Shelby County, Ohio - The whole text, 1883 (part 26 of 30)

was born in Warren County, Ohio, in the year 1813. He was a brother of Elias Le Fevre, Esq. He married Eleanor Morgan in 1837. The following year they came to Salem Township, and located on a piece of wild land, erected a cabin, and commenced the improvement of his land. After a few years of hard toil, just as he was beginning to get a start in life, and everything looked prosperous and bright, he was called away by the "grim monster death," leaving a wife and four small children. The names and dates of birth of the children are as follows: Mary J., born 1838; Morgan A., born 1841; Jacob M., born 1843; and Henry J., born 1846.

After the death of her husband Mrs. L. rented the farm until the year 1851, when she married Thomas D. Steward, who took charge of the farm until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he entered the atmy, where he contracted disease, came home, and died in 1862, leaving three children: John M., born 1851; Millard F., born 1856; and Ansel M., born 1858.

was born in Salem Township in the year 1841. He is the eldest son of Henry J. Le Fevre. Mr. L. has twice been married. His first wife was Mary C. Harper, who died in 1874, leaving one child, Lizzie A. His second marriage was to Maria M. White, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1846.

the second son of Henry J. Le Fevre, was born in the year 1843. He was reared on a farm, and has made farming his avocation through life. In 1866 he married Dulcennia Line, a daughter pf Solomon and Eliza; beth Line. They have had born to them six children, viz., Edmund, William 0., James T., Jacob W., Allie, and Minnie D.

the youngest son of Henry J., was born in 1846. He is a blacksmith by trade, but does not follow it as a business. In 187 1 he married Miss Sarah E. Stephens, who only lived until 1875, when she died, leaving two children, Claudee E. and William M.

Mr. L. has a large collection of archaeological implements, mostly gathered on his own farm. Among the collection is the largest stone axe known to be in existence. The collection is worth seeing.

was born in Warren Count}', Ohio, in 1815, came to Shelby County, 0., in 1838, married Miss Massa Le Fevre tjie same year. Mrs. Duvall was born in Warren County also in 1817. They raised a family of six children, viz., Jacob B., born 1838; Mary A., born 1840; Sarah S., born 1842; Mclessa C., born 1844; Man ford G., born 1846; and Elias L., born 1848. When they moved on to their place they cut the first stick to build their cabin. Sir. Duvall died in 1876.

the eldest son of the above, was born in this county in 1838; raised on the farm of his father. In 1869 he married Miss Louisa Armstrong, of Logan County. The issue from this marriage is seven children: Mary B., born 1869; Emma M., born 1871; Oliver B., born 1873; Cora C., born 1875; Alvin A., born 1877 ; John F., born 1879; and Clyde W., born 1880. Mr. D. is located in section 6, and has a fine farm with good improvements.

was born in Salem Township in 1848, and is the youngest son of Nimrod Duvall. In 1873 he was married to Anna A. Scott. They have but one child, viz., Wallace, born 1875. Elias now owns the old homestead of his father in section 6.

was born in Logan County in 1839. Came with his father, Thomas D. Steward, to Shelby County in 1852, when in 1865 lie married Miss Melessa C. Duvall. They have had five children: Eliza H., born 1866; John L., born 1868; Lucy I., born 1872 ; Alpha 0., born 1876; and Milward F., born 1878. Mr. S. is located in section 6, Salem Township.

was born in Shelby County in 1835. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Boldin Staley. In 1859 he married Rebecca Allen. They have had born to them seven children: Albert E., born 1860; Alonzo E., born 1864; John S., born 1867; Dolly M., born 1872; Jacob E., born 1874; Katie M., born 1877; Charles F., born 1879. Mr. Staley was raised a farmer, and lived on a farm till 1874, when he bought a hotel in Fort Jefferson, and has been the proprietor of the Staley Hotel since that date.

was born in Logan County in 1852, but his ancestors were among the early settlers of Perry Township, but the date of their settlement cannot be given. In 1875 Mr. H. married Miss Sarah Le Fevre. They have two children: Edward R., born 1877; and Sadie E., born 1880. They are located on section 5.

Peter Epler was born in Northumberland County, Pa., in 1804. His ancestors were of German origin, but the time of their advent into the United States is not known to us. After arriving at his majority lie came westward and stopped for a time in Muskingum County, Ohio. It was here in the year 1830 that he married Miss Rachel Ward, who was born in Muskingum County in 1814. Shortly after marriage Mr. Epler came to Shelby County and entered eighty acres of land in Perry Township. In 1831 he brought his wife and one child to this land. They first moved into a house belonging to Mr. Maxwell, until they could clear a spot of ground and erect a cabin. When they landed in Shelby County they did not have five dollars in money left. They worked by day's work to get provisions to live on. Mr. Epler cut and split rails at twenty-five cents per hundred ; Mrs. Epler working out in the clearing, picking brush and helping to roll logs in order to make themselves a home. Their life in the woods was like that of all early settlers who had no means of support but their willing hands. The rifle never had any charms to him ; his time was all spent in clearing his farm. They reared a family of nine children, viz., Jacob, born 1830 ; Elizabeth, born 1833 ; Thompson, born 1834; Benjamin C., born 1838; Maria, born 1840; Newton, born 1842; Lucinda, born 1845; Mary D., born 1847; and Martha, born 1851. After making for himself a comfortable home, Mr. Epler passed away from this life in 1861.

Jacob Epler, the eldest son of Peter Epler, was born in Muskingum County, O., Aug. 2, 1830, consequently was only a few months old when brought to Shelby Count}'. He was reared on the farm and made that his business through life until 1875, when he, together with his brother Thompson, bought a steam saw mill in Tileton, which they have run successfully since that time. In 1864 be entered the military service of the United States and served the time of his enlistment. In 1877 he married Sarah J. Hill, of Logan County, O.

Benjamin C. Epler, the third son of Peter Epler, was born in Shelby County in 1838. He too, like his brother, was reared on the farm, but after arriving at manhood he learned the blacksmith trade, which he has followed since that time, making for himself and wife a fine home, all hammered out on his anvil. In 1876 he married Miss Nellie Drake. Mr. Epler, by his industrious and honorable life, has the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, who have elected him treasurer of his township seven years.

a son of James and Sarah A. (Young) Haney, was born in Port Jefferson in 1848; married Lida A. Croy in 1869. They have had born to them four children.

was born in Ireland in 1808. In 1819 he was brought to the United States by his father (John Gilfillen). Shortly after their landing in the United States they located in Clermont County, O., where he remained until 1832, when he came with his father to Shelby County, but afterward returned to Clermont County, where in 1*34 he married Maria Carr. Some two or three years later he moved with his wife to this township, where he resided until the time of his death. They reared a family of eight children, whose names are as follows: Sarah J., John G., Granville M., William, Rachel, Mary E., Charlotte, and Marianne. Mr. G. was one of the hard-working men of the county ; he made a success of farming, and became one of the wealthy farmers of the county. During his life he erected upon his farm fine buildings, but just as he became so as to live with comfort he was called away. He died regretted and respected by all. He died Sept. 1879; his wife had died Sept. 1868. The homestead now belongs to Bailey W. (a grandson), who was born 1861, and who is at the present time taking a course at Delaware College preparatory to the study of law.

The grandfather of Dr. Miller was born in Ireland, came to the Arne-, rican colonies some time prior to the Revolutionary War, for we find that he served as a soldier in the American army during that struggle, and was wounded and taken prisoner at Quebec. He died at Lancaster, Pa., in the year 1836. Alex. Miller, a son of the above, was born in Pennsylvania 1784. He held a captain's commission during the war of 1812, and was provost marshal at Lancaster, Pa. He married Sarah Lovett in 1820. She was of Quaker parentage, who came from England. They reared a family of six children. John F., one of the six, was born in Lancaster, Pa., in 1833. In 1839 his parents moved to Dayton, O., where John remained until 1854, when he came to Port Jefferson and commenced the study of medicine under Dr. S. C. Hussey, and attended Starling Medical College in 1 857- Immediately afterward he commenced the practice of medicine in Port Jefferson, which he has continued successfully since that time. In 1858 he married Miss Margaret I. Henry, a daughter of David Henry. By this union they have two children, viz., Judson C., born 1865, and John E., born 1870.

was born in Shelby County in 1847. He is a son of John Crumbaugh, an old pioneer of Perry Township. In the year 1868 he commenced the study of medicine, and graduated and received his diploma from The Ohio Medical College in 1872, and commenced the practice of medicine at Port Jefferson the same year, where he still remains. In 1872 he married Lauretta Barkalow, with whom he lived until March, 1874, when she died, leaving one child, Vernon B. In 1878 lie married Lucy Ward. By this marriage there is one child, Alma, born 1879.

Salem Twp. Shelby

was born in Portage Count/, 0., in 1847. When at a proper age he was apprenticed to learn the harness-making trade. This he followed some fifteen years; he then engaged in buying produce for several ydars ; he then engaged in the secret service. While on duty in the winter of 1881 on the C. C. C. & I. R. R., the train was wrecked by a broken rail, and he was severely injured, from the effects of which he has not entirely recovered. In 1870 he married Miss Cornelia Ogden, of Port JefTerson. By this marriage there are two children, Harry 0. and Charles W.

The Harsbbargers are of German origin. They came to America during the early settlement of the colonies. The first we can learn of them was in the person of Jacob Harshbarger, the grandfather of Isaac, who was born in Virginia. To whom or when he was married we cannot learn. Of his children we only know of Jonas, the father of the subject of this sketch; he was born in Virginia in the year 1800. He came to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1810. Here, in 1822, he married Hester A. Jacobs. In 1838 they came to Shelby County and located in Salem Township. They raised a family of eight children. Mr. H. died in 1872. His wife died in 1873.

Isaac Harshbarger was born in Montgomery County, O., in 1825; came with his parents to Shelby County in 1838. In 184G he married Johana Staley, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bollin) Staley. They have reared a family of five children, viz., Martha, Wm. A., B. Franklin, Almeda, and Clemia. Mr. Harshbarger is a farmer by occupation, but has filled several offices of trust in both county and township. He was sheriff of the county from 1856 to 1863; was also coroner of the county.

was born in Clarke County, Ohio, in 1828; came with hfs father's family to Shelby County in 1839. He married Eliza J. Gray in 1852. They have seven children, Phoebe J., born 1852; John H., born 1855; Mary A., born 1857 ; Levina B., born 1859; George C., born 1861; Emanuel E., born 1863, and Samuel N., born 1865. George Kemp, the father of the above, was a pensioner from the war of 1812, came to Shelby County 1839, and settled on section 1, Salem Township. He died in 1876, in his 89th year; Mrs. Kemp, his wife, died in 1878.

the eldest son of Peter Rike, was born in Montgomery County in 1836; came with his father to Shelby County in 1853. In 1858 he married Miss Sarah J. Gilfllien. They have had born to them five children, viz., Wm. E., Helen E., Thornton J., Charles P., and David S. In Feb. 1862, Mr. Rike enlisted as a volunteer in the 57th O. V. I.; afterward re-enlisted as a veteran in the same regiment, and served until the close of the war.

a younger brother of the above, born in Montgomery County, O., in 1844. He married Charlotte Gilfillan in 1869. By this union they have three children, Ellis, born 1870; Viola, born 1872; and Alvernis, born 1874. James Gilfillan, the father of the two Mrs. Hikes, was born in Ireland, and came to America in the year 1820. He located in Clearmont County, O., and lived there till the year 1832, when he came to Shelby County and located in Salem Township, where he died in 1879. Mrs. G. died in 1867. The Hikes were originally from Germany. Their first settlement in the United States was in Pennsylvania, from there they went to Maryland. In the year 1812 they removed to Montgomery County, O., where they remained till their removal to Shelby County, O., in 1853.

was born in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1834. His father, Ernst Kraft, came to the United States in 1849 and located in Shelby County the same year. In a few weeks after landing in Sidney he died, leaving a family of four children. Ernst, the son, in the year 1850 went to learn the shoemaking trade. In 1863 he came to Port Jefferson and started a shop, which he still runs in connection with a stock of goods. In 1856 he married Helena Schmidt. They have nine children, viz., John, born April 16, 1857; George, born March 25, 1859; Margaret, born July 4, 1861; Clara, born March 7, 1866; Ernst, born Feb. 23, 1868; Charles, born June 26, 1870; Ellie, born Sept. 1, 1872; Willie, born Oct. 30, 1874; and Bernice, born March 7, 1878.

a son of Elias D. and Elizabeth Stockstill, was born in Shelby County in 1837. In 1859 he married Nancy Le Fevre, a daughter of David Le Fevre. They have had born to them eight children, viz., Thomas H.» Charles C., Elizabeth D., E. D. and Benj. F., Alonzo R., Ida R., and Samuel.

was born in Madison County, O., in 1848. He is a son of Joseph and Hannah (Baldwin) Counts. In 1881 he married Miss Margaret Hobby, a daughter of David Hobby of Salem Township.

was born in Virginia in 1863. Came with his father, John Louthain, to Shelby County in 1831, and located in the northeast corner of Salem Township. They were the first settlers in that part of the township, their nearest neighbor being two and a half miles distant. They had emigrated to Ohio from Virginia in 1812, and lived in Miami County until they came to Shelby County. In 1836 Mr. L. married Lucinda Stafford. From this union they have two children, John M. and Bicy E., the first born in 1840, the latter in 1849. Mr. Louthain died January, 1882.

was born in Virginia in 1849. Came to Ohio in 1872, and married Bicy E. Louthain in 1875. By this union they have two children, Parker L., born 1877, and Edward C., born 1879. They are located on the home of Parker Louthain.

was born in Greene County, Ohio, in the year 1819. He came with his parents to Shelby County in 1831. Here in 1841 he married Miss Anna Clayton, who was born in the same county the same year that her husband was. They have had born to them eight children, five of whom are still living. Reuben Clayton, the father of Mrs. McCormick, moved to Shelby County in 1835. James McCormick, grandfather of the above, was in the Revolutionary war, and was at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown Oct. 19, 1781; also his grandfather Shearer was in the Revolutionary war, and James McCormick, Jr., the father of Valentine, was in the war of 1812, and was at the building of Fort Meigs. Esq. Valentine McCormick and his son James K. were both in the late Rebellion. James K. was enlisted in the 57th O. V. I., and it is supposed was killed while foraging in Feb. 1863, as he has never been heard of since that time. The McCormicks came to Ohio as early as 1791, and located near Cincinnati. They floated down the Ohio River from Pittsburg on a flatboat, having to fight their way against hostile Indians along the banks of the river. The father of Esq. McCormick was three years old at this time. From Hamilton County they went to Greene County, but the date of this removal is not known. In 1831 James McCormick, Jr., with his family, moved to Shelby Count)' and settled on sect. 34, Jackson Township, or what was at that time Salem Township, for Jackson was not organized at that time. Mr. McCormick was the first white settler in the territory of what is now Jackson Township. He entered his land in June, built his cabin in August, and moved to his land Dec 1, 1831. He was one of the organizers of the township, and one of the first trustees. Valentine McCormick has held nearly every office in the township. In 1849 he was elected justice of the peace, and served nine years in succession ; he has been trustee, treasurer, and assessor of his township. In 1871 he sold his farm in Jackson and bought 160 acres in Salem, where he now lives. Besides farming, Esq. M. has been quite a contractor in building gravelled roads or pikes.

was born in Germany in 1840; when six years of age he was brought by his father, Jacob Allinger, to Shelby County. Mr. Allinger is a miller by trade, having commenced that business in 1863. In 1877 he built the Port Jefferson Flouring Mills for Messrs. Manning, Dunlap & Co. In 1873 he bought the same, and is now running it. lie has ground as high as 52,000 bushels in a year; their average has been 46,000 bushels of wheat per year, besides other grains. In 1861 Mr. Allinger married Miss Mary Conner. They have three children, viz., Jennie, born 1862; Lope C., born 1864; and Minnie, born 1866. Mr. Allinger has been trustee of his townsliip four terms, clerk one term, and is treasurer of the township at the present time.

The ancestors of the Wingets of Shelby County were from England and Scotland. The date of their emigration to the United States is not known, but was prior to the Revolutionary war, for we find that both his grandfathers were in that struggle. They first settled in Pennsylvania. About the year 1800 they removed to Ohio and located, or rather stopped at Red Bank - now Cincinnati - where they remained during the Indian hostilities which were then going on along the borders of the Ohio. From there they removed to Tucker Station, Warren County, and from there to Greene County, O. Here the subject of our sketch was born in the year 1826. In the year 1829 his father, Win. W inget, moved with his family to Champaign County, O., and remained there till 1831, when they came to Shelby County and located in Perry Township, on a piece of land he had eutered iu section 18. Here in April, 1831, he moved with bis family into his cabin without a door, window, floor, or chimney, and commenced in the green woods without money or means. They made their start, undergoing all the privations and hardships of the early pioneer. It was here in the woods and in the cabin school-house that young Milton received a few months of school instruction. His father died when Milton was but thirteen years of age. The support of the family fell upon him and an older brother, who cleared the farm and maintained their mother and the younger children. In the year 1851 Mr. W. married Miss Elizabeth A. Thompson, and the following year, 1852, he bought the old Hathaway farm at Port Jefferson, where he now lives. He lived with his wife seventeen years, when she died in 1868. The following year he married Isabel Grossman, who died in 1873. In 1875 he married Elizabeth Middleton. From this marriage there are two children, viz., Minnie A. and Alice M. The mother of Mr. Winget is now living with him, in her eighty-second year, being born at Red Bank Station in 1800. Mr. Winget is well and favorably known throughout the county. He has filled the offices of County Commissioner and Infirmary Director, and various offices of the township in which he lives.

the subject of this sketch, was born in New York in 1816. In the year 1819 he was taken by his parents to Muskingum County, 0., where he lived till the year 1853, when he moved to Shelby County. In 1838 he married Miss Mary A. Launder, who was born in England in the year 1819. Their family consists of six children, viz., Elbert H., Isabel, Charles, Anna, Alice, and Cora. The Cargills originally are from Scotland, but the date of their emigration to the United States cannot be given. They first settled in the State of New York. The Launders, Mrs. Cargill's parents, came from England to the United States in 1820, and settled in Muskingum County. Mr. Cargill is located on section 3, Salem Township, on what is known as the Samuel Taylor farm, which was entered as early as 1821.

son of David and Mary A. Wyant Cargill, was born in Zanesville, O., in the year 1836. His father with his family moved to Shelby County in 1849. Here, in the year 1862, Andrew married Miss Sarah Stout. Their family consists of three children, viz., Ulysses E., born 1863 ; Laura A., born 1866; nnd Sherman G., born 1868. Abram Stout, the father of Miss Cargill, settled in Shelby County in 1830.

also a son of David Cargill, was born in Zanesville, O., in 1829. When twenty years of age he came to Shelby County. He learned the cooper trade, which he followed for several years; then bought a tannery, and for a number of years has been engaged manufacturing leather. In the year 1852 he married Margaret A. Strahlem. By this union they have five children, Medora J., born 1853; Mary A., born 1855; Ellen E., born 1858; Emma M., born 1866, and Sarah B., born 1868.

Mr. Watkins and his wife, Sarah (David) Watkins, with their six sons and three daughters, moved to Shelby County in 1841. They at first took a lease of a piece of land on which they located and lived some eight years. During this time they bought eighty acres of land in Salem Township. They cleared their lease and also their own land, and built a brick house and frame barn. They had not a dollar to pay on their land when they bought it; but by industry and eeonomj' they paid for this, and have since that time added farm to farm until they now, as a family, have over 900 acres. What is remarkable of this family is, that there has never been a death in the family except the father, who died in 1866. Thomas J. Watkins, one of the sons, was born in Pennsylvania in 1827. He married Miriam Howell in 1852, by whom he had one child (Lucetta E.). Mrs. Watkins died in 1855. In 1864 he married Elizabeth Hull. From this marriage there have been two children, viz., Naomi J., born 1865, and Mary E. A., bprn 1868.

was born iu Warren County, O., in 1824. Married Miss Elizabeth Mitchell in 1849, and moved to Salem Township, Shelby County, O., in 1852. They have had two children, Wm. E. and Adin W. The eldest son, Wm. E., a young man of promise, died very suddenly from hemorrhage while away from home, at the age of twenty-five j'ears. Adin, the youngest son, has his home with his father.

son of John and Nancy (Consolver) Horner, was born in Salem Township in the year 1843. When he was quite young his father died, and he was bound out to service till he became twenty-one years of age, but only remained in service till he was seventeen. He never had the advantage of an education, always having been kept at work. In 1868 he married Ellen Myers, a daughter of Daniel Myers. By this marriage they have three children, viz., Ida M., born 1869; Orista O., born 1872 ; and Dilla A., born 1875. Mr. II. is a farmer.

was born in Greene County, O., in 1819. Married Esther John of Montgomery County in 1841. Came to Shelby County in 1849. Their family consisted of three children, Sarah P., John C., and Benj. F. Mr. Rike's wife died May, 1875. In 1878 he married Mrs. Harriet Strahlem, the widow of David Strahlem, and daughter of George W. and Ellen (Thompson) Burgess.

Mr. Rike spent the greater part of his life on a farm; but, becoming somewhat enfeebled and broken down by hard labor, he retired from the farm and removed to Port Jefferson and engaged in the grocery and provision trade, and received the appointment of postmaster. In Sept. 1881, he passed away, esteemed and respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Rike was born in Seneca County, O., in 1835. Married David Strahlem in 1852. Their union was blessed with three children, viz., Ellen E., George W., and Minnie L. Mr. Strahlem died 1866.

The Husseys are of Irish descent. Came to the United States just after the close of the Revolutionary War, and located in North Carolina, where Christopher Hussey was born in 1781. From North Carolina they went to Tennessee; from thence to Greene County, Ohio, about 1810, where he married and raised a family of seven children. Stephen C. was the third child of this family. He was born in Greene County in 1819. In 1840 he married Miss Ann Wical. About 1843 he commenced the study of medicine, and graduated at Starling Medical College. In 1848 he came to Shelby County, and commenced the practice of medicine at Port Jefferson. He continued the practice of his profession at this place until the time of his death, which occurred in 1871. They raised a family of eleven children. Mrs. Hussey and ten of the children are still living.

Allen Hussey was born in Greene County in 1848, about three months prior to the time his parents settled in Port Jefferson. He was raised in the village, worked on the farm until he was seventeen years of age. From this time he gave his attention to books, and soon commenced to read medicine with his father, teaching school and reading medicine at the same time. He graduated at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati in 1872, and immediately commenced practice in Port Jefferson, where he still continues his profession. In 1871 he married Miss Jane Goble, a daughter of E. D. and Rebecca (Mattox) Goble. Their children are Wirt D., Howard, Weber A., and Ada B.

Dr. Hussey has been a successful practitioner since the time of his commencement. He has filled the office of township clerk, and at the present time is one of the trustees of the township.

Samuel Mitchell, the grandfather of the above, was a native of England. Came to the American colonies just prior to the Revolutionary War, and located in Pennsylvania. He and four of his brothers were drafted into the army. Here they became separated, and all trace has been lost of all except Samuel, the ancestor of the Shelby County Mitchells. He served through the war, and was at Yorktown at the surrender of Cornwallis. After the close of the war he settled in Montgomery County, Pa., where he married Melenda Cecil. They raised a family of eleven children. William, the eldest son, was born in Virginia in 1782, married Catharine Stafford, came to Ohio in 1808, and located in Miami Count}-, where he raised a family of eight children. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in 1869, on the farm on which he first settled, at the age of eighty-seven years. His wife died in 1867.

George J. Mitchell, the subject of this sketch, was born in Miami Coun^ in 1816. He lived with his parents until twenty-three years of age, when he married Amanda F. Robinson in 1839. By this union they had three children, viz., Samantha J., William M., and Aden W. They moved to Salem Township in 1849, and located where Tileton is now situated. Here Esq. Mitchell and his estimable wife for fourteen years labored together, and had made for themselves a comfortable home, when she was called away by the hand of death in 1863. In 1870 he married Elizabeth Maxon, and the following year sold his farm, and bought property iu Port Jefferson, where he now lives a retired life, having acquired a competence for his remaining days. He has filled the office of justice of the peace eighteen years, besides other offices of the township. The Maxons came from Virginia to Ohio in 1831, and located in Clarke County. Then came to Jackson Township, Shelby County, in 1839, where Mrs. Mitchell lived until the time of her marriage in 1870.

county. Ransom was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools of the county. In 1868 he married Samantha A. Hammack. By this union they have three children: Jennie E., Leonard E., and Leroy H. In 1869 he bought a farm, which he sold in 1871, and bought another, which he sold in 1881, and bought property in Tileton, Shelby County, to which he moved the same year. Here he started a store of general merchandise, and has established a flourishing trade. Mr. Earl is also postmaster.

was born in Germany in 1801. Married Mary C. Kile in 1827. Came to the United States in 1832. They landed in Baltimore with only thirty-seven cents in money left after paying his expenses. They remained in Baltimore a short time, then went to Little York, where they remained until about 1838, when they came to Port Jefferson, where Mr. T. took a contract on the canal feeder, which he completed. He afterward bought a farm in section 9. They raised a family of three children: Nicholas, born 1828; Peter M., born 1843; and John, born 1845. Mrs. Trapp died 1878, aged seventy-four years. Mr. Trapp died in 1881.

Peter M. Trapp, the second son of the above, married Marianna Gilfillen, a daughter of James and Mariah (Carr) Gilfillen, in 1866. Their children consist of the following: Annetta T., Bailey A., James P., and Fletcher B.

William Staley was born in Montgomery County in 1821, came with his father, John Staley, to Salem Township in 1831. In 1844 he married Barbara Harshbarger, a daughter of Jonas and Ilettie (Jacobs) Harshbarger. They had born to them four children, only one of whom is now living, viz., Oliver C., who was born in 1847 and married Miss Anna Cargill in 1869. They have two children, Orrin C. and Roger W. Mr. Staley, although comparatively a young man, has gained the esteem and confidence of the people of his township, which has been evidenced by his election to the offices of township clerk and trustee. He is located on section 20, known as the old John Staley farm.

was born in Warren County, 0., in 1804. In 1825 he married Miss Matilda Le Fevre. In the year 1833 he entered his land in Salem Township, but did not move on it till the year 1840. By this marriage Mr. Dodds had fourteen children, seven of whom are still living. In the year 1861 Mr. D. enlisted in the 57th O. Y. I. and was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, after which lie was discharged. He also had two sons in the army, both of which were wounded At the battle of Atlanta and died from the effects of their wounds. Mr. Dodds' wife died in 1871, and he again married in 1872; he married Mary A. Le Fevre, the widow of David Le Fevre. Mrs. Dodds' maiden name was McKee. Thomas A. McKee, her father, settled in Orange Township, Shelby County, in 1809. He hewed the puncheon for the first floor that was laid in the town of Piqua.

was born in Baden, Germany, in the year 1828, came to the United States in the year 1853, and first located in Fairfield County, Ohio. In 1856 he married Sarah Knasle. They moved to Shelby County in 1857, and rented land for a number of years. In 1863 he bought a piece of land; had only three hundred dollars to pay on it: he now has 160 acres of good land, well improved. They have raised a family of eight children.

was bom in Stark County, O., in 1814. Here he lived till he was past twenty years of age. While in Stark County he learned the tanning and currier trade. In 1834 he came to the town of Sidney and leased a tannery. He followed that business about nine years, then bought a farm in Clinton Township and moved on his farm. This farm he traded for one in Salem Township in 1875, where he now lives. In 1841 he married Catharine Wilkin, whose parents (Stephen and Sarah Wilkin) came to the county in 1837.

was brought by his parents to Shelby County in 1833. He was born in Greene County, O., in 1832. His parents located on a piece of land in Jackson Township, being nearly the first settlers in the township. Two years after their settlement the father (Joseph Bruner) went one day to where Port Jefferson now is; it was the day the lots were sold for the town. He remained all day at the sale. In the evening he started for home. This was the last that was seen of him alive. The country from where he lived to Port Jefferson was all woods, without a road. It was supposed he got lost. The following day the people of the country were aroused and collected together to search for the lost. Although diligent search was made by everybody throughout the whole country, yet they failed to find him. About a month afterward some three or four of the neighbors were passing through the woods when they came upon the bones of a human bein');. They were identified by some pieces of clothing as the remains of Joseph Bruner. It was supposed he had got lost and was attacked by some wild beast and killed. His remains were found some three miles from home. Mrs. Bruner was now left with four small children, in the woods, with only about three acres of cleared land. Here Mrs. B. and her children remained and worked on their little place to maintain themselves as best they could. "When John was ten years of age his mother died, and he was thrown upon the world to care for himself. After he grew up to manhood, having acquired a fair education, he commenced teaching school, which he followed for a number of years. In 1856 he married Miss Minerva Dunston. In 1866 he moved to Putnam County, lived there till 1875, when his wife died. In the spring of 1876 he returned to Shelby County. In March,' 1877, he married Margaret A. Staley, a daughter of Nicholas Staley. Mr. B. has had no children by either marriage, but has adopted a brother's son (Albert L. Bruner). He has quite a taste for music, and has made it a study, although lie never had the advantage of a musical education except as he learned it himself by study at home. In 1871 he took out a patent for a transposing board, for the transposition of the musical scale, which is quite an ingenious and useful implement, making the transposition of the scale simple and easy for beginners.

the subject of this sketch, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1819. When only eighteen years of age - in the year 1837 - he bought eighty acres of land in Salem Township, all in the woods. He commenced to clear his land, hired his board, but soon got into debt for his board. He then returned to Hamilton County, and borrowed money to pay his board bill. Again returned and worked on his land till the taxes became due. His taxes were only from one to three dollars, yet he says it was harder to raise that amount than it has been since for him to pay four hundred dollars. Money was not to be had for anything. After he began to raise produce on his land for sale, if he wanted a barrel of salt, or any other article, he would have to go to Cincinnati to find a market for it. Mr. Hobby has always been a man of feeble health, and very much of their success in life has depended upon his wife, who has always gone ahead in their labor, and did not only her part of the labor in the house, but that of her husband upon the farm, working out in the clearing both day and night ; also working at the loom and spinningwheel in the night time after working hard all the day helping to roll logs and burn brush. In this way they worked along, many times living on bran bread, until they have finally made for themselves a comfortable home. What was once a howling wilderness is now a beautiful farm, returning abundant harvests. Mr. H. has now 240 acres of well-improved land, all the product of his own labor and that of his estimable wife, who has stood by his side thus far through life.

Mr. Hobby married Eliza Slusser, who was born in Dayton iu 1818. They were, married in the year 1840. They have five children, two sons and three daughters, viz., Mary A., born 1841; Josephus, born 1846; Sarah A., born 1849; Seth, bora 1851 ; and Margaret B., born 1861.

was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1833. Married Louisa Winget in 1855. They settled In Shelby County in 1867. They have four children: Mary E., born 1856 ; Charles W., bora 1859; Sarah E., born 1866 ; and Nancy B., bom 1«70. Mr. Line is a farmer by occupation; also a minister in the Christian Church.

was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1824. In 1826 he was brought by his parents to Turtle Creek Township, where he lived till the year 1856, when he moved to Salem Township. He was married to Miss Sarah Strouse in 1854. Their family consists of five children: Daniel W., Redosar E., Melinda J., William H., and Rebecca D. Mr. Burton is a well-to-do farmer, haviug 254 acres of valuable land, without an indebtedness of one dollar.

Bazzel Burton, the father of the above, first came to the county in 1816 with his wife from Pickaway County. He entered land in Turtle Creek Township. They came with all their effects on horseback witii two horses. The country was so new and wild that they soon got discouraged. So he gave a lease on a part of his land, and returned to Piqua, where he remained till 1826, when he returned to his land, and remained till he died in 1865. His wife died in 1860.

was born in Salem Township in 1848. In 1866 he married Sarah Stockstill. They have but one child, Eddie. The parents of Mrs. Stout (h. D. Stockstill) came to the county in 1834.

was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1817. He resided with his parents till they moved to Sidney in 1836. He learned the chair-making trade with his father, which trade he followed for some fifteen years. Then, in 1851, moved on to his farm in Salem Township near Port Jefferson, where he now resides. In 1842 he was married to Ceriah Wagoner. From this union they have only one child living, viz., William H., who was born in 1847. Now resides in Nebraska. Esq. Conklin's wife died in 1881. He has quite a reputation as a hunter. In the fall of 1837 he commenced camping out as a hunter, and has followed hunting every fall from that time to the present, in all forty-four seasons. There is a remarkable circumstance connected with Mr. C.'s hunting experience. In the fall of 1840 Mr. William P. Reed and Esq. Conklin camped together while hunting in Shelby County, and have camped together every fall from that time to the present season, in all forty-one seasons. They have hunted together all over Northwestern Ohio; also in Michigan, and the present season went to the woods of Wisconsin. Esq. Conklin has tiie esteem and confidence of all who know him. In the year 1876 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he now holds.

The Shinns are of English extraction, immigrating to America about the middle of the last century, and located in New Jersey. Here William Shinn, Sen., was born in 1787. He married Jane Peacock, and moved to Warren County, Ohio, in 1815, and remained there until the fall of 1834, when he came with his family of seven children to Shelby County, and located in Orange Township, where he died in 1862, his wife having died in 1834.

William Shinn, Jr., was born in Warren County in 1818. Came with his father, William Shinn, Sen., in 1834. In 1839 he married Denithia Stoker, a daughter of John Stoker. By this union there were five children. Mrs. Shinn died in 1878. The names of their children were Jane, Brendella, Milton R., Welford E., and W. Ross. Esq. Shinn has been unfortunate in the loss of his property, but has had the esteem of tiis neighbors. He has filled the office of justice of the peace for four terras, besides having filled almost all the other important offices in his township. Such has been the confidence of the people in the county in Esq. Shinn that he has had the nomination of representative twice, commissioner twice, and treasurer once. Although the party to which he belonged was largely in the minority, yet he only failed in being elected by a small minority.

was born in Miami County, O., in 1828. He is a son of David Estey, who was born in New Brunswick in 1802, came to the United States in 1825, and located in Miami County, O. It was here that William was born, and lived until twenty-three years of age. In 1850 he married Elizabeth Kerr and emigrated to Iowa, where he remained some thirteen years. In 1854 his wife died, leaving two children, Sarah C. and Simon. In 1862 he returned to Miami County, where in 1863 he married Sarah A. Dixon, who died in 1877. In 1863 Mr. E. moved to Shelby County, on land he had previously purchased in Dinsmore Township. He has been one of the largest landholders of the county. He owned at one time 640 acres of improved land. He has made farming his avocation through life, but has made the most of his money by buying and selling land. He now owns 240 acres of land in Salem Township, 240 acres in Dinsmore Township, and 40 in Franklin. In 1878 he married for his third wife the widow of Franklin Dill, whose maiden name was Nancy A. Baker, a daughter of Moses E. Baker, Esq., of Van Buren Township. By this marriage they have one child, Clyde, born 1880. Mr. Estey has retired from farm labor, having a competence for the balance of his days.

The parents of Mr- Pegg came to Ohio late in the fall of 1803, and located in Warren County among a colony of the Shakers, and gave all their property to the eolouy. The father was put into one family, the mother into another, and the four children into a different family. James Pegg was but an infant at the time his parents joined the Shakers. He was born in 1803. He lived in the colony until lie was twenty-two years of age. He was given a common school education, but never knew what it was to have a father or mother. After arriving at the age of twentytwo he began to go out among other people. He found that he had been blinded, and he determined to seek more congenial society, where he could be his own man and enjoy the society of his fellows. He now spent five years of his life travelling from place to place, learning the ways of the world, until he finally located in Montgomery County, Ohio. It was here, in the year 1830, that he married Jane Dean. They remained there until 1837, when he removed with his wife and two children to Shelby County. Two years later his wife died, leaving three children, Mary, Elizabeth, and Robert D. In 1841 he married Rebecca Bozarth. By this marriage they had two children, James M. and Henry F.

When we interviewed Mr. Pegg a few months ago for the above sketch, we found him hale and hearty for a man of his age ; but he has since passed away ; he died Feb. 1882.

John Covill, the father of Wm. H., was born in England in 1789, and married Elizabeth Ann about 1810. He was in the British army under Wellington at the battle of Waterloo. In the year 1831 he immigrated with his family to the United States and located in New York ; remained there until 1840, when they came to Sidney, but soon removed to Indiana, where he remained for a time, then returned to Sidney, where he died in 1865. Wm. H., a son of the above, was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., in 1818, and came with his parents to the United States in 1831. Shortly after his arrival in New York he was indentured to a wealthy sea captain ns a waiter about the house, but remained with him only two years ; then went to the country and worked on a farm until 1840, when he came to Sidney. Here he worked by the day, at fifty cents per day, sawing and chopping cordwood, and working on the canal. In 1843 he married Alvin Zerbe. In 1847 he made a visit to England, the place of his birth. On his return to Sidney he bought a team, and followed teaming and draying for about six years; then engaged in the dry goods and grocery trade until 1871. In 1873 he bought a farm in Salem Township, where he now resides. They have raised a family of seven children, viz., Mary, Emily, George, Sarah, Jane, John, and Charles. Mr. Covill has retired from active life, having a competence for the remainder of his days.

David Zerbe, the father of Mrs. Covill, was born in Pennsylvania in 1792, and was married to Elizabeth Sellers. Their family consisted of fifteen children. They came to Sidney in 1840, where Mr. Z. died in 1857. His wife died in 1859. Of this large family only two are left in the county.

a son of Wm. Honnell, was born in Greene County, Pa., April 14, 1827 ; came with his parents to Sidney in 1833; lived with them until 1843, when he went to learn the blacksmith trade. In 1850 he, together with his brother and several others, went to California by the overland route, returned home again in 1851, and located in Port Jefferson, where he resumed his trade of smithing for a time; then engaged in the hardware, tin, and stove business; afterward engaged in the agricultural implement trade, which he followed until 1878; since which time his business has been buying and shipping grain, handling about 100,000 bushels per year. Feb. 16, 1854, he married Sarah M. Mitchell. By this marriage they have had three children born: William B., the eldest, died August, 1855; Elmore M. was born Feb. 15, 1858, and resides in Port Jefferson ; is engaged in the grocery and produce trade: Eureka D. was born Feb. 20, 1862, and resides with her parents.

Clinton Township was originally organized as a part of Miami County, and although it has undergone numerous territorial adjustments, it retains its original name. In 1825, as elsewhere shown, it was newly defined by metes and bounds at the instance of the Commissioners of Shelby County, this being six years after the erection of this county.

The township has an irregular form, owing chiefly to the modifications which obtained in creating other townships. It is bounded north by- Franklin, east by Salem, Perry, and Orange, south by Orange and Washington, and west by Washington and Turtle Creek townships. With Franklin and Turtle Creek it forms the inland area of territorial subdivisions, these three being the only townships which do not border on the county- lines.

The Great Miami River enters the township at the northeast corner, and coursing south by west a distance of nearly three miles, it becomes the line between Clinton and Orange townships for another distance of over two miles in a southwest direction. Side by side with the river flows the Miami Feeder with its water supply, which it carries to the canal at Loekington. The territory embraces portions of town. 8, range 6; town. 1, range 7; town. 1, range 13; and town. 7, range 6. This comprises sections and fractional sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 34, 35, 36, and 3 and 10 repeated, being of different towns or ranges. From the east, crossing section 4, Tawawa Creek enters the Miami opposite Sidney, while from the same direction, through section 10, courses another small stream as it seeks an outlet to the Miami, about a mile south of the mouth of the Tawawa. In tiie portion of the township west of the Miami three small streams find a source, but are of insignificance ns to size.

The township is crossed north and south by the Dayton and Michigan Railroad, and east and west by the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis (old Bellefontaine and Indiana) Railroad. These roads

The town proper lies on the west side of the Miami, while the canal leaves the river for a certain distance in order to pass through the central portion of the town. East of the river is the site of Dingmansburg, that old town which carries the memory back to the infancy of both Sidney and the county. The old town may be said to have been absorbed by East Sidney of more recent origin and higher pretensions. The river is here crossed by a splendid iron bridge.

Sidney was selected as a town site in September, 1819, and surveyed in 1820. Dingmansburg was not a regularly surveyed town plat. East Sidney was surveyed June 12, 1837, and embraces a portion of fractional section 10, town. 1, range 13, Miami River Survey (M. R. S.).

The land of the township in common with the whole county must be classed as fertile, particularly the lands bordering the Miami, noted as these are for strength and fertility. The surface is broken, rolling away westward, and while not jagged or precipitous, still broken and even hilly along the Miami River. Sidney, located as it originally was, on the river level, has crept back and back until it has clasped several river hills iu its extending embrace. The Infirmary farm comprises the extreme southwest quarter of land in this township, being the southwest quarter (160 acres) of section 10, range 6, towu. 7.

At an election held in the township of Clinton by order of James Wells, Esq., auditor of Shelby County, on the 25th day of October, 1821, agreeably to notice given, the following township officers were elected: -

Trustees, Philip Coleman, Robert McClure, and Rufus Carey. Clerk, Harvey B. Foote. Overseers of the Poor, John Tilbury and James Forsythe. Fence viewers, William Drake and Benjamin Mapes. Treasurer, George Poole.

Thomas Lambert appeared and gave bond, with William Drake and Thomas W. Ruekman, conditioned as the law directs, and was duly qualified to perform the duties of constable for Clinton Township according to law, November 3, 1821.

Monday, March 4, 1822. The trustees met according to law, and agreeably to order of Court of the 4th of February they proceeded to. select W. Cecil, Jacob Sclosser, Wm. Johnston, Philip Coleman, Rufus Care}', Nathan Coleman, and Elias Carey as grand jurors (7), and also John Tilbury, Archibald Defrees, Robert Blakeley, John Whitmire, and John Johnston as petit jurors (5), to serve the ensuing year, the list thereof returned to the clerk's office the same day.

John Lenox, supervisor for district No. 6, Turtle Creek township, as appointed by the trustees before the township was divided, made his return, and charges nothing for his services. Return filed.

Ordered, that it (the township) be divided into three districts (road); Sidney, No. 1; Plum Creek, No, 2; and Mile Creek, No. 3. No. 1 to work the road from the ford below Ruckman's mill to the Public Square iu Sidney, the road leading to Hardin, and the one from Dingmansburg to Sidney. No. 2 to work the road from the Public Square on the road that leads up the river past Wm. Johnston's and Talbert's to the township line, and the Plum Creek road to the township line. No. 3 to work the road that leads from Sidney past Rufus Carey's to the township line, and the road from where it intersects the aforesaid road leading past Mr. Levalley's as far as the township line. John Blake supervisor district No. 1, N. Coleman of district No. 2, and a supervisor to be elected in No. 3.

Ordered that the clerk advertise according to law for an election to be held on the first Monday next to elect one clerk, three trustees, two overseers of the poor, two fence viewers, two appraisers, one of whom shall be lister as well as appraiser, one treasurer, two constables, and three supervisors, to serve the ensuing year (1822) for the township of Clinton. A true record.

An election was ordered to be held on the first Monday in April, 1823. At this election Rufus Carey, James H. Coleman, and Robert McClure were elected trustees; Harvey B. Foote, clerk.

In 1824 Thomas W. Ruekman was elected clerk; James H. Coleman, James Forsythe, and Wm. Cecil, trustees; Thomas W. Ruekman, clerk; John Johnston, treasurer; John Whitmire and Amos Evans, fence viewers; John Lenox and Elisha Williams, overseers of the poor; Jos. Garver, house appraiser; George Poole, lister; Robert Blakely, constable. Elisha Williams was justice at this time.

At an election held at the court-house, in Sidney, April 4, 1825, the following named persons were elected: Trustees, James Forsythe, Wm. Cecil, and James H. Coleman. Clerk, Dan. Hopkins. Treasurer, John Johnston. Lister, Elisha Williams. Appraiser, James Forsythe. Constables, Benjamin Mapes and Alex. W. McKee. Fence Viewers, James

Wells and Jesse Bryan. Overseers, Joseph Garver and Henry Tilbury'. John Johnston, Nathan Coleman, and Elias Carey, Supervisors. James H. Coleman's commission as justice of the peace was dated June 18, 1825, and that of John MeCreight October 10, 1825. On the 25th of November Robert Stephenson was appointed trustee, vice Wm. Cecil, deceased.

In 1827 the trustees and treasurer were re-elected. Clerk, Thos. W. Ruekman. Overseers, Joel Frankeberger and Henry Bryan. Viewers, Amos Evans and John Whitmire ; Benjamin Mapes aud Stephen Sprague constables, - the latter by appointment.

At the election in 1828 Robert W. Stephenson, Joel Frankeberger, and Robert Blakeley were elected trustees; Jason Taylor, clerk; John Johnston, treasurer.

1830. Trustees, Jas. H. Coleman, John Whitmire, B. K. Brandon. Clerk, E. Thomas. Treasurer, John Buckland. Overseers, Robert Davidson and David Hinkle. Viewers, Samuel Gamble and Gabriel Rubble. Constables, A. Hathaway and Cornelius Hinkle.

1833. Trustees, John Lenox, Joel Frankeberger, and Archibald Defrees. Clerk, William A. Carey. Treasurer, John Buckland. Viewers, Benj. Beeden, Elijah Montanee, and David Carey. Overseers, Jason Taylor and 1. II. Bracken. John Lenox was commissioned as justice January 25, 1834. Alexander Stuart same date.

1834. Trustees, Archibald Defrees, John Lenox, and Joel Frankeberger. Clerk, W. A. Carey. Treasurer, John Neal. Viewers, Wm. Fielding, Geo. Moyer, aud Jason Taylor. Overseers, Andrew Rodgers and Wash. Evans.

At a special meeting, held in January, 1833, C. B. Woodruff was appointed clerk of the township, vice W. A. Carey removed from the township.

1835. Justice, Elijah McGrew. Trustees, John Whitmire, Robert W. Stephenson, and Daniel Kelly. Clerk, Thomas Smith. Treasurer, John Neal. Constables, David Hendershott, Abraham Hathaway, and Nathan Bennett. Overseers, Alex. Stuart and John Whitmire. Viewers, Jas. Eaton, J. S. Updegraff, and Ezekiel Thomas. At this time the township consisted of nine road districts.

1836. Trustees, John Shaw, Samuel McCullough, and Samnel Byers. Clerk, Thos. Smith. Treasurer, Wm. Murphy. Constables, J. H. Kirkendall and Charles Bush. Overseers, I. H. Bracken and W. J. Brown. Viewers, W. R. Persinger, P. W. Silver, and James Eaton. Alexander Stuart was justice at this time.

1837. Trustees, Samuel McCullough, John Shaw, 2d, and Samuel Byers. Clerk, Thomas Smith. Treasurer, James A. Wells. School Examiners, James A. Wells aud J. S. Updegraff. Constables, J. II. Kirkendall, Samuel Stephenson, and W. M. Watt. Overseers, Elijah McGrew and Benjamin Haggatt. Fence Viewers, James McCullough, John W. Carey, and J. H. Crowell.

1838. Justice, Alex. Stnart. Trustees, John Shaw, 2d, Hugh Thompson, and Daniel V. Dingmaii. Clerk, Thos. Smith. Treasurer. J. Allen Wells. Constables, Samuel Stephenson, Joseph H. Kirkendall, and J. H. Peebles. Overseers of Poor, J, W. Carey and I. H. Bracken. Viewers, Mark Thompson, Win. Munch, and I. H. Bracken.

1839. Trustees, R. W. Stephenson, Hugh Thompson, and John Johnston. Clerk, Thomas Smith. Treasurer, James A. Wells. Constables, Samuel Stephenson, James Golden, and J. R. Francis. Overseers, Jos. Cummins and Alex. Stuart. Viewers, Benj. Fulton, Abraham Stipp, and J. W. Carey. At this election a vote was taken on the question of raising a school fund by taxation, and resulted: "No school tax," 42; " school tax," 9.

1840. Trustees, John Shaw, 2d, Andrew Cunningham, Alexander Stuart. Clerk, J. F. Frazer. Treasurer, Joel Frankeberger. At this election the question of a school tax was submitted, and resulted : " No tax," 63; "tax," 5.

1846. Trustees, Samuel Mathers, J. C. Coe, and W. H. Gerrard. Clerk, J. A. Wells. Treasurer, Guy C. Kelsey. Yote on school tax question stood : No tax, 2 ; tax, none.

1855. Justices, M. B. Newman and F. Robinson. Trustees, Thomas Stephenson, T. B. Graham, and W. A. Cartwright. Clerk, J. A. Irwin. Treasurer, G. C. Kelsey.

1857. Justice, M. C. Hale. Trustees, clerk, and treasurer the same. On May 15, 1857, Samuel Mathers was appointed trustee to succeed F. Robinson, deceased.

1859. Justice, J. F. Frazer. Trustees, R. C. Arhuckle, S. Hutton, and Thomas Stephenson. Clerk, James A- Irwin. Treasurer, Samuel McCullough.

1860. Justice, M. C. Hale. Trustees, T. B. Graham, Mathew Ensey, and Irwin Nutt. Clerk, James A. Irwin. Treasurer, Samuel McCullough. Assessor, James I. Elliott.

1868. Justice, S. Alexander Leckey. Trustees, Jason McVay, A. J. Robertson, and John Wagner. Clerk, A. 0. Waucop. Treasurer, James Johnston. Assessor, William Snevely.

1874. Trustees, John Wagner, William C. Wyman, and Henry Johnston. Clerk, A. O. Waucop. Treasurer, J. M. C. Deweese. Assessor, J. S. Laughlin.

Dryden. Pike Superintendent, George Covill. Constables, Sam. Silver and W. A. Nutt. Supervisors, E. A. Schenck, W. G. Carper, C. Tracey, and Charles E. Fielding.

Sidney

The seat of justice and principal town in Shelby County, is pleasantly, almost romantically, situated in the valley and among the hills which border the Great Miami River in Clinton township. The Miami Feeder of the canal traces through the town, which is also the crossing of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis and the Dayton and Michigan railroads, the latter being operated by the Cincinnati, Hamilton, and Dayton Railway Company. The town embraces the original site for the seat of justice as selected by Commissioners Van Horne and Steele, in September, 1819. This original plat consisted of seventy acres in fraction 36, town. 8, range 6 east, on the west bank of the Great Miami River, and was donated to the county by Charles Sterrett in consideration of the seat of justice being permanently located here. The proprietor was to receive one-half the proceeds arising from the sale of town lots after the tract should be properly surveyed. It was further provided that one acre be reserved for a public square, two half acres for two religious societies, two acres for cemetery uses of said societies, and one acre for school purposes. In furtherance of the same principal object several other donations of cash, or work, or goods at fixed values, were made by various individuals, the whole amounting to $690, exclusive of "one barrel of whiskey" and one "big bull," the values of which do not appear. In December, 1819, the Court appointed David Henry director of the town, with instructions to have the plat surveyed and laid out in town lots. In compliance with this order Benjamin S. Cox made the required survey, and certified a report of the same to the Court.

Lots five by ten rods; streets six rods; alleys one rod wide. Fractional streets on north and south ends forty-nine and one-half feet; fractional streets on east and west sides forty-one and one-half feel wide. Streets at right angles upon a variation of five degrees west, supposed to be a true meridian. Main Street runs due north and south. Lot number 113 is for a burial ground; lot number 109 is for a Presbyterian Church ; lot number 101 is for religious societies in general, and the east half of lot number 105 is for the use of schools.

Before me, the undersigned, an acting justice of the peace within and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared David Henry, director, and acknowledged the within plat to be an accurate plat of the town of Sidney in saicl county.

By this survey the plat was laid off in one hundred and thirteen lots. At the April term of the court a sale of one-third of the lots remaining unsold was ordered to be advertised, which order was executed by the director, who was also authorized to sell at private sale any lots remaining unsold after the date of said public auction. The sale of lots, publicly and privately, covered a period of several years before it was completed. Various papers and orders relating to these sales have already appeared under the head of "The County Seat." The town name was chosen in honor of Sir Philip Sidney, "the great light of chivalry."

Such were the initial steps toward the founding of a town which was yet to be, and following these steps came the work of clearing and building. Destruction ever prepares the way for construction, for the old must be levelled to make way for the new. The location is a cheerful, even charming one as viewed to-day, but it is doubtful whether it presented any charms other than those arising from a pecuniary standpoint to the men who were interested in the founding of the town in 1820. But all this transpired in "the good old times;" those times of simple tastes, modest demands, and low ambitions, and before " the root of all evil" had become the controlling influence in the affairs of men. Perhaps this is all true, but worship of the past is not largely indulged in "these degenerate days." Let the few worshippers of those days glory in theil best features, aud they will not glory alone. Beyond this, they must not shut their eyes to the objectionable features, as if all was virtue, honesty, and hospitality. Mankind has always been more or less human, and sometimes planted thistles where flowers should have grown. They must not become such ardent worshippers of yesterday as to assert that " what was good enough for my father is good enough for me and my children," for this is a theory of conservatism which means only stagnation and the death of honorable ambition and manly effort. No day was ever good enough, and no day's effort need be counterfeited, for it can always be improved. Still the past is largely in its grave, and as " noble spirits war not with the dead," it were well to recall the past in kindness and dismiss it with a tear.

But the founders of Sidney, in common with those of the whole county, are in need of no commiseration at our hands, for they did the very best their circumstances and surroundings would permit. The citizens of to-day do not manifest a different spirit so much as they manifest a deeper intensity of the same spirit on account of its better development and greater strength. New conditions have wrought out a new order of tilings. It is not the freaks of blind fates, or the "sport of invisible powers" which measures the direction and influence of the efforts of man. It was not fatalism but positivism which enabled the pioneer to grapple successfully with the unfriendly forces which beset him on every hand. It required the best manhood in man to contend with cold and inhospitable conditions. In fact, it called forth a mighty effort to make him master of himself. The community, like the individual, must seize and hold its own destiny in grasp, and sow as it would reap. The man will come into being under adverse conditions, and must take up arms against his surroundings from the very moment of his birth if he would hold his fate in his hands. If in the war which ensues the man succeeds, he will be called a hero, while if he fails he will be branded a fool. So with the community. It must take up arms against the adverse conditions which governed the period in which it sprang into existence, or it will become the victim of those conditions. It can no more stand still than the individual, for inaction is stagnation, and stagnation is suicide. Even conservatism, of which we hear so much, has its reprehensible features, for it is generally only an apology for inaction, while idolized consistency is only an apology for conservatism. No apologies are recognized in social economy, for it is either development and growth or decline and death. Look about in this county, ami view the fate of Cynthiana, Basinberg, Newbern, and other towns which have become only a memory of the past. Look at old Dingmansburg, clasped in the outstretching arms of a living town, and so rescued from a withering doom! Look at Hardin, living only in sacred memory of the gallant patriot, who on that spot offered up his life in the service of his country, and that other memory that it was once the seat of justice of Shelby County! Even then it does not serve as an adequate monument to these sacred memories. Yet it is dwelling to-day upon scenes long since enacted, cherishing the memory of a glory long departed, and so living only in the past. It, is scarcely a life deserving of the name, for better one year of the present than a thousand of the past.

Turn, then, and contemplate a living growth, and view the stately results of the better spirit of growth and development. Turn to Sidney, not with a sigh for " what might have been," but with a noble pride for that which is, and the sacred promise of that which is to be. There is the town located in the valley, creeping up the hillsides and over the summits, dotting its way with buildings of every character, and institutions of every order. Industries, enterprises, and institutions of manifold uses have been called into being to represent the various tastes, desires, and skill of a constantly increasing population. To the original plat have been added more than thirty additions, and the number has never outrun the demand. Neither has that growth ever presented an abnormal aspect, for health of tone has ever marked the extension of the town. Nothing was done, no step taken as the result of intoxicated ideas of the necessities of the town, but all has been done on a solid and enduring basis. Shocks and disasters have, as a consequence, been strangers here throughout the history of the town.

Let us turn, then, to a review of some of the incidents and accidents of the past, and a contemplation of the institutions and enterprises of the present. The town, as such, dates from the year 1820 ; for, although two or three cabins may have been erected upon the land which became the town site, they had no more significance than the scores of others scattered throughout the county.

It appears rather certain that John Blake built the first house in the new town, and as considerable interest attaches to the first building and builder, the following article is given space.

" The first building erected in Sidney is being torn down and carted away. Among the several old ones yet standing it is the oldest, and the only one that in all the years remained on its original site. When the ground is cleared and" the building season opens, a brick structure, 130 by ;'>H ft. and three stories high, will be erected by the owner of the lot, M. Wagner. On the first floor there will be two store-rooms, 100 by 25 feet, to be occupied by Thedieek Brothers, dry goods merchants, and W. II. Wagner, dealer in hardware. The building will be finished in the most approved style, compensating for the public eyesore in process of demolition. So much for the new, and this for the old building:

"It was built in the spring of 1820 - sixty-two years ago - by John Blake, who employed Thomas English anil Elisha Montaney to do the carpenter work. A log cabin stood on the northwest corner of the lot, built by the father of Richard Cannon, of Turtle Creek township. The Blakes moved into this cabin in March, 1820, coming from Miami County. The lot, No. 49, was bought at a sale of town lots a year after the town was laid out. 'Squire Henry, Director, who lived three and one-half miles east of town, managed the sale. Lot 49 brought $125, while lot 29, where R. L. Fry's residence and business rooms stand, sold for $100. The frame building on lot 49 was completed in the summer of 1820, and the Blake family moved in the then finest house within half a day's travel in any direction. In the summer of 1826 John Blake left Sidney for South Carolina, taking fifty head of horses with him. He made the journey safely, sold the horses, got the money, and started for home. At Lexington, Kentucky, he was waylaid, murdered, and robbed. Much of the stock was bought on time, and besides its loss, Mr. Blake was robbed of other funds. The settlement which followed greatly embarrassed the family, and in 1831 lot 49 and building were sold to John YV. Carey, who made several improvements in the building, a noteworthy one being an ornamental piece of work from the tinsmith, signifying that the era of reform in the old building occurred in the year 1832. The same year Mr. Carey hung out a shingle which informed the weary traveller that the place was a 'hotel.' Board bills were seldom 'jumped,' as almost anything in trade was acceptable. In cash, $1.25 a week was considered the fair thing. Those who paid the cash realized the grandeur of their position, though there was not much opportunity of displaying one's self before the people of the city.

" The property changed hands so frequently that to trace it through the county records would be an endless task. Mr. Wagner does not remember just what year he made the purchase, nor the price; but it was long before he bought the Burnett House building, which he purchased at sheriff's sale in 1863, paying $5000 for it.

"At Director Henry's sale of town lots, No. 20, whereon Guy C. Kelsey aud James Austin have built, sold for $70. From this some idea of the appreciation in value of property in Sidney can be obtained.

"In 1831 the buildings from the Citizens' Bank down to the old frame on lot 49 were built. They were the first brick buildings erected in Sidney. As the county seat was at first in Hardin, afterward being removed to bidney and the business done in a frame trap, the town considered itself big enough to support a brick court-house, providing the people in the back 'deestricks' were willing. The question resulted in the erection in 1832 of a brick court-house No. 2, the one that has just stepped down and out for court-house No. 3, the one in course of construction.

"Although this article treats of buildings, old and new, it is well to draw the line somewhere. The old frame trap, now about to leave us, having long survived its usefulness, will be permitted to take a back seat. In its youth it sheltered the pioneers of the county, but they, or most of them, have also stepped down and out. The ' science of the beautiful' declares the old building utterly unfit for further use; so it must go. Its timbers, sixty-two years old, are dry and hard enough to withstand exposure to the elements for years to come. In the solitude of the wood-house or back yard, where the tender recollections of a half century gone by steal through its wooden head, it will find rest and peace ." - Shelby County Democrat , Feb. 17, 1882.

In the years 1820 aud 1825 inclusive, a number of houses of different kinds were erected, to trace the history of which would be a waste of time and space, as they generally passed away with the period for w ic they were intended.

On the 4th of September, 1821, John Blake petitioned the Court for license to keep tavern at his house in Sidney, which petition was granted for one year in consideration of the payment of five dollars.

On the 12th of November, 1822, Francis Kendall was licensed by the Court to keep hotel at his house in Sidney, in consideration of paying five dollars to the county.

On the 24th of May, 1830, Abraham Cannon presented a petition to the Court of Common Pleas, and was granted a license, in consideration of a payment of five dollars, " to keep tavern for one year in his house in Sidney."

As early as the 11th of December, 1820, John Blake was licensed by the Court of Common Pleas to ''vend merchandise" in Sidney for one year, in consideration of the payment of ten dollars. On the 24th of April, 1823, Jesse Bryan was licensed by the court "to keep store in the town of Sidney." On the 9th of October of the same year license was granted Amos Evans to keepstore in Sidney. John Blake, to whom' the first license was granted, had it renewed December 11, 1821, for one year, - the fee in each ease being ten dollars. He is thus found to figure as one of the very earliest builders, hotel-keepers, and store-keepers of the town.

These are the initial steps taken in different departments, and serve to show the first business men, and the business they established. The cabin was converted into a store, a hotel, or a shop, according to the seeming demand of the public, and the mechanical or financial ability of the individual.

But let us see farther. The town itself was yet unpromising in appearance; in fact it consisted largely of- the plat only, and was awaiting the period not only of construction of buildings, but also of streets and walks. The site was likely to be wet, and the timber was as yet only removing, so that log-heaps, stumps, and mnd might be said to hold the town, if not in fee, at least in possession. But lots were regularly, although not rapidly sold; and improvements were making steadily, which, rude as they were, indicated at least a living growth, as the result of active energies.

In 1820, or one year after the erection of the county, the sessions of the commissioners and courts convened here, and this was the one dignity for which the town was intended, and toward which the first citizens had looked with something of hopeful pride Still, the' "seat of justice won the town," rather than the town the " seat of justice," for this was the express purpose for which the site was chosen by the duly authorized commissioners.

During the first eighteen years of the town's existence its growth was slow, and its energy feeble. It moved along apace with the county, but its development was slow, as is ever the case under similar circumstances. It was a village, a county seat, but it had no commercial facilities ; and in the midst of a new, although fertile district, it found little impetus to rapid growth. The county was improving slowly, but steadily, and the town was only justified in keeping step. A town may outrun the development of the district upon which it is dependent, and then stagnation ensues, sometimes supplemented by financial crashes and commercial disasters.

In the case of Sidney no such shocks were known, for the conditions were against everything of this nature. If circumstances only warranted a slow growth that growth was adopted, and every step appeared adjusted to the demands of the hour. From time to time the individual stepped beyond the bounds of prudence, and attempted to create abnormal demands, rather than supply actual needs, and became the victim of bankruptcy.

This, however, is only an incident in the history of every town and branch of business, and does not argue against our position relative to the normal condition of the general prevailing growth. The man blundered and failed; the men were prudent and succeeded. The individual became bankrupt, the town as a community prospered and grew. Schools were established, not as existent to-day, but as demanded and justified by their own day. They served the purposes of their being in a certain sense, and, like everything else, went on improving. Churches were organized ; the adherents of particular creeds, uniting into congregations, and erecting buildings in which might be expounded the peculiar doctrines of each particular denomination. The Methodists came, and, where a few of these met in a new country, the circuit rider sought them, sometimes on foot, but ever determined to organize a class. The Catholic came, and when the missionary priest found a few families of the " mother Church," he instituted the confessional, and visited the little band as often as his missionary labors would permit. Baptists came here to make homes for themselves, and doing this, supplemented their every day duties by the erection of a church and baptismal fount. Here, too, came the Presbyterian with his family, until several families were justified in asking for supplies to preach the mystic word as understood by the adherents to the doctrines of foreordination and election. Some families of United Presbyterians also found themselves banding together and seeking assistance from presbyteries, in order that their infant organization might hear the word as taught under the tenets of this denomination. And they succeeded, too, and to-day the church which holds much in common with the Presbyterians, but finds no solace in open communion, and knows no sacred music except the Psalms of David, is still here in the character of a large and flourishing congregation. Here, then, came and grew the Methodist with the " mercj--seat ;" the Catholic with the confessional ; the Baptist with immersion ; the Presbyterian with predestination, election, infant baptism ; and the United Presbyterian with these doctrines supplemented by close communion and exclusive Psalm singing.

Aside from those which grew into organizations which continue today', all shades of doubt and all colors of belief have been represented in the general make-up or personnel of the community. The Unitarian and Universalist, with their higher conception of man, or more merciful conception of a Deity, have found homes among the people of the town. Here, too, is the humanitarian, with his poetic philosophy of life, which holds man at his best estate, and proclaims each his brother's keeper. He is sometimes really an Agnostic ; he may be an Atheist, or an Infidel, - he is still a humanitarian, at whom is indiscriminately hurled the name of Infidel.

Let us simply admit he may be honest, and honesty with noble deeds may somewhere weigh more than hypocrisy with faith. It is just possible a man can no more force a belief upon himself than he can force it upon others. Somewhere or other a good deed may be accounted a worthy offering, and a kind word an efficacious prayer. Perhaps it is the deed more than the creed which is the index to righteousness in man. Perhaps the man who scatters flowers along the path of a wayfarer, and wreathes in smiles the countenances of those with whom he meets, will hear at last the recognition, " Inasmuch as ye did it unto the least of these, ye did it unto me;" and not the interrogation, " To what creed did you adhere? or, to what church did you belong?"

Aside from these educational and religious institutions, others of an industrial character sprang into being, and were carried along with the general growth. By these the direct and imperative needs of the hour were supplied, and the whole development carried out in uniformity and regularity.

During the construction of the Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad in 1851 and 1852, about twelve hundred laborers headquartered at Sidney, gave something of a new animation to the town. After the completion of the road a steady growth of both population and industry was experienced, which continued, perhaps, at a nominal rate until a new impetus was furnished in 1854, when steps were taken toward securing the Dayton and Michigan road, which would give a north and south outlet of immense beneficial importance. Stock was subscribed by citizens with something of a startling readiness, and for a time men with that intoxication born of speculation and railroad excitement traded farms, town lots, merchant stock, anything, and in some instances everything, for railroad stock, which was to advance at alarming strides, and leave dividends and margins in which wealth was assured. The road was finally constructed in 1858-59, and while the benefits of a cross outlet were secured to the community as such, the individuals who invested in stock found themselves largely' impoverished. Farms were sold, and the owners were thrown out of homes, and stepped from affluence to penury in a day. The eastern portion of the town was largely appropriated by the railway company', and was neither improved by the owners, nor put upon the market at marketable prices. Held at exorbitant prices, it begged in vain for purchasers, or implored unanswered for improvement during a period of several years. To some extent this condition of things retarded general growth, and barred important enterprises. Finally the property was sold from time to time, and as each purchaser improved immediately' upon possession the town grew in symmetry and utility by expansion eastward until the river was reached, and something of a natural limit attained.

During the years 1837-39 inclusive, the canal fever was raging, and served to some extent as an awnkener of public sentiment, and a stimulus to public spirit. It was then that

Embracing the old site of Dingmansburg, was surveyed, and made a part of the town proper. This plat was surveyed June 12, 1837, for Joel Frankeberger and John F. Frazier, and "is situated on the east bank of the Great Miami River in fractional section 10, town. 1, range 13 M. R. S. Lots four by eight rods, except the fractional ones, and their length and width when it varies from the other lots is designated by small figures near the lines (on the plat). Streets are fifty' feet wide, except Water Street which is sixty feet in width. All alleys twelve feet wide." The plat was recorded June 15, 1837.

The village was incorporated under authority of an act entitled " An Act to Incorporate the Town of Sidney," passed March 1, 1834. The enabling provisions of this act are as follow's: -

Section I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio: That so much of the township of Clinton in the county of Shelby as is comprehended in the town plat of Sidney be and the same is hereby created a town corporation, and shall hereafter be known and distinguished by the name of the town of Sidney.

Section 1 1. That for the good order and government of said town and the inhabitants thereof, there shall be elected by the white male inhabitants having the qualifications of electors of members of the General Assembly, on the first Monday of April next, and on the first Monday of May annually thereafter, at the usual place of holding elections in said town, one mayor, one recorder, and five trustees, who shall be freeholders residing in said town ; one treasurer and one town marshal, who shall each hold their respective offices for one year, and until their successors shall be elected and qualified.

As the remainder of the act simply relates to the powers and duties of the several officers, it exhibits nothing peculiar or distinctive, and so is not reproduced. It need scarcely be added that the term "white" as applied to electors in Section II. of this act has no force at this time, as it is eliminated from all constitutions and laws both State and national. It is to be regretted that the official records of the town do not cover the whole period from the incorporation to the present. All inquiry and research only discovered such records for the period succeeding the year 1846, thus leaving a gap of twelve years. Such scraps of interest as could be gathered for these years will be found in this volume, but at best they can only serve as detached links indicating the way backward, and not as constituting a continuous chain connecting us with the origin of the town government. Still they are valuable as guideboards, although they neither shorten the distance nor improve the way. Nearly a half century has elapsed since the incorporation, and so the best memories of the men who were here at that time must, touching details and dates, be confused and indistinct, if not absolutely defective. So preferring silence to error we sometimes omit all mention where we would be glad to speak with authenticity. These silent points have cost more efTort than the most elaborate subjects, for carried along by an ardent desire to be just and complete, search has been instituted wherever hope directed, and hope was sometimes cherished that a dead hope could be revived. So it was that continued efforts proved fruitless as well as laborious. It will be observed the town had been located and platted almost fifteen years before it was incorporated. At the time of the incorporation the population of the whole county could scarcely have exceeded the present population of the town, for in 1830 the inhabitants of the county only numbered 3671, while in 1880 those of the town alone numbered 3823. It is worthy of note that during the first half century of the town's existence, or until 1870, the population only swelled to 2808, while the increase for the decade between 1870 and 1880 was 1015. This shows an increase of nearly one hundred per cent, over the average decennial growth prior to 1870. The city' was divided into four wards November 16, 1882, and each ward is entitled to two members of the city council. The population in 1840 was 713; in 1850, 1284; in 1860, 1997; in 1870,2808; and in 1880, 3823. With the present outlook it will require no intuition of prophecy to predict a growth during the next ten years, which will largely exceed all other corresponding periods. Vitality, energy, and enterprise acknowledge no limitations, and these have sufficiently manifested themselves during the past few years to give a guarantee for the future.

1855. Mayor, M. B. Newman. Clerk, James A. Irwin. Marshal, Joseph Delap. Councilmen, Samuel Mathers, J. B. Howe, A. D. Rodgers, Park Beeman. Robinson Joslin.

1857. Mayor, William Serviss. Recorder, James A. Irwin. Councilmen, W. W. Skillen, A. V. Burrows, S. J. Gamble, J. C. Coe, and S. Mathers. Marshall, B. P. Haggott.

1860. Mayor, D. B. Rinehart. Recorder, J. A. Irwin. Treasurer, Samuel McCullough. Marshal, John A. Cox. Councilmen, William McCullough, L. D. Abbott, S. II. Matthews, J. C. Frankeberger, and Jacob Piper.

1869. Mayor, J. F. Frazer. Recorder, P. C. Wykoff. Treasurer, Samuel McCullough. Marshal, Wm. A. Skillen. Councilmen, Charles Timeus, J. A. Lamb, Win. Taylor, Wm. McCullough.

1870. Mayor, M. C. Hale. Recorder, P. C. Wykoff. Treasurer, Samuel McCullough. Marshal, Wm. A. Skillen. Councilmen, Wm. McCullough, J. A. Lamb, George Hendershott, Christian Kiugseed, Wm. H. Taylor, E. A. Bennett.

Temperance Lodge No. 73, F. and A. M., meets in its hall in Fry's Building, corner of Main and- Poplar Streets, on Thursday evening, on or before full moon of each month. J. S. Read, Secy. D. Oldham, W. M.

Sidney Temple, No. 11, Patriarchal Circle, meets on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month, in I. O. O. F. Hall. J. S. Laughlin, O. Hudson Gartley, Secretary.

Methodist Episcopal Church, Poplar Street. Services at 11 A. M. and 7 P. M. Sabbath School at 9.30 A. M. Prayer meeting on Wednesday evening at 7. P. P. Pope, Pastor.

United Presbyterian Church, Court Street. Services at 11 A. M. and 7 P. M. Sabbath School at 9.30 A. M. Young people's prayer meeting at 6 o'clock Sabbath evening. Prayer meeting at 7 o'clock Wednesday evening. J. T. Wilson, Pastor.

Mount Vernon Church (Colored Baptist), Miami Street. Meeting at 11 A. M. every Sabbath. Preaching on first and third Sabbath of each month. Prayer meeting on Wednesday evening.

German Lutheran Church, Water Street. Services every Sabbath at 10 A. M. Catechism at 11.30 A. M. Sabbath School at 9 A. M. F. A. Groth, Pastor.

German Evangelist Church, Miami and North Lane Streets. Services at half past 10 o'clock every Sunday. Sabbath School at 9 A. M. Jacob Baehr, Pastor.

Church of the Holy Angels (Catholic), South Main Street. Mass at 8 A. M. Catechism at 2 P. M. Vespers 2.30 P. M. High Mass at 10 A. M. Rev. Father Quatman, Pastor.

Baptist Church, corner Miami and North Streets. Services at 11 A. M. and 7 P. M. Sabbath School at 2.30 P. M. Prayer meeting at 7 o'clock Wednesday evening. Perry W. Longfellow, Pastor.

Presbyterian Church, Miami Street. Services at 11 A. M. and 7 P. M. Sabbath School at 9.30 A. M. Young people's prayer meeting at 6 o'clock Sabbath evening. Prayer meeting at 7 o'clock Wednesday evening. R. McCaslin, Pastor.

The oldest building now used by this company was erected in 1866 as a machine shop, by G. G. Haslup. In 1869 it was purchased by Slusser, Miller & Boyer, who operated it as a sulky-plow works until 1872, when it was repurchased by G. G! Haslup & Sons. In 1879 it passed into possession of the Sidney Agricultural Company, consisting of O. O. Mathers, President; John Hale, Secretary and Treasurer; It. O. Bingham, Superintendent; John Brubaker, J. A. Lamb. W. E. Kilbourn, and estate of S. A. Leckey. This firm at once erected a foundry, and otherwise increased the capacity of the works, and converted the same. into an agricultural implement manufactory. Until 1881 a specialty was made of reapers and mowers, but since that time great attention has been given to mill machinery. At the same time the manufactures are not allowed to run to exclusive specialties, but include the Miami Valley Hay Rake. Slusser Excavators, road scrapers, kettles, sash weights, hollow mauls, bob-sleds, and castings and mouldings of all descriptions.

About thirty workmen are constantly employed in the various departments. The buildings are all brick, the main building two story, 82 by 30 feet, and the foundry one story, 80 by 50 feet. This establishment is among the largest and most important in the county.

This firm, composed of John Loughlin and T. D. Scott, purchased the site of their present factory, lots 289 and 290 North Ohio Street, in the fall of 1880, and erected thereon their main building, 165 by 60 feet, the north wing 60 by 90 feet, and the office fronting on Ohio Street. During the winter of 1880 and 1881 they put in their engine and machinery, and commenced the manufacture of the celebrated "Fashion" desk about February 1, 1881. The leading feature of this desk is the method of joining the wood of the top, back, and seat to the cast standards or legs by a patent T-head. It dispenses with screws, bolts, etc., and frames the wood and iron directly together, and makes a much firmer and more substantial structure than can be made in any other way.

Beside the "Fashion" desk (for pupils' use) they make recitation seats, teachers' desks, and all sorts of school and office desks, and deal in all kinds of school apparatus and supplies.