Butler County, Ohio - The whole text, 1882 (part 25 of 39)

The Rey. A. B. Gilliland was a cabinet-maker here fifty years ago. He is now a resident of Dayton, Ohio, and is about ninety years of age. Gilliland was also one of the early residents of Venice, and was a pastor of the Bethel Presbyterian Church, living in the parsonage.

Many years before the village was laid out Samuel Davis kept tavern at the head of Main Street. Reily was then a great stopping-place for hog drivers, one of the most prominent being John Murphy, who lived near Harrisburg, Indiana. James Larison, a cooper by trade, kept tavern for five or six years, about 1844, where Henry Schwarm now lives. Samuel Davis, a_blacksmith, followed in the same house. B. Smith, Mr. Small, John W.. Fiske, Mr. Gilliland, John Dingfelder, W. O. Pierson, Charles Silverlake, and Frederic Horsfield, the latter of whom is here at present.

Harness-makers in Reily since 1840 have been, Mr. Barrot, on the corner near the bridge, John Linch, ~ Thomas H. Smith, yet a resident, and L. C. Addison, who came here in 1847, and who still works at his trade.

The oldest frame house in the village stands just: below Thompson Gray's residence, on the Millville Pike. It formerly stood on the south-west corner, opposite Addison's harness shop, and was built by Mr. Burke. A. L. Gaston built the store-house which stood by its side in 1835. Samuel Gray removed the building to another part of his lot, and now uses it for various purposes in his business. The belief is that the first log-house in Reily stood near the Gaston store property.

Early physicians who visited this part of the country came from Hamilton, Dr. Daniel Millikin and Dr. Greenleaf being among the number. Dr. Corey, of Millville, was a practitioner in this vicinity far back in the 20s and 80's. Dr. Andrew King, from Ireland, was the first practicing physician in the north-western corner of the township. He lived and died on a farm now owned by his son Samuel. Dr. Kerr was a resident of Reily forty years ago. He afterwards removed to the West. He was followed by Dr. Gilchrist (who studied medicine with Dr. James, of Indiana, above Scipio), who practiced here for fifteen years. Dr. Gilchrist removed to Oxford, where he died. Dr. Hamer came next; he went from here to New London and then to Venice. He is now a resident of Denver, Colorado, engaged as a real estate agent. Dr. James N. Roberson came here in 1866, since which time he has remained. He had for his partner J. W. Bell, a son of "Squire Bell, of Morgan Township, who, after remaining four years, removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1880. Dr. Dill is now with Dr. Roberson, who came here in 1881. Dr. Borger came here in 1876 from Prince William's Village, Carroll County, Indiana. Previous to locating in Reily he had practiced eight years. Dr. John Trembly, who lives two miles east of the village, was an early physician in this section. He now does. little with his profession except in very urgent cases. Reily has three resident physicians.

The mechanic arts in Reily have always been carried on successfully. In 1830 John Miller was here in a log blacksmith shop opposite the tavern. Samuel Davis was here in 1835 in a shop above the hotel on the side hill, which land he owned at that time. James Bridge carried on blacksmithing in 1840 near the Presbyterian Church. Thompson Gray took up his residence in Reily, - in May, 1843. He began as a blacksmith in a shop built by Davis on the bank of Indian Creek. He has now been here thirty-nine years. In the meantime there have been Hugh Roll, who learned his trade with Davis, George Huber, and William Sasher - the latter here in 1882.

A. L. Gaston was the first storekeeper in the village. His store was on the east side of Indian Creek one hundred yards above Dick's mill. He was here in 1828 or 1830. The frame house is now gone. Moses Burke carried on the same business at the Gaston store for two or three years. A. G. Smith was here from 1838-48 in a house where the tavern now stands. The old storehouse is now between the tavern and the stable. Gaston, Pierson & Clark were store-keepers here in the Smith property for some time; followed by Gaston & T. B. Smith. After Samuel Gray, on the corner near the bridge, came Amos Smith and Arthur Gray. The storekeepers at present are John A. Lesley, King Carson, N. Urmston & Son.

Saloon-keepers are Frank Horsfield and John Baker, the latter also having a meat-store. There are two shoemakers, John Gable and John Wunder. There is one tailor, J. W. Frazee; and one undertaker, S. P. Riker. A wood-working shop is kept by William Lutes. Two saw-mills are here, one kept by Van Ausdall, Wynescopp, Little & Bros., on the west side of the creek, and J. P. Heidley has another in connection with his gristmill. There is also a portable saw-mill below the schoolhouse owned by Deneen & Stiman.

upper end of the village, on a piece of land now in a Some remnants of the old house are yet to be seen. This house was there more than seventy. years ago; it was used for some time. The first schoolhouse in the village proper was erected in 1839, on land sold to the authorities by Pierson and Joseph M. Conkling and wives. The front part of the house was built first. It is brick, and stands opposite Frazee's tailorshop. After a number of years of use the house was found to be too small; hence, in 1860 or thereabouts, an addition was made to it. James B. King was a director at this time, and took much interest in the affair. King had previously been a member of the Legislature. On the 19th of November, 1877, school opened in the new building, which cost about three thousand dollars. The one acre of land, on part of which the house stands, was bought of Samuel Gray. There are two rooms in the new school-building. :

Some of the persons who haye taught school in Reily are: A. W. Mustin, Thomas W. Lawrence, the latter here in 1853; W. Burget, Joseph C. Snow, in 1857, who also was an excellent preceptor; W. Bartlow, Mr. Sheely, D. Bassett, Mr. Snow, in 1859, a brother of J. C. Snow; William Salmon, in 1854, who afterwards went to California, and who had Emily O. Cumback for assistant ; Alexander King in 1855; Doctor J. M. Trembly in 1857; F. A. Coleman in 1855; besides Mary Ann Howels, daughter of Rey. M. Howels; Lucretia Jones, and others.

Among the scholars of Thomas W. Lawrence, in 1853, were John Dingfellow, Albert, John, and Lafayette Sweatman, Alonzo Kerr, David Rees, James Oxley, Francis Gilliland, Hannah Little, Sarah E. Davis, Harriet Gaston, Lucy Smith, Mary Burke, and Martha King. In 1853 there was an enrollment of cighty-two scholars.

The Reily Presbyterian Church was organized in April, 1836, with thirty-six members. It was a scion from Bethel, the most powerful religious organization of its faith in this part of the county. The house, made of brick, in which the congregation now worship, was built in 1840. Forty-six, years after its organization the membership numbers one. hundred. Among the ministers have been A. B. Gilliland, J. S. Weaver, E. Howell, T. E. Hughes, C. H. Raymond, J. De Lamater, and D. H. Green. This Church, since its organization, has been in a prosperous state. There is a neat parsonage near the church. A good Sunday-school is maintained and well supported.

Reily Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 332, was instituted November 12, 1857, at St. Charles. Some of the charter members were John and Silas Stewart, brothers, and George W. Roberts. This lodge continued at St. Charles - until 1876 or 1877, when, on account of the inconvenience to members, it was brought to Reily. The society built a lodge here in 1876, and the next year it burned down. This haJl cost about seven hundred dollars, and was over Benjamin F, Sayres's store-room.

sioned by the fire the lodge bought the lot on which the store stood, and erected the present frame, costing about one thousand dollars. There are now about fifty active members. No. 332 was instituted by William Chidsey, of Cincinnati, now grand secretary of Ohio.

The Knights of Honor Lodge was instituted March 30, 1881, with the following members: B. F. Sayres, John Mansod, Doctor D. D. Borger, J. T. Little, J. N. Carson, J. A. Lasley, J. P. Van Ausdall, George Feighter, John Gable, H. E. Wynecopp, Frederic Horsfield, Henry Schwarm, Morris Hamer, George Huber, Walter DeCamp, W. G. Everson, William Thompson, W. G. Ragsdill, Amos CG. Vanlue, Calvin E. Deneen, A. W. Deneen, Noah §. Sayres, Gideon Stroud, William M. Sasher,'P. J. B. Welliver, John Vanness, Charles Urmston, J. W. Whitehill and J. T. Bartlow. Mr. B. F. Sayres met his death by accident November 15, 1881. Meetings are held in the Odd Fellows' hall the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. The first officers of this lodge were Doctor D. D. Borger, P. D.; W. G. Everson, D.; Walter DeCamp, V. D.; W. J. Ragsdill, assistant Q.; J. P. Van Ausdall, representative ; P. J. V. Welliver, F. R.; F. Horsfield, treasurer. This society has thirty odd members, and is in a flourishing condition.

In early times the townships of Reily, Hanover, and Oxford - the uplands near the heads of the creeks - were covered by large ponds of water. There were hundreds of acres entirely useless, except that large quantities of wild geese and ducks made these grounds their resort. The excessive timber prevented the water from running off. There were immense thickets of wild gooseberry bushes, patches of briars which covered three or four acres, and plenty of wild currants. Above the Baptist Church, on Indian Creek one mile and a half, there were twenty acres of wild black currants, '' which were much better," so the old settlers say, ''than our common white currants." Crab apples abounded; also wild onions. Colonel William Stevens says an "' oak tree, seven feet in diameter, above his father's house, turned out fifteen 'coons at a single catch." Foxes, ground-hogs, opossums, and squirrels abounded. Game was always fat. Sugar making - was carried on very extensively by the settlers. Camps were opened wherever a good opportunity presented itself, regardless, in many cases, of its location. The general price for sugar previous to the war of 1812, was about three cents per pound. After the war, the price rose to twelve and a half cents per pound, many of the pioneers making handsome profits thereby. The last bear seen in Reily Township was in the north-east corner of section six, in 1809. In 1815 Brumfield Boone killed one of the largest panthers ever seen in Butler County, on a farm then owned by John Boone, his father. The farm is now owned by the Vanness heirs. The animal measured seven feet from tip to tip. People came from all directions to see it, and its skin was kept a good while in the neighborhood. There were dozens of cooper-shops in Reily Township at an early day. One of the oldest dwelling houses in Reily Township is on section four north of the road fifteen rods, running through the center of the section. It was built by David Wing, in 1810. It is now occupied and owned by Rodney Donham, who was born August 30, 1806, on the Island of "Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. He came with his father's family to the south side of section six, this township, in 1809, on the 22d of June.

Robert Moore was born in 1815, in Hanover Township, on section No. 22. He has engaged in carpentering most of his life, going from place to place throughout the county, erecting buildings. He is a man who owns considerable real estate and is a person of unblemished character. After 1837 he owned the mill which stood on Indian Creek, near where he lives. In 1861 this mill ceased to run.

Owen Davis, one of the pioneer settlers of Reily Township, took up his residence in the south-east quarter of section twenty, in 1811. For his wife he married Mary, daughter of John Smith, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, June, 1807. Mrs. Davis was born December 27, 1789, in the same county where she married. This marriage resulted in a family of ten children: John, born 1808, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania - dead ; Rebecca, who married Samuel Davis, born 1810, died in Butler County ; Philip, born 1812, died in Indiana; Aaron, born 1814, died in this county; Owen, born 1816 - dead ;

Hannah, who married Henry Thompson, born 1819, and lives near Reily; Charles, born 1821, unmarried, and living in California; Mary J., who married Andrew Mann, born 1824, died in Butler County in 1850; Rhoda, who married Allen Larison, born 1827, died in this county; Ezra, born 1830, living near Reily. John Smith, Mrs. Davis's father, came to this county in 1816, and settled where the Davises now live in this township. He was an active soldier in the Revolution. Owen Davis, Sen., was in the war of 1812, his wife being left with four small children to care for in a cabin in the woods of the then thinly settled community. Charles Davis, one of the sons, was a soldier in the Mexican War.

Lewis Alexander was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1811. His father, Andrew Alexander, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was there married to Sarah Montgomery in May, 1804. He came to Ohio, and settled on what is now the Sample farm, dying soon after. ae wife was left with four boys and three girls. She died in 1845. Of these children but two are living, Lewis Alexander and Mrs. Martha Tremley, wife of Amos Tremley. Mr, Alexander has always lived on a farm, with the exception of sixteen months, when he was engaged in the hardware business in Hamilton, in 1857 and 1858. He was married January 20, 1838, to Rachel Burk, daughter of Alexis and Mary Burk, who were among the pioneers of this township. They have had four children. William J. was a drugeist in Connersville, where he died in 1867; Henry T. was married in 1872 to Amanda Leffler, and lives at home, carrying on the farm for his father; Sarah S. was married in 1873 to Scott Roll, and lives in Hanover Township; and Amos T. died April 15, 1875, when sixteen years old. Mrs. Alexander died January 25, 1870. Mr. Alexander received his start working by the month at from $4 to $11. His first purchase was 35 acres at $30 per acre, and he has added to it by installments till he now owns 254 acres. He was brought up a Demoerat, but in 1842 joined the Whigs and afterwards the Republican party. His present home is half a mile west of Reily, where he moved in 1865. He has a handsome gold-headed cane, which was presented to him by his friends when he celebrated his sixty-ninth birthday.

John R. Bevis, son of James A. and Margaret (Ramsey) Bevis, was born near Cincinnati, December 23, 1837. At eighteen he entered Farmer's College, where he remained three years, when he engaged with his father in farming, carrying on a hotel, and running an omnibus. He was married June 16, 1864, to Martha A., daughter of Henry and Margaret (Jones) Lefton. They have three children - Edwin, Everett S., and Alma. Mrs. Bevis was born near New London, February 20, 1842. Mr. Bevis moved to Butler County in 1865, on his farm, which he had bought the year previous, and has followed farming ever since. He is a Master Mason of McMakin Lodge, No. 120, of Mount Pleasant, and is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Salem Clark, son of Isaac and Catherine Clark, was born in Butler County, February 26, 1818. His parents came to this county in 1810. He was married in 1841 to Susan Ragsdill, daughter of Wilson P. Rags- "dill. She was born in this county, November 28, 1823, They have had four children. Mary Louisa Beard was born December 22, 1841; Alfred, Septemher 4, 1844: William Edgar, March 6, 1849; Henry Wills, April 15, 1854. Mr. Clark is a farmer, and was born within one mile of where he now lives. Hig children, who are. all married, live near to him.

Samuel Garner was born in Rockbridge County, V ginia, in 1802, and came to this county with his parents, Henry and Catherine Garner, in 1806. He was united In marriage on the 19th of November, 1820, to Elizabeth Keever, daughter of John and Lydia Keever. She was born in Warren County, March 7, 1804, and came to this county with her parents in 1804. Mr. and Mrs.

Garner have had twelve children. Rebecca Dunwoody was born in April, 1821; William, May 30, 1822; Henry, December 17, 1823; John, June 12, 1826; Samuel, May 5, 1829; Elizabeth Rothermel, February 8, 1832 ; Lydia Descombes, November 10, 1834; Susan Ragsdill, March 24, 1836; Mary Everson, February 16, 1838; George, November 15, 1839; Andrew, September 26, 1842; Margaret Hauck, September 26, 1845. Mr. Garner settled in the woods, and saw many of the experiences of a backwoods life. His father was a soldier in the Revolution, as was also his wife's father. In the last war there were of his family Henry, John, Samuel, George, and Andrew in the service.

Samuel Landon was born on the farm where he now resides, June 16, 1818. His father, Elisha Landon, was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, May 25, 1772, and removed to Pennsylvania with his parents when four years old. He came from Pennsylvania with General Anthony Wayne, with whom he had enlisted for three years. Serving his time out, and being discharged at Greenville, Darke County, he went back to Cincinnati, where he married Sarah Herkless, and in 1808 moved to Reily Township, taking up a quarter of section eight, where he built a cabin in the woods. They had twelve children, Elizabeth, William, Daniel, Anna, Amy, Laban, Mary, Samuel, Jane, Sarah, James, and Elisha C., who all grew up. our only are now living, Daniel, Samuel, Amy, now Mrs. John Gandil, and Jane, now Mrs. John Blackford. Elisha was one of the first trustees of the township; he was of Welsh descent. His grandfather and five sons were in the Revolutionary war, being engaged in the battle of Brandywine. Mr. Landon died June 3, 1853. Samuel Landon has always resided on the farm where he now lives. His first teachers were John Elliott and Elvira Heazeltine. He has been twice married. On November 21, 1846, he was united to Ann Bates, daughter of Joel and Sarah (Conover) Bates. They had eleven children - Alexander, James H., Joel B.; Francis C., Newton, Sarah (deceased), Willard, Edgar, Rebecca Ann (deceased), Daniel, and Elvie. Mrs. Landon died September 20, 1879, and he was again married March 30, 1880. His second wife was Mrs. Amanda Brosius, widow of John Brosius, and daughter of David and Sarah Timberman. Mr. Landon was trustee for three years, about 1850, and has been president of 'the Millville, Reily, and Milton Turnpike for twenty years. He was one of the first members of the township school board, under the free school system, and has held the office of school director for some fifteen years. He is treasurer of the King and' Thompson free pike. He was overseer of Reily Grange No. 544, and succeeded to the office of Master by the death of the presiding officer. He is a member of Pomona Grange, of Butler County, and was its steward three years. f ley, who came to this county in 1810. He was married June 16, 1844, to Samantha Hand, daughter of Darby and Hannah Hand, who was born in this county July 29, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Lindley have had four children. Isaac N. Lindley was born June 4, 1845; Mary A. Lindley was born December 4, 1846; Leroy W. Lindley was born October 19, 1848, and Ellis H. Lindley was born January 21, 1851. Mr. Lindley is a farmer and has never held any office. His grandfather, Isaac Lindley, was in the Revolutionary War.

Moses R. Pierson, bricklayer and plasterer, was born in Reily Township September 21, 1830. He is the son of Moses Pierson and Hannah Ross, both from New J ersey. He was married in Oxford September 11, 1851, to Cynthia A. Wilson, born May 2, 1855, daughter of Abner Wilson and Esther Smith, who were from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. To this union have been born the following children: Mary O., Almira F., Hester Ida, Estella B., Phebe Jane, Lou Nellie G., David Lorain; and Elbert Nelson.

James N. Roberson, M. D., of Reily, was born in Carthage, Hamilton County, September 17, 1842. His father, Jonas Roberson, was born in New Jersey, emigrating to Ohio in 1804 with his parents, and settling on Duck Creek, near Cincinnati. He learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed till 1850, then being in mer; cantile and farming business until 1872, when he retired. He died May 11, 1874. He was postmaster of Reily for eight years, and preached as a local minister from 1870. He was the regular minister of the Baptist Church in Reily two years prior to his death. He was an earnest, zealous worker in the Church, and a truly Christian gentleman. He was married October 6, 1826, to Nancy Bryant, by whom he had six children, James being the only surviving one. The mother died March 16, 1870. Doctor Roberson attended Beach Grove Seminary, of Indiana, four years, and read medicine with Doctor Gilchrist, of Reily, three years. He was graduated at the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, in 1862, at the age of twenty. In the Fall of 1862 he entered the service as assistant surgeon, being at first with the sanitary supply, and then in the army of the Cumberland. He resigned on account of ill health in 1863; in May of that year beginning practice at Fair Haven, Preble County. In 1864 he was assistant surgeon in the 156th Ohio National Guard, during its hundred-day service. In the Spring of 1865 he removed to his present location, where he has conducted a successful practice ever since. November 29, 1862, he married Mary Frazee, daughter of J. W. Frazee, and by her was the father of one child, Carrie Edna. His wife died November 28, 1866, and he married April 4, 1870, Lizzie Phillips, daughter of Joseph Phillips. They are the parents of two children, Edward P. and Georgie E. He is a Master Mason of Oxford Lodge, No. 67, and is also a member of St. Charles Lodge of Odd Fellows.

David Rothermel was born in Ross Township March 30, 1826. His father, Solomon Rothermel, came of an old Revolutionary stock. Solomon Rothermel's uncle, Joseph, fought in that memorable struggle, and died a prisoner of war. He was with Washington at Trenton. Mr. Rothermel was married February 26, 1857, in Morgan Township, to Mary Ann Martindell, born in-that township January 26, 1834. She is the daughter of Wilson Martindell and Nancy Martin. Both are living in Ilinois. Mr. and Mrs. Rothermel have had nine children. Mary C. was born November 29, 1857; Nancy M., September 11, 1859; Ann E., August 18, 1861; Flora B., September 16, 1863; Cervanida, July 31, 1865; Charles W., September 8, 1867; James J., April 14, 1870; Parmelia, June 16, 1872, and Nona, October 3, 1875. Charles W. Rothermel died October 10, 1868. Mr. Rothermel has been supervisor of his township for three terms, and is so this year, 1882. He is a butcher by trade, and followed that business for about ten years, in connection with farming, but now pays all of his attention to the farm. He has been a resident of Butler for fifty-five years. His mother was Christina Brosius. She is now dead, as is his father.

W. D. Salmon, the son of William and Martha J. Salmon, who were emigrants from Pennsylvania, was born in Hanover Township, August 15, 1831. On the 16th of February, 1853, he married Margaret J. Meeker, daughter of Mitchell and Margaret Meeker, who came to this portion of the world in 1803, from New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Salmon have four children, all girls. Charlotte A. Black was born October 26, 1855; Maggie J. Dorr, August 25, 1858, and Hattie Maud, April 12, 1865. Mr. Salmon is a farmer. His wife's father served in the Revolutionary War.

John H. Smith, deceased, was the son of Captain John and Rebecca (Griffin) Smith, and was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, July 28, 1808. Captain John Smith served in the Revolutionary war under Lafayette till its close. In 1816 he and his wife, with their seven children, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Butler County, where he entered half a section of land in Section 20, and a quarter in Section 29. Captain John died in 1851, having held the office of township trustee for several years. His wife died in 1819. Of their children but one is now living, Mrs. Annie Mann. The others were Mary, Charles, Sarah, Rebecca, John H., and Amos G.. The life of John H. Smith was spent on the farm. He was twice married; first, to Sarah Lemon. To this union one child, Rebecca Ann, was born. She is now dead. His second wife was Sarah Jones, whom he married in 1848. She is the daughter of Nicholas and Mary (Farnsworth) Jones. Her father, who served in the war of 1812, died in 18538, and her mother in 1855. By this marriage they had seven children, John Q., Nicholas J:, Daniel W., Newton J., Charles F., are all married, except Newton J. Mr. Smith died June 18, 1881. He held the office of school director for many years. Mrs. Smith was born in the township in August, 1816. Her grandfather, Jonathan Jones, was a native of Pennsylvania, and married Keziah Harvy. In 1806, with pier eight children, they emigrated to Ohio, and settled in the north-east corner of Reily Township. None of the children are now living. Charles E. Smith was married, March 19, 1878, to Mary E. Van Sickle, daughter of John and Diana (Kiger) Van Sickle. They have two children.

John W. Smith was born in Reily Township, April 9, 1817. He is a son of Charles G. and Phebe (Bartlow) Smith. The land where he was born was originally entered by the grandfather, who gave it to Charles, who was married in 1816 in Indiana. He followed farming all his life, except five years that he was in the service of the government. Among other things, he burned the brick for the fort at Green Bay. He died October, 1834, but his wife is still living, aged eightyseven. John W. Smith has always followed farming, receiving his education in the district school. He was married June 15, 1837, to Catherine, daughter of Adam and Catherine (Thomas) Warfield, by whom twelve children have been borne him. They are Joseph B., Rebeeca Ann, now Mrs. George Lane, of Hamilton; Margaret, now Mrs. Oliver Bear, living in Indiana; James J., David L., Isabella, Harrison H., Phebe J., now Mrs. John Moorehead. Eveline, John, Mary, and Vallandigham are deceased. Mr. Smith has served forty-one years as a school director of his district. He is a member of Oxford Lodge of Masons. Mrs. Smith was born jn this county, and when four or five years old moved with her parents to Indiana. When she was fifteen she returned to this county and lived with her sister until her marriage. Mr. Smith has now 335 acres, which he still holds, besides giving some three hundred acres to his children.

Thomas H. Smith is the son of Thomas and Lucy Smith, who came to this county in 1816, and he was born in Fairfield Township, August 2, 1826. He is a farmer, and now has one of the finest residences in Reily 'Township. He was married on the Ist of February, 1851, to Sarah Ann Van Ness, daughter of Eliza and Rebecca Van Ness, who was born January 12, 1828, in Reily Township. He has been a notary public,

Abigail Stevens, who removed to this county in 1807. They are now both dead. He was married in 1825 to Cynthia Fisk, also a native of New York, and the daughter of Amos and Cynthia Fisk. this county in 1811. Mys, Stevens was born June 8, 1806. Three of their children are living, Dow was born August 15, was born July 7, 1827, and George Washington was born January 11, 1837. Benjamin F. Stevens, George Stevens, and Andrew Stevens were out in the war of the Rebellion. Mr. William Stevens himself went out as a volunteer, at the age of fifty-nine, and served two years, He was a colonel of a militia regiment for about eight years before the war. Notwithstanding his advanced age, his mind is still active, and his strength is still surprising. He has voted in the township for fifty-six years. He is a farmer.

Amos Tremley, son of Daniel and Mary Tremley, was born in this county June 8, 1811. His parents moved here in 1808. He was married March 6, 1834, to Martha, daughter of Andrew and Sarah Alexander, who was born in Butler County February 6, 1811. They have had five children. Daniel A. was born April 21, 1835; Sarah Elizabeth Lemon, August 8, 1837; Jacob, November 1, 1839; Cynthia A. Lasher, January 15, 1846, and Rebecca A., December 21, 1853. Jacob is dead. Mr. Tremley is the oldest man living in the township, born there. His father was in the war of 1812, and his sons, Daniel A. and Jacob, were in the late war.

Samuel Urmston, who was born in Pennsylvania, came to Ohio with his parents in 1806, and settled near Cincinnati. He soon after moved to this county, serving "in the war of 1812. At the conclusion he received a and-warrant for his services, which he afterwards sold, moving back to Hamilton County about the year 1827; but again coming to Butler County, in 1851, he located near the present Woods' Station, living there till 1869, when he removed to Millville, where he died in August, 1871. He married Keziah Hall, and had by her nine children, of whom eight are now living. Nelson Urmston was the fifth child, and was born in this county November 12, 1822. In the fall of 1848 he began selling goods in Hamilton County, which he continued till 1850, when he sold out. In the Spring of 1851 he returned to Butler County, where he opened a store at Woods' Station, continuing there till 1852, when he moved to Millville. In 1870 he returned to Reily, where he keeps a general stock of merchandise. On the 4th of April, 1850, he was married to Rachel Hunt, to whom one child was born, Mrs. G. W. Meats. Mrs. Urmston died November 6, 1851, and he was married on the 3d of February, 1853, to Sarah Flint, daughter of the Rey. Joseph H. Flint. He has four children by the second wife. Theyare Alice (Mrs. Andrew Morris), Nelson A., Joseph, and Jesse Andrew. N elson Augustus is a partner with his father in the store, having been admitted in 1876. He was married February 18, 1879, to Margaret KE. Blacker, daughter of James Hi. and Sarah Blacker.

at the battle of Brandywine. His father was John G. Urmston, and his mother's name was Mary. They came to this county at an early period, the mother in 1822. The father once filled the position of judge. Mandeville T. Urmston was married on the first of July, 1841, to Rebecea Hand, daughter of Darby and Hannah Hand, who came to this county in 1814. She was born on the 17th of September, 1823.

John F. Ward, son of Hugh and Sawa Ward, one of the oldest persons in the township of Reily. He was born in Morris County, New Jersey, on the 17th of June, 1817. His parents were also natives of that State, and his father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Ward came to Reily in June, 1849, and was married on the 9th of the same month to Amanda Hideley, daughter of Henry Hideley. Mr. Ward is a painter and artist, and has a fine reputation in his calling. He has established a fine cemetery a little west of Reily. He is a man of enterprise, and is well situated.

P. J. B. Welliver lives on the Millville, Reily, and Milton Turnpike, three miles south-east of Reily Village. He was born in the house in which he now resides, October 31, 1817, and is the son of Obadiah and Hannah (Johnston) Welliver. He was a native of Pennsyl- . vania, and she of New Jersey, being married in Pennsylvania in 1796, and coming to Ohio in a wagon in 1810. He entered a quarter where his son now lives, dying in 1839. His wife lived till 1865. There were nine children in the family, of whom but two are now living, P. J. B. Welliver and Mrs. Samuel Jobe. He has always resided on the farm, with the exception of about a year he spent in a store at Brownsville, Indiana. His early education was derived from the district school, attending the private school of Aaron Powers one year. He was married November 30, 1837, to Elizabeth M., daughter of James and Rachel (Mills) Everson. She was born September 25, 1817. They have had nine children - Emma, Cynthia Ann, Susan K., Minerva, Sarah 8. (dead), Alfred J., James E., Lockey J., and Nannie H.' (dead). Mr. Welliver served as justice of the peace of Reily Township for nine successive years, beginning about 1855, and one term of three years since the war. He was a Master Mason of the Oxford Lodge, but has taken out his withdrawal card. He is a member of Union Lodge, No. 2400, of the Knights of Honor

Their children are all married. Emma is now Mrs. Henry Garner; Cynthia, Mrs. George Clark ; Susan, Mrs. G. W. Garner; Minerva, Mrs. W. H. H. Pierson; Lockey, Mrs. James R. Van Ness. Mr. Welliver is a Democrat.

Gideon Wilkinson was born January 5, 1815, on the farm where he now lives, in a log cabin, which stood near his present residence, which was among the first erected in this part of the township. His father, Gideon Wilkinson, was a native of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio in 1806. He stopped on the Little Miami River, on what is called Round Bottom, and raised one crop of corn. The next year he purchased Jand in Reily of Jonathan Govalt, who had entered the farm, but was not able to pay for it. His first dwelling consisted of four forks set into the ground in the shape of a square, with a bark roof, and three sides of bark and brush. At the front a sheet was hung up for a door. He lived in this one season, from Spring till Fall, until he could erect a more substantial cabin. He was married about the year 1808 or 1809 to Mrs. Abigail Van Ness, and had by her six children. They were Abraham, Margaret, Mary, Gideon, Elisha, and Abigail. They are all living except Mary. In the war of 1812 Mr. Wilkinson enlisted under Captain Crooks, but when they had marched as far as Brookville, Indiana, word was brought that peace had been declared, and they were discharged. Mrs. Wilkinson and Mrs. Van Ness, in 1817, made a visit to their old home in New Jersey, traveling the whole way on horseback. Mr. Wilkinson died in 1842 and his wife in 1843. The present Mr. Wilkinson remained with his parents until their death, they having deeded him the home farm. The other children were otherwise provided for, the boys receiving one hundred acres and the girls sixty acres each. By industry Mr. Wilkinson has added to his fields, until now he owns seven hundred and eighty acres of land. He was married in 1833 to Mary DeCamp, daughter of Ezekiel and Mary (Baker) DeCamp. She was born in Reily Township, June 18, 1818. They have had thirteen children - Abraham, Miranda, Abigail, Rachel, Adaline, Mary J., Francis M., Rebecca E., John D., Sarah E Harriet E., Gideon J., and Amadore. They are all liying except Abraham, Rachel, Sarah E., and Mary J. Mr. Wilkinson was one of the township trustees for several terms, and was school director about thirty years.

Tuts is a township lying in the south-west corner of the county. It is bounded on the north by Reily, on the east by Ross, on the south by Hamilton County, on the west by Indiana. Originally it formed a part of Ross Township, and was created on the 4th of March, 1811.

When the first settlements were made along the Dry Fork, Howard's Creek, and Paddy's Run bottoms, ague. and fever prevailed to a fearful extent. The surface in Morgan Township is partly undulating, but a great a is rough. Along the route of Dry Fork and Paddy's Run the bottoms extend on either side from one quarter to one mile in width. The former of these streams is noted for the fertile land which borders it - the bottoms being admirably adapted to the growing of corn and barley. When the timber was first cleared off, and within a year or two after the soil was thoroughly worked over, immense crops were raised. In the south-western corner of the township the soil is unproductive, compared with the rich Dry Fork and Paddy's Run bottoms. The country around Scipio is favorable to agricultural pursuits. This section forms the basin from which Dry Fork takes its source. All the territory in the northeast corner of the township is elevated. The valley of Paddy's Run is a famous body of land for farmers. New London is situated in the midst of a fertile and very prosperous farming section.

Dry Fork, of Whitewater, is the longest as well as the largest creek in Morgan Township. 'It takes its rise in the region of Scipio, Okeana, and St. Charles, and has for its tributaries on the east Buck Run and Kiatta Creek. The main fork rises in Indiana. Dry Fork takes its name from the fact that near its mouth there is less water than ten miles above. During a dry season there are no signs of water in Hamilton County, while in the county of Butler, above Okeana, there is a sufficient supply for all necessary purposes. Howard's Creek cuts the south-west corner of the township, and empties into Dry Fork about one mile and a half south of the county line. It took its name from a family who lived on its banks many years ago. Paddy's Run took its name because an Irishman was drowned in it. The stream is about half the size of Dry Fork, and empties into the Big Miami, a mile and a half below New Baltimore, in Hamilton County. There are numerous other streams, all of which, however, form the affluents of either Howard's Creek, Dry Fork, or Paddy's Run. up of sycamore, walar tree, and poplar, along the streams; on the uplands, beech, hickory, t tering walnut, ash to a consit some scatlerable extent, large quantities of red and white oak, but principally of the latter, gum, hackberry, and a good supply of dogwood. There was also a dense growth of spice bushes, and about the beginning of the present century a luxuriant crop of pea-vines. These vines covered the face of the country along the rich bottoms, and for a number of years after the first settlements furnished all the food necessary for the cattle and sheep. A few years, however, of constant pasturage destroyed their vitality.

When the township received its first quota of settlers there were no roads of any kind to lead to distant settlements. Blaze roads soon came to be regarded as very necessary. These were often supplemented by bridlepaths, which led through the underbrush.

'""After the county road was laid out and opened from Cincinnati to the Miami," says Rev. B. W. Chidlaw, to whom we are indebted for many of the following facts, ''a new era of transportation dawned upon the country. For many years the settlers took the produce of their fields, poultry-yards, and dairies to Cincinnati on pack-horses. At an early day Paddy's Run butter commanded a quick sale and a premium in Lower Market, then the business center of the Queen City. Hospitality and sociability were cardinal virtues among the pioneers. Their raisings, log-rollings, corn-huskings and harvestings, their chopping frolics, quiltings, and wool-pickings are the memorials of their readiness to help each other."

One of the first roads in the township was called the State road; it led from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to Oxford, Ohio. It struck or entered the township where the Shaker road now does. This road was also called the "post road," from the fact that it was over this route that the early mails were carried. The same road is NOW in use, but is not considered as of much importance. Another early road, and a very prominent one too, followed down the creek from Scipio, and on to Venice in Ross Township. The Howard's Creek road was not so prominent. It followed the stream and united with the Lawrenceburg and Oxford road near the north family of Shakers. There was a road also which struck off at St. Charles and passed by the way of Layhigh to the Miami ' at Dick's ford. This was called the trace road. The old Scipio road is now the Colerain and Brookville turnpike, but of course the original trace is not always followed. From Scipio it formerly took down the creek and struck Okeana about where that village now stands. Here it crossed Dry Fork and took the direction . of Venice. Most of the roads formed a junction at Dick's or Shaw's ford on the Big Miami, about one-half mile above where the bridge now stands, but whieh at that time was an unthought-of affair. For some of the farmers to reach market who lived in the south-west corner of the township, a crossing was made at New Baltimore in Crosby Township, of the adjacent county.

It would be difficult at this late day to tell which of these highways was the most prominent, but during the Fall and Winter seasons the trace road was unmistakably used much more by hog-drivers than any other thoroughfare in the township. There is now a free turnpike leading from Harrison, in Hamilton County, to the Scipio and Millville pike, which for most of the way follows the section line one mile west of the Indiana line. This road caused much litigation, and was the cause of sending a forger to the penitentiary for ten years. There is another well used from New London to Millville. A good pike - a toll road - runs from Scipio to Millville. Many of the roads are very good.

For forty years or more there has been an omnibus run daily between New London and Cincinnati. The Western Stage Company carried on staging thirty-five years ago. John R. Bevis was an early proprietor; from him it passed into the hands of his brother, Jesse C., who quite recently sold out to Charles Shields, who, in turn, sold to Clements Butterfield. In former days, before the time of pikes, an old-fashioned leather-spring stage was run between Cincinnati and Connersville. The trip was made in three days. Frederic George was among the first and most permanent drivers.

The first Jand entered in Morgan Township was by Edward Bebb. It was a half-section in Section 27. The first blacksmith, as well as the first miller, in the neighborhood of Paddy's Run was James Nicholas. In 1831 he moved to Allen County, Ohio, and was one of the first settlers in that large and prosperous community of Welsh people. John Vaughn built the first barn and brick house in the settlement in 1816; they are yet standing. During 1805 there settled on Dry Fork and Paddy's Run the families of Jacob Phillis, John and Samuel Harden, Bryson Blackburn, George Drybread, John Howard, and Thomas Milholland. Blackburn was a blacksmith. His customers found their own iron and steel, which he hammered into axes, hoes, butcher-knives, and so on, with a brawny arm and a skillful hand. "A clock-case, now owned by Mrs. Mary Vaughn, made for her father, Edward Bebb, by Stephen Hayden, in 1804, shows the ingenuity and taste of this pioneer cabinetmaker. It is made of cherry slabs, dressed as best he could, overcoming the want of a saw-mill with a whipsaw. or over seventy years it has been been the cozy home of a brass clock which Mrs. Bebb brought from Wales seventy-nine years ago, This venerable clock .was a great curiosity to the Indians, who frequently visited Mr. Bebb's cabin. Captain William D. Jones brought the first stock of goods into the township on a packhorse, and opened a place of business near where the ducted chiefly on the bartering basis, as specie was very scarce. The first physicians were Doctors Sloan, of Fairfield; Millikin, of Hamilton; and Crookshank, of Harrison. They practiced as early as 1806, and were eminent in their profession and useful in the community. In 1808 Maxwell Parkinson officiated as justice of the peace, probably appointed by the Governor."

The village of Scipio was laid out by Joseph Alyea about fifty-five years ago. The original plat is entirely in the State of Indiana. When James Bartlow first

William D. Jones was the first storekeeper in the village. His place of business was in a little log-house on the Morgan Township side. After him came Joseph Alyea, the founder of the town, in a log-house one and a half stories high, opposite the store where Frederic Oliver now keeps. This house was about eighteen by twenty feet, and is now gone. George Hubbell was another storekeeper in a house, part of which was frame, opposite Alyea's. William White came soon after Hubbell, who, also, was his son-in-law. Clark & Pearson, Thompson & Hodson, were firms prominently engaged here in commercial pursuits. Then came Aaron Mce- Ghaney, Samuel and James Fye, Cornelius Bartlow, Charles Fossett, Miller & Jaquish, Smith & De Armond, William R. Mercer, Fossett & Snyder, Sortman & Hodson, and others. There is now but one store in the village, which has already been mentioned.

The original taverns of this part of the township were rude affairs. Scipio was always a great stopping point for travelers, many of whom came from near Connersville, and the interior counties. William D. Jones, a Welshman, kept the first tavern in the village in a twostory log-house, exactly where the public scales are now. His sign was a cross and compass. Reuben Conaway, in 1856, had a very large public-house which stood on the hill where Mr. John Beard now lives. The house was a two-story log building; he also sold whisky, cigars, and tobacco; and it is worthy of remark that his accounts were kept behind the counter in full view of his customers, by the use of chalk and a blackboard. Paul Clover had a ''regular tavern" in a frame house on the Indiana side, about 1842. James Johnson came next in the same house; and then Griffin Abraham, who was the last. All these men did a good business. James Beard had a small place of entertainment in 1836, and for three years thereafter, near the scales.

Michael McCarty was the first blacksmith in this region. His shop was on the Indiana side, near the foot of the hill. He was here again some ten or twelve years after he first left. Joshua Nye had the second shop, opposite Jeremiah Conn's present residence.

A carding-mill was owned by William D. Jones, which stood on the Ohio side, and which was run by horse-power. As early as 1830 George Hubbell had a grist-mill on Dry Fork, a quarter of a mile below town. He soon added a flaxseed oil-mill, which was run for five or six years. The oil-mill was a frame, while the grist-mill, of course, was a log building. The oldest mill in this part of the township was built in 1810 by Jeremiah French, three-quarters of a mile below Scipio. It had an overshot wheel eighteen feet in diameter, and stood on the east side of the creek. At first the mill stood on posts, which in time rotted; and in order to build a saw-mill, stone were used for a'foundation. John Hydee succeeded French, who also was followed by Jesse Smith and Hollibut, both of whom were Yankees. Smith was a mill-wright by trade. The old French mill ceased running more than forty years ago. Below French's mill a few rods, Levi Sparks built a stone stillhouse. He had his corn ground at the mill aboye. Mr. Thomas Shroyer kindly furnishes the following:

"On Howard's Creek, near the Hamilton County line, there' was a distillery run by Joseph Boggett, and about twenty rods north was another by James Charlton, Sen. One mile further up the creck was one by John Hommer, Sen. About one mile north of this one, near where the Macedonia Church now stands, John Misner had a still-house. From there we go to the headwaters of Dry Fork, near the State line, just south of Scipio; here was one by Smith & Hollibut, and a little further down, one carried on by Reuben George, Sen. Near where the new bridge on the Biddinger Turnpike crosses the creek was another by James Jenkins, and near the residence of Jacob Keen was one more by Reuben George, Jr. Just west, one mile of this one, on the old Hanly farm, was another, owned by John Phillips. Below Okeana were two more, belonging to Charles Shields and Alexander De Armond. Two miles further down was another, owned by Jacob Brandenburg. Mr. Brandenburg was scalded to death at his distillery more than forty-five years ago. The old site is now on the farm owned by Jonathan Hall. One-half mile below was another, on the property of Hugh Smith. John Iseminger was the originator of this. The whisky was made in large copper stills, six bushels per day being the capacity of each house, Twelve gallons of the real old-fashioned whisky was a good day's work. The price was twelve and eighteen cents per gallon. Besides the above list of still-houses, there was a still on the Vantrees farm, where a superior article of peach brandy was made. Neighbors took their peaches here for miles and had them made up on the shares. This ously early in the present century. There were large quantities of apples raised also, which were turned into apple brandy. Wild plums, wild gooseberries, wild currants, haws, and wild crab-apples were scattered over the country in great abundance.

Jabez Hamilton, William Ludlow, and Harvey Hann were early distillers in the immediate vicinity of Scipio. The old Reuben George distillery, opposite where James Gwaltney now lives, closed with James Davis. Below the Jenkins still-house was a fulling-mill by Mr. Thomas, who made many a wedding garment for the young men of this township in early times. This mill was converted into a dwelling-bouse.

Scipio. had for its first school-house a log building. The school was taught by John Cavender, who was an excellent penman, in 1822. This house was in the upper side of the town. Rey. Moses Hornaday, one of the early Baptist preachers in the Miami and Whitewater Valleys, was a school-teacher here after Cavender. James Osborn, an Irishman, was also one of the first teachers. Some of his scholars were Joseph P. Jones, Anna Jones, Newton Butler, and John Beard. The old school-house was used for about fifteen years, then being converted into a wagon-maker's shop. The Davis district, as it is commonly called, was among the first to have a system of popular education.

Scipio can hardly boast of a resident physician during her eventful history. Dr. James was for many years a physician living on the Indiana side. He was an excellent man. Dr. Thomas, a resident of New London, was one of the first practitioners in this vicinity. Dr. Berry, who now resides near Brookville, is one of the oldest men in his section. He practiced medicine here many years ago.

Dr. Goff, an Englishman, was at one time a resident of the village. Dr. Cleaver, of Drewersburg, was a citizen of the village at one time; also Drs. James, Chitwood, Van McHenry, and Boyd. Dr. Carnahan was here in 1838. There are no resident physicians at present. Adjacent towns supply this need.

The Scipio Odd Fellows' Lodge was chartered in September, 1875, with the following members: F. Oliver, A. B. Hodson, Paul Applegate, Marion Smith, Marion Davis, John Wynn, W. R. Jenkins, W. R. Hodson, and John Mecum. This lodge is an outgrowth of neighboring lodges. About $500 of the money which built the hall was given by similar institutions. A. B. Hodson advanced the funds and acted as contractor, the members paying him for the use of the hall, which is over one of the old stores. There are now about forty members ; officers are as follows: Paul Applegate, N. G.; EY Oliver; Vi. Gi 7Ay B: Hodson, Treas., W. R. Jenkins, See.

William Jones was the first postmaster in Scipio, or more properly Philanthropy. Scipio is wholly on the Indiana side, while Philanthropy is on the Ohio side.

Morgan

Jones had the post-office in his old tavern. About 1840 it was removed to the store kept by Reuben George and John A. -Applegate. The next move was across the street, in Thomas Watson's tailor-shop. From there it went to Boyd's store, and in turn to the store under the Odd Fellows' hall, about 1850. Since the last move there have been various changes, most of the time remaining on the Indiana side. There is no other postoffice in the United States by the name of Philanthropy. A list of the postmasters is found under the head of Reily. The town lies on the dividing line.

The Scipio church was built in 1860, by four different denominations, the Methodist Episcopals, Presbyterians, Baptists, and United Brethren. Of these churches the Methodist is the oldest. Their first place of worship was in Indiana, principally in the houses of the early settlers. The Rev. Mr. Bigelow was among the first of their preachers. Some of the members were Edward Blacker, Isaac Woods, James Bartlow, Matthew Sparks, James McKaw, and Benjamin Woods. The Baptist church is second in age. For their first preachers they had Moses Hornaday, who lived near Harrison, in Hamilton county; Wm. Tyner, Mr. Gard, and Joseph Flint. Among the members were Lot Abraham, James Beard, and John Smith, Sen. Their first place of worship was in Reily Township, at the old Indian Creek Baptist church. The Presbyterians and United Brethren have little in the shape of history. Their original members have removed to other localities or died.

John Fye, born February 3, 1781; died November 10, 1825. Catharine, his wife, died November 18, 1878, aged 88. These two persons are among the pioneers of this locality. Dr. A. B. James, died May 28, 1871; aged 68. Dr. James was for many years a prominent physician in this neighborhood. James L. Davis, died August 23, 1856; aged 59. Sarah Jane Davis, died March 24, 1869; aged 71. Patrick Blacker, died April 26, 1879; aged 77. Margaret Blacker, died April 27, 1875; aged 72. Robert Blacker, died March 1, 1810; aged 68. Nancy Blacker, died March 18, 1850; aged 88. These two persons were from Ireland, and were the original founders of the Blacker family in this section.

The original road from Hamilton to Brookville passed through Scipio. James Beard was the first supervisor on this highway. He '"'blazed" the road from Auburn to Scipio. Mr. Beard is now dead. He lies in the Bevis Cemetery, in Colerain Township. His widow is now the wife of Samuel P. Withrow, of Seven-Mile, both in the full enjoyment of ripe old age.

Before this village was regularly laid out it went by the name of the Tariff Post-office. Some of the early settlers, disliking the name, had it changed, by petition, to Okeana. Okeana was the name of the daughter of the Indian chief, Kiatta. The Rev. Benjamin Lloyd, a native of Wales, and a son of Rev. Rees Lloyd, platted the village on land which he owned at that time, and gave the place its name. The town, as it now is, stands mostly in School Section No. 16, which was bought by Charles Shields, but who in turn sold a portion of the section to Mr. Lloyd.

Among the first residents of the village were the sons of Benjamin Lloyd, Samuel, William, and Alexander, the latter of whom was a storekeeper on the corner where J. E. Boze now resides. Charles Shields was a storekeeper here in 1845, in the house now occupied by James Applegate. Jenkins & Evans were here as commercial men in the Boze residence before Lloyd. William Wright was another business man in Okeana, in a one-story house which stood in the forks of the road. The building was removed, and afterwards was occupied for a dwelling, but is now deserted. Henry Brandenburg, one of the noted storekeepers of the place, bought the store goods and real estate of Samuel Lloyd, and in 1873 or 1874, erected the present fine building where the Phellis Brothers keep. William Mercer was a storekeeper here at one time; he was followed by Samuel Gwaltney. Thomas and Charles Jones were here also for some time, in the old Shields property. William De Armond had'a little store in the yard of the Shields estate. Then came Jeremiah Day in the same house. In 1850, or thereabouts, Alexander De Armond and Joseph Smith were here engaged in selling dry goods and groceries. The present. storekeepers are J. W. Phellis and Perry Clawson.

One of the first places of entertainment in sight of the village was kept by William Jenkins, in a log-house where Charles Shields now lives. The tavern stand was made up of log barns and stables with clapboard roofs. Jenkins also had a still-house. Mr. Joseph Clawson, of the village, says there was a time when sixteen stillhouses were in active operation in Morgan Township. Four of them were on Dry Fork between Okeana and Scipio. Most of them had disappeared before 1845. One of the most remarkable of these mills was built by David Griffith, on Dry Fork; it was used principally for sawing, and was what is known as a tub-mill - at that day a very uncommon affair.

The blacksmiths in Okeana have been James Bowman, who was here in 1845; William Pierce, Mr. Roland, Alex. Frost, Mr. Stoughton, Thomas Hughes, a Welshman and a fine mechanic; John Looker, Mr. Doty, who now resides near Venice; Stephen Mullen, who is here at present; and Louis Wilhelm, but now in other parts. There were helpers frequently, who came to remain but a few months during the Summer season.

Dr. Benjamin Morris was, perhaps, the first resident physician within the boundaries of the village. Dr. Morris was here about 1847. He died in this township six or eight years ago, and is buried at New London. Eli

Parkhurst was another physician. He moved to Cumminsville, Hamilton County, Ohio, four or five years since, and died in 1881. Dr. H. L. Armstrong was here later. He married Miss Ella Fitzpatrick, of New Baltimore, in 1880, and is now living in Indiana. Dr. Martin, from Kentucky, was also a resident physician, and a good man; he is now in the West. Dr. Newton, formerly of Mt. Carmel, Indiana, is the present physician.

Many of the first township elections were held at Wm. Jenkins's tavern. In time the voting-place was changed, and the ballots cast at the residence of James De Armond. Several years before the late war the township house was built by a special tax. Since its erection it has been used by the shows which travel over the country; for village singing-schools and concerts; and, during the Winter of 1881 and 1882, for a school-house for the small children of the district.

The earliest record of Methodism in this field was found in the possession of A. Jackson Youmans, a member of the Venice Church. The record was begun and kept for many years by Peter Youmans, who was a prominent lay member of the Church when Methodism was being planted in the Whitewater and Miami Valleys. The Youmans record dates back to 1817, when the territory now included was embraced in the Whitewater circuit. The Ohio Conference then contained all of Ohio, portions of Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, and Indiana. All the country at that time lying north of the Ohio River, and between the Great Miami and Whitewater Rivers, was embraced in one circuit.

In 1817 Moses Crume was appointed presiding elder, and Benjamin Lawrence preacher in charge. In 1818 that part of the circuit which was between the Ohio River on the south, and the Miami River on the east, and the State line on the west was detached and embraced in the Miami circuit.

The probabilities are that the Okeana Church was organized at the residence of old Peter Youmans, who resided at that time on Paddy's Run, above New London, near the Brookville road. One authority says, preaching was held at Mr. Carmack's before Youmans's was made a regular place-of worship. The Church, at that time, 1817, went by the name of the Ephraim Carmack Society. In 1829 the place of worship was changed to the house of Peter Youmans, one mile north-west of New London. In 1849 the place of worship-was removed to Hickory Chapel. In 1851 a subscription was taken to build a church in Okeana. The house was built and dedicated in 1853. M. Kauffman was the pastor in charge. On the day of dedication, the Rey. Thomas A. Goodwin, of Brookville, Indiana, delivered the discourse. The Hickory Chapel Society was then removed to Okeana, and since has been known as the Okeana Society. In 1857 a powerful revival was conducted under the Rev. M. Bitler and the Rey. D. Griffis.

Among its early members were Ephraim Carmack and wife, Peter Youmans, wife, and several of his family; Joseph Blair, who for many years was class-leader ; Henry Miller, wife, and family; Mrs. Brightwell, who married John Vaughn, both of whom are now dead, and others. The present condition of this Church is prosperous, with some forty members. The Rev. E. A. Easton is in charge. Preaching once every two weeks.

About the year 1840 Gershom Rude, who was preaching at the Christian Church at Harrison, as well as working at the blacksmith trade, made occasional visits to the neighborhood of Macedonia, and preached to the people 'of that section in the old school-house district No. 4. In 1850 a new house was built, John Harper giving the ground and fifty dollars in cash, the members and friends assisting in various other ways. John McLain walked two miles every night, after doing a day's work, and split the lath. Among the pastors who have had charge of the Church are the following, in their order: Elders Rude, Balaridge, Campbell, Patterson (the latter for twenty years), James and Jonathan Henry. Elder Knowles Shaw, the distinguished singing evangelist, visited the place several times. Elizabeth Phillips and her sister, Catherine McLain, were the first persons baptized at the place. Among the old veterans of the Church, only Mr. and Mrs. Allen McLain are left. Both are in their seventy-ninth year, and have been married fifty-five years. Macedonia, in its greatest prosperity, numbered over two hundred members. Elder J. M. Land, of Harrison, is the present minister in charge. A Sundayschool is kept up most of the time, sustained regardless of denominations. Near the church is one of the old school-houses of the township. The Biddinger free turnpike crosses here also. Following are inscriptions from the cemetery:

There are many unmarked graves here, perhaps as many as seventy-five. The gable-end of the church, which is a frame, bears this: "And the disciples were - called Christians first at Antioch."

While the Methodist preachers were actively at work in this township in 1818, a meeting-house was built exactly in the south-east corner of Section 32, known as the

Mt. Tabor Church. Previous to 1818 services were held in a school-house where the Marsh district now is. The land on which the church stood was given by Mr. Barnes, who, with Joseph Boggett and his wife, old Mr. McKee and wife, Jonathan Vantrees and wife, Elizabeth Cogle, Isaac Frost, and others, were among the early members. A grave-yard was connected with the church, containing about one-fourth of an acre. Some of the persons buried here are Andrew Elliott, James and Robert McKane, Jonathan Vantrees and wife, and a number of others, who were founders of the Church.

The Lutheran Fairview Church stands in the southwest corner of Section 32. Solomon Biddinger gave the land - one acre - for church and burying purposes. Like the Mt. Tabor Church, the first services were held at the Marsh school-house. As members this Church had Frederic and Solomon Biddinger, with their wives; Martin Shupp, wife, and daughter; Enoch McHenry, and others. This Church was organized in 1832, and the house, a frame, was built in 1844. John Shroyer, who for nearly fifty years made his own coffins and acted as undertaker for the citizens of this and adjoining counties, perhaps burying as many as one thousand persons, was the contractor and builder. The subscription list amounted to $500. The Rev. B. W. Chidlaw delivered the dedication sermon, assisted in part by the Rev. John Surface and neighboring pastors. There are now no regular services held here; sometimes the United Brethren and Methodist ministers use the house. Mr. Solomon Biddinger still keeps the church in repairs, and says he intends to do so until his death.

One of the oldest churches in the township stood on the county line in the middle of Section 34. In 1817 it was an old church, and was fast going into decay. It was built of round logs. Connected with it was a burying-ground. Among those buried here are Nancy Ward, Polly, wife of Jeremiah Dunn, one of the pioneers of this county; Nancy Story, Polly McKance, sister of Jeremiah Dunn, and two children of Elizabeth Whitehead. These latter burials were made in 1827. At that time there were some fifty interments; the last were made in 1827. It is said that the renowned Indian fighter, Adam Poe, who fought with Big Foot, lies here. If true, this grave-yard is what is claimed for it, the oldest in the south side of the county. There is nothing left to mark the church site or the burying-ground. The highway from New Haven to Okeana passes over a portion of the old yard. The remainder is under a state of cultivation.

"The oldest in the township," says Mr. Chidlaw, " was located on the west side of Camp Run, near its mouth ; all traces of this first burial place are obliterated. John Halstead and Ephraim Carmack opened grave-yards on their farms, which the neighborhood used for many years.

lot for meeting-house and grave-yard, and until 1867, when the new cemetery was opened, this was the place where the dead found a sepulcher, and where nearly all the old settlers have been buried." Below are inscriptions from the old New London burying-ground:

Dr. William Thomas, a native of Wales, died October 29, 1831; aged 36 - leaving a wife and infant daughter. William Gwilym, a native of South Wales, died November 8, 1848; aged 82. Ann, wife of William Gwilym, a native of North Wales, died November 17, 1838, in the 74th year of her age. The grave of Hannah Gwilym, the wife of the Rey. B. W. Chidlaw, A. M., born August 14, 1816; died June 16, 1841. Two large white marble tombstones, without dates of any kind, bear the following simple but significant notices: ' Edward and Margaret Bebb;" the other, "'Evan R. Bebb."' In memory of Humphrey Evans, of North Wales, G. B., who departed this life September 1, 1821, in the 45th year of his

March 12, 1783; died August 26, 1821. John Vaughn, died September 4, 1848, in the 84th year of his age. Ruth Crosby, wife of John Vaughn, died August 5, 1825; aged 60. Hezekiah Shaw, born July 1, 1783; died July 22, 1860. Abel Appleton departed this life July 19, 1834; aged 62. Elizabeth Appleton, died June 13, 1862; aged 89. <A large sandstone slab reads: "' Here lies the remains of Evan Jones, a native of North Wales, G. B., who died November 28, 1840; aged 30." Arthur Mullen, died April 20, 1851; aged 73. To the memory of Jane Mullen, who departed this life July 18, A. D. 1855; aged 78. William Bebb, died October, 1852, in the 72d year of his age. Ann, wife of William Bebb, died March 30, 1849; aged 69.

This yard is now but seldom used. Among others buried here are the Wilkinses, Browns, Evanses, and others. William Evans died July, 1821. He was a native of North Wales. Maurice Jones and wife died in 1834.

The present fine New London Cemetery was bought in 1867 of Richard Manuel, at a cost of $128.25 per acre, containing very nearly ten acres. It is nicely fenced, and has a very strong stone vault, which was erected two or three years ago by some gentlemen from Venice, costing about one thousand dollars.

Among the inscriptions are: Peter Youmans, who died March 5, 1837; aged 60. The part Mr. Youmans played in this vicinity will be found in the Church history of Okeana. Sarah Youmans, died March 238, 1873; aged 94. Derran Youmans, died July 5, 1835; aged 20. Andrew Youmans, died March 15, 1873; aged 58. Robert Patterson, born.March 8, 1792; died May 14, 1876. Jane, wife of James D. Salisbury, died August 8, 1873; aged 75. John Henderson Scott, died July 13, 1872; aged 52. Henry Otto, died December 31, 1878; aged 68. Joseph Foster, born March 1, 1841; died June 10, 1871. Charles Ent, died June 20, 1847; aged 80. Mary, wife of Major Charles Ent, died April 15, 1859; aged 90. The Rey. A. F. Jones, died August 12, 1864; aged 31, John B, Davies, died April 2, 1877; in the 53d year of his age.

Davies, died August 17, 1866; aged 59. Also, Jane, his wife, who died August 18, 1866; aged 58; both natives of South Wales. Hannah, wife of Samuel Robinson, died October 12,

On the hill, north-west of Okeana one mile, is the old George burying-ground, on the south side of the original Scipio road, on Section 17. This yard was originated as a private ground. Quite recently an addition of three acres has been made to it. The inscriptions will tell the

Christopher Armstrong, died August 5, 1835; aged 38. John McLain, Sen., born in 1768; died June 18, 1842. In memory of Rachel Davis, who died February 18, 1839; aged 39. In memory of Meshach Dayis, born September 4, 1764; died October 11, 1845. In memory of Elizabeth, consort of Madison Congle, who departed this life August 20, 1839; aged 23. Joshua George, died February 25, 1836; aged 35. A cedar tree ten inches in diameter has grown over this grave. In memory of Isabelle, wife of Evan Jenkins, who died November 14, 1832; aged 37. Jemima, wife of Thomas Jolliffe, born November 17, 1790; departed this life March 31, 1847. Archey Handley, departed this life August 7, 1842; aged 53. In memory of Rebecca, wife of Archey Handley, who departed this life November 14, 1839; aged 50. Catherine, wife of Joshua George, died October 29, 1862; aged 61. Samuel Patterson, died December 5, 1853; aged 84. John Brown, died August 6, 1865; aged 50.

The Hickory Chapel Church, which enters so largely into the religious history of the township, was a place of worship in 1820. The Rev. Rees Lloyd, who was pastor of the Congregational Church, now of New London, wanting the house built on a particular site, bought the land, erected a peeled hickory log-house, and began his work. It was from these significant logs that the Church took its name. The inscriptions in the grave-yard are:

To the memory of the Rey. Rees Lloyd, who departed this life May 21, 1838, in the 80th year of his age. Sacred to the memory of Rachel, wife of Rees Lloyd, who departed this life April 25, 1847, in the 91st year of her age. Fanny Griffis, daughter of Rees and Rachel Lloyd, departed this life July 8, 1837, in the 54th year of her age. Sacred to the memory of David, son of Rees and Rachel Lloyd, who departed this life November 1, 1849, in the 61st year of his age. In memory of George Drybread, who died November 5, A. D. 1832, aged 79. Susanna, wife of George Drybread, departed this life October 7, 1839; aged 79. In memory of Robert Mahaffey, who departed this life August 26, 1833 ; aged 67. Nancy, wife of Robert Mahaffey, died March Zl 1852; aged 77. Jane, wife of James Mahaffey, born January 1, 1800, died September 1, 1855,

Among the other burial places in the township is the Marsh on the California free turnpike; about fifty interments were made here, mostly relations, On the farm ees ; : of Warner Wynn is a private burying-ground, which has es : . * NT ' . s ig ite 2 e ' ~ buried in it Nelli¢ Watkins, a woman who figured as a Witch in this region in early times.

an old settler, lies here also. In the same yard is Chester Agnew, a little boy. All these interments were made over sixty years ago. The Davis grave-yard, midway between Okeana and Scipio, has been thrown into the field by taking up the remains.

According to one local historian, this was a village situated on Dry Fork, in Section 34, on a strip of waste land now owned by the Shakers, at the north-east corner of the John Shroyer farm, one-half mile from the county line. Morgantown began with either Hugh Smith's gristmill or else the John Iseminger still-house. There were at this settlement, at various times, a flax-seed oil mill, by Smith & Robinson, a saw-mill, and a brewery; also a blacksmith's shop and an extensive cooper's shop. These establishments were in active operation from 1810 to 1830. In its most prosperous days the village was about the present size of Okeana. At this time there are no traces of the place left except an old log-house. In 1810 George Iseminger had a store here; also Smith & Robinson. Iseminger was at one time a miller and sawyer in the village. His brother-in-law, Rephart, was the brewer. William Easterbrooks, one of the eccentric characters of the township, lives in sight of the old village.

New London

New London, or '' Bagdad," as the boys at Bebb's High School used to call the place, was laid out about September, 1859. Although a village had long existed there, the old plat was mislaid. The village is entirely within Section 25, near the center. From 1806 to 1812 the following families came into the settlement, begun several years earlier by persons already given: William Evans and family, from North Wales, settled on the hill west of Dry Fork. William Jenkins and family, from Virginia, settled on Dry Fork. Two brothers, King and Alexander De Armond, natives of Pennsylvania, settled, the one on Paddy's Run, the other on Dry Fork. Many of their descendants are now living in this township. The Rev. Michael Bottenburg, from Maryland, a minister of the United Brethren Church, and John Merring, his son-in-law, came at the same time. Robert Mahaffey, from Pennsylvania, with a large family, settled on the hill between Paddy's Run and Dry Fork. The Rey. Hezekiah Shaw, a son-in-law of John Halstead, resided in the neighborhood and devoted his time to the service of the Methodist Episcopal Church, traveling extensive circuits. William D. Jones settled near Shields, and opened the first mercantile house in the township. Peter Youmans and family, from New Jersey, settled on the farm where he lived for many years. Ephraim Carmack, from Maryland, brought with him a team of eight horses and a genuine Conestoga wagon. He settled where Robert Reese now lives, He was a natural born team- | ster. He wasalso a great hunter, and but seldom returned skill in the chase. Finally he removed to Mercer County, Ohio, and was among the pioneers in that section. In 1817 the Rey. Rees Lloyd and family came from Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, and bought land on the hill west of the town.

In 1818 the following families, chiefly from Montgomeryshire, North Wales, made this valley their home: John C. Jones and Jane, his wife; Evan and Jane Morris, John and Jane Breese, Richard Jones and wife, William Davis and wife, the parents of the distinguished physicians, now of Cincinnati; George and Catharine Williams, Evan and Mary Humphreys, Griffith Breese and wife, and Humphrey Evans and wife. Connected with these families were a number of adult unmarried persons, - among them Francis Jones, who married Elizabeth Francis; John Evans, who married Sarah Nicholas; Deacon David Jones, who married Mrs. Mary Humphreys; John Swancott, who married Miss Mary Jones; David Davies, who married Miss Rachel Gwilym. The families of Evan Owens, Evan Davies, and Tubal Jones, from Cardiganshire, South Wales, were added to the families of this valley at this time.

From 1820 to 1830 many families from Wales found their way to Paddy's Run, adding to the general wealth of the community. Among them were Deacon Hugh Williams, from Anglesea, North Wales, who married Mrs. Eliza Gwilym Francis; Joseph Griffiths and Jane, his wife, with a large family of sons and daughters, from Carno, North Wales, who in 1837 removed to Allen County, Ohio; Henry Davis, from Ebensburg, Pennsy]lvania, who married Miss Mary Evans; Thomas Watkins, who married Miss Jane Evans; David Roberts, who married Miss Annie Nicholas; Rowland Jones and wife, and John Jones, who married Miss Jane Gwilym. In 1832 these families became the pioneer settlers of the large and prosperous Welsh community now found in Allen County, Ohio.

The first minister who preached in the settlement was the Rev. John W. Browne, 'of Cincinnati, a Congregationalist from England. He preached at the house of 'Edward Bebb, on Dry Fork; at Andrew Scott's, at the mouth of Paddy's Run; at John Vaughn's, on Paddy's Run, and David Lee's, on Lee's Creek. All the settlers through the country attended these meetings.

In July, 1803, at the house of David Lee, a committee, consisting of Mr. Browne, Asa Kitchel, Andrew Scott, Joab Comstock, and David Cunningham, was appointed to draft a constitution and articles of faith for the proposed religious society, and present it before the people. On September 3, 1803, at the house of John Templeton, on Dry Fork, near New Haven, the report of the committee was adopted. The society was called the Whitewater Congregational Church. The first members were Benjamin McCarty, Asa Kitchel, Joab Comstock, Andrew Scott, Margaret Bebb, Ezekiel Hughes, William and Ann Gwilym, David and Mary Francis.

In 1804, at the house of John Bennefield, in Crosby Township, Hamilton County, Ohio, Mr. Browne was ordained to preach the Gospel and administer the ordinances of the Church. The record shows that the Church appointed a committee of its own members to set apart this brother to the sacred office of the ministry. The flock thus folded met from Sabbath to Sabbath in the cabins of the members, and often under the shade of the forest trees. Mr. Browne lost his life in the Little Miami River, while on his way to fill an appointment in Clermont County, in 1812.

From 1810 to 1817 the records of the Church are lost. In 1817 the Rev. Rees Lloyd, of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, who came from Wales in 1795, was invited to accept the pastorate of the Church and preach in Welsh and English. In 1820 the Rey. Thomas Thomas, of Welsh parentage, but a native of England, emigrated to this country with his family, and was invited to act as co-pastor with Mr. Lloyd. He was a good scholar, and his efforts in this section greatly advanced the cause of religion. Mr. Lloyd gave up the pastorate of the Church; Mr. Thomas continued, and also established a school, which gained much celebrity. In 1823 Matthias Ollis and Roger Sargent were chosen deacons. Mr. Thomas preached in his. school-room, in dwelling-houses and in the wagon-shop of David Jones; and, when the weather was favorable, in the open air, beneath a grove of sugar trees, where Mrs. Eliza Williams now lives.

by forty-three feet, John Vaughn, a brother-in-law to Governor Bebb, burning the brick for the house just east of the village. Mr. Vaughn also burned most of the brick for the houses in New London, and many in the country at a distance. The Church was inclosed in 1824, and in 1825 the furniture was added. The first service within its walls was the funeral of Mrs. Ruth Vaughn. _ In 1827 Mr. Thomas gave up the call and accepted the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church of Venice. He labored here until his death in 1831. In the mean time Mr. Lloyd had retired from active work in the ministry. July, 1828, Rey. Thomas G. Roberts, of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, entered the pastorate and took charge of the Church, preaching in both languages. Failing health caused him to'return to his home in 1831. The Rey. Evan Roberts came to the neighborhood, preached seyeral months, when he returned to Steuben, New York, and died there in 1834.

In 1836 the Rey. B. W. Chidlaw, who had preached in the neighborhood for over a year, a resident of Radnor, Ohio, but at that time a student of Miami University, was called to the pastorate. He was ordained in May, 1836. Mr. Chidlaw continued in his work for seven years, advancing the cause of the Church and establishing a fine system of Sunday-schools throughout the

In 1843 the Rey. Ellis Howell, from England, entered the work and continued for several years. He was the pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Riley, Ohio, in 1876. Mr. Howell was followed by the Rev. Joseph H. Jones, from South Wales. In 1876 he was spending his old age at his home, in Randolph County, Indiana. Since that time the pastors have been James M. Pryse, now of Minnesota; D. W. Wilson, now of Tennessee ; J. M. Thomas, now of Pomeroy, Ohio; H. R. Price, who died in 1876; J. C. Thompson and George Candee, both in Northern Ohio; and John L. Davies, a graduate of Marietta College and a student of Lane Seminary, who was ordained by the Southern Ohio Conference, in Gallia County, and who entered upon his work in 1876, but who left in 1881. At present the Church has no regular pastor.

The deacons of the Church have been Joab Comstock, Asa Kitchel, Matthias Ollis, Roger Sargent, David Francis, David Jones, John Merring, Hugh Williams, David Davies, William Jones, John Gibbon, Thomas F. Jones, Abner Francis, and Robert Reese. The membership numbers about one hundred and fifty. Liberal bequests have been made to the American Bible Society and the American Missionary Society by Deacons Hugh Williams and William Jones. Miss Ann Evans, Deacon David Francis, and Mrs. Elizabeth Gwilym have bequeathed a generous sum for the support of their Church. The fund is safely invested and the interest available for the purpose designed.

The first Sunday-school was organized in 1819, in a private house, and superintended by Benjamin Lloyd. In 1821 a supply of books, published by the American Sunday-school Union, was secured. The school has continued ever since, and now numbers about one hundred and fifty scholars. For many years a school was held in the old church, conducted in the Welsh language, which the old people greatly enjoyed. There are weekly prayermeetings. From the beginning a monthly meeting for the transaction of\business has been held.

Church clerks have been, in 1804, James Scott; from 1820-27, the Rev. Thomas Thomas; from 1828-40, Evan Davies; in 1840, Thomas F. Jones, who was followed in 1871 by Griffith Morris. a healthy administration.

The St. Aloysius Catholic Church of New London was built in 1878. It is a handsome brick building, capable of seating three hundred people. Its history begins in 1873 or 1874, and extends, with variations, to the present time. The membership numbers about twenty families. The church is thirty by sixty feet, and cost $4,000, all of which is paid. The money by which it was built was contributed mostly at Hamilton, the members here hauling the stone, brick, and lumber.

Clark, was in a log school-house, built in 1807, on the land now owned by Thomas Shields, and taught by Miss Polly Willey. Her salary was seventy-five cents a week, boarding around. She taught her twenty scholars reading and spelling. Mr. Jenkins succeeded her in 1808, and was noted for his method of teaching morals and manners. Before dismissing his scholars at noon he collected them around a large table in the center of the room, and, after asking a blessing, acted as 'autocrat of the dinner table," requiring silent attention from all. In 1809 another school was opened in a rented log cabin on Dry Fork, in the western part of the township. Here Adam Mow taught a subscription school, at $1.50 per scholar for a term of three months. In 1810 the people in the vicinity of Paddy's Run met together and built a log-house, with a cat-and-clay chimney, wooden latch, slab benches, board roof, and two small windows, but provided with no blackboards, maps, or globes. Here children were taught to read in the New Testament, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and American Preceptor, and to write and cipher in Bennett's and Pike's Arithmetics, graduating at the '"'rule of three." This school was kept going until 1819, when David Lloyd, a graduate from Philadelphia, was employed to teach. He introduced grammar and geography, and classified his scholars in these branches and in arithmetic. Before this each pupil recited by himself. Before 1819 the general government had made some provision to help the schools by appropriating Section 16 in every township for this purpose. The land was finally sold, and the money divided, pro rata, among the schools.

In 1821 the Rey. Thomas Thomas, father of the late T. E. Thomas, D. D., established a high school, in which he taught, for a number of years, advanced students in grammar, geography, arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. In 1821 the Union Library Association of Morgan and Crosby Townships was formed. In 1826, when the schools were organized under the new State law, the people were eager to avail themselves of its advantages. A new school-house was built, and William Bebb, who became Governor of Ohio in 1846, was the first teacher employed under the State law.

As early as 1825 there were township examiners to decide upon the qualifications of teachers. The Hon. James Shields was the first examiner. Excepting Prof. McGuffey, he was perhaps the best educated man in the county, taking a leading part in all educational enterprises. He was educated at Glasgow, Scotland. He examined Governor Bebb, Evan Davies, and other noted teachers. From 1828 to 1832 Governor Bebb was township examiner. Evan Davies taught here for six or seven years, commencing in 1830. He was for forty years one of the most prominent educators in Butler County, being county examiner from 1840 to 1869. After Mr. Bebb, the Rey. Benjamin Lloyd and the Rey.

These eminent teachers gave a good education to those who have since furnished pupils and teachers for their schools. Among the most noted in the Rey. Thomas Thomas's school were Charles Sheldon, author of Sheldon's book-keeping, and the late T. I. Thomas, D. D.} of Lane Seminary. Mr. Evan Davies built up and popularized the common schools, and prepared pupils for the high school. He taught more on the modern plan, preparing some eminently successful teachers. We mention T. F. Jones, Griffith Morris, Evan Morris, and M. R. Shields. These gentlemen conducted the schools here and in the neighboring villages with great success for many years. Mr. M. R. Shields afterwards filled the office of Surveyor in this county for a number of years: Mr. Evan Morris graduated in civil engineering in the College of Cincinnati, under Prof. Mitchel, the distinguished mathematician and astronomer. Some distinguished editors attended Mr. Chidlaw's school, the best known of whom is Murat Halstead, of the Cincinnati Commercial, whose father, Colonel Griffin Halstead, still lives here.

In 1852 or 1853 a new library association was formed and about one thousand volumes of standard literature purchased for it, free to all people to read.

In 1858 the academy, or high school, was organized on a more permanent basis. Twelve of the most prominent citizens were appointed as directors. They employed David W. McClung as principal, at a salary of three dollars per day The public school was also at this time divided into two departments. The Misses Atherton were teachers for several years. Of the noted teachers in the high school we might mention the Rev. David Wilson and the Rey. Mark Williams. A large number of the principals of the high school who have been here are now filling high professional positions as preachers, lawyers, and doctors elsewhere.

On December 10, 1869, the New London special school was organized, and Messrs. Joab Scheel, Evan Evans, and Thomas Appleton were appointed the first board of directors. They employed as principal Samuel McClelland, a former pupil of the high school, and a graduate of the Miami University. In 1871 a fare and beautiful lot of about three acres was purchased, and a commodious brick school-house erected, containing four departments and costing about $13,000.

Miss Florence Shafer was the only lady teacher ever employed in the high school: In 1872 Professor Clark Was again employed as principal, and remained: so until his death in 1880. He was a man of fine ability.

Morgan, Wm. S. Brandenburg, George Atherton, Josiah Gwaltney, John L. Evans, James Brundage, Henry Sefton, R. W. Griffiths. At that time William B. Dodds was M. W. G. M. of Ohio, and John D. Caldwell, R. W. G. Sec'y. The hall was built in 1856, being an addition over Dr. Shaw's store-room, costing $865. At present there are thirty active members.

Edward Jones and George Atherton built the New London saw-mill in 1854. Richard M. Evans was the second proprietor; then A. H. Guthrie and George Grooms. The present owner is John L. Jones.

In 1838 Charles Lyle erected a brewery in the village, which continued to run until 1842. A portion of the machinery was bought of the Shakers, who about 1835 brewed at the Center village.

There was a tan-yard one-fourth of a mile below the village at one time, owned by the Shields Brothers. Another occupied a site on Buck Run, on the north-east corner of Section 15, owned by Abram Conwell.

Probably the first tavern-keeper in New London was John G. Randall, in 1830; his place of business was where Mrs. James T. De Armond now resides. Hamilton Blackburn followed from 1830 to 1835 in the same house. Then came Charles Lyle, who left in 1842. From 1842 to 1860 Job Wooley had a tavern in the house where the post-office now is. Part of the house was of logs. Since 1848 Henry Robinson has been the village tavern-keeper, in the lower end of the town, in a brick house.

Alert

Alert is a post-office connected with an old-fashioned country-store, on Howard's Creek, in Section 28, near the west line, equally distant from the north and south side. Sometime between 1817 and 1820 a school-house stood opposite John Iseminger's store, in which David Lloyd, an old bachelor, acted as one of the teachers. The post-office was established in 1850, but not at this point. The only postmaster has been John Iseminger, who came here in March, 1842, residing here ever since, during which time he has been selling goods, with the exception of two years, in 1853 and 1854, when King De Armond filled the position. Mr. Iseminger began as an auctioneer in 1836, and has followed the business ever since. From 1856 to 1880 he has cried four hundred and fifty-one sales. Previous to this date no records were kept. Mr. Iseminger was born at Iseminger's mill, February 26, 1808. He attended Governor Bebb's school when he taught at Hickory Chapel; he lived all his life on Howard's Creek, and is one of the well-known men in the country. When the mails first began to arrive at Alert they were weekly; then, semi-weekly; then, tri-weekly ; and now, daily.

Section No, 27 is a tract of land entered by Edward Bebb, father of the Governor, split into halves by Dry Fork. The red brick house in which Charles Sater now

The Bebb school, which is referred to frequently, stood south of the brick one hundred yards, in the field now under a state of cultivation. Among the scholars who attended here, many of whom boarded with their teacher, was Judge Carter, now of Cincinnati, who says the '"'red brick house was a palace in its day," and that the ''foundation-stone were brought from Dayton on the canal to Hamilton, and from there hauled to their destination ;" also, that 'the governor was noted for keeping poor fires, which sometimes made it difficult to keep warm." <A part of the old school-building is now - occupied by William Easterbrooks. Other scholars were William Dennison, who became governor of Ohio in 1861; Hon. G. M. Shaw, of Indiana; Hon. Daniel Shaw, a member of the first Legislature of Louisiana after the late war; and Hon. Peter Melindy, of Iowa. This school was patronized by many of the wealthy citizens of Cincinnati and the Southern States.

In 1813 a company of volunteers was raised in Morgan Township, under the command of Captain W. D. Jones. The house of John Vaughn was the place of rendezvous. 'They marched with other troops to the relief of General Hull, then threatened by the British. On their way through the forest they suffered for food. Near Fort Wayne, Indiana, they captured three bushels of parched corn, in bark boxes, secreted by the Indians, and on this they subsisted until they reached the fort. ' Hull having surrendered, they returned. One of their number, Samuel Harding, died of disease contracted in the service. In 1861 thirty-eight volunteers enlisted in the Fifth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and during the war a large number entered the army.