Auglaize County, Ohio - The whole text, 1880 (part 4 of 5)

Adam Richie was born in Virginia in 1801 ; married Mollie Spitzer in 1824; moved to this county ten years later, and settled where he now lives in sec. 8. Mr. Richie cleared his own land, as he entered it while it was all timber. Mrs. Richie died in 1852. He afterwards married Nancy Sprague. Thej- have reared four children, three of whom survive. Mr. Richie, now seventy-eight years old, is hale and hearty, and working upon his farm just as he did during his younger days.

St. Johns in 1830. There were no white settlers near here at this time. The first Mrs. Harvey remembers seeing was Mr. Richardson. Mr. Harvey died in 1865. Mrs. Harvey is still living with her son's widow, and is, perhaps, the only person in the township who was married and living here as early as 1830.

George Emerick was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, and while a boj7 came to Butler County, Ohio. There he married Mary Sarvir, and in 1835 came to Wapakoneta and entered one hundred and sixty acres in sec. 36, on which land he resided the remainder of his life. His family consisted of eight children, of whom seven survive. Jonathan, one of the sons, now owns the old homestead, a view of which appears in this work. Mr. Emerick died in November, 1867.

Benjamin M. Baker was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1802. He married Sevilla Poe in 1825, and moved to Dochouquet township in 1834. He built the second house on Two Mile Creek north of Wapakoneta. They have raised a family of eight children, four of whom are still living. When he came here his nearest neighbor was James Cheney, who lived about three and a half miles distant. Mr. Baker has lived to see what was a wild swampy country well improved by draining, clearing, and road construction. He has now retired from active life.

Martin Kantner was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and came from Montgomery to this county in 1834. He and his father had been here in 1832, and sowed some wheat before the land was put on the market. The following winter John attended the land sale and purchased their land in Pusheta township, to which he moved the next spring. Martin came later, as above noted, and still lives on his original land purchase.

N. A. Murdock settled in 1823 in St. Marys township with his parents, where he resided until 1863, when he went to Cridersville where he is still in business.

David Edmiston was born in Tennessee in 1793, and married Mary Porter in 1820. Mrs. Edmiston died in 1828. He married Jane Beattie about a year later, and came to this county in 1834. Joseph E., his oldest son, is now living on land which his father obtained from the government. He was fourteen years old when he came to this county. He married Catharine Howell in 1846.- Their family consists of eight children.

Neal Shaw, the father of William H. Shaw, came to this township in 1 833. William H. was born in Virginia in 1807, and came here in 1834. He married Elizabeth Lurton in 1837. Their family consisted of ten children. He still resides on the land he first purchased near Cridersville. His father was, perhaps, the first white settler in the northern part of the township. The road leading from Wapakoneta to Lima was opened after he came to the township. He was the teacher of the first schools in the neighborhood. John Alexander was the first minister he heard preach in the neighborhood. Mr. Shaw has held different township offices, and is now justice of the peace, and, although advanced in years, is still active in the management of his farm and office.

Rev. David Bobp was born in Pennsylvania in 1809, and came to this county in 1837, when he entered the land on which he now lives. He devoted the greater portion of his life to the work of the ministry, but declining health compelled him to relinquish this position. He still acts however in the capacity of a local minister. He has officiated at 95 marriages, and preached perhaps as many funeral sermons as any man in the county.

Samuel Moyer was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1813, and came to this county in 1834. Two years later he married Catharine Delong. Their family consists of three sons and four daughters, all living in this township. There is perhaps no other man in the county who has cleared as much land, as he thinks he has cleared 200 acres with his own hands.

John Lowry and family came to this township in 1835. The family consisted of four children. He first settled on the farm now owned by his son Samuel. Mr. L. died in 1847, since which his widow has resided with her son at the old homestead.

Andrew Fisher was born in Baden, Germany, in 1817, and came to the United States with his father in 1832. In 1834 he came to Pusheta township, where he lived until 1852, when he came to Duchouquet township and settled in the woods. He married Miss Armbruster in 1847. They reared a family of twelve children, of whom eleven survive. Mr. P. remembers when his mother ground their corn on a coffee mill.

M. N. Shaw, son of Neal Shaw, came with his father to this township in 1832. This being previous to the removal of the Indians, he refers to that event as the most beautiful scene he ever witnessed. He distinctly remembers the chief, Joseph Parks, who had charge of the tribe. The money on this occasion was conveyed in a wagon drawn by four fine horses, richly caparisoned. A white man named Thomas Elliott was the driver. He accompanied the Indians to Kansas, where he married the chiefs daughter. About 28 years later their son visited his father's people at Wapakoneta, but could not be induced to associate with the young people of the town. He was perhaps the last descendant of the tribe who visited the old home. The parting scene when the Indians took leave of the few whites was solemn and affecting. When he came to Wapakoneta it contained but three white families, among whom was Peter Hammel, who had been a trader among the Indians for twenty years prior to this time. He has been told by the Indians that the grave of the chief Wapakoneta is on the site now occupied by the residence of D. Kritzer or Mr. Happ.

Wm. Craft was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1819, and came to Butler County, Ohio, in 1826. From there he came to this county in 1835, and lived in Pusheta township the ensuing four years. He then went to Piqua to learn a trade, and returned to Wapakoneta in 1840 and opened a wagon shop. He continued in this business until 1852, when he commenced working at the carpenter trade, which he followed the ensuing eleven years. In 1863 he moved to his farm, where he still resides. In 1842 he married Theresa Hammel, who died in 1852 In 1856 he married Elizabeth Huttis. He has reared ten children, eight of whom are still living. His land borders on Wapakoneta, his residence being within the corporation. His wagon shop was the first one in the town, and he knows of one wagon now in use, built by him in 1S42. When he came to Wapakoneta it had a population of about twenty-five. He was appointed county commissioner in the spring of 18*76 to fill vacancy arising by the death of C. Heisler, and in autumn of same year was elected to fill the unexpired term of one year. In 1877 was elected for the full term, in which capacity he still serves.

John Tarn was born in Virginia, and came to Wapakoneta from Fairfield County in 1832. He purchased forty acres of land on the present site of Wapakoneta, but selling this he located on Blackhoof Creek in section 24. He reared a family of seven children, of whom but two, Milton and his sister Mary Klingerman, are still living. The latter is now in Iowa. Milton, the only one left in this county, was born in 1836. His father died in 1845, and was buried upon his own land.

John M. Freyman was born in Bavaria in 1*771, and came with his father to the United States in 1828, and to this township in 1833. He here entered land in section 33 Mr. F. died in 1863 and Mrs. F. in 1869. George F., the youngest of the family, was born in Pennsylvania in 1828, married Elizabeth Hiebiier in 1855, and purchased the farm on which he now lives in 1867. This land, on the Auglaize Biver in section 21, was once the home of a noted Indian chief who was buried on the place. There is still an apple orchard which was planted by the Indians. Mr. F. remembers eating apples from this orchard in 1834. He also remembers being lost in the timber, and after wandering nearly a whole day he found an Indian cabin, and the Indian conducted him to near his own home.

Philip Pfaff was born in Prussia in 1804, and came to the United States in 1832. After living at Baltimore, Maryland, and Columbiana County, Ohio, about a year each, he came to this township January, 1835, and entered the land now owned by his daughter, Paulina Kohler. Mr. and Mrs. P. are now residing in the old homestead where they have lived during a period of forty-five years. They have reared a family of three children, being Lewis Pfaff, Mary Naumberg, and Paulina Kohler. Mr. P. became a citizen of the United States as soon as the laws would permit, and has ever taken pride in his adopted country, and cherishes the convictions that a republic like our own is far preferable to monarchy. He was engaged on the canal during its construction at the rate of $12.00 per month, payable in State script, the cash value of which was one-half its face value. Those were days which perhaps more fully justified complaint because of hard times and low wages, than the present period. After a life of severe toil and privation, these old folks deserve that their remaining years be one day of sunshine whose lustre shall dissipate the clouds of a whole past life.

Geo. Belong was born in Ross County, 0., and settled in this township as early as 1833. At that time the cry of the panther and- wolf was heard almost every night. Mr. B. has done much to improve the county, and still lives on his farm, surrounded by the comforts of life.

Geo. W. Burke was born in Virginia in 1815, and came to this township in 1832, which was before the Indians left the reservation. At this date there were no laid-out roads in the township. The land where he now lives, in section 9, was so wet and swampy that he would not have given a dollar for the whole section. At this period he could only find twelve families in the township. He married Margaret, daughter of John Morris, Esq., in 1841, and has reared a family of twelve children, of whom eight are still living.

Win. Richardson was born in Montgomery County, Va., in 1765. At the age of about seventeen he shouldered his musket to fight the Indians, and was on the skirmish line during a year or two of the Revolutionary War. He was a cousin of Anthony Wayne, their mothers having been Mattie and Nancy Hiddens. In 1812 he entered the army, with which he served during the war with the exception of two or three months. In 1784 he married Mary Adney, who died in 1811. In 1815 he married Catharine Millhouse, a sister of Barbary Billbone, who, with her husband, had been shot by three Indians. Mr. Richardson avenged the death of Mr. and Mrs. Dillbone, by shooting the three Indian murderers.

Daniel Bitler was born in Pennsylvania in 1 783. He married Elizabeth Clevenstine in 1806. Their family consisted of ten children. In 1832 they came to Franklin County, Ohio, from there to St. Johns in 1834. Mr. Bitler died Feb.*7, 1840; and Mrs. Bitler, July, 1851.

Samuel Bitler, the youngest member of the above-mentioned family, was born October, 1829, and was five years old when his father came to this county. His education was received in a cabin school. In 1848 he married Susanna Colrnan, who died in April, 1855. The following year he married Vastia Bailey, who died in 187 1, leaving three children who still survive. He married Augusta Mayer, his present wife, in 1871. In 1855 he opened a store in St. Johns. This business, in connection with stock dealing, was conducted until 1862, when he entered the army, where he continued until the close of the war. In 1865 he moved to Wapakoneta and engaged in the milling and grain business during the four following years. On Jan. 1, 1870, he entered the banking business, in which he is still engaged. He is also a stockholder in the Wapakoneta Spoke and Wheel Manufacturing Company.

Andrew W. Overholser was born in Virginia in 1811; married Angeline Northcott in 1834, and moved to the farm where they now live in the fall of 1837. On their first arrival they prepared a temporary shelter until they could build a cabin. During all these early days they suffered all the privations and hardships which attend a life in a new country, undertaken without a dollar in hand. Under these circumstances Mr. Overholser worked from home as much as possible, earning fifty cents per day; while corn, on which they depended for bread, sold at sevent}'-five cents per bushel. Mrs. Overholser contributed her full share of labor upon the home farm by assisting her husband in all kinds of labor. The fruits of this toil and hardship, supplemented by economy, may be seen in the pleasant home with which they are provided, the two palatial residences they possess in Lima, and the general prosperity b}r which they are surrounded.

Alexander Henry Trimble was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., Oct. 22, 1817. His father died when he was but six weeks old. He remained with his mother until his fifteenth year, when he was engaged as a clerk in a drygoods store by his cousin at Wooster, Ohio. In the spring of 1841 he married Miss Charlotte E. Granger, of Rochester, New York; b}r this union six children were born, three sons and three daughters.

The first four years after his marriage they lived in Wooster, after which they moved to St. Marys, Mercer County, Ohio, where Mr. Trimble engaged in mercantile business. In 184 9 he was elected Mayor of the village, and two years later was elected Auditor of Auglaize County, which office he held six years, and was elected Probate Judge of the county in 1858, and was re-elected in '61 by an increased majority, as he was favorably known to almost every man in the county. He had occupied positions of honor and trust, and was always found worthy.

Mr. Trimble became a member of the Presbyterian Church of Wapakoneta in 1851, and continued to be a faithful member during the remainder of his life. He was one of the foremost in contributing money and time for the erection of the Presbyterian Church of this place, as with all other good works. He wras a man of excellent judgment, and his opinion was widely sought. But death called him early to rest on the 19th day of September, 1864, in the forty-sixth year of his age, in the prime of life; but such a life never ends as long as children and grandchildren live to walk in its echoes. Such men can walk fearlessly and confidingly down into the great future to meet whatever awaits them there.

Among the early and most respected citizens of Wapakoneta was Robert J. Skinner, who established the first Democratic paper published in Dayton, Ohio, the first number of which was issued in December, 1816. This paper was continued by him until 1830, in which year he removed to Piqua, and established in that town the first Democratic press. In 1832, having received the appointment from President Jackson of Receiver of the United States Land Office, at Wapakoneta, he moved his family to that town, and continued a resident of the place until June, 1849; when, being on a visit with part of his family at the house of a married daughter in Daj'ton, himself, wife, daughter, and son, composing all the visitors, were attacked with the cholera which prevailed in the city at the time, and, during one week, the four died of the disease. Mr. Skinner was a man of positive character, of great enterprise, and a most useful citizen. He represented Montgomery Co., of which Allen County formed a part, in the General Assembly, at the sessions of 1828-29.

Some of the l-esidents of Wapakoneta, about the time Mr. S. became a citizen of the place, were Col. T. B. Van Horn, Register of Land Office, Peter Hammel (a French Indian trader), Captain John Elliott, who was an officer at Hull's surrender, and had been a number of years Government black-

James H. Skinner, son of Robert J. Skinner, was born in 1822, in Dayton, Ohio. He moved with his parents to Piqua in 1830, and to Wapakoneta in 1832. At the age of seventeen he helped to lay out the Minim Canal in the vacinity of St. Marys. He was postmaster of Wapakoneta while he was yet quite young, and afterwards kept a grocery until the spring of 1852, when he sold out and went to California, where he stayed during 1852 and 1853. Mr. Skinner returned in 1854, and was ticket agent at Delphos in 1855. In 1856 lie was a cattle dealer, and in 1857 he worked in the office of the Auditor of Auglaize County. He was elected Recorder in 1860, and re-elected in 1863. After his second term had expired in 1866 he went into the banking business, and he continued in that business until his death, which occurred on the 6th of November, 1878.

Hon. C. C. Marshall, one of the early pioneers of this county, but now of Delphos, Allen County, Ohio, says: "The first mail route was established in the year 1827 from Piqua to Defiance, the service to commence Jan. 1, 1828. Hon. Samuel Marshall, late of Shelby County, Ohio, who was the third settler in that county, was the contractor at the commencement of the service. An elder brother, and father of R. D. Marshall of Dayton, Ohio, carried the mail from Jan. 1, 1828, to September, 1829, when I commenced and continued until Dec. 31, 1831. That was before Allen County was organized, and the mail route was by way of Fort Amanda, and from there on the west side of the Auglaize River to Defiance, with only three offices, viz., Hardin, Shelby County, Waupaughkonnetta, then Allen County, and Sugar Grove, Putnam County ; to the latter two, the only offices in those counties, the mail went one week and returned the next. Robert Broderick was the first postmaster at Wapakoneta. He resigned in 1829, and Capt. John Elliott, the old government blacksmith, was appointed his successor.

In 1829, Geo. C.Johnston, a resident of Piqua, opened a store or trading post about where the spoke and wheel establishment of Bitler & Co. now stands; and the same year Joseph Parks, then the United States Interpreter, also had a stock of goods; his store was near the old council house on Anglaize Street. At that time the venerable French gentleman, Francis Duchouquet, former interpreter of the Shawnees, resided there and on the ground on which the former residence of Hon. Geo. W. Andrews stands.

I was present in the old council house at the signing of the treaty by Blaekhoof, Wayweleapy, Henry Clay, and others of the Waupanghkonnetta and Hog Creek Reservations, ceding all their rights to lands in Ohio, and James B. Gardner, Commissioner for the United States ; and the next year I saw them bid adieu to their old homes in Ohio and leave for their far western homes."

Mr. L. N. Blume was born at St. Johns, Auglaize Co.; Ohio, June 21, 1845, removing from thence for the purpose of attending school to the town of Wapakoneta, the county seat of said county, where he has ever since resided. It may with truth be said that Mr. B. is to the manner born. At the early age of seventeen Mr. B. embarked in mercantile affairs, which he has pursued with energy and diligence up to the present, meeting with the measures of success which is a sure reward to those who with industry and economy adhere to a calling.

During leisure moments, and whilst engaged in business affairs, and having a laudable desire for self-improvement, Mr. B. commenced the study of the law, to which profession he became a member in the course of two years, being the only one admitted out of a class of three, his preceptor being the Hon. W. V. M. Lay ton, deceased. At a time when business enterprise was at a low ebb, Mr. Blume's efforts largely contributed to the organization of the Wapakoneta Spoke and Wheel Co., of which lie became a charter member; this corporation being one of the most important manufacturing interests in said city, whose wares are sold throughout the entire country.

Mr. Blume at the age of twenty-two was elected City Clerk, to which position he was re-elected four successive terms. He is now serving his second term as a member of the Board of Education, serving as Clerk of said Board.

He started to learn the tinning trade in the spring of 1845, and served an apprenticeship of four years from that date. After the four years had expired, he worked at his trade until Jul}r 9, 1851, when he started for the United States.

He arrived at New York in September, and remained in that city for about four years. During that time he was occupied a part of the time at his trade and a part of the time in selling goods.

Mr. Timmermeister came to Wapakoneta July 15, 1855, and was soon engaged as a clerk in the store of O. T. Dieker, where he remained until the spring of 1859, when he commenced business for himself under the name of J. H. Timmermeister & Co. He was married to Miss Caroline Machetanz on the 22d of August of the same year (1859).

In 1862 the firm of J. H. Timmermeister & Co. was changed to J. H. Timmermeister, and he lias been doing a prosperous business up to the present time, his store being the leading business house in this place.

"Capt." John Elliott was one of the earliest settlers at Wapakoneta. He was for many years Government blacksmith under Col. John Johnston, the then Indian agent at that place. Johnston's successor, James B. Gardner, removed Mr. Elliott from his position, refused to settle with him, and ordered him off the reservation, and "confiscated" his cabin, garden, and tools, etc., and sent him awa}r poor with a large family. Elliott applied to the Government through Gen. Cass, who refused relief, saying that there was no "precedent" for it.

Mr. Elliott concluded to go and see President Jackson. He went, found no difficulty in getting an interview with the President, and told him who he was, that he was the second man who set foot on the British shore at Maiden, Canada, in the war of 1812, and President Jackson became interested in him, and inquired what brought him to Washington. Mr. Elliott told him of the treatment he had experienced from Gardner. Gen. Jackson lent a willing ear He rose, took his hat and cane, and, merely saying, "Go with me, Mr. Elliott," walked down to the War Office "Gen. Cass, this is Mr Elliott, of Ohio," said Gen. Jackson; "audit his claim, and pay it. Good morning, sir." Nothing more was said. "Sit down Mr. Elliott," said the Secretary. In about twenty minutes the account was hunted out, Mr. Elliott had a warrant upon the treasury for his money, and was soon on his way home rejoicing.

Mr. Elliott had a family of eleven children, one of whom, Thomas, went west with the Shawnees in 1832, acting as interpreter, and died at Shawnee, Kansas, in 1849.

A number of Mr. Elliott's descendants still reside in thisvicinity. and are much respected. lie died at St. Marys, May 3, 1859, at an advanced age.

John C. Bothe, to whom reference is already made as one of the earliest business men of Wapakoneta, was born in Prussia Dec. 23, 1807, and came to the United States in 1823, stopping first at Baltimore, from which place he soon proceeded to Dayton, 0., where he was employed as a clerk until 1833, when he came to Wapakoneta. Here he purchased two town lots, after 'which he went back as far as Sidney, where he located about a year in the interest of his Dayton employers. He was next sent by the same firm. to Wapakoneta to conduct a branch house, with which he was identified until 1835, when he visited Europe, and on his return the following year he established himself in the dry goods business at this place. In 1860 he built a warehouse and became an extensive grain dealer, in which business he continued until 1875, when he retired from active business. In 1878 he again visited Europe, returning the same year. After a long and active business career, in which he was associated with the public enterprises of the town and county, he has thrown aside business responsibilities and leads a retired life in Wapakoneta.

A. M. Kuhn was born Nov. 30, 1842, at Galion, Crawford County, Ohio. His father, the Rev. Andrew Kuhn, was a pioneer preacher in the early history of Ohio. On account of failing health, he removed to Wapakoneta in January, 1858, to engage in business, in which his boys might secure a practical experience. Early in the year 1859, at the age of seventeen, the subject of this sketch began the study of telegraphy, and in July of the same year was appointed telegraph operator at Wapakoneta station, assisting his father in the express and railroad office. In March, 1862, at the death of his father, he received the appointment of express and railroad agent, which position he resigned in October, 1879, after a continuous and acceptable service of over twenty years.

In addition to the station business, Mr. Kuhn, with his brother Rufus, in the years 1865-7, engaged in the purchase and shipment of grain at Wapakoneta. In 1868, through the unfortunate speculations of his brother, then residing in New York, for whom he had endorsed largely, his entire property was swallowed up. By close attention to business and the exercise of economy these losses have been regained.

In the year 1873 Mr. Kuhn became one of the original stockholders in the Wapakoneta Spoke and Wheel Company. In 1875 the business of this company had increased to such an extent that it became necessary that one of the stockholders should assume personal control of its books and correspondence, together with the general management of its business; and being one of the executive committee of three into whose hands the affairs of the company had been entrusted by the stockholders, Mr. Kuhn received the appointment of General Manager, and since his resignation of railway duties, gives his entire attention to the business of the Wheel Company, the largest and most important manufactory in the county.

This township is the seat of the oldest permanent settlement within the present county limits. The surface is generally flat, broken only by the St. Marys River and Mercer reservoir. The canal crosses from south to north, through the town of St. Marys. This village is the only one within the township, and is the site of an old trading point, but subsequently became an important storehouse of supplies during the years 1812-13. During this period, it was the point of important military operations, as troops were concentrated and organized in preparation for the northern campaign.

Rich. M. Johnson was here elected Colonel by a reorganized regiment, and in 1813, the regiment of Colonel Barbee built the fort which was named for the Colonel. As the southern limit of Harrison's base of supplies, it was from here that provisions and munitions were forwarded to Forts Defiance and Wayne. Three companies of Colonel Johnson's regiment were here discharged, at the expiration of their terms of enlistment. As this matter comes within the scope of our general history, we turn to a period subsequent to the war of 1812, and find something of a settlement at this point, visited largety by traders and hunters. No material growth of population or enterprise was manifested by the isolated settlement prior to 1824, and even then the outlook was not promising, as will be seen by the exhibits of population and wealth which here follow.

The foregoing 68 lots in St. Marys town and township, valued at $68.00, were taxed $0,005 each, or a total of $0.34 (thirtyfour cents). Total tax of town and township $26.98.

Agreeable to the duties assigned to said county commissioners, they have called on the county treasurer for a statement, and it appears that no money had been received by him, and his bond was delivered up, and he released ; thereupon the said John P. Hedges was appointed treasurer for the ensuing year, and gave bond, according to law. He appointed Samuel Hanson collector of taxes, who gave bond accordingly. The said Hanson agreed to collect for five dollars all the taxes of Mercer and Van Wert Counties.

The above business was done before David Hays and Solomon Carr, commissioners of said county; which I do certify is a correct proceedings of all business ordered by said commissioners to enter on said day's proceedings.

No. 7. Order issued to Caleb Major for services as blazer on State road from Mrs. Flinn's to Waupaughkonetta out of Allen County funds, August 16, 1830, $1.75.

The commissionei's met pursuant to adjournment, and proceeded to take, from the proprietors of the town of St. Marys, a deed for the lots donated for county purposes. They also appointed Thomas Scott agent to sell and convey the lots Nos. 1, 7, 15, 25, 33, . 5, 39, 44, 48, 52, 57, on the following conditions: one-third in hand ; one-third in one year; and one-third in two years.

February term in 18i;5, and allowed for the same seventy-five cents.. They also allowed George Conner $9.50 for carrying the returns of the annual election to Eaton, Preble County, Ohio. Also directed the auditor to issue an order to Thomas McCumsey for $4, and to David Hays for $4; both for services as commissioners at the March term 1827. No other business appearing, the meeting adjourned.

Wednesday, June 8, 1825. The commissioners met agreeably to adjournment, and appointed John Murdock collector of county tax for the ensuing year; they also appointed John Manning treasurer, for ensuing year, of Mercer County. The auditor was directed to take the bond of said Manning in the sum of five hundred dollars. The commissioners made a settlement with the auditor, his accounts amounting to $18.66|. They, not considering that a sufficient compensation, allowed him $21.33| more, making in all $40, for his services for the year. They levied a tax on each horse, ass, and mule three years old and upward, of thirty cents; and upon each head of cattle, three years old and upwards, a tax of ten cents.

June 10, 1825. Received eight3r-three dollars and a half; for lots sold for country purposes, which was entered on the books, "Paid," and the order destroyed.

After a division of the lots by the commissioners they set apart fifteen lots on which to build public buildings : these were Nos. 5, 13, 18, 23, 27, 31, 34, 37, 42, 46, 50, 55, 58, 60, and 63. The proceeds of the other fifteen lots to be used for other county purposes. This day the commissioners received the resignation of W. B. Hedges, and they appointed David Armstrong as his successor to the office of county auditor.

The commissioners met pursuant to adjournment, and proceeded to settle with the treasurer for Mercer County levee, and received fifty-two dollars and fifty-seven cents ($52.57), leaving a balance of ninety-four dollars and five cents ($'J4.05), which could not be accounted for; also thirty-five dollars and eighty-three cents and seven mills ($35.83.7) the whole amount of the State and canal tax, for which he could not account.

From the foregoing lists and exhibits it is evident that the years to which they apply form a period of struggles, rather than of prosperity for the township and village. Still the village became the first seat of justice of Mercer County, and so remained until 1840. This county was included with Montgomery, Miami, Shelby, Allen, and Van Wert in the old third judicial district until 1845. Hon. Joseph H. Crane as president judge held the first court at this place. During the following fourteen years Judge Holt presided, followed by Judges Helfinstein and Goode, who each presided seven years. The presiding judge rode around the circuit accompanied by the lawyers. There were no law books in the circuit, and each lawyer was compelled to rely upon his legal ability independent of references. Judge Crane was in the habit of relating the following incident touching the first court held at St. Marys. The grand jury had retired to some logs under a large shade tree to hold a session. The judge was in the cabin court-room awaiting the report of the grand jury, when a large, burly fellow, wearing a red hunting shirt, came forward, leaned his rifle against the side of the door, and, placing a hand against each door cheek, he asked the Court : "Do you know this old hoss?" The Court took in the situation, and said: "Mr. Sheriff, put the 'old hoss' in the stable until further orders." The sheriff conducted him to the place used for a jail, and when he became sober the judge directed the sheriff' to "turn the 'old hoss' out."

Owing to the exposure and inconvenience of those days they were careful to not hold court during cold weather. The town maintained something of a growth without business facilities until 1838, when the canal gave stimulus to activity during its construction, and laid the foundation for the first business enterprises by furnishing as good water power as may be found in the State. A few years later several mills were erected along the canal, among which were the flour mills of R. B. Gordon and Neitert and Koops, the St. Marys Woollen Mill, the Reservoir Mill, and the Farina Mill, all in St. Marys. These mills were the earliest in the count}', except the old Mission Mill at Wapakoneta, and as the county was then settled more or less throughout, St. Marys became the centre of milling operations for a large section during several years. With these enterprises the growth of the town was rapid, until the erection of Auglaize County in 1848, when St. Marys became a contestant for the seat of justice, but was defeated as elsewhere shown. To-day the village enjoys the advantages of the canal, and the Lake Erie and Western Railroad, and is at the junction of the Minster branch.

Whip Stock Factory. - Woolworth and Cowles; established in 1874, and employs about fourteen hands in the manufacture of thirty thousand dozen whip stock's per year. These are shipped throughout the United States and to Europe.

Farina Mills. - Established in 1855 by present owner. Manufactures farina, wheat, rye, and buckwheat flour. All kinds of grain and seed bought and sold. Philip V. Herzing, Proprietor.

St. Marys Woollen Manufacturing Company. - These mills were built by William Gibson in 1866 at a cost of $62,000. The main building is of stone, brick, and slate, forty by ninety feet, and four and a half stories in height, being one of the most substantial along the line of the canal. The mill is supplied with two sets of machinery of the latest pattern. The establishment came into the hands of the citizens of the village in 1871, when a joint stock company was organized with a capital of $50,000, under the title of the M St. Marys Woollen Manufacturing Company." About one hundred thousand pounds of wool are annually consumed in the manufacture of flannels, blankets, jeans, satinets, and yarn. E. M. Piper, President. A. Althausen, Secretary.

Bank of St. Marys. - Organized and opened September 1, 1876, under the name of the tk Bank of St. Marys," by E. M. Piper, A. Althausen, and Frederick Dieker. Each partner represents one-third of the capital, and is individually liable. In 1879 a new building was erected, and supplied with the latest improved vaults, safes, and locks. A. Althausen, Cashier.

Wheel, Spoke, and Handle Factory. - L. Bimel, Proprietor. Established in 1870, but two years later the works burned down and were rebuilt. Twenty-five men are kept employed in the manufacture of wheels, spokes, hubs, and handles. A planing mill is connected with the factory.

SI- Marys Carriage Works. - L. Bimel, Proprietor.. Founded in 1855, and superintended until 1872 by present owner. Employs tvvent}* men in the construction of carriages, buggies, wagons, and sleighs, the annual production amounting to one hundred and fifty jobs. Salesrooms at St. Marys and Lima,

Carriage Works. - Established in 1860, and employs seven men in the manufacture of carriages, buggies, wagons, and sleighs. Jacob Koch, Proprietor.

St. Marys Foundry and Machine Works. - Established by present owner in 1876, and is the only foundry in the county. Employs ten men in the manufacture of all kinds of mill machinery,pumps, pipes, fittings, Babbitt metal, and brass goods. Attention is also given to repairing. C. Buehler, Proprietor.

St. Marys Argus. - This journal was established and conducted at St. Marys, by E. B. Walkup, present editor of the " Delphos Couraut." The first number was issued Aug. 26, 1872, and was named the " St. Marys Courant." In Oct. 1874, J. E. Fisher, present editor of the "Tuscarawas Democrat," took charge of the "Courant," when it became the "St. Marys Commercial." This continued until December, 1876, when R. S. Clark took charge, issuing his first number Dec. 7, under the new name of the "St. Marys Free Press." Clark continued in charge until his death in Dec. 1877. The offk-e then passed into the hands of John Walkup and Wm. Shields, who issued their first number Jan. 5, 1878, under the heading of the "St. Marys Argus," edited and conducted by John Walkup. On the 5th of July, 1879, Frank Walkup and J. N. Richardson bought the interest of Wm. Shields, while the firm name continued John Walkup & Co.

Jan. 3, 1880, John Walkup sold his interest to the other members of the firm, and the style changed to Walkup and Richardson, editors and proprietors. This firm has secured a permanent office on the second floor of the new bank building, on the corner of Spring and Front Streets, St. Marys, Ohio. Under their management the "Argus" has become a lively local journal. Issued every Saturday at $2.00 per annum.

Schools. - The schools of the village were organized under the old law for the organization of city and village schools, and have maintained a steady growth. In 1859 the schools employed six teachers at a total salary of about $1800. The enumeration was then about 450 ; while in 1869 it rose to 563, and in 1879 amounted to 637. The schools are now under good management, and promise greater efficiency in the future. Dr. C. N. Phelps is clerk of Board of Education.

Churches. - Some of the churches date back to a very early period. An M. E. Society was organized in 1825 by Rev. Jas. B. Finle}\ The patriarch of the society was C. Vincent, who came from Baltimore, Md. The society worshipped for some years in the old log school-house, which occupied the lot south of lot 5 W. A., which had beeu set apart by the owners for religious purposes. In 1840 a frame church was built on a half lot, back of Edward Hollingsworth's brick residence. In December the house was removed to the present church lot, where it stood until the erection of the present house. The society now consists of about one hundred members.

Presbyterian Church. November 14, 1848, Rev. J. L. Bellville and I. A. Ogden, of Miami Presbyteiy, met at the courthouse, St. Marys, with the people of the town, for the purpose of orcranizino; a church, which organization was effected with the following membership: H. W. and Elizabeth Hazzard, A. P. Clark, Fanny Lattimore, Jane Elliott, Catharine Timmons, Mary Pierson, Sylvia Hart, J. H. and Eliza De la Mater, Thomas Pierce, Rachel Van Nuy, Elizabeth Bigger, and Mary Peterson, under the title of "First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys, Mercer County, Ohio. Thomas Pierce and A. P. Clark were chosen ruling elders; J. H. De la Mater and H. W. Hazzard deacons; and J. H. De la Mater clerk. The present membership is about seventy. Pastor, L. M. Lawson.

German Protestant Episcopal Church. Organized June 10, 1849, with the following named officers: L. H. Heusch, Sr., F. S. Nagel, A. Dieker, Adam Lintz, Christ Franz, M. House, and Adolph Coniadi pastor. The present membership numbers eight3r. Rev. Schultz pastor.

Christian Union Church. This church was organized by Elder Summers in 1863, with five members. Afterward the church arose to a membership of forty, but eventually disorganized. In 1878 it was reorganized by Elder A. Hawkins with a list of twelve members, since which time the membership has increased to twenty-seven. They have built a new church under the present organization, and the congregation, under the pastorate of Elder A Hawkins, is in a promising condition.

In connection with these institutions and enterprises are others of a more recent origin, but of large industrial value to the town. These, with the retail establishments which go to make up the business interests of the town, are referred to in the "Business Directory" of this volume.

Official Records

R. R. Barrington was born in Ireland in 1797, and came to the United States in 1818; first locating at Piqua, and coming to St. Marys in 1822. In January, 1824, he married Mary Armstrong. Mrs. Barrington came with her parents to St. Marys in 1818. Their family consisted of six children. Mr. Barrington died in 1869, and Mrs. Barrington in 1871.

Thos. S. Sturgeon was born in Pennsylvania in 1803. His parents removed to Miami County in 1819. In 1829 he married Mary D. Ross, and moved to this county in January, 1830, and settled in St. Marys. After eighteen months he moved to his land adjoining town, where he resided until his death in May, 1875. Mrs. Sturgeon died in December, 1868. Three of the children still occupy the old homestead. Previous to his death, Mr. Sturgeon erected a very fine farm residence, which he lived to enjoy but a short time. When he arrived in this township it was almost a wilderness, inhabited by Indians, while his capital amounted to fifty cents. Under these circumstances he knew the hardships and difficulties incident to pioneer life. During his entire life he enjoyed the respect of all with whom he came in contact.

John Hawthorn was born in Ireland in 1790, and came to the United States in 1811, locating first in Pennsylvania. Came to St. Marys in 1824, where he resided the remainder of his life. He was engaged in boating between St. Marys and Fort Wayne for a number of years. He was an esteemed member of the Masonic fraternity. He raised a family often children, six of whom survive. In the death of Mr. Hawthorn, which occurred January, 1871, the poor lost a friend, as he was ever sympathetic and liberal.

Samuel R. Giddens was born in Northamptonshire, England, in 1814, and came to the United States in 1837, and to St. Marys in 1839. Has served as overseer of the Miami Canal since 1844. In 1842 he married Jane Kirtin and has raised a family of four children. He has served as township trustee during a long period of years.

Henry M. Helm was born in Virginia in 1798. He married Angeline Spanklin in 1819, and after residing in Kentucky and southern Ohio, came to St. Marys in the spring of 1827. He was elected justice of the peace in 1831, and received his commission from Duncan McArthur. He was commissioned captain of militia by Allen Trimble in 1828. He was a carpenter by trade, and possessed great genius. At that time Dayton was the nearest milling point, but Mr. Helm one day went to the river, and finding two very hard stones, took them home, dressed them, and constructed a handmill, which served the purposes of himself and neighbors. His family consisted of three children, all still living. Mrs. Helm died in 1827 and Mr. Helm, March 15, 1875.

John Blew was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1820, and came with his father to this county in June, 1824, and settled in St. Marys. His mother came to the county in 1818, and was present when the treaty was made with the Indians at that place. Mr. Blew had sixteen horses stolen by the Indians which he never recovered. He relates the means by which he obtained his first gnu. An Indian having died in the neighborhood, was not buried, but his body was placed in a tree. Here his gun and bow and arrows were placed by his side. In the course of time the gun fell to the ground, where it was found by Mr. Blew. He was well acquainted with John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, who planted a nursery on the farm of Mr. Dowty, now owned by Michael Cabal. Mr. Blew refers to those as the days in which "coon" fur supplied the place of wool, and was manipulated by the spinningwheels and knitting needles of the women.

Maiys in 1833. He married Elizabeth Benner in 183*7, raising a family of three children, two of whom are still living. He is at present living with his daughter, Mrs. Hagerman. Mr. Brandenburg being one of the early settlers, commenced life in the woods, doing much of his work in the night, by the light of a burning brush-heap.

Thomas McKee was born in 1801. He settled in St. Marys township about 1824-25, on section 10. He married Anna Reynolds in 1827, and died December, 1875, leaving a family of seven children, four by the first, and three by the last marriage.

Henry Smith was born in Delaware. He came from Hamilton County, Ohio, to St. Marys township in 1820-21. He married Elizabeth Hinkle, and raised a family of eight children, all of whom were born in the township except one. They are all residents of the county.

James Phillips was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1811. He came to Ohio and located at St. Marys in 1844, where he has since lived with the exception of two years, he worked at silversmithing in Piqua, Ohio. He married Sarah E. Helm. Their family consisted of six children, two of whom are still living, viz., Josephine and Sarah.

Christopher Graber was born in Germany in 1798, came to America in 1829. He entered 120 acres of land and settled near New Bremen. His family consisted of wife and four children ; the}' were among the first settlers of that part of the township. Mr. Graber died in 1862.

Henry Henke was born in Hanover, German}-, September 26, 1812, where he resided until his twenty-seventh year, when he came to St. Marys township, this county, where he has since resided. In July, 1843, he married Louisa Stroaffer. They have reared a family of nine children, all of whom are still living.

Hon. Samuel R. Mott was born in Knox County, Ohio, January 26, 1818, and came to St. Marys in 1833, learned the mason trade, at which he worked until 1836, when he volunteered with a company to go to Texas, where he served until July, 1837. After his return he worked at his trade until 1840, when he entered upon the study of law with his brother, G. N. Mott, now of California. In J 842 opened a law office in St. Marys, was married the next year, and at the annual election was chosen prosecuting attorney. In 1846 he entered the mercantile business, and at the organization of this county in 1848, was elected to the Ohio Legislature from Allen, Auglaize, and Mercer counties. In 1861 entered the army as captain of Company E, twentieth regiment, in the three months' service. Again he entered the thirty-first regiment as captain of Company C, but after one year was appointed colonel of the one hundred and eighteenth regiment, in which capacity he served until February, 1864, when on the advice of Surgeon W. H. Phillips, of Kenton, he resigned on account of failing health. He is still engnged in the profession of law.

Hon.Wm. Sawyer commenced work as a blacksmith's apprentice in Dajton in 1816, when fifteen years of age. After learning the trade he worked at Dayton and Grand Rapids, Michigan, but in 1829 came to Miamisburg, O., and established himself in business. During his residence here he served five terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, and became Speaker of the House during 1835-6. In 1838 and '40 he was a candidate for Congress, but was defeated by Patrick G. Goode. In 1843 he moved to St. Marys, and the next year was elected to Congress and reelected in 1846. In 1850 lie served as member of the Constitutional Convention, and in Oct. 1855, was elected to the House of Representatives from Auglaize County. The same year he was appointed Receiver of the Land Office for the Ottertail District of Minnesota by President Pierce, and reappointed by President Buchanan, and served until the inauguration of President Lincoln. In 1869 he was appointed a Trustee of the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College by Governor Hayes. He also served as Mayor and Justice of the Peace in St. Marys during a long series of 3Tears.

Frederick Koop was born in Hanover, Ger., January 14, 1801, and came to Cincinnati in 1831, where he lived nearly four years, when he came to St. Mail's township and settled in section 33. He built a hotel on his farm on the St. Marys and New Bremen road, which he conducted eighteen years. The old building still stands, a landmark of the pioneer times. He reared a family of ten children, eight of whom are still living. Mr. K. is still in enjoyment of good health, and has by industry acquired a good home, and merits in his age the good name his neighbors so willingly accord him.

Judge Edward M. Phelps was born in Woodbury, Litchfield County, Conn., Nov 13, 1^13. In 1833 he graduated at Kenyon College, and in 1836 moved to St. Marys, Ohio. In 1>3S he was elected Treasurer of Mercer County, which office he retained until 1844. From 1855 to 1859 he was a member of the Ohio Senate from this district. In May, 1869, he became Judge of the Common Pleas Court, which position he retained until May, 1*79. He has thus been one of the most influential citizens, as well as one of the earliest settlers of the county. He still resides at St. Marys, and is engaged in the practice of law.

The history of German township as now organized, and that of the village of New Bremen, are so closely interwoven that it is necessary to treat them together. We will here only refer to a few incidents by way of general introduction, as the first step towards settlement was the purchase of the village site.

Supervisors of Roads. - Antony Lears, J. H. Gosman, B. H. Borgmann, J. D. Allis, S. Catterlin, Jno. H. Neimeyer, J. L. Pohlmann, and Henry Dvvinger.

This township originally belonged, to Shelby County, but at and for some time after the settlement it was a part of Mercer County. In April, 1851, the township of German then comprising what is now German and Jackson townships was divided into a north and south election precinct, by Act of General Assembly. In 1858 the township was divided by the erection of Jackson township, being the south side of German township as previously organized.

The township contains eighteen square miles; the soil is fertile and being rapidly drained and otherwise improved. The products are chiefly wheat, corn, and hogs.

In 1832 a company of Germans was organized in Cincinnati for the purpose of locating a town to be colonized by Germans. This company consisted of thirty-three members, prominent among whom were Philip Reis, Christian Carmann, P. Steiner, F. Neiter, and J. B. Mesloh. F. H. Schroeder and A. F. Windeler were appointed a prospecting committee to visit different parts of Oliio and Indiana and select a site for the colony. They examined the country north of Cincinnati and proceeded into Indiana, but finally returned to this State and selected the present site of New Bremen. They here purchased ten (10) acres of land from the government at one (1) dollar per acre, and secured the services of Robert Grant, the surveyor of Mercer County, to divide and plot the town. This site consisted of 102 lots, each 66 by 300 feet. Each member was entitled to one lot, and the remaining ones were offered at $25.00 each.

The selection was determined by lot in order to obviate any difficulty on account of supposed differences of value The town was named Bremen, and the plot recorded in Mercer County, June 11, 1833. Windeler then returned to Cincinnati to report, while Schroeder remained with the colony, as agent for the company. Immediately after the return of Windeler, six members of the association came on to Bremen. In the mean time Schroeder had made preparation for the accommodation of new arrivals by erecting a hut 12 by 14 feet in dimensions. The time occupied by these six in coming from Cincinnati was fourteen days. They all spent the remainder of their lives with the colony, the last survivors being Dickman and Moorman, who died a few years since. Land was then purchased at $1.25 per acre, and the erection of a log hut required the assistance of all the settlers within a radius of six miles.

These huts were covered with boards, and left so open on the sides that the deer were said to have approached them, and attempted to eat straw from the improvised beds, through the openings between the logs. It is also related that on one occasion while Mohrman was hewing one end of a log, a fox approached and stole a chicken which had hopped on the other end of same log. Like in other new settlements, much difficulty was experienced in obtaining supplies, as these were only to be secured at a distance of twenty-three miles. Even in the matter of flour, the settlers were sometimes compelled to resort to the use of a home-made tin grater, such as is sometimes used for grating horseradish. In 1833 new imigrants arrived and a building was erected at a cost of $40 to supply the place of both church and school. These settlers were all Protestants, whose firsUninister was Rev. L. H. Meyer. During the summer of 1833 several families arrived from Bavaria, among whom were Maurer, Paul, and Brawn. Thus the settlement had grown until the arrival of C. Boesel, who found thirty-five families within a radius of five miles. There were but six huts within the limits of the town. So insignificant was it that Mr. B. stopped to inquire of a wood chopper the distance to Bremen, and was told he was then in the town. The surroundings were so unpromising that he concluded he could not make a livelihood, and so went on to Ft. Wayne. Alter a period of nineteen months he returned and found very material improvement had been made, among which were separate buildings for school and church. Even at this time some of the farmers became discouraged by having their crops eaten by deer and other game. The community was still almost isolated, as it had little facility for communication. In support of this it may be related that a man named Graver walked to Piqua, a distance of twentj^-three miles, and returned the same day, carrying a No. 7 plow the whole distance from Piqua.

In 1835 many of the settlers went to Indiana and worked upon the Wabash Canal, while the women took charge of the home farms. During this year the post-office was established, and the town name changed to New Bremen to distinguish it from another Bremen within the State. The only business at this time worth the name was a horse mill owned by Mr. Kuenning about one and a half miles north of town. Its trade commanded a radius of many miles. The towrn was incorporated under the provisions of H. R. Bill No. 374, reported by Mr. Bell, entitled "A Bill to Incorporate the Town of Bremen in County of Mercer," and passed March 23, 1837. This bill describes the site as follows: As much of German township as is embraced in south half of southeast quarter of section 10, township 7 S., R. 4 E., is hereby created a town corporate, and pha.ll hereafter be known by the name of the town of Bremen. Tlie following list exhibits the officers chosen at first election under the incorporation and held April 13, 1840: -

The opening of work upon the Miami Canal in 1838 gave an impetus to trade, which was sustained afterward hy the completion of this work, which formed the first means of commerce.

In 1840 a warehouse and water mill were established, adding greatly to the improvement of business and enterprise. Thus the community flourished until 1849, when the cholera appeared, making such ravages that one hunded and fifty of the seven hundred settlers were swept away. Thus through prosperit}r and calamity we are carried step by step in constant view of a flourishing growth, until, in 1875, we find the whole of German township organized into one union school district. The following year the present Board of Education was elected. Its first act was the erection of a commodious brick building capable of being arranged into eight departments. This was completed, at a cost of $17,000, in 1877, since which time five departments have been occupied. It is well furnished with modern appliances, and reflects great credit upon the village. In connection with this building are two separate school-houses north and west of the town, being ungraded departments under control of same board and superintendent. The whole system affords the township admirable educational facilities.

In 1877 the L. E. & VV. R. R. extended its line from St. Marys to Minster, passing through Bremen. In order to secure this road the citizens of Bremen and Minster contributed $40,000 and the right of way. More than half this amount was given by the former town. This road when completed will furnish a direct north and south outlet to east and west lines. In 1879 a telegraph line was constructed along the banks of the canal across the State from north to south, which promises in the present year to furnish better telegraphic facilities than have hitherto been enjoyed. We have thus taken a cursory review of the growth of the town ; have found it rising out of the wilderness of 1833 to the flourishing village of to-day, located upon the L. E. & W. R. R. and the Miami & Erie Canal, with telegraph lines.

These facilities have so far contributed to the growth of commerce that the grain and pork trade have assumed numerous proportions. The pork packing establishments alone handle about ten thousand hogs annually.

These are represented by one bank of exchange, two hotels, one railroad, one canal line, five drygoods, three hardware, three general merchandise, two merchant tailor, two millinery, three boot and shoe, two stove and tinware, one produce, and five grocery establishments, one livery stable, besides many harness and blacksmith shops, etc. It has one woollen factory, one flour mill, one brewery, five wagon and carriage factories, one linseed oil factory, one mineral water, one marble, one plow, and two cigar factories. It supports one weekly newspaper, "The Star of West Ohio."

Official

The Board of Education elected in 1876 remains unchanged, and is as follows: Frederick Vogelsang, President; J. H. L. Nieter, Secretary; E. H. Lameyer, Treasurer; Wm. Barth, J. H. Bosche, John Garmhausen.

Hon. Charles Boesel was born in Bavaria, February, 1814, and came to Baltimore, June 24, 1833. From Baltimore he came by way of Pittsburg and Cincinnati to Bremen. During the ensuing five years he was engaged at boot and shoe making, until 1838, when he opened a store of general supplies, with which he was connected during the next thirty years. A few years since he entered the banking business, in which he is still engaged. He has at different periods held important elective and appointive offices. Starting as clerk of Bremen when the voting population did not exceed fifteen, he became commissioner of Mercer County in 1840, and served two terms. At about the same time was appointed postmaster, in which capacity he served nine years. From 1X5 i to 1854 was superintendent of Miami and Erie Canal. From 1861 to 1865 was representative of Auglaize County in General Assembly, and again was State Senator from 1867 to 1871. He is now a member of the State Board of Charities.

On arrival in this country proceeded directly to Clarke County, and settled near Springfield. In 1836 he came to Bremen and became a contractor on the canal then constructing through this county. He was thus engaged until the opening of navigation, when he procured a boat, which he operated until about 1845. At this time his brother Christopher entered into partnership and assumed the position of captain of the boat. Our subject then gave his attention to the home business, consisting of an extensive trade in general merchandise and produce. While thus engaged he also conducted heavy operations as grain and hog dealer, which he continued until his brother's death, which occurred in 1849. At this period the boat was sold, but really remained in the service of Mr. Wiemeyer, whose trade was fully equal to the capacity of the boat. The present brick warehouse and a pork packing house in Bremen are monuments of his industry and enterprise, as he was the founder of both. He continued in connection with these enterprises until his death, which occurred April 19, 185X. He reared a family of eight children, five of whom are living, and named as follows: J. Fred W., W. F., Katie, Annie, and Sofa. Mrs. Wiemeyer still occupies the old home in New Bremen.

Dr. Wm. A. Havemann was born in Saxony in 1811, and came to St. Louis in 1837, where he remained about a year. He then started to Mexico, but only went as far as Independence, where the caravan failed, and he came back to Louisville, Ky. He remained here until 1840, when he came to Bremen, where he still resides. In 1841 he married Miss Mary Oberwitte, and has raised a family of six children, all of whom are still living.

J. H. Bosche was born in Hanover, April, 1831, and came to America in 1844. After spending two years in Cincinnati he came to Bremen in 1846, where he was engaged as clerk in a general produce store until 1852, when he went to Montezuma, Ohio, and engaged in the merchandise trade, but returned to Bremen after an absence of two years, where he has since been engaged in mercantile pursuits. Since 1856 he has been engaged in the pork and grain trade in connection with many other enterprises.

Hon. J. H.Meslohwas one of the earliest settlers of the Bremen community, and came from Hanover in 1830. His grandson, our subject, was born Nov. 17, 1841, one month after the death of his father. At the death of his mother, in his sixth year, he passed under the protection of his grandparents. At the age of sixteen he entered school at Springfield, Ohio, but on completion of his education returned to Bremen. In 1864 he entered the hardware business, in which he is still engaged.

He was married September 29, 1869, to Miss Minnie Boesel, of Bremen. Alter holding several local offices of trust he was elected to the House of Representatives in 187 -!, and re-elected in 1875. Has been one of the most enterprising citizens of Bremen, and has labored in interest of all improvements. His family consists of wife and five children.

Barnhart H. Mohrmann was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1795. He came to Cincinnati in 1831, and remained in that city about one year; he then moved to New Bremen. When he came to America his family consisted of his wife and one son, whose name is Harman Henry Mohrmann. His wife died in 1837, and in the same year he married Miss Elizabeth Schrader, who only lived about one year. In 1840 Mr. Mohrmann married Magdalene Paul, with whom he lived for a period of thirty years, when both died, Dec. 22, 1870. Mr. Mohrmann was an honest, upright citizen, and by his untiling industry and economy accumulated a considerable amount of property. Harman H. Mohrmann now lives in section 11, German township, on the farm formerly owned by his father. His wife was born in Germany, and came to America in 1853, their marriage occurring the same year. They have two children, a son and a daughter, aged respectively nineteen and sixteen. Mr. Mohrmann and his family have won the respect of the people in the town near which they have so long lived.

Albert Zehnkuhl was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1792 He came to Ohio in 1832, and settled in sec. 8, German township. He moved to New Bremen in 1841, where he still resides. He kept hotel in New Bremen for about twenty-four years. At the time Mr. Zehnkuhl c:ime to America his family consisted of his wife and five children, of which only two are now living. Mrs. Zehnkuhl died in January, 1879, and the same year Mr. Zehnkuhl married Minnie Ketler; two children are the result of this second union. Mr. Zehnkuhl is eighty years old, and has a remarkably good memory ; he quotes dates quite readil}' of incidents that happened many years ago.

John F. Barth was born in Hanover, Ger.,in 1800, and came to Baltimore, Md., in 1836, where lie remained about four years, when he came to New Bremen and settled on sec. 6, German township. Here, with his wife and four children, he commenced the building of a Ik me in the woods, and remained upon the old farm until 1865. He reared a family of ten children, six of whom are still living.

Wm. Barth, a son of the above, was born in 1840, in German township, and still occupies the old homestead of his father. His family consists of three children, one son and two daugh-

Jolin C. Kuenzel was born at Markleuthen, Bavaria, September 5, 1823, where he spent the first fifteen years of his life, attending school, and receiving therefrom a thorough knowledge of those branches of study necessary in the laying of a sure foundation, upon which to build a permanent structure in after-life. When not at school, was kept busily engaged in honest, useful labor, thus, in early youth becoming possessed of two predominent characteristics, which were plainly observant by all with whom he came in contact throughout the whole of a successful business career, viz., an absorbing love of reading, often until far into the wee small hours of night, and an untiring, unwearied industry, which never fagged or faltered, until the summons came to urest from his labors." He emigrated to America in 1838, landing with his father and family at New Orleans, from whence they came direct to New Bremen, Auglaize Co., O. Here those sterling qualities of love of learning and labor, which he had acquired at home, proved of value in the wilderness. Learning the tanner's trade of his father, he engaged in the business with a will which never said go but come. Afterwards purchasing the business in 1847, commencing with a capital of only fifty dollars, John C. Kuenzel, by strict attention to business, honest integrity of character, square uprightness in dealing, was, when he sold the tannery to the present owner, Mr. August Boesel, in 1870, one of the wealthiest men in town, attained by unwavering integrity and untiring industry. Mr. Kuenzel was married in the same year he commenced business for himself to Miss Maria Wunderlich, bj' whom lie had thirteen children, six of whom survive, and reproducing in themselves, thus far in life, the example of honest industry, which was ever before them in the person of their father, leading, guiding, and directing to success and affluence. He was ever closely allied with all interests for public improvements in town, having for their real object the general good. He was for many years a member of the Board of Education of the town, and with a zeal which knew no abatement he, with a few others, so directed effort, and overcame obstacles as to succeed in paving the way for a liberal education to be given to every child in the township. At the time of his death, Sept. 1879, he was engaged in the manufacture of flour and woollen goods, in which business he is succeeded by his son. We close this short and very imperfect sketch of the life of John C. Kuenzel by remarking that the esteem in which he was held by his neighbors, his masterly activity, his predominant integrity, his love of education, and advancement, his willingness, zeal, in offering and lending a helping hand have endeared him to the people to snch an extent, that the memory of his virtues will be cherished until the last who knew him shall be summoned to pass over the river.

Publication

Stern des Westlichen Ohio - Star of Western Ohio. Established at Minster, Ohio, by J. V. Schiffer in 18*74. Came in possession of M. A. and J. B. Hemstegger in 1877, but shortly afterwards passed into the hands of J M. A. Hemsteogrer. In 1878 J. V. Schiffer again took charge, but retired December 1, 1879, when it was transferred to Theo. Purpus, who removed it to New Bremen, where it is still published. The Star of West Ohio is the only German paper published in this section of the State. Issued at New Bremen every Frida3^. Terms $2.00 per annum. Theo. Purpus, Proprietor.

Evangelical Zion. In 1865 Rev. L. Richter, pastor of St. Peter's congregation, resigned his charge and organized the Evangelical Zion congregation. At a meeting, held April 3, 1865, it was resolved to build a church, and in April of the following year it was determined to build a schoobhouse in connection with the church. These buildings were accordingly erected, and are now occupied. Rev. Richter resigned April, 1868. Rev. A. Eisenhauer was elected pastor, but resigned November, 1870, and was succeeded by his predecessor. Again in 1873 Rev. Richter resigned, and Rev. William Dickman was elected his successor. On Aug. 6, 1873, the Evangelical Zion congregation was incorporated as the German Evangelical Reformed Zion Congregation, Heidelberg Synod of the Northwest. The communicants number eighty at present writing, and Rev. William Dickman is pastor.

Minster, like Bremen, was founded by a stock association. On Sept. 1, 1833, a company formed for the purpose of purchasing a section of land in Mercer County, Ohio. The object of this purchase was to lay out and found a town, under certain specified conditions. The conditions bound the company to furnish sufficient money, as a joint fund, to enter the land and lay out the town. The funds so provided were to be entrusted to Francis Joseph Stallo, of Mercer County, Ohio, who was authorized to enter the land in his own name. He was further to have this land platted and divided into one hundred and forty-four shares, and fix a day for a meeting of the company at Cincinnati, where the price per share and expenses were to he determined. The selection of shares was then to be made by the members by lot, the drawer of each share to pay a ratable proportion to said Stallo. After the numbers were drawn, .Stallo was to make and execute a deed in favor of each purchaser. Under these conditions, Stallo entered the following lands at the Piqualand office, Miami Co., Ohio, Sept. 8, 1832, viz., the northeast quarter of sec. 34 ; the northwest quarter of sec. 35 ; the southeast quarter of sec. 27, and the southwest quarter of sec. 26 - in township 7 south, range 4 east, situate in Mercer Co., Ohio.

In the summer of 1833, F. J. Stallo died intestate, without having executed deeds to the several purchasers, as required. For the purpose of securing title to purchasers, a bill in chancery was filed at the Common Pleas Court of Mercer County, then sitting at St. Marys, entitled -

The complainants asked relief in equity, and prayed an order of the court granting to them their respective purchases in Stallostown as per conditions under which J. F. Stallo represented the stock company.

The defendants, the legal heirs of said Stallo being infants, appeared by their guardian ad litem, John W. Roof The cause was heard March 3, 1836, when it was ordered by the court that the defendants as they became of age should severally convey to said owners or original purchasers their respective lots or shares, and in their failure to do so within six months after attaining their majority, this decree was to operate as a convej^ance.

of a section of land, it was divided by seven (7) streets from north to south, and eleven (11) from east to west. These being the principal streets were sixty (60) feet wide, and all others to be fifty (50) feet. In the centre, on both sides of streets adjoining the principal streets, were four (4) public places, the streets fifty (50) feet wide, and these public places sixt}' (60) feet wide and two hundred and seven (207) feet long. Between streets running east and west are twelve (12) numbers, these to be divided into five (5) lots, and through each lot a street extends north and south, so that each number contains five (5) lots in a direct line to the main street. Between all these lots are alleys sixteen (16) feet wide; all streets and alteys to be opened whenever the public convenience shall require. The lots are numbered from south to north and north to south on Main Street, beginning with 1 at south end of Main Street on west side and numbered consecutively to 72 at north end of same street; then commencing at 73 on east side of same street number consecutively to south end of said street to 144, each number having a front of 68^ feet and a depth extending: to next street.

The town was thus founded by Germans, and still preserves this nationality. After its foundation it assumed considerable business importance, but other settlements and towns robbed it of some of its business at a later date. The canal passed through at an early day, and gave shipping facilities until the completion of the Minster Branch of the L. E. & W. R. R. connecting with the main line at St. Marys increased these facilities. It is yet a town of considerable enterprise, having some important industries well represented. The Roman Catholic religion prevails exclusively, and the sect has one of the finest churches in the State. The school in connection is also supplied with a good building. These are elsewhere treated. Among the business enterprises of intei'est we may mention the hardware establishment of John Laufersweiler, the large boot and shoe house of Laufersweiler and Bornhorst, the extensive hydraulic mill of Sprehe and Depweg, the pork packing establishment and brickyard of Steineman Bros., the tannery of Frank Piening, the agricultural implement establishment of Goeke and Kaiser, and the grocery and drug house of Mrs. E. Schneider and Son.

One of the largest and most complete breweries in this part of the State was erected here in 1870, by Frank Lang, at a cost of $40,000; while the improvements of the present year will reach about $15,000 more. Mr. Lang is one of the early settlers of the county, having come here in 1838.

popular physician of Minster, was born in Rust, Granduchy of Baden, Germany, June 26, 1820, and entered upon the study of medicine, when but eleven years of age, at Freyburg University; he graduated and emigrated to America in 1846, and settled in Minster. He is justice of the peace, mayor, and notary public. He ranks among the first in his profession, and retains the confidence of the whole community. He is also a large land-owner, and is proprietor of two hotels in the town.

John Henry Steinmann, one of the pioneers of Jackson township, was born in Haldorff, Oldenburg, Ger., Oct. 28, 1808, and came to America in 1832. From Baltimore he came to Cincinnati, but after a short time he left for the South, where he spent about two j'ears. He married Catharine G. Meyers in 1835, and about a year later moved to his pioneer home, three miles west of Minster, then Stallostown. There were then no roads, and travel was performed by the aid of blazed trees as guides through the forest. He occupied this first farm about two years, when he purchased land near Minster, where he built a new home. Here he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held witli little interruption until the date of his death. After 1831 he engaged in trade and the manufacture of brick. Again he engaged at different periods in the mercantile trade, real estate operations, cooperage, and grain dealing. His first business was small, but attended by success; he was enabled to enlarge his operations as the increasing demands of the new community would dictate. About 1850 he built a brick dwelling, store, and warehouse, and commenced the shipment of all kinds of produce, and at the same time commenced the pork-packing business. He has reared a family of five children, four sons and one daughter, named John H., Theo. B., Frank J., Charles, and Mary - all married and settled in or near Minster. Mr. S. died Jan. 15, 1871, and Mrs. S. May 23, 1812, both having reached an advanced age, and won the respect of a community which remembers them as worthy pioneers.

Matthias Goeke was born in Hanover, Ger., in 1195, and came, with his wife and four children, to what was then German township, this county. He was thus one of the pioneers, and is now among the oldest residents of the township. Although advanced in years, he is in the enjoyment of bodily vigor, and sustains the respect of all his acquaintances.

The first white settler in Washington township was Shadrack Montgomery, who settled herein 1830. He located in sec. 24, and was one of the trustees at the organization of the township. At a very early period he was elected justice of the peace, and was one of the Board of Commissioners at the organization of the county. He had previously served in this capacity in Allen County. His son Archibald was twelve years of age when they came to the county.. He says that during the years 1830-31-32 he had no associates save the Indian boys. As his home bordered on the reserve he became acquainted with their language and skilful with the bow. The first school taught in the township was in a log cabin in sec. 24, by Elias Horner, during the winter of 1834-35. The equipments were very primitive, having basswood puncheons for seats, greased paper for windows, and planks attached to the wall for desks. Mr. M. had not the privileges of education, as he was the main support of his father's family. He married Julia A. Brannon, and they reared a family of ten children, five of whom are still living. The first sermon preached in the township was by Rev. Kemper. Among those who came to the township about this time were John L. Campbell, Samuel McCullough, Samuel Blakeley, Wm. Spray, and Thos. Chambers. Mr. Montgomery was noted as a hunter. He claimed to have killed the last deer ever seen in the county. On one occasion he killed two deer at one shot. He saw but one, but after the shot he found a second one had stood in range beyond the one at which he aimed. He also claims to have killed the last wolf ever seen in the county.

New Knoxville was laid out in village lots in the year 1836, by James K. Lytle. It consisted of 102 lots. The first stoi-e started in the town was by Cummins, Mathers & Brown (who had previous^ built a steam sawmill), which was afterwards sold to James K. Lytle. Henry Vennemann built the frame dwelling and storeroom he now occupies in 1856, but had been selling goods at his home, just outside the village limits, from the year 1840. Henry Lutterbine commenced to sell goods about the same time. Ever since there has been a gradual increase in the business of the town, till there are at the present time two stores of general merchandise, one boot and shoe store, three shoe shops, one harness shop, three blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, one bent wood manufactory, two furniture manufactories and stores, one sawmill, one sash and blind factory, one physician, one photograph

Zachariah K. Ryan was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1812, and in 1833 caine with his father's family to Washington township. He married Elizabeth Montgomery in the autumn of the same year. After rearing a family of eight children Mrs. Ryan died, Jan. 1, 1868. Mr. Ryan afterward married Mary A. Nash, who died Dec. 3, 1879.

Henry Frische, who married a sister of Mrs. Henry Miller, came with Mr. Miller to Washington township, and located on a quarter section of land adjoining that of Mr. Miller. Mr. Frische afterward went to Hamilton County to work, as the settlement in which he had located was new and wild, offering but little opportunity of earning anything. He died in Ib52, leaving his widow with three children; one of these died a few days after the father. Mrs. Frische and her two remaining sons continued to manage the farm, and even afterward purchased an adjoining 400 acres, on which they erected a fine farm residence, reflecting credit upon the management of Mrs. Frische. In 1871 she married Henry W. Taeusch, of Wapakoneta, after which she removed to town, where she still resides.

Henry Miller was born in Germany in 1805, and came to the United States about 1834, locating first in Miami County, Ohio, where he remained until 1836, when he came to this county and located in section 12, Washington township, on the farm now owned by his son William. This farm was secured of the government in 1835. Of course all was wild in the new settlement, and their first shelter was a canvas, under an oak tree, which served until a cabin was erected. Under these circumstances it required energy of the strongest character to face and overcome the difficulties of the situation. Mr. Miller was equal to the demand, and by toil and economy acquired about 900 acres of land. He reared a family of ten children. His death occurred in 1870, and his wife died eight years later.

Henry Vennemann was born in Westphalia, Germany, 1804, and came to the United States with his family in 1838, locating in Washington township. During the next two years he worked on the canal whenever he could leave his farm. His first venture in trade consisted of the sale of a barrel of whiskey in 1*40, on which he lost $4. His second barrel about equalized the previous loss. About this time his friends persuaded him to add dry goods to his stock, winch they proposed to furnish. His store consisted of a small room in his dwelling, with chests he had brought from Germany for counters. The shelving consisted of planks laid upon pins placed in the logs. He knew so little about English, that when called upon for articles he was as likely to say he had none, as to say he had, although it might be the article of which he had most. He purchased the first shipping butter and eggs in the county, the former at 2| cents per lb., the latter at 2 cents per dozen. These shipments were made to. Cincinnati and Toledo, and sold at about four times their first cost. His wife died in 1864. They have but one surviving child. Although advanced in years, Mr. Yennemann still gives the store his daily attention.

Jesse Roberts was born near Xenia, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1811. He married Catherine Meyers, and moved to Washington township in 1837. He had here entered 160 acres of land, receiving his patent from President Van Buren. His wife died in 1861, leaving eight children, named Minerva A., Lavina J., John M., Cyrus P., Cornelia S., Nancy C, and Mary M. On May 31, 1870, Mr. Roberts married Sarah J. Rush; the result of this marriage being one child, named Ella May. Mr. Roberts, in connection with farming, devoted considerable time to the manufacture of coffins and plows. His death occurred March 21, 1874, at which time he owned 640 acres of land, acquired by industry and economy.

This township lies on south side of the county, bordering on Shelby County. Its surface is somewhat rolling, being broken b}r Pusheta Creek, although the general surface is level.

The soil is exceedingly fertile, and the whole section comparatively well improved. Schools and churches dot the surface here and there, and bespeak educational and religious facilities for all who seek these advantages. The inhabitants are largely of German stock, and are energetic and industrious. Freyburg is the only village and post-office, and contains one hotel, one physician, two stores, one blacksmith shop, one shoe shop, one school, and one church.

John Lenox was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Oct. 18, 1809. When he had attained the age of two years his father settled near Sidney. He was married in 1881, and in 1833 bought a farm in Pusheta township, about two and one-half miles from Wapakoneta, where he still resides. He has reared a large family, of whom six children are still living. After providing for his children he has still over two hundred acres of land, all the result of toil and economy, as he came to the wilderness and acquired all his possessions by his own efforts.

C. B. Williamson was horn in Onondaga County, New York, Aug. 30, 1813, and moved west to what is now Botkins in Shelby County, Ohio, in 1835. He settled in Pusheta township at an early period, before any improvements had been made

Lawrence Sammetinger was born in Bavaria July 5, 1815. In 1835 he came to America with his father's famity, and settled in what is now Auglaize County. During his residence here he has constantly resided upon the farm now occupied in Pusheta township. In 18G3 he was elected county commissioner, which office he held the ensuing nine years. In 1863 he was also elected a justice of the peace, in which capacity he served twelve years. He was married Dec. 23, 1839, to Miss Rosanna Schurr. Their family consisted of ten children, as follows: Barbara M., Christina R., Mary R., Catharine E., John, George M., William L., John W., Christian F., and Lawrence C, six of whom are still living. Mr. Sammetinger still holds a commanding influence in his community.

Lewis Agenbroad came from Maryland to Ohio with his father when about ten years of age, and settled near Dayton. Here Lewis learned the brick and stone mason trade, and built several large factories in Dayton, among which was the foundry and cotton factory- His father, Daniel Agenbroad, served in the War of 1812 under Gen. Harrison. He will be eightyone years of age next Sunday, May 2, 1880, but having been a man of a remarkable strong constitution, even at his advanced age is smart and active, while his hair is less gray than that of most men at fifty.

Conrad Schemmel came from Germany in 1832, and settled in this county. He served as a justice of the peace twenty-one years, and died at the age of seventy-eight years. His son George, who was the only violinist in the county, died at the age of forty-three. Charles and Rudolph J. now occupy the old place.

This township, but especially the neighborhood of St. Johns, was settled immediately after the cession of the Indian lands in 1832. Among the first settlers may be mentioned John Rogers, John Corder, Win. Richardson, Chas. Lusk, Peter Princehouse, Richard Henry, Benj. Runyun, James H. Coleman, Ed. Williams, Andrew Perkins, and John Morris, who came in 1832 and 1833, and Daniel and Wm. Bitler, Samuel and Peter Bechdolt, were among the arrivals in the spring of 1834. John Corder occupied the old lodge of Blackhoof, but soon moved to the Spy Buck tVact, now known as the Tarn farm, in Duchouquet township. The Blackhoof lodge stood on the present site of Dan Miller's dwelling in St. Johns, and was a log structure about 18 x 20 feet, one and a half stories high, covered with clapboards, the chimney being of sticks, and the floor of puncheons. John Carey was one of the original land purchasers, having secured of the government part of the land since owned by John Rogers. Daniel Bitler secured land, previoush' occupied by Wayweleapy, a chief who figures in our Indian history. Part of this farm had been cultivated, and the lodge of the chief still stood, to be occupied by the whites. The settlement of 1834 had so increased, that the township was organized, and the first election held at the house of Samuel Bechdolt, Dec. 27, 1834, when eleven votes were cast. Jas. H. Coleman, Thos. Beer, and John Rogers served as judges, and Richard Henry and Joel Bayliff as clerks.

The following persons were elected to the respective offices: Trustees, John Rogers, David Yonblaricom, Thomas Beer. Clerk, Richard Henry. Treasurer, Joel Bayliff. Constable, Thomas Beer. Fence Viewers, Jas. H. Coleman, Thomas Reed, Thomas Beer. Overseers of the Poor, William Copeland and Samuel Bechdolt.

The voters of this election were: Richard Henry, Joel Bayliff, David Vonblaricom, John Rogers, Wm. Hinton, Thomas Beer, Thomas Reed, Byrd Richardson, James H. Coleman, Wm. Copeland, and Samuel Bechdolt.

John Corder and James H. Coleman were the pioneer teachers of the township. Still, among the early settlers, we may mention Peter Bennett, John Hodges, Chas. Martin, Amos Copeland, Henry and Samuel Bitler, Jacob Snyder, Geo. Einerick, and Wm. Bush. The first settlement was thus made at and about St. Johns, the old Indian Blackhoof Village.

This village was founded by Daniel Bitler and John Rogers, in April, 1835, and named St. Johns, "as a compromise between the founders, who both had decided preferences as to name. Daniel Bitler opened a store and blacksmith shop in 1834, while the site was still known as the Indian Village, "Blackhoof," bearing its name in honor of a noted chief of the Shawnee nation. His name is perpetuated b}' the small stream - Blackhoof Creek - which flows through and about the village, although the village name itself was changed. The first dwelling was erected by" Ed. Williams, although at same time many Indian huts remained, some of which were occupied by the early whites. About the year 1835, Daniel Bitler opened the first hotel. Following these initial steps, came growths and decays of enterprises and men, until distant, but approaching railroads, gave impetus to competing towns, which, in turn, have retarded the growth of the village more than they robbed it of its strength. At this time, the business interests are represented by Win. Bitler, proprietor Bitler House and store; Win. Giberson, proprietor Giberson House and store; Gnagi Bro's, general merchandise and cooperage; Win. Perkins, dealer in hats and caps, and boots and shoes; Thos. Emerson, druggist; Win. Bush, wagon manufactory; and Wm. Herring, proprietor steam saw and grist mill. There are two resident physicians, Drs. Van Trump and J. M. Shaw. From its foundation its religious history traces with its growth. The Methodists were the pioneers, and organized a class at the outset, holding services in dwellings at first, then in the log school-house - significant of the period - until strength and ability enabled them to erect an early house, which was in turn superseded by the comfortable building they now occupy.

The Christians, too, have a society which grew from weakness to the maturer strength of to-da}', and now they enjoy a substantial and comfortable building. Neither has education been neglected, for the facilities have been planted and fostered with a protecting care, until a substantial brick building, of two apartments, supplies the place of the rude log building, which had its era, as is general in new communities. The school records show an enrolment of 105 for the school year 1879-80.

The town is pleasantly located on a broken, sandy elevation, thus being almost removed from miasma, and well supplied with excellent water. Its position is on the line of Union and Clay townships, being chiefly in the latter, at a distance of six