 1848, and locat-
ed in Putnam County, Ohio. He obtained his education through his own
efforts, and entered upon his career in life as a clerk; for three years he was
in a grocery, and about six months in a clothing store. In 1861 he went to
Cincinnati, Ohio, and for eight years was in the employ of Spence Bros.
& Co., when he went to Delphos, Ohio, and engaged as clerk with differ-
ent firms, eventually forming a partnership and embarking in business.
He remained at Delphos until October, 1883, when he sold his interest
and removed to Spencerville, where he opened out a general merchandise
stock Mr. Herminghuysen was married, in 1874, to Miss Lulu E. Fleimer,
who was bom in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1853, daughter of Christian F.
and Elizabeth Fleimer. To this union were bom four children: Adrian
F., Carl F., Gertie, and an infant not named. Mr. Herminghuysen is a
member of the Royal Arcanum and I. O. O. F. lodges at Delphos. In
polijics he is a Republican.
HUGH M. HILL, justice of the peace, Spencerville, was born in
Harrisburg, Penn., January 18, 1835, son of John G. and Ellen (McCor-
mic) Hill, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of six children, of whom
Hugh M. is the eldest Early in life he learned the tailor trade, which
he followed about three years, but retired on account of his health, and
became a clerk in a dry goods store. In 1853 he came to Spencerville,
and clerked two years, then spent a year in the West. Upon his return
he embarked in the lumbering industry, but eventaally returned to clerk-
ing. Later he took charge of the Union Mills one year. Mr. Hill was
married, December 9, 1858, to Ellen M. Harter, who was bom in Marion
County, Ohio, January 12, 1840, daughter of John L. and Annie Harter,
early settlers of this county. In 1864 Mr. Hill enlisted in Company G,
Forty, seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service
Digitized by LjOOQIC
'806 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
nntil the close of the war. He is an active member of Fair Post, G. A.
R., and has been a member of Arcadia Lodge, F. & A M., about twenty-
five years; has served the people of the township in several offices of
trust, and is now in his fourth term as justice of the peace. His polit-
ioal^ympathy is with the Democratic party. During his business career
he has engaged in several branches of trade, but now devotes his time to
the duties of his office and insurance. He takes an active part in public
enterprises, especially those for the advancement of educational privi-
leges, and has served on the school board.
JACOB HOCH, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was bom in Baden, Ger-
many, December 14, 1822, son of Jacob and Catherine (Weisch) Hoch,
natives of Germany, who settled in Marion County, Ohio, at an early
day. Our subject received a common school education in his native land,
and entered upon his career in life as a farmer. He was married in his
native land, in 1847, to Elizabeth Lust, bom in 1821, and by her had
eleven children, of whom but two are now living: Charles and Catherinei
He came to America and located in Marion County, Ohio, in 1853, remov-
ing, in 1866, to this county, and locating in Spencer Township, where
he has a large farm all placed under cultivation (except about forty-five
acres), and upon this he has erected substantial farm buildings. He has
also put up a scale house, which is supplied with scales from the Buffalo
Scale Company. Mr. Hoch has been a trustee of the German Reformed
Church, of which he has been a member for a number of years. He is
considered one of the leading, as well as one of the influential farmers
of the township, highly esteemed for his many good qualities.
ADISON S. HOOKER, liveryman, Spencerville, was bom in Mt Ver-
non, Knox Co., Ohio, September 15, 1846; a son of Royal and Courtney
(Graham) Hooker, natives of Vermont and Virginia respectively; the
former of whom died July 27, 1882, the latter July 13, 1866. Eight of
their twelve children are still living, viz. : Charles R., John O., Royal
D., Adison S., Winfield T., William G., Hoy B. and Elmer E, Our sub-
ject was raised on a farm and embarked in life as a farmer in this county,
whither his parents had moved in 1850. When seventeen years of age
he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry (in
1863), and received his discharge in 1865. After the war he engaged in
lumbering and, having purchased some timber land, built a saw-mill.
During his business career he has owned a saw and planing-mill, a |p:ist-
mill, etc. In 1882 he went to Michigan, where he was for two years
engaged more or less extensively in the lumber business. January, 1884,
he returned to Spencerville, and has since conducted a livery business.
Mr. Hooker was married August 14, 1866, to Elizabeth Fisle, bom in
1847, and by her he has had nine children : Charles A., John R., Hen-
rietta« Anna L., Laura (deceased), Katie (deceased), George, Adison S.
and Lavina. Mr. Hooker has served as councilman ten years, and has
held other minor township offices. Politically he is a stanch Democrat.
Although Mr. Hooker started in life a poor boy, his efforts have been
crowned with success, and several buildings are standing, among which
is his fine residence, as monuments to his thrift and enterprise.
CHARLES A HOVER, merchant, Spencerville, a son of Cyrus and
Martha (Past) Hover, was born in Delphtjs, Ohio, October 25, 1856. He
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 807
was raised on a farm, and having obtained a fair education in the com-
mon and academic schools, taught more or less for several years. His
first business enterprise was at Spencerrille, with B. H. Harbjson, to
whom he sold out his interest after fifteen months' partnership. In
August, 1888, he purchased a stock of groceries and again embarked in
mercantile business, and in February of the year following, took in as
partner J. M. Biner. Their trade is steadily on the increase, as a result
of close attention to business and the courteous manner in which they
attend to the wants of their customers. Mr. Hover was married Sep-
tember 21, 1881, to Miss Mercy E., daughter of James and Jennie
(Baker) Sunderland, bom in Auglaize County, Ohio, March 28, 1856.
They have been blessed with one child, Mercy W., bom March 1, 1884.
Mr. Hover is a member of the E. of P., Lima.
JOHNZEY KEETH (deceased), whose portrait appears in this work,
was bom in Baltimore County, Md., June 20, 1817. His early life was
spent at home receiving the benefits of the country schools and assisting
in tilling the soil on his father's farm. In 1884 he accompanied his
parents to Madison County, Ohio, and soon after to Van TVert County,
where on arriving at the age of twenty-one, he engaged upon his career'
in life as a farmer. In 1853 he went to Mercer County, and three years
later came to this county, settling in Amanda Township. He commenced
farming, a poor man, but by honesty, industry and economy he gradually
increased his land and business interests, until he became the most exten-
sive stock dealer, and was considered the wealthiest farmer, in Allen
County, owning at one time about 2,000 acres of land in Amanda and
Spencer Townships. In 1869 he removed to Spencerville, and engaged
in several business enterprises, but still retained his farm and stock in-
terests. At one time he owned and operated two grist-mills, a woolen-mill
and a saw-mill. When the Chicago & Atlantic Bailroad was talked of,
Mr. Eeeth took an active interest in securing right of way, as well as
making personal donations to the company. As monuments of his thrift
and enterprise, many fine buildings are standing, among which may be
mentioned his lat^ residence and a fine three- story brick block called the
Keeth House, which was not quite completed at the time of his death,
which occurred July 12, 1883. He was a prominent Democrat, and in
addition to filling several of the township and town offices, he also served
the people of the county as commissioner four years. June 22, 1841,
our subject married Priscilla Arnold, who was bom in Fayette County,
Ohio, June 26, 1822, and to this union were bom nine children : Rachel
E., widow of Heory Backus ; John, surveyor of Allen County, a resident
of Lima ; Samuel, a farmer of Amanda Township ; Anderson; Jacob A.;
Frank M; Mary Ann, Albert, and Emma — deceased.
FRANK M. EEETH, proprietor of the Keeth House, Spencerville,
was born in Amanda Township, Allen Co., Ohio, October 14, 1860.
His father, Johnzey Keeth, was bom June 20, 1817, in Maryland Our sub-
ject received a common school education, and in 1877 entered the employ
of the T. D. & I. R. R. Co. as station agent at Spencervilla After remain-
ing with this company over two years he engaged as railroad express agent
with the United States Express Company about two and a half years. He
then embarked in the drug business in which he continued about a year.
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808 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
On October 13, 18S4, he became proprietor of the " Eeeth House,'' and,
although young in years and experience, he performs the duties of
''mine host'' in a genial and courteous manner. He was united in
marriage, June 22, 1882, with Miss Jennie Benner, who was bom in
North Baltimore, Ohio, December 11, 1861. To them was bom on
September 8, 1884, a son — Grover.
GEORGE H. KEPHART, proprietor of saw-mill and handle
factory at Spenoeryille, was bom in Amanda Township, Allen Ck>.,
Ohio, October 81, 1846; son of Ormond and Ann A. (Hayes) Eephart^
the former of whom, an influential farmer and early settler of this county,
died in 1856; the latter, a native of New York, still surviyee him, the
mother of fi^e children: Cordelia, Oscar M., Alexis E., Ormond, and
George H. Our subject graduated in the scientific course at Lebanon,
Ohio, in 1869, and entered upon his career in life as a teacher, but
eventually embarked in the lumbering businesa He commenced a poor
boy, and by energy and perseverance has accumulated property. He first
entered a saw-mill in 1875, and two years later came to Spencervillo.
In 1880 he purchased a woolen-mill and for a while also operated it,
and in connection with the same started a handle factory, which
he still runs, but has traded the woolen machinery for land in Mis-
sissippi. Mr. Eephart was united in marriage, September 18, 1870, with
Ellen A. Tone of Allen County, formerly of Delaware County, Ohio, and
by her has had three children: Clarence E., Albert.N. (deceased) and
Myrtle May. Mr. Eephart is a Republican in politics and has served as
mayor one term. He is a F. & A. M. ; a member of the Baptist church.
NICHOLAS KILL,, farmer, P. O. Landeck, was bom in Germany,
January 22, 1835; son of Jacob and Mary (Thom) Kill, also natives of
Germany and parents of six children, of whom only three came to
America. Our subject obtained a common school education in his native
land, and has made farming the principal occupation of his Ufa He
came to America in 1858 and located near Tiffin, Ohio, where he remained
till 186^, when he came to this county and in 1865 to the farm which is
still his home, and which from a state of nature he has placed under
high cultivation, proving himself to be an energetic man. He erected
the second brick dwelling in the township, which stands as a monument
to his enterprise. His property is the result of his own efforts, and to-
day he is considered one of the substantial farmers of the township. He
has held several offices of trust and is one of the leaders of tlie Demo-
cratic party in Spencer Township. Mr. Kill was married, April 16, 1861,
to Elizabeth Rahrig, born in Seneca County, Ohio, Majt8, 1838, daughter
of Philip and Annie (Myers) Rahrig, who came to America in about 1830.
Mr. and Mrs. Kill have ten children: Vincent, Mary, Joseph, Treca,
Sylvester, Lucy, Lizzie, Katie, Julia and Lewis. He and his wife are
consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church.
CHRISTOPHER W. KOENIG, undertaker, Spencerville, was
bom in Germany, November 8, 1846. He was educated in his native
land, and when nineteen years of age came to America and located in
Cincinnati, Ohio, where for nearly two years he was engaged in the
wholesale factories at his trade, that of cabinet making, which he had
learned in Germany. He came to Spencerville in 1868 and embarked in
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 809
the f arnitore and undertaking businees. His capital was limited, bat he
has increased his stock in proportion to the demand until he now has'
quite an extensive stock, and a steadily increasing trade. His marriage,
which occurred November 18, 1869, was with Miss Elizabeth Kleinhans,
also a native of Germanj, bom November 18, 1844. To them have been
given five children: Edward, Clara, Bertha, Theodor and Minnie. Mr.
Eoenig has served the people as a member of the school board, and is
now one of the council, an office he had held several times previous to
this term. He is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican
party. For a number of years he has been a consistent member of the
German Reformed Church. Mr. Eoenig is virtually a self-made man,
having by his own energy and industry, together with his obliging man-
ner of waiting upon his customers, made his property, and in all his
business transactions has won for himself the reputation of being an
honest and upright man.
JAMES E. McDonald, manager of Spencervillo Stave Company,
Spencerville, was bom in Canada, October 4, 1847, son of John and
Isabell McDonald. Our subject was married December 23, 1869, to
Miss Rhoda E. Todd, who was born in Allen County, Ind., June 20,
1849, and to them have been born three children: Lillie Bell, Bert and
Daisie. Mr. McDonald came to Ohio in 1867, and learned the trade of
making staves, came to Spencerville in 1874 and organized a stock com-
pany under the name of the Spencerville Stave Company. He eventu-
ally purchased a half interest of the stock owners and still continues in
the business as partner and manager. The firm employ forty-five men
and have a capacity of turning out 120,000 staves per week. They also own
and operate a saw-mill in Van Wert County, Ohio. Our subject entered
on his career in life with nothing but himself to depend on in making his
way, having but 30 cents when he arrived at Van Wert His property
is the result of his energy and industrious habits. Perhaps no man
directly or indirectly has done more for the development of the town
I than has Mr. McDonald. Owing to the efforts of the Stave Company the
! first railroad was built through the place. Mr. McDonald has been a
member of the council two terms. He is a F. & A. M., a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church; in politics a Prohibitionist
PERRY MOUSER, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was bom in Amanda
^ Township, Fairfield Ck>nnty, Ohio, June 3, 1821, son of James and MiEury
(Pott^) Mouser, and next to the youngest in a family of nine children.
He was raised in a village, and Ma boyhood days were spent in attending
a common school, to which bis educational advantages were limited.
Early in life be learned the trade of blacksmi thing, and worked at the
same for several years, but baa made farming the principal occupation
of his life. He first removed to Marion County, Ohio, where he remained
till 1871, when he came to this oounty and located on the farm which is
efcm hw )iQme, and upon which be has made most of the improvements.
Bi^ ' i-^^ twice married, bis tirst wife and child dying. In 1857 Mr.
^^y ~ ^ried Elizabeth Conrad, a native of Marion County, and by
WK^ »i^ seven chHir^: David, Adam, Joeiah, Isaac, Abby, Louis
i
Imoker, Spencerville, was bom in Shelby,
1^ 1840^ son of Charles Post, who was bom
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810 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
^in Washington County, Penn., July 27, 1800; and who, in 1823, came to
*Enox Co., Ohio, and the following year married Elizabeth Bryant; by
her he had four sons and one daughter who grew to maturity; he be-
came a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1831; in 1842 he
removed to Allen County, and settled in Amanda Township; in the
winter of 1856-57 he represented this county in the State legislature;
he was a firm anti -slavery man and sent three of his four sons to the
war; his death occurred March 28, 1884, and his loss fell not only on
his family but was felt by the community. Our subject in early life was
emyloyed on a farm, his education being limited to the common and
graded schools of his native county. His first business enterprise was
farming, and teaching school, winters. At the breaking out of the war
of the Bebellion, he enlisted in April 1861, in Company E, Fifteenth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the three months' service, and was in West
Virginia with McClellan. At the expiration of this term of service he re-
enlisted for three years in Company C, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, returned to West Virginia, and served with Fremont and
Seigle, and was captured at Harper's Ferry in September, 1862. On
being exchanged, he with his regiment joined the Army of the Tennessee
and was with Grant in the Vicksburg campaign, commanding a company
of men, with rank of second lieutenant He was promoted to be captain
in 1863 and served as such in the campaign against and in the capture
of Atlanta in 1864, after which he was promoted to be major, serving till
the close of the war on the staff as division inspector. Maj. Post was mar-
ried, in October, 1874, to Miss Emma E., only child of John and Eunice A.
(Griffin) Berry, early settlers of Van Wert County, Ohio, and who was
born in Van Wert Couniy, in 1850. To this union was bom one son —
Ira B. At the close of the war Maj. Post dealt in hardwood lumber
about two years, then turned his attention to farming and stock-raising
at which he continued until August 4, 1883, when he formed a partner-
ship with Henry Wasson, and opened a private bank at Spencerville, of
which he is cashier. He has been a consistent m^nber of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church about six years, and takes an active part in Sab-
bath-school work. During the year 1879, he and his family spent
several months traveling over the Western States and Territories. Maj.
Post is commander of Fair Post, No. 322, G. A. K. Politically he is a
stanch Republican.
WILLIAM POST, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was bom on the farm
where he now lives in Spencer Township, February 28, 1854; son of
Martin and Caroline Post, who had four children: Lucretia, William, John
H. and Theodora Martin Post, one of the pioneers of Spencer Township,
a native of Richland County, Ohio, bom September 24, 1827, died June
8, 1882, was an influential farmer, a hard-working man, active in
all enteq>ri8es tending to development of the county, and highly esteemed
for his many good qualities; his widow, a native of Berks County,
Penn., bom March 21, 1827, still survive& Our subject obtained a
common school education, and has always followed the occupation of a
farmer. He was united in marriage, December 28, 1876, with Cinderella
Uncapher, who was born in Marion County, Ohio, April 7, 1856. Their
union has resulted in two children: Walter W. and Flora Bell. Mr. Post
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 811
bears the reputation of being an energetic and enterprising man, and is
considered a rising young farmer, destined to become one of the sub-
stantial citizens of the township. John H. Post, a younger brother of our
subject, was bom August 7, 1860, and also lives on a portion of the
homestead farm; he was married, February 7, 1884, to Miss Sarah
Winans, who was bom March 28, 1863.
O. W. PUBDT, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, one of the landmarks of
Spencer Township, this county, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in
March, 1829, fourth in the family of ten children bom to Elijah and
Clairmeda (Babcock) Purdy, the former a native of Pennsylvania, a Bap-
tist minister, latter a native of Virginia. Our subject's facilities for ob-
taining an education were limited to the common sdiool, held in a neigh-
boring log-cabin. He came to Spencer Township, Alien County, in 1849,
and from a state of nature has placed his farm, which he purchased at
11.50 per acre, under a state of cultivation, the appearance of it denot-
ing him to be an energetic, enterprising man. He has served the people
as school director and trustee. Mr. Purdy was married in Holmes County,
Ohio, in 1853, to Miss Mair Ann Carpenter, who was bom in Guernsey
County, Ohio, in May, 1829. To them have been bom twelve children,
(among which were three pairs of twins), only seven are now living: Per-
cilla Jane, John, Ruth, George, Elijah, Catherine, and Franklin.
UBIAH BENNEB, physician, Spenoerville, was bom in West Balti-
more, Montgomery Co., Ohio, A.ugust 30, 1840; son of Emanuel and
Sarah (Cecil) Benner, former a native of Maryland, latter of Pennsylvania.
Our subject was raised on a farm. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E,
Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in August, 1862, was taken
prisoner and soon after sent home. In the fall of 1862 he entered Otte-
bine University, at Westville, Ohio, for three terms, then went to Whit-
ley County, Ind., and for several years followed school teaching. While
there he tras arrested as a deserter, and confined in jail two weeks before
he could prove to the contrary. In about 1864 he turned his attention to
the study of medicine, in addition to his duties as teacher. During the
winter of 1868-69 he attended lectures in the medical schools of Cincin-
nati, Ohio, graduating in May of the latter year; previous to this, how-
ever, he had practic^ medicine at Botkins Station, Shelby Ca, Ohio,
about six montiis. Since then he has spent about two years at St; John,
two years at Bradford Junction, five years in Kossuth, Auglaize County,
and in the spring of 1879 located in Spencerville, where he has gained a
leading place in the medical profession. Dr. Benner was married, June
13, 1865, to Miss Martha Snorf, who was bom in Montgomery County,
Ohio, March 21, 1840, and of whom he speaks as having been in truth a
helpmeet The doctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He is a leader of the Prohibition party in his viciniiy.
SIMON BOBBINS, hardware merchant, Spencerville, was bom in
Mercer County, Ohio, July 7, 1841; son of James and Celia (Brewer)
Bobbins, natives of Clinton County, Ohio, and early settlers of Auglaize
County; they were the parents of eleven children, of whom Simon is
the fourth. Our subject was raised on a farm, his education being limited
to the common schools. He entered upon his career in life as a farmer.
In 1861 he enlisted in Company E,One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Yol-
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812 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
unteer Infantry, with Capi Kennedy, served three years and received his
discharge as orderly sergeant. He was in several engagements in which his
regiment took part, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin, Nashville, and
others. He is an active member of Eishler Post, G. A. JR., at St. Mary's,
and is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and Methodist Episcopal Chorch.
After he returned* from the war he engaged in mercantile business at
Spencerville for five years, then moved back to his farm in Auglaize
County, and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and raising
short-horn cattle, of which he has the finest herd in that vicinity. In
December, 1883, he retired from farm labor, but still owns his farm.
Betuming to Spencerville Mr. Bobbins purchased a stock of hardware, in
which business he still remains. He was married December 13, 1866,
to Orphelina Lawrence, who was born in Auglaize County, Ohio,
June 20, 1845, and to this union were born eight children: O. Boscoe L,
Cora A., NoraB., Jennie M., Mary C, IdaB., Albert B. and Zoa G.
Mr. Bobbins has served the people in several township offices. He is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; has always been identified
with the Democratic party.
J. G. SEITEB, physician, Spencerville, was bom in Marion County,
Ohio, September 11, 1852, seventh in the family of ten children of
Daniel and Margaret (Elingle) Seiter, natives of Germany. At the age
of seventeen he taught two terms of school, and afterward attended the
commercial school at Delaware, Ohio, for a short time, and during the
school year of 1873-74, attended the Baldwin University of Berea, Ohio.
During tliis time he was engaged in teaching and working on the farm
at intervals. In August, 1877, he went to Cleveland, and began the study
of medicine with Dr. J. Schneider, and attended lectures. He grad-
uated at the HomoBopathic Hospital College, in 1881, and immediately
entered upon the' practice of his profession at Spencerville. As a result
of a thorough knowledge of his profession, and close attention to the
duties of his calling, he has quite an extensive ride; he is the first homoe-
opathic physician to practice in this vicinity. He was united in marriage
September 11, 1883, with Miss Emma Albrecht, who was born in Dela-
ware, Ohio, February 1, 1864, and by her he has one child — Carl B.
Politically the doctor is a Bepublican. He is a member of Phosnix Lodge
No. 233, I. O. O. F. of Cleveland, Ohio, and of Delphos Lodge, Na 139,
K. of P., of Delphos, Ohio.
EMANUEL SHAFFEB, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was bom in
Bedford County, Penn., March 4, 1835, son of Levi and Bachael (Baker)
Shaffer, natives of Pennsylvania, who were the parents of fourteen child-
ren, of whom Emanuel is the fifth. Our subject was reared on the farm
and received a common school education. He has made agriculture the
principal occupation of his life, and in addition owns and operates a tile-
mill on his farm. He was married, in 1856, to Mercy Jane Purdy, who
was bom in Holmes County, and by her has three children: Florence
J., Harvey E. and Alice B. In 1850 Mr. Shaffer removed to Holmes
County, where he remained till 1856, when he came to this county and
located where he still lives. He has made all the improvements on his
farm; also assisted in cutting out the roads in his neighborhood. He
served his country twelve months in Company E, Sixty-second Ohio Vol-
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 813
anteer Infantry, daring the late war of the Rebellion. Mr. Shaffer bears
the reputation of being an enterprising and energetic man, as well as
one of the sabstantial farmers of Spencer Township. In politics, he is
a Democrat.
ABRAHAM W. SHERBR, farmer, P. O. Spencerviile, was bom in
Coshocton County, Ohio, June 13, 1835, son of James and Rebecca (Nel-
son) Sherer, the former a native of Virginia, and a farmer by occupa-
tion, now living in Putnam County, Ohio, aged seventy-four years; the
latter a native of Coshocton County, Ohio; they were the parents of
eight children, of whom Abraham W. is the eldest. Our subject was
reared on a farm, his educational advantages being limited to two and a
ba]f months' schooling. He entered upon his career in life as a farmer,
and in 1849 came to this county locating on the farm which has since
been his home. He has been twice married, on first occasion March 15,
1855, to Sarah Miller, who died March 6, 1863, leaving three children:
James, Fanny S. and Rebecca R. On January 22, 1864, Mr. Sherer
married Eliza E. Gray, bom in Holmes County, Ohio, May 8, 1838,
daughter of John and Henrietta (Scott) Gray, natives of Massachusetts,
who settled in Holmes County in 1835, and were the parents of eleven
children. To Mr. and Mrs. Sherer were born seven children: Josephine,
Anthony, Flora, Susan, William H., Henriette and John H. (died in
infancy). Our subject has served the people of the township as trustee.
During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company E, One Hun-
dred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country
eleven months. Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party.
HENRY STAUB, retired minister, Spencerville, was born in Ger-
many, April 22, 1809, and is the second in the family of five children of
Peter and Margaret (Gildner) Staub. He received his education in his
native land, and immigrated to America in 1832, locating in Baltimore,
Md., where he engaged in preaching in the United Brethren Church for
ten years. Until 1^50 his duties took him to several counties of Penn-
sylvania. He was then sent as a missionary to Ohio, and located at Cir-
cleville. After preaching there two years he became editor of a German
paper, which position he filled about five years — then, for three years, he
again followed his calling. In 1861 he removed to Spencerville, where he
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and became a local elder,
since when he has preached as occasion demanded. In addition to his
other interest« he owns a farm and has engaged more or less in agricul-
tural parsuits, but to a certain extent he has now retired from active life.
Mr. Staub was married, October 28, 1832, in Baltimore, Md, to Miss
Hannah Hanes, who died April 28, 1854, leaving to his care seven chil-
dren: Annie, George Henry (died at Dayton, Ohio, from disease contracted
while in the army), Sarah, William O. (killed at Chattanooga during the
war), Mary, Carrie and Josephine. Our subject was again married, Jan-
uary 12, 1860, tbis time to Henriette Myers, who was bom in Germany,
November 22, 1839; to them have been given six children: Dixie, Grant
S., Minnie, and three who died in infancy. Mrs. Staub was brought to
America when but eight years of age, by her parents — Frederick and
Charlotte (Brandt) Myers (both now deceased), who settled in Dayton,
Ohio. Mr. Staub was one of the first councilmen at the incorporation
49
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814 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
of the town, and has held other minor township offices. In politics he is
a strong advocate of the principles of the Republican party.
ROBERT SUTTON, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was bom in Amanda
Township, this county, November 5, 1841; son of Thomas and Susan
(Kephart) Sutton^ natives of Champaign and Montgomery Counties, Ohio,
respectively; the fourth white family to settle in this county; they were
the parents of eight children. Our subject, the fourth child, was raised
on a farm and received a common school education. He has worked more
or less at the carpenter's trade, but farming has been the principal occu-
pation of his life. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted in
Company A, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and three years were
spent in the service of his country. He was married June 21, 1876, to
Susan Baber, born in Amanda Township, October 13, 1849, daughter of
James and Susan (McMiller) Baber, both now deceased. To Mr. and
Mrs. Sutton were bom two children: Delbert A. and John S. Mr Sutton
is a member of Fair Post G. A. R., also of the I. O. O. F. In his polit.
ical convictions he is identified with the Republican party. He came
to Spencer Township in 1876, and his farm was then in a state of nature.
He is an energetic hard-working man, and has made his property by
industry and economy.
ALEXANDER J. TRAVIS, physician, Spencerville, was born in
Jefferson County, Ohio, August 12, 1882. At the age of fifteen years he
entered the select school of Washington, Penn., and two years later went
to Wilkinsburgh, Penn,, where he remained three years, then entered
upon his course in life as a school teacher, a profession he followed till
lo54, when he turned his attention to the study of medicine, under the
tuition of Dr. Abel Carey of Salem, Ohio. He remained there for four
years and during this time attended lectures at the Western Reserve
College, Cleveland, Ohia In 1857 he commenced practicing at Day-
ton, Ohio; three years later went to Mercer County, and three years after
to Lancaster County, Penn. From there he removed to Elida, Ohio, where
he remained eight years, then spent one year in Columbus Grove, then two
years in Lima, and has since resided in Spencerville, where he has a large
practica The doctor was married, March 13, 1859, to Miss Lizzie S.
Lampson, who was bom November 22, 1859, and died November 8, 1878,
leaving to his care seven children: William Y., Melvin N., Menna F.,
Charles H, Eva M., Jessie E., and Henry M. Our subject filled the
office of mayor one term with honor to himself and to the satisfaction of
the people. He is an active member of the ordte of F. & A. M. Polit-
ically he is a stanch Democrat.
MICHAEL A. VORNDRAN, farmer, P. O. Landeck, was bom in
Germany, in December, 1839. His parents, Andrew and Margaret Yom-
dran, who had a large family of whom but six boys are living, immi-
grated to America in 1842, and located in Seneca County, Ohio, where
Michael A. grew to maturity. Our subject received a common school
education, and having been raised a farmer has always followed agricul-
tural pursuits. He was married. May 12, 1864, to Margaret Droll, a
native of Germany, who died January 31, 1879, leaving to his care
eight children: Joseph, Mary, Kate, Charles, John, Annie, Josephine
and Emma. His second marriage, January 18, 1880, was with Matilda
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SPENCER TOWNSHIP. 815
Snyder, who was bom in Seneca County, Ohio, August 25, 1855, by
whom he has one child — George Albert. Mr. Yorndran came to this
County June 25, 1860, and located in Spencer Township, on the farm
where he still resides, upon which he has made most of the improvements, *
and which he has placed under a state of cultivation which at once de-
notes him to be an energetic, enterprising farmer. Mr. Yorndran is a
member of the Boman Catholic Church; in politics he is identified with
the Democratic party.
JACOB B. WELCH, physician, Spencerville, was bom at Cuba,
Ohio, March 16, 1859, about a month after the death of his father,
Jacob Welch, who was the only practicing M. D. in Cuba at that time.
Not having his father's care, our subject was early thrown upon his own
resources, and while still a youth was employed by a large firm in ship-
ping stock during the summers, and in the winter season attending
school. He entered the college at Fort Wayne, in the fall of 1870, and
g'aduated in the commercial department at the end of a four years' course,
e then engaged in teaching for three years in succession. He also
attended the normal Schools of Yalparaiso, Ind. At the age of eighteen
years he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. C. B. Stemen, of
Fort Wayne, with whom he remained two years; and afterward attended
Fort Wayne College of Medicine, graduating March 1, 1882. He imme-
ately entered upon the practice of his profession at Spencerville, in part-
nership with Dr. C. B. Bice, whom he bought out six months later.
Although young, he has been more than ordinarily successful, and has
obtained a business which usually follows years of hard labor. As an
evidence of the confidence placed in his skill as a surgeon, he was ap-
pointed, November 28, 1883, as surgeon of the C. & A. B. B. Co. His
education and property are the result of his own efforts; from the age of
ten years he was the support of his mother, who died November 15, 1883.
He was married May 7, 1885, to Miss Mollie Miller, daughter of Harvey
Miller, of Warsaw, Ind.
JOHN D. WELSH, carpenter and farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was
born in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 15, 1845; son of Lorenzo .D
and Elizabeth A^ (Shawhan) Welsh, natives of Yirginia, and early set-
tlers of Pickaway County, Ohio, whose children were as follows: Mary
(deceased). Marquis (deceased), Emily, Melissa (deceased), John D.,
Chester, Noble, Grace, and an infant (deceased). Our subject was raised
on a farm and obtained a common school education. At the age of
twenty-one years he commenced to ^ork at the carpenter's trade, which
he has made the principal work of his life. He was married April 30,
1870, to Miss Mary Myers, who was bom in Shelby County, Ohio,
March 5, 1849, daughter of Frederick and Charlotte (Brandt) Myers,
natives of Germany and early settlers of Shelby County, Ohio. Mr. and
Mrs. Welsh are the parents of six children: Irvin, Fanny, Levi, Effie,
Ada (died in infancy), and Maud. In 1865 Mr. Welsh removed to Del-
phos, Ohio, and two years later to Spencerville, where he remained until
1884, engaged at his trade and as foreman of a planing-mill ; he was also
in connection engaged more or less extensively in farming. While a
resident within the corporation he served in the town council for a time.
He has always been a Bepublican in politics. During the late war of the
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816
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Eebellion he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio
National Guards, serving the time of his enlistment
TILMAN WILKINS, farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was bom in Lick-
ing County, Ohio, April 7, 1837; son of Jonathan and Seattle (Wilson)
Wilkins, natives of Virginia and early settlers of Licking County, Ohio.
Our subject's facilities for obtaining an education were limited to the
common schools, his time in early life being employed in assisting upon
the homestead farm, and having been raised a farmer he has always fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits, in connection with which he has worked
more or less at the carpenter's ti'ade. He was married, September 5, 1861,
to Alwilda Classon, who was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, August 10,
1844, died August 20, 1866. She bore him two children: Carabel
(deceased), and Charles M. Mr. Wilkins then married, October 27,
1867, Sarah E. Biner, who was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Feb-
ruary 7, 1846, and by this union were ten children: Alva (deceased),
Albert (deceased), Lora (deceased), Alice, John E., Annie, Byron, Lil-
lie, Leroy and Elmer. Mr. Wilkins came to this county in 1864, and
in November, 1877, located where he now resides. He is looked upon
as one of the leading agriculturists of the township, and has placed his
farm under a state of cultivation second to none in this vicinity, and its
thrifty appearance denotes him to be a practical farmer as well as an
energetic and enterprising man. He has lately become interested in the
raising of shorthorn Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. He took no
part in the war other than to help clear the township in which he lived
of the draft, and to assist the soldiers' families. He was formerly a
member of the Christian denomination, but of late years has joined the
Methodist Episcopal Church. He takes an active part in all enterprises
that tend to the development of the county, and especially those for the
advancement of religion and educational privileges; has held several
offices of trust. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party.
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SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 817
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.
ABRAHAM BRENNEMAN, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of
Rockingham County, Va., born February 21, 1831; son of David and
Catharine (Moyer) Brei^neman, who came from Virginia to Fairfield
County, Ohio, and then, in 1847, to Allen County, where the latter died
and fche former still resides; they were the parents of twelve children,
eleven of whom are now living. Our subject, who is the eldest, was
married, August 21, 1856, to Miss Eliza Ward, of Monroe Township,
this county, a native of German Township, this county, and daughter of
William and Elizabeth (Ridenour) Ward, who were married in this
county, and where Mrs. Ward died. Mr. Ward now resides in Perry
Township, this county. To our subject and wife have been borU' eight
children: Henrietta E., William C., Mary C, David W., Sarah A.,
Abraham P., Jacob B. and Frank H., all living except David W. and
Abraham P. Mr. Brenneman followed carpentering for five or six years,
and in 1856 purchased land in Monroe Township, this county, which he
improved, and to which by industry and economy he added many acres,
owning now 249 acres in Monroe Township, 320 in Sugar Creek Town-
ship, and 93 in Bath Township, all this county; also 160 acres in Pauld-
ing County, Ohio; in all 822. He came to Sugar Creek Township in
1877. Mrs. Brenneman is a member of the Christian Church. In poli-
tics he is a stanch Democrat.
JOSfiPH BROWER, farmer, P. O. Elida, was bom in Rockingham
County, Va., February 16, 1827; son of John and Hannah (Jifiller)
Brower, and brother of Daniel Brower, of German Township, this county.
Our subject came to this county in 1844. He was married, August 9,
1849, to Miss Elizabeth Stephens, of this county, a native of Pittsburgh,
Penn., bom October 19, 1823, daughter of John and Rachel (Davis)
Stephens, natives of Wales, and who came to America in 1820, settling
in Pittsburgh, Penn., where they remained until 1835, then moved to
this county, where they died. They were parents of five children, of
whom two are now living: David and Elizabeth. To the union of our
subject and wife have been born the following children: Rachel (deceased),
Alonzo S., John S. (deceased), and Abraham L. Mr. Brower purchased
property in Sugar Creek Township in 1848, and has improved many acres
of land in the county. He has served his township in many of its offices
— assessor, land appraiser, and justice of the peace. He and his wife
are members of the U. B. Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
ELIAS CARMAN, farmer, P. O Delphos, was born in Shelby Coun-
ty, Ky., July 14, 1809; son of James and Comfort (Clifton) Carman,
natives of Germany and France, respectively; and who lived for several
years in Kentucky, where Mrs. Carman died. James Carman then moved
to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained about sixteen years, and where
he again married; in 1865 he came to this county, dying here in 1869.
Our subject entered land in Sugar Creek Township, this county, in 1834,
on which he moved in 1836, and where he still resides, and here he has
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818 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
improved many acres. He was married, in 1830, to Mary Richards, of
Cincinnati, who bore him eight children, three now living: Sarah C,
Abigail S. and Loaisa E. Mrs. Carman died in September, 1882, aged
seventy-two years. Mr. Carman then married, in Aagnst, 1884, Mrs.
Henrietta (Barkshire) Poe, of Delphos, Ohio, widow of James M. Poe,
who died in September, 1871, and by whom she had two children, Anna
E. and Hose. Mrs. Carman v^as bom in April, 1834, in Warren County,
Ind, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Thombourgh) Barkshire,
natives of Ohio, both now dead. They were the parents of three chil-
dren, who survive them: Henrietta, Elizabeth and Sarah M. Mr. Carman
is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mrs. Carman of the Christian
Church. In politics he is a life-long Democrat
CHRISTIAN C. CULP, farmer, P. O. Elida, was bom in Sugar Creek
Township, this coimty, July 21, 1853, on the farm where he was reared*
and which he has for several years operated; a son of Christian and
Elizabeth (Good) Culp, and brother of David Culp. His father died
January 5, 1883. His mother now resides with him on the home farm.
He was married, April 10, 1874, to Miss Christena Good, of Marion
Township, this county, daughter of Abraham and Rebecca Good, who
came from Virginia, and settled in this county about 1865. To the union
of our subject and wife have been bom four children: Simeon, John,
Rebecca and an infant daughter.
ISAAC EHERNMAN, farmer, P. O. Elida, was born in Fairfield
County, Ohio, April 25, 1830; son of Frederick and Sarah (Ridenour)
Ehernman, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively, of Ger-
man descent, and who were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and came
to this county in 1831, where they lived and died, each at the age of
eighty-four years; they were parents of eight children, of wh6m three
are now living: John, Elizabeth and Isaac. Our subject was married in
December, 1854, to Margaret Mosier, of Sugar Creek Township, this
county, a native of Perry County, Ohio, bom in March, 1834, daughter
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Moyer) Mosier, natives of Pennsylvania, and of
German descent, who came from Perry County, Ohio, to this county
about 1847; they were parents of twelve children, of whom seven are
now living: Susanna, Valentine, Jacob, Margaret and Elizabeth (twins),
Alexander and George. To Mr. and Mrs. Ehernman were bom ten
children: Sarah K, Alice J., Caroline A., William A., George B., Mary
E., Charles A., Emma L., Albert M. and John F., all now living except
Sarah E. and Mary E. Our subject purchased the home farm after the
death of his father, and now owns 123 acres of land, which he has im-
proved in many ways, He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, his wife of the U. B. Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
JACOB C. GOOD, farmer, P. O. Elida, was bom in Fairfield County,
Ohio, September 6, 1828; son of Joseph and Magdalene (Campbell)
Good, both now deceased. Our subject came to this county with his
family in 1853, and settled in Sugar Creek Township, where he still re-
sides. He was married in 1851, to Miss Anna BJosser of Hocking County
Ohio, daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Grove) Blosser, the father deceased
several years since, the mother now residing in Hocking County, Obio.
To Mr. and Mrs. Jacob C. Good have been born the following children:
Lydia, Amon, Magdalene, Demas and Anna. Mr. Good has cleared up
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SUGAR CREEK TOWxVSHIP. 819
and improved his farm in many ways. He and his wife are members of
the Mennonite Church.
LEWIS GRIFFITH, farmer, P. O. Gomer, is a native of Radnor-
shire, Wales, born January 14, 1828; son of Lewis and Jane (Mills)
Grifl&th, natives of Montogomeryshire, Wales, where they were married;
they had two children, Margaret and Lewis, who came with them to
America in 1832. The family settled first in Butler County, Ohio, where
the father died in 1884; the widow married again in that county
where she and her husband lived until 1841, then moved to that part of
Putnam County, Ohio, which is now Sugar Creek Township, this county,
and here she died in June 1877; her second husband died in July, 1883.
Our subject was married. May 2, 1857, to Miss Hannah Evans, of Sugar
Creek Township, this county, a native of Carnarvonshire, Wales, bom
in May, 1841, daughter of William and Jane Evans. To our subject
and wife were bom five sons and four daughters: Joseph H., Jane,
William L., John M., Margaret A., Evan F., Kate M., David C. and Cora
E., all now living. Mr. Griffith purchased, in 1882, the home farm
where he now resides, which he rented from the time of his marriage
and which he had greatly improved. The original homestead building
having been destroyed by fire in 1872; our subject's stepfather, who
owned the farm at the time of the fire erected in its place the present
substantial residence. Mrs. Griffith is a member of the Congregational
Church. In politics Mr. Griffith is a Republican.
SAMUEL W. IRVIN, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom December 14,
1844, in Augusta County, Ya., son of John and Melinda (Mozingo)
Irvin, natives of Augusta County, Va. He came with his parents in
1857 to this county, and was married, October 4, 1864, to Miss Sarah A.
Poage of German Township, this county, a native of Monroe County,
Mo., born January 28, lo45, a daughter of Grattan E. and Anna S.
(Price) Poage, natives of Champaign County, Ohio, and State of ]V[is*
souri, respectively, and who were married in the latter State, where they
lived several years, coming in 1846, to Ohio, residing for a few years in
Lima, this county. Mrs. Poage died in 1850. She was the mother of
six children, four of whom are now living. Mr. Poage, for his second
wife, married, in 1853, Susan Cochrun of German Township, this county,
and in 1856, moved to German Township, where he now resides. Mr.
Poage is a son of Samuel and Mary (Gibler) Poage (both now deceased),
natives of Kentucky and Missouri, respectively, and who were married in
Urbana, Ohio. To oor subject and wife were born five children: Mary E. ,
Charles S., John G, Emma M and William H., all now living. Mr.
Irvin purchased land in Sugar Creek Township, this county, in 1870,
and has devoted his time to general agriculture. Mrs. Irvin and her
two daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In
politics Mr. Irvin is a Democrat.
EDWARD H. IRVIN, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Augusta
County, Va., December 21, 1849 ; son of John and Melinda (Mozingo)
Irvin, natives of Augusta County, Va., where they were married in 1842,
and where they remained until 1857; they then came to German Town-
ship, this county, where they followed farming for many years; they
now live a retired life in Elida, Ohio; their children are five in num-
ber : Mary E., Samuel W., John N., Edward H. and George H. John
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820 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Irvin, who was a miller by ocoapation, was a son of Edward and Sarah
(Percy) Irvin, of Scotch descent, and who both died in Virginia. Our
subject was married, April 28, 1879, to Miss Sarah V. Weaver, a native
of German Township, this county, bom December 16, 1851, daughter
of John and Sarah (Bowers) Weaver, natives of Augusta and Rocking-
ham Counties, Va., of German descent, and who were married in Rock-
ingham County in 1844, and had a family of ten children : Mary C,
Hannah E., Olivia B., Louisa H., Benjamin F.,'Lydia H., Melissa L.,
John W., Sarah V. and Samantha L., all living; the mother died July
6, 1878, at the age of fifty-seven years, and Mr. Weaver then married,
in Rockingham County, Va., in 1880, Mrs. Lydia (Spence) Silvius, of
Shenandoah County, Va; they still reside in German Township, this
county. To our subject and wife have been bom six children : Edward
A., Carrie L., Henry F., Ira W., Minnie M. and an infant daughter.
Mr. Irvin has served in his township as trustee. In politics he is a
stanch Democrat
JAMES M. JACOBS, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Sugar Creek
Township, this county, born September 2, 1828, only son of Samuel R
and Elizabeth (Turner) Jacobs, natives of Maryland and Kentucky, and
of German and Scotch descent, respectively; they were married in
Champaign County, Ohio, February 21, 1814, and there remained until
1825 or 1826, when they came to this county and entered land in Section
1, Sugar Creek Township, which they improved and added to year by
year; they had a family of one son and five daughters, of whom two
* are now living : Sarah and James M.; the father died May 19, 1852,
and the mother May 11, 1867, aged fifty-nine and seventy-four years,
respectively; they were the first settlers in Sugar Creek Township, of
which Samuel R. Jacobs was one of the organizers. Our subject was
married, December 4, 1850, to Miss Mary A. Custard, of German Town-
ship, this county, a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, bom September
9, 1832, daughter of Daniel and Nancy Custard, who came to this county
about 1840, and settled in German Township, where they lived for sev-
eral years, then moved to the county seat (Lima), where they spent the
remainder of their days; they were the parents of two children: Jon-
athan and Mary A. To our subject and wife have been born four sons
and four daughters : William T., Viola, Charles D., Samuel R., Nannie
E., Joseph H., Hattie and Vinnie, all now living, except Viola. Mrs.
Jacobs died November 28, 1869. Mr. Jacobs has added to the home
farm until he now has 684 acres of land, besides other valuable invest-
ments. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
MICHAEL MARTZ, farmer, P. O. West Cairo, was born January 13,
1807, in Rockingham County, Va., son of Michael and Sarah (Hawkins)
Martz, also natives ot Virginia, of German and English descent respect-
ively, and the parents of twelve children, of whom five are now living.
Our subject's paients died in their native country at the ages of thirty-nine
and eighty- six years respectively. The subject of our sketch was married,
August 30, 1827, to Miss Sarah Huff, a native of Rockingham County, Va.,
born November 1, 1808, daughter of George and Mary M. (Zirkle) Huff,
natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and of German descent,
both now dead. Our subject moved to Licking County in 1830, and
thence, in 1839, to this county, settling on the farm where he still resides.
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SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. "821
He lived in a log-cabin with puncheon floors for several years, and cleared
many acres of land. He reared a family of nine children : Isaac W.,
George W., Mary M., James A., Thomas B., Sarah C, Silas H., Eliza A.
and Benjamin F., all now living except Silas H., who was a member of
Company A, Fifty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was taken
prisoner July 22, 1864, and was confined in Andersonville prison until
September 22, same year; he died at JefTerson Barracks, Mo., December
13, 1864, of camp diarrhoea. Mrs. Martz died September 6, 1882, at
the age of seventy-three years. Mr. Martz became a member of the
Christian Church in youth, serving in many of its minor offices for years,
^and in 1840 was ordained to the ministry of the gospel, since which
time he has given most of his service. He served in some of the town-
ship offices, as trustee, clerk and justice of the peace. He is a life-long
Democrat.
GEORGE W. MARTZ, farmer, P. O. West Cairo, was born in Licking
County, Ohio, February 22, 1832 ; son of Michael and Sarah (HuflQ
Martz, who came with their family to this county in 1836. Our subject
was married December 2, 1852, to Miss Margaret A. Gamer, of Putnam
County, Ohio, a native of Culpeper County, Va., bom May 24, 1835,
daughter of William W. and Elizabeth (Stover) Garner, who moved
from Virginia to Logan County, Ohio, in 1835, and in 1837 to Putnam
County, Ohio, where they died; they were parents of twelve children,
six sons and six daughters, eight of whom are still living. To our
subject and wife have been bom seven children: Elias W., Thomas J.,
John F., Joseph W., Lorenzo M., Sarah L. and Ira A., all now living.
Mr. Martz purchased, in 1870, his farm in Sugar Creek Township,
this county, which he has greatly improved. He and his wife are mem-
bers of the Christian Church, in which he was ordained a deacon in
1867, acting as such until 1872. In politics he is a Democrat.
JAMES NICHOLAS, retired farmer, P. O. Gomer, was bom in But-
ler County, Ohio, September 6, 1810, youngest son of James and Mary
(Morris) Nicholas, natives of Carmarthenshire, Wales, where they were
married; they came to America during President Washington's admin-
istration, and settled in Cambria Counfy, Penn., where they remained five
years, and then moved to Butler County, Ohio, where Mr. Nicholas con-
tinued his trade (blacksmithing) for many years. Our subject, who is the
only survivor of a family of six children, was married f^ebruary 1, 1832, to
Mary Jones, of Butler County, Ohio, a native of Montgomeryshire^
Wales, bom July 6, 1810, daughter of Richard and Jane (Evans) Jones, also
natives of Montgomeryshire, and who came to America in 1818, settling
in Butler County, Ohio; they were parents of three daughters, two now
living: Elizabeth and Mary. To Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas five children
have been bom: Jane E., James, Richard J., David D., and Martha A.,
all now living except Richard J. All three sons went through the late
war of the Rebellion. David D. served twelve years as county surveyor.
Our subject came with his family to this county in 1833, and has given
his time principally to farming and improvement of land, etc., and of
late years to the sale of agricultural implements. He has served as justice
of the peace since 1834, also in almost all the other township offices^
He taught singing school in this community for about twenty years. In
politics he is a Democrat.
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822 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
PETER OARD, farmer, P. O. West Cairo, is a native of Licking
County, Ohio, bom November 21, 1821; son of Peter and Anna (Alberry)
Oard, who came v^ith their family of eleven children to this county in
1833, settling in Sugar Creek Township and entered land, of which they
cleared many acres; of their family three are now living : Peter and two
daughters. Our subject was married May 14, 1846, to Lydia A. Rison,
of this county, and to them have been bom eleven children : Mary,
Sarah (deceased), Diana (deceased), Jane, Noah (deceased), Eli, Peter
(deceased), Rawley, William, Andrew J. and Joseph T. Mr. Oard has
been an active man in his day, and a prominent citizen in his township.
He has a wide reputation as an auctioneer and sale crier, to which busi-
ness he has given considerable attention. He is a stanch Democrat, and
is a candidate for office of sheriff of Allen County.
GEORGE M. RIDENOUR^deceased) was bom in Fairfield County,
Ohio, March 6, 1826, son of Michael and Hannah (Shotts) Ridenour
(deceased), natives of Westmoreland County, Penn., and who came to
this county in a very early day. They were parents of fourteen chil-
dren, of whom only Daniel and Isabella survive. Our subject was
reared to farming, an occupation he followed all through life. He was
married, December 81, 1848, to Miss Eleanor P. Lipsett of Sugar
Creek Township, this county, a native of Burlington County, N. J.,
bom August 6, 1828, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Peacock) Lipsett,
also natives of New Jersey, who married in Burlington County, N. J.,
and moved to Warren County, Ohio, in 1833. Sarah (Peacock) Lipsett
was bom November 28, 1792, died in 1834 in Lebanon, Warren County,
Ohio, and Joseph Lipsett married his second wife (nee Mary Shim),
in Warren County, Ohio, and they afterward came to this county where
they passed the remainder of their days; he was bom June 30, 1799,
died in 1864. Joseph and Sarah Lipsett were the pareats of five chil-
dren, of whom Eleanor P. is the only survivor. Mr. Lipsett had three
children, all now living, by his second wife. To the union of George M.
and Eleanor P. Ridenour, were bom seven children : Eliza J., Martha
L., William J., Mary L., John E., Joshua A. and Emma, the sons all
deceased. Our subject died December 13, 1873, and since then his
widow has operated the farm which was left her by her father and hus-
band. She is a member of the United Brethren Church.
JOHN G. RIDENOUR, farmer, P. O. Elida, was bom in Fairfield
County, Ohio, February 14, 1827, son of George and Mary (Conrad) Ride-
nour, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively, and who were
married in Fairfield County, Ohio, came to this county in 1829, and settled
in Sugar Creek Township on land which the former had entered the
previous year; they reared a family of five children: Catherine, Chris-
tena, Dorothea (deceased), John G., and Joseph. George Ridenour
being one of the first settlers of this county endured many hardships
and privations, and the circumstances of the times gave to his employ-
ments a somewhat versatile complexion, as he was a cooper, a maker of
coffins, tooth extractor, setter of broken bones, etc. , etc. ; he died at the
age of eighty-four; his widow still resides on the home farm, and is now
in her eighty-fourth year. Our subject was never married. He became
owner of land by the death of his father. He had taught school for about
nineteen quarters, was elected in 1858 (on Democratic ticket) to the office
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SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 823
of county recorder, Id which he served six years, then followed merchan-
dising in Elida, Ohio, for several years, finally retnrning to the farm,
where he now resides. He also gives some attention to the manufac-
ture of baskets and brooms. Mr. Bidenour is a member of the Lutheran
Church at Elida, Ohio.
HENRY SHERRICK, farmer, P. O. Elida, is a native of Fairfield
County, Ohio, born August 25, 1811, son of John and Mary (Stalter)
Sherrick, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, and who came
to this county in 1841. Our subject^ who came with his parents to
this county, was married, June 4, 1835, to Margaret Stemen, also
a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, daughter of Rev. Henry and
Mary (Beery) Stemen, and sister of Samuel Stemen. To this union have
been bom eleven children, five of whom are now living : John, Henry,
William, Andrew and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Sherrick are the only sur-
vivors of the eighteen pioneers who organized the society of Mennonites,
in Sugar Creek Township, this county. This denomination first wor-
shiped from house to house, then built a log church, and a few years
later erected a small frame one, and in 1883 a fine large frame church.
BENJAMIN F. SHERRICK, farmer and carpenter, P. O. Elida, is
a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born December 26, 1836, son of
Christian and Anna (Meyers) Sherrick, of German descent, who married
in Fairfield County, Ohio, and came to this county about 1843, locating
in Marion Township for a time, thence moving to Sugar Creek Township,
where they lived until the death of the former, May 25, 1865; the widow,
who now resides with our subject, is in her seventy-sixth year: they
had two sons and five daughters, of whom Mary, Sarah, Anna, Betty^
Samuel S. and Benjamin F. are now living. Our subject, who received
a common school education, began the carpenter trade at the age of four-
teen. He was married, October 25, 1860, to Miss Lydia A. Stemen, a
native of Sugar Creek Township, this county, bom April 14, 1838,
daughter of Christian and Margaret (Moyer) Stemen, of German descent,
natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and who married in
Perry County, Ohio, came to this county in 1835, settling in Sugar
Creek Township, where they both died. To our subject and wife have
been bom five children: Edmund O., Lola D., Minnie I., Isaac A. and
Orvin E., all now living. Mr. Sherrick served from the fall of 1862 to
close of war of the Rebellion in Company G, Eighty-first Regiment O.
y. L; is a meinber of the U. B. Church; in politics a Republican.
CHARLES M. SHOEMAKER, farmer, P. O. Elida, was bom in
Fairfield County, Ohio, October 8, 1824; son of Daniel R. and Sophia
(Martz) Shoemaker, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, of Swiss
and Scotch descent respectively, and who were married in Pickaway
County, Ohio, and reared a family of five children. The mother dying
in 1833, the father then married in Fairfield County, Ohio, Mrs. Eliza-
beth (Baker) Walter, by whom he had seven children; he died in 1860;
his widow still resides in Wells County, Ind., aged eighty- two.
Charles M. came to this county in 1846 and purchased land, but gave
most of his time to the carpenter trade for several years, in connection
with undertaking, which still continues his principal business. He has
given some attention to saw-milling since 1875, his son operating the
farm. Our subject was married, (>stober 8, 1848, to Miss Bebecc^ Sake-
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824 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
miller, of this county, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born Septem-
ber 4, 1829, daughter of Jacob and Bachel (Fry) Sakemiller, who settled
in this county in 1831, where they died at the ages of seventy- two and
ninety- two years respectively; of their family of thirteen, seven survive.
To Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker have been bom three sons and five daugh-
ters, five of whom are now living: Bachel C, Phebe, Charles S., Rebec-
ca O. and Emily I. Mrs. Shoemaker is a member of the United Breth-
ren Church. Mr. Shoemaker has served in several of the township offi-
ces. In politics he is a Democrat.
SAMUEL STEMEN, farmer, P. O. Elida, was bom in Fairfield
County, Ohio, September 21, 1821; son of Henry and Mary (Beery) Ste-
men, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and who came
to Allen County, Ohio, in 1841, where they both died. Our subject was
married, October 3, 1841, to Magdalena Hilyard, of Fairfield County,
Ohio, a native of Fayette County, Penn., bom May 8, 1820, daughter of
Thomas and Elizabeth A. (Haught) Hilyard, who were natives of Fayette
County, Penn., where they married; they moved to Fairfield County,
Ohio, in an early day and Uiere died. To our subject and wife have
been bom twelve children: Elizabeth, Isaac B., Mary, Henry S., Anna,
Oeorge W., Magdalena, Samuel H., Jane, Catharine, Jessie J., and
Charles A., all now living except Elizabeth, Anna and Oeorge. Mr.
Stemen has served in some of the township offices. In politics he is a
Democrat. Mrs. Stemen is a member of the Mennonite Church.
ANDBEW STEMEN, farmer, P. O. Elida, is a native of Fairfield
County, Ohio, bom in 1825, son of Peter and Mary (Blosser) Stemen,
who were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvannia respectively; they were
married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and came to Marion Township, this
county, in 1838, where they lived and died. Our subject, who is the
eldest in their family, was married, January 27, 1848, to Miss Jane Sake-
miller of Sugar Creek Township, born in 1827 in Fairfield County, Ohio,
daughter of Jacob and Bachael (Fry) Sakemiller (both now deceased),
natives of Pennsylvania, and of Oerman descent, and who came to this
county in 1831. To our subject and wife have been bom twelve children :
Isaac, Mary, Bachel, Jacob, Peter (deceased), Andrew, Bebecca, Eliza-
beth, Anna, Samson, Simeon and Noah. Mr. and Mrs. Stemen are mem-
bers of the Mennonite Church.
BICHABD TEEQABDIN, farmer, P. O. Lima, was bom in Sugar
Creek Township, this county, July 24, 1847, and there reared; son of John
and Diana (Oard) Teegardin (both deceased), natives of Pickaway County
and this county respectively, and who were married in this county; they
reared a family of seven children, of whom two are now living: Bichard
and Walter, who have a half brother, Silas, by their father's second wife.
Our subject was married January 21, 1871, to Miss Martha L. Bidenour
of Sugar Creek Township, this county, bom June 15, 1852, daughter of
George M. and Eleanor P. (Lipsett) Bidenour of this county, who had a
family of seven children, four now living: Eliza J., Martha L., Mary L.
and Emma. Oeorge M. Bidenour died, December 13, 1873. To Mr.
and Mrs. Teegardin have been bom five children: Franklin G.. John H.,
Iva, Myrtle and Allen C, all now living except Franklin G. Our subject
in addition to farming operates a threshing-machine in the season. In
politics he is a Democrat ^
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