Shelby County, Ohio - The whole text, 1883 (part 25 of 30)

February 29, 1816, he married Miss Mary Ewing, daughter of James Ewing, a soldier of the Revolution. Miss Ewing was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1797, and came to Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1808. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston settled on a farm in Jefferson County and remained there until 1836, when they came to Shelby County and settled on the north half of section 17, Franklin Township, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Johnston died June 5, 1859; Mr. Johnston in February, 1860. He made fanning his principal business through life. He reared a family of eight children, viz , James E., Sarah, Martha J., John S., Mary, Robert, Eliza, and Samuel. Only three of the above named children are now living, viz , James E., who now owns 223 acres of the old home farm in Franklin Township, on which he now resides; Sarah, who married Alexander Leach, and now resides near Quincy, Logan County, Ohio ; and Eliza, who married John Campbell, and is now living near Mount Gilead, Morrow County, Ohio. Samuel Johnston died while serving in the war of 1861.

deceased, a soldier of the war of 1812 and a native of Maryland, was born on the 3d day of June, 1790. His minority was spent on a farm. In 1811 he moved to Virginia and remained there about nineteen years, when he came to Ohio, and located in Montgomery County, where on the 21st day of February, 1833, he married Miss Louisa Potts, of Miami County, Ohio, born March 1, 1808, daughter of James and Mary Potts. Mr. and Mrs. Leapley settled in Montgomery County, and remained there one year. In March, 1834, they came to Shelby County and located on the farm now occupied by Esquire Ludlum, on which they lived four years as tenants. In 1838 he made improvements and moved his family on the farm now owned by William West, in section II. He died April 7, I860, at the age of seventy years. His wife is now residing in Sidney at the advanced age of seventy-four years. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Daniel, Mary E., William R., Elizabeth J., Otho H., Thomas O., and Daisy, all of whom are still living.

deceased, was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, December 25, 1798. He was a son of Charles Young, who entered the revolutionary army at the age of sixteen years, and served six years and six months in defence of his country.

Adam Young, subject of this sketch, came to Ohio when a lad of but sixteen summers, in 1814, and located in Pickaway County, where he made his home with his brother Philip Young for two years. In 1818 he married Miss Sarah Crum, daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth Crum. Mr. and Mrs. Young settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, and remained there until the fall of 1832, when they came to Shelby County, and settled in section 35, north of boundary line in Franklin Township. In 1838 they sold their farm, and purchased and moved on a farm in D insraoie Township, where they passed the remainder of their days. They learec a family of seven children, viz., William, Philip, Eliza A., Martia .,

Amos, Diana, and Jason, all of whom are now living except. Philip. Mrs. Sarah Young died in March, 1865. Mr. Adam Young died in March, 1871.

Mr. Young, son of Adam and Sarah Young, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, August 19, 1819, and came with his parents to Shelby County in the fall of 1832, and located in Franklin Township. In 1838 lie connected himself with the M. E. church, in which he has since been an earnest worker, and a few years later he was licensed as a local minister of the church. March 25, 1841, he married Miss Louisa Kingrey, a native of Ohio, born near London, Madison County, March 16, 1822.

Mr. and Mrs. Young settled on a farm in Dinsmore Township, and remained two years. In 1843 they moved to Salem Township, and remained six years. In 1849 he purchased and moved on the farm where he now resides in section 36, north of boundary line Franklin Township. Mrs. Young died June 9, 1858. They reared six children, James C., Thomas C., Adam B., Rufina, Cynthia J., and Sarah E. James C., Thomas C., and Sarah E. arc now deceased. James C. Young died at Bowling Green, Kentucky, Nov. 27, 1862, while serving in the late war. Mr. Young's second wife was Mrs. Loretta A. Williams, nee Rairden, by whom he has six children, five sons and one daughter.

deceased, was born in Kentucky March 5, 1794. He was a son of John Hutchinson, a native of Augusta County, Virginia, who married Margaret Finley in 1792, and in 1806 moved to Ohio with his family and settled near Bellebrook, Greene County, Ohio, where George Hutchinson, subject of this sketch, grew to manhood. His education was that which could be obtained in the common schools of his day. He was reared on a farm and made farming his principal vocation through life. March 19, 1818, he married Miss Martha Ciaiieey,a native of Kentucky, daughter of James Clancey. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson settled in Greene County, remained there a few years, and then moved to Rush County, Indiana. A few years later found them residing in Miami County, Ohio, whore Mrs. Martha Hutchinson died February 11, 1828, leaving Mr. H. with four small children, viz., Margaret F., Caroline, Sarah J., and Harvey. Caroline is now deceased. Margaret F., now Mrs. S. M. Sharp, resides in White County, Indiana. Sarah J. is living in Sidney. Harvey resides in Franklin Township, Shelby County. Shortly after the death of Mrs. Hutchinson, Mr. Hutchinson returned to Greene County, where on the 10th day of May, 1832, he married Mary Gill. In the spring of 1*33 he, with wife and three of his children, came- to Shelby County. He settled on the southwest quarter of section 10, Franklin Township, on which he passed the remainder of his days. He served one year in the war of 1812, and was one of the first trustees of Franklin Township. He died May 4, 1863. His wife died in Sidney January 9, 1879, at advanced age of eighty-three years.

son of George and Martha Hutchinson, was born in Miami Countv, Ohio, April 7, 1827- After the death of his mother, which occurred in 1828, he was taken to his uncle, George Clancey, with whom he grew to manhood. In 1835 he came to Shelby County with Mr. Clancey, who settled on a part of the north half of section 10. December 18^ 1851, he married Miss Amanda S. Davis, by whom he had three children, viz., George B., David F., and John C. His wife died September 19, 1861. On the 27th day of April, 1864, he married Miss Essantiah, daughter of Andrew ami Anna Ritchey, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, June 6, 1835. By this union he has two daughters, viz., Anna C. and Mattie J. Mr. Hutchinson has been a resident of Franklin Town-f ship since 1835, and now owns a good farm, on which he is living. He has made farming his vocation through life.

deceased, an old and esteemed citizen of Franklin Township, was born near Martinsburg, Virginia, where he passed his minority. He marrial Nancy McLain, of Martinsburg, Va He came to Ohio with his family some time prior to the war of 1812, and located in Pickaway Count}', where he followed farming in connection with his trade; which was that of a shoemaker, for a number of years. His wife died about 1826, leaving him with a family of eleven children, viz., Mary, Jacob, Philip, Elizabeth, Nancy, Catharine, Adam, Susannah, George, William, and Stephen M., six of whom are yet living, viz., Philip, Nancy, Catharine, Adam, George, and Stephen M. His second marriage was with Miss Keziali Curtis, of Pickaway, by whom he had eleven children, six of whom are still living, viz., Peter, Ann, Silas D., Melissa J., Angeline, and Esther. In about 1830 he moved to Shelby County with his family, and settled on a part of section 36, Franklin Township. He died in 1851. His wife, now Mrs. Bierlcy, is still living at the advanced age of seventy-four years, and is residing on the old home farm in section 36, franklin Township. Mr. Young served m the war of 1812. His father, deceased, was born in Newport, Ky, January 14, 179$. He was a son of Philip and Ann. Coleman, of English descent. When yet a small child his parents moved to Ohio, and located in Warren County, where he grew to manhood. February 20, 1817, he married Miss Susannah Snider, who was born in Kentucky November 28, 1798. He came to Shelby County in 1818, and settled on a piece of land in Franklin Township, but in 1833 he moved to (now) Auglaize County, and settled in the vicinity of St. Johns, where he was successfully engaged in farming, teaching school, tanning, and store keeping for a number of years. His wife died January 1, 1840, leaving him with a family of ten children. March 5, 1841, he married Mary A. Summers, of Shelby County. In 1866 he moved to Logan County, Ohio, where his wife died in November, 1876. He then made his home with his children until his death, which occurred at the residence of his son, Philip Coleman, January 16, 1882.

He was the father of eleven children, seven of whom are now living; the grandfather of seventy-nine children, of whom fifty-five are now living; the great-grandfather of seventy-nine children, of whom seventy are now living; and the great-great-grandfather of four children, three of whom are now living. He filled the office of justice of the peace for Franklin Township for several years.

Mr. Fridley, a son of Lewis and Susan Fridley, was born in Rockingham Count}', Va., July 9, 1801. He was brought to Ohio in 1804 by his parents, who located in Pickaway County, where young Fridley passed his minority on a farm. On the 18th day of March, 1828, he married Miss Eliza Allen, of Fairfield County, Ohio, born November 8, 1805, daughter of Whiling and Hettie Allen. Mr. and Mrs. Fridley settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, until September, 1833, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on a part of section 35, Franklin Township, north of boundary line, on which they remained forty-seven years, 'when they left their farm, and moved to Anna, where they are now living a retired life.

They reared a family of eight children, viz., Lewis B., Harvey W., John M., Laura J., Susanna C., Phebe A., Hannah C-, and Melviua. Susanna C., Phebe A., and Hannah C. are dead. The remaining five are all married, and have families. Mr. Fridley's father, Lewis Fridley, was a soldier in the war of 1812.

Mr. Critton was born in Hampshire County, Va., June 6, 1824. He is a son of William Critton, who was born in Hampshire County, Va., on the 22d day of April, 1786. He married Miss Mary Devor November 25, 1816, born near Baltimore, Md.. March 23, 1797. They settled in Hampshire County, Va., remained until 1837, when they came to Shelby County, Ohio, and settled in Franklin Township. Mr. William Critton died April 8, 1864, and Mrs. Critton September 19, 1864.

Mr. Dennis Critton, subject of this sketch, came to Shelby County, Ohio, with his parents in 1837, where he grew to manhood. He is a carpenter by trade, which he followed about twenty years, when he turned his attention to farming, which he has since made his vocation, and now owns a part of his father-in-law's home farm in Franklin Township. On the 20th day of June, 1844, he married Miss Sarah A. Yinger, daughter of David and Magdalene Yinger. Miss Yinger was born in Alleghany County, Md., November 29, 1825, and came to Shelby County with her mother in 1841, her father being dead. Mr. and Mrs. Critton settled in Stanton Township, Miami County, Ohio, remained three years, or until 1847, when they returned to Franklin Township, Shelby County, and settled on the farm where they now reside. They have a family of seven children, two sous and live daughters.

Mr. Russell, a son of Moses and Jane Russell, was born in Augusta County, Va., December 17, 1805, and was brought to Ohio by his parents in 1811, who located in Greene County, where he passed his minority. In 1830 he married Miss Nancy Larnrne, of Greene County, Ohio, born January 18, 1813. They settled in Greene County, remained until 1839, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on the farm where they now reside. They reared a family of eight children, viz., James G., Samuel L., Nathan L., Francis M., Jennie E., Mary M., Joshua W., and Manila A. Nathan L., Samuel L., and Joshua served in the war of -1861. Nathan L. died while in the service.

Was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, February 18, 1836. On the 2d day of August, 1860, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Samuel and Catharine Brandenburg, born in Montgomery County, Ohio, July 25, 1837, and carne to this county with her parents in 1840, who settled in

Jackson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Zedeker settled in Montgomery County, remained until September 22, 1875, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on the farm where they now reside. He owns a farm of 147 acres. They have two children, Oliver C. and George W.

was born in Virginia July 25, 1805. He is a son of John and Elizabeth McVay, who moved to Ohio when Thomas was yet a small boy and located in Pickaway County, and remained until 1824, when they came to Shelby County with their family, and settled on the north half of section 1 1, Franklin Township, where they passed the remainder of their days. In 1827 or 1828 Thomas McVay, the subject of this sketch, married Miss Jane Lemasters, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Lemasters, born in Pennsylvania October 4, 1807, and came to Shelby County, Ohio, with her parents in 1816 and settled in Salem Townsliip. Mr. and Mrs. McVay settled on a part of his father's land in section 11, where they made improvements and lived many years. Mrs. McVay died November 25, 1865. Mr. McVay is still living at the advanced age of seventy-seven years. They reared a family of four children, viz., Elgiva, William, George W., and Sarah J. Elgiva died July 11, 1850. William and Sarah J. are now living in southern Kansas, and George W. is now living in Franklin Township.

Mr. Baker was born in Greene County, Ohio, Jan. 27, 1827, and was brought to Shelby County by his parents, John C. and Margaret Baker, in 1831, who located in Sidney and remained two years. In 1833 they moved on a farm in Salem Township, where young Baker passed his minority. In 1847 he began working at the carpenter trade, which he made his principal business for a number of years, or until 1857, when he purchased and moved on a farm in Salem Township, which he conducted six years. In 1863 he rented his farm and again turned his attention to his trade, which he followed until 1866, when he purchased and moved on the farm in section 7, Franklin Township, where he has since resided, and followed farming and stock-growing. He has been married twice; first, on the 15th day of March, 1849, to Miss Jemima A. Michael, of Salem Township, Shelby Oounty, daughter of George Michael, by whom he had four children, three of whom are now living, viz., Harvey W., George M., and Jacob H. His wife died July 5, I860. His second wife was Miss Sarah S wanders, whom he married Sept. 13, 1866, daughter of David and Lydia Swanders. Miss Swanders was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Oct. 30, 1832, and came to Franklin Township, Shelby County, with her parents in the spring of 1833. By this union he has two children, David M. and James M.

Cincinnati was menaced by the enemies of our Union. David Tod, Governor of Ohio, called on the Minute Men of the State, and The Squirrel Hunters came by thousands to the rescue. You, David Baker, were one of them, and this is your Honorable Discharge.

Mr. Small was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, May 21, 1839, where he grew to manhood on a farm. In 1861 he came to Ohio and located in Champaign County, where he married Miss Matey C. Dickerson Jan. 29, 1864, daughter of Elisha Dickerson. Mr. and Mrs. Small settled in Champaign County for a short time, or until September 1865, when they moved to Auglaize County, and remained until March, 1867, when they came to Shelby County and settled in Jackson Township. In March, 1868, they moved to Dinsmore Township, and in December, 1869, they came to Franklin Township and settled on the farm in section 18, where they now reside. He owns a farm of one hundred and ten acres. They have one child, viz., William L.

Mr. Shaw was born in Lycoming County, Pa., July 20, 1809, and was brought to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1812, by his parents, James and Mary Shaw, where he passed his minority on a farm. March 14, 1833, he married Miss Nancy McDonald, daughter of John and Mary McDonald. Miss McDonald "was born in Hampshire County, Va., Oct. 23, 1813, and came to Montgomery, Ohio, with her parents in 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw settled in Montgomery County, Ohio, remained until 1838, when they came to Shelby County and settled on the farm where he now resides. They reared a family of five children, viz., Amanda M., Mary M., Sarah E., Anna E., and John C. Mary M. is now dead. Mrs. Shaw died November 2, 1873. Mr. Shaw has made farming his vocation through life, and now owns a good farm, on which he is passing his feeble days, esteemed and respected by all who know him.

Mr. Billie, a son of Thomas and Isabella Bulle, was born in Darke County, Ohio, on the 8th daj' of September, 1837, where he passed his boyhood days. In April, 1857, he came to Shelby County and located in Orange Township. Feb. 28, 1860, he married Miss Lucinda Middleton, daughter of John and Lydia Middleton, of Greene Township, this county, born in Hamilton County, Ohio, November 19, 1839. By this union he has seven children, three sons and four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Bulle settled near Plattsville, where he followed farming until September, 1880, when he, in company with Amos Minniear, purchased the steam saw-mill of James Swander at Swander's Crossing. He then turned his attention to manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of hardwood lumber, which he is now conducting under the firm name of Bulle & Minniear. On the -28th day of October, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, 57th O. V. I., served until April 6, 1862, when he was wounded at the battle of Shiloh and was discharged from the service May 2, 1864, on account of disability caused by the wound. May 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, 157th O. N. G., and served until Oct. 20, 1864, when he was discharged from the service and returned home.

deceased, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 6, 1807. He was a blacksmith by trade, which in connection with farming he made his vocation through life. June 27, 1830, he married Miss Lydia Cashner, then of Fairfield County, Ohio. They settled in Fairfield County, remained two years, until May, 1833, when they came to Shelby County, made improvements, and settled on the farm in section 35, Franklin Township, now owned by his widow, Mrs. Swander, where he died Feb. 1, 1853. They reared a family of eleven children, viz., Christina, Sarah, Savilla, Susan, Edward, Aaron, Alfred, William J., Frances A., Rebecca A., and James M. Christina, Aaron, and Alfred are now dead. Alfred died in the war of 1861.

a son of Nehemiah and Sarah Bennett, was born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Oct. 25, 1825. He is a cabinet-maker by trade, which he made liis vocation about six years, or until 1849, when he turned his attention to farming, which he has since followed, and now owns a part of his father's home farm. February 17, 1848, he married Miss Nancy M. Dickensheets. They settled in Sidney, remained until 1849, when they moved on the farm where they are now residing. They reared a family of five children, three sons and two daughters.

Mr. Forrar was bom in Berks County, Pa., December 11, 1814. He is a tailor by trade, which he followed as his vocation about eight years, or until 1841. He turned his attention to farming until a few years since, when he retired from business, and is now living a retired life in the village of Swander's Crossing. In 1837 he moved to Ohio, and located in Greene County, where he married Miss Mary Good, born November 11, 1814. In 1838 he with his wife moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, and remained three years. In 1841 they came to Shelby County, and settled on the farm in Franklin Township, which he now owns. The} - reared a family of four children, John S., William H., Isaac M., and Martha J. Mrs. Forrar died June 1, 1855. On the 29th day of December, 1855, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Boyer, nee Hillbient, by whom he reared two children. Nelson G. and Jacob C. His sou William H. served in the war of 1861.

Mr. Forrar, son of Jacob Forrar, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, January 17, 1840, and came with his parents to Shelby County in 1841. On the 18th day of February, 1864, he married Miss Sarah J. Waltz, of Montgomery Countj', Ohio, born January 19, 1845. They have nine children, five sons ami four daughters. In 1870 he engaged in the mercantile business at Swander's Crossing, which he has since been conducting, dealing in drygoods, groceries, notions, etc. June 1, 1877, he was appointed agent for the I). & M. R. R., which position he is now filling. In 1872 he was elected clerk of Franklin Township, and has been re-elected each year.

a son of Henry and Margaret Fey, was born in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, August 1, 1848. His parents were natives of Germany, who emigrated to America and located in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Ohio, in 1845, where they remained until 1868, when they moved to Fredericksburg, Md., where they now reside.

John C.Fey, subject of this sketch, began working at the wagon-making trade in 1868, which business he still follows. In September, 1870, lie located at Swander's Crossing, where he has since carried on the business of manufacturing and repairing light and heavy wagons. November 10, 1874, he married Miss Eva S. Hartman, daughter of Peter Haitman, by whom he has two children, one son and one daughter.

was born in Warren County, Ohio, near Lebanon, on the 13th day of November, 1845. He is a son of Samuel and Eliza Minniear, who came to this county about 1846 or '47, remained until 1850, when they moved to Montgomery County, where they lived eight years. In 1858 they returned to Shelby Count}", and settled in Green Township. On the 8th day of November, 1861, at the age of sixteen years, Amos G. Minniear enlisted in Company C, 71st O. V. I., in which he served thirteen months. On December 10, 1862, he was transferred to Company M, 1st U. S. Cavalry, in which he served until his term expired, November 8, 1864, and returned home yet a youth of but nineteen summers. He was actively engaged in the following-named battles: Shiloh, on the 6th and 7th of April, 1862. Kelley's Ford, March 17, 1863. Stoncman Ridge, from April 13 to May 9 Ashby's Gap, June 9. Gettysburg, July 3 Boonsborough, July 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Manassas Gap, July 21 and 22. Brandy's Station, August 1-5. Custer's Raid from February 26 until March 3, 1864. Battle of the Wilderness. May 7-8, 1864. Near Richmond, Va., May 11. Meehnnicsville, May 12. Cold Harbor, May 31 and June 1, 1864. Malvern Hill, July 28. Winchester, September 19. Luray Val ley, September 22, 1864. Waynesboro', September 28. Cedar Creek, October 19, 1 864, and a number of other skirmishes not here mentioned.

After returning from the army he attended the High School at Sidney several terms, and in 1867 he began teaching school, which he followed as a profession fourteen years. In September, 1880, he, in company with David T. Bulle, purchased the steam saw-mill at Swander's Crossing, which they have since been operating successfully, manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of hard wood lumber. April 6, 1871, he married Miss Emma F., daughter of Solomon and Caroline Kelley, born in Montgomery County, Ohio, February 13, 1854.. They settled in Plattsville, Shelby County, and remained until October 7, 1880, when they moved to Swander's Crossing, where they now reside. They have two children, one son and one daughter.

Mr. Kelsey was born in Rutland County, Vt.,- March 16, 1836. He is a son of Curtis and Lucy Kelsey, who came to Shelby County, Ohio, in June, 1846, and located in Turtle Creek Township. At present he is giving his attention to the breeding of fine wool sheep. Oct. 12, 1857, he married Miss Jennie E., daughter of William and Nancy Russell, of Franklin Township, Shelby County. Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey settled on his father's home farm in Turtle Creek Township, and remained until 1863, when he purchased the farm on which they now reside. In the spring of 1876 he was elected treasurer of Franklin Township, which position he still holds. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Agricultural Society of Shelby County for several years. He has his farm well improved, and under a good state of cultivation. \ deceased, was born in Dauphin County, Pa., December 22, 1807. He came to Ohio in 1829 or 1830 and located near New Palestine, Shelby County, where, on the 21st da}' of November, 1837, he married Miss Mary W., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Dryden. Miss Dryden was born in Highland County, Ohio, and came to Shelby County in February, 1873, with her mother, her father being dead. Mr. and Mrs. Hume settled in Green Township, near New Palestine, and remained two years. In 1839 they moved to Piqua, Miami County, Ohio, where they lived eight years. In 1847 they returned to Shelby County, located in Sidney for a short time, and then moved on a farm in Turtle Creek Township. They lived on two or three different farms, until 1852, when he purchased and moved on a farm in Franklin Township. In 1865 he sold his farm and moved to Illinois, where they lived three years. In 1868 they returned to Shelby County, and purchased a farm in Turtle Creek Township. In 1875 he purchased and moved on the land in section 15, Franklin Township, now owned and occupied by his widow, Mrs. Hume, where he died January 18, 1881. They reared a family of five children, David R., James A., Joseph D., William It., and Margaret A. Joseph I)., William R., and Margaret A. are dead. Joseph D. Hume enlisted in the 99th O. V. I. August 6, 1862, aud died at Bowling Green, Ky., November 8, 1862.

was born in Piqua, Miami County, Ohio, August 16, 1845. He is a son of James and Mary Hume. He served about four years in the late war. In 1866 he went on the western division of C. C. C. and I. R. R. as fireman. I n 1868 he was given charge of No. 1 1 passenger engine as engineer, which he ran about one year, or until 1869, when he gave up his engine and returned home to conduct the farm and take care of his aged parents. September 28, 1876, he married Miss Mary, daughter of William and Martha Vought, by whom he has two daughters. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, 20th 0. Y. I., for three months; in August, 1861, lie re-enlisted in the same company and regiment for three years, and served until shortly after the battle of Shiloh. April, 1862, he was discharged from the service on account of disability. August 6, 1862, he enlisted in company H, 99th O. Y. I., and served until August, 1865, when he was discharged from the service.

a native of Baden, Germany, was born April 23, 1799. ne married Miss Mary Magdalene Ludrick, a native of Germany, born January 15, 1797. Mr. and Mrs. Shiff settled in their native county, remained until June 5, 1844, when they, with six children, viz., John M., Magdalene, Salamy, Jacob, Christian, and Barbara, in company with Mr. Shiff's parents, Philip J. and Catharine Salamy Shiff, George Fogt and wife, with six children, Michael 'Harmon and wife, with six children, Michael Steugle, Jacob Pfaadt and wife, with two children, and Jacob AUermoot, comprised the party who, on the 5th day of June, 1844, left their native country for America. For three weeks they travelled in a wagon drawn by four horses, at the end of which time they reached Havre, thence they sailed on the vessel Albany, and, after be ; ng on the water forty days, they landed in New York City, where they remained two days, when they continued their journey to Albany, from Albany to Buffalo on a canal boat, from Buffalo to Cleveland on a steamer on Lake Erie, and thence to Winchester, Ohio, on a canal boat, where the different families separated. Mr. Fogt with his family and Mr. Harmon and family came on to Shelby County. Mr. Fogt settled in Franklin Township and Mr. Harmon settled in Clinton Township. Mr. Michael Shiff, with his family, all except his son, Philip Jacob, who remained in New York City, and Philip J. aud Catharine S. Shiff remained in the neighborhood of Winchester three weeks, or until in the latter part of August, 1844, when they came to Shelby County and settled in Franklin Township, where they lived fourteen years, or until in 1858, when they sold their farm on section 12, and moved on the farm in section 11, same township, now owned and occupied by their son. John M. Shiff, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Catharine S. Shiff, wife of Philip J. Shiff. died at the residence of their son, Michael Shiff, in Franklin Township, on the 5th day of September, 1851, aged 71 years 3 months and 26 days. Philip J. Shiff died October 17, 1858, aged 85 years 5 months and 17 days. Mary Magdalene Shiff, wife of Michael Shiff, died May 3, 1858. Michael Shiff died September 2, 1859. They were members of the German Lutheran Church, and were buried in the burying ground belonging to that church, located two miles south of Anna, on the Sidney and VVapakoneta Pike.

son of Michael and Mary Magdalene Shiff, was born in Baden, Germany, Feb. 6, 1821. He served two years in the German army. In 1844 he came to America with his parents and located in Shelby County, Ohio. Nov. 21,1847, he married Miss Leanda M. Moothart, daughter of Andrew and Mary Moothart. Miss Moothart was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 31, 1827, and came to Shelby County with her parents in August, 1832, and located in Franklin Township. Mr. and Mrs. S. settled in Franklin Township in the spring of 1859; they purchased and moved on his father's home farm, in section 1, Franklin Township, where they now reside. They reared a family of six children, viz., Lydia A., William, Henry L., Mary M., Caroline L., and John M. Mr. Shiff has made farming his vocation, and now owns four good farms, one in section 1, Franklin Township, of 92 acres, one of 80 acres in fractional section 36 south of boundary line, which joins his home farm on the nortn, one of forty acres in the southeast quarter of section 31, same township, and one of 80 acres in Dinsmore Township. He has filled the office of trustee of Franklin Township three years.

third son of Michael and Mary Magdalene Shiff, was born in Baden, Germany, December 25, 1834. He came to America with his parents in 1844, and settled in Shelby County. On the 22d day of November, 1858, he married Miss Catharine Fogt, daughter of George and July Fogt. Miss Fogt was born in Germany, August 15, 1839, and came to Ohio with her parents in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Shiff settled on a part of his father's home farm in section 1, Franklin Township, and remained four years. In the spring of 1863 he purchased and moved on the old Shank farm in section l, where they lived three years. In 1866 they moved on the farm in the northwest quarter of section l, on which they now reside. In 1881 he erected his present frame residence, which is considered the best frame dwelling in the township. He has followed farming, giving the business his undivided attention, and at this date, January, 1882, he owns three farms, one of 141 acres, on which he now resides, one of 90 acres in section 12, Franklin Township, and one of 76 acres in Dinsmore Township. He has a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters. He has filled the office of trustee of Franklin Township two years.

son of Michael and Mary M. ShifT, was born in Germany, October 16, 1826. He came to America witli his father's family in 1844, and located in New York City, where in May, 1849, he married Miss Anna Mary Bauer, a native of Germany, born August 5, 1829, and who immigrated to New York City in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. ShifT settled in New York and remained a few months. In the fail of 1849 they came to Shelby County, and settled on the home farm with his father in Franklin Township. In the spriug of 1858 he moved on the farm on which he now resides. They have a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters.

deceased, a native of Germany, was born in 1802. He married Miss Susannah Fogt, born in Germany in 1808. Mr. and Mrs. Knasel emigrated to America in the spring of 1833, landing in New York City. They continued their journey westward until they reached Shelby County, Ohio, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mr. Knasel died in September, 1865. Mrs. Knasel died in August, 1875. They reared a family of six children, viz., Elizabeth, Sally A., John, William F., Christopher, and Susannah. Only three of the above-named children are living, Elizabeth, Sally A., and John.

deceased, a native of France, was born on the 27th day of March, 1818. He was brought to America by his parents, Philip J. and Julian Hagelberger, in the fall of 1833, who settled on a farm in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, where young Hagelbcrger grew to manhood. On the 20th day of September, 1837, he married Miss Eve Bej', daughter of Lewis and Eve Bey. Miss Bey was born in France, April 29, 1822, and emigrated to America with her parents during the summer of 1832, who settled in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, on the farm now owned and occupied by John Hagelberger, on which Mr. and Mrs. Iley passed the remainder of their days. Mr. Bey died in June, 1851. His companion survived him until December 26, 1877, when she died at the age of 90 years. Mrs. Bey's father, John Altermatt, came to America with Mr. and Mrs. Bey in i 832, and died at their residence in Franklin Township in 1837, at the age of 88 years. Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hagelberger settled on the home farm with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bey, on which they lived for many years. He made farming his vocation through life. He died January 15, 1863, leaving Mrs. Hagelberger with nine children, viz, Philip J., Mary, John, Eve, Catharine, Lewis, Juliann, Paulina J., and Ida M. Ida M. is now dead. Mrs. Hagelberger remained on the home farm until August 15, 1877, when she married John G. Mader, and now resides in Bucyrus, Ohio. Their son, Philip J. Hagelberger, enlisted in Battery M, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, in the fall of 1861, aud served three years and three months.

son of Philip and Eve Hagelberger, was born on the 5th of May, 1844. lie has made farming his vocation, and now owns his father's old farm. March 19, 1868, he married Miss Catharine Bohlander, daughter of George P. and Mary Bohlander. Miss Bohlander was born in Germany, August 6, 1844, and came to America with her parents in 1848, who located near Dayton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs Hagelberger settled on his father's home farm, where they have since resided. They have three children, one son and two daughters. He served as trustee of Franklin Township four years.

deceased, was born in Lehigh County, Pa., .November 25, 1795. He was a son of Frederick and Catharine Moothart. He was a tailor by trade. In 1830 he turned his attention to farming, which he conducted successfully until his death. He married Miss Margaret Cashner of Lehigh County, Pa., born January 10, 1801. In 1822 they came to Ohio and located in Fairfield County, and remained ten years. In August, 1832, they came to Shelby County, and settled on the land in Franklin Towuship now owned by Jacob Billing, on which they lived two and a half j'ears. In February, 1835, he sold his land in section 36, entered, made improvements, and moved his family to section 32, north of boundary line. The farm is now owned by their son, Peter Moothart. Mr. Andrew Moothart died November 29, 1844. Mrs. Moothart is still living, aud now resides with her youngest daughter, in Illinois. They reared a family of eight children, viz., Sally, Benjamin, Peter, Leandea, Mary A., Catharine, "Lydia, and Andrew. Sally is now dead. Benjamin, Mary A., Lydia, and Andrew are now living in Illinois. Catharine lives in Miami County. Ohio. Peter and Leandea reside in Shelby County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Moothart were members of the Lutheran Church in Franklin Township.

County in August, 1832. His education consists of what could be obtained in the common schools. His boyhood days were spent on the farm with his parents, and he has followed farming through life. In October, 1880, he retired from the business and is now living a retired life. On the 1st day of November, 1846, he married Miss Sarah Fosnight, bom in Stark Count}', Ohio, January 29, 1825, and came to Shelby County with her parents, Martin and Mary Fosnight, in 1835, who settled In Van Bureu Township. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Moothart settled on his father's home farm, remained until in October, 1880, when they moved to Auna, where they now reside. They reared a family of six children, Andrew W., John, Mary A., Elizabeth S., William H., and Lydia A. Mr. and Mrs. Moothart are members of the German Lutheran Church at Anna.

a native of Greene County, Ohio, was born on the 15th day of July, 1 827. He is a son of Andrew and Jane McClure, deceased, who came from Greene County, Ohio, to Shelby County in 1834, and settled on a farm in Turtle Creek Township, where John F. McClure, subject of this sketch, passed his boyhood days working on the farm. He is a carpenter by trade, which he followed six years, and at the expiration of that time he again turned his attention to farming. June 26, 1860, he married Miss Eliza, daughter of James and Mary A. Doyle. Miss Doyle was born in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio, May 15, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. John F. McClure settled on the farm on which they now reside. They have a family of five children, viz., Cashius M., Elmer E., Andrew II., John F., and Olive J.

second son of Andrew and Jane McClure, was born in Greene County, Ohio, March 26, 1829. He came to Shelby County with his parents in 1834, where he grew to manhood on a farm. On the 20th day of December, 1855, he married Miss Mary J., daughter of John and Mary Speuce. Miss Spence was ,born on the farm now owned by J. \V\ Clancey, in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, March 4, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. McClure settled on a farm in the northeast corner of Turtle Creek Township, on which they remained twelve years. March 3, 1868, they moved on the farm in the north half of section 10, Franklin Towuship, where they now reside. They have a family of four children, viz., Margaret E., William C., Ina S., and Essa A. Mr. McClure has made farming his vocation, and now owns a farm of 137 acres.

was born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, September 11, 1837. He is a son of Philip and Keziah Young, who were early settlers of Shelby County. On the 19th day of March, 1856, he married Miss Mary J., daughter of Eli and Margaret Munch. Miss Munch was born in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Ohio, October 4, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Young settled on bis father's home farm in Franklin Township, and remained one year. March 1, 1857, they moved on the farm near Anna, in Franklin Township, on which they have since resided. They reared a family of four children, daughters. August 18, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, 20th O. V. I., served three years, and was discharged September 21, 1864, and returned home. He was engaged in the battles of Champion Hills, May 16, 1862, battle of Atlanta, and several others. While engaged at Champion Hills, May 16, 1862, he was wounded by a buckshot passing through his nose.

deceased, son of John and Susan M. Fogt, was born in Germany in 1807. He emigrated to America in 1833, yet a single man, and located in Shelby County, Ohio. In 1834 he married Miss Julian Hagelberger, daughter of Philip and Julian Hagelberger, born in Germany in 1815, and came to America with her parents in 1813, and settled in Dinsmore Township. Mr. and Mrs. Fogt settled in Franklin Township, where they followed farming as their vocation, and passed the remainder of their days. He died May 26, 1860. His widow survived him until in February, 1872. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Catharine, John H , Philip J., Peter, Julian, Samuel, and Sophia B., all of whom are yet living in Shelby County.

a native of Baden, Germany, was born on the 29th day of April, 1828. When he attained the age of fourteen years he began as an apprentice at the weaving trade, and followed weaving as his vocation until November 27, 1853, when he left Germany aud emigrated to America. It required nearly two months to complete the journey, and he reached Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio, on the 23d day of January, 1854. January 24, 1854. he married Miss Magdaline Kah, daughter of Godfrey ani Sophia D Kah. Miss Kah was born in Baden, Germany, March and came to America with her parents, in company with r. c u mg, who settled on a farm in Dinsmore Township. Mr.' and Mrs. Schilling settled on the farm in Dinsmore Township with her parents, and remained one year. In February, 1855, they moved to Franklin Township, and have since been residents of Franklin Township. In 1873 he purchased a farm of 120 acres, on which they now reside. They have a family of five children, two sons and three daughters.

was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Novemoer 28, 1808, where he spent his minority on a farm. On the 13th da}' of September, 1837, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of George W. and Nancy Glaze. Miss Glaze was born in Maryland, September 19, 1816, and came to Pickaway County, Ohio, with her parents in 1827. In November, 1837, Mr. and Mrs. Cole came to Shelby County and settled on a farm in Franklin Township, and remained a number of years. In 1853 they moved on the farm south of their old farm, where they now reside. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Nancy P., Dennith A. and M-ary M. (twins), Elizabeth I., Rosa A., George W., and S. Emma. Nancy P. is now dead. His father, Shadrach, was a soldier of the war of 1812.

deceased, was a native of Germany, where he was born in 1 805. He married Miss Julia A. Holfbearer, born in Germany Feb. 10, 1810. In 1844 they emigrated to America in company with Michael ShifF and family, and located in Shelby County on 160 acres of land, on which he lived many years, and followed farming as his vocation. They reared a family of eight children, Sarah, Jacob, Rachel, Catharine, J ulia, George, John, and Frederick. In June, 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Fogt left their farm and moved to Sidney, where he died May 24, 1873. Mrs. Fogt then moved to Anna in the fall of 1873, where she died Jan. 20, 1878.

son of George and Julia Fogt, was born in Franklin Township, on the farm where he now resides, October 14, 1846. January 9, 1869, he married Miss Lydia A., daughter of John M. and Lcandea Skiff, born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, October 13, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Fogt settled on part of his father's home farm, where they now reside. They have three children, one son and two daughters. In 1878 he began the erection of his fine brick residence, which he completed in 1879.

Mr. Young, a son of Adam and Mary Young, was born in Mercer County, Ohio, December 10, 1842. In the beginning of the year 1843 he was brought to Shelby County by his parents, who located in Dinsmore Township, where his minority was spent on the farm with his parents. He received a common sehool education. On the 13th day of September, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, 20th O. Y. I., served three years, and was discharged from the service Sept. 27, 1864, at the expiration of his term of enlistment. On the 22d day of July, 1864, while engaged in the battle of Atlanta, a musket ball entered his right chest, penetrating the lung, and passing out through the shoulder blade. After returning from the army he attended school two years. In the fall of 1865 he began teaching school, which he followed during the winter season four years. In March, 1869, he came to Anna, where he formed a partnership with Lewis Kah, the firm name being Lewis Kali & Co., dealers in general merchandise. In the fall of 1872 he withdrew from the firm, and he, in company with J. D. Elliott, formed a partnership, erected a building 20 by 40 feet, two stories high, in which they engaged in dealing in general hardware, under the firm name of Elliott & Young, who have since conducted the business with success. October 30, 1869, Mr. Young married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Wesley and Mary Ann Cole, by whom he has two children, Mary E. and Adonis C. . In the fall of 1872 he was appointed postmaster at Anna. In April, 1881, he was elected a justice of the peace of Franklin Township. He has filled the office of mayor of Anna since the fall of 1878.

son of James C. and Martha A. Dill, was born in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Sept. 5, 1852. In 1872 he began as an apprentice at the brick and stone mason trade; also plain and ornamental plastering. After serving three years to learn the trades, he formed a partnership with James Williamson in 1875, to carry on the business of plain and ornamental plastering, bricklaying, and to do stone-mason work, under the firm name of Williamson & Dill. Nov. 3, 1875, he married Miss Emily 1'., daughter of Robert and Henrietta Brown, by whom he has two sous. Mr. and Mrs. Dill now reside in Anna.

son of Lesley and Lucinda Wooddell, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Aug. 5, 1S52. He came to Shelby County with his parents in Oct. 1862, and located on a farm near Botkins, where he spent his minority. In September, 1880, he came to Anna, where he engaged in dealing in buggies and wagons, which business he has since been conducting. In June, 1881, he became the successor of Lewis Applegate, in the firm of Mede & Applegate, dealers in agricultural implements, and the firm name was then changed to Mede & Wooddell, who are now conducting the business. In Sept. 1881, Messrs. Mede & Wooddell erected their present building, in which they carry on their business of dealing in agricultural implements ; they also conduct a livery and feed stable.

son of Eber F. and Amanda Mede, was born in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Aug. 5, 1851. He remained on the farm with his father until i871, when he came to Anna, where he engaged as a clerk in the dry goods store of Kah, Stork & Co., with whom he remained two years. On the 23d day of November, 1873, he married Miss Alice Lippincott, daughter of William and Martha Lippincott. Mr. and Mrs. Mede settled on his father's farm in Dinsmore Township, and remained two years. In 1875 they moved on a farm near Anna, where they lived two years. In 1877 they moved to Anna, where they now reside. They have two children, one son and one daughter. 'In 1877, shortly after his removal to Anna, he engaged in dealing in agricultural implements in company with Lewis Applegate, to which they have added reapers and binders combined, mowers, sulky corn-plows, hay-rakes, etc., also light and heavy wagons, under the firm name of Mede & Applegate, who conducted the business until in June, 1881, when James H. Wooddell became Mr. Applegate's successor, and the firm name has since been known as Mede & Wooddell. In Sept. 1881, they erected their present building, in which, in connection with their other business, they are carrying on the business of livery and feed stable.

dealers in general hardware, Anna, Ohio. Mr. Elliott, son of Samuel and Jane Elliott, was born in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, O., Oct. 29, 1839. He received a common school education. In October, 1860, he entered the dry goods store of James H. Thirkield as clerk, with whom he remained three years. In 1863 he began as a clerk in the employ of Mr. Thirkield's brother, with whom he remained five years. In 1868 he formed a partnership with Lewis Kah & Co., under the firm name of Kah, Elliott & Co., dealers in general merchandise. He remained as a partner in the firm until the fall of 1872, when he withdrew from the old firm and formed a partnership with 1*. W. Young, the firm name being known as Elliott & Young, who erected their present business room, 20 by 40 feet, two stories high, in which they have since been conducting the business of dealing in general hardware. Nov. 13, 1869, he married Miss Sarah J. Baker, daughter of Moses E. and Lucretia Baker, born in Shelby County, Ohio, October 21, 1845, by whom he had two children, Girthie and Charlie; Girthie is dead.

Mr. Applegate was born in Monmouth County, N. J., Feb. 5, 1832. He was brought to Ohio by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Applegate, in 1837. They settled in Shelby County, on a farm one mile west of where Plattsville is located, in Greene Township, where young Applegate grew to manhood. He received a common school education. In June, 1858, he married Miss Ann, daughter of David and Amy Dickenslieets. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Applegate settled on his father's home farm in Greene Township. In the spring of 1873 he sold the home farm, purchased and moved on a farm in Franklin Township, near Swander's Crossing, remaining three years. In 1876 he sold his farm in Franklin Township and moved to Anna, where he engaged in the undertaking business, which he conducted with success four years. In 1880 he retired from the business and purchased a farm in Franklin Township near Anna, which he owned until in the spring of 1881, when he sold his farm and engaged in dealing in all kinds of building material - lumber, both hard and soft wood, doors, sash, blinds, etc - of which they keep a good assortment and a large stock constantly on hand. He anti his partner make contracting and building a specialty. He served ns justice of the peace of Franklin Township four years. In Oct. 1880, he was elected justice of the peace of Dinsmore Township, which position he is now filling. He served as coroner of Shelby County two terms, or six years. He served as mayor of Anna one year, when he resigned the office. He has five children, three sons and two daughters.

was born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Sept. 13, 1845. He is a son of Jacob and Louisa Leapley, who were early settlers of Franklin Township. He remained on the farm with his parents until 1860, when he began working at the carpenter trade, which he followed one year, until September 16, 18H1, when he enlisted in Company F, 20th O. V. I., and served until Aug. 11, 1862, when lie was discharged from the service on account of disability. He returned home, remained until Jan. 10, 1863, when he re-enlisted in same company and regiment, served until March 9, 1864, when he was again discharged on account of disability, and has since then drawn a pension from the government. After his return from the army in 1864 he was unable to perforin labor of any kind for several years. In 1868 he again began working at the carpenter trade, which he followed until the spring of 1881, when he formed a partnership with William Johnston - the firm name known as William Johnston & Co. - who at once began the erection of a building in Anna suitable for the manufacturing of spokes and bent wood for wagons and buggies. They completed their building and commenced operations in Aug. 1881, which they have since conducted with success. Aug. 8, 1871, he married Miss Eva, daughter of William N. and Martha Skidmore, by whom he has four children, two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Leapley was born in New York State Dec. 9, 1844, and came to Sidney, Shelby County, with her parents in 1853.

Mr. Curtner was born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Aug. 7, 1837. He is a son of Peter and Sophia Curtner, who came from Montgomery County, Ohio, to Shelby Count}' in 1833 or '34 and settled in Franklin Township, where Mr. Peter Curtner died in 1844. His companion married a man by the name of Young, and is now living in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, at the advanced age of seventy-six years. Mr. D. Curtner, the subject of this sketch, is the fifth of a family of six children, viz., Eliza, Silas, Delila, Henry, Daniel, and Sarah J. Eliza Curtner is now dead.

Daniel Curtner is what we can truly call a self-educated man, the greater part of his education being acquired by close application to his books at home on the farm. In the fall of 1860 he began teaching school, which he followed as a profession five years, or until 1865, when he, in company with H. Cargill, engaged in the mercantile business in Port Jefferson, which they conducted successfully until March, 1876, when, by mutual consent, they dissolved partnership, and Mr. C. came to Anna, where he engaged in general merchandising, dealing in drygoods, readymade clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, and groceries. In 1866 he married Miss Cynthia E., daughter of James Shaw, by whom he has had three children, two of whom are now living, one son and one daughter.

was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in the year 1816. His father (Joseph Staley) was born in North Carolina in 1780, emigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1802, when there were only four houses in Dayton. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and fought the British and Indians in northern Indiana. He died iu 1867. Daniel, the subject of this sketch, was raised on a farm. His mother died when he was but nine days old. When thirteen years of age he was put out among strangers, and from that time to the present he has fought the battle of life without any aid. He received his education at the common schools of his neighborhood. After arriving at manhood he followed teaching school during the winter, and worked on the farm in the summer. In 1851 he married Miss Margaret J. Jackson. After marriage he continued to work on a farm until 1858, when he went to Dayton and entered the Recorder's office as Deputy Recorder, at which he continued until 1861, when he enlisted in the army in the 74th O. V. I. and served over two years, when he was discharged on account of disability and returned home to Dayton. In 1864 he was elected Treasurer of Montgomery County, and was re-elected in 1866, serving two full terms. Again in 1868 the party to which he belonged nominated him for the third term, but he was defeated at the electiou. The balance of the ticket was defeated by over one thousand votes, while Mr. Staley only fell short between two and three hundred. In politics Mr. Staley has always been an unflinching Republican. In 1879 his name was brought forward by his friends for Treasurer of the State, and at the Convention had the unanimous support of several counties, but on account of his geographical location - other candidates for other offices being from the same part of the State - he withdrew his name from the Convention. Mr. Staley in 1869 moved with his family to Shelby County and located two miles N. E. of Sidney, in Franklin Township, where he owns a farm of six hundred acres. On this farm Mr. Staley makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred cattle as well as the grades. He has among his herd quite a number of registered cattle, whose records are to be found in The American Herd Book. His aim is to improve the stock of cattle through western Ohio. His sales of stock extend for many miles.

Mr. and Mrs. Staley have raised a family of three children, whose names and date of birth are as follows: Joseph P. born 1852; Cerenia J. born 1855; and Daniel \V. born 1861.

was organized June 5, 1826. It was ordered by the Commissioners at their meeting of the above date, that all that part of Perry Township lying on the northwest side of the Miami River be created a new township by the name of Salem, and that the qualified electors of Salem Townsliip meet at the house of John Hathaway on Saturday, the 24th day of June, for the purpose of electing officers for said township.

The following addition was made to the township June 5, 1837, viz., all of fractional township No. 1 in range 14 which was in Perry Township. This addition was some years later again attached to Perry Township.

Salem is in the eastern tier of townships. It is bounded on the north by Franklin and Jackson townships; on the east by Logan County; on the south by Perry and Clinton, and on the west by Clinton and Franklin townships.

The soil is varied ; in some parts clay predominates, and tho soil is rather thin ; while in other parts it consists of a rich black loam, and is well adapted to the growing of grain and grass.

There is an abundance of gravel for road purposes. The township is well supplied with springs and streams. The south part is bordered by the Great Miami River; the east is crossed by Rum Creek; the central part by Counts' Run; along the extreme west is Plumb Creek; all of which empty into the Miami. These streams are all fed and supjiorted by springs. The system of gravelled roads is quite complete, there being not less than twenty-five miles of free pikes in the township.

Dingman that the first white settler in the township Was Charles Weeks, on section 20, on what is known as the Bryan farm. This settlement was made in 1810 or 1811. He built the first house and made the first improvement. The land was owned by Daniel Y. Dingman. These were followed by Jesse Jackson, Alex. Jackson, Elisha Kirtland, and Caleb Goble, who were ail here previous to the spring of 1818. In 1818 Adam Counts and Jacob Le Masters came. Fr6m 1818 to 1820 we find that Wm. Roberts, Samuel Taylor, George Morrison, Benj. Beden, Joseph Donaldson, and Wm. Skillen had settled here. The first log cabin was built by John Hathaway at the big spring where Ogden's store now stands. The first hewed log house was built by Alex. Jackson. The first frame house by John Johnston.

The first school-house was built on the land of Elisha Kirtland ; the second was on the land of Wm. Skillen, which was afterward burned; then one was built on the land of Wm. Roberts.

Perhaps it would not be out of place here to give a description of a primitive school-house. It will he remembered there was no school fund or tax at that time; schools were supported by private subscription. When they desired a school-house the neighbors would gather together, select a site, then cut logs and build a house, usually about 12 by 16 ft.; the floor and ceiling were split puncheon; the door was made from split boards hewed with an axe and put together with wooden pins, hung on wooden hinges, with wooden latch, opened by a string. The benches or seats were made from saplings hewed flat on one side, with wooden pins for legs. The desk for the scholars to write on was a puncheon fastened to the wall by pins. The fireplace occupied one end of the house. The chimney was made of sticks plastered with mud. The roof was of clapboards held to their place with round poles. To make a window, one log was cut out of each side of the house, a frame was made with sticks crossing each other ; over this frp.me they pasted paper, and greased it with coon oil, which made it seem transparent. The whole structure was made without a nail or particle of iron in or about it. The youth of today will ask why such houses were built? and why they did not use sawed lumber, and nails, and glass ? The answer is, there was not a saw-mill within many miles of them, or a hardware store at which to get the glass and nails. Even if there had been, they had no money to buy them with. The teacher at that day was sometimes just as primitive a6 the school-house. He received for his wages ten dollars per month and boarded with the scholars. They were only required to teach reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic. Their text-books were, the New Testament, U. S. Spelling-book, and Dayboll's Arithmetic. Steel pene were unknown ; goose-quill pens made by the teacher were all the kinds they used. It was no uncommon thing to see the teacher with a dozen pens sticking in his hair waiting to be mended. The beech rod was iu daily use, the teacher always kept a supply on hand ready for any emergency that might arise. The buckskin pants the boys used to wear and the beech rod brought in contact, would make lively music nearly every day. An incident is related by one of the scholars who attended the first school taught in Salem Township; the teacher was Daniel Goble. It was the custom of the school to read a chapter in the Testament each day. The teacher took the privilege to expound the Scriptures to the school as he understood them. In the lesson one day the word sepulchre occurred ; he asked what it meant; no one seemed to give the correct definition, so he told the school it was an animal that lived in the sea and upset ships. But this class of schools soon gave way for those of a higher grade, and we find at their head occasionally a man of more than ordinary qualifications. Such was Daniel G. Hull, who taught school here about 1832; he was a superior teacher and instructor, and also practical surveyor. It was under him that Col. J. Counts received his principal education and knowledge of surveying and civil engineering. Of the scholars who attended the Ijrst.school in Salem Township only two are left in the county, viz., Col. Jonathan Counts and Wm. Skillen.

Tileton, Maple Wood Post-Office, is located in town. 2 north, range 8 east, and was laid out for W. H. Mitchell, proprietor. Main Street follows the section line between sections 30 and 31, and is 75 links wide. Ohio Street is located on the quarter section line, runs north and south, and is 75 links wide. East Lane is 50, and West Lane is 58J links wide. All alleys are 1 rod in width. All lots are 5 by rods in width except lots 14 and 32, which are 3 by 6} rods. Lots numbered 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are off the west half of the southeast quarter of section 30, and contain 1.9 acre. Lots numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are off the east half of southwest quarter of section 30, and contain 1.96 acre. Lots 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 are out of the east half of the northwest quarter of section 31, and contain 4.22 acres. Lots 14, 13, 12, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and 42 are out of the west half of the northeast quarter of section 31, and contain 5.82 acres.

a thriving village in Salem Township, is situated on the northwest bank of the Great Miami River in section 15. It was surveyed and platted Aug. 1 1, 1836, by Jonathan Counts, deput}' surveyor for Ezekiel Thomas and Abner Gerrard, proprietors. The original plat contained 93 lots and fractional lots.

The village is pleasantly situated at the head of the Miami extension canal feeder, aud has about 500 inhabitants. It was incorporated in 1842.

The first officers were: E. H. West. Mayor. J. Knox, L. A. Davis, Wm. B. Miller, J. F. Fry, and Sami. Rice, Trustees. S. B. Musselman, Recorder. J. H. Hathaway, Marshal.

The town was named by Col. Jonathan Counts. There being another post-office in the State by the name of Port Jefferson, the P. O. at this place was named Pratt, after Dr. Pratt of Sidney. The first P. M. was Alex. Jackson. The mail was carried on horseback from Sidney to Marysville, Union County.

The first settler on the present town plat of Port Jefferson was John Hathaway, in 1814 or '15, who also was the first in the present limits of the township.

Dry Goods and General Merchandise, L. C. Ogden & Son, Henry Cargill, and S. T. Thirkield. Groceries and Provisions, E. B. & E. M. Honnell, J. Apgar, White & Lowe, and J. Staley. Stoves, Hardware, and Tinware, R. J. Deweese. Boots and Shoes, E. L. Kraft & Son. Furniture and Undertaker, Owen Conner. Hotels: Staley House, J. Staley; City Hotel, E. O. Gump. Livery and Feed Stables, J. Staley and E. O. Gump. Millinery and Dress Makers, Mrs. Putt and Mrs. Dutton. Grain Elevator, E. B. & E. M. Honnell. Port Jefferson Flouring Mills, G. E. Allinger. Saw Mill, J. B. Nettleship. Wagon and Carriage Manufacturer, E. L. Harrison. Blacksmiths, B. C. & N. S. Epler, Geo. Johnston, and S. R. Johnston. Tannery, John Cargill. Cooper Shop, Cargill Bros.

was laid out on the northwest bank of the Great Miami, in section 10, town. 1, range 7 E., in Salem Township, and was surveyed Aug. 16, 1836, for Abel Roberts, proprietor. It consisted of 36 lots, as shown by original plot, but has faded away except as a matter of record.

Port Jefferson was organized as a Special School District in the year 1858, since which time the Board of Education has consisted of six members instead of three, as before. The schools were held in a one-story brick house, which shortly afterward gave place to a two-story brick with two rooms. Prior to the organization of the special school district, the schools were only partly supported by public tax. After the public money was expended, the balance of the tuition was collected from the parents of the children in attendance. The duty of collecting this fund fell upon the teacher, which he had to do or not get pay for his labor. The usual wages were from thirteen to sixteen dollars per month of twenty-six days, and eight hours per day. To show the difference between teaching school in those days and the present, we will insert a resolution found on the school record dated Feb. 2, 1843:- - part in furnishing the wood for the school, and if you cannot, with the help of the large scholars, cut it up or induce the householders so to do, by sending them word by the scholars, we shall disband the school. We have done what we think is our duty to induce them so to do ; further, we want you to be more exact to your appointed hours, as complaints are entered against you in this particular.

In 1876 the Board of Education felt the necessity of more schoolrooms. The question of a new school-house was agitated, but no action was taken until 1877, when the old building was removed and the present fine structure was erected (a view of which is shown in this work). The building is of brick, and is 60 bj - 54 feet, and 30 feet high. It contains four rooms, furnished with modern furniture and fixtures, and is a model building, both in architecture and finish. The total cost of the building was $7745, exclusive of furniture. The schools are graded into three departments, with one teacher in each. The Board of Education at the time of the erection of the building were: R. B. Conklin, M. J. Winget, J. B. Nettleship, J. F. Miller, J. C. Ogden, and Wm. Manning.

The history of Methodism at Port Jefferson antedates the organization of the village ; but when or by whom the first society Was organized cannot be definitely ascertained, as there is no record in existence prior to 1845; but there is known to have been a society here prior to 1830. This society at that time was on the Bellefontaiue Circuit. We have no means of knowing when the first church building was erected, but it was a log edifice and stood near the old cemetery east of the village. This structure some years later gave way to a small frame church, which served as a place of worship until 1862, when the present building was completed. It was dedicated June 6, 1862, by the Rev. II. D. Oldfield, the pastor of the church. In 1834 Bellefontaine Circuit was divided and Sidney Circuit was formed, which embraced Port Jefferson. In 1843 Sidney was made a Station, and Port Jefferson Circuit was formed.

The following is a list of the pastors who have been over the charge from its organization to the present time, viz.: Levi White, Geo. Gatch, Thomas Beacham, Joshua Boucher, Jno. W. Clark, James W. Findley, Thomas Simms, Wm. M. Sullivan, Wm. Morrow, John Stewart, Peter Sharp, Daniel D. Davidson, James Smith, W. C. Clark, Geo. W. Walker, David Kempler, Wilson Smith, Silas Chase, L. P. Miller, and David Warnock.

The present membership of the church is about 130. There is a flourishing Sabbath-school in connection with the church with a membership of about 110 scholars and teachers, under the superintendence of S. T. Thirkield.

This church was organized in the year 1849 by the Rev. James Skillen and Joseph Warbleton at the house of John Mill ford. The first members were Amos and John Mulford and their wives, Jacob Near and wife, and Samuel Wiles. The first church was a log one, erected in 1852 on the laud of Jacob Near, in Logan County. This was burned in 1871 and replaced by a frame in 1872, on the land of Henry Kemp. The present society consists of eighty members. The following are the names of the pastors who have been over the society since its first organization : James Skillen, Daniel Lepley, Snow Richardson, Samuel Feuston, Justice Hunt, Jonathan Rhea, C. W. Davis, Thomas Diltz, and Daniel Lepley.

The business interests of Tileton are as follows : two general stores, by R. D. Earl and M. E. Strayer; one saw mill, by Epler Bros.; two physicians, J. D. Wise anil J. F. Harshbarger ; one tile factory ; one blacksmith shop ; and one wagon shop.

This lodge was organized March, 1858, under the name of Stokes Lodge, in honor of Horace M. Stokes, who at that time was Grand Master of the State. The lodge worked under dispensation until Oct. 1858, at which time the following officers of the Grand Lodge were present, viz., Wm. Fielding, W. G. M., W. C. Fielding, Dept. G. M., W. W. Skillen, S. G. W., F. A. Pool, J. G. W., Alex. Green, S. G. D., Irwin Nutt, J. G.

D. , H. 0. Sheldon, W. G. C., T. E. English, G. T., J. S. Read, G. S., and Jacob Young, T. After the opening of the Grand Lodge a procession was formed and marched to the ftl. E. Church, preceded by the new lodge and other members, where the officers of Stokes Lodge were duly installed by G. M. Wm. Fielding, who afterwards made a brief address. The Grand Marshal then made the following proclamation three times : In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, I proclaim this new lodge, by the name of Stokes Lodge, No. 305, to be legally constituted and consecrated and the officers thereof duly installed. Prayer was offered by G. Chap. H. O. Sheldon. The lodge then returned to the lodge room and closed in harmony.

The following were the first list of officers in full: W. M., J. Comer; S. W., E. B. Honnell; J. W., B. C. Wilkinson; Treas., Alex. Buckingham; Sec'y, J. M. Roberts; S. D., S. C. Hussey; J. I)., Jacob Epler; Tyler, Wm. Miller.

A charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio to W. B. Sandoe, J. Comer, E. H. Hopkins, J. F. Black, Wm. Dunlap, and Isaac Strahlem, May 15, 1861, to organize Earl Lodge, No. 365, of I. O. O. F.

M. E. Church, where Grand Chaplain, I). E. Thomas, delivered an address, and the officers were installed by the Grand Master. After the installation of officers they returned to the lodge room. The lodge opened in due form, and the petition of Wm. M. Van Fossen was presented, together with his card from Trinity Centre Lodge of Cal., to become a member of Earl Lodge. The petition was referred and committee reported favorably, and he became the first member by card. The lodge room at this time was over the store of Joseph Comer. Some time later another lodge room was secured, which was afterwards burned, together with nearly all the furniture of the lodge. Meetings for a number of years were held in a room over the store of S. T. Thirkield. In the fall of 1832 the lodge secured the privilege from E. L. Kraft of building the second story on his new store 4>uilding for a lodge room. This room they have finished and furnished at a cost of about $1600, and now have a very neat and handsome room. The present membership is 53. The time of meeting is every Monday evening.

1854. Trustees, Jonas Harshbarger, Nimrod Duvauld, and W. S. Mitchell. Clerk, James Haney. Treasurer, A. Knox. Assessor, Isaac Harshbarger. Constables, G. W. Robbins, L. C. Ogden, and A. Dunson.

1856. Trustees, Nimrod Duvauld, W. S. Mitchell, and John G. Knox. Clerk, John F. Miller. Treasurer, A. Knox. Assessor, Isaac Harshbarger. Constables, Enoch Rike, A. S. Cannon, and Wm. Robinson.

1859. Trustees, Isaac Miller, R. B. Conklin, and John G. Knox. Clerk, J. F. Miller. Treasurer, A. Knox. Assessor, G. J. Mitchell. Constables, Squire Baker, H. I. Stockstill, and U. B. Haney.

1861. Trustees, Geo. Gillespie, Elbert Cargill, and Nimrod Duvauld. Clerk, J. F. Miller. Treasurer, A. Knox. Assessor, G. J. Mitchell. Constables, Wm. Skillen, David Arbogast, and R. Hodge.

1862. Trustees, Eli B. Honnell, W. S. Mitchell, and A. A. Dunson. Clerk, Dr. J. F. Miller. Treasurer, A. Knox. Assessor, N. Duvauld. Constables, Squire Baker, David Arbogast, and S. McCormick.

1863. Trustees, A. A. Punson, E. B. Honnell, and David Cargill. Clerk, Dr. J. F. Miller. Treasurer, Isaac Stralheim. Assessor, Isaac Miller. Constables, Samuel Johnson, Benj. Hine, and Ranson Hodge.

1866. Trustees, John Cargill, A. A. Dunson, and Price Walker. Clerk, G. E. Allinger. Treasurer, Isaac Stralheim. Assessor, R. B. Conklin. Constables, S. Baker, D. Arbogast, and David Taylor.

1867. Trustees, N. Duvauld, John Cargill, and Wm. Apgar. Clerk, Wm. Dunlap. Treasurer, Isaac Stralheim. Constables, S. Baker, D. Arbogast, and D. Taylor.

1870. Trustees, A. Richey, Elias Le Fevre, and G. E. Allinger. Clerk, R. D. Pegg. Treasurer, W. K. Smith. Assessor, T. R. Patterson. Constables, L. B. McVay, George Gump, and F. M. Husser.

1874. Trustees, G. J. Mitchell, A. A. Dunson, and Owen Conner. Clerk, B. F. Allenbach. Treasurer, B. C. Epler. Assessor, R. B. Conklin. Constables, L. B. McVay, E. L. Kraft, and Isaac Allen.

1875. Trustees, Nimrod Duvauld, T. M. Hussey, and S. C. Barton. Clerk, O. C. Staley. Treasurer, B. C. Epler. Assessor, R. B. Conklin. Constables, L. B. McVay, P. M. Grapp, and M. A. Le Fevre.

1877. Trustees, Simon Wones, Owen Conner, and W. H. Price. Clerk, H. C. Roberts. Treasurer, B. C. Epler. Assessor, G. J. Mitchell. Constables, L. B. McVay, M. A. Le Fevre, and Wm. Hartman.

1879. Trustees, J. B. Nettleship, Jacob Epler, and D. Ritchey. Clerk, J. W. Warbington. Treasurer, B. C. Epler. Assessor, A. W. Robinson. Pike Superintendent, V. McCormick. Cemetery Director, J. C. Ogden. Constables, Wm. Hartman, John Knapp, and M. A. Le Fevre.

1882. Trustees, O. C. Staley, Simon Wones, and A. Hussey. Clerk, G. W. Bussard. Treasurer, R. J. Dewesse. Assessor, Isaac Harshberger. Pike Superintendent, S. I). Haney. Constables, M. B. Deweese and Thomas Herring.

The ancestors of the Roberts of Shelby County originally came from Wales to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania; from there they went to Virginia. In 1815 Mr. Roberts moved with his family to Champaign County, Ohio. Mr. Roberts while in Virginia was the owner of slaves. Becoming convinced that owning slaves was wrong, he removed to Ohio with his slaves, thereby giving them their freedom. In 1816 or 1817 he came to Shelby County and located his land - a half section - in section 3 of what is now Salem Township. In the spring of 1819 Mr. Roberts, with two of his sons - James M. and Anderson, and a colored man who had formerly been bis slave - came to his lands to built! a cabin and clear some land. They cleared about four acres and planted it in corn and potatoes. Some of them remained during the summer and fall to tend and harvest the crop, but all returned in the fall to Champaign and remained there till the spring of 1820, when the whole family, consisting of father, mother, five sons and two daughters, moved to Shelby Co. Of that number James M. is the only one left in the county. There are only two persons now living in the township besides Mr. Roberts who were here at the time he first came, viz., Jonathan Counts and Mrs. Jas. McVay. There was not a road, church, or school in the township. Mr. Roberts has lived to see Salem Township changed from a howling wilderness to a highly cultivated portion of the country. Where the red man hunted the deer since Mr. R. came to the county, now stand the school-house, church, mechanics' shop, store, and farm dwelling. Jas. M. Roberts was born in Bath County, Va., in 1803, and married Theresa Armstrong. By this union they have two children, Melissa and Henry C. In politics Mr. Roberts has always been a Whig and Republican, never having failed to cast his vote at every election for the party he believed to be nearest his principles. Mr. Roberts was postmaster at Port Jefferson from 1864 to 1878. He says the first wheat he sold he hauled by team to Cincinnati and sold for forty cents per bushel; afterward sold for forty-three cents and took his pay in trade; sold pork at ninety-three cents per hundred ; butter from four to six cents per pound ; paid fifty cents per pound for coffee.

only son of James M. Roberts, was born in Shelby County 1844 ; married Miss H. S. Neal in 1867. They have four sons: Fletcher, born 1868 ; Samuel N., born 1870; Harry, born 1874; Frank, born 1876. Mr. Roberts resides in Pt. Jefferson, and is engaged in buying and shipping grain.

a brother of James M. Roberts, was born in Virginia in 1808. He was one of the five brothers who came to the county in 1820. He with the other brothers helped to clear the farm ; had the same privileges and advantages that other boys had in the wild woods: about all the education he received was before he was twelve years of age. He lived at home with his father till he was thirty years of age, then married Miss Jane Gilfillen in the year 1838, by whom he had four children. He died in 1852. His widow still lives on the old homestead with her son, Winfield S. The Gilfillens came to the county in 1832; they came from Ireland, Mrs. Roberts being born in Ireland in 1810.

was born in Salem Township in 1852; is the youngest son of William Roberts, Jr. lie resides on the old homestead of the Roberts', settled in 1820. In 1881 he married Sarah Josephine Baker, a daughter of George C. Baker.

is a son of Andrew Roberts, one of the five Roberts brothers who came to the county in 1820. Andrew, the subject of this sketch, was born in 1848. He married Miss Florence Hartman in 1873. They have two children, Emma J. and Marion A.

was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1825, and came with his father, Nathaniel Manning, to Shelby County in 1829. In 1859 he married Margaret J. Brandon. They had two children, John A. born Sept. 27, 1860. and Ulysses G. born Aug. 9, 1864. Esq. Manning resides in Port Jefferson, is serving as justice of the peace on his third term, also is mayor of the town.

when a young mnn, came to America. He was born in Germany about 1742. The exact date of his coming to the United States is not known, but he married here in about 1782. Some time after he was married he returned to Germany to inherit an estate which had been left; he, being the eldest of the family, became heir to his father's estate. He remained in the fatherland till 1797, when lie returned to the United States with his wife and three children. He left the old country on account of being pressed into the army. He had no means with which to pay his passage. He went to the captain of a vessel about to sail for the United States to secure a passage for himself and family, but the captain said he dared not take him, for if it was found 'out he would have to suffer the penalty ; but Mr. Baker, being very anxious to get away from the oppression, insisted on being taken. The captain finally agreed to take him and his family on condition they would suffer themselves to be shipped as ballast in the hold of the vessel, and remain there till the vessel had passed the boundary line of the German dominions. This they agreed to do. After getting his family secretly on board of the ship they were inclosed in large hogsheads or casks, with provisions enough to last them for several days. The casks were then placed in the bottom of the vessel with heavy ballast on lop of them, so they could not be readily reached.

After being in the vessel a day or two they left the dock and started on their perilous journey. After they had sailed about one day they were hailed by a government brig. The officers of the brig came on board to see if they had any contrabands. They were told to search the vessel for themselves, but failed to find any one. They then parted company and the vessels separated ; but the following day the same brig hailed them again and another search was made, witli the same result as the day before. They supposed they were now free from further molestation, but thought it best that they should remain where they were until they were past the German jurisdiction; and well for them that they did, for the following day they were again hailed by the same brig as before. This made the captain of the vessel wrathy ; he told the officers of the brig that they had searched his vessel twice before; now they might search it once more, but that they were within a short distance of his jurisdiction, and if they again attempted to stop him he would blow them out of existence ; but they were not disturbed again. The family were now liberated from their hiding-place and permitted to come on deck after being stowed away five days in their narrow prison in the hold of the vessel. They landed safely in the United States, and here, by au agreement previously made, they were sold for their passage. The father's time was sold for one year; the mother's for eighteen months, and each of the children for five years, wliieb time they each served out in full. In 1814 he moved to Greene County, O., and lived there till 1832, when he came to Shelby County to live with his son, John C. Baker, Jr. Here he died about a year afterward.

a son of John C. Baker, was born in Rockingham County, Va., in the year 1811. Came with his father to Shelby County in 1830, and located in the town of Sidney, where he learned the carpenter trade, which occupation he followed for twenty-five years in and about Sidney. In 1838 he married Miss Susannah Hartman. They have two children, viz., Aaron B., who was born July 13, 1846, and Josephine, born Aug. 31, 1856. The}' lost one son, David Clinton, in the army. He enlisted in the 20th 0. V. I. Died on a hospital boat June, 1863.

one of the early settlers of Salem Township, was born in Virginia, near Cumberland Gap, in the year 1815. He came with his father's family to Sidney in 1830. After staying a few months in Sidney they moved to the country, on a rented farm, where they remained two years, then moved to a piece of land in Salem Township, where his father had entered ; here he helped his father to clear his new farm. He also followed clearing land for others for a number of years. He says he has cleared at least 200 acres of land with his own hands and axe ; he would get from five to six dollars per acre for clearing. In 1837 he married Elma Shinn, by whom he has had eleven children, eight of whom are still living. When Mr. Baker commenced housekeeping he did not have a dollar in the world ; he worked by day's work at fifty cents per day to get provisions to live on ; would clear land nights, often working till after midnight; has grubbed many days with nothing to eat but cold corn pone, and was so hard pressed at one time that he sold his only cow to pay for provisions to live on. But few of the early settlers of Shelby County passed through harder times than did Mr. Baker. He in his younger days was one of the most athletic and strong men in the county. He has been known to shoulder five bushels of wheat in one sack; but has now retired from the active duties of labor. In politics is a radical Republican. In religion he is a Methodist, being a local minister in that church.

was born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1805. The names of his parents were John and Susan Long McCashen. Mr. McCashen came to Shelby County to live in 1833, but had entered his land in the year 1826. In 1839 he married Mary Line, who was born in Brown Count}', Ohio, in 1821. They have two children, James and Joseph L. ; the first was born in 1842, the latter in 1845.

Three brothers by the name of Kirkland came from Scotland to the American Colonies prior to the old French war. The name of one was James, those of the other two have been lost. James afterward married, but when or to whom we cannot learn. He raised a family of four children, Elisha, Elias, Deborah, and James. He was killed in the French War on Lake George.

Elisha and Elias were both soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Elisha was taken prisoner by the British, put on board a prison ship off New York Harbor, where he, with the other prisoners, were poisoned by slow poison, from the effects of which many died ; he lived to get home, but died soon afterward. Elias also was taken prisoner, but by the Indians. He being an excellent blacksmith, his life was saved, and he was sent to Canada to work for the British, where he remained until the close of the war, then settled in Blemford, Mass., where he died. Deborah married William Dee, lived in Saybrook, Conn., and died childless.

James was in the army at N. Y. when Washington retreated from Long Island, and was present at Danbury and saw Gen. Wooster shot. He afterward married Elizabeth Morehouse. It was he who changed the name from Kirkland to that of Kirtland, since which time it has been so written. He lived for a time in Fairfield, then in Cornwall, Conn., after which be moved to BaiTibridge, N. Y., where he died. He was the father of Elisha, Elizabeth, James, and William. Elisha was born in Cornwall, Litchfield County, Conn., in 1777 Married Hannah Peck in 1801, and settled in Chenango, N. Y., where he remained until the summer of 1817, when he immigrated with his family to Ohio, and entered land and settled on the bank of the Miami River one mile below Port Jefferson, on what is known as the Pampell farm. Here he made an opening in the forest and erected his cabin. His family at that time consisted of three children, Elias, Anna, and William. Mr. Kirtland was tall, robust, and well built, of light complexion, and well adapted to backwoods life. He was on friendly terms with the red man, who often visited his home. He died on this place in 1840, and was buried in the old cemetery in Sidney. Hannah, his wife, died on the old homestead, January, 1841, and was buried by the side of her husband. Of the three children, Elias was born in Chenango County, N. Y., 1804; died in the spring of 1822. Anna was born Oct. 27, 1806. Married Thomas Wilkinson Nov. 29, 1825, and died March 15, 1852.

was born in Chenango County, N. Y., July 18, 1811. Was married to Miss Sarah Bryan, of Shelby County, August 30, 1832. She died at the Kirtland homestead, June 17, 1848, aged thirty-two years, and was buried in the cemetery one-half mile west on the Staley farm, where lay four of her daughters, who died young. Mr. Kirtland married for his second wife Miss Frances Jennings, June 21, 1849. In the fall of 1854 he, together with his wife and two sons, Elias and James, moved to Cass County, Ind., where he died in May, 1863.

Some time during the eighteenth century three brothers of the Le Fevre family came to the United States from France, and located in Frederick County, Md. They were of the Huguenot race. These three brothers remained in Maryland for several years. Finally they separated. One went to New York State. One went south and located in one of the Southern States. Elias, one of the three, and grandfather of the subject of.this sketch, died in Maryland. He had seven sons and one daughter, all of whom came to Ohio. Some coming as early as 1802, others not until 1807. They located in Warren County. It was here that Elias was born in the year 1809. In 1832 he married Henrietta L. Ingersoll, a daughter of Benjamin and Laura (Rose) Ingersoll. She was born in the State of New York in 1811.

Mr. and Mrs. Le Fevre, with two children, came to Shelby County in 1835. He entered 160 acres of land in Salem Township. On this land he made his home until he died in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. L. reared a family of seven children, viz., Jacob M., born 1833; Henry J., born 1834; Nimrod D., born 1837; Benjamin F., born 1838; Laura A., born 1842; Mary L., born 1846; and George M., born 1851, five of whom are still living. Laura A. died in 1878; Jacob M. in 1882.

Esq. Le Fevre gave his children a fair common school education. Some of them became teachers. Jacob M. entered the ministry in the Reformed Church. Nimrod D. became a practising physician. The Honorable Benjamin F. is now filling his third term as member of Congress from the Fifth Ohio Congressional District.