Shelby County, Ohio - The whole text, 1883 (part 22 of 30)

is the youngest of the family of Stephen Johnston. He was born in New Brunswick in 1825, and was brought by his parents to Shelby County at the time given in the sketch of his father. He was but twelve years of age at the time of their settlement in Mercer County. His older brothers having arrived at the age of majority, and having gone to themselves, he was the main dependence of his father in clearing and improving their farm. This he did faithfully, and remained with his father until he married, and after his marriage his parents made their home with him until the time of their death. In 1845 he married Miss Rachel Snyder. By this union they had four children, viz., Mary J., born 1846; Samuel S., born 1849; Sarah A., born 1851; and Harriet, born 1853. In 1856 his wife died, and ifi 1857 he was married to Clemency Wright. By this marriage there were eleven children, eight of whom are stiil living, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Joshua W., 1858; Joseph A., 1859; John C , i860; Ella M., 1865; Eliza and Cassie, 1867 ; Stephen A., 1870; and Laura B., 1874. in 1»76 his second wife died, and in 1877 he married Mary A. Buxton, with whom he is living at the present time. In 1864 Mr. Johnston sold his farm in Mercer and bought 160 acres of the Judge Cecil farm in Washington Township, where he now resides, and upon which he has erected very fine and substantial buildings. This farm is one of the model farms of Shelby County, and Mr. Johnston is one of the model farmers of Washington Towuship.

was born in Shelby County in 1838. Married Miss Emma J. Van Vactor (a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Stevenson) Van Vactor) in 1867. They have had born to them tvvo children, viz., Willie E., born 1869; and Pearl, born 1876. Robert S. Johnston, the father of the above, came from Ireland to the United States in an early day; the exact date we cannot learn. He was one of the early settlers of Loramie Township. In 1830 he married Mary Crosier. He died in 1844. His wife died in 1858.

emigrated to Shelby County and located in Washington Township, on land that had been entered by John McClintock. His first purchase was sixty acres; a year or two afterward he added to this twenty acres more; then a few years later he purchased sixty acres more of Z. Hurley. Shortly afterward he bought a half section in Mercer County; then in about 1842 he purchased one hundred acres more of the McClintock farm, on which he made his home llie remainder of his days. When Mr. McKee first came to the county he had only $300 ; the balance of his property he made by' hard work and economy. Mr. M. raised a family of three children, viz., James, Martha, and Elizabeth. His wife died in 1835. In 1837 he again married, this time to Cattiarine Eaton. By his second marriage he had five children, onty- one now living, viz., .feme, the wife of Robert Thompson. Mrs. M. died in 1847. Mr. McKee died in 1848, esteemed and respected by all.

the eldest of the family of John McKee, was born in Washington Township in 1828. At the time of the death of his father he was but twentyyears of age. The responsibility of raising and educating the younger children fell upon him, together with the management of the farm. These children he has seen grow up to become men and women, since which ! time all have died except two of his sisters. He has kept the old homestead, and still resides upon it with his sister Elizabeth. Of the family of John McKee there are now left only three; only one - a grandson - beside James, who bears the name of McKee, to continue it to posterity.

James Lawrence, the father of the above, was born in Maryland, came to Ohio at the close of the last or beginning of the present century, and settled in Butler County. Here in 1807 he married Elizabeth Legg. By this union there were seven children. He died in 1823. Mrs. Lawrence died in 1874, at the age of eighty-three years.

John Lawrence, a son of the above, was born in Cincinnati in 1819, caine with his mother to Shelby County in 1830, and located in Washington Township, where he has passed the most of his life. In 1847 lie was married to Sarah Blackwood, of Shelby County, by whom he had two children, only one now living, viz., Joseph C. Mr. L.'s wife died in 1854. In 1856 he married Elizabeth Burris. By this union they have three children, Sarah B., Margaret E., and Mary K.

was horn in Ireland in 1787. In 1791 he was brought by his parents to the United States and located in Pennsylvania. Here in 1810 he married Ellen Briggs. By this union they had four children, viz., Freeborn,* James, John, and Wesley. In 1820 his wife died, and in 1822 he was I married to Elizabeth Jetfrics, a daughter of Richard and Nancy (Davis) ]

United States and located in Chester County, Pa. In 1825 Mr. Thompson and family, together with his father, John Thompson, emigrated to Shelby County and located in Washington Township, where he bought eighty acres of land of one of the Mellingcrs ; also entered eighty acres more, and located with his family in the woods, and raised a family of five children by his second marriage, viz., Huldah, Eleonor, Davis J., Thomas, and Arza B. Of these five, Huldah married William Gearhart (she died in 1875); Eleonor married Samuel Tabler; Davis J. now resides on part of the home place; Thomas resides in Dakota; Arza B. : died in the arm} 7 . Mr. Thompson died in 1851 ; his wife died in 1880. !

was born in Washington Tow nship in 1829, was raised on the farm, and educated in the common schools of his day. At the age of nineteen years he commenced teaching school at $12.50 per month, and continued the profession of a pedagogue for thirty-one consecutive years. In 1852 he married Sarah K. Diltz. They have had a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living, viz., Warren B., Anna M-, Elizabeth E., David B., John M., Maggie, James L., William M., and Thomas S.

The ancestors of the Tablers are of German extraction: Jacob Tabler, the father of the above, came from Maryland to Miami County, Ohio, early in the present century, and located close to the Shelby County line, lie was married to Julia A. Hoffman. The issue from this marriage I was thirteen children. Samuel II., one of these thirteen, was born in Miami County in 1827. He was raised on a farm, and lived at home 1 with his parents until 1849, when he was married to Miss Eleonor Thompson, a daughter of James Thompson. In 1851 they moved to Washington Township, where he bought eighty acres of land, partly improved. They remained on this land a few years, then sold, and bought part of the homestead of James Thompson. Mr. Tabler continued to reside on this place until the time of his death, which occurred in 1867. They raised a family of four sons: Alonzo L., born 1850; James H., born 1*52; Thomas F., born 1854; nnd Arza F., born 1858. Two of Mrs.

Tabler's sons are now on the farm with their mother. Thomas F. follows the profession of teaching; Arza F. is at present a student, preparing for a profession ; Jacob Tabler died in 1867, bis wife in 1868; Alonzo L. Tabler was born in Shelby County in 1850; married Mary B Lyon in the year 1875. They have two children, Orvil A., born 1878, and Vernon L., born 1881.

a son of John and Elizabeth Booher, was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1800. They emigrated to Ohio in 1805, and located in Montgomery County, four miles north of Dayton, where he lived to grow up to manhood without any advantages of schools. In 1824 he married Mary Beardshear, and raised a family of five children, viz., Maria, George B., Elizabeth, Mary, and Catharine. His wife died in 1834. In 1835 he married Elizabeth Combs. By this marriage there were six children. Mr. Booher lived to accumulate a fine property, he owning at the time of his deatli about 1000 acres of land in Montgomery County, being one of the wealthiest farmers of the county. He died in 1877.

was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1829. When five j-ears of age his mother died. He lived with his father until he grew up to his majority. His advantages of education were limited, being confined to a few months during the winter seasons in their common schools. In 1852 he was married to Miss Naomi Pol ham ns, a daughter of John and Abigail (Ladew) Polhamus. In 1854 they came to Shelby County, and located in Washington Township, where he made a purchase of one hundred and twenty acres of land. A few years later he bought eighty acres more, then afterward purchased one hundred and thirteen acres, all of well improved land. Upon his farm he has erected good substantia) buildings. They have raised a family of ten children, whose names are as follows: Emma F.. Anna L. E., Samuel J., George E., Laura A., Mary K., William F., Charles E., Arthur B., and Eva F.

We go to Long Island to find the first of this family in the United States. It was here that John Polhamus, Sr., was born about 1761, and lived for a time, then went to New Jersey and married Hannah Howard, and raised a family of three sons and three daughters. John Polhamus, Jr., was the eldest son of this family. He was born in New Jersey in 1800. He lived here to marry Abigail Ladew, a daughter of Stephen and Naomi Ladew, in 1824. Stephen Ladew died in the war of 1812 of yellow fever. In 1835 Mr. Polhamus came with his family to Ohio, and settled in Montgomery County. They raised ( a family of five children, viz., Ann Eliza, Stephen L., Sarah J., Naomi, and John F. Of this famity there were three who came to Shelby County, Stephen L.. Naomi, the wife of George B. Booher, and John F., who was killed in the Rebellion. John Polhamus died in 1341. His wife died in 1849. This couple had been Methodists from childhood, he being a loader in the church for many years.

was born in New Jersey in 1828. When seven 3 'oars of age he was brought to Montgomery County, Ohio, where in 1852 he married Mary L. Booher, and the following y'ear settled in this township. He lived here until 1864, when he died, leaving five children, viz., David G., born 1854; George S., born 1855 ; Alonzo F., born 1859; Lizzie K., born 1861; and John S., born 1864; the last of whom died in 1881. Mrs. Polhamus, after the death of her husband, kept her family together until they grew up. For the first few years she rented her place until her boys were old enough to farm, since which time she has controlled her farm herself. To her credit be it said that she has done what but few women would do; she has continued to improve her farm and educate her children, and has made for them a comfortable home.

We trace the ancestors of the Pickerings to Ireland for their nativity. The first to come to the United States was Jacob Pickering, the greatgrandfather of the subject of this sketch. He came about the middle of the last century. His time was sold after his arrival here to pay his passage. Some time after his freedom he went to Virginia. It was here that his son Jacob was born in Rockingham County in the year 1783, and in the year 1809 married Hannah Miller. They came to Ohio in 1814, and located in Fairfield County, where he died in 1860. James C., his son, was born in Virginia in 1812, was brought to'Ohio in 1824, and married Catherine Smith in 1835. B 3 ' this union there were nine children, all still living. Mr. P. still resides on his homestead in Fairfield Count 3 r . Jacob H., his eldest child, was born in 1836, and was raised on the farm. In 1 >63 he married Sarah J. Boyle, and come to Washington Township in 1866, and settled on land entered by Michael Boyle, his wife's father, in 1846. They have by their marriage one child, John E., born in 1864. .

was born in Delaware in the year 1808, and came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1829. Here about 1836 he married Mabel Smith, the widow of Ascum Smith, whose maiden name was Hayes. By this union there were children, of which Mrs. Pickering is the eldest. In 1846 he came to Shelby County and entered eighty acres of land in Washington Township, and moved upon it the same year, erected a cabin in the green woods, and commenced to make a home. He remained here about thirteen years, then returned to Fairfield County to lake care of his parents. He remained with them until their death. In 1866 his wife died. Shortly after her deatli he returned to Shelby County, where he resides at the present time, making his home with his children.

was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1800. ne is a son of Robert Hardesty, one of the early settlers of Shell)}' County. His parents came to Ohio in 1803, and located in Monroe County, where they lived five years, then removed to Hamilton County, where they remained until 1813, when they came to the present limits of Shelby County, and settled on the bank of Loramie Creek, in Loramie Township. Mr. Hardesty says at the time of their settlement there were but three families who had preceded them in that part of the county; they were James Thatcher, Robert McClure, and Zebediah Richardson. John Wilson was their next nearest neighbor; he was some four miles distant. Mr. Hardesty lived here to grow up to manhood. He was present at the first court held in the county, it was held in a block-house in Hardin. He also was present at the treaty made with the Indians at St. Marys in 1818. and was well acquainted with Chhrley Murray and his Indian wife, and with Judge Armstrong. He had charge for a time, in the year 1819, of the Government stores at St. Marys. In 1819, Mr. Hardesty married Catherine Saunders, who had come to the county in 1819. He lived here to raise a family of nine children. His wife died in 1866. Mr. Hardesty is still living. Although enfeebled with age, he is still in the enjoyment of good health, having spent almost threescore and ten years in the same neighborhood, with but short intermission.

a brother of Joseph Hardesty, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1808, and came with his father's family to this county in 1813, where in 1828 he married Margaret Saunders. They raised a family of three children, Jane, Martha, and Nancy. Jane married Samuel Harshbergcr, of Turtle Creek; Martha married David Bowlsby, and Nancy married James Bryant, of Miami County. Mr. Hardesty died in 1873. His wife died in 1881, aged seventy-four years.

was born in 1830. In 1860 he married Martha Hardesty, a daughter of Samuel Hardesty. They had one daughter, Margaret, born 1861. In 1862 Mr. Bowlsby enlisted in the 50th 0. V. I., and died of disease at Jacksonborough, Tennessee, January 19, 1863.

a son of William and Sarah Hardesty Walters, was born in Shelby County in 1857. When but a child he was left an orphan, and was raised by his mother's people until he became a man grown. In 1881 he married Nettie Lenox, a daughter of Richard and Sarah Lenox.

was born in Shelby County in the year 1832. He is a son of Richard W. Valentine, of Orange Township. He was married to Nancy A. Hardesty, a daughter of Joseph Hardesty, in the year 1858. Mrs. Valentine was born in 1836. They have raised a family of six children, viz., James It., Dora B., Cora A. E., William N., Annaliza, ami Clarinda A. They reside on section 28 of Washington Township.

was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1832. He is a son of Brewer and Rachel Rockwell Burt. When three years of age he was brought by his parents to Shelby County. The}' settled in Clinton Township, where they remained three years, then removed to Lockington in 1838. Here young Burt grew up to manhood. At the age of nineteen years he went to learn the carpenter trade, and has followed it to the present time. The past sixteen years he has been working for the State of Ohio on the Miami and Erie Canal, repairing locks and bridges. In 1861 he was married to Margaret Snavely, with whom he lived till 1864, when she died. At the close of the same year he married Nancy A. Livingston, with whom he has raised a family of six children, viz., John F., Mary A., Anna, Lillie, Florence, and Edwin Mr. Burt is now the oldest resident of Lockington, having lived here siuee 1838.

was born in Shelby on the farm on which he now lives in the year 1824. He, together with ids brothers, cleared the home farm, their father having died when they were young. When twenty years of age Francis went to learn the carpenter trade with his brother Joseph, since which time he has worked at his trade the most of his life. In 1855 he married Emily Monroe They have by this marriage five children, as follows : Laura J., Sarah A., Ella. Samuel S., and John W. Mrs. Fergus was born in Virginia in 1834. Her parents were Henson and Eliza (Campbell) Monroe, who settled in Shelby County in 1834.

a son of James and Elizabeth Cain, was born in Virginia in 1816. His father was born in Maryland in the year 1781. Soon afterward the family moved to Montgomery County, Va., where in the year 1862 he married Elizabeth Carper, a daughter of John Carper. She was born February 21, 1785. They raised a family of fourteen children, all to grow up to majority, and all came to Shelby County in 1831, except one son, who preceded them one year, and one daughter, who followed them the next year. Jacob was fourteen years of age at the time of their location here. All the education he ever received was prior to this time in a cabin school-house without a floor, without any of the advantages of the present day. His constant companion was his axe, and his home was in the woods. He commenced with empty hands, working for eighteen to twenty-five cents per day, and cleared land for $4.50 per acre. He has cleared three farms for himself besides what he has cleared for others. He has seen and experienced pioneer life in all its phases, and well knows what it is to endure the hardships of life in the woods. In 1842 he was married to Phebe VVymer. By this marriage there were thirteen children, ten of whom are still living. His wife died in 1866. He married for his second wife, Mrs. Stacey, whose maiden name was Gump. This union was not congenial, and they separated. Mr. Cain afterward obtained a divorce, and in 1878 married Margaret E. Van Sky, a widow whose maiden name was Bozarth.

was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1779. He was married to Isabella Thompson. About the year 1832 they immigrated to New York city, where they lived about eight years. The family at this time consisted of four children, viz., Frank, John', Mary, ami Ellen. Of this number Frank and Mary are residents of this township. John and Ellen both died here. In 1844 Mary married Joseph Holiday in New York city. They lived there to have born to them six children, three of them now living. In 1861 Mr. Holiday died, and his widow came the same year to Shelby County, and has since that time made her home with her brother Frank. In 1840 Frank, the eldest of the family, came to Shelby County and bought eighty acres of land, nearly all in the timber. He then returned to New York and brought his parents. They lived on this place to improve it, then traded it for one hundred and sixty acres, where he now lives.

It will be remembered that the Grahams came from Ireland, where they knew nothing of the use of the axe, then lived in the city of New York for eight years, never having seen a rail fence, much less having made rails or cleared land. It need not be wondered at that they made very awkward work at their commencement in the woods. Frank relates that one day, shortly after their arrival here, he told his father that if he would cut and split a few rails, enough to make a pen, he would go and buy a few pigs, for an Irishman's home is never complete without pins. Accordingly the old gentleman started with his axe, and attacked the first nice-looking tree he came to. This proved to be a white elm, which is proverbial for not being very easy to chop or split, but he worked with a will until the return of Frank several hours afterward, when he n^ked his father how he was getting along. He said very well; he had got four mighty nice rails made, but he thought the bloody things were hard to split. So they thought they would try another tree, and see if that would do any better. They next tried a nice-looking little beech, but this proved as obstinate as the first. They then concluded to go and get the opinion of a neighbor as to what kind of timber he used to make rails. The neighbor told them to take ash or hickory, but they said they did not know one kind of timber from another. So their neighbor went with them and showed them the kinds that wonld split easily. They then went to work and soon had their pen built. Perseverance ami practice soon gave them the use of the axe, and it was not long before they understood woodcraft as well as their neighbors.

The Pecks arc of German descent. John Peck, the father of John J.. was born in Virginia about 1793. When but a child he was left an orphan, and lived among strangers. When quite a young man he came to Miami County, where he worked and made his home with Col. John Johnston. It was while here that he entered the army ami served under General Harrison in the war of 1812. After his return from the army lie again made his home with Colonel Johnston, and remained there until the time of his marriage. Colonel Johnston had taken an orphan girl to raise by the name of Barbary French, who was born in Pennsylvania about 1791. It was at the Colonel's that these two orphans met and were married about 1815. young Peck, prior to his marriage, had saved of his wages some money ; with this he came to the present limits of Washington Township, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, and brought his wife to it the same year he was married. Here they lived to raise a family of six children, viz., Elizabeth, the wife of Esquire J. Johnston, Mary, the wife of Christopher Johnston, John J., Julia, Samuel, anil Catherine. Mr. Peck died in 1853. Ilis wife died in 1877 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Johnston. She had become blind a number of years prior to her death.

John Johnston Peck was born in Shelby County In 1821. He was named in honor of Colonel John Johnston, with whom his father and mother had lived for years. Mr. Peck lived to manhood at the home of his father. In the year 1856 he married Miss Martha Gillespie, a daughter of William and Mary Gillespie. Mrs. Peck was born in Warren County, Ohm, in 1823. They have had born to them two children, viz., Mary M., born 1858, and Emma A., born 1860. Beside these two Mrs. Peck took to raise a niece, Mattie B. Gillespie, whose mother died when she was but eighteen mouths old. This adopted daughter is as one of the family. Mr. Peck became the owner of part of the homestead after the death of his father, which he owned for a number of years, then sold and bought part of the Gillespie place, where he has lived since that time.

was born in Shelby County in 1843. In April, 1861, when the first call for volunteers was made by President Lincoln, George, although but a boy of eighteen years of age, was among the first to otter himself. He enlisted in the 20th 0. V. I. and served his time of enlistment, and was discharged. In 1864 he again enlisted and served his full time. In 1863 he commenced the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. J. C. Kidder< of Sidney, and graduated at the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati in 1867. and commenced the practice of medicine in Mercer County, Ohio, but soon removed to the State of Illinois, where he continued the practice of his profession until 1875, when failing health compelled him to quit the practice of medicine. In 1868 he married Miss Fanny Campbell, of Sangamon County, Illinois. By this union they had three children, hut in December, 1881, these children were all taken with diphtheria in a most malignant form, and all died within one week. In 1875, the time the Doctor quit the practice of medicine, he returned to Shelby County and located on a piece of wild land he owned. On this he built a comfortable frame house and commenced its improvement, and now has it nearly all cleared and uuderdrained, and is making lor himself and wife a very pleasant and comfortable home.

was born in North Ireland in the year 1800. In 1821 he married Margaret Johnson. The following year they set sail for St. John's, New Brunswick, where they stayed a short time, then crossed the Hay of Fnndy to Nova Scotia, where they remained until 1834, when they emigrated to Medina County, Ohio. They remained at this place until 1838, then moved to Shelby County' and located below Sidney, where he superintended work on the canal feeder for a time, then took a sub-contract on the canal, which he completed in the fall of I84L The same * fall he bought eighty acres of land in Washington Township and moved upon it. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell raised a family' of nine children, seven of whom are still living, viz., John, Sarah, Mary, Robert, James, Samuel, and Margaret. Of this number Sarah, Mary, and James are in the county.

John, the eldest of the family, went to California in 1850. He worked in the mines a couple of years and was then elected to the Slate Legislature. After filling his term in the Legislature he read law, was elected Judge for the county, and is now on the Bench of Supreme Court as Judge of the State of California. James, who is now on the home place, was born in Nova Scotia in 1834, has remained on the homestead all his life, and is now its proprietor.

Thomas Caldwell died in 1847. Mrs. Caldwell; after the death of her husband, kept her family together and raised them up to man and womanhood. She still survives and is hale and hearty at the age of eighty years.

came from Virginia to Ohio in 1798, and located in Ross County. His family consisted of eight children. Abraham Davenport, a son of the above, was born in Virginia in 1790, and was brought by his parents to Ross County in 1798. He lived here to marry Penelope Griffith in the year 1809, and remained in Ross County until 1817, when he moved with his wife and four children to the wilds of Shelby County, and located within the present limits of Washington Township, where* he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, lie lived on this farm to raise a family of nine children, whose names are as follows: John, Anthony S., Nancy, Robert, Celina, Ira. Elizabeth, Benjamin L , and Abraham S. Mr. Davenport died in 1837. His wife died in 1855. Of this family there are but four living, but not one in the county. Anthony S., the second son, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1813. In 1836 he married Nancy Coon. After his marriage he settled in Turtle Creek Township, where he remained some three years. His father having died in the mean time, he returned to the old home. Mr. Davenport by this marriage raised a family' of six children, viz., Elizabeth, Martha M., John W., David S., Francis, and Findley. His wife died in 1847. The following year, 1848, he married Betsey M. McClintoek. By this union there were five children, only one now living, viz., Charles P., born 1851. Mr. Davenport died in 1880, having lived on the one place sixty-three years. Mr. Davenport, after the death of his father, bought the farm from the rest of the heirs, and owned it up to the time of his death. The original patent is the only deed evqr given for the farm. The widow still lives on the place, which is farmed by two of the sons. Mr. Davenport had been a member of the M. E. Church from boyhood to the time of his death. The McClintocks, the ancestors of Mrs. Davenport, are from Ireland. They came to America in 1763, and located in Pennsylvania. From there they went to Kentucky. It was here that Win. McClintoek was born in 1786. In 1813 he married Sarah McCiintoek. In 1824 he moved to Shelby County. They raised a family of twelve children. Mr. McClintoek died in 1851. His wife died in 1857- Of this family there is now left in the county but one - Mrs. Davenport.

William Elhrington, the father of the above, was born in England about the year 1785. About 1809 he ran away from England to escape the army and came to the United States. Shortly afterward he bought land and located where Dayton '( Montgomery County, O.) now stands. Here in 1823 he married Betsy Black, with whom lie raised a family of seven children. He came to Shelby County in 1832 and located in Franklin Township. He remained there until 1853, when he removed to Sidney, where he died in 1872. John, his son, was born in Montgomery County in 1831, and lived at home with his parents until manhood. His first business for himself was to chop cord wood. This he followed for several years, then worked as a hand in a saw-inill ; finally bought the mill, and owned it up to 1864, when he sold it; since which time he has spent his life on a farm. In 1860 he married Mary Evans, a daughter of Isaac Evans, one of the pioneers of Shelby County. Their family of children are eight in number, with names as follows: Albert W., George, John, Harry, Minnie, William, Meda C., and Cora M.

The Campbells are of Irish descent. They came to America during the seventeenth century and settled in Virginia. It was here in Loudon County that Wm. Campbell was born, about 1707. Here he lived, and died about 1810, at the age of one hundred and three years. Andrew Campbell, his son, was born in 1768, and lived there to marry Jane Carr. They raised a family of eight children. Eliza, the eldest of these, was born in Virginia in 1804, and married Henson Monroe in 1819. They had born to them sixteen children, fifteen of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Their names are as follows: Nancy, James, Mary, Henson S., Eliza, William, Sarah, Emily, Jonathan, Virginia, Lydia, Amanda, John, Caioline, and Josephine. Mr. Monroe settled in Shelby County in 1834, where lie died in 1853. His widow still survives and resides on the old homestead they first bought. Of this large family of children there are still ten living.

was born in Warren County in the year 1835. When three years of age he was brought by his parents to Washington Township. He is a son of Wm. Gillespie, who is spoken of elsewhere in this work. Hamilton grew to manhood in this township. At the age of eighteen years he commenced teaching school, which he followed four years, then engaged in the mercantile trade in Lockington, but remained in tfie business only one year; then engaged in buying and shipping grain at Lockington with his brother D. K., which he followed until 1862. In August, 1862, he received an order from Gov. Tod to recruit a company of volunteers, which he did, recruiting one hundred and one men all from his own county, and principally from his own neighborhood. This company were all first-class men, sons of farmers, and all respectable men of standing in the county, and when mustered into the service made as fine an a[>- pearance as any company in the regiment. At the time his company was completed, Capt. Gillespie was ottered five hundred dollars each bytwo other parties from other counties for the appointment of the first and second lieutenants' position, which he promptly refused, and let his company elect their own officers. He took his company to Camp Dennison in Sept. 1862, and was assigned to the 50th O. V. I. A history of this regiment will be found elsewhere in this work. Capt. Gillespie had the command of this company until July 1863, when he was promoted to major of the regiment, and again promoted to Lieut.-Colonel in.

August, 1864, and had command of the regiment until the time of its consolidation with the 99th 0. V. I. in 1865. After the consolidation of the two regiments Col. Gillespie was mustered out of the service and came home a couple of months before the close of the war. He then again engaged in buying grain, at which he has continued the most of the time since that date. In 1865 he was married to Miss Mary M. McKnight. They have had born to them six children, viz., George H., Robert W., John H. B., Hamilton S., Roy E., and David K.

The Wagners came from Germany to the American colonies in the beginning of the eighteenth century, and settled near Reading, Pa. It was here that Henry Wagner, Sen., was born in 1 790- When a young man lie went to Harrisburg to work at the carpenter trade. Here, in Dauphin County, about 1812, he married Elizabeth Diek. They raised a family of eight children. Henry, the subject of this sketch, was the 'second son; he was born near Harrisburg in the year 1819, and was raised on a farm which adjoined the city of Harrisburg. When a young man he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until 1847, when he married Isamiah Hoeker. The following year (1848) they moved to Shelby County and located in Washington Township, where he bought seventy-five acres of land: he afterwards bought twenty-five acres more; then "eighty-four acres; then one hundred acres - making in all two hundred and eighty-four acres. This land he has put under cultivation, and has built upon his home place a fine brick house and large bank barn. They have raised a family of six children, whose names and date of birth are as follows : Levi, born 1847; Heni - }', Horn 1850; George, born 1852; William, born 1854 ; Napoleon, born 1857 ; and John, born 1862.

Tlie Hookers, the ancestors of Mrs. Wagner, are of German extraction. Their first settlement in the United States was in Lancaster County, Pa. It was here that Adam Hoeker was born and grew up to manhood, and learned the tanning trade. He married Mary Hershy and immediately moved to Harrisburg. They were among the first settlers of Harrisburg. He started the first tannery' in that place. He followed this business for a number of years. It was here that George Hoeker was born in 1794. He was partly raised in the city, when his father sold his tannery and moved to the country, some nine miles from the city. Here, in 1819, he married Magdalena Landis and raised a family of two children. Mrs. Wagner was the eldest; she was horn in Dauphin County in 1821. Mr. Hoeker died in 1873: his wife died in 1824. About 1833 ho married Catharine Cocklin, who died in 1881.

The Seotts are of Scotch descent. David Scott was born in New Jersey in 1798. When but five years of age his mother died, and he was soon afterward bound out and lost all trace of his father until he (David) was about fifty years of age. Thus nearly all trace of his ancestors was lost. lie served his indenture, and in 1826 came to Ohio and located in Warren Couniy. Here in 1827 he married Alice Rouse, and in the year 1833 immigrated to Shelby County and located in Orange Township, remained there oneyear, then removed to Washington, where he remained until 1864, since which time he has made his home in Piqua. Mr. and Mrs. Scott raised a family of six children. Mrs. Scott died in 1860, and in 1864 Mr. Scott married Mary MeCandless.

John Scott, the youngest of the above family of children, was born in 1839. In 1862 he was married to Ellen Higgens. By this union they had three children. David W., Samuel II., and Ellen M. Mrs. Scott died in 1866, and in 1868 Mr. S. married for his second wife Jane Stewart, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Ullery Stewart. By this marriage they have one child, Clara M. Mr. Scott is a resident of the old homestead of his lather in section 21.

Turtle Creek occupies a position in the second tier of townships from the west. It is bounded on the nortli by Van Buren and Franklin townships, on the east by Franklin and Clinton, on the south by Washington and McLean, and on the west by Cynthian and McLean townships.

All that part of the township which lies south of the Greenville Treaty Line, containing twenty-four full and four fractional sections, is drained by Turtle Creek and its many branches, which extend nearly all over that part of the township. There are also a number of ditches, which have been cut by the citizens for the purpose of draining their farms, making the land more productive and better adapted to agricultural pursuits. That part of the township north of the treaty line, which contains four full and four fractional sections, is drained by the White Feather Creek, or ditch, as it is sometimes called, and its branches; also a number of smaller ditches, which carry the water into the creek, or large ditch.

The surface is somewhat broken along Turtle Creek and its branches, especially the southern half of the township. The remainder is level, or nearly so.

The soil of Turtle Creek is composed principally of a black loam, which is generally fertile, and under careful agricultural improvement is very productive. In the southern part of the township the soil is of a gravelly nature, and large beds of gravel are found near the surface.

The township contains about twelve miles of pike. The one running nortli from Hardin station, on the old Wapakoneta road, six miles, or until within about one-fourth of a mile of the treaty line, is known as the Newburgh or Turtle Creek Valley Pike. The Sidney and Hardin Pike extends ncross the township from east to west, passing through Hardin village, four miles of which is in Turtle Creek Township, and the Russel Pike, which leads from the St. Marys Pike in Clinton to the Turtle Creek Valley Pike in Turtle Creek Township, intersecting the latter one mile north of Hardin village, ten miles of which is in Turtle Creek Township.

The C. C. C. and I. R. R. forms the southern boundary of the township, being located on the line between Washington and Turtle Creek townships. The station on the railroad is located one mile south of Hardin village, and is known as Hardin station.

There are five churches within the present limits of the township: One Presbyterian, two Methodist Episcopal, one Christian, and one Roman Catholic. A brief sketch of each will be found in subsequent pages.

First road was the Hardin and Wapakoneta Road, which was laid out about 1816, and partially cut out by William Davis a few years later. The next road was the one leading from Hardin to Sidney, which was laid out about 1817.

First marriage. - The first marriage in the township was solemnized June 3, 1818, by Cephas Carey, Esq., the contracting parties being Richard M. Cannon and Miss Mary Brodrick.

So far as a few settlers constitute the settlement of a township, Turtle Creek was one of the first and oldest settlements within the county. True, its boundaries have been changed and modified since the earl}' dates to which we are about to refer, but it must still be claimed that this is an old township, its very records as an organization dating back to the middle of the year 1820. It is true also that this, like most oilier settlements, advanced slowly, for its growth was tardy until after the year 1818. Let us refer to some of the earlier settlers, and the dates of settlement, without claiming entire accuracy for these dates, whieh are given sometimes entirely from memory by some of the older residents. Not being mntters of record, and many of the parties being either dead or of impaired memory, this list is given with some reserve as the most accurate attainable by even the most painstaking research.

It appears that during or prior to 1812 some five settlers were to be found here. These were John Kennard, who came from Kentucky and settled on the south half of section 31 ; William Carddingley, who entered the northeast quarter of section 18; Cephas Carey, who settled near Hardin; Thomas McClish, on present site of Hardin; and William Bush, near the same site.

In 1815 it appears Richard M. Cannon moved from the present site of Sidney, and located about one mile east of the Hardin site. Richard Lenox and family located on the northeast quarter of section 31. John Lenox and family just south of Hardin site; and Joseph Steiuberger near the same site. In 1816 we have about six settlers, locating as follows: William Davis came from Kentucky, and located on the south- west quarter of section 30. John Stephens on northeast quarter of section 28. Jeremiah White on southwest quarter of same section. Ebenezer D. Stephens on southeast quarter of section 18; and William Grooms on northwest quarter of section 29. In 1817 Basil Burton settled on the quarter of section 28. David Coon on soutli part of section 19; and James Davis on part of southwest quarter of section 18. In 1818 we only find two families moving to the township. These were James Thatcher, the old county pioneer, who located on the northwest quarter of section 18; and Joseph Lyons, who occupied the northeast quarter of the same section. In 1821 it appears Thomas Shaw settled on the northeast quarter of section 30; and Edwin Barker on the northeast quarter of section 7. In 1822 we have record of Joshua Cole, who located on section 0; and James A. Graham on southwest quarter of section 25. From this date until the year 1832 there appears to have been but few accessions from without, and those who came at or since the last-mentioned date are so largely represented- in the biographical department, that it is not deemed advisable to pursue their settlements in this connection. By this course, too, they will be kept out of the page of mingled history and tradition, and appear in that of authenticated history.

The ohlest records now in possession of the clerk is vol. i. of " Records of Turtle Creek Township, continued from a manuscript book," and under date of June, 1820, presents ''a list of taxable property in Turtle Creek Township, returned by Robert Aldrich, lister, for the year 1820." As this list appears elsewhere, we only pause a moment now' to observe that it exhibits many names closely connected with the early history of the county, and names with which the reader is already familiar. Among these may be mentioned Robert Aldrich, Thomas McClish, Abraham' Richard, and James Cannon, Benjamin S. Cox, A. Ewing, John Kennard, Richard and James Lenox, James and Samuel Marshall, James and Rjchard Lenox, John McClure, John Wilson, John Johnston, James Wells, Daniel Y. Dingman, John Blake, Jonathan Beatty, Cephas, Rufus, Ephraim, Elias, and Ezra Carey, William, Zachariah, Aaron, and William W. Cecil, Harvey B. Foote, Hezekiah Hubble, John and David Mellinger, James Marshall, Thos.W. Reickman, John L. Steinberger, James Thatcher, Joseph Thatcher, and Elisha Williams.

The balance of money remaining in the treasnry on the first Monday of March, 1820, agreeably to my last report, was . $59 76? Received of J. Lenox, Esq., April 3, 1820, one fine paid by C.

March 1, 1824. A meeting of the trustees was held at the house of Samuel Marshall, when it wns ordered that an election be held at sai 1 house on the first Monday of April next.

The records at their opening in 1820 show Robert Aldrich, lister; Samuel Marshall, treasurer; James Wells, clerk ; William Davis, constable; William Drake, Nathan Coleman, William Mellinger, and William Davis, road supervisors. The first election records show that on November 10, 1820, James Lenox and Elisha Williams were elected justices of the peace.

On the first Monday in April, 1821, an election was held at the house of Thomas McClish, with the following result : Trustees, Uideon Wright, Cephas Carey, and Richard Lenox. Clerk, James Wells. Treasurer, Samuel Marshall. Overseers of poor, David Coon and Ebepezer D.' Stephens. Fence viewers, John Wilson and Hezekiah Hubble. Listerj Joseph A. Aldrich. Appraiser, William Harrell. Constables, James' Thatcher and John Whitmire. Road supervisors, Thomas McClish Samuel Marshall, William Robinson, Samuel Stewart, Robert McClure' and John Lenox.

Election for 1822 held at the house of Thomas McClish. Officers elect: Trustees, William W. Cecil, Abraham Davenport, and Joseph Steinberger. Clerk, James Wells. Treasurer, Samuel Marshall. Lister and appraiser, James Lenox and Frederick Steinberger. Overseers of poor, James Marshall and James Moore. Fence viewers, James Thatcher and Edwin Barker. Constables, Thomas Dart and Hubble Sprague. Supervisors, David Coon, John Kennard, John Mellinger (second), and William Robinson.

April, 1823. Trustees, William W. Cecil, Cephas Carey, and David Carter. Clerk, James Lenox. Treasurer, Samuel Marshall. Constables J. L. Steinberger and William Mellinger. Appraisers, Joseph Stcinberger and S. Marshall. Overseers, Gideon Wright and John Wilson. Fence viewers, David Coon and James Thatcher. Supervisors, Edwin Barker, Abraham Davenport, Moses Sturgeon, and Hezekiah Hubble.

April, 1824. Trustees, William W. Cecil, John Stewart, James Thatcher. Clerk, John Fergus. Treasurer, Samuel Marshall. Fence viewers, Zachariah Hurley and Edwin Barker. Lister and appraiser, Samuel Marshall and Joseph Steinberger. Constables, Samuel While and John Marshall. Overseers, Joseph Mellinger and Abraham Davenport. Supervisors, James A. Graham, John McClure, James Wells, and James Jackson.

April, 1825. Trustees, William W. Cecil, John Kennard, and Daniel Meeker. Clerk, John Fergus. Treasurer, Abraham Davenport. Constables, James Thatcher and E. Perdue. Lister and appraisers, James A. Graham and Joseph Steinberger. Overseers. Hezekiah Huhblc and Samuel Stewart. Fence viewers, William Bush and Thomas Shaw. Supervisors, Joshua Cole, Aaron Cecil, Jeremiah White, John Marshall, and John Johnston.

April, 1826. Trustees, Richard Lenox, Richard M. Cannon, and Joshua Cole. Clerk, William Davis. Treasurer, James Lenox. Lister ami appraiser, A. McCullough ami William Howell.

April, 183". Trustees, Cephas Carey, William Davis, and Robert Brodriek. Clerk, W. A. Carey. Treasurer, R. M. Cannon. Constables, Charles Mallahan and W. A. Carey.

1842. Trustees, William Davis, John Laughlin, and A. S. McClure. Clerk, William II. Stephens. Treasurer, W. V. Cowan. Assessor, William Davis.

On the farm of William Bell, just south of Hardin, a gravel bank was opened for piking purposes, and the excavation unearthed an Indian cemetery. Skeletons of all sizes were found, assuming all positions, some face upwards, others lying on their faces, while others occupied a sitting posture. A large number were even found in an erect attitude. The skulls of some indicated sizes much above tiie average, if we are to credit the statements of eye-witnesses. The bones were alt perfect and in true relation when found, but soon crumbled on exposure to the air. Besides these remains, two earthenware vessels were found, each having a capacity of about one and a half gallons. They exhibited superior

being perfect in form an«l elaborate in decoration. When found they were of a yellowish color, shaling somewhat, and in each was a large mussel shell. No stone implements were found, neither was any evidence discovered looking for an origin anterior to the Indians, except so far as the crockery was concerned. The site is in every way natural, and gave no evidence of mechanical skill. In all probability it was a common burying place for the Indians at a remote period. The vessels discovered, if according to the descriptions given us, were probably only appropriated by the Indians, like stone utensils, after the mound-builders had vacated this territory. Several relics are now in possession of Dr. Cowan, of Uardin, but we have not had an opportunity to examine them.

to the Bell farm, was made to the extent of about three-fourths of an acre. Here large quantities of human bones were found in a fair state of preservation, at a depth of from two to five feet. The excavation was made to a depth of twenty -one feet. The arrangement of the remains in this place differed from the promiscuous deposit on the Bell farm. Here each skeleton was placed in a stone-lined grave, concave in form, and open at the top. Over each of these graves a small skein of fibre resembling silk was found. Bones of animals also abounded in large numbers, as was also the case in the Bell excavation. A small sprinkling of charcoal was also found in connection with each skeleton. No other evidences of workmanship were noticed, neither flint utensils nor earthenware being discovered. As no careful scientific examination was made in either case, very little information of a satisfactory nature can be presented. We have been compelled to inquire of different eye-witnesses, whose statements conflict in the most serious manner touching the most material matters. With some of these witnesses the remains appeared to be those of giants of almost more than gigantic size. One, a tall man, speaking of a femur , believed it would extend from his knee to his shoulder. Another, himself full faced, asserted that he could have placed his hands to his cheeks, and then have fitted some of the lower jaws over face and hands. Others, again, could only say the bones were all of mammoth size; but this is generally asserted of all Indian bones by those unacquainted with the subject. There may have been large bones discovered, but it is extremely improbable that they all greatly exceeded the average size of human remains, for we have nothing authenticating the existence of a race of "'giants in those days" in this section. Excitement under such discoveries too often arouses imagination, and imagination too frequently stimulates exaggeration. These were not mounds; they were natural elevations; they were not works of defence or sacrificial altars, but mere burying grounds. The human remains were too well preserved, considering their proximity to the surface, the character of the soil, and the climate, to have outlasted the whole period of the red man. The localities bore too natural a contour, art relics were too rare, and promiscuousness too prevalent for these remains to be attributed to the mound builders. They were ancient Indian burying grounds, selected on a gravelly elevation, as was their habit, and just enough art remains were found to evince their ignornnee of art. Every point of evidence we have been able to obtain, points directly to the Indians, ami not toward an anterior race. The mound builders undoubtedly occupied this whole region in the long past, but these remains are not their waymarks.

It is believed the first schobl-house erected in this township stood nearly a mile south of Hardin, and was built about 1&16. This building was of round logs, and was sixteen by twenty-five feet in dimensions. The seats, of course, were puncheons supplied with supports, consisting of straight sticks inserted through an augur hole. Mr. Gibson was the first teacher, and at his school such of our pioneers as It. M. Cannon and William Carey began their education. The second term at this place was taught by Richard Lenox, while Mrs. Eliza Wells taught the two succeeding terms. About the year 1820 a school building was erected on the bank of Turtle Creek in Hardin. It was largely similar to the first building erected. Here Mr. Cahoon became the first teacher, and was followed by Mr. Rpsby. This building was used several years, and was attended by children from a distance of three or four miles. The third building was erected in 1824, on land belonging to R. M. Cannon, in section 19.

These incidents constitute the foundation of the school system of Turtle Creek Township* and show that, away back in the very infancy of the settlement, schools were established contemporaneously with the community, and look back of the location of the old village of Hardin. Since those early beginnings, wonderful strides have been tnken, and revolutions have been fought out in the educational as well as in the political and social worlds, and the schools may be said to have wrought those revolutions, for they gave to man the knowledge which became a power at once exacting and positive. That power has looked on many things with a frown, and if that frown did not have a withering effect, logic was called into requisition, and sometimes even the logic of the sword. Wrong fell smitten by eveiy blow, or fled beyond the pule of schools. As now divided for school purposes, the township consists of ten subdistricts, including the independent district of Hardin, which is number one. The schools are all reported in a very effective working condition.

was organized about 1832, at the residence of Joshua Cole, bv Rev, John Stewart, with Joshua Cole and wife, and a few others ns members of the organization. Their regular place of meeting was at Mr. Cole's house for several years, or until 1836 or 1837, when there was a schoolhouse erected on Mr. Cole's farm, a short distance from where Mr. C.'s house stood. In this, and another school-house erected in the neighborhood, they met and worshipped for many years, or until the erection and completion of their present edifice, which was dedicated June 1, 1865, by Rev. Bates, assisted by Rev. P. A. Drown, then their minister in charge. The building is located on the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of section 5, Turtle Creek Township, near the Turtle Creek Valley Pike. It is a frame structure forty by thirty feet, erected at a cost of about $2000.

After the erection of this building, T. M. Carey, Robert Reed, Broad Cole, J. B. P. Randolph, and John Slaybaugh were appointed as trustees of the church. The trustees at this date, March 25, 1882, are Joseph Campbell, John Laughlin, John McDonald, J. P. Heston, and Alfred Woodruff. Class leaders are Alfred Woodruff, John Laughlin, Noah Rauch, and the leaders of Class No. 3 are Miss Dellie Cannon and Flora Campbell. The stewards are B. Cole, Joseph Campbell, and John Shaw, with B. Cole recording steward of the circuit. The present membership is about one hundred and thirty in good standing. This society belongs to the Hardin circuit, and Rev. D. B Rinehart is their present pastor, who is now on his third year of pastoral labor in the vicinity of Cole's chapel. Some of the ministers on the charge prior to 1839, were Revs. Daniel I>. Davidson, James Smith, Geo. Walker, David Kemper, David Wornick, William Spafford, John Graham, and some others. A full list of the names of the ministers on this charge from 1839 to the present time can be seen by referring to the sketch of the Plum Creek Chapel M. E. Church of Franklin Township.

was organized at the residence of Samuel Harshbarger in 1836, by Elder Joseph Warbington, with nine members, viz., Ezekiel Baldwin and wife, Aaron Baldwin and wife, Eli Baldwin and wife, Samuel Harshbarger and wife, and Mary Hardesty. They held their meetings at the houses of their members alternately for several j'ears, or until the erection of a school-house in that neighborhood, in which they met and held their meetings for a few years, or until some time between the years 1852 and 1857, during which time they erected a frame building, thirty-six by twenty-six feet, on the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section 2, Turtle Creek Township. The land occupied by the building and cemetery was donated to the society by Samuel Harshbarger for church purposes and a burying ground. The church was dedicated by Elder Richardson, assisted by Elders Penrod and Warbington. The building was erected by volunteer labor, the members of the church and citizens of the neighborhood all helping to perform the labor, and to bear the building expenses. This building served the society for many years, or until the erection and completion of their present edifice, which was dedicated Aug. 28, 1881, by Elder E. W. Weeks, assisted by Eiders G. W. Garner and L. J. Gander. The new building is located in sect. 1, Turtle Creek Township, on the Sidney and St. Mary's Pike, a few miles south of the Van Buren Township line. It is a frame structure, forty-six by thirty-six feet, with a twenty-foot story, which was erected at a cost of about $2000 cash ; besides a great amount of the labor, hauling, etc., was donated to the church by the members and some others. Soon after the erection of their first church, Aaron Baldwin, David Baldwin, and A. B. Harshbarger were appointed as trustees of the church. The vacancy caused by the death of David Baldwin, in 1862, was filled by the appointment of William Wood to the position of trustee of the church. A few years later Aaron Baldwin was succeeded by Samuel Unnm, and the trustees at this writing are A. B. Harshbarger, William Wood, and Samuel Unum. Daniel Baldwin and Samuel Harshbarger were appointed as deacons of the church, but since the death of Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Harshbarger is the only deacon in the church. A. B. Harshbarger is the present clerk. The following is a partial list of the names of the elders who have been regular ministers of the Society, viz., Elders Joseph Warbington, Samuel Fusion, Andrew

Daniel Richardson, G. W. Garner, Marshall Candler, James Tingle, Elder Edmon and wife, Mrs. Rhoda Franks, Elders* Fireston, Ladley, Williams, and Butt. Elder L. J. Gander has been with them nearly three years, and is their present pastor.

was organized at the house of William Patten, in Turtle Creek Township, near Hardin, June 28, 1865, by Rev. W. M. Galbreath, J. N. Stewart, and John Neal, members of the committee appointed by the Pres- bytery at its last meeting to organize a church in the neighborhood of Hardin, Shelby County, by the name of "The Turtle Creek Presbyterian Church." At the time of its organization there were quite a number of persons living in the vicinity of Hardin who had been members of the Sidney Presbyterian Church for several years, and on petition of those persons this society was organized, with William Patten, Bennett Thomas, Edwin E. Bell, Hugh T. Patten, Mark Wilson, John Thomas, William M. Bell, Oliver C. Betts, Frank Thomas, Eli D. Thomas, Charles Quinn, Hugh Wilson, Benjamin Mills, James Quinn, Charles C. Cowan, John W. Bell, Horace E. Bell, John W. Graham, Sylvester College, Dr. Wilson V. Cowan, James Sturgeon, James Wright, James G. Marshall, Henry C. Graham, Martha E. Patten, Lucinda Patten, Ellen Quinn, Martha A. Honnell, Martha A. Marshall, Mary A. Wright, Harriet A. Cowan, Ann R. Thomas, Eliza A. Graham, Jane Laughlin, Louisa Hamilton, Sarah A. Caldwell, Elizabeth Mills, Mary E Wilson, Ann C. Thomas, Margaret Thomas, Laura M. Bell, Susan R. Thomas, Harriet E. Ewing, Mary A. Wilson, Melinda Stroutz, Martha Marshall, Josephine H. Bell, Elizabeth A. Graham, Mary J. Cowan, Ellen Burnett, Maggie Russell, Margaret Caldwell, Sarah J. Ewing, Rebecca Zimmer, Margaret Bech, and Mary Hahn, as members of the organization. Wilson V. Cowan, Hugh Wilson, and William M. Bell were elected ruling elders. Wm. Patten, John Thomas, and Mark Wilson were appointed deacons.

Their regular place of meeting was at the residence of Wm. Patten until the completion of the building, which was dedicated in December, 1865, by r Rev. Long, assisted by Rev. W. M. Galbreath. The church building is located in Turtle Creek Township, on the .Newburgh Pike, a short distance north of Hardin Station. It is a brick structure 50 by 40 feet, which was erected at a cost of about $4500. Their regular pastors since the organization of the church have been, Revs. W. M. Galbreath, Samuel C. Kerr, L. Richter, Robert McCaslin, J. L. Lower, A. B. Struthers, and C. E. Tedford, who was called to the pastorate in September, 1880, and is still in charge of the congregation. The present officers of the church are as follows: Wm. M. Bell, H. C. Wilson, J. W. Graham, Sr., and Dr. Charles S. Cowan, ruling elders. William Patten, Bennett Thomas, Mark Wilson, and John Thomas, deacons; and Wm. M. Bell clerk of the session.

This town was named in honor of Col. John Hardin, of Kentucky, who also gave his name to a county in both his adopted State and Ohio. He was born in Virginia in 1753, and when twenty-one years of age was appointed an ensign of militia. Shortly afterward he received a wound in the knee, but while under treatment joined the expedition of Lord Dunmore. Entering the Revolution, he became a lieutenant in the celebrated rifle corps of General Morgan, by whom be was often selected to undertake perilous expeditions. His conduct on these occasions was indicative of courage of the very highest order. On one occasion he was detailed from the Northern Army with orders to approach the enemy, and by some means secure a prisoner, so that some information might be obtained. Accordingly he set out with a small party, and while riding in advance of his men, suddenly gained the top of an abrupt hill to find himself confronted by three British soldiers and one Indian, all under arms. Nothing daunted and without betraying the least hesitation, he levelled his rifle on the party and demanded their surrender. The three soldiers at once threw down their arms, while the Indian only clubbed his musket. The Colonel, thinking assistance might be needed, turned half about to call upon his men, who were approaching without any knowledge of their commander's peril. While thus half turned from the party he had surprised, the Colonel caught a gleam of light, reflected by the barrel of the Indian's gun, and turning suddenly, found it had been reversed. In an instant his own gun was at a level, and although he had not time to lift it to his shoulder he was first to fire, and the Indian fell mortally wounded. In the act of falling he discharged his piece, the ball passing through the Colonel's hair. The three British soldiers were then marched to the American camp by the bold little party of this intrepid leader. For this exploit General Gates extended his thanks to Hardin and his men. After this war Colonel Hardin distinguished himself in several Indian expeditions up to 1786, when he settled in Washington County, Ky. He was with General Harmar in his campaign against the Indian villages of the St. Josephs, and signalized himself in the general action which made that expedition a success so far as its accomplishment of the original object was concerned. After that object was secured, two detachments, one of which was commanded by Colonel Hardin, suffered defeats by meeting overpowering forces of the savages. Still this only occurred after the main object of the expedition had been successfully terminated.

After the defeat of St. Clair, efforts were made to secure a peace by negotiation, and it appears that "on the 3d day of April, 1792," or eight days before the appointment of General Wayne to the chief command of the Western Army, Major Truman, then at the seat of government, was appointed by the President to negotiate a treaty with the Western Indians. The same day he received his instructions from the Secretary of War, with the further order to proceed to Fort Washington and disclose to the commander, Colonel Wilkinson, the object of his mission, with the purpose of having Wilkinson concert with him ns to the proper means to carry his instructions into execution. On the arrival of Major Truman at Fort Washington he found Col. Wilkinson, who had been promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General, was disposed to associate Col. Hardin with the peace mission. Accordingly Major Truman and Col. Hardin, accompanied by a guide and servant, left the fort in June and proceeded toward the Indian towns of the St. Joseph. The first report touching them was that of Colonel Vigo, who arrived at the fort on the 3d of July from Vincennes with information brought to that place by a Wea chief, that four men who had gone from an American fort into the Indian country had been fired upon by a band of Indians; that three of the men fell, killed on the spot ; while the fourth, who carried a flag and had papers in his possession, was taken prisoner, but was murdered on the following day. It was further related that the papers were taken to a white man who could read, and who informed the Indians that one of the papers was a long and good talk from the great chief. On hearing this the Indians expressed sorrow for their hasty action. There could be no doubt these four men were the embassy of Truman and Hardin, and that they had been treacherously and barbarously murdered under the flag of peace.

This is the most plausible account of the many we have investigated, and bearing throughout the stamp of truth, has been adopted in the interest of justice. It appears Colonel Hardin expressed his belief before leaving Fort Washington, while conversing with Captain James Ferguson, that his flag would be violated and his party assassinated, as the Indians knew him well, and had Occasion to fear and hate him. The sequel shows his belief was too well founded, and his life became a sacrifice upon the altar of his country, and in his death that country lost a noble son and gallant defender. He died in 1792 when in his thirtyninth year, assassinated on the spot where the village of Hardin now stands, the village having been named in his honor at the suggestion of Colonel John Johnston, another hero of that troublous period which preceded the settlement of this section. Such were the associations which link this spot to the past - to that past which was largely given up to the conflict between the forces of civilization and savagery, and which called forth so much patriotic heroism. The village may well be proud of the name it bears, even though its present standing does not clothe it with industrial or numerical pride.

Recorder's Office, Miami County ; Troy, Ohio, July 31, 1874. The streets are laid out due north and south and east and west, agreeable to the section lines. The Public Square is parallel to the streets, ten rods long and eight rods wide. The lots, both public and private, are each and every eight rods long and five rods wide. Cross and Front streets arc each three rods wide, and the alleys are each two rods wide.

I certify the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the explanation of the original plat of the village of Hardin, bearing date of October 5, 1816, as recorded in vol. iii., page 83, Miami County Record of Deeds.

The original plat to which the foregoing description applies consisted of thirty-six lots, exclusive of the public square, which embraced two town lots, and one lot each set apart for semiuary anil church uses, and which were left unnumbered. The original proprietors of the site and founders of the town were Thomas McClish, Joseph Steinberger, and James Lenox, all of whom were intimately associated with the material development of the county as well as the growth of the town. As the town was located prior to the organization of Shelby County and its attendant subdivisions, it may be well to observe it is located in the corners of sections 30, 29, 32, and 31 in Turtle Creek Township, being centrally located, measuring east and west, and one mile from the south line of the township. Beyond this it is needless to go, as its boundaries are illy defined in the absence of incorporation.

At the organization of the county in 1819, Hardin became the seat of justice, and here the first Court of Common Pleas and session of the commissioners were held. This dignity was maintained during several consecutive terms, or until 1820, when the seat of justice was established at Sidney, leaving the old town of proud memory to contemplate with a sigh the "what might have been" of its existence and history. Still, robbed as it was of this distinction, and disappointed in its highest hopes, it did not, like Cynthian, submit to adverse circumstances and unfriendly forces without a vigorous resistance. But its better life, for which it hoped, was doomed, and while it struggled on, it struggled without the substance of hope, and without a well-defined purpose, and so suffered, and still endures the fate of hopeless and purposeless undertakings.

The first buildings erected after the town was laid out were a small frame, in which a store was started by Robert Aldrich and Aaron Harkness; a log building in which a hotel was kept by Hczekiah Stout; a log cabin by William Herr, in which he had a cabinet shop; a cabin by Lewis Steinberger, which was partly used as a carpenter shop; and various other cabins used as dwellings. In 1819 a school-house was erected on the bank of Turtle Creek, and in this building one or more sessions of the Court convened. It was only a small log building, eighteen by twenty feet. Robert Brodrick built a blacksmith shop at a very early date, and Daniel Williams became the workman. The first wagon shop was built and operated by Joseph Jackson in 1840, in which business he is still engaged. C. P. Lenox and W. H. Stephenson erected shops at an early day, in which they worked at the shoeraaking trade. The various changes, introductions, and removals which have effected the men and industries of the town cannot lie fully traced. Many came, entered business for a season, and then either changed business or moved away. This is particularly applicable to those merchants and tradesmen who enter a town of this character, while of the hotel keejwrs it may as well be admitted they have departed apparently without a thought of return. At all events they were all absent during our late visit to the town, and no slate was seen telling either of their departure or return. While looking for a hotel, however, we found the town now contains one general supply store, one blacksmith shop, one wagon shop, one boot and shoe shop, and one steam sawmill. It also constitutes an independent school district, with a building within the town. The Methodist denomination has a church within the village, while the professions are represented by two resident physicians and surgeons.

is, without doubt, the oldest M. E. society in Shelby County. It was organized some time prior to the year 1819, but the exact date of the organization cannot be ascertained, as there are no records of the organization in the church books. It was organized at the residence of Cephas Carey, by the Rev. Goddard, with about eighteen members, viz., Cephas Carey and wife, Abraham Davenport and wife, Jeremiah White and wife, William Bush and wife, David Carter and wife, John Stephen and wife, Ebenezer Stephens and wife, Thomas Shaw and wife, James Thatcher and wife. In 1819 Richard M. Cannon and, a few years later, Joshua Cole and wife connected themselves with the church. The society met at the residences of its members alternately for several years, or until some time between the years 1832 and 1834, when they erected a church in the southeast part of Hardin village, on a lot donated by Thomas McClish. It was a brick structure, thirty by forty feet, with an elevenfoot story, and was erected at a cost of about $600, not including the volunteer labor performed by some of the members. In this building they held their meetings for many years, or until the completion of their present edifice, which was dedicated in August, 1865, by the Rev. William S. Paul, assisted by Rev. Philip A. Drown, then their pastor in charge.

This building is located in the north part of Hardin village. It is also a brick structure, forty-six by thirty-four feet, with a sixteen-foot ceiling, and was erected at a cost of about $3000. Their present membership is about sixty. The officers of the church are as follows : Anthony Allen and W. R. Wheatly class leaders; Joseph Jackson, Robert McCollough, Alfred Coon, T. S. Cannon, and Richard A. Lenox, trustees ; and Broad Cole recording steward of the circuit. The first class leader of the society was Jeremiah White, and the second leader was Abraham Davenport.

The following list will show the names of some of the regular pastors in charge since the organization of the society: Revs. George Getts, James B. Finley, William H. Raper, Robert O. Spencer, D. D. Davidson, Janies Smith, David Kemper, Peter Sharp, David Warnock, Samuel Lynch, who came on the circuit in 1840, and remained two years, Revs. Jacob A. Brown, William M. Spafford, Edward Williams, Thomas H. Wilson, William B. Brandeberry, Rev. Hanson, Rev. John S. Calb, Revs. Philip R. Roseberry, Henry Burns, Arthur Elliott, and some others who were on the circuit prior to the erection of their church building in 1865. Rev. Philip A. Drown was the pastor in charge during the erection of said church building. Then Rev. A. Berry was on the circuit one year; Rev. B. L. Rowan one year;' Rev. Caleb Hill one year; Lemuel Herbert one year; David Bulle one year; Jabez S. Blair two years; P. P. Pope two years; J. R. Colgan three years; R. D. Oldfield one year; B. W. Day one year; D. B. Rinehart, who is now on his third year of pastoral labor on the Hardin circuit.

In 1854 William and Hugh Patten erected a sawmill on the bank of Turtle Creek near Hardin. The building was twenty-eight by fifty feet, and the power was a sixteen-horse power engine. After a number of -years it passed into the hands of F. Wilson, who sold it to Henry Wilson. It then passed through different hands until 1868, when it was destroyed by fire. The next year William, John, and Frank Thomas formed a partnership, and rebuilt on the east bank of Turtle Creek, which mill is still operated under the firm name of Thomas Brothers. The building is thirty-five by eighty feet, with a thirty-two-horse power engine. It is also supplied with machinery for cutting spokes and rims. In its several capacities it is being successfully operated by Thomas Brothers, who are also purchasers of all kinds of hard wood timber.

A short time after the completion of the C. C. C. and I. Railway the company established a station one mile south of the old village of Hardin, and gave it the name of Hardin Station. The first business was undertaken by Samuel M. Cowan, who opened a store about 1853. He was soon succeeded by Cowan A Davenport, who conducted the business for some time, dealing in grain at the same time. They were succeeded by Marshall A Burress. Soon afterward they sold out to Fleming Hall, who, in turn, sold to Wilson A Co. in 1860. Seven years later J. G. Marshall became proprietor, while Logan Marshall conducted the grain trade. In 1869 the grain trade passed into the hands of Isaac Betts, and the merchant's stock was handled by M. McVey, who sold to Betts in 1871. The latter then conducted both branches of the business until he sold the buildings and stock to Samuel Wright, who had the business managed by I. R. Wilson. Two years ago Robert Ewing bought both buildings and stock, and is still conducting the grain and mercantile business.

A post-office was established a short time after the building of the railroad, and for the most part the merchants who at different times conducted the one store of the place, acted as post-master as well as station agent. Although a ticket office was once established, it was long since abandoned.

The town was never regularly laid out nor organized, and so has no history as such, and is chiefly important as a shipping point for stock and grain, and as a station for the village of Hardin.

This industry was established at Hardin Station by Ewing A Dinsraore in 1880, the buildings being two stories, twenty-four by fifty-six feet, with a wing one story, twelve by forty-five feet. The machinery is operated by an eighteen-horse power engine. The manufactures consist of spokes and bent wood work of all kinds. In October, 1881, Dinsmore disposed of his interest, and since that date the factory has been operated by Ewing Brothers.

Some time prior to the Revolution of 1776 a lad of fifteen found his way from Ireland to the United States. This lad was James Cannon, who, on reaching this country, became a tanner's apprentice for about two years. He then joined the Continental army and served throughout the great war for independence. During this service he was commissioned as first lieutenant for meritorious conduct, and was part of the time under the immediate command of General Washington. At the close of the war he located in Sherman's Valley, Ligonier County, Pa., where he soon afterward married Miss Mary Long. About the year 1795 they moved to Ohio and settled in Franklin, Warren County, where Mr. Cannon built a tannery, which he operated about four years. In 1799 he moved to a farm which he purchased, near Franklin. Here he remained until 1806, when he moved his family to Shelby County, or rather to land now embraced in this county. This land is now within the limits of Orange Township. He remained here about eight months and then moved to land near the mouth of Loramie Creek, where he lived until late in the year 1808. At this time he moved to land which afterward became the town site of Sidney, his family being possibly the first white settlers who made improvements on the present town plat. The family lived here until late in the jear 1815, when they moved to lands already entered in section 28, Turtle Creek Township, near the present site of the village of Hardin. At this place he lived a number of years. His death occurred in Clinton Township in the year 1828, having survived his wife about three years, her death having occurred while she was visiting one of her sons at Fort Wayne, Ind., in the year 1825. Their children were named, Abraham, Catharine, Margaret, James, Susanna, Richard M., and Daniel.

Richard M. Cannon, the only survivor of the family of James and Mary Cannon, was born in Butler County, O., on the 12th day of October, 1796, and so was a mere child when his parents came and settled within the present limits of Shelby County. He is thus entitled to rank among the very earliest of our pioneers. Assisting his father, he helped to clear land and gather the scanty crops of those first years of settlement, which are always and everywhere distinctively the years of toil. He thus assisted in clearing the land now occupied by the town of Sidney. In the spring of 1813 he entered the American army as a substitute, and served until the close of the campaign of 1814. Since the settlement of the family in Turtle Creek Township in 1815 he ha9 been a resident of this township. On June 3, 1818, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Robert and Pamelia Brodrick, which was probably the first marriage solemnized in this township. Miss Brodrick was born in New Jersey March 11, 1800, and came to Shelby County on the occasion of her parents' removal here in 1816. After marriage Mr. Cannon settled on his father's home farm in section 28, where he lived two years and then moved to a farm a little distance north of Hardin, where he lived until 1823. Ho then purchased land in section 19, to which he moved his family, continued improving the land, and has ever since resided here. Mrs. Cannon laid down the burden and care of a life of seventy years on the 11th of December, 1870. Her death was mourned by an extended circle of acquaintances and friends. Mr. Cannon was remarried February 14, 1872, to Miss Calesta M., daughter of William and Eliza Davi9, of this township. She was born in this township April 1st, 1827. Mr. Cannon early enjoyed the confidence of his neighbors, as attested by his election in 1820 to the office of justice of the peace, which office he retained during the fifteen ensuing years. He also filled the offices of treasurer and trustee of the township. He reared a family of nine children, named Parmelia, William B., Caroline, Charles W., Sanford A., Thomas S., Daniel, Richard W., and Nehemiah F. Of these Parmelia died in 1861, Charles and Nehemiah in the late war, while the other five survive.

Thomas S. Cannon was born in this township October 4, 1832. With the exception of about six months' schooling at Sidney, his education was obtained in the little log schoolhouse which stood on his father's farm. In 1850 he began teaching, in which profession he labored during the winter months of about six years. On the 2d of October, 1856, he married Miss Lavinia Roadarmer, daughter of William and Mary Roadarmer. She was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, December 5, 1835. They settled on the farm now owned by John Campbell in section 21 of this township, where they lived until April, 1863, when Mr. Cannon purchased one-half of his father's home farm in sections 19 and 20, where he has since resided. His family consists of three sons and four daughters. He has filled the office of township clerk a period of nine years.

deceased, was born near Maysville, Ky., October 18, 1797. He was a son of William and Elizabeth Davis. His father died when William Davis, the subject of this sketch, was yet a small boy. When he had attained the age of eighteen years, or in the spring of 1816, he came to Shelby County, Ohio, and located in Turtle Creek Township. He entered a piece of land a short distance west of Hardin, on which ho erected a cabin, and cleared some land during the summer, and in the fall of the same year (1816) he returned to his native State, and brought his mother with four children, viz., James O., Tuble C., Hiram A., and Elizabeth, to their new home in Shelby County. Mr. D. remained on the land with his mother for a number of years, and assisted her in taking care of, and providing for, the younger members of the family. He was a man of unusual strength ; his equal was hardly known in Shelby Count}'. He was considered one of the leading men of the county in his time. He was always found among those who were in favor of anything that was for the benefit of the neighborhood, and for the advancement of education or religion. He was elected to different offices, but never accepted any of them higher than township trustee.

September 11, 1821, he marrieil Mrs. Eliza Roby, nee Safford. Miss Safford was born near Concord, Mass., June 15, 1792, and came to Ohio with her first husband, Mr. Roby, in 1819, and settled three miles south of Hardin, Shelby County. Mr. and Mrs. Davis settled on the home farm in Turtle Creek Township near Hardin, on which they resided many years. They passed the remainder of their days in Shelby County, most of the time in Turtle Creek Township, with the exception of about one year, which time they spent in Iowa and Illinois. He died August 17, 1866, at the residence of his son, Hiram A. Davis. His companion survived him until March 15, 1874, when she died at the residence of Hiram A. Davis. Mr. Davis stood six feet two inches in height, and weighed 220 pounds, and many of the citizens of Turtle Creek and adjoining townships well remember his stately form. He reared a family of six children, viz., Maria, Caroline, Calista M., Emelin A., Hiram A., and Adelma Ann. Maria and Adeltna A. are now dead.

deceased, was born in Hampshire County, Ya., in 1783. He was reared on a farm. He came to Ohio some time prior to the year 1812, and located in Pickaway County. He served several months in the war of 1812. He married Miss Lucy Burton, of Pickaway County. They settled in Pickaway County, remained until 1817, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on the west half of section 19, Turtle Creek Township, on which they passed the remainder of their days.

In 1825 he received his patent, signed by J. Q. Adams, President of the United States, dated at Washington, D. C., April 1, 1825, calling for the southeast quarter of section 19. On March 12, 1829, he received a patent, signed by Andrew Jackson, calling for the east half of the southwest quarter of section 19, same township. These patents are now in possession of his son, Alfred Coon, who owns the home farm. Mr. Coon died in 1849, at the age of sixty-six years. His companion died 1859, at the age of seventy-five years. They reared a family of nine children, viz., David, Catharine, Nancy, Elizabeth, George W., Alfred, Joshua, John W., and Madison. David, Catharine, Nancy, and Elizabeth are now dead. George W. Coon is now residing in Dayton, Ohio. Alfred and John W. live in Turtle Creek Township, Shelby County, Ohio. Joshua is living in Champaign County, Illinois, and Madison is residing in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. George W. Coon served about one year in the Mexican war.

Mr. Coon is the fifth son of David and Lucy Coon. He was born on the farm now owned by Alfred Coon in Turtle Creek Township, Shelby County, December 25, 1822, where he passed his minority days working on the farm for his parents. He received a common school education. December 25, 1845, he married Miss Frances C. Mills, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Mills. Miss Mills was born in Orange, Essex County, N. J., September 23, 1827. She came to Shelby County with her parents in 1836, and settled on a part of section 29, Turtle Creek Township.

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Coon settled on her father's home farm, remained a few years, then moved on his father's home farm, remained until 1854, when he purchased and moved on the west half of section 19, Turtle Creek Township. In 1864 he purchased the east half of section 24, joining his first purchase of land on the west, on which they moved in November, 1870, and have since resided. They have two children - George B. and Gertrude. Mr. Coon has made farming his principal avocation, and now owns a good farm of 160 acres.

was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 4, 1812. He was brought to Shelby County by his parents, John and Nancy Stephens, in 1816, who settled on section 28, Turtle Creek Township, where the subject of this sketch passed his boyhood days. His education was that which could be obtained in the common schools. In 1832 he taught a term of school in a log cabin which stood on R. M. Cannon's farm, section 19, Turtle Creek Township. He has been a resident of this township since 1816, excepting one year, during which time he resided in Williams County, Ohio. February 16, 1845, he married Miss Nancy, daughter of James and Eleanor Greegan, born in Miami County, Ohio, in December, 1818. They settled on the farm in section 21, Turtle Creek Township, on which they have since resided. They reared a family of eight children, viz., John, David, Mary, Oliver, Catharine, Ellen, Maria, and Florence. David died in August, 1876. John Stephens served about six months in the war of 1861.

a son of James A. and Sarah Gralram, was born in Lewis County, Ky., May 27, 1809. In April, 1819, be came to Ohio with his parents, and located in Clarke County. In March, 1820, they moved to Miami County, remained two years, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on land two miles west of Hardin, Turtle Creek Township, in the southwest quarter of section 25, on which they remained about thirteen years. In 1835 they sold their land. They then lived on different farms in Shelby County as tenants until 1843, when James A. Graham purchased land, and moved his family to Orange Township, on which lie passed the remainder of his days. Mrs. Sarah Graham died September 1, 1840, aged fifty-nine years. He died September 8. 1864, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years and nineteen days. He filled the office of justice of the peace one term, and trustee for several years. He reared a family of nine children, viz., Robert R., William M., John W., Thomas B., Eliza, Mary J., Sarah, James A., and Samuel S. Robert R. and Eliza are now dead.

John W. Graham, suhject of this sketch, received a common school education in the old log school house. His boyhood days were spent in clearing land, and working on the farm with his father. He is a cooper by trade, which he worked at during the winter months for several years. But farming has been his principal business, and he now owns two good farms in Turtle Creek Township. He was also engaged in the lumber or timber business for several years in connection with farming. His business, while dealing in timber, was to furnish timber for the wheel works at Dayton, Ohio.

On the 17th day of April, 1832, he married Miss Jane Bill, of Montgomery County, Ohio, born December 5, 1805. Mr. and Mrs. Graham settled in Montgomery County, remained two years, when he moved with' his family to Shelby County, purchased and moved on the farm in section 18, Turtle Creek Township, on which he now resides. His companion died February 19, 1861. He reared a family of four children, Elizabeth A., Henry C., John W., and Sarah J. Sarah J. Graham died May 14, 1862. Mr. Graham served as trustee of Turtle Creek Township about twenty years, and justice of the peace for six years. He was also land appraiser for the year 1859.

deceased, was born near Baltimore, Md., on the 3d day of July, 1789. He was a son of Broad Cole. When yet a small child his father settled in Kentucky, remained until 1798, when he moved to Ohio, and located in Fairfield County, remained a few years, when he then moved to Pickaway County, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. On the 7th day of February, 1811, he married Miss Susannah, daughter of Daniel and Rachel Ranier, then of Pickaway County, but a native of New Jersey, where she was born January 9, 1792. On the 22d day of .August, 1812, he enlisted under the command of Captain Reed, and served about six months in the war of 1812. In about 1819 or 1820 he came to Shelby County, entered the southeast quarter of section 6, Turtle Creek Township, and then returned to his home in Pickaway County. In 1821 he came back to his land, and with the help of two men winch came ^jith him he cleared about nine acres, and again returned to his home in Pickaway County. In March, 1822, he brought his family to Shelby County, and stopped at Ebenezer Stephens, near Hardin, until he could erect a cabin, which he completed, and moved his family some time in April. There were no settlers north of Mr. Cole nearer than eleven miles for some time after he moved. On this farm he remained, making clearing and farming his business until 1845, when he rented his farm, and moved his family to Sidney, where they lived until 1851, when he returned to Turtle Creek Township, and moved his family on the farm in same section, joining his old home farm on the west, on which he passed the remainder of his days. His companion died September 15, 1876. He died October 20, i876. He reared a family of seven children, viz., Cynthia, Nancy, Rachel, Broad, Nathan W., Susannah, and Joshua R. ; all of whom are yet living except Joshua R., who died with cholera August 3, 1854.