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

Radiating from St. Johns, settlements were formed along the line of the Bellefontaine road, and eastward, in line of Belle Centre pike. The territory comprised within the township was of a low, swampy character, except along the line of the deposit ridge, which crosses the northwest corner, reaching its highest and most broken point at St. Johns. Judging by the topography, there was little to encourage settlement, save the fertility of the soil, which is unsurpassed in the county. Still, a rich soil under water, and heavy timber, presented obstacles which necessity alone was courageous enough to meet and overcome; for the writer has been told by an honored pioneer that, on his arrival here, the lack of ten dollars was all that caused him to remain. The composition of the soil reveals a heavy loam, with clay and gravel sections.

The surface being generally flat, has required extensive artificial drainage, which is yet only begun in some sections, while other portions have been well drained. The timber was of a heavy character, embracing about all the indigenous varieties of the county. There are no important streams, but branches take their sources here, which assume size and names in other territory.

The inhabitants are English and German or their descendants. The north and east parts were settled chiefly by immigrants from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and other eastern States, while the southwestern part was settled by Germans, and is still occupied by their descendants. The inhabitants are as yet chiefly engaged in the clearing and draining of the land. There are nine schools within the township, which in harmony with the improvements in other fields are developing under a promise of greater efficiency and usefulness. The interest a citizenship takes in education is largely an index to the condition of the schools The people can afford to foster educational facilities with tender care, while teachers, laboring under a grave responsibility, may well afford to realize those responsibilities, harmonize their efforts with that realization, and lift the school system to a level of living thought.

The M. E. Church of St. Johns was organized at the house of Charles Lusk, with twelve members, in 1833. Charles Luskwas appointed leader of this class, and its meetings were conducted at his house for an indefinite period. During this time the class was one of several organized along a line extending into Allen County. Revs. J. B. Finley and John Alexander were the pioneers in the work of organization. In 1835 Revs. David Burns and Wesley J. Wells succeeded to this field. At this writing the organization has a good house in the village of St. Johns with a veiy creditable membership. A rather strong society of Protestant Methodists have a very substantial brick building in the eastern part of the township. The German Methodists in the southwest have a strong society and a good frame building.

The Christians have an old organization in St. Johns, which is among the very first in this territory. They have a very comfortable frame house of worship.

Robert Moore was born in Champaign County, this State, March 11, 1820. When he had attained his tenth year his parents moved to Union County, where he remained until Oct. 2, 1849, when he came to Clay township, where he still resides. At that time the land he occupied was a tract of wet timber land, considered almost worthless, because of the apparent impossibility of drainage; but by persistent, application a quarter section has been reclaimed, and by drainage has been transformed from a marsh into a highly productive farm. Mr. Moore was married in Union County to Miss Mary M. Castle in 1842. They have reared a family of twelve children, named Isabella E., Mary E., Malinda F., William J., Louisa J., Erneline C, Lydia A., John D., James W., Millie A., Maria A., and Peter Lincoln. Of these one son and four daughters are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have attained a fair age, and are still in enjoyment of health and strength.

William Bitler was born near Reading, Pa., Feb. 22, 1807. His parents removed to Schuylkill County, Pa., in 1812. He married Miss Rebecca Snyder Feb. 27, 1828, and came to Franklin County, Ohio, Jan. 23, 1832. Two years later he came to this county, and settled at St. Johns. His wife died Aug. 14, 1857, and he was remarried Feb. 9, 1865, to Rosa A. Bechdolt. He was mail agent in this and Logan Counties from 1847 till 1872. The exposure incident to mail carrying in a new country unprovided with roads told fearfully upon his health, as he contracted the rheumatism in a violent form, by which he has been confined to his bed for a period of three months consecutively. In 1869 he erected the " Bitler House" in St. Johns, which he and his estimable wife has rendered not only a stopping place but a pleasant home for their guests. Mr. Bitler's family by first wife consisted of three sons and six daughters, named Christian, Arthur, Samuel, Mary (deceased), Hannah, Lucy A., Almira, Elizabeth (both deceased), anil

James H. Coleman was born in Kentucky Jan. 14, 1*79*1. When he was about fourteen months old his parents came to Warren County, Ohio. When he had attained the age of twenty-two he moved to Shelby County, where he remained fifteen years, and then came to this county, where he has since resided, with the exception of about eleven years spent in Logan County. He is now one of the oldest settlers of this county, is the oldest man in Clay township, and one of the oldest settlers of this part of the State, as this is his eightythird year of residence within its limits. He was the first justice of the peace of this township, which office he held twentyfour years; was count}' commissioner a part of one term, after which he was elected to same office, receiving the unanimous vote of his township. This is the only case of unanimity at an election in this township.

Asa Martin was born in Clinton County, Ohio, Jan. 15, 1822, where he remained until 1836, when he came to this township, where he has since resided. In 1844 he married Miss Hannah Coleman. They have reared a family of fifteen children, of whom thirteen are still living. Mr. Martin, with other pioneers, has carved from the wilderness, by hard labor, a productive farm and pleasant home. See illustration.

Hugh Elliott was born in Washington Count}', Pa., Nov. 17, 1812, and in his sixteenth year came to this State with his father, who settled in Knox Count}'. In 1838 he came to this county, and until recently resided in Union township, but of late has occupied his farm in Clay township. This farm of two hundred and ninety-two acres was offered to his two sons fourteen years ago, but they refused to accept it, believing it to be worthless. To,day it is considered one of the best farms in the township, and could be sold at fifty dollars per acre. Mr. Elliott has engaged in stock raising in connection with farming, and has by severe toil and good management provided for himself and children good homes.

S. S. Coleman was born in Shelby County, Ohio, April 1, 1823, and at the age of eleven years came with his parents to this county, where he has since resided, with the exception of two yeai's in Allen County and one season in Kansas. He married Miss Nancy A. Copeland Dec. 21, 1844. They have reared a family of five children, all of whom still reside in this county except one daughter, who is in Kansas. Mrs. Coleman died March 21, 1S63, and the following September Mi-. Coleman married Elizabeth Hanson, of Ross County, who is still living.

Wm. Lusk, son of Charles and Anna Lnsk, was born in Virginia July 14, 1817, and when about eighteen years of age came with his parents to this county. He had very limited educational opportunities in the old State, and here it fell to his share to work rather than attend school. The father was a strict temperance man, and the son became likewise an advocate of sobriety, and notwithstanding the influences by which he was surrounded during his youth when liquor was a factor in the fields, he is able to say he never has used intoxicating liquor during his whole life. In 1833 he united with the M. E. Church and in 1859 was licensed as a local minister, which relation he still sustains. From 1839 to 1845 he lived in Missouri, but he returned here at the latter date, where he has since remained. He has a large tract of well-improved land, just west of St. Johns, and has recentljr erected a very fine frame residence, an illustration of which appears in this volume. He is now giving especial attention to tine sheep aud cattle.

John Rogers was born in Orange County, "New York, Oct. 20, 1800. His parents subsequently moved to Sussex County, New Jersey, and finally to Licking County, Ohio, in 1814. in 1821 he went to Richland County, Ohio, and shortly afterward married Miss Mary Hadley of Mt. Vernon. In the autumn of 1833 he came to Auglaize County and settled on the site of the Black Hoof Village, when he became one of the two original proprietors and founders of St. Johns. Two years later Clay township was organized, and at the first election he was chosen trustee of the township. He afterwards held the office of justice of the peace. His wife died about 1841, and ten years later he married Mrs. Nancy a Bechdalt, nee Coleman, who with his seven children survives him. To the development of the community he contributed his full share; and having attained his eightieth year, he laid down the burden of cares and years April 30, 1880, and embraced that rest which awaits even the restless. He was thus closely associated with the village and township, having assisted in the founding of both, and continued identified with them during a period of nearly half a century.

This township was organized in 1836 from Wayne township, and is in the southeast part of the county. In this township heads two of the important rivers of the State, the Miami and Scioto. About one-fourth of the township is prairie or black muck, a1 ' it is only a few years since it was covered with water, and only good for duck shooting. The Muchanippe Creek, the head of the Miami, was deepened, and drains much of this land which was considered worthless; it is now as good as any in the county, and the balance of the township is a gravel clay loam, excellent for wheat and corn. There is one gravel road passing through this township from Roundhead to Wapakoneta. The following names are some of the early settlers of this township: Bazil Day, John C. Hurley, Joseph Cline, William Black, Daniel Black, R. L. G. Means, John McLean, Alanson Earl.

The village of New Hampshire, situated in this township, was laid out by John Kindle in 1836, and was given its name by Mrs. Kindle. The town plat covers sixteen acres of ground. The first store was started by Hiram North; Orin North built the first steam mill; this was followed by J. J. Hutchinson with a store. The village now has two hotels, two stores, two blacksmith shops, one grocery store, and grist and saw-mill, and one physician (IS. J. Pollock), one M. E. Church, and one Baptist Church.

R. L. G. Means was born in Coshocton, Ohio, in 1811; was taken to Virginia when less than two years of age. His father and mother both died while he was very young. He has no recollection of them. He returned to Coshocton with his uncle, Ephraim Means, with whom he lived until he was twenty-one years of age. He then went to Newark, Licking County, Ohio, remained there about two years, when he came to Champaign Count}-, where he remained up to the time of his removal to this county. He married Sally North, May, 1834. After paying the minister two dollars, his worldly possessions only amounted to seventv-five cents, besides owing for his wedding clothes. Mr. Means now commenced the battie of life in earnest. With liabilities of about twelve or fifteen dollars, and assets seventy five cents, he took a contract of splitting rails at thirty-three cents per hundred, and renting land until his debts were paid, and he had a balance of sixtyfive dollars left. He then borrowed forty dollars and came to Allen now Auglaize Count}', and entered eighty acres of land in the fall of 1835. He moved on his land in the spring of 1836, without a dollar, and an indebtedness of forty dollars on his land.

Alanson Earl was born in- Canada in 1813, was brought by his parents to the United States the same year; he came to Logan County, Ohio, in 1815, from thence to Clark County, where he remained until 1832, at which time he came to Allen, now Auglaize County, and settled in what is now Goshen township. He married Rachel Day 1833; they raised a lam- ily of eight children, seven still living. We can give but little of Mr. Earl's early history, only as we can gather it from others. He died in 1867, Mrs. Earl having died in 1853. There were but few settlers in the eastern part of the county when Mr. Earl went to Wapakoneta to enter his land. He started from where Mi\ Elsworth lived, on the section line where the Waynesfield and Wapakoneta pike is now located. Then followed the section line by a blaze on the trees to where he struck the Lima and Wapakoneta road, there not being a road in the neighborhood. J. S. Earl, son of the above, is perhaps the oldest male resident of Goshen township.

Judge John McLean was born in Bedford County, Pa., in 1809. He went to Richland County, Ohio, in 1833, and married Mary Cobean in 1837, moving immediately afterward to Goshen township, Auglaize County. They raised a family of four children, two boys and two girls, of whom are still living John G., in New Hampshire, and Mellissa Earl, who occupies the old homestead, with whom Mrs. McLean now lives. Robert A. died in the army in 1863. Sarah E. died in 1862. Mr. McLean was one of the earliest settlers of this township. He was elected associate judge for the county after its first organization, which office he filled until the new constitution abolished the office. He died May 5th, 1875.

James Burdin was born in Clinton County, Ohio. He came to Auglaize County about 1832, and settled in Duchouquet township, raised a family of two children, one still living, viz., W. H. H. Burdin, Esq., of Goshen township. Mr. Burdin died March, 1850. W. H. H. Burdin was a prisoner of war about fifteen months, and was one of the men placed under the fire of the Union guns at Charleston for the protection of the city.

John Conley was born in Ireland in 1808, and came to America while young. He learned the stonemason trade, superintended the building of some of the arches on the Miami Canal in Shelby County. Married Eliza Marshal in 1838. He came to Auglaize County in 1839, and died in 1860, leaving his wife and six children. His widow died in 1876. Both are buried in the Goshen township cemetery. Henry and Alphonso are now residents of the old homestead in Goshen township.

Historical

Wayne township was organized in 1834, and is the northeast township in the county. Its area is twent3r-seven square miles, being: four and a half miles north and south, and six miles east and west. It was named in honor of Anthony Wayne. The first election was held at the house of Samuel Moeraft in 1834. There were thirteen votes cast at this election. The next election was held at the house of Wm. Black. James Mahan was the first justice of the peace. Joseph Dawson, Allen Gilmore, and Richard Berry were the first trustees.

The surface of the township is undulating, the soil rich, and well adapted to the raising of wheat, corn, and grass. In the southeast part of this township the Wallace fork of the Scioto rises. Willow branch rises in the centre of the township, and empties into the Muchanippe in Goshen township. Wrestle Creek, one of the branches of the Auglaize River, also heads in this township, and runs east. The township is well watered. The devil's half acre, as it used to be termed, is in this part of the township, and just north of it, on section two, is the highest land in the State, and is the dividing ridge between the waters of the Auglaize and Scioto Rivers. The East prairie is divided between this and Goshen township. In early times it afforded a good deal of feed for stock, and early pasture, as the grass would come earlier in the spring than in the timber. It has cost a great deal to bring it into cultivation. There are miles of ditches in it, cut from ten to thirteen feet wide and from four to seven feet deep. It is now nearly all cultivated, and thousands of bushels of corn and potatoes are raised upon it annually.

In the fall of 1830, or spring of 1831, the first settlers, William Hiett and John Hurley, arrived, and built cabins on the north side of the prairie. From that time until 1834 the following persons arrived: Jacob Williams, Gilbert Hurley, Thomas McCall, Daniel Ellsworth, H. W. Bowdle, James Mahan, Sr., James Mahan, Jr., Joseph Dawson, Isaac Dawson, Samuel Lowman, Samuel Moeraft, Henry Whetstone, Eli E. Carson, Simon Moeraft, Win. Cox, Richard Berry, Moses Ross, Aaron Oram, Wm. Kent, Alex. Kent, and during the next year or two, Lee Turner, Simon Maxon, Benj. Madden, J. C. Berry, Harris Wells, Samuel Cavender, and Lyman Pratt, most of whom brought their families and scattered over about fifteen miles of territory. In the fall of 1836 they built the first school-house of logs, cabin style. They could get no glass for the windows, so they used paper. Strips of wood were nailed across the windows, the paper pasted on, and oiled with coon's oil, which rendered the paper semi-transparent. The next trouble was to keep the birds from cutting the paper. The writing desks were made of puncheons, about ten feet long, and laid upon pins in the wall. There were two such desks. The seats were saplings, split in two, about ten feet long, and legs put in the round side with the flat side up. Such was the school-house in which many of the children of the early settlers received all their education. Asa R. Mahan taught the first school in the winter of 1836 and 1837. He was employed for three months at ten dollars per month. A. D. Berry taught in 1837 and 1838. Wm. Gilmer in 1838 and 1839.

Wayne township has some excellent improvements. The farms are generally small, from forty to one hundred and sixty acres, with good buildings. The land lies well for drainage, fall enough can be secured to drain the deepest ponds. There is no waste land in the township. The land that was thought to be too low and wet for anything but grass is now cultivated, and produces good crops of all kinds of grain. F. A. Berry, the son of Richard Berry, who settled in 1834, says the first settlers suffered many privations. Provisions for the families and grain for the stock had to be brought from Logan and Champaign Counties, which made toilsome trips, as the roads were bad. The Bellefontaine and Lima road was not cleared all the way, and there was no bridge between the north fork of the Miami River and Lima. After there was grain enough raised for bread they had to go to Cherokee to mill, a distance of fifteen miles, which would require two or three days. After they succeeded in raising wheat for sale, it had to be hauled to Portland, now Sandusky City, or Lower Sandusky, now Fremont. It took about eight days to make the trip, and wheat sold for fifty to sixty cents a bushel. It was the only way they had to get money to pay their taxes, and get coffee, salt, and other necessaries for their families. Sugar was made at home. Deer and coons were plenty, and were the principal meats of the early settlers, as wild turkeys were scarce. The first settlers had a great deal of trouble with their stock, there being no pasture for them, except the wild woods, which was common to all.

Waynesfield, situated in the southwest part of the township, was laid out by B. G. Atkinson, who opened the first store; the first physician was Henry Leaman. It has a good trade, being surrounded by a rich agricultural country, it now has three stores, one hotel, two churches, two physicians, and a steam grist and saw mill.

Byrd Richardson was born in Montgomery County, Va., in 1809. He married Nancy Smiles, and moved to Shelby County, Ohio, in 1830, then moved to St. Johns, this county, in 1831. When they first came to St. Johns, the Indians were still on their reservation. Mrs. Richardson tells ns that she has stayed many nights in the cabins with the Indians, has seen the stakes where it was said they tortured their prisoners. The Chief Blackhoof was buried on Mr. Richardson's farm. All the white people she can remember living near St. Johns, at that time, was James Coleman, Henry Princehonse, and John Rogers. The Indians left for their western homes the ensuing year. Mrs. Richardson could relate many singular incidents connected with the early history, had we the space to give them. They moved to Union township in 1833; from there to Wayne township in the spring of 1834, built a rail pen, and lived in it for six months, when they moved into their house. Mr. Richardson died in 1871. Mrs. Richardson raised a family of seven children, one son and six daughters. The son and one daughter died, leaving five daughters still living in Auglaize County. The father of Mr. Richardson lived to be one hundred and ten years of age, he having come to this county in 1830.

Mrs. Richardson still lives on the farm to which she first moved, and says her happiest days were those she spent among the Indians, and in the woods. She thinks the people were more honest and sociable than now. She says her husband made rails for twenty-five cents per hundred, and boarded himself.

Samuel Lowman was horn in Virginia, in 180T. His parents moved to Champaign County, Ohio, when he was 14 3'ears old. He married Mary A. Plummer of Clarke County, Ohio. In 1834, he entered a piece of land in Wajme township in this county, which township was at that time a portion of Allen County, between places called the " Devil's half acre," and "- Devil's backbone," in early times. The former place was named so on account of the swampy nature of the land, over which an extensive loa; bridge was built. The latter name was given to a narrow, gravelly ridge, one-half mile iii length, and only of sufficient width for a road. He built a log house, and being one of the first settlers, his house was a stoppingplace for travellers.

Allen Gilraore was born in Allegheny County, Penna. He came to Auglaize County about 1833, and settled in the northwestern corner of Wayne township. The family consisted of six children, five of whom are now living, viz., Mary J., Syrlvania, David, Livonia, and John A. James A. was killed in the army at Knoxville. Tenn. The old homestead is now owned by David and John. Allen Gihnore was one of the first justices of the peace, and held the office for a number of years. A laughable circumstance is told of the manner in which justice or law was meted out to offenders, or the strictness to which they adhered to the letter of the law. A man complained that an ox yoke had been stolen; he complained to the squire, and wanted the offender arrested. The squire searched the statutes, but could not find ox yoke mentioned, so would give no warrant for the arrest of the offender.

Mrs. Ellen Gossard was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1828, and came with her father, Moses Ross, to Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1834. She married Philip Gossard in 1851, and raised a family of four children. Her parents were among the first settlers in Wayne township. Her husband enlisted in the 183d regiment O. V. I., in 1864, was wounded, and died at Franklin. Since her husband's death Mrs. Gossard has controlled the home farm. When her husband died there was an indebtedness of $1200 on the land, which she has paid. Her boys were too young to be of much service on the farm. She did the work of a man, viz., ploughing, binding wheat, etc., until her boys were old enough to take charge of the farm.

David Myers was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1805; went from there to Licking County, where he married Susan Jordon, in 1841. He moved to Auglaize County the same 3'ear, and settled in Wayne township. His wife died in 1852. He married Elizabeth A. Stow in 1853, raising a family of nine children, five by the former, and four by the later marriage. Mr. Myers's farm consists of two hundred and forty acres, on which he first settled. He has retired from business, leaving the farm in charge of his children.

John Ridley was born in 1794, in Vermont. He married Sarah Myers in 1824, in Licking County, Ohio ; moved to Auglaize Count}- in 1837, with a family of seven children. He moved into the woods in the spring, and camped out all summer, and in the fall built himself a cabin. They had neither bedstead nor table for several months. They peeled bark, laid it on the ground to answer the purpose of a bedstead, and laid clapboards across two logs for a table. Such were the accommodations they had to offer strangers ; nevertheless, they were quite happy. Mr. Ridley died in the year 1849. Mrs. Ridley, after remaining a widow some seven }'ears, married Levi Mix, with whom she lived nearly twenty years. He died in 1875. She now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Winegardner, in Waynesfield, and is in her seventy-ninth year, but is quite active for a lady of her age.

Joseph Dawson, Sr., came from Trumbull County to Allen County in the spring of 1836. His family consisted of nine sons and one daughter, of whom John R., Joseph, Isaac, Jonathan, Newton, and Lewis are still residents of Wayne town- ship. Their first neighbors in the new settlement were Daniel Ellsworth, Samuel McPherson, John Perry, Allen Gilmore, Samuel Felger, and Isaac Dawson. Mr. Dawson entered 1500 acres of land within Wayne township, and afterward entered 200 acres more. He died at the old home in 1865, at the advanced age of 83 years.

Jos. H. Dawson, Jr., was born in Trumbull County in 1815, and came to Allen County in 1835, and lived with his uncle, Isaac Dawson, who had come to the county the preceding year. His first farm consisted of the northeast quarter of Sec. 6, now owned by Alex. Kerr. In 1843 he married Maria Moore. They raised a family of eight children, three of whom are still living, viz., Elisha F., Mary Ann, and Chas. H. Mrs. Dawson died in 1865, since which time Mr. Dawson has resided with his sons in the old home.

Jonathan Dawson came to this township with his father at the age of 13. He was deprived of early educational advantages, but by close application to study at home, he prepared himself for teaching, which he followed during ten succeeding years. He served as justice of the peace during a period of nine years. He still resides on the land originally entered in Wayne township.

Henry Whetstone was born in Huntington County, Pa., in 1809. He came with his father to Richland County, Ohio, in 1815, and married Mary Serrels in 1837, one child being born to them, Mathew. Mrs. Whetstone died in 1838. In 1841 Mr. Whetstone married Margaret Flemining, near Winsor, Richland County. They moved to Auglaize County in 1843 on the farm on which he now resides. Mr. Whetstone was elected township trustee the second year after he came; also filled the office of township treasurer for a number of years. He is a millwright by trade, having worked at that business for a number of years. He is now seventy years of age; has retired from the active duties of life.

Newton Dawson was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Jan. 1st, 1825. He came to Wayne township in 1836, when eleven years of age. In March, 1852, he married Mary Kaufman, by whom he had six children, two still living. In the same year he moved to the farm on which he now lives. His wife died May, 1863. In 1865 he married Frances Landes, by whom he has also six children. Mr. Dawson, although young when he came to this county, has realized the hardships of pioneer life, having helped to clear his father's farm, afterward clearing his own. He owns two hundred acres of land under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Dawson taught district school several terms, but has devoted his life principally to farming and stock raising.

Union township, situated in the eastern part of the county, and bordering on Allen County, was organized in 1836. It has a more undulating surface than any other township in the county. The soil is of a mixed character, consisting of gravel, sand, and clay, and is splendidly adapted to cereal culture. Springs abound, and the whole section is well watered by living streams. Across the northwest corner flows the Auglaize River, while numerous smaller streams, among which are Blackhoof, Wrestle, Huffman, Virginia, and Wolf creeks, traverse its limits. A sufficient quantity of good gravel is found for road purposes.

The township has now two gravel pikes, and contemplates the construction of others the approaching season. It has two villages, Uniopolis and St. Johns; the former an enterprising little town near the west line, and the latter on the south line. It was settled principally by settlers from Virginia and Southern Ohio, and the lands are still largely occupied by the original occupants and their immediate descendants. The first piece of land entered within the township was entered in Sec. 3, by Jacobs.

The elections for a number of years were held at the house of Joseph Lusk, at the first of which between twenty and thirty votes were oast. The first board of trustees consisted of John at this time. The first justice of the peace was John Morris. During the first fifteen years the officers received no compensation for their services. The township was first organized into four school districts, and a cabin was built in each for school purposes. This transpired about 1840. The first church was a log house, known as Wesley Chapel, erected about 1842, but which has been superseded by another building bearing the same name, and occupying the old site. James Lusk, at the age of twenty -one, accompanied his father, Charles Lusk, to this county in 1832, and is, perhaps, the oldest resident in the township. During the first year he occupied and cultivated a piece of land which is now a portion of the site of St. Johns. We would thus probably be correct in claiming him to be the first white settler of the soil in this township, as the land had been cleared about St. Johns by the Indians.

Wm. Richardson, Byrd Richardson, John Lusk, John Corder,Charles Lusk, and James C. Lusk in 1832. Lemuel Bacome, Wm. Patterson, John Morris, John Hoffman, James Watt, and Wm. Graham in 1833. Jolm A. Speece, Benj. Lusk, Allen Justice, John Carter, Aaron Howell, M. Hodges, John Jacobs, John Schooler, and Lewis Y. Perkins in 1834. Moses Porter, Jonathan Stiles, and Levi Harrod in 1835. Levi Mix, John McCormic, Adam Focht, Abner Copeland, H. F. Rinehart, John Harden, and John B. Walton in 1836.

Uniopolis is the only village wholly within the township, and is situated in Sec. 17, on the Wapakoneta and Waynesfield gravel road, six miles east of Wapakoneta. It is a pleasant little village of about two hundred inhabitants, and contains two stores of general merchandise, one school-house, one grocery store, one steam saw mill, one hotel, and two churches.

John Morris was born in Virginia in 1798. He married Mary A. Clarkson in 183 i, and came to Allen, now Auglaize, County in 1833. He entered one-quarter section of laud in Union township, one and one-half mile from St. Johns, where he now lives.

When he came here there was not an acre of land cleared in the township, except what had been cleared by the Indians. The land having only come into the market the year before. The most of the Indians had been removed, but a part of them were still here.

He lived in an Indian cabin until he built one for himself. At that time there was not a road laid out in the township. Where St. Johns is now situated there were about twelve or fifteen acres cleared, which had been done by the Indians. The only persons living there were William and Byrd Richardson and their families. Mr. Morris was the first justice of the peace in the township. He served two terms.

The first white child born in the township was John Morris, a son of the above. All of the white settlers that Mr. Morris can remember are William and Byrd Richardson, Charles Lusk, and Bolzill.

His oldest son, Joseph, bought a piece of land in Cla}^ township, but sold this, and bought land in Union township. He has now over nine hundred acres. In 1849 he married Mary Ann English. They have raised live children, of which four still survive. The Copelands came to Union township when it was new and wild, and encountered all the difficulties and inconveniences of pioneer life. Their first team was a yoke of bulls, and after the death of one of these the other was worked alone like a horse. Mr. Copeland relates the following incident touching this bovine. One of his neighbors, who then owned the bull, had him bridled and saddled to take a grist to mill. All went pleasantly enough until they met another bull, when both animals evinced such fury that the rider of the one soon saw fit to dismount. This he did, and removed his grist, saddle, and bridle, and permitted the beasts to settle their differences, after which he saddled and bridled his game horse, and proceeded on his wa}'. For illustration, see Copeland page.

Lemuel Bacome was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1809. In 1832, he came to this count}7, and secured a farm, after which he returned home. The next year he married Margaret Watt, and moved to the land already secured. At this time there were only six other white families in the township. On reaching his new home, Mr. 13. 's account book showed a credit of cash in hand to amount of 18 cents, and a debit of $1. His old cabin, built in 1832, is still standing.

Hugh T. Rinehart was born in Virginia in 1813. In 1833 he married Julia Godfrey, and came to Union township in 1836, and settled on the place where he still lives. The family numbered ten children, five of whom are still living. Mr. B. has cleared and improved his land by his own labor, for by his industry the land still held, and that given to his children, numbers 908 acres; all the result of personal effort, except a capital of $800. He was one of the first commissioners of the county; was a justice of the peace 12 years, and a member of the State Board of Equalization. He has now retired from active dut}r.

John Harden was born in Somerset County, Pa., and came to this count}' in 1836, and settled in Union township. His family consisted of eight children. Mr. Harden was married twice; his first wife died in 1833, and the second in 1845. Seven sons and one daughter are still living in the neighborhood, in the enjoyment of prosperity. Joseph, the third son, was noted as one of the best deer hunters in the country. He was also a famous bee hunter, as he and his brothers Mark and Jesse supplied the family with meat and honey.

Daniel Foeht came to Union township in 1836. His family consisted of nine children, as follows: Samuel, Daniel, Lewis, Adam, John, William, Jacob, Susan, and Mary. He located in Sec. 14, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1853. Daniel Focht now owns and resides in the old home-

Samuel Focht was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., 1812, where he lived till 1833. He came to Union township in 1838. He was the second justice of the peace in the township, in which capacity he served two terms. Was county commissioner two terms, and infirmary director a period of twelve years. Mr. Focht has been married twice, his first wife being Mary Beathers, and the second Louisa Justice. He has raised a family of eight children.

Among those who came to the county in 1836, was John McCormic, who settled in Union township, built a cabin in the spring which was burned the following autumn. His wife died Feb. 1879. He now lives with his son-indaw, Robert Sproul. He is 73 years of age, and has retired from the active duties of life.

Jonathan Stiles was born in Vermont, and, after various changes in N. Y. and Ohio, finally settled in Union township, in this county, in 1835. He died in 1857. His sons George and Elias still reside in this county.

Jas. Watt came to Union township in the autumn of 1832, and secured a tract of land. In the following year he brought his family to his new home. His death occurred in 1840.

Moses Porter was born in Virginia in 1799, and after various changes, came to this county in 1834, and entered the piece of land on which he now lives. He married Allie Watt in 1825. They have raised a family of five children. When Mr. P. first came to the county he became discouraged, through disgust for pioneer life, as he was a saddler by trade, and not inured to the hardships of the frontier. On this account he left the farm and went to Sidney, where he remained about eighteen months. At the lapse of this period he returned to the land in this township, where he has since remained.

Benjamin Faler was born in Pa., in 1812. He married Margaret Hall in 1835, and came to this county in 1837. He first settled in Clay township, where he remained until 1871, when he moved to Union township, where he s.till resides.

Levi Mix moved his family from Knox County to this township in February, 1836, and settled on a piece of land in Sec. 25. He died in 1875, at the age of 84 years. His son, Uri Mix, now occupies the old homestead. He was 21 years of age when his father came to the county. He married Margaret Bayliff. The Buyliff family came to the county in 1836.

Andrew Spees came to the township with his father, Matthias Spees, in the spring of 1834. They came from Ross Comity, and settled on the land he now occupies in Sec. 18.

John Focht was born in 1824, and came with his father to this township when 12 years of age. He married Mary Mertz in 1847. They reside in Sec. 14. Their familj- consists of three sons and seven daughters.

Alex. Harrod was born in Knox Country in 1824, and came to tins township in 1845. He married Elizabeth JNauss in 185S. They have reared four children.

The first white settlements within the present limits of this township were made alon«: the Auglaize River. Andrew Russel located within this territory on the Ft. Amanda farm about 1823. Here with his family, consisting of wife, four daughters, and one son, he lived some time with Indian associates alone. In 1825 William Berryman, with his wife and twelve children, settled on the present Russel Berryman farm. Here he resided until the time of his death, rendering his family the permanent resident pioneers of the township. Mrs. Eliza Noble is the only surviving member of tliis family. About the next accession was Martin Hire, who located here with his wife and nine children. Then came Elder Simon Whetstone, Sr., who also located on the river. Of his sons only Jesse and Henry survive, the last death being that of Elder Simon, Jr., which occurred Feb. 12, 1880. He had married Fiances, daughter of Elder Richardson, and in his youth united with the church his father had been largely instrumental in establishing in the earlier days of the settlement. He soon after entered the ministry, in which he labored until his death.

Then came James Crozier, who settled on the present Madison Bowsher farm. About this time came the old veteran and centenarian William Taylor, who located on the east bank of the river. He had served through the war of 1812, and suffered all the hardships of the northern frontier. He possessed a remarkable memory, a strong physical constitution, remembered the Revolutionary War, and was a living history of the war of 1812. He died at Spencerville at the advanced age of about one hundred and nine years. Afterward came Daniel Gregory, followed by Leonard Place, who still occupied his pioneer farm. About the same time Abraham Whetstone located on the west bank of the river, on land now owned by James H. Gochenour. The next accession was Isaac Terwilliger, whose family consisted of two sons and one daughter. One of these sons is an extensive fanner and grain dealer of Wapakoneta. Charles Pernell improved the Whitney farm, and Jacob Baker the land of the Whitefeather Indian camp. The old homestead is occupied by two of the sons, William A. and L. C. T. B., another son, is clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, while David is a practical printer. After 1848 the country settled very rapidly, but improvements had been retarded by the government land grant to the State for canal purposes. When this land was put in market it was rapidly occupied. Among the settlers of this period were the Richardson family, the Wheeler family, N. C. Edman, S. M. Dixon, G. Blackburn, John Daniel, the Bodkins, David Bigelow, A. J. Culp, C. Culp, J. and S. Barr, F. M. Bowsher, M. J. Bowsher, John H. and J. H. Gochenour, John Dingledine, and many others. These settlers were exposed to all the inconveniences usually incident to pioneer life.

They were compelled to go to Piqua to mill, as the old Mission Mill at Wapakoneta was now of little use. To Piqua they also went for a physician, and the charges for one of these visits to the Berryman family was $37.50. While the doctor was in the settlement one of the Berryman neighbors called him to visit a patient, and here the charge was $10.00. The first post-office within the township was established at Fort Amanda, and Samuel Washburn received the first appointment as postmaster. The mail was then carried on horseback between Piqua and Defiance. Reuben Treece became first agent on this line. At that time the country was swarming with Indians, the old Ottowa towns being opposite Fort Amanda, and partly occupying the present Backus farm. They employed themselves generally in hunting, begging, and stealing. We relate an incident of the mail carrier and the Fort. During an absence of the postmaster, his wife invited Miss Eliza Berryman to stay with her during the husband's absence. The postmaster was in the habit of selling whiskey to the Indians, and soon after he left home three of these rode up and demanded '- fire water." Mrs. Washburn refused to sell them whiskey, barred the door against them, but they prowled about the house all day. In the evening the mail carrier, Mr. Treece, arrived and ordered the Indians away, when one of them offered resistance. Treece carried a loaded whip, and before the Indian had time to carry out his threat, he received the full force of the loaded end of the whip, which knocked him down, when he was soundly scored with the lash. As soon as he could regain his feet he started for his horse, but his two companions had taken the three " ponies," and fled. Missing his horse, he made for the river, into which lie plunged

" Father" J. B. Finley in his missionary labors in the Northwest preached at Fort Amanda at a very early day. At that time the forest abounded in game of all kinds. Deer were plenty and the hunter had no inducement to waste ammunition with small game. It is related of Mussel Berryman, that going to a deer crossing one morning, he shot seven deer on one spot before breakfast time, and even as late as 183S Leonard Place and his brother, in a two days' hunt secured four barrels of nicely dressed and packed venison.

The river abounded with fish of many kinds, and at certain seasons sturgeon of enormous size would come up from the lakes. It is related that on one occasion Thomas Berryman was crossing the river on a foot log and saw a large sturgeon struggling up the ripple. The water was shallow and the fish was floundering under the log when Berryman sprang upon its back, and forcing both hands into its gills, attempted to steer it ashore. The struggle was long, both man and fish were up and down, and both in danger of being outdone, but finally Berryman reached the shore with his prize, which he found to be about eight feet in length. Later on when the lands had been put on the market, and prior to 1S52, immigration was constant, and new farms were occupied all over the township. The northwest part was rapidly settled by an industrious class of Germans, whose labors have placed their lands second to none in the township for material improvement. The development of the southwest part has been retarded by the ownership of large tracts of land by speculators. Among these are the Pratt, Moody, and Perkins tracts. Still some good farms are occupied in this section.

Organization

Prior to the organization of this county the territory now comprised in Logan township formed a part of Amanda and Moulton townships, Allen County. At the time of organization three tiers of sections were taken from the south side of Amanda, ami one and a half tier from the north side of Moulton township, which sections were erected into the present township. It is thus four and a half miles north and south and six miles east and west, and contains twenty-seven square miles. It embraces what is still known as the " Logan Section," which was a grant of 640 acres by the government to the Indian Captain Logan, for his fidelity and brilliant services to the American cause. The organization of the township took place in 1848, and it was considered appropriate to name it in honor of the same noble Indian, Captain Logan. (See sketch of Logan elsewhere in this volume.)

Again, this territory is associated with the great past of the Northwest, as it was on the route of many branches of the army during: the war of 1X12. In 1813 Fort Amanda was built on the Auglaize nearly opposite the Ottowa towns on the present Lathrop farm, by Col. Pogue, by the orders of General Harrison. It became something of a storehouse, beino; within the range of the base of supplies during the preparations preceding the concentration against Canada. It was named by the regiment Fort Amanda in honor of the wife of Colonel Pogue. (See General History.)

The first Board of Trustees was as follows : Leonard Place, Jacob Baker, and William Dennison ; W. B. Vance, clerk; Abraham Whetstone, treasurer; Jacob Baker, justice of the peace. Since then the office of justice has been filled by David Bigelow, E. B. Springer, George D. Lathrop, George Daniel, Charles Adams, and the present incumbents, J. S. Butcher and Shem Neese.

Public Roads

As late as 1855 the roads were few and very poor. The old Defiance road was the first, and the balance were all " hoop pole" roads. New ones have now been located all over the township, and much improvement is making upon them. Several wooden bridges were constructed over the river since 1*55, but they are being replaced by permanent iron bridges of a superior character. The territory is crossed by the Lake Erie and Western Railroad, which affords a station at Buckland, a village of recent growth, containing some twenty houses, a general store, grocery, drug store, one physician, W. K. Sharp, M.D., blacksmith shop, carriage shop, shoe shop, saw-mill, warehouse, telegraph and post-office. Considerable business is done in grain by W. Bodkins & Son.

Schools And Churches

The pioneer church was erected upon the farm of N. A. Murdock, by the " Christians." This house is no longer used. The second is that of Buckland, chiefly used by the " Christian Union" order. The third is in the north part of the township, and belongs to the " United Brethren." The fourth is in the

The township is divided into six sub-school districts, two east, and four west of the Auglaize. Each is supplied with a comfortable frame building well seated. The school property has cost something over $3000. The funds are divided equally among the districts without regard to enumeration. The Board of Education makes liberal provision for sustaining the schools at least seven months each year.

The teachers are generally young men and women who take interest in the advancement of the schools. Still they And it difficult to organize and advance beyond time-worn methods and exploded theories. This difficulty is not confined to this locality, but is only too general, and arises from inefficiency of boards, incompetency of teachers, and indifference of parents. The re-organizers of schools who will place them in advance, rather than abreast or behind the age, will be hailed as benefactors, for all eyes look wistfully and hopefully to the schools for the full development of the highest manhood and purest womanhood. This development is the foundation of our institutions and the school branch must be true to itself and its supporters.

Francis M. Bowsher was born in Ross Count}r, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1830, and married Miss Elizabeth Straus Feb. 13, 1859. The same year he came to Logan township and entered his pioneer farm. Mrs. Bowsher died Jan. 13, 1875, leaving a family of eight children, six sons and two daughters. Feb. 6, 1877, Mr. Bowsher married Mrs. Sarah J. Roberts. The children are all living, and named as follows: John A., Mary J., wife of Marion Edman; Thomas E., Amos G., Angeline G., Charles F., Harry D , and Columbus. Mr. Bowsher owns 1660 acres of valuable land, of which 1100 acres are cleared. During the past few years he has devoted his attention largely to sheep, and has at present about 2000 head, being the largest dealer in sheep in the county.

Madison J. Bowsher was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1827, and married Maria Luckhart in 1847. About 1849 he moved to Allen County, Ohio, where he remained about thirteen years, when he came to Logan township, this county, and settled on 213^ acres of timber land, where he built a cabin and commenced clearing the land. He has now 364^ acres, of which about 200 are cleared. He has raised a family of six children, named John G., Catharine M., Nelson L., Jacob F., Sarah A., and Albert G. ; while Mary J., Rachel R., Amos

L., and Franklin H. have been removed by death. Mr. Bowsher was one of the pioneers of this section, and has contributed his full share to the development of the township

John H. Gochenour was born in Shenandoah Co., Va., in 1835, and moved to Champaign Count}', Ohio, in 1849, where he resided nine years. In 1858 he married Sarah C. Weaver, and the same year moved to Logan township, this county, and settled on seventy-five acres of land, largely under heavy timber. At that period log rolling and cabin raising was largely the "order of the day" in this section. The family consisted of four children, of whom two, Alverata A. and Gennetta A. are still living; the deceased being named Cora A. and Laura E. Mr. Gochenour has at this writing 330 acres of valuable land adjoining the village of Buckland. He has served as clerk and appraiser in his township a number of terms, and still retains the respect of the community.

Henry Daniels was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, April 4, 1820. His parents moved to Carroll County, when he was twelve years old, and when thirty-five he came to this county. He commenced teaching in 1838, and continued in this profession until 1878. While in Carroll County he located at Malvern and engaged in mercantile pursuits during a period of ten 3'ears. Since coming to this county he has been engaged at farming and teaching. July 9, 1841, he married Margaret J. Long, of Carroll County, Ohio. He is now living upon his old farm in Logan township, having retired from active labor.

Occupies the extreme northwest of the county, being bounded north by Van Wert and Allen Counties, east by Logan township, south by Noble township, and west by Mercer County.

Surface. - The surface is flat, with the exception of the shed formed by the ridge along the north side, through which the canal makes its "deep cut." The soil is rich but wet, and as yet remains largely unimproved. Still all over the territory fine farms have been improved, and the township is clearing, draining, and building. A large amount of waste land is caused by the river and canal, the improvement of any of which will be attended by great labor and expense, while with a large per cent, of such land improvement is yet impracticable.

Village. - Kossuth is the only village within the territory, and is located on the canal. It contains one hotel, two general merchandise stores, one millinery store, one carriage shop, one wagon shop, two blacksmith shops, one school, one church, and a post-office.

Deep Cut, also on the canal, is situated near the Allen County line, and though not ranking as a village, is the site of an extensive warehouse, a general supply store, and postoffice. These are all controlled by J. H. Dunathan, a member of the Board of County Commissioners.

The township is sufficiently supplied with school and church buildings, so far as numbers are concerned, but it is presumable that here, in common with new communities, the efficiency of means and methods might be greatly improved. With the growth of the township it is hoped this efficiency will develop.

Roads. - The section has been well laid out in roads, but no piking has yet been done. It has thus been impossible to preserve a passable condition of the roads throughout the year, but at this writing movements are favorable for the improvement of the roads and construction of river bridges.

Robt. H. Dunathan came from Franklin County, Pa., in 1833, and settled near Dayton, Ohio, but afterwards moved to Sidney, Ohio, and finally to Mercer County in 1840.

J. H. Dunathan, a son of the above, was born in Sidney, Ohio, March 18, 1836. In 1840 his parents moved to Mercer Count}7, and settled in Union township. Here he lived until his 21st year. He commenced teaching school when eighteen years of age, and continued in this profession about fifteen years. In 1861 he came to Auglaize County, purchased a farm and settled in Salem township. Here he labored on the farm during the summer, and taught during the winter for several years. The }rear of his settlement here he was elected township trustee, which office he held three years, when in 1864 he was elected justice of the peace, serving in this capacity about twelve years. In 1816 he was elected county commissioner, and is now serving his second term. In Sept. 1813, he moved to Deep Cut, -where he entered the grain and merchandise business, at the same time dealing in all kinds of timber and produce. He has here a large warehouse, on the canal banks, with a storage capacity of over 20,000 bushels, while he handles about 50,000 bushels of grain annually. He married Miss Mary Upton, Oct. 13, 1858, and has reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are still living. Mr. Dnnathan is one of the most influential citizens of the county, who by his ability and enterprise is deserving the thanks of the whole coant}' for the interest he takes in its advancement. That this is understood is attested by the offices of trust conferred upon him.

Philip Lawrence was born in Beaver County, Pa., July 7, 1816. When he was four years of age his parents moved to Wayne County, O. In 1843 he came to Salem township, and settled in his present home place. March 20, (839, he married Miss Kennedy, and has reared a family of eight children, of whom seven survived to manhood and womanhood, and four are still living. Mr. Lawrence held the office of township trustee about ten years during and alter the war. He ranks among the pioneers of his township, as the whole section was wild at the period of his settlement, and but few neighbors within many miles of his farm.

Austin Barber was born in Mercer County, Ohio, in 1833; married Miss E. L. Hamilton in 1854, and moved to Salem township, this county, May, 1SG3. Here he settled on sec. 32d, and with but 40 acres of cleared land, commenced the improvement of his whole farm until now 180 of his 320 acres are cleared and tillable. Being one of the most enterprising citizens, he has contributed largely to the improvement of the township.

At the erection of this county, Wayne township, of Mercer County, came within our territorial limits, and as there was already a Wayne township in the east part of the county, the one acquired of Mercer changed its name to that of Noble in honor of Elisha Noble, one of the ablest and most influential settlers. It borders on the Black Swamp region and Mercer County on the west, and has a level surface and fertile soil. The latter is for the most part a black loam, broken by alluvium along the river, and light croppings of sand in different localities. It is crossed by the St. Marys River, which enters about midway on the south line, pursues a serpentine course through the township, and finally crosses the north line about a half mile from the northeast corner. The canal follows the general course of the river from south to north, and both form boundary lines of great irregularity. The timber is of the indigenous varieties of the county which are elsewhere treated. The township is well supplied with roads, hut owing to the low nature of the surface they cannot be kept in a passable condition. At this writing gravel roads are in contemplation, which, if completed, will add greatly to the development of the township. This flat feature has also necessitated a large amount of artificial drainage, which is receiving due attention. By proper drainage the section may be rendered remarkably productive. Like in other parts of the county, schools and churches exist in sufficient numbers. Development, which is yet in its infancy, will rank this township among the wealthiest of the county.

Elisha Noble (for whom the township was named) was born in 1782, and came here in 1836. He served as commissioner of Mercer County before the erection of Auglaize County. It is said that the pay he received as commissioner was scarcely sufficient to pay his land tax. He was also a commissioner of Auglaize County. His death occurred in 1864, while his wife died the previous year.

Israel Johns was born in Kentucky, in 1803, and came to this county in 1828. His family then consisted of his wife and three children. They settled in what is now Noble township, then Wayne township, Mercer County. He reared a family of ten children, of whom four are still living. Mr. Johns was one of the exemplary pioneers of this section. While he was actively engaged in improving and cultivating his land he yet found time for works of charity. He became a minister of the gospel, and one year he filled four appointments, for which his compensation was three white handkerchiefs. He was a wheelwright by trade, but could work at any of the mechanical arts. He made shoes, built wagons, and did smithing for his neighbors. Of his children, Mrs. A. B. Covert, William Johns, Esq., Azariah Johns, and Sarah J. McDonald are still living.

Nicholas Brewer was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1812. In 1830 he married Sarah Noble, and four years later came to this township, and entered 80 acres of laud, and moved his family here in 1836. His neighbors were Solomon Denny, Israel Johns, David Woodruff; in Valentine, David

Ross, James and John Vanmeyce, and Jesse Daniels. Mr. Brewer voted the fall he came here, and has never missed an election since. He has held township or county offices for a period of thirty-live years, having been county commissioner for six years. His family consisted of five sons and five daughters, of whom one son and one daughter are deceased. Mrs. Brewer died in January, 1870. When Mr. Brewer came to the township it was a wilderness, and his own farm was an unbroken forest. It was so wild when he brought his family that he was compelled to get a man to accompany him from St. Marys, who b}r the use of an axe was able to reach and open a way to the farm. Since then a comfortable home has been secured, and land enough acquired to give each child 80 acres. Although well advanced in years and retired from active work, he still superintends his farm, and enjoys the .respect of all his neighbors.

This township is situated in the geographical centre of the county, and is the only one not bounded by county lines. It was organized in 1834 as part of Allen County, being at that time a full township. When Auglaize County was formed in 1848 nine sections were struck off the north part of Moulton township, and became a part of the new township of Logan, thus leaving the present township six miles east and west, and four and one-half miles north and south, and containing twentyseven square miles.

There had been some improvement made by the Indians along the Auglaize River, the east half of the township being part of the Shawnee Reservation. The first white settlements date from 1832 and 1833, and among these settlers we find Jos. Haskill, Jos Bonson, William Julian, father of George Julian, now the oldest settler in the township, Daniel Cutler, Benjamin Nagle, William Crowder (Col.), John Waite, Thos. Williams, John C. Freyman, Christopher Baily, Abner Daniels, and Thomas Jones. From 1837 to 1840 were Cornelius Christy, Henry McConnell, Samuel Walker, John McFarland, and John C. Bothe. The early settlers experienced the usual privations of pioneer life, because of the difficulty of obtaining supplies. After a little time provisions became plentiful, but dry goods and groceries were largely beyond reach on account of high prices. Homespun was the common wearing apparel, and a blushing girl in her teens would make butter at five cents per pound and gather eggs at three cents per dozen to buy a calico dress at twenty-live cents per yard; and then this dress of calico was more highly prized than would be a fine silk by our fashionable belles of to-day. Farmers would go to Piqua or Sidney to mill or to market a few bushels of wheat, and bring back family supplies.

Soil. - The soil of Moulton is largely a strong clay with considerable burr oak flats of rich black loam, and some fine alluvial loam along the creeks and river. It is productive, and generally in a good state of cultivation, being rapidl}' irrigated and otherwise improved. The surface is gently rolling, without any waste lands, which render its drainage less difficult than other townships of the county.

Streams. - The Auglaize River flows through the township, entering near the southeast part, and flowing to the northwest. Pusheta Creek empties into the Auglaize in the southeast corner, and the Six Mile Creek flows through the west side of the township. The soil along all these streams is fertile, while the surface is rolling, and here may be found some well improved and excellent farms. The Morse Iron Bridge over the Auglaize is a very fine structure on the River Road, and reflects credit upon William Craft & Co., commissioners, who superintended its erection.

Roads. - Considerable interest has been taken in the grading and general improvement of the roads, but as }ret no pikes have been constructed. The St. Marys and Wapakoneta Plank Road crosses the south side of the township.

Railroads. - The Lake Erie and Western Road passes a distance of about five miles in the northwest part of the township, and offers a good market to points along its line.

Schools. - There are eight school districts in the township all furnished with good buildings, and the schools are in a prosperous condition.

Churches. - There are five churches: The Catholic church near Glynwood; Methodist and German Lutheran at Moulton; Christian at Oak Grove; and United Brethren on the Auglaize. The different denominations preserve harmonious relations, and are free from sectarian strife.

Villages. - Moulton, on the St. Marys and Wapakoneta Plank Road, is midway between those points, and has a good local trade. It contains a drygoods and grocery store, post-office, wagon and blacksmith shops, one hotel, one school, one sawmill, cooper and shoe shop, and two churches.

Glynwood, on the Lake Erie and Western Railroad, is a station lately established, and has a good side track for shipping purposes. It contains a post-office, store, church, shoe

James E. McFarland was born in Pennsylvania in 1814, and moved to Logan County, Ohio, in 1835. Five y ears later he came to this county, and settled in Moulton township on the St. Marys Plank Road, three and a half miles west of Wapakoneta. He married Nancy Lawhead. They reared two children, one of whom was W. E. McFarland, who died in 1819. After his wife's death he married Rosanna Walker. They reared four children, viz., John I., S. Walker, Frank J., and Mary. The mother died in August, 1854. He afterwards married Susan Ward, with whom he reared two children, Mollie and Celia. Upon the death of this third wife he married Catharine Whetstone, who still survives. When Mr. Mc- Farland came to the county he secured one hundred and sixty acres of land, of which he still own9 a portion. Soon after his settlement here he had acquired that respect which elevated him to the office of justice of the peace in 1844, which office he held about thirty-one years; twenty-six }7ears of this time he held the office of township treasurer. He was one of a famity of six children, and was the third of these to pass away; his next younger brother, Bishop McFarland, of Providence, R. 1., being the first, and Dr. McFarland, of Cleveland, who died about 1874. Mr. McFarland died July 21, 1875. There are still living W. H. McFarland, of Edina, Mo., J. L. Mc- Farland, present auditor of Auglaize County, and Dr. J. A. Mc- Farland, of Tiffin, Ohio. The family was well educated, and highly qualified for the professions or positions of trust which the different members assumed.

John Glynn was born in Galway County, Ireland, on the fifteenth of August, 1820. He emigrated to this country Aug. 28, 1851, and settled in Columbus, Ohio, where he stayed until he moved to Auglaize County on the fifteenth of May, 1857, to the farm on which he now resides. The Lake Erie and Western Railroad passes through his farm. He laid out a town, which was named Glynwood in honor of him by Samuel Craig.

John Musser, Si'., was born in Elizabethtown, Pa., Oct. 16, 1799, where he lived until his maturity. In 1826 he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel McCollum, the result of their marriage being ten children, of which four girls and two boys are yet living. Passing over the years they resided in Fairfield County, Ohio, where a number of their children were born - some died and others married - we note that in 1852 Father Musserand family came to Auglaize County, his present home, winch was then almost an unbroken forest. With their united efforts, struggles, and sacrifices, common to the early settler, the forests were felled, fields inclosed, bearing rich cereals, orchards of golden fruit sprung up, in short, all the comforts of life were soon secured to them.

James L. Cook was born in Delaware County, Ohio. He settled in Moulton township, this county, in 1850. There were but few settlers at that time; much of the land was still owned by the government.

Thomas and Patrick Cogan were born in Sligo County, Ireland. They came to America in 1847, and to Moulton township, this county and State, in 1850. They entered land in this township among the settlers of this county.

Thomas Schoonover was born in Tioga County, N. Y., in 1827, and came to this county in 1836. He followed blacksmithing a number of years in St. Marys, and afterwards moved on his farm in Moulton township, where he now lives.

Richard McGuff was born in Galwa}' County, Ireland. He emigrated to the State in 1847, and moved to Moulton township, Auglaize County, in 1862, where he still lives.

John Cogan was born in Sligo County, Ireland. He emigrated to this country in 1847, and settled in this county in Feb. 1851, in Moulton township on the farm on which he now resides.

The old Fort east of Wapakoneta, that many of the old settlers still remember, was built by the French in 1748, and was called Fort Au Glaize, the location of which is described in an Atlas published at Paris, France, par le Rouge, Ingr Geograplie du Roi, rue des Grands Augustins, 1777, and corrected by M. Hawkins, Brig. -General of the King's Army in 1776. A volume of the Atlas can be found in the library of the Hon. F. Bourquin, of Camden, New Jersey.

Military Record

The soldiers of Auglaize County were largely embodied in the 37th, 45th, 99th, and 118th Regiments Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Let us merely glance at these regiments.

The 37th Regiment O. V. I. was the third German regiment organized in the State, and was mustered into service October 2, 1862. It participated in the campaigns of the Kanawha Valle}', Arkansas, and the Yazoo River, and again in the investment of Vicksburg. Here the Lieut.-Colonel was severely wounded, and the command during the next month devolved upon Major Hipp, now of St. Marys. After the fall of Vicksburg, the regiment participated in the capture of Jackson, and returned to Cherokee Station, via Memphis and Corinth. It next appeared at Chattanooga, operating in the Sugar Creek Valley, and in the march to Kingston, again in command of Major Hipp. It afterward engaged in the movements on the Chattahoochee River, but moved rapidly from here against Atlanta. Alter the fall of the city, forced marches were made across Georgia and Alahama in pursuit of Hood's cavalry. On Nov. 13, 1864, the regiment entered Atlanta to obtain outfits for the " grand march to the sea" under Sherman. The history of this march is known, and at its close we find the regiment in camp at Goldsboro', N. C, during the capitulations of Lee and Johnson. It then marched to Washington, was reviewed by the President and Cabinet, and then transferred to Little Rock, Arkansas, and lastly to Cleveland, Ohi<», where the men were discharged, Aug. 12, 1865.

The 45th 0. V. I. was mustered into service Aug. 19, 1862, and proceeded the same day to Kentucky. It operated about Danville, and with Woolford's and the Second Ohio Cavalry pursued the forces of John Morgan on his Ohio raid. Again it pursued the command of Col. Scott as far as Winchester, Ky. The regiment now operated in Kentucky and Tennessee until it took part in the battle of Resaca, after which it participated in the Atlanta campaign, including the engagements at New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, and Kenesaw Mountain. It then returned to Middle Tennessee and took part in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, which broke the strength and included one company from Auglaize County. It left Camp Lima Aug. 31, under orders to report at Lexington, Ky. It participated against Bragg in the retreat to Wild Cat, then marched against John Morgan, who was pushed from his own ground, but without any significant result. Again it moved toward Nashville, took part in the Battle of Stone River, and advanced on Murfreesboro'. It next operated in the Tennessee and Sequatchie Valleys, but moved in time to engage in the battle of Chickamauga. It afterward entered Lookout Valley, engaged in the "battle above the clouds," and the following day swept over Mission Ridge. After these engagements it went into camp until it moved in the Atlanta campaign, when it participated in the battles of Kenesaw and Pine Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro', and Lovejoy. It then started in pursuit of Hood, via Resaca to Duck River, and after opening communications, was ordered to Franklin. From here it proceeded to Nashville, where it took a positioa in front of the city, and moved against Hood's entrenchments. The entrenchments were carried and the rebel guns turned upon the retreating army, which was pursued as far as Columbia. Here the 99th was consolidated witli the 50th Ohio, after which it moved to Wilmington, Kingston, Goldsboro', Raleigh, Greensboro', and was finally mustered out at Salisbury, N. C, June 26, 1865.

The 118th 0. V. I. was mustered into service in Aug. 1862, and was ordered at once to Kentucky. It operated in Kentucky and Tennessee, without any particular engagement, until the campaign of 1864, when, on the ?th of May, it moved against Dalton, and again against Resaca. In this latter engagement the regiment, in a single charge, lasting about ten minutes, lost 116 of the 300 men engaged. A few days later it took part in the fierce encounters about Dallas and Pumpkinville Creek, in its irresistible advance. It was engaged at Kenesaw, Chattahoochee, Utoy Creek, and the closing movements at Atlanta. This city fell, and the regiment returned to Decatur and joined in the pursuit of Hood, who was driven to Franklin, where a stand was made onl}- to be lost. From here the regiment pursued the retreating army as far as Columbia, and from there went to Clifton. It then proceeded into North Carolina, and embarked for Cincinnati, from which city it went by rail to Washington. From Washington it went to the mouth of the Cape Fear River, moved upon and captured Ft. Anderson, and was the first regiment to plant its colors on the fort. Its next engagement was at Town Creek, from which point it marched to Kingston, and advanced to Goldsboro', when it joined Sherman's army, and participated in the final movements against the forces of Johnson. The regiment was finally mustered out at Cleveland, Ohio, July 9, 1865. We have thus cast only a glance at the war record, for space forbids that we enter into a history of the Soldiers of Auglaize County. For their record belongs to the Nation as distinctly as the principles for which they fought belong to man. Participating in all the suffering, defeats, and crowning triumphs of the National Arm}', their record is a record of the war. The results of their devotion are therefore, first, National, but ultimately, Universal, for they fought as men for man, the principles for which they contended being the foundation on which rests the welfare and happiness of the race. They depend not upon local annals for the abiding history of their achievements, but find it traced in living characters of gratitude upon the hearts of a liberty loving nation. In this national capacity they secure for themselves the grateful benedictions of that Posterity for which they preserved a Land of Liberty, Unity, and Peace. To-day, we stand before the dawn of an era of peace whose mild mission is destined to conquer, for the age of the pen guided by Reason is superseding the era of the sword.