Shelby County, Ohio - The whole text, 1883 (part 18 of 30)

was born in Warren county, Ohio, Feb. 3. 1798. He married Miss Elizabeth Shaver, in 1818, then of Warren County, Ohio, but a native of Kentucky, by whom lie reared three children, viz., George, Sarah A., and Sidney. Two of these are now living, viz., Sarah A. and Sidney. In 1849 Mr. and Mrs. Hogan moved to hlielby County, purchased and settled on the farm in fractional section 36, Jackson Township, on which lie has since resided. His companion died September 7, 1856, aged 69 years, 2 months, and 6 days. On the 7th of October, 1857, he married Mrs. Hannah Meranda, nee Lowe, with whom he is now living. He has made farming his principal business through life.

deceased, was born in Maryland, in 17-5. He migrated to Ohio in 1814 and located in Montgomery County, where, on the 2d day of March, 1817, he married Miss Catharine Brenner, daughter of Lewis and Dorothy Brenner. Miss Brenner was born in Virginia, July 12, 1795, and came to Ohio with her parents in 1814, and settled in Montgomery County. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg settled on a farm in Montgomery County, remained until 1839, when they came to Shelly County, made improvements, and settled on the farm in Jackson Township, now owned by their son Lewis W. Brandenburg, where Mr. Brandenburg died in November, 1846. Mrs. Brandenburg remained on the farm in Jackson Township with her children, until they all grew to be men and women and were married. In 1866, she left the farm, and has, since that time, been making her home with her children. For the last ten years she has been staying with her son Joel Brandenburg in Franklin Township, where she is now residing at the advanced age of 87 years. In about 1859, she had the misfortune to lose her eyesight by a cataract, and has since been in darkness. She reared a family of eight children, viz., Elizabeth, Lewis W., Samuel, Dorothy A., Christina, Joel, Catharine, and Mary. Elizabeth, Samuel, and Dorothy are dead.

son of Samuel and Catharine Brandenburg, was born in Montgomery' County, Ohio, February 9, 1821, where his minority days were passed on a farm. In 1839, he came with his parents to Shelby County*, and settled on the farm, a part of which is now owned and occupied by him in Jackson Township. On the 6th of Decemlier, 1846, lie married Miss Mary R. Bnlieoek, daughter of William and Rebecca Babcock, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, September 24, 1820, and came to Jackson Township, this county, in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburgli settled in the southern part of Jackson Township, remained about two years, or until 1849, when they moved to Port Jefferson, where he engaged at the cooper trade, which he followed as his vocation until 1856, when they returned to Jackson Township, and settled on a part of the home farm, on which he has since resided, and conducted the business of farming with success. They have two children, viz., Lissette S. and Mary L. He has filled the ollice of township trustee for several years.

deceased, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, August 26, 1817, where he passed his minority days. . In 1837, he came to Ohio and located in Miami County, where, on the 1st of February', 1843, he married Miss Lucinda Hughes of Miami County, who was born August 1, 1819. Soon after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hawver came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on the farm in section 33, Jackson Township, now owned and occupied by his widow, Mrs. Lucinda Hawver, on which he died December 12, 1880, leaving a wife and two children, George W. and William, and many friends to mourn the loss of a kind husband, indulgent parent, and a good citizen. , retired farmer, was born near Bloomfield, Perry County, Pa., August 17, 1808. In 1830, he married Miss Mary Titler, of Cumberland County, Pa., who was born March 6, 1810. In April, 1831, Mr. and Mrs. McCord moved to Ohio and located in Montgomery County', remained about three years, or until August, 1834, when they came to Shelby County', entered, made improvements, and settled on a piece of land in section 33, Jackson Township, on which they have since resided. They reared a family of four children, viz., Elizabeth, Sarah, Uriah, and David. Elizabeth and David are now dead. Mr. McCord is, without doubt, the oldest settler now living in the township. When he came, he says, there were only three families in what is now Jackson Township, viz., James McCormick, Andrew Nogglc, and Thomas Cathcart.

deceased, was born in Montgomery County, Virginia, May 10, 1811. He moved to Ohio in 1831, and located in Clarke, where, on the 2d of June, 1835, he married Miss Maria A. Howell, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Howell. Miss Howell was born in Harrison County, Virginia, June 7, 1817, and came to Clarke County with her parents in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Akers settled in Clarke County, remained until in 1840, when they came to Shelby County and moved on the farm now owned by John Iseman, in section 19, Jackson Township. They owned and lived on three different farms in Jackson Township until in 1860, when they moved to Montra, where he died July 14, 1862. His companion survived him, and is residing in Montra. They reared a family of eight children, viz., Lewis, Elizabeth, Francis M., Jonathan, Mary L., Malinda, Napoleon B., and Amanda L., all of whom are yet living. Francis M. served nearly three years in the war of 1861.

deceased, was born in Virginia, now West Virginia, March 30, 1799. He married Miss Lydia Davis of Tyler County, Virginia. In 1831, Mr. and Mrs. Sayrs moved to Ohio and located in Clarke County, remained about five years, or until in 1836, when they came to Shelby County, entered, made improvements on section 17, Jackson Township, on which they lived many years. Mrs. Sayrs died February 7, 1865. He died August 16, 1881. They reared a family of three children, viz., Lewis, Granville, and Emeline. Lewis and Granville are now dead.

son of Benjamin and Anna Glick, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 8, 1831, where his minority days were spent on a farm. In - April, 1852, he married Miss Ellen Ware, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Decemlier 6, 1831, daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth Ware. In 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Glick came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on a farm in section 10, Jackson Township, on which they lived about five years, or until 1862, when he sold his farm in section 10, purchased and moved on the farm in section 16, same township, where they are now residing. They have a family of six children, viz , Joab C., Almiua J., Elmer E., Mary E., Ellen T., and Emery I). O. He filled the office of township treasurer of Jackson two years. He has made farming his principal vocation, and now owns a farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres of good land.

was born in Hessen, North Germany, October 3, 1843. He is a son of John Linker, who was born in Hessen, North Germany, in 1816. He married Miss Martha E. Krause in 1840, a native of Hessen, North German}', where she was born, January 4, 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Linker emigrated to America with a family of three children, landing in New York City ; from there they continued their journey westward until they reached Shelby Count} - , Ohio, and, in October, 1854, they located in Jackson Township, on the farm in section 18, near Montra, now owned and occupied by their son John Linker, where Mr. Linker died March 28, 1862. His companion still survives him, and is now making her home with her son John on the home farm near Montra. He served five years in the army while in his native country. He reared a family of five children, viz., John, Valentine, Felt, William, and Mary.

- John Linker, subject of this sketch, came to Shelby County with his parents in 1854, and has since been a resident of Jackson Township. He received a common German education while in his native country, and an English education after locating in this county, and can speak and write both the German and English languages. In the spring of 1874, he was elected trustee of Jackson Township, was re-elected twice, and served three successive terms. In the spring of 1877, he was elected treasurer of Jackson Township, was re-elected and served two successive terms. In October, 1879, he was elected commissioner of Shelby County, and is now Ailing the office with much honor to himself, and entire satisfaction to his constituents.

On the 29th of July, 1866, he married Miss Paulina Kriger, then of Fort Wayne, Indiana, but a native of Hessen, Germany, where she was born December 10, 1846, and came to America in 1865. By this union he has a family of five children, viz., John, Louisa, Matilda, George, and Albert.

son of John and Artemete Fry, was born in Licking County, Ohio, September 30, 1836. He moved to Morrow County, Ohio, in 1854, with his parents, where, on the 12th of January, 1858, he married Miss Lydia Stonestreet, who was born in Morrow County, November 10, 1837. In November, 1861, Mr. and Mrs. Fry came to Shelby County and located in Salem Township, remained about one year, then moved to Jackson Township, remained about one year, then he purchased and moved on a farm three miles southwest of Botkins, Ifinsmore Township, on which they lived until in February, 1879, when they returned to Jackson Township, purchased and moved on the farm in section 29, on which they are now living. They have a family of ten children, two sons and eight daughters. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns a good farm of eighty acres on which he resides.

was born in Jackson Township, Shelby Count}', January 24, 1839. He is a son of James and Elizabeth McCormick, who were the first settlers in what is now Jackson Township. His minority days were spent on the farm with his parents. He has made farming his principal vocation, and now owns a farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres in section 13, on which he has resided since 1872. He has filled the office of treasurer of Jackson Township five years, and is now occupying that position, in October, 1861, be enlisted in Company K, 57 0. V. I., served about seventeen mouths, and was discharged from the service in April, 1863, on account of disability. On the 2d of November, 1863, he married Miss Elizabeth Hawver, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Ilawver. Miss Ilawver was born in Miami County, Ohio, January 25, 1839, and came to Jackson Township, this county, in 1856.

deceased, was born in Loudon County, Virginia, June 24, 1788. He married Miss Elizabeth Maxson, of Harrison Count}", Virginia, where she was born November 4, 1793. In 1831, Mr. and Mrs. Howell migrated to Ohio and located in Clarke County, remained until in 1838, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on a part of the N. E. Q. of section 18, Jackson Township, on which they lived until in 1864 or '5, when he purchased and moved on a farm near Jackson centre, on which he died July 27, 1870, aged 82 years, 2 months, and 3 days. His companion survived him until January 31, 1881, when she died at Montra. Mr. Howell served in the war of 1812, and received a land warrant for his services. He reared a family of thirteen children, seven of whom are yet living, viz., Mary L., Maria A., Simeon M., Amos R. W., Benjamin F., Rachel M., and Pleasant E., all of whom are now citizens of Shelby County except Rachel M., whose is living in Illinois.

was born in Alsace, France, August 16, 1831. His father, Jacob Bonnoront, deceased, was born in Alsace, France, October 13, 1807. In 1830 he married Miss Catharine Madder, who was born in Alsace, France, January 4, 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Bonnoront with one child emigrated to America in 1840, and located in Stark County, Ohio, remained until the autumn of 1842, when they came to Shelby County, and located in Green Township near New Palestine, remained until March, 1843, when they moved to Jackson Township, purchased land in section 7, where Mr. Bonnoront passed the remainder of his days. He died January 18, 1882. His companion is still surviving him, and is residing on the home farm with her son, Jacob Bonnoront, at the advanced age of eighty years. He reared two children, Jacob and George. George Bonnoront died August 14, 1861. Jacob Bonnoront, subject of this sketch, has made farming his vocation, and now owns the home farm in section 7 ; also eighty acres of good land, same section, on which he is conducting the business of farming with success. On the 3d of February, 1853, be married Miss Elizabeth Bierliue, then of Auglaize County, Ohio, born in New Orleans June 19, 1834, daughter of Nicholas and Catharine Bierline. He has a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters. He filled the office of trustee of Jackson Township about four years.

deceased, was born in Alsace, France, in 1796. He married Miss Cath. arine Elsass, in 1818, who was born in Alsace, France, in 1799. Mrand Mrs. Metz, with six children, emigrated to America in 1840, and located in Stark County, Ohio, remained until 1849, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on the west half of section 34, Jackson Township, joining on the Auglaize County line, on which they lived until 1862, when they moved on the farm in section 5 with their son Jacob, with whom they made their home until death took them away. Mr. Metz died February 26, 1864. His companion died January 16, 1879. He made farming his vocation. He reared a family of six children, viz., Philip, Christian, Catharine, Sophia, Elizabeth, and Jacob.

son of the above-named Jacob and Catharine Metz, was born in Alsace, France, in April, 1839, and came to Shelby County with his parents in 1849, as aforesaid, and has since been a resident of Jackson Township. On the 25th of December, 1861, he married Miss Catharine Gross, who was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, December 15, 1842. They settled on the farm in section 5. Jackson Township, on which they have since resided. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns a farm of four hundred and forty acres, on which he is conducting the business with success. He has a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters.

was born in Jackson Township, Shelby County, March 20, 1838. He is a son of Reuben and Elizabeth Claton, who came from Green County, Ohio, to Shelby County in 1835. entered, made improvements, and settled on a part of section 26, Jackson Township, on which they lived many years. Mrs. Claton died March 4, 1851. Mr. Claton remained on the farm until 1875, when he moved to Port Jefferson, where he died in 1879. He reared a family of ten children, viz., William, Anna, Jesse, John, Susan, David, George, Henry N., Lewis, and Mary, three of whom are now dead, viz., William, David, and Lewis. David died in the war of 1861. Henry N. served about three months in the late war

Henry N. Claton, subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and has made farming his principal vocation. On the 4th of May, 1862, he married Miss Lucy Stewart, then of Salem Township, this county, daughter of Thomas Stewart, born in Logan County, Ohio, July 4, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Claton settled on the farm in section 27, Jackson Township, where they have since resided. They have a family of four children, viz., Carriliie I., Francis M., Reuben N., and Minnice E. In March, 1865, he enlisted in Company D, 191st O. V. I., and was discharged June 6, 1865.

was born at Northampton, Clarke County, Ohio, January 2, 1843. His father, Morris W. Littlejohn, was born in Berkley County, Virginia, April 30, 1813. He came to Ohio in April, 1834, and located in Clarke County, where, on the 10th of November, 1839, he married Miss Sarah Sutton, then of Clarke County, but a native of Greene County, Ohio, born January 4, 1813. Mr. and Mrs. L., with a family of four children, came to Shelby County in 1849, and located in Port Jefferson, remained about two years, then moved back to Clarke County. Two years later, or in 1853, they returned to this county, and again settled in Port Jefferson. On the 17th of September, 1856, they moved to Jackson Township, and settled on a farm in section 16, and remained about two years. In 1858 they moved on a farm in section 22, now owned and occupied by his widow, Mrs. Sarah Littlejohn, on which Mr. Littlejohn died August 9, 1874. He reared a family of five children, viz., George W., Mary A., Margaret J., Florence A., and Marion O.

George W. Littlejphn, subject of this sketch, came to Jackson Township with his parents in 1856, as aforesaid. August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, 110th O. V. 1., served until October 2, 1865, when he was discharged from the service, and returned to his home in Jackson Township. While engaged in the battle of Winchester, Virginia, on the 14th of June, 1863, he was wounded by a Millie ball striking him on the left arm near the elbow, which rendered his arm nearly useless for some time. He also received a flesh wound across the stomach in the same battle, and now draws a pension on account of injuries received in that battle. On the 3d of January, 1867, he married Miss Emily A. Smith, then of Jackson Township, but a native of Champaign County, Ohio, born February 3, 1845, daughter of John H. and Elizabeth Smith. By this union he has a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns a farm of ninetysix acres in section 27, Jackson Township, on which he has resided since 1876. He filled the office of trustee of Jackson Township four years.

1841. His minority days were spent on a farm, and he has made farming his principal vocation through life. On the 18th of August, 1861 , he enlisted in Company B, 20th O. V. I., served until Sept. 8, 1862, when he was discharged from the service on account of disability, and returned to his home in Shelby County. Dec. 2, 1863, he was elected and commissioned as Captain of Company F, 2d regiment of 6hio militia, and served as such until the disorganization of the company. On the 3d of Nov. 1864, he married Miss Sarah C. Erven, daughter of James and Lueretia Erven, who was born in the State of Indiana Dec. 21, 1841, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Staley settled on the farm in section 31, Jackson Township, where they have since resided. They have a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. In the spring of 1881 he was elected as one of the trustees of Jackson Township, was re-elected in April, 1882, and is now filling the office. Jan. 13, 1877, he was licensed and approved as a preacher of the gospel in the United Brethren Church, and after four years of hard study and close application to his books, he was ordained a minister of the gospel in the U. B. Church, and is now eligible to election of an elder in the church.

was born in Green County, O., March 31, 1834. He is a son of Robert and Maria Moodie. When he was yet a small child his parents moved to Logan County, O., remained a short time, then moved to Sidney, Shelby County, where they lived about four years, then removed to Logan County and located in Quincy, remained until 1849, when they moved to Bloomfield Township, same county, and located on a piece of land near the Shelby County line. In 1855 they' moved to Jackson Township and located one mile south of Jackson Centre, remained one year, or until 1856, when they moved to the village of Jackson Centre, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs Moodie died in the early part of the year 1857, and Mr. Moodie in the latter part of the same year. He was a carpenter and millwright by trade, which he made his principal vocation through life. He reared a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living, viz., Sarah, Peter M., Jane, Samuel, Christena, Maria, Robert, and John. Peter and Samuel served in the war of 1861.

John Moodie, subject of this sketch, began working at the carpenter and millwright trade with his father when about fourteen years of age, and when at the age of twenty'-one years he commenced carding on the business of carpentering and millwrighting, which business he has since conducted with success in Shelby and Logan counties. He has been a citizen of Jackson Township, this county, since 1855. In the fall of 1870 he was elected as one of the justices of the peace for Jackson Township, has been re-elected each«te'rm, and is now serving on the last year of his fourth term, having been re-elected three times in a township that the opposite political part3' has a large majorit3' of the votes cast. He filled the office of township treasurer one year. He has been twice married - first on the 18th of March, 1858, to Elizabeth Claton, who was born in Jackson Township, this county, March 7, 1838, daughter of John H. and Phebe Claton. By this union he had one child, Mary A. Moodie. His companion died Feb. 21, 1860. On the 27th of April, 1865, he married Elvira Maxwell, who was born in Salem Township, Shelby County, May 20, 1836, daughter of Edley r Maxwell, by whom he has three children, viz., Effy L., George W., and Grace M. Effy L. is now dead. Mr. Moodie is now carrying on the business of undertaking and a general repair shop at Jackson Centre, in connection with his trade.

1842, and located in Franklin Township. He was one of a family of fifteen children. He made farming his principal vocation until 1868, when he sold his farm, moved to Montra, where he, in company with E. P. and B. F. Ailes, engaged in the sawmill business, in 'which he continued manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of hardwood lumber until the time of his death. In the spring of 1872 he was elected justice of the peace of Jackson Township, which position he was holding when death took him away. He filled the office of township trustee for Jackson two terms, and assessor three terms. On the 22d of April, 1852, he married Miss Melissa J. Young, daughter of Philip and Keziah Young, born in Franklin Township, this county, May 25, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Ailes settled in Franklin Township, remained until 1864, when they moved to Jackson Township. They lived on two different farms until 1868, when they sold their farm and moved to Montra, where Mrs. Ailes now resides. Mr. Ailes died March 19, 1882, leaving a wife and three childreu, viz., Hiram P., John F., and Ethan D., to mourn the loss of a husband and father. He was a good citizen, and highly esteemed by all who knew him.

was born in Fairfield County, O., on the 11th of April, 1825. He is a son of Benjamin and Anna Glick. On the 28th of February, 1847, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob Woodring, of Fairfield County, where she was born in 1828. Mr. and Mrs Glick came to Shelby County in March, 1848, purchased, made improvements, and settled on the farm in section 5, Jackson Township, on which he has since resided, and made farming his vocation, which he has conducted successfully, and now owns a farm of two hundred acres of good land. His companion died April 10, 1869, leaving him with a family of eight children, viz., Sevilla, Lewis B , Levi M., Enon U., John P., Delila J., Sarah S., and L3'dia M., all of whom are yet living, and are citizens of Shelby County. On the 9th of September, 1869, he married Mrs. Drtiscilla Bland, nee Meranda, then of this county, but a native of Clarke County, Ohio, where she was born April 20, 1830, and came to this county with her parents, Newland and Hannah Meranda, who settled in Port Jefferson, remained until 1840, when they came to Jackson Township and settled on a farm two miles south of Jackson Centre. B3' this union Mr. Glick has one child, Edmond J. Glick.

son of Joab and Mary Glick, was born in Jackson Township, this count3', October 18, 1849. He was reared on a farm, and has made farming his vocation, except about five years, duriug which time he was working at the carpenter trade. On the 5th of December, 1872, he married Miss Samantha A. Bland, of Jackson Township, where she was born Jnl3' 20, 1854, daughter of Rolla and Druscilla Bland. By this union he has three children, Alvin II., Mary D., and Rolla J. He is now living on his father's home farm, on which he is conducting the business of farming.

deceased, was born in England October 29, 1815. He emigrated to America in 1843, and located in Clarke County, Ohio. In September, 1847, he married Miss Maty Smith, then of Champaign Count3', Ohio, but a native of England, where she was born July 28, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Foster settled in Champaign Count3\ remained until 1864, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and settled on a farm of one hundred and sixt3 - acres, one mile northeast of Montra, in sections 7 and 8, Jackson Township, on which Mr. Foster died September 8, 1873, leaving his wife and eight children, viz., Elizabeth I., William S., Anna K., Mary B., Maria P., Alice J., Frances E., and John R., to mount the loss of a husband and father. Mrs. Foster remained ,011 the farm until Februar3', 1874, when she moved to Montra, where she now resides. Two of the children, Maty B. and Maria P., are now dead. Mr. Foster made farming his principal vocation through life.

deceased, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, in 1827. He was reared on a farm, and made farming his vocation through life. In 1845 he came with his mother, Elizabeth Baker (his father being dead), to Shelby County, and located on the farm in section 30, Jackson Township, now owned and occupied by his son, W. C. Baker, on which he passed the remainder of his days. In 1846 lie married Miss Margaret Critten, then of Shelby County, but a native of Virginia, where she was born in October, 1826, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1837. By this union he reared a famil3' of four children, viz., William C., Mary E., Francis M , and John II. Mr. Baker died November 7, 1872. His companion survived him until January 2, 1882.

eldest son of Jefferson and Margaret Baker, was born July 22, 1847, in Jackson Township, on the farm in section 30, where he now resides. His education was received in the common schools of Jackson Township, and by close application to his books at home, he is what we might call a self-educated man. In 1868 he began teaching school, which he followed as his vocation in connection with farming. Teaching in the winter and farming during the summer months until 1881, when he retired from teaching, and has since then given all of his time to farming, which he is conducting with success, and now owns the old home farm of one hundred and twenty' acres in section 30, on which he resides. In 1878 he was elected clerk of Jackson Township, which office he filled until April, 1882. March 31, 1872, he married Miss Mary C. Thompson, by whom he had one child, viz., Allen Baker. His companion died November 23, 1875. On the 8th of April, 1876, he married Eureka Smith, by whom he had two children, Nora and Milton.

Mr. Iseman was born in Germany, on the banks of the Rhine River, November 28, 1825. When he had attained the age of seven years, or in the beginning of the year 1833, his parents, Jacob and Barbara Ise- man, emigrated to America with their family, and located in Stark County, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. On the 6th of April, 1848, he married Miss Salome Leinger, of Stark County, Ohio, born July 9, 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Isemau, in company with his parents, came to this county in 1849, purchased, and moved on the farm in section 19, Jackson Township, near Montra, now owned by John Iseman, subject of this sketch, where his mother, Barbara Iseman, died in August, 1869. His father, Jacob Iseman, died in Montra in October, 187,5. Mr. Iseman conducted the business of farming as his vocation until January, 1867, when he engaged in the mercantile business in Montra, which he has since been conducting with success, dealing in drygoods, groceries, hardware, boots, shoes, hats, caps, notions, drugs, etc. etc. In the fall of 1868 he rented his farm, and moved his family to Montra, where they are now residing. In the spring of 1868 he was appointed post-muster, and has since filled the position.

was born in Germany, October 8, 1842. He is a son of Henry and Anna Kauffeld. His mother died when he was but five years of age. When he had attained the age of twelve years, or in 1854, he came with his father to America, landing in New York City. They continued their journey westward until they reached Shelby County, Ohio, and located in Jackson Township, and have since been citizens of the township. He served about nine months in the war of 1861. On the 9th of May, 1865, he married Miss Elizabeth Corn, then of Jackson Township, but a native of Auglaize County, Ohio, born September 9, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Kauffeld settled on the farm in section 8, on which they have since resided. They have a family of eight children, two sons and six daughters. He has made farming his principal vocation, and now owns a good farm of eighty acres. He served as one of the trustees of Jackson Township two years, and assessor of the township two years. His father is still living at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, and is making his home with him on the farm.

son of Nicholas and Elizabeth Gross, was born in Germany December 18, 1818 When he had attained the age of nine years, or in 1827, his parents emigrated to America, and located in Stark County, Ohio, where young Gross grew to manhood on a farm. In 1841 he married Miss Catharine Rinehart, a native of Germany'. Soon after his marriage he moved to Auglaize County, Ohio, and settled on a farm four miles southeast of St. Johns in Clay Township, remained until 1850, when he came to Shelby County, and settled near Plattsviile in Green Township, remained about two years, or until 1852, when he came to Jackson Township, purchased, and settled on the farm in section 33, on which he now resides. He has made farming his principal vocation through life, and now owns a farm of three hundred and seventy acres of good land in Jackson Township, on which he is conducting the business of farming with success, and is classed among the leading farmers in the county. He reared a family of eleven children, viz., Elizabeth, Christian, Abraham, Caroline, Sophia, Samuel, Magdalena, Sarah, Daniel, Catharine, and Solomon, all of whom are yet living except Abraham, who died in 1862. His son Christian served in the war of 1861. His companion died in February, 1869. On the 18th of June, 1869, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Gross nee Lininger, a native of Germany, where she was born Jauuary 20, 1819, with whom he is now living.

deceased, was born in Alsace, France, February 26, 1819. He married Miss Magdalena Munch of Alsace, France, who was born on the lltli of October, 1818. In the autumn of 1847, Mr. and Mrs. Heintz, with three children, emigrated to America, and located in Clay Township, Auglaize County, Ohio, remained one year, or until 1848, when they came to this county, entered, made improvements, and settled on a part of section 32, Jackson Township, on which they resided about four years, or until 1852, when he sold his land in section 32, purchased and moved on a farm in section 18, near Montra, on which he passed the remainder of his days. His companion died August 10, 1854, leaving him with a family of five children, viz., Magdalena, George, Catharine, Philip C., and Jacob C., ail of whom are yet living. On the 12th of February, 1855, he married Miss Martha Bowers, a native of Bavaria, Germany, where she was born August 30, 1826, and emigrated to America in 1853, and located in Cincinnati. By this union he had four children, viz., Christens, William, Mary, and John. He died March 24, 1866, leaving a wife, nine children, and many friends to mourn the loss of a kind husband, an indulgent parent, and a good citizen. He was a tailor by trade, which he made his vocation while in his native country. He followed tailoring in connection with farming for a few years after coming to this county, but, soon after his settlement, near Montra, he engaged in the mercantile trade, which he conducted until 1861, when he retired from the mercantile trade and engaged in the sawmill business, which he conducted, manufacturing and dealing in lumber until the time of his death, in 1866.

Mr. Heintz was born in Jackson Township, near Montra, September 9, 1853. He is a son of George and Magdalena Heintz (deceased). His minority days were spent on a farm until twenty years of age, or 1873, when he engaged as a clerk in a dry-woods store at. Anna Station, where he remained until the beginning of the year 1875, when he went to Wapakoneta, where he engaged in the manufacturing of pumps in company with his brother, Philip C. Heintz, with whom he remained as a partner in the business about nine months, or until December, 1875, when he purchased his brother's interest in the shop, and at once moved his tools and stock to Montra, where he has since been conducting the business with success, manufacturing and selling from $1200 to $1500 worth of pumps each year. He has an extensive trade in Shelby, Auglaize, Logan, Clarke, and Champaign counties, through which he travels with his wagon every summer. He also does an extensive business in boring wells, for which he has all the machinery necessary for the business. On the 11th of October, 1877, he married Miss Sarah E. Towler, of Champaign County, Ohio, daughter of John and Jane Towler. By this union he has three children, viz., Anna A., Ada M., and George C.

was born in Butler County, Ohio, December 23, 1841. When ho had attained the age of seven years, or in 1848, his parents, William ami Susan McVay, came to Shelby County, and settled on the farm in section 29, Jackson Township, now owned and occupied by Daniel McVay, on which they passed the remainder of their days. Mr. McVay died February 11, 1864, aged 63 years, 1 month, and 5 days. Mrs. McVay died February 11, 1869, aged 64 j'ears, 9 months, and 11 days. They reared a family of eight children, viz., John, William, Mary A., Nancy C., Sarah J., Margaret E., Amanda, and Daniel, four of whom are yet living, viz., William, Mary A., Margaret E., and Daniel.

Daniel McVay, subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and he has made farming, in connection with dealing in horses, his vocation, which he has conducted with success, and now owns his father's homefarm, on which he resides. On the 4th of June, 1864, he married Miss Clara C. , daughter of Luther L. and Jane Davis Miss Davis was bom in Jackson Township, this county, September 17, 1841. By this union he has two children, viz., William A. and Ada J. He filled the office of trustee of Jackson Township two years.

Mr. Hughes was born in Jackson Township, Shelbv County, April 4, 1849. His minority days were spent on a farm. In 1871, he purchased a half interest in the saddler and harness shop of Hardin Smith, a short distance west of Jackson Centre. He also began as an apprentice at the trade under the instruction of his partner, Hardin Smith, with whom he remained as a partner until 1875, when he sold his interest in the shop to his partner, and soon after began carrying on the business in Jackson Centre, where he has since been conducting the saddler and harness business with success, his being the first and the onlj f shop ever established in the village. On the 2d of May, 1870, he married Miss Thatima E., daughter of Jacob H. and Elizabeth Babcock, by whom he has three children, two sons and one daughter.

was born in Clinton Township, Shelby County, March 28, 1856. He is a son of Michael and Catharine King. In April, 187', he began working at the blacksmith trade with Newton Epler, and, after serving as an apprentice about two years and a half, or until August, 1880, he went to Pontiac, Orange Township, this county, where he carried on the business of blacksmithing until March, 1881, when he returned to Jackson Centre and became the successor of his old employer, Newton Epler, in the business of blacksmith and general repairing, where he has since been conducting the business with success. On the 11th of November, 1880, he married Miss Melinda R. Holm, of Clinton Township, this county, daughter of Lewis Ilohn.

was born in Frederick County, Maryland, December 4, 1820. He is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Hawver. He came to Shelby County in September, 1849, and located in Jackson Township, on the northwest quarter of the McPherson survey, on which he has since resided. He now owns a good farm, one among the best farms in the township. He has been twice married, first to Elizabeth McCord, then of Jackson Township, but a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, daughter of Benjamin and Mary McCord. His companion died in 18 - . His second marriage was to Mary R. Warefelt, daughter of John and Lydia Warefelt, then of Shelby County. By this union he has three children, viz., Minnie V. A., John F. W., and William D. A.

deceased, an old and esteemed citizen of Jackson Township, was horn in Frederick County, Md., in 1823. He was a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Hawver. He settled in Shelby County in 1849, on the McPherson sec tion, on which he passed the remainder of his days. In 1853 he married Mrs. Rebecca Stralham, nee Snyder, who was born in Maryland in 1*30, daughter of Datfid and Mary Slider. By this union lie had three children, viz , John H., Mollie M., and David 6., two of whom are now living, viz., Mollie M. and David 0. Mr. Hawver died, leaving a wife and two children to mourn the loss of a husband and father. He served as a member of the school board of Jackson Township for several years. He was a warm friend to education, and always did all in his power for its advancement. He was esteemed and highly respected by all who knew of him. He made farming his principal avocation through life. At the time of his death he owned a good farm of about 130 acres, which has since been divided between his two children. By his death Jackson Township lost one of its leading and best citizens.

This township was independently organized December 3. 1832, ns shown by the following minute, abstracted from the journal of the commissioners : -

Ordered, That a new township be created, beginning at the southwest corner of town. 8, in the Piqua Land District, on the old boundary line, at tho range line dividing ranges 5 and 6, thence north with the said range line to the north line of Shelby County, thence east on the Shelby and Allen line to range line dividing ranges 6 and 7, thence south with the said range line to the old boundary line, thence west with said boundary line to the place of beginning; and, further, that all included (territory) in the above-described bounds be organized into a township under the name of Dinsmore.

Ordeted, also, that the inhabitants of said township meet at the house of Joseph Green on the 25th day of December inst. for the purpose of electing township officers according to law.

The township is bounded north by Auglaize County, east by Jackson, south by Franklin, and west by Van Buren townships. It contains an area of thirty-six square miles. It is crossed north and south within two miles of the west line by the Dayton and Michigan Railroad. Within one mile of the north line Botkins station is located, while Anna station is on the south-line, the village extending into Franklin Township. Small streams take their rise in the township, and, flowing west by south, afford drainage and an outlet to Loramie Reservoir in Van Buren and McLean townships.

The surface of the township is level throughout, and the soil is of an excellent quality. Improvements have gone on apace, and although the township was a late organization, it has enjoyed a rapid and satisfactory development. The people are industrious, frugal, and energetic, as shown by the houses and farms of the people. School-houses and churches, saw-mills and tile factories are seen throughout the township, while institutions and enterprises of various characters are properly represented. Two live and thriving villages, Anna and Botkins, are within the township, the former at the south line, and the latter near the north side of the township. Both are important stations on the Dayton and Michigan Railroad, and both enjoy an extensive local trade. Another village, Northumberland, was laid out in the township years ago, but proved too transitory for continued growth and life.

It is claimed, with some plausibility, that George Turner was the first actual settler in thfs township, and lie appears to have come here in 1832.

It is also claimed by the same authority that later in the same year Joseph Green and John Munch came within our present limits. Still, from other sources it appears Wm. Blakeley came here from Franklin County in 1831 and settled on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 9, while it appears further by the same source that during the same year Silas D. Allen came from Pickaway County and settled in this township, on the east half of the northwest quarter of section 25, and included jn his entry or purchase the east half of the southwest quarter of section 24. It is probable these men came here in 1831, entered or purchased land, and moved to it and commenced improvements the following season, or during the year 1832. So many claims are made for pioneer work, births, and marriages, that the subject is invested with considerable delicacy, and no little difficulty, embarrassment, ami uncertainty to the editor of a work of this kind. During the years immediately following, settlement appears to have progressed somewhat as hereafter indicated. I section 28, a part of which land became the site of the village of Anna. George Turner came from the same county, and settled in section 28, but ten months later left the county on account of the prevalence of milk sickness. In 1837, he returned to this township and settled on the west half of southwest quarter of section 22, where he now resides. Richard C. Dill came from Hamilton County with his wife and eleven children, and entered land in the northeast quarter of section 29. Joseph Green, of Warren County, with his wife and five children, entered a part of the southwest quarter of section 28, a part of which is now occupied by the village of Anna. Samuel Blakeley, of Franklin County, came to Franklin Township in 1830, but two years later moved to this township, and settled on land in the southeast quarter of section 4. Richard Botkin came from Hamilton County, and settled in section 4.

1833. Alfred Staley, of Montgomery County, came here and settled in the west half of the southwest quarter of section 25. Erasmus B. Toland with his wife and two children came from Miami County, and settled on eighty acres in south half of section 20. Philip Good, a native of Pennsylvania, came from Greene County, and occupied the east half of southwest quarter of section 27. Hector Lemon came from Chester County, Pa., and occupied the west half of the southeast quarter of section 27. Joseph Park, of New Jersey, settled on the northeast quarter of section 30. Philip Hagelberger, of France, one hundred and sixty acres in south half of section 8.

1834. David Taylor, of Greene County, with wife and eight children, one hundred and sixty acres in section 25, where he died ten y'ears later. Peter Boling, with family, of Montgomery County, the west half of the southwest quarter of section 24. Philip Brideweiser,of Franklin County, the east half of northeast quarter of section 27. William Ellis, of Virginia, and family, a part of the northeast quarter of section 28. Joseph Bruner, of Clarke County, with wife and children, a part of the Taylor land in section 25. Jacob Wiford, of Virginia, with wife and five children, a part of southwest quarter of section 9, where he died October 12, 1880. Frederick Oxburger, of Germany, the west half of the southwest quarter of section 9. Samuel and William Elliott, a part of the north half of section 4.

1835. Thomas Iiams and wife and children, of Warren County, the south half of the southwest quarter of section 17. Cornelius Elliott, of Licking County, one hundred and twenty acres in section 6.

1836. Daniel 'Poland, of Montgomery County, the east half of the southeast quarter of section 25. John Fahr, of Perry County, with wife and four children, the east half of northwest quarter of section 27. Wm. H. Abbott, one hundred and sixty acres in section 5.

Such is something of a comparative statement of the settlement of the township as related by some of the older residents. It may not be accurate in all details, neither is it supposed to be complete, but it approximates both accuracy and completeness as nearly as available sources will justify. It must be .observed in this connection that milk-sickness was so prevalent during the infancy of settlement, that many of those who first came soon returned to their former homes, or sought new lands beyond this section. This fact alone will account very largely for the tardiness of growth which obtained for a period of several years.

The first school-house in this township was built in 1836, ajid was of round logs, the building about twenty feet square, with puncheon floor and seats, a spacious fireplace extending full length of north side, a stick chimney, and a one-light window. It was located in the northwest corner of the plat, now known as the Loramie Graveyard, in section 9. The first teacher was William D. Johnson, succeeded by Wesley Short, Jonathan Counts, and others. The second building was similar in construction, except as to windows, which in this case consisted of "threelight sash placed in a right line, and filled with glass." It was built in 1*40, just south of Peter Garber's farm in section 23. The early teachers were William Wilson and E. T. Mede. The third house was a log building about eighteen by twenty feet, and built in 1844. It was called the Beck School-House, and was located in section 14. The first teacher was James Beck. The next movement was toward hewed log and frame buildings, and these were erected in dillerent parts of the township, until the present school law went into effect. The board of education then determined to build a school-house at the centre of every four sections, making nine regular districts, and an extra district or number 10 for colored pupils. In 1870, the colored district was abolished, and the colored children permitted to attend the white schools The first disarrangement which occurred was in 1874, when, by Act of the General Assembly of Ohio, the north half of section 28, of Dinsmore Township, was attached to joint subdistrict number 7, of Franklin Township. In 1876, still further changes were made by the same authority, attaching the south half of section 27, all of sefction 28, and the southeast quarter of section 29 to Franklin Township, thus creating what is known as the "Anna Special Joint School District." In 1877, an intermediate district was formed by the board in section 10, and known as the " Blakeley

District," first taught by Joseph Short. In 1879, District No. 1, at Rhine, was constituted a special district. The blackboard was first introduced in this township in 1846, and simply consisted of a board about five feet long, and three feet wide, smooth planed, painted black, and to which slats were fastened to answer the place of legs, by which the board was supported against the wall. The people considered it a nuisance, because, while the teacher and pupils were working upon it, it drew the attention of the whole school. It was, therefore, removed from the house by night, and hidden in the woods. In 1849, another teacher introduced a blackboard in his school-room, and it was retained. Each district has now a comfortable school-house furnished with the latest improved seats, slate blackboards, and all other modern appliances of use. The people take great interest in the schools, and, as a consequence, they are in a prosperous and successful condition.

is located near the southwest corner of section 36, Dinsmore Township, three miles east of Botkins, on the Botkins pike. The society was organ ized in 1856, in the school-house of Sub-district No. 1, Dinsmore Township, by Father Henry J. Muckerheidc, with about twenty members or families. The society met in the school-house until the erection and completion of their present church building, which was dedicated some time during the autumn of 1858, by Father Mnckerheide. The building is a brick structure, 50 X 40 feet, with a twenty-two feet ceiling, and was erected at a cost of about $2100. John B. Shipper, D. Schulte, Joseph Schmerge, and Steihke were then appointed trustees of the church. The present trustees are Joseph Stolle, Andrew Borges, and George Martin. The priests since the organization of the society have been Father Henry J. Muckerheidc, until 1861, when he was succeeded by Father A. Enders, who remained one year, or until 1862, when he was followed by Father P. Engelbert, and in 1863 he was succeeded by Rev. Herman Volm, who remained one year, or until 1864, when he was followed by Father Joseph Goebels, who remained until 1871, when he was succeeded by Father Daniels, who was on the charge two years, or until 1873, when Father Nicholas Eilerman was sent to the pastorate, who is now in the ninth year of his labor as priest in this church and the church at Botkins. The present membership is about fifty-five families. In 1878 the society erected a two-story brick school-house, 48 X 36 feet, at a cost of about $1800, in which they have school from three to six months each year, with a good attendance of scholars.

was organized May 25, 1874, by Deputy Johnson, with twenty-four charter members. Its place of meeting was at the school-house in Sub-district No. 8, in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, where it continued to meet until the spring of 1881, when the Board of Education refused to order the use of the school-house as a place of meeting. It then moyed to an unoccupied house on J. Hensel's farm, two miles north of Anna, where it has since met, held its meetings, and flourished, having increased its membership from scarcely a quorum to forty-two. Its present officers are: Jacob Hensel, M. ; George Faler, 0.; George Hensel, L.; Philip Prott, S. ; Robert Turner, A. S.; E. F. Mede, C.; Christopher F'aler, T. ; John Reeves, S. Y.; George Lambert, G. K.'; Mary J. Reeves, P. ; Amanda Mede, F.; Mary F'aler, C., and Mrs. Anna Pratt, L. A. S.

are located three-fourths of a mile west of Montra, on Wra. P. Davis's farm, in Dinsmore Township. They were established in 1871 by M. Merkling and Wm. P. Davis. The d^-ing shed is 120 X 18 feet; grinding shed 36 X 36 feet, and the burning kiln has the capacity for burning about 550 rods per week. The machinery is run by horse power. The business was conducted under the firm name of Merkling and Davis about ten years, or until 1881, when Mr. Davis purchased his partner's interest in the factory, and in a short time Mr. Davis sold the establishment to Michael Zwiebel of Montra, who has since been conducting the business with success, manufacturing and constantly keeping on hand a good supply of all sizes of tile, from 2| to 6 inches in diameter, to supply the demands and wishes of his many customers.

Anna was surveyed for John L. and Fletcher Thirkield, and lies in section 28, town. 7 south, range 6 east, as surveyed in 1867. Main Street bears north 87° 20' east, and is thirty feet wide north of the section. All other lines parallel to or at right angles with Main Street. The alleys are each one rod wide. First Street is thirty feet, North forty feet, Second sixty feet, and Third sixty feet in width. The plat contained sixteen lots, and was acknowledged by John L. and Fletcher S. Thirkield May 20, 1867, and recorded April 25, 1868.

Your petitioners, resident qualified voters of the town of Anna, in said county and State, and which town plat is not included within the limits of any city or incorporated village, respectfully pray your honorable body to be organized under the provisions of the statute in such cases made and provided into an incorporated village, under the name and style of the Incorporated Village of Anna, in Shelby County, Ohio, with the following limits, to wit: Being a part of sections 28 and 33, in town. 7 south, range 6 east. Main Street on section line. First Street thirty feet wide. Main, Second, and Third Streets eighty feet wide; west of Pike, Walnut, and South Streets forty feet each. Alleys one rod each. The first tier of lots north of Main Street nine by five rods, except fractional lots. The other lots ten by five rods, except Munches' addition east of Pike. An accurate map or plat of said village is hereunto annexed, and made a part of this petition. Lewis Kali, F. S. Thirkield, H. G. Seely, and A. Clason are hereby authorized to act in our behalf in the prosecution of this petition.

The first council meeting was held April 16, 1878. The Board then consisted of L. Kah, M. Norcross, A. Clason, M. Billing, Dr. LeFevre, and J. Weatherbead. The bond of L. Applegate, mayor elect, was accepted at this meeting. The other officers elected or appointed were J. C. Koverman, marshal; Godfrey Kembold, treasurer; and F. W. Stork, clerk.

At the aunual election held April 7, 1879, members of council were eleeted for two years, as follows: John W. Vossler, Michael Billing, and E. P. Edgcomb. Marshal for one year, Russel B. Dill.

In July, 1879, P. W. Young resigned the clerkship, and P. R. Clineliens was appointed his successor. On the same date P. W. Young was chosen mayor, to fill the unexpired term of L. Applegate resigned.

Officers in 1883: Mayor, J. M. Carson. Council, A. Clason, John C. Koverman, Dr. N. D. Le fevre, R. I). Mede, A. L. Markland, T. C. Leapley. Clerk, G. L. Finkenbein. Marshal, John It. Youug. Street Commissioner, M. A. Norcross.

The village post-office has been held by two persons, viz., F. S. Thirkield and the present incumbent, P. W. Young, who was appointed Feb. 14, 1872. On the 15th of August, 1881, the office was made a moneyorder office, and is kept in the room occupied also as a hardware store.

Three Dry Goods and Groceries, by D. Curtner, L. Finkenbein, and J. C. Thirkield. Grocery and Bakery, John Kratt. Wagon Makers and Blacksmiths, Harner & O'Leary and Grow & Quillhorst. Hotel, C. Stiive. Grist Mills, Kah & Rothe. Saw Mill, Kah & Markland. Two Warehouses, J. M. Carson, L. Finkenbein. Spoke and Bentwood

Factory, Win. Johnston A Co. Hardware, Elliott A Young. Tin Store, John C. Koverman. Two Furniture and Undertakers, J. L. Applegate and J. Weatherhead. Drugs, E. A. Steely, J. W. Weller. Physicians, N. D. Le Fevre, H. G. Steely, and E. A. Steely. Tile Factory, J. M. A M. M. Jenkins. Lumber Yard, John Yossler. Butchers, R. D. Gaggin and B. F. Weatherhead. Millinery and Notions, Mrs. A. Clark, Mrs. Jennie Babcock, and Mrs. Eva Mercer. Boots and Shoes, Fred. Timmens. Shoe Shop, Fred. Koverman. Agricultural Implements and Notary Public, R. D. Mede.

In the fall of 1832 and the spring of 1833 some Lutherans, most of them with families, settled in this vicinity, then a wild forest, with only' an occasional cleared spot here and there. These pioneers were Messrs. John Altematt, Michael Altematt, Louis Bej - , Andrew Moothart, Samuel Boyer, William Abbott, George Schaefer, Jacob Wuttering.

Scarcely had they provided humble cabins for themselves, when, early in 1833, assisted by their German Reformed neighbors, they put up a log house for the Lutheran pastor, Rev. John Henry Ferdinand Joestiug, which, for a while, served as a parsonage, school, and church in one. A Lutheran organization, with about twenty communing members, under the ministry of Rev. Joesting, had been effected near the beginning of that year, when soon afterwards a number of other Lutherans arrived with their families, and were added to the congregation, most prominent of whom were Messrs. Philip Hagelberger, Henry Schaefer, Samuel Schaefer, John Vogt, John Hermann, Frederic Knoesel, George Knoesel, John J. Finkenbein, Benjamin Werth, John J. Zimpfer, Philip Breitwieser.

The Lutherans and Reformed of this neighborhood at that time were sustaining a so called union, which existed about twelve years, each party, however, maintaining a separate organization, and for the most part being served by its own pastor. Before 1835 or 1836 they had as yet no proper house of worship. Owing to their destitute circumstances, and the undeveloped state of things generally, they erected a rude union log church, which stood on the west side of the old Wapakoneta and Sidney road, about six miles from the latter town, on the ground which is now the Lutheran graveyard. This building continued to be the common property of both congregations until 1845, when the above union was dissolved, and the Reformed sold their interest to the Lutherans, who thus became sole possessors of the church, ground, and books, it is said, for seventy-three dollars.

Now there were continual arrivals of German immigrants, mostly from Baden, who joined the Lutheran congregation, and with their descendants now constituted its principal element. In consequence of the rapid increase, it became necessary to provide a larger and more suitable house of worship, and by the liberality and devoted exertion of the members, a neat brick church was built in 1854, near the site of the old log building. This church at the time was justly considered an ornament to this locality, and as to size and location gave almost general satisfaction during the following sixteen years. But circumstances changed ; many of the members located their homes more or less northward of the church, which thus came to stand rather too far south of the centre of the congregation. In addition to this, it became apparent that the church would soon become too small. Hence it was resolved to build a church at Anna, the village being centrally located. Thus the present church, a beautiful frame structure, sixty by forty feet, was completed and dedicated in the summer of 1871, being an important addition and improvement to the town. The interior is plainly but neatly decorated, a fine reed organ is in the gallery, and two good bells, weighing respectively eight hundred and four hundred and eleven pounds, have been supplied. The building and all its appurtenances are free from debt.

St. James's congregation has been in full connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and adjacent States upwards of forty years, being under the supervision of the Western District of that synod. The district president, or his proxy, installs the pastor, who by the vote of at least two-thirds of the congregation is called for an indefinite length of time.

Prior to the year 1877 this congregation was served by the same pastor who served the Sidney people, but since the date mentioned it has constituted a separate and independent charge.

As regards doctrine, practice, and the like, this society receives the Holy Scriptures as the only rule of faith and life, and requires its pastor to teach in conformity with the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Much stress is laid on catechetical instruction, and a thorough training of the mind and heart of the young before admitting them into the church and to the holy communion, which, ordinarilj', is done by the rite of confirmation, although, in certain cases, new members are also received otherwise. Church discipline is mild; erring members being tolerated in the congregation as long as they manifest a willingness to correct their errors, but excluded from communion if the desired change does not take place; and only rebellious subjects who persist in their refusal to submit to the divine word being expelled. Not only theory but also practice must be consistent with the confessions of the Lutheran Church. Liberty prevails as regards nonessentials, yet this society endeavors to retain as many Lutheran customs and usages as circumstances permit. While justice is being done to the wants of those members who only understand the English language, it is nevertheless the earnest endeavor to perpetuate the German language of the forefathers, and give it the preference at divine services and other meetings of the congregation. In order to do this the Sunday-school, which is kept up six or seven months every year, is conducted in German. There is also a weekday school, generally in the spring and the fall of the year, in which the pastor himself instructs the children in German, the catechism, and Bible history.

Those who are old enough for their first communion receive a regular course of catechetical instruction, which is either in English or German, and is continued from four to six months, as the case may be.

In 1858 Mr. Sapper, who never was a member of the synod, was employed, and with this exception the congregation has thus far been served only by such as were in full connection with a Lutheran Sj'nod. The membership for 1832 is at least 625 baptized, 375 confirmed, and 150 voting members. Rev. Mr. Meissner took charge of the congregation in 1877, and still sustains the relationship of pastor, a relationship which has given satisfaction to all persons concerned. To him we are indebted for this sketch of the church.

was organized at the house of Richard C. Dill- in 1833, by Revs. D. D Davidson and James Smith, with about nine or ten members, viz., Mrs. R. C. Dili, Miss Jane Dill, E. B. Toland and wife, Thomas Iiams and wife, Mrs. Forsha, John Lucas and wife, and a few others. Their regular places of meeting were at the houses of Richard C. Dill and Joseph Park, for several years, or until 1840. Then they met at the house of Mary J. Young until the completion of their first church building, which was a hewed log structure, 30 X 25 feet, erected during the summer of 1841, and stood near where the frame church now stands, one-fourth of a mile north of Anna, in Dinsmore Township. The log building served the society as a place of meeting for several years, or until the erection of their present frame church building, where the log church was located, which is 40 X 30 feet. It was erected at a cost of about $800, and dedicated in July, 1858, by the Rev. Wilson, assisted by Rev. P. G. Goode, then the minister in charge. The present trustees of the church are, Silas D. Young, J. W. Davis, Fletcher Thirkield, Samuel Flesher, Robert

M. Toland, J. W. Evans, P. W. Young, and George Toland. Class-leaders are, P. W. Young, ffm. R. Park, and Robert Turner. Stewards are, Silas D. Young and Fletcher Thirkield. Recording Steward, Philip W. Young.

This town occupied a part of the east half of the northeast quarter of section 5, town. 7 south, range 6 east, and part of the west half of the northwest quarter of section 4, town. 7 south, range 6 east, as laid out and surveyed for Russel Botkin, the proprietor, in July, 1858. The regular lots are four by ten rods, the alleys one rod wide. All lanes parallel to or at right angles with Railroad Street, which is sixty feet wide. The alley at the east side of the town is forty -five links at the south end, and twenty-five at the north end. The alley adjoining the Monger lot is twenty-five links at the north end, and runs to a point at south end. Railroad Street runs south 87 west, magnetic bearing. The plat showed twelve regular lots, exclusive of the Monger lot, containing one acre, and the Botkins lot, containing a half acre.

We the undersigned, residents of the village of Botkins, Shelby County, Ohio, ever pray that you will take immediate steps necessary to effect the corporation of said town, to wit: The following described lands situate in Shelby County, O.: the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 4, T. 7 S., R. 6 E. ; also the west half of the northeast quarter of northwest quarter of same section ; also the N. E. quarter of

N. E. quarter of section 5, same town, and range; also the E. half of the N. W. quarter of N. E. quarter of section 5 ; also the E. half of the S. W. quarter of S. E. quarter of section 32, T. 6 S., R. 6 E. ; also the S. E. quarter of S. E. quarter of section 32 ; also the S. W. quarter of S. W. quarter of section 33, same T. and R. ; also the W. half of S. E. quarter of S. W. quarter of said section 33, containing 240 acres more or less. The population of said limits is over 400: the said corporation is a village, the name to be Botkins, ami that D. E. Morgan and Jacob Zaenglein shall be agents for said corporation.

The undersigned, residents and taxpayers residing within the district sought to be incorporated, do most respectfully protest and remonstrate against the granting of the prayer of the petition filed March 7, 1881, and signed by J. B. Hemmert and others, praying for the incorporation of the village of Botkins, and say that the same is not demanded by the people; that it would involve an unnecessary expense and a burden upon the people, and upon the property-owners for all time to come; that the best interest of the community does not demand the same.

The undersigned protest against granting any order for the incorporation of the village of Botkins, and say that they reside within the bounds sought to be incorporated, and that they own property that will be taxed ; that they are poor and cannot afford to pay any additional tax that will necessarily follow ; that the same is not demanded by the best interests of the people.

In view of the foregoing petition and remonstrances, the Board of Commissioners fixed upon May 10, 1881, as the time, and the Auditor's Office, Sidney, as the place for the hearing of the matter of incorporation. Due public notice was accordingly given by the agent for the petitioners, and final action taken by the Board, as shown by the following entry: -

This day, to wit, Aug. 2, 1881, the matter of the incorporation of the village of Botkins, in said Shelby County, came on to be heard upon the petition filed in that behalf, and, the Board having heard the evidence and the arguments of counsel, do find that the petition contains all the matter required by law; that the statements therein made are true; that the name proposed is appropriate, and the limits proposed are accurately described and reasonable. They also find that the persons whose names are signed to said petition are electors residing in the territory described ; that there is the requisite population for the proposed corporation, and, moreover, it seeming to the Commissioners right that the prayer of the petitioners should be granted : Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered that the said corporation of the village of Botkins may be organized according to law.

At the regular election held in April, 1882, J. W. Zaengeline and J. B. Greve succeeded Tate and McMahon on the council, and J. W. Botkin succeeded Varner as clerk. All other officers were either re-elected or held over.

Three General Stores, by A. Gutmann, Joseph H. Miller, and Philip Sheets. Warehouse and Mill, A. Gutmann. Two Warehouses, P. Sheets and Miller & Norris. Two Blacksmith Shops, John W. Zaenglein, and Henry Brockman. Hardware, Schaf & Kuhn. Bakery, Frank Monger. Hotels, Shelby House, and Burnett House, Fred. Schubert, Proprietor. Liver}' Stable, Benj. Kuest. Meat Market, Stole & Hemmert. Tin Shop, John Duckro. Physicians, P. II. Clinehens, and G. M. Tate. Shoe Store, Joseph Miller. Saw Mills, Gray & Ailes, and A. Roth. Agricultural Implements, Hunt & Greve. Wagon Makers, John B

This organization was the outgrowth of a few families of Roman Catholics, who settled in the vicinity of the present town of Botkins at a comparatively early day. They were all Germans, and for a time unable to build a church, or sustain a pastor. They were served at irregular intervals by missionaries and other priests, who came from older communities. The services were held at times in the residences of the families, in an old school-house, and again in a log church, which gave place to the present building. In 1805 a church organization was regularly formed, and consisted of the families as follows: Andrew Gutmann, Joseph Beierstoerfer, Aquilin Hemmert, Nicholas Kohleieser, Anthony Roth, George Seiter, Clemens Heuber, John Beierstoerfer, John Schaub, John Gerhart, John Sosehert, John Koenig, Peter Arnold, Christian Hausraann, Frank Kupper, Henry Wismann, Michael Werronth, Otto Bellert, John Gress, John Schmidt, George Stegeinan, Herman Stegeman, Michael Muller, John O'Neal, Mark Sullivan, Frank Stolle, Eli Gibson, Lawrence Kuhn.

The same year steps were taken looking toward the erection of a suitable house of worship, and in 1867, the building now in use was completed and occupied. It is a building eighty-five by forty-five feet, and was erected at a cost of about $8000. The present membership consists of eighty -two families. About two years ago the old M. E. church was purchased by the Catholics for school use, and as now conducted consists of one department, with an enumeration of forty-nine boys and forty-four girls of school age. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Joseph Goebels, the organizer, who had charge until 1871. At this date he was succeeded by Rev. Henry Daniel, who served until 1873, when the present pastor took charge.

This society was organized at the house of Richard Botkin in 1833 or 1834, by the Rev. Daniel D. Davidson, assisted by Rev. James Smith, with Richard Botkin and wife, Henry Hildebrant and wife, Cornelius Montfort and wife, and a few others whose names are not mentioned as members of the organization. A few years later Cornelius Elliott and wife, Samuel Elliott and wife (deceased), connected themselves with the society. They held their meetings at the residence of Richard Botkin for several years, when they changed their place of worship to a log cabin house that stood where John Losher's residence now stands in Botkins. In this building they met until about 1841, when they erected a hewed log church building, forty by thirty feet, near where P. Sheets, Jr.'s warehouse now stands, on ground donated to the church by Richard Botkin. This building was used by the society for church purposes for a number of years, or until 1860, when they erected a frame church building in Botkins, forty-five by thirty feet, which was dedicated sometime during the autumn of 1860, by the Rev. Wilson, assisted by Patrick G. Goode, then the minister in charge. They used the frame building until 1881, when they erected their present brick church edifice in Botkins, fifty-one by thirty-one feet, with an eighteen-foot ceiling, which was erected at a cost of $2040, and dedicated June 18, 1882, by Rev. Watters, assisted by Rev. J. S. Ayers, Presiding Elder of the Bellefontaine District. The present membership is about forty members in good standing in the church.

Early ministers: Revs. Davidson, Smith, Clark, Sutton, Kemper, Walker, Lynch, Brown, Warnnock, Berry, Shaffer, Sheldon, Itoseberry, Good, and many others whose names are not mentioned have been on the charge or circuit. Rev. M. Gascoigne is the present pastor in charge.

Present officers: Trustees, P. Hunt, John Blakeley, D. Swim, Eli Abbott, Alexander Elliott, Alexander Botkin, and S. F. Boyer. Class leaders: John Blakeley and D. Swim. Recording Steward: P. W. Young, of Anna, Ohio.

In 1849, Silas D. Allen and George Duff erected a steam sawmill on the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 26, Dinsmore Township, which was 50 by 22 feet, two stories high, and contains a forty horse power engine. It was known as the old sash mill, and had the capacity for cutting from 1500 to 2000 feet of lumber per day. It was operated by Allen & Duff until the death of Mr. Allen, which occurred in June, 1850 ; then Mr. Duff conducted the business about one year, or until in 1851, when Michael Fogt purchased a half interest in the mill, and the firm name was then known as Duff & Fogt for several years. It changed hands or owners several times, and was operated until in about 1861, when it was abandoned, and has long since been torn down, and is now a thing of the past.

Linton's steam sawmill is located two miles south of Botkins, on the Dayton and Michigan Railroad. It was erected in 1874 by L. Davis and J. C. Linton, and was operated under the firm name of Davis & Linton until in 1878, when Mr. Linton purchased his partner's interest in the mill, and has since been operating it with success, manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of hard wood lumber. The mill has the capacity for cutting about 8000 feet per day.

Gray & Ailes's steam sawmill is located at Botkins, near the Dayton and Michigan Railroad. The building is 76 by 33 Icet, and contains a thirty-five horse power engine, a forty-five horse power boiler, two circular saws, one fifty -six and the other twenty-four inches in diameter, and has the capacity for cutting from 8000 to 10,000 feet of lumber'per day. It was erected during the winter of 1881-2 by Messrs. Gray and Ailes, who began running the mill in February, 1882, and have since been operating it successfully, buying logs, manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of hard wood lumber.

Botkins tile yards were established in 1876, by Hemmert & Stelzer, and have since been operated under the firm name of Heinmert & Stelzer, who manufacture all sizes of tile, from 2| to 7 inches. With a drying shed 130 feet in length, mill shed 36 by 36 feet, burning kiln 13 by 12 feet, they have the capacity to manufacture and burn about 10,000 rods duriug one season.

A village by this name was laid out on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 9, town. 7 south, range 6 east, on the State road leading from Sidney to Wapakoneta. It was surveyed April 19, 1837, for William Blakeley, the proprietor of the land. It was recorded June 1, 1837, but as a village long since lost its identity, and is merely a memory of the past.

was born in Salem Township, this county, January 1, 1837. Here he lived on the home farm until he commenced the study of medicine in Cincinnati, where he graduated in the spring of 1861. On the 1st of March, 1862, he enlisted as hospital steward in Co. K,57th O. V. I., but during his three years' service was acting assistant surgeon. He was finally mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, and at once began the practice of medicine at Careysville, Champaign County, Ohio. In 1873 he came to Sidney, but about a year later moved to Anna and opened a drugstore, practising medicine at the same time. In about six months he found his practice so extensive that he abandoned the drug business, and turned his whole attention to his profession. In this direction he has been unusually successful, his practice being really too extensive to be easily pursued. In 1866 he married Elizabeth Cecil, who died about 1873. In 1875 he married Clara Leckey, who is still living. They have four children, named Lucius M., Louisa Jane, Courtland L., and Benjamin F.

was born in Jackson Township, this county, June 7, 1846, and continued in that township engaged in farming until 1863. In July, 1863, he enlisted in Co. G, 9th O. Cav., and followed Sherman in his march to the sea, receiving his discharge in August, 1865. After the war he educated himself and taught school a portion of the succeeding eight j'ears. In 1876 he became a member of the Lower House of the General Assembly, where, alter serving two years, he was elected to the State Senate for the same period. In 1879 lie accepted a clerkship in the Navy Department, and so remained in Washington, D. C., until April, 1881, when he came to Anna and took charge of a warehouse. In 1882, he was elected Mayor of the town of Anna, and Justice of the Peace. lie is nowhere, engaged in the grain, salt, lime, coal, flour and seeds trade, doing a general warehouse business. His father was a native of Ohio, and died in 1852. His mother, a daughter of Benjamin Wallingsford, belonged to the pioneers of Jackson Township, and died here in 1850. Mr. Carson married Bessie E. Staley January 1, 1872. They have three children, named Millard Everett, Oliver Paine, and Victor Vance.

a son of one of the pioneer families of Johnson Township, Champaign County, was born September 21, 1842. Mr. Weller was here engaged in farming until May 2, 1864, when he enlisted in Co. 1, 134th O. V. 1., and served until September of the same year. In 1869 he went to Kansas, but after two years' experience returned to his old home in Champaign County. He married Louisa K. Hail April 23, 1867. In 1875 he came to Anna and engaged in the drug business, and in September, 1878, located at his present stand in the village of Anna, where he is doing a deservedly popular trade.

a merchant of Botkins, was born in Bavaria February 8, 1823, and came to America, landing at New Orleans in 1846. He at length went to Chillicothe, Ohio, wherehe remained until 1848, when he moved to the village of Freyburg, in Auglaize County. At this place he engaged in the merchandise business, which he conducted without interruption until February, 1863. At this date he moved to his present site in Botkins, where he has conducted the same business as a general supply merchant. In addition to the merchant business, he in 1865 built the Botkins steam grist mill, and after operating it about five years sold it in 1870, but in August, 1881, repurchased it, and has since been operating it. Besides doing a local trade in flour and feed, he buys grain of all kinds for shipment. His store is in the building formerly used as a warehouse by Ross Botkin, deceased. It was changed into a storeroom by August Hoffman about three years before it passed into the hands of its present owner.

On the 7th of February, 1854, Mr. Gutmann married Miss Catherine Seiter, of Freyburg, Ohio. They have seven children living, named Joseph, Alexander, Frank, Anna, Rosa, Andrew and Leo. Of these all are at home except Alexander, who lives in Lima, Ohio, although Joseph also is married.

a young but successful merchant of Botkins, was born at Tippecanoe City, Ohio, January 3, 1856. In 1874 he located at Piqua, Ohio, where he was engaged in the dry goods trade about three years, when he returned to Tippecanoe. After about one year passed at his native town he came to Botkins in 1878, where he entered the merchandise business with a cousin under the firm name of J. H. and P. Miller. In 1881 he purchased the interest of Philip Miller and has since conducted the business alone. The stock consists of dry goods, hats, caps, boots, shoes, and groceries, in fact the business is that of a general supply stock. Mr. J. H. Miller was married October 4, 1878, to Miss Lizzie. Werth, of Covington, Ky. Thej' have one child.

was born in Indiana, August 14, 1837, and came to Shelby County about the 3 'ear 1854. He then located about two miles southeast of Botkins, but has since moved to a farm about one-half mile south of town. Although he has alwa 3 r s followed farming, the last ten years have been extensively devoted to the settlement of estates. He has held about all the township offices for different periods, and is now serving his fifth term as Justice of the Peace During the past two 3 - ears he has been engaged in the lumber and agricultural implement business, as head of the firm of Hunt & Greve. At this time (June, 1883), Mr. Hunt is the Democratic candidate for the lower House of the General Assembly for Shelb 3 ' County. The nomination ma 3 ' ordinarily be considered equivalent to an election. In September, 1859, he married Mary Hillbrant of this township. They have reared eight children, of whom all are still at home except Aquilla, who is married. The names of the children are : Aquilla, Walter C., Anna A., Aldara, I'haunel, Samuel, Elida,and Lottie.

was born in 1836 in this county, and has pursued farming all his life. His post-office is Botkins Station. In 1864 he was married to Drusilla Elliott, who was born in this county in 1841. They have reared five children, named Rita M., William R., Ida May, Alfle, and Ida. Mr. Davis, occupies land in sections 8 and 9 of this township.

deceased, was bf>rn in Dublin, Ireland, in 1780, where he passed his minority da 3 'S. He emigrated to America when a young man, and located in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, where he remained several years, then came to Ohio and located in Franklin County. He was a weaver by trade, which he followed during the winter months and stormy weather for many 3 'ears. He married Miss Mai*y Decker, then of Franklin Count 3 r , Ohio, but a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where she was born in 1797. Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley remained in Franklin County^ until in 1830, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on eighty acres of land in Franklin Township. March, 1832, thc 3 ' moved to Dinsraore Township, and settled on section 4, on which Mr. Blakeley died July 18, 1857. His companion survived him until in September,. 1880, when she died in Botkins^ They reared a family of seven children,, viz., Elias, Decker D., Catharine, John, George, Mary A., and Nancy A., two of whom are now- deceased, vizi, Decker D. and Nancy A third son of Samuel and Mary Blakeley, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 11, 1825. He came to Shelby County with his parents in 1830, and haa been a citizen of Dinsmore Township since March, 1832. He married Miss Elizabeth Elliott in the year 1852, daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Elliott. Miss Elliott was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 18th, 1833, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Blakele 3 ' settled on his father's home farm, on which they have since resided. They reared a family of three children, viz., Adam E., Minerva, and Adilia. Mr. Blakeley now owns bis father's home farm, containing one hundred and sixty-one acres; also one hundred acres in section 10, same township.

deceased, was born in Washington County, Pa., August 25, 1786. He came to Ohio sometime prior to the war of 1812, and located in Greene Count 3 '. He entered the army and served about six months in the war of 1812. He married Miss Hannah Burch, daughter of Charles and Mnrgaret (Speedy) Burch, of Hamilton County, born January 9,. 1792, Mr. and Mrs. Dill settled in Hamilton County, remained until in October, 1832, when they came to Shelby Count 3 r , with a family of nine children, entered,, made improvements, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 29,. Dinsmore Township, on which they passed the remainder of their da 3 'S. Mr. Dill died July 14, 1867* His companion survived him until June 4, 1873. They reared a family of eleven children, viz., Jane, Margaret, A nn, Rebecca, Joseph, Espy, Amanda, James C., Franklin, Susan, and Catharine, six of whom are yet living, viz., Jane, Amanda, Jumes C., Ann, Susan, and Catharine. Espy was in the battle of Chick- amauga, Term., in the war of 1861, and it is supposed that he was killed io the engagement, as he has never been heard of since that battle.

Mr. Dill served as commissioner of Shelby County one or two terms. He died respected by all who knew him, and was considered among one of Dinsmore's influential citizens.

deceased, youngest son of the aforesaid Richard C. and Hannah Dill, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, October 2, 1830. He was brought to this county by his parents in the autumn of 1832 (then only two years of age), where his boyhood days were passed on a farm. In 1854 he married Miss Nancy A., daughter of Moses E. and Lucretia Baker, of Van Buren Township, this county, where Miss Baker was born November 26, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Dill settled on his father's home farm in Dinsmore Township, where he died October 5, 1861, leaving a wife and two children, viz., James N. and Franklin, to mourn the loss of a kind husband and an indulgent parent. He filled the office of clerk of Dinsmore Township for several years.

eldest son of the above named Franklin and Nancy A. Dill, was born on the farm on Dinsmore Township, on which he is now living, July 8, 1855. He now owns a half interest in his grandfather Dill's home farm, on which he is residing and conducting the business of farming with success. December 20, 1876, he married Miss Elizabeth B. Weatherliead, then of Shelby County, but a native of Miami County, where she was born February 12, 1857, by whom he has one child, Arthur C. Dill.

was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, August 30, 1824. He came to Shelby County with his parents, Richard C. and Hannah Dill, in October, 1832, and settled in Dinsmore Township. He married Miss Axey Nichols, of Shelby County, by whom he had four children, one of whom is now living, viz., Joseph C. Dill, who lives in this county, five miles southeast of Sidney. His companion died, and on the 7th of October, 1860, he married Miss Ann, daughter of David and Mary Taylor. Miss Taylor was born in Greene County, Ohio, March 5, 1829, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1834.

Mr. and Mrs. Dill settled on the farm in section 14, Dinsmore Township, now owned and occupied by his widow and son, Harrison W. Dill, August 14, 1862. He enlisted in Co. H, 99th O. V. I., left his wife and one child, and went forth in defense of his country. He served faithfully until the battle of Chickamauga, in September, 1863, in which he was engaged, and has not been heard of since that engagement. It is supposed that he was either killed in battle, or taken prisoner and died in prison. At his death the Union army lost a brave soldier, and Dinsmore Township a good citizen.

deceased, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, September 25, 1803, where he passed his minority days on a farm. On the 22d of October, 1829, he married Miss Elizabeth Short, of Hamilton County, Ohio, where she was born January 20, 1809. Mr. Botkin moved to Shelby County with his family in 1832, entered, made improvements, and settled on a part of section 5, Dinsmore Township, on which he lived and conducted the business of farming In connection with dealing in stock, until the time of his death, which occurred April 29, 1858. His companion died March 19, 1839, leaving him with four small children viz., Martha, Russell, Robert, and Hannah. In the fall of 1840 he married Miss Jane Elliott, daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Elliott, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, April 4, 1824, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1835. By this union he reared a family of six children, viz., Sarah M., John W., Alexander, Selvenis, Emma J., and Charles S., all of whom are now living except Emma J., who died in October, 1878. Mrs. Botkin is still residing on the old home farm near Botkins Station. Mr. Botkin was one of the most energetic, enterprising business men in the township, and at his death the church of which he was a member (viz., the Methodist Episcopal) lost one of its best members, and Dinsmore Township one of its leading citizens.

After Mr. Botkin's first entry of land, he made other purchases of land until he owned several hundred acres in the vicinity of where Botkins village is now located. During the erection of the Dayton and Michigan Railroad, he contracted and graded three miles of the roadbed. He donated to the railroad company the right of way through his land, nearly a mile in length, with the understanding that the company would give him a station on his land, at the most convenient point for the accommodation of the citizens in the neighborhood. In his will, a short time prior to his death, he ordered a town to be laid out, which was done soon after his death, and given the name of Botkins in honor of him and to perpetuate his name.

son of Andrew and Mary M. Zaenglein, was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, November 9, 1838. He began working at the blacksmith trade in 1857, which business he has since made his principal vocation, except about four years, during which time he was serving in the army in the war of 1861. On the 18th of April, 1861, he enlisted, and served nearly four months, and was discharged August, 1861. In October, 1861, he re-enlisted in Co. G, 71st O. V. I., as a private. In January, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran in same company and regiment. In December, 1864, he was transferred to Company K, same regiment, and commissioned as second lieutenant, and in February, 1865, he was transferred to Company E, same regiment, and commissioned as first lieutenant, in which capacity he served until discharged from the service in October, 1865.

In 1870 he came to Botkins, where he has since been conducting the business of hlacksmithing in all its branches. May 15, 1866, he married Miss Mary S. Hurm, then of Auglaize County, Ohio, but a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born March 30, 1841. By this union he has three children, viz., William C., Mary C., and Alonzo F.

deceased, was born in New Jersey May 27, 1811. ne was a son of Joseph Park, a native of New Jersey, who married Hannah Hartpence, of that State. In 1831 or '32 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Park came to Ohio with their family, and located in Champaign County, and remained until in 1833, when they came to Shelby County', entered, mnde improvements, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 30, Dinsmore Township, on which they' lived until in 1863, when they moved to Troy, Miami County, where they' passed the remainder of their days. They reared a family of nine children, John H., Mary, Ozias, Jane, Elizabeth, Easter, Wesley, Joseph R., and Isaac, five of whom are yet alive - Mary, Ozias, Elizabeth, Easter, and Joseph R.

John II. Park, subject of this sketch, came to Shelby' County with his parents in 1833, and located in Dinsmore Township. He made farming his principal avocation through life. May 28, 1835, he married Miss Catharine Noggle, then of Shelby County, born May' 3, 1818, by whom he reared eight children, Isaac N., William R., Mary C., George W., Benjamin F., Jane, Harriett P., and Barbara E., all of whom are yet living. Mrs. Park died in 1863. Mr. Park departed this life June 7, 1875.

second son of John H. and Catharine Park, was born in Dinsmore Township, this county, February 17, 1841. On the 5th of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, 99th O. V. I., and served until July 16, 1865, when he was honorably' discharged from the service. February 20, 1869, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George and Eve Clinehcns. Miss Clinehens was born in Dinsmore Township, this county, July 3, 1846. By this union he has two children, Thurza 1). and Carrie E. He has made farming his principal business, and now owns a part of the Park homestead, on which he is residing.