Miami County, Indiana - Chapter 19, 1887

Chapter 19

UNION TOWNSHIP lies in-ar the northwest corner of Miami County, and includes a superficial area of about twenty-two square miles, bounded as follows: Allen Township on the north. Perry and Richland on the east, Jefferson on the south, and Cass County on the west. As originally founded, it embraced the township of Allen, and was reduced to its present limits bv the organization of the latter division in the \ear 18S9. Weasaw Creek, and its tributaries, waters and drains the northern and eastern parts of the township. The main stream rises near the northeast corner of the township, flows a westerly course for nearly three miles, and then takes a southeasterly direction, leaving the township from the Weasaw Reservation, or a short distance west of Den\er. It furnishes a copious supply of water, which, in former years, was utilized for mills and manufacturing purposes. The western part of the township is watered and drained by a creek, which flows a southeasterly course, a short distance east of the Cass County line. The countr\- adjacent to these water courses is considerabh, broken, especially in the southeastern part of the township. Back from the streams the land is comparatively level, and characterized by a black loam soil, sand mixed in certain localities, and of remarkable fertility. The soil of the broken portions is equally productive, and, taken as a whole, the township presents an area of farm land second to that of but few other parts of the county. With very slight exceptions, the township was originally covered with a dense growth of timber. The most numerous varieties of native trees were oak, ash. beech, soft maple, sugar tree, walnut, wild cherry and poplar, together with other \aluable kinds in the broken parts of the township, and elms along the water courses. The bulk of these woodlands required but little surface drainage, but were easily litted for cultivation as soon as the hea\y growth was remo\ed. Agriculture is the chief occupation of the citizens of Union, and on every hand are to be seen the e\idences of thrift and prosperity, which bespeaks the presence of a wellto-do and contented people. The township has made commendable progress during the last two decades, and her farms and

Early Settlers. - To rescue from fast fading tradition the simple annals of the pioneer people of our country, is a pleasing, but a laborious task, not so laborious as perplexing, the annoyances arising chiefly from there being no connected records of their acts and doings. Many of the earliest and most important transactions have long since been forgotten, while other facts, equally as interesting and valuable, were never put in form for preservation. To supply this loss of invaluable facts and statistics, is now largely impossible. But to meet and converse with the few now living of these early settlers, those who came here as children, or very young men and women, and are now fast approaching, or have passed the alloted three score and ten, stooped with age, venerable patriarchs, mostly, and their white haired companions and help-meets, has been the pleasing task of the writer, of these pages. To gather up the raveled threads of the strange but simple stories of their lives, now mostly broken threads, to catch these fleeting traditions and hand them on to posterity, might well be the ambitious labors of any man's life. The importance that attaches to the lives, characters and work of these humble laborers in the cause of civilization, will some da\' be better understood and appreciated than it is now. Thev will some time, b}' the pen of the wise historian, take their proper place in the list of those who have helped to make the world wholesome with their toil and humanit\- better by their examples. If great and beneticient results, results that endue and bless mankind, are the proper measures of the good men do, then who is there in the world's history that may take their places above these hardy, early pioneers. To point out the way, to make possible our present ad- \-ancing civilzation. its happv homes, its cheap food, its arts, sciences, inventions and discoveries, its education, literature, culture, refinement, and social life, is to be the truly, great benefactor of mankind for all time. This, indeed, was the great work accomplished by the adventurous pioneers of Indiana. Grant it, that they builded wiser than they knew: that few, if anv of them, realized in the dimmest way. tlie transcendent possibilities that rested upon their shoulders. Grant it, that as a rule, their lives were aimless and ambitionless with little more of hope or far reaching purpose, than the gaining of a scant livelihood for the families dependent upon them. Yet there stands the supreme fact that thev followed their restless impulses, took then- lives in their hands. ]-)enetrated the wilderness solitudes, and with a patient energy, resolution and self-sacrifice, they worked out their allotted tasks, and to-day we are in the enjoyment of the fruitage of their labors. Should we then allow their names and their fame to pass into oblivion and contempt, the

Union Townsiiii'

Previous to the year 1S35 the territory embraced within tiie ]iresent limits of Union Township knew not the presence of white men. In that year, however, four ad\enturous men, lured by the prospects of cheap homes in the new country, made their appearance and selected their respective claims, preparatory to beginning life in the wilderness. These were William Cannon, who located on Wesaw Creek, near the central part of the township; Joseph Thornburg, on what is now the Fisher farm; John Plaster, near the central part of the ;Ownship, where his widow still lives, and Joseph Cox, a transient settler, who made a few improvements on the land now belonging to William Leedv. These men all came in the summer of 1835, and until October of that year were the sole white residents of what is now Union Township. Earlv in the fall of '35 Abraham Leedv moved to the new country and located the farm where John Keplinger now lives. He was a man of some prominence, and in an early da}' was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace. John Zook became a resident about the same time as Leedv, and settled where his widow now lives, near the present site of Deedsville. The above settlers, from the most reliable information, appear to have been the only residents of Union prior to 1836. In the latter j^ear several settlers arrived, prominent among whom was Martin Hoover, who located in the northern part of the township, where he lived until within the first few vears, \\hen he mo\ed to the town of Denver, his present home. Contemporary with Mr. Hoover were John R. Wright. Christian Krider, John F. Sanders and Hugh A. B. People, all of whom made permanent improvments and became prominent citizens.

The first named settled on the Deed farm, in the northern part of the township, where he lived for a few years, and then mo\ed to the town of Gilead, in which place he figured as an early business man. Mr. Krider made a home near the western boundary of the to\\ nsliip. Sanders located the farm owned at the present time by Andrew Tharp, and People made a settlement on the Millei" farm, in the southern part of the township. The year 1837 was signalized by the arrival of a number of permanent residents, among whom were John A. Taylor, near the central part: Stephen Davidson, a short distance north of Perrvsburg: Matthew Fenimore, on the present site of Perr\sburg, of which village he was proprietor; Daniel Cox, a short distance south of the village: William Williams, north of town: John Shepherd, western part of the township: William Bane, near the northern boundary; Samuel Robbins, in the -same locality, and John Scott, in the central part. As early as 1838 the follow ing persons were reputed to have been living in various parts of the township, to-wit: J. A. Howland, on Weasaw Creek: Jonathan Carlisle, near the Rowland settlement; William Connor, north of Perrysburg; George Hill, near the central part of the township, on Weasaw Creek; Daniel and Joseph Kessler, in the southern part. Conspicuous among the arrivals in 1S39 was Christopher Cool, with his sons, William, Leonard, Powell, John and Philip, all of whom took an active part in the settlement of the country. Christopher Cool was a native of New York, and a man wideh' and favorabl}' known for the interest he took in the religious welfare of the communit}' in which he was for so many vears a leading spirit. He made his first improvements on the land now owned bv Mr. Dow, near Weasaw Creek, and was largely instrumental in founding one of the earliest religious societies in the township, i. e., the Weasaw Baptist Church, of which a full account will be found on another page. William Cool entered the land upon which he is now living, and for over forty-seven years has been a leading citizen of Union Township. The other brothers, while prominent as earlv settlers, are either dead or removed to other parts. Among others of 1S39, the name of Orson Warner ma\- be mentioned. He came about the same time as the Cools, and purchased a tract of land now owned by Samuel Davalt. Daniel Crouch came a little later and located where Mr. Benedict now lives, not far from Perrvsburg.

Chauncey Warner settled near the Weasaw Church in an early day, and about the year 1840, Solomon Lee was living on the place settled a short time previous by a Mr. Clendening. The tide of emigration set in. and the settlers began to be verv numerous about the year 1840. Among the number were Perrv Tharp, near the Lee place; Caleb Fitzgerald, in the southern part; Joseph Holman, whose arrival probablv antedates the above vear, on Weasaw Creek; Robert James, a son-in-law of Holman, in the same localit\-; Thomas Wyatt, on Weasaw Creek : Isaac Benedict, east of Perrysburg, where he is still living; a Mr. Alvison, south of the village, and John Dabney, a couple of miles west. The following, additional, to those mentioned, came to the township in an earlv day, to-wit : Lewis Conner, William Strowd, Zephaniah Wade, H. B. Jett, .\aron Rush, R. Leaville, Josiah B. McKee, James Personett, William Clidell, Robert Clendening, Charles Strowd, David Leedv, Joseph Clingenpeel, John Emsley, William Duck, Samuel R. Robbins. Wm. R. McFarland and Michael Bolingbaugh.

Land J£ii/rics. - The land of Union Township was placed upon the market, subject to entry, in 1834, ^^^ ^^ ^^'''^ "o*^ until the following 3ear that home seekers and speculators began to take advantage of the opportunities thus afforded them. During the vear 1835, the following persons entered lands and obtained patents for the same: William Conner, in Section 35, Township 29, North, Range 3, East; Plenty Sexton, Section i. Township 28, North, Range 3, East; John R. Wilkinson and Zephaniah Wade, Section 2, same township and range: Christian Krider, Jacob Wilkinson, William Wilkinson, Jerry Wilkinson, William Slrowd and Jonathan Shepherd, Section 11, Township 28, North, Range 3, East; David L. McCalm. Richard Hyatt, B. Jett, James Wilson, 'w. N. Hood and Martin Butterfield, Section 12; Christian Krider, Henry Elsworth and Jonathan Shepherd, Section 13; Aaron Rush, Elijah Parkins and R. Leaville, Section 14; William Cooper and John Piper, Section 4, Township 28, North, Range 4, East; William Clidell, John Zook, Abraham Leedy and Jacob Harshbarger, Section 5, same township and range; Joseph A. Leech, Abraham Neff and William Cannon, Section 6: Jesse L. Williams, Section 7: John Plaster, Michael Bolingbaugh and Samuel Burson, Section 8; Martin Hoover and Charles Strowd, Section 9; Abraham Neff, Anderson Wilkinson and Baldwin Wilkinson, Section 31, Township 29, North, Range 4, East; John R. Wright, Section 32; James Wilson and William Bane, Section 33. The entries of 1836 were as follows, in Township 29, North, Range 3, East: John Gore and James B. Fulwiler, Section 35: Josesh Holman and William R. McFarland, Section 36; in Township 28, North, Range 3, East; William Strowd and Matthew Fenimore, Section i. In 1837 patents for land were obtained bv the following persons: Richard Hargrove, Chas. Lowe and Lewis Conner, Section 35, Township 29, North, Range 3, East; John Barron, J. B. McKee, John Scott and James Personett, Section 4, Township 28, North, Range 4, East; William McClure and John A. Taylor, Section 6. The above is a complete list of those who purchased government lands within the present limits of Union Township prior to the year 1838.

Early Industries. - The first mill in Union Township was built by John A. Taylor, on Weasaw Creek, about the year 1838. It stood on what is now the John Hann farm, and was originally constructed for the sole purpose of manufacturing lumber, much of which found ready purchasers among the early settlers in the vicinity. Mr. Tavlor subsequenth' built a three-story frame grist mill on the Hann farm, which was highly prized by the people of the township, mam' of whom had been previously compelled to go long distances to procure their flour and meal. The mill was supplied with good machinery for that day, had two run of buhrs, and was operated very successful!}- for a number of years. The last owner was Silas Goodwin, who did no work after the year 1872. Mr. Zook built a small saw mill on the east branch of Weasaw Creek as early as 1839 or '40, and operated the same with fair success for several years. It was afterwards purchased and rebuilt by a Mr. Matthias, but eventually fell into disuse.

and at this time but few vestiges remain to mark the spot it occupied. One of the earliest mills in the township was built by Joseph Holman, about the year 1839. It was a saw mill, with a corn-cracker attached, and, although an indifferent affair, was for several years the chief source of supplies for quite an extensive neighborhood. It was subsequently rebuilt and supplied with improved machinery, and operated bv different parties until destroyed by tire, about the year 1881. Mr. Allbright was the last owner. Abraham Ally built a saw mill on Weasaw Creek, near the central part of the township, some time in the si.xties, which is still in operation. The first steam mill in the township was built by William Conner south of Perr\sburg, a number of years ago, the frame of which is still standing. This mill was operated on quite an extensive scale, and did much more than a local business. An earl\- industry in the southeast corner of the township was a tannery operated by Joseph Holman, who manufactured much of the leather used by the first settlers of the country. It was in operation only a few years. In addition to the industries enumerated, there have been a number of steam saw mills in the township at different times, besides several tile factories, all of which, so far as known, proved remunerative investments.

Earl\ Marriages, Births and Deaths. - The first marriage in the Township was that of Jacob Bartlett to a daughter of Hugh A. B. People, solemnized in the spring of 1838 by A. H. Leedv, Justice of the Peace. A little later the same year, John Scott and Mary Gilliland were united in the holy bonds of wedlock by Rev. William Nelson. It is impossible to determine when or in whose famil\- the first birth in the township occurred, as the early settlers seem to have been a prolific people, bent upon literally carrying out the scriptural injunction, "to multiply and replenish the earth." A good natured rivalry seemed to have been aroused in this respect, and within a short period after the first settlement of the country, second editions of the pioneers began to rapidh' increase, and ere long, the hills and valleys of Union, were peopled by a young native race. The majority of those born in the township in an early day, after arriving at the years of manhood and womanhood, left their homes and emigrated to other parts, while a few still live near the place where they first saw the light. "On the 6th da\- of January, 1838, there was born to Sarah, wife of Martin Hoover, a daughter, Mary, who was probably the first white child born in the township." Births occurred about the same time in the families of various other settlers, but unfortunately the records giving exact dates are not accessible. "The first death is said to have ^een that of Susan Baltimore, which occurred some time in the year 1837. "Her funeral was held at the residence of Martin Hoover and the sermon on the occasion is said to have been the first one preached in the township. Another early death was that of a child of John R. Wright in 1837. The Weasaw Cemetery was consecrated to the burial of the dead in 1845. and the first person bin-ied therein was Andrew House, who departed this life earlv in 1846. The Perr}sburg Cemetery was laid out in an early da\- and within its silent precincts are sleeping a number of the early settleis of the township.

J/vs/crioiis Diiappcarauce. - "Among the casualties we notice the sudden and m\sterious disappearance of a Mr. Douglass. This gentleman had been laboring for some time on Eel River, in Jefferson Township, and was regarded by all as an honorable, upright young man. Bj- close attention to business and studious habits, he soon accumulated considerable mone\', with which he intended to enter land. On a certain Saturdav evening in 1836, he came in company with Mr. Smith, a brother-in-law to Mr. Cannon, to the residence of the latter in the township. Here it was arranged to borrow horses of Cannon, and for Smith to accompany Douglass a certain distance on his journev to Fort Wayne, the nearest land office, where the latter was to enter his land. The following morning the two men started upon their journey. Tuesday Smith returned, saying that Douglass had gone on to Fort Wayne alone. The latter was never heard of afterwards. The land records bein"' examined showed that he never appeared at Fort Wayne to enter land. The general supposition of all who were acquainted with the circumstances was that Douglass had received foul treatment at the hands of Smith. Suspicion rested so heavily upon the families of Smith and Cannon that they soon after left the country for parts unknown, and their names have almost sunk, into oblivion.

Toivushi-p Organization. - As originally formed. L nion included the present township of Allen, and was organized as a distinct jurisdiction on the 6th day of November, 1837. Under this organization an election for the purpose of choosing the necessary officers was held the same fall in the store-rooms of Matthew Fenimore, in the village of Perrysburg. Abraham H. Leedy acted as inspector at this election, and was also chosen Justice of the Peace. The names of the other township officers are at present unknown.

Church Jliitory. - The religious history of this part of the county, dates from its earliest settlement, and on nearly every wave of immigration was borne some good seed destined to become the nucleus around which leathered those loftier and better feelings neeessary to carry society onward to a state of comparati\e perfection and happiness. This good seed was usually sufficient to begin the work of raising the early society to a higher level of civilization, and its transforming power counteracted those demoralizing influences which tended to social degeneration and disruption, as the lawless and vicious frequently sought the newly settled country when there was less restraint from civil power. Among the pioneers of Union, were many God fearing men and women, who, amid the many dangers and trials incident to their isolated condition, never faltered in the discharge of their religious duties, and meetings for public worship were early held in the little cabins of tiie various settlements. At these meetings would gather the neighbors for many miles around, and the exercises in which all participated, irrespective of creed or dogma, served as a means of social and mental, as well as spiritual improvement. Itinerant ministers of the Methodist Church, were the first to introduce the good work in this township, and as early as 1837, Revs. William Williams and John Dabney, had regular appointments at the residence of Daniel Cox. The Christians or Disciples, were the next in order, and the tenets of that faith were early introduced by Elder William Nelson, who preached from time to time at the house of Martin Hoover, in the northern part of the township. The Baptists followed close in the work of the above denominations, and organized the first church in the township prior to 1840.

Wcasmv Creek Baftiil Church. - In December, 1839, a few persons met at Willram Cool's residence for pra\er and conference meetings, led by Christopher Cool; the first services of the kind ever held in this part of the country. By agreement these meetings were kept up at regular intervals until March, 1840, when a church organization was effected and articles of faith adapted. The original members were Christopher Cool, William Cool, Sallie Hall, Ezra Griffith and wife, Juda Cool, Charles Cole, Mary Boss, Leonard Cool and Powell Cool: all of whom, except William Cool, have passed from the church militant to the church 'triumphant. Meetings were held once a month until October, 1840, at which time Revs. William Corbin and William Pratt, formally oriranized them into a regular Baptist Church: the former delivering an address and making constituent prayer, and the latter addressing the church and giving the members the right hand of fellowship. This church was called the Weasaw Creek Baptist Church, a name by which it has since been known. In December, 1840. was held the first covenant meeting, when Mariah Cool united by baptism; the first addition. July, i84i,the society joined the sister churches, in forming the Huntington association, and subsequently, in 1853, it became the head of the Weasaw Creek Association, organized the latter year. Meetings were held regularly everv Sabbath in houses, barns and groves, and it was not until Januar\-, 1851, that the first house of worship, erected on land donated bv William Cool, was finally dedicated. In May, 1855. Leonard and William Cool were ordained to tlie ministry, and in May, 1856, the first Sabbath school was organized. The pastors of the church have been as follows: Rev. William Corbin took charge at the time of the organization and served until his death, September, 1841. He was succeeded bv Rev. David Lewis, who remained until 1843, since which time the following ministers have sustained the pastoral relation, viz: E. Desbrough, James Babcock, T. C. Townsend. John Dunham, Leonard Cool, J. B. Allen, S. B. Serrells, William Cool, J. B. Morris, Calvin Babcock, E.J. Delp,J.T. Smith, H. W. Ball, J. M. Maxwell, and the present incumbent, Joseph Merley. In January, 1876, the present imposing brick temple of worship, 36x50 feet in size, occupying the site of the original building, was dedicated to the service of God, Rev. J. Whiteside officiating. The church has been the means of accomplishing much good in the community, and is at this time in a healthy and prosperous condition, with an active membership of about one hundred. The officers are David Coon, M. D. Lea veil and Henrv Kine, Deacons, and Fernando Moon, Clerk. The Sunda}- School, which is well attended, is under the Superintendency of O. F. Cool.

Perrysbitnt- Presbyterian Church. - The histor\- of Presbvterianism in Union Township dates from about the vear 1849, at which time Rev. Andrew C. McClelland, then stationed at Peru, visited the village and began holding meetings in the neighboring school house and the residence of Hamilton Simonton. These services finally culminated into an organization, of which the following persons were earh members, to-wit: Luc\ Leach (now Mrs. Cline), John Leach, Hamilton Simonton, Anna Ciamble, Elizabeth Black, Adaline Simonton, Mar\- Jane Simonton, Jeunie Rannells, Hattie Simonton (Mrs. Wright), Maggie Simonton, Calvin Simonton, John Simonton, Anna Kiplinger, John Kiplinger and wife, John McConahav and wife and Louisa ^IcConahav. VV^ithin a short time after the date of orpfanization, steps were taken towards building a house of worship, and work on the same was commenced about the year 1850, or perhaps a little earlier. Owing to the limited number composing the church, the building was not completed until 1854. The first services in the same, however, were held prior to that date, the occasion being the funeral of Hamilton Simonton, the principal promoter of the societv and its first elder, conducted by Rev. McClelland, in August, in 1852. After the completion of the house of worship, the little church for some }ears enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperity, but its growth from various causes subsequentlv became retarded, and at this time the membership is not as numerous so formeriv, numbering onl\- about thirteen. The following ministers sustained the pastoral relation from time to time, viz: Rev. A. G. McClelland, Samuel McKee,

Robert Irwin, MacKnight Williamson, S. F. Hershey, W. A. Hoover and Francis Linn. The present incumbent is Rev. Dr. Craig, of Noblesville, a man of great learning and piety. The officers of the church at this time are Calvin Simonton, elder; George Wright and Calvin Simonton, trustees.

Alcthodist Church of Pcrrysbtirg. - From the settlement of Union Township up to 1854, services were held by ministers of the Methodist Church in various parts of the countr}-, but a permanent organization did not gain a footing until some time that year. The Perrysburg class was organized by Rev. Enoch Waymire and Stephen S. Long in 1854, with a membership of about twenty, quite a number of whom had belonged to the church before moving to this part of the countr}-. The organization took place at the residence of William Bennett, which was used as a meeting place for some months. As the society increased in numbers, a more commodious place of worship became necessary. Accordingly, the Presbyterian Church was procured and used at regular intervals until 1865. In the meantime, the wants of the constantly increasing society foreshadowed the necessity of erecting a building of its own, and, in 1865, the present beautiful temple of worship, one of the finest country church edifices in the county, was erected in the village, at a cost of $2,300. To the untiring efforts of Rev. Enoch Waymire, whose means were liberally expended in its behalf, was the success of the building enterprise largely due. As no authentic records of the church were accessible, it will be impossible to give a full list of pastors, but among those who have had charge of the society from time to time, were the following: Revs. L. Roberts, Mr. White, J. Lacy, N. Shackleford, A. H. Curry, R. J. Smith, J. H. McMahon", J. W. Miller, N. Peddycord, M. H. Miller, and the present imcumbent. Rev. J. J. Cooper. The church at one time was one of the mo.st prosperous societies in the count}-, but, owing to deaths and removals, has lost quite a number of its members, the communicants at this time numbering only about thirty. The officers are as follows: John R. Waymire and Henry Lininger, stewards: John Waymire, Samuel McElwee.T. S. McElwee, Samuel Losher and Jacob Losher, trustees. The Sunday School, under the efiicient management of John Waymire, is well attended, and has been a valuable auxilliary to the work of the chmxh.

Villaoxs. - Pcrr\ibitri^. - Some towns grow up where they are from the ver\- nature of things. A water course or a crossing will give rise to a shop or little store, and by gradual accretion, there comes to be an assemblage of houses and an increase of business, which at length necessitates the laying out and incorporation of a village. Other towns have their origin in the speculative minds of men. A combination of these two causes undoubtedly led to the founding of the little village of Perrysburg. Early in 1837, IMatthew Fenimore aid John R. Wilkinson, purchased a tract of land, embracing the present site of the town, the State road leading from Peru to Rochester, dividing their respective places. The location being at that time near the center of a large area of sparsely settled country, and remote from any trading point, the advisability of lading out a town suggested itself to Messrs. Fenimore and Wilkinson, who, after carefully weighing the matter from a business stand point, concluded that such a venture would be both safe and profitable. Accordinglv a survever was employed, and in June of the above 3'ear, the town plat, consisting of thirtj'-six lots, was laid out and duly recorded. The State road forms the main street, running North and South, and crossing this at right angles, are Bridge, Second and High streets. In the summer of 1837, Mr. Fenimore brought a stock of goods to the new towm, and also opened a hotel for the accommodation of the traveling public, in both of which he w^as quite successful. He was in business about two j'ears, at the end of that time sold out to Richard Britton and moved to Peru. He subsequenth' settled in the southern part of Butler Township, where in the year 1848, he laid out the town of Santa Fe.

William Burnett was one of the early residents of Perrysburg, and for a number of years kept a hotel; first in the Fenimore building and later in a house of his own, which became a favorite stopping place. John Harris afterward became proprietor of this hotel, and his reputation as an e.xperienced and accommodating landlord was such that the house was never in want of paving guests, many of whom pronoimced it the best place of entertainment in the count}-. Dr. Henrj' Howe moved to the village about the year 1846, and in connection with the practice of the healing art, engaged in the goods business, which he subsequently disposed of to John Howe, who carried on a successful trade for several years. His successor was Wesle}- McFarland, who, in turn, sold out to Jacob Rannells. The latter was identified with the business interests of the town until 1884, and during the period of his stay carried on a larger trade than any other merchant in the county, outside of Peru. He suffered a severe loss bv fire, in 1884, which, with other troubles growing out of the in\olved condition of his business, led to his unhappy death by suicide, in the spring of that year. Jesse Friend sold goods in the village for a short time, and in 1874, G. W. Wright opened a general store, which he has since successfully carried on, his business house being the only one in the town at this time. The early mechanics of the village were George Bosh, blacksmith; Thomas Garlinghouse, wagonmaker, and Hamilton

Simonton, carpenter and cabinet-maker. The present mechanics are Erwin Bosh and Frank MoodY, both of whom work at the blacksmith trade. As ah-eady stated, Dr. Henry Howe was the first practicing physician in the place. Since his departure, the following medical men have practiced their profession here, from time to time, to-wit: Drs. Ladue, Shadwick, Detric and Conner. The resident physician at this time, is Dr. W. A. Ager, who has a large and lucrative business in Miami, Cass and Fulton Counties. Perrysburg, while never coming up to the expectations of its founders, has always sustained the reputation of a good local trading point, and situated, as it is, in the midst of a rich agricultural region, will, perhaps, continue to be the chief source of supplies for a large area of territory. It has a beautiful graded school building, two church organizattons, sketches of which have been given, and its inhabitants, in point of thrift and intelligence, will compare favorably with those of any other town of its size in the State.

Deedsville, a small village on the I., P. & C. Railroad, in the eastern part of the township, was laid out July, 1870, by Samuel M. Leedy and Albert Deeds. The original plat consists of eighty-four lots, to which an addition of twelve lots was made by Samuel Leed\- in December, 1872. The village, while not a place of extensive business, has enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity, and, in consequence of its advantages as a shipping point, is likely to remain a place of more than ordinarv local importance. The first business of the village was a general store started sometime in 1870 by E. H. Hill and W. H. Leedy, and a short time thereafter a small stock of groceries was brought to the place by J. Kepler. The business at this time is as follows: E. H. Hill, grain buj-er and dealer in general merchandise; G. S. Steiner, dealer in groceries, hardware and notions; Steiner & Robbins, manufacturers of drain tile; Fenton & Moon operate a large steam saw mill and do a succe.ssful lumber business; G. S. Steiner is the village blacksmith, and E. H. Hill represents the Government in the capacity of Postmaster.

Biographical. Sketches

DR. UPTON A. AGER, of Perrysburg, is a native of Starke County, Ohio, and was born Januarj- 24, 1839. ^^^ ^^'^^ the onl\- son born to John G. and Mary (Lineroad) Ager, natives of Mar\land and Pennsvlvania respectivelv, the former of German and Irish and the latter of German descent. When our subject was eight years old he accompanied his parents to Huntington County, this State, where his youth was spent working ujion his fallior'.s farm. Duriiii;- this time lie attended the public school, ill which he received a yood common school education. This was supplemented by a course of instruction in select schools at Roanoke and Huntington, by which he received a knowledi^je of some of the higher branches of learning. After quitting school he accepted a position as clerk in a hardware store in Huntington. This position he held .about eighteen months, after which he had a like position in Indianapolis six months. He then returned to Huntington and began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. O. A. Lewis, a graduate of both Rush and Belle\ue Colleges. He remained under his instruction two years. During the winter of 1865 and ^66 he attended a course of lectures in the Chicago- Medical College. The summer of 1S66 was spent in the office of Drs. Laynion & Shafer, of Huntington. During the winter of 1866 and '67 he attended a course of lectures in the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, from which he graduated in February, 1867. He returned to Huntington County and entered upon his professional labors at Antioch. A few months^ later he removed to Rochester, Fulton County. In April, 1868, he came to this county and located at Perrysburg, where he has ever since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. October 18, 1870, he was mairied to Cinderilla Wood, a native of Fulton County, and daughter of Christopher and Rebecca (Rannells) Woods. She was born June 20, 1852. Dr. and Mrs. Ager have had live children. They are Mary E., born March 17, 1872; L. Edgerton, born January 20, 1874; Fleetwood C, born Juh' 22, 1877; Zulu B., born September 9, 1880, and Robbie, born February 2, 1882, and died February 3, 1882. Dr. Ager is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge and a Republican in politics. As a practitioner he is a complete success. His professional career has been a brilliant one. It was not long after his location at Perrj-sburg until he had built up an extensive practice. At times his practice has made such demands upon him as to imperil his own plivsical condition, in consequence of which his health is somewhat impaired. lie began life without a dollar, and though he scarcely is past the meridian of life, he has accumulated considerable property. Besides a pleasant home in Perr\-sburg and a good farm in this count\-, he owns a farm of 158 acres in Cass County, all of which is the result of his industry, perseverance and economy.

WILLIAM FRIEND, one of Miami County's old pioneers, and one among the earlv settlers of Union Township, was born in Miami County, Ohio, January 18, 181 2. He was the youngest child born to Jesse and Catharine (Moist) Friend, both natives of Randolph Count}-, North Carolina, the former of English and the latter of German descent. Our subject grew up to manhood in his native count}-. He was left without a mother when he was but ten months old, and before he was eight years old the hand of death had deprived him of his father also. Thus left an orphan bov at this early age, he went to live with his maternal grandfather, with whom he remained until he was a grown man. During this whole time he worked in a grist-mill, owned by his grandfather, which was situated fourteen miles north of Davton, on a small stream called Still Water. He was thus employed until about 1840. After working in a machine shop in West Milton, Ohio, for over one 3-ear, he came in the fall of 1842 to this county, and first located in Union Township, ever since which time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1845, he removed to Jefferson Township, but in 1865 he returned to Union Township, where he has ever since resided. July 28, 1831, he was married to Sophia Cress, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born March 22, 1811. She was the daughter of John and Catharine (riummer) Cress, the former a native of Virginia, of German descent, and the latter a native of Randolph County, North Carolina, of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Friend had, in all, nine children. They are: Catharine, born October i, 1832; John, born October 25, 1834; -^liU'V? ^orn August 5, 1836, died July 30, 1851 : Jane, born November 11, 1840: Andrew, born May 20, 1S43; Jesse, born March 8, 1846: Ira, born November 2, 1847; Simeon, born April 20, 1850, died Jul}- 9, 185 1: Mahala, born December 25, 1853, died January 24, 1854. ^^''- Friend lost his wife March 11, 1885; since which he has made his home with his son John. He has never identified himself with an\- church, but is a tirm believer in the principles of Christianitv. In politics he is a Republican. When he came to the count}- he located in the woods; and what are now beautiful and well-tilled fields, was a vast forest, abounding in deer, wolves, wild turkevs and Indians. Amid all the hard work which the clearing up of a farm devolved upon him, he found time to shoulder his gun and take part in the hunt and chase - a thing which he frequently did. He killed, in all, upwards of three hundred deer, besides an abundance of small game, with which the forest at that time teemed. Mr. Friend is now in the seventy-tifth year of his age, and is enjoying moderateh' good health. He has resided in our county over forty-four years, and is one of our most highly respected citizens.

JOHN FRIEND, one of the prominent farmers of Union Township, was born in She]b\" Count\-, Ohio, October 25, 1834. He was the eldest son born to William and Sophia (Cress) Friend, natives of Miami and Montgomery Counties, Ohio, respectively. While John was yet a young child, his parents removed to Miami County, Ohio, but in October, 1842, they came to Miami County, this State, and located in the woods of Jefferson Township. Here

Biocrapiiicai. Sketches

John spent his boyhood and youth working on his fatlier's farm. When he became of age he began farming for himself, and lias ever since continued to make that a business. In the fall of 1S62, he removed to a farm in Kosciusko County, but in the spring of 1869, he returned to this county, and located where he now resides, in Section i, Union Township. November 29, 1857, he was married to Elizabeth Himelick, a native of Decatur Countv, this State, born January 22, 1841. She was the daughter of Andrew and Sarah A. (Arnett) Himelick, the former of whom, at present, resides in Jefferson Township, this county. By his first wife, Mr. Friend had nine children : Sarah A., born July 15, 1859: Rebecca J., born March 15, 1861; Willjam H., born November 14, 1862; James I., born October 21, 1864; Wilson C, born July 31, 1867; Luella S., bom December 7, 1868: Milo R., born April 2, 1872; Meldora, born October i, 1873. and Edwin A., born September 17, 1S75, ^^^ of whom are living. Mi'. Friend lost his first wife, January 14. 1878, and on the first da\' of November. 1878, he was married to ISIary J. Utter, a native of Johnson Countv, this State, bornjanuarv 16, 1847. She was the daughter of Edwin A. and Elizabeth (Byers) Utter, natives of Fayette and Johnson Countv, this State, respectivelv. To this latter union one child has been born - Phebe E., born August 7, 1885. Mr. Friend is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and a Republican in politics. He owns a farm of one hundred and twent\- acres of good land, nearly all of which is in a high state of cultivation. His farm is fitted up with good fences, a good barn, and a handsome brick residence, and is a very desirable location. He is an honest, upright man, an industrious and successful farmer, and a No. I citizen. He is now gi\'ing some attention to pisci-culture. He has a handsome little pond well stocked with German carp, and already has his table supplied with this luxuiy.

EPHRAIM H. HILL, merchant of Deedsville, is a native of Union Township, this county, and w^as born March 26, 1843. He was the son of George and Sarah (Cool) Hill, the former a native of New York City and the latter a native of the State of New York, of German, English and Irish descent. The parents of our subject came to this county and located in the woods of Union Township in the fall of 1839. Ephraim spent his boyhood and youth working upon his father's farm. During this time he attended the district school, in which he received a good common school education. At the early age of seventeen he took up the avocation of a teacher. After teaching successfully seven years, in December, 1869, he took what little capital he had and began the life of a business man in Deedsville. His attention was divided between the grain business and a small grocery store - it being the first of the kind ever in the town. He has thus continued ever since. November 5, 1873, he was married to Lida A. Clingenpeel, a naUve of this

State, and dau<^hter of Jonathan and Hester (Buck) Clingenpeel. She died August 20, 1880, leaving to the care of our subject three children - Edith, Marvin and Ancil - all of whom are hving. On the J 5th day of September, 1881, Mr. Hill was married to Lucy Marbergar, a native of Huntington County, this State, born May 28, 1862. She was the daughter of Elias Marbergar, of Union Township. To this latter union two children have been born. They are Vernie, Florence and George Otho. In politics Mr. Hill is a Democrat. He is an enterprising and successful business man and a good citizen. He began life without a dollar, hut through industry, perseverance and economx' he is now in comfortable circumstances. He has a neat little store and is doing a good business. At present' Mr. Hill holds the position of railroad agent, express agent and postmaster at Deedsville.

HENRY HOWES, one of the old pioneers of this county, and one among the first settlers of Jefferson Township, is a native of Vermont, and was born June 19, 1816. He was the oldest son born to Henry and Ruth (Blaisdell) Howes, both natives of New Hampshire, and of English descent. The entire life of our subject has been spent upon a farm. In 1818 his parents emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren Count}-. In October, 1836, he accompanied them to this county, and located with them in the woods of Jefferson Township. He assisted his father in clearing up a farm, and a good deal of hard work naturally devolved upon Henry. He chopped, grubbed, burned brush, rolled logs, plowed, and, in fact, did all kinds of hard work, which the development of a new country necessitates. He resided in Jefferson Township until 1S65, when he removed to Union Township. He was married in November, 1840, to Susan Shadinger, who died about 1854. I" October, 1859, ^^ was married to Mar}' Speck, a native of Ohio, and daughter of William and Catharine Speck, the former a native of Kentucky. Bv his tirst wife Mr. Howes had four children: Cornelia, Howard, Ruth and William, all of whom are deceased. He and his present wife have had three children : Ida, Marv Louisa and Elbert, of whom, only Mary Louisa is li\ing. Mr. and Mrs. Howes belong to the Baptist Church. Politically, Mr. Howes is a Republican. He held the office of Assessor in Jefferson Township two terms. He is now past seventy years of age, and is enjoying good health. He is one of our country's oldest pioneers living, and one of our most highlv respected citizens.

EZRA JONES, one of the prominent farmers of Union Township, and one among the early settlers of that township, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and was born September 3, 1830. He was the tenth child and Hfth son born to Samuel and Xancv (Skinner) Jones, both nali\es of Nortli Carolina, the former of Welsh and the latter, presumably, of English descent. Ezra spent his boyhood upon his father's farm in his native county. When he was fourteen years old, or in October, 1845, he accompanied his parents to this county, and located in Union Township. The farm lay in Section 14 of that township, and is the one upon which our subject now resides. This has always been his home, exceptinj^ eleven months, which were spent in Harvey County, Kansas. That was from March 30, 1881, to February 27, 1882. His occupation during his entire life has been that of a farmer. December 29, 1852, he was married to Matilda Cox, a native of Ohio, and daughter of John and Marj- (^Hoover) Cox, the former a native of North Carolina. She was born February 16, 1833. That marriage resulted in the birth of seven children : Dora A., born October 16, 1853; Jerome B., born January 23, 1857; Mary O.. born October 17, 1858, died February 18, 1S64: Charles F., born August 22, 1864, died May 8, 1883: Fannie A., born October 22, 1866: Alfred E. and Ellen M. (twins), born November 4, 1872; Ellen M. died June 28, 1878. Mr. Jones lost his tirst wife February- 25, 1882, and on the 20th of October, 1883. he was married to Mrs. Amanda Skinner, whose maiden name was Amanda Bell. She was the daughter of Robert Bell, and was born in Carroll County, this Slate, October 19, 1846. To this latter union three children have been born. They are William G., born August 19, 1884; Ubj' and Phebe (twins), born May 8, 1886. Mr. Jones is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and a Democrat in politics. He has held the oflice of Township Trustee in Union Township two terms, hi the spring of 1886, he was elected to the oflice of Justice of the Peace, but declined to serve. He owns a hne farm of 240 acres, most of which is in a high state of cultivation. His farm is fitted up with good fences and buildings, and is a very desirable location. Mr. Jones is a pleasant, intelligent gentleman an industrious and successful farmer, and one of our most highh- respected citizens.

ALONZO D. LEEDY, one of the enterprising young farmers of Union Township, is a native of the township in which he resides, and was born March 31, 1861. He was the second son born to Samuel M. and Rebecca Leedy. natives of Richland and Montgomery Counties, Ohio, respectively, both of German de.scent. The parents of our subject came to this county and located in Union Township in 1852. The entire life of Alonzo has been spent upon a farm. He attended the district school, in which he received a good common school education. May 24, 1884, he was married to Lydia Hatch, a native of this county, and daughter of Amos and Jennette (Baker) Hatch, of Allen Township. She was horn December 28, 1864. To them have been born one child, Dessie Mav, born August 7, 1886. Politically, Mr. Leedy is a Republican. He is a pushing and enterprising young farmer, and a good citizen.

JACOB LOSHER, one of the honored citizens of Union Township, was born in Columbiana Count}-, Ohio, January 5, 1806. He was the son of Sebastian and Margaret (Hines) Losher, both nati\es of Pennsylvania. Our subject remained in his native county, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until October, 1856, when he came to this count\- and located in Union Township, where he has ever since resided. May 21, 1829, he was married to Hannah Justison, a native of New Castle Countv, Delaware, born September II, 1802. She was the daughter of John and Rebecca (^ Pierce) Justison, natives of Delaware. Mr. and Mrs. Losher have had si.v children, viz: Sebastian, Samuel W., Margaret A., Mary A., John H. and George D., all of whom are living, except Sebastian, who died when he was two years and si.\ months old. Mr. and Mrs. Losher belong to the M. E. Church. The}' have now li\ed together over fifty-seven years and are enjoying very good health. In politics, Mr. Losher is a Republican. He owns a farm of eight\' acres and has a comfortable home.

SAMUEL McELWEE, one of the old pioneers of Miami County, and one among the early settlers of Union Township, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1818. He was the fifth son born to John and Elizabeth (Smith) McElwee, both natives of Penns\lvania, the former of Irish and English and the latter of Dutch and English descent. While Samuel was 3'et a young child his parents removed to Adams County. Pennsylvania, where his boyhood was spent upon a farm. When he was twehe years old his parents remo\'ed to a farm in Cumberland County, Penn,s\lvania. In 1845 Samuel came westward to Preble County, Ohio, where he worked one summer upon a farm by the month. He then went to Salem, Miami County, Ohio, where he was emploved as a teamster about eighteen months. In 1849 ^^'^ came to this county, and located in Union Township. During the first year of his residence there he worked at shoemaking. He then located upon a farm in Section i of that township, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1868 he removed to the town of Perr\sburg, where he has ever since resided. Since locating in the \illage his attention has still been directed to farming, excepting five years in which he conducted a meat market in Perrysburg. In January. 1839, he was married to Peggy Rockey, a nati\-e of Cumberland County. Pennsylvania, and daughter of George Rockey. She died in July, 1843. January 22, 1846, he was married to Leah Lininger, a native of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Miller) Lininger. By his first wife Mr. McElwee had tliree children - Hannah, Rebecca and Lydia, of whom Hannah and Rebecca are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McElwee are both members of the M. E. Church. Politically, Mr. McElwee is a Republican. He is now in the sixty-ninth \ear of his aire. He is stout and hearty, enjo}s j^ood health, and by a stranger would be taken to be a score of years younger than he is. He has resided in Miami County for thirtv-seven vears, and is ont' of the most highly respected citizens.

GOTTLIEB STEINER, one of the prominent citizens of Union Township, was born in Switzerland, November 3, 1831. He was the youngest son born to John Steiner, with whom he came to America when he was six years old. He was left without a mother when he was but six months old. After arriving in this country they remained over one winter at Alleghany Citv. hi the spring of 183S, the\' continued westward to Ohio, and located in Harden County, where our subject spent his boyhood and earh" vouth working upon a farm. At the age of eighteen he learned the trade of blacksmith and wagon-maker. His first work at his trade was in Kenton. Ohio. He worked there and in other towns, near Kenton, until 1859, when he went to Lima, Ohio, and engaged in the grocery business. Here he remained until 1868, when he came to this State and engaged in the same business in Rochester, Fulton County. Six months later he came to this county and located in Union Township, upon the present site of Deedsville. He enjoys the credit of erecting the first building in that place, and of being her first citizen. During the first nine years of his residence there, he worked at his trade. In 1S79, he engaged in the tile business, which received his attention five years. In the spring of 1885, he opened up a grocery store in Deedsville, which is now under the management of his wife. Just at the present time Mr. Steiner gives his attention to his trade. He was married, March 2, 1854, ^o Mary M. Steiner, (no relation), a native of Havaria, Germany, born September 27, 1836. She was the daughter of Jacob and Apalonia (Diel) Steiner. Mrs. Steiner accompanied her parents to America when she was ten years old. They located in Harden County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Steiner have had thirteen children, ten of whom are living. They are : Richard S., born August 7, 1855 : Mary E., born August 30, 1858; Ida H., born September 5, i860; Frank S., born August 23, 1862: William T., born May 20, 1864, died March 2, 1865: Calvin O., born November 12, 1865: Theofiel, born April 12, 1867. died August 27, 1867: Edwin G., born November 3, 1868; Celesta, born September 18, 1870: Sevilla, born December 18, 1871; Clemens, born May 5, 1873, died August 22, 1873; Anna B.. born April 18, 1875; Magdalena, born June i, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Steiner are members of the

Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Steiner is a Democrat. While a resident of Allen County. Ohio, he held the office of Trustee two terms. He is an industrious man and a good citizen.

JACOB W. WARNER, of Union Township, is a native of Preble County, Ohio, and was born January 19, 1844. He was the second son born to David and Margaret ( Hitchew ) Warner, both natives of Maryland. Jacob spent his boyhood, up to the age of ten, in his native county. His parents came to this county about the j-ear 1854, and locatedin Union Township. There Jacob grew up to manhood, working upon a farm. In December, 1863, he entered the service of the Union Army, in Company L, 12th Indiana Cavalrv, in which he served until the close of the war. He participated in the Five Days Fight at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the battles of Nashville, Mobile, and Spanish Fort. He returned to this county at the close of the war, and engaijed in farming. He reiuoved to Fulton County in 1868, where he resided three years. In 1871 he returned to this county and located where he now resides, in Section 26, Union Township. In March, 1866, he was married to Eva Shafer, bv whom he has had nine children, viz: Alice A., Sarah M.. Ordeila F., William L., Rosa M., Grace, Olive P., Emma and Walter S., all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Warner is a member of the G. A. R., and a Republican in politics. He owns one hundred and si.vteen acres of land - sixty of which are in cultivation. He is an honest, upright man, an industrious farmer, and a good citizen.

SAMUEL WITTER, one of the influential citizens of Union Township, was born in Union Countv, this State, Julv 17, 1834. He was the fifth son born to George and Fannie ( Kingerv) Witter, natives of Pennsvlvania and Virginia, respectivelv. The birth of his father occurred in 1796, and that of his mother in 1802. Samuel spent his early life working upon his father's farm in his native countv. He attended the district school, but the advantages were poor, consequentlv he had the benefit of no more than an ordinary common school education. At the age of twentv-four he began farming for himself. That was in Union County. In 1859, ^^ removed to a farm in Carroll County. He resicled there until 1863, when he came to this county and took up his residence in Jefferson Township. In August, 1872, he emigrated to Shawnee Countv, Kansas, where he was engaged in farming until in Februarv, 1876. At that time he returned to this count}- and again located in Jefferson Township. In April, 1883, he removed to his present home in Section 36, Union Township. He was married on the 24th day of Februarv, 1858, to Ellen J. Smith, also a native of Union County, born April 27, 1840. She was the daughter of Alexander and Eunice (Ringsby) Smith, the first mentioned for- merly of Preble County, Ohio, and the latter a native of North Carolina. That marriage resulted in the birth of two children, viz: William H., born September 3, i860; died September 19, 1862, and Emerson E., born December 3, 1862, died July 19, 1S67. On the 26th day of November, 1863, Mr. Witter suffered the bereavement of losing his first wife, and on the 28th day of November, 1865, he was married to Laura D. Wilson, a native of this county, born September 10, 1848. She was the daughter of Joseph R. and Lucinda (Grimes) Wilson, nati\es of Preble and Alontgomery Counties, Ohio, respeclivelv. To this latter union, three children have been born. Their names are Edw ard C, born September 23, 1866; Leonidas G., born January 10, 1868, and Charles W., born April 23, 1883, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Witter are members of the German liaptist Church. Politically Mr. Witter is a Republican. He owns a farm of eighty acres. Besides this he owns a business property in the town of Mexico. He is an honest, upright, square-dealing tuan and a good citizen.

GEORGE W. WRIGHT, merchant at Perrysburg, was born in New York City, August 4, 1845. He was the third son born to Leonard and Melissa (Eaton) Wright, the former a native of the State of New York, and the latter a native of England. At the tender age of thirteen. George, in company with his older brother, Leonard, left home and made his way to Fulton County, this State. There he worked upon a farm by the month about four \ears. Jul)- 22, 1862, he enlisted into the service of the Union Army in Compan\- D, 87th Indiana Regiment. He received an honorable discharge from that company, June 10, 1865. He participated in the battles of Perrysville, Ky., Chickamauga and Nashville, in which he discharged his duties in a manner becoming a loyal soldier. At the close of the war he came to this county and located at Perr\sburg. In 187 1 he engaged in the mercantile business in that place, which has ever since received his attention. April 29, 1869, he was married to Harriet Simonton, a nati\e of this county, and daughter of Hamilton and Keziah (Woodburn) Simonton. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have had three children; they are Fannie, Minnie and Walter H., of whom Fannie died in her third year. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Wright is a Republican. He is a pleasant, intelligent gentleman, an enterprising and successful business man and a number one citizen. He has a large and commodious store room, well stocked, and is doing a good business. He began life without a dollar, but through industry, perseverance and economy, he is now in comfortable circumstances.