Jackson Township

Jackson Township

It includes the north nf Township 18 north. Ranjro 1 west and the south lialf of TowTiship I '.I iiortli. Range 1 west, both trtwnshiim being frat-tional, and also fraotioual Township 'il north. Range 15 etist. lying in the northeastern corner of the county, in the valley o£ the Mississinewa.

The old or ^Vayne's boundary divides the township into two parts somewhat cornerwise, entering near the northeast eorner and passing out at the south side, crossing the township line about two and one-half miles west of the oast line of the township, county and State. The P.,C. & St. L. (Pan Handle) Railroad crosses the southwest corner of the township.

It was erectetl as a fajwuship in 1833. It contains about tliirty sections, l)oiiig six miles north and south and five miles from I'jtst to west. The Mississinewa Hows from east to west, as also the Little Mississinewa northward to the Big Mississinewa. The Itind is rather level and somewhat low. It was ;it first considerably well much of the surface standing in the water a .great ptirt of the time. Clearing and ditehing, however, htive dried out the land pretty well, and the country is now good for farming, the low lands lieing the best. Originally the coiiiitry was heavily timbered. Most of the farms are now well cleared, though some are still rather new. The im|irovements are middling, with some fine residences. There are severtil pikes in the townshi)). The Union City & Salem pike divides the township north and south; the New Pittsburg pike extends from the Salem pike westward north to North Pittsburg, and the State Lino pike (Union City to Htu'overy) extends along nearly the entire east line.

The first entry was made by John Abercrombie in October. 1816, on the river .south of Pittsburg. The actual settlement began hardly as early. It has been diffictilt to trace the liistorjof things to the first beginning. The earliest settlers seem to have left no trace behind, and but a slender memory of them remains among the residents of the present day. The bona fide occupation of the township seems to have taken place about 1820 perhaps somewhat earlier. A few seem to have spent some time there before that date. Thomas Shalor, a roving fellow, occii pied the James Porter place perhaps in 1826, leaving the neigh borhood about 1829. He is the same one mentioned by Mdvew & Hawkins as living in Jay County, in the region of Camden. Philip Storms is thought by some to have been the earliest resi dent. He is said to have lived somewhere in the region east of Jacob Johnson's, and ttfterward he resided several years at th(> Allensvillo crossing. One man states that Philip Storms was annoyed and injured by having men enter his selected location from under him, and that he became "fighting mad" on account of it, which is not much wonder, if the aggression were known and intended as .such, since the act would be both a flagrant violation of "squatter" law, and a serious breach of natural justice and of the golden rule. Mr. Storms resided in the region for somf time, as, eevertil years later, he was appointed by the County Commissioners to be Road Supervisor of his district.

Some men by the name of Brockus, wild, rough men, who had however, estimiil)le wives, were early settlers, their residence being across the Mississinewa, directly north of Handschey's first mill. They left before a very long time, but the clearing said to have been made by them was still to be seen mtrny years afterward, and perhaps is there even to the present day.

entered by John Jones, near Dolphus Wan-en's. Jesse Gray \Vas a famous pioneer and hunter, noted through all this region, and for many years, though his precise location on thu Mississiiicw-i at his first coming (about 1820) is not pointed out. Ho eutiTi^l land in 1833 on the Mississinewa, directly north of AllcnsviUc, though ho must have lived somewhere in the region for ten or twelve years, and, about the tixne of the killing of Fleming, ho moved from the county to the vicinity of Hill Grove, Darke Co., Ohio, and still again in later years to Adams County, lud. A settler by the name of Jacobs settled very early (in 1S2S) directly northof Allonsville, on the north side of the Mi.s.sissinowa. He was an old man in 184S, and died some years later, about 1852.

The entries began quite early, the first two having been tj,i<>de in 1816, the next two in 181U and the fifth in 182(5. Whether these purchasers settled their laud seems doubtful. Their namos have not been heard among those of early pioneers of the region. The entries were as follows:

John Aborcrombie, on both gides of the Mississinewa River, directly south of Pittsburg, IS I G ; John Laverty, 1810, ou the creek, about a mile nearly north of New Middlotown; John C.Dunham, 1819, two separate quarter sections lying ou both sides of the Mississinewa, two and one-half miles southeast of New Pittsburg; Abraham Koyer, one and a half miles southeast of New Lisbon, between the Little Mississinewa and the Ohio line.

William Simmons came about 1828 down the Mississinewa from James Porter's, Simmons being in Ward Township, Alien Wall came in 1817, but he was inWard Township. George Porter came in 182U. Messrs. Keys. Hodge, Manus and Fields lived southwest of Porter's in 1820, probably in Ward Township. James Porter settled in the same year (1829). Amo.s Smith came to New Lisbon in 1830. Ell Noffsiuger settled near there the same year. Andrew Debolt came to Mt. Holly the next year. James Reeves and James Wiokorsham settled in 1832. Jacob Johnson came in 1833, Thomas Devore in 183 t, Jasper Jacobs in ]832, Jesse Beach in 1833, John Hoke and Thomas Wiley came in 1830. John Hoke lives there still; ]Mr. Wiloy moved to Union City and died there. [Mr. Hoke died daring the summer of 1881. 1 Others had come in, though just when is not now knawn, viz., David Vance, Isaiah Cos, William Cox, near New Lisbon; Seth Macy, one and one-half miles west of Jacob Johnson's; John Skinner and James Skinner, one mile west of New Lisbon; James Warren, one-half mile south of New Middletown; John Warren, three miles west of Now Middletown; AVllliam Warren at New Middletown.' John Sheets had settled far south, near Union City, and possibly others. This account is doubtless not full nor entirely accurate, but it is nearly correct and as extensive as our information will permit.

The fourth entry in the township was by Abram Royer, \V^ S. E. 13, 18, 1, 80 acres, August 10, 1820, being laud now owned by J. Noffsinger. He probably did not occujjy it, as wo have never heard his name mentioned as a settlor. The fif tv entry was by John Jones, W. N. W. 21, 21, 15, 80 acres. ATigust 27, 1830, southwest of Dolphus Wiirren's, and now owued by him. The next entry was by James Simmons, W. I N. E. 20. 21. l~\ a little west of the second entrv. Simmons married, ami settled i]i 1834. The entries up to April 12, 1837 api)oar by the record to have been as follows:

The first settlors wore inclined rather to huut than to clear, but some moved away and others came in, and solid and permanent improvement began. Many, perhaps most, of the first comers were poor, some without oven money to purchase land. Mr. Porter (James) says that he entered 120 acres forty acres at a time, walking mostly to Cincinnati and back, making each sejiarate entry.

ing to ihe Prospect Aleeiin-- House nei-lil.urle... 1. Tl,e first meeting :Mi'. t'ortei-'s l.. lies all. Male,! was ,a( llilev .M,-irsl,aU's. nearProspeet. Mai>hairs was th.> ,)i-ea.-liing place, .and it was held ou a week day. Airs. Porter iTsod to take hi.>r baby and walk to meeting - three miles. The first school near AUensville was taught by Airs. Beach at home. There may have been seven or eight pupils - a more handful.

The first sermon was preached at Air. Beach's by a Baptist preacher. The first mill was a corn cracker. Jacob Johusou built one afterward, which ho said cost him i?1.50. The stones wore common gray heads dressed down. It would grind live i asix bushels in twenty-four houi-s by running day and night. Mi-. Skinner afterward built a pretty good mill for wheat and cm-u. Al-r. Hinehy also built one with a saw-mill. The saw-mill is there yet. The grist mill at AUensville was built by Hinehy au<l some one else. It was sold to Bowersox & Aclieubach; then to Shreeve, and AVidow Shreeve owns it now. It has a very good reputation, and tm-ns off reliable work.

The tir.st organized religioiis society is supposed to have been the Disciples Church, New Lisbon, in 1839. and the first ehiueh erected to have been by them near New Lisbon in 1841. Aliuiy of the early settlers were chiu'ch-going people. Smith, AVilev. Reeves, .Mangas. AVickeusham, Debolt, etc., wore Disciples. Be.aeli, rhanaiei- and others near AUensville wore Baptists.

Jl would :,eeni from the above that in Jackson Township up to .April 12, 1S:!7, iiot quite four sections or about one thousand one hundred and forty acres of land had been entered, by about thirty-one persons, no entry being above 160 acres, and nearly all eiglities or forties, The great rush of settlement came in 1837 and 1838. The entries in Jackson Township were made by men of very moderate pecuniary ability. Economy and thrift have, however, become the means of furnishing to many in (ho township comfortable and even luxui-ious homes, and a considerable number have acquired wealth. The body of the pojuilatiou remain, however, even as of old, and, from the beginning, industi-ious, stm-dy, simple-hearted, independent farmers of moderate means and frugal habits.

via Deerlield, Kidgeville and Fairview into Delaware County. Though never a great route of travel like the Groenvillo, WinohoBter & Muncio road, yet in form(jr days it took a considerable amount of business. The other is the old State road from Union City to Portland, Jay Co. It was at first a diagonal road, extending nearly in a straight line. That part of this road that lay in Randolph County has been nearly or quite all vacated. The part in Jay County mostly remains in use. Jackson has no railroad and no railroad point at hand, Union City, lleoovery, Portland and AVinchester all being at a distance, Union City, however, being the nearest, and at that point most of the trade of that region is handled.

The Portland & Union Railroad, projected many years ago, was graded through Jackson Township, and New Pittsburg wag laid out for a center of trade, but the railroad was not completed ; the track was never made, and the road is simply a useless bank of earth, and Jackson Township and Now Pittsburg as well is out in. the cold.

At the present writing (November, 1881), a project is on foot to build a road from Bluffton to Union City, and the route contemplated is to follow the old road bo<i from Union to Antioch; thence across not far from Coilott, and so to another road bod, which was once made from Camden to Bluffton, thus securing the advantage of thcjse old tracks and aLso giving an outlet to Camden, Jay County, that "spunky" little town hitherto loft out by every i-oad thus far built through that region. This would bo the first railroad to pass through Jackson Township, and would revive such embryo towns aa Pittsburg, at the Jay and Randolph line, and Boundary and Antioch, in Jay County, and enable Camden to gi-ow and to increase the vitality which she has stubbornly maintained from hor fii-st establishment oven to the present hour, in Ki)ite of fate and the railroads.

Jackson is the extreme northeast t<jwaship of the county, and its boundaries are as follows: On the north by Jay County, on the east by Ohio, on the south by Wayne Township, on the west by War.l Township. Politically, Jackson Township is overwhelmingly Democratic. Originally it is said to have been almost wholly so, iu so much that a story is told that at one time one WJiig voted alone in Jackson Township. This can hardly bo true, yet the time has bnon when the non-Democratic voters in Jackson Township were "mity skase" indeed. The Reinibliiau strength is said to be steadily growing there, but they are still in a largo and for the present hojudos.s minority.

A//r,:sr/7/" - Location, Section 0. 21, 15, Trowbridge Allen, |.ro|)ri-)tor, A. D. Way, surveyor; twenty lot^, situated on the Union .V .-"forth Sah-iu Pike, a little south of the Mississinowa liiver; recordi^d Xovember 13, 1817, Strei^ts - north and south. Race: cast and west. Water, Walnut, Vine.

1844 or 1845. Th(> town was platted shortly afterward, and Lambert's store remained till perhaps 185(\ and a Mr. Bowen succeeded him. Mr. Lamljert took $1,200 stock in the railroad from Union City to Portland, and of course lost it all. Mr. Shanks also had a store, and sold it to Abraham Lambert, and afterward Ziba Davis bought him out. Ziba Davis had a smith shop from the beginning, and brought up his sons to the business, and most of them follow the vocation still, Ira and William residing at Saratoga, Royal H. at Now Lisbon and Isaac at North Salem, Jay County,

Some of the early settlers in the neighborhood were Trowbridge Allen, Ziba Davis, Cortlandt Lambert, Mr, Hoover, father of Isaac Hoover, Abraham and Jeremiah Lambert, etc.

Allensvillo was never much of a town. Mr. Handschey built the steam grist mill still standing at AUensville about 1850, after having had for years a water mill on the Mississinewa, near the mouth of Little Mississinewa, built in 1840. That steam mill was sold to Bowersox, being owned afterward by Bowersos & Acheuback. Mr. Shroov bought it of them, and his widow owns it still. It is a good mill, and does creditable and reliable work. The "Quaker trace" passed through Jackson Township, past Mount Holly, Castle Post Office, near Allensvillo, crossing Mississinewa at the old ford, abont eighty rods east of the turnpike bridge. The Salem & Union Pike passes through the town. Nothing has been there for many years except the old mill.

As to the towns of Jackson, not much can be said. Most of them are extinct or greatly dwindled. Allensvillo (Sockum) was never " any great shake.-i," and what life it h id "winked out." New Lisbon had a brave start, and might have done well, but Union City cut off its wind, and it had to succumb.

New Middletown is worse faded than the other two. An old meeting-house opens its doors and a new schoolhouse welcomes a noisy troop of country lads and lasses, but as to the rest the passer by sadly asks "Where?" and echo softly whispers, "Where .'" Of Mount Holly, with name so sweet and redolent, no vestige is left. A house is there, but it is only a country farm house, and suggests no thought of graveled streets and lighted palacas. As you pass the whilom town you behold an old fann house and an ancient barn; "only those and nothing more!"

New Pittsburg alone of all those interior towns - these places with high-sounding or euphonious names - retains a semblance of life. Though by no means so large and rich as old Pittsbm-g, where in days of auld lang syne the gay and com-tly French erected Fort Ducpiesne, though not so glum as its black and sooty namesake at the head of the Ohio, neither is it so dirty and so grimy. Each town has simply done its l)est and its moat, which, in truth, for these log house towns in the Randolph woods has not been very much. Should, indeed, the Union & Bluffton Railroad succeed in being built and take New Pittsburgh in its track, some life might poradventure be evoked from its dry bones, l)ut who can toll?

Castle Post Office, no town. Section 22, 21, 15; five miles noithwest of Union City. The place is on the Salem Pike. There is only a toll gate office, a store, a post office and a dwelling, all in the same small building, and occupied l)y a single family. The location is on 22. 21, 15. Some importance attaches to the spot, si ace, except Pittsburg in the extreme north. Castle is the only post office in Jackson Township. A considerable part of the north portion is supplied by Salem, on the county line in Jay County, three miles east of Pittsburg, and the southern part looks to Union City for its connection with the great world, and not in vain, for Union City is a center indeed. Nen- Midllrfon-)!. - Henry Hinkle, proprietor; location, Section 31), Town 21, Range 15; recorded January 7, 1851. The streets were: North and south. Main; oaSt and west. Main Cross (Deerlield road).

At first, Jo.ihua Barton had a small store: Joseph had a smith shop; S:imueV Lady and William Warren have had .stores at this place at different'times; Amos Cothron at one time had a smith shop, Many ye.ars ag,i a meeting-house was built The hiisine-ii done at Middletown was never large. The place may )),< Slid to bo extinct. The old church is still there; and a s'h .)lh>u^.< has b.ien latelybuilt, but the town itself is now only

Township. Ho entered his land July 20, 1835 (Section ]3. Town IS, Range 1 west), forty acres. Like most of the pioneers of Jackson Township, Mr. \v. had not much of this worhl's goods, but he had what is lietter. intelligence, sound judgment and the love of God in his heart, and these are better than a kingdom ;

John A. Wickersham is the son of James Wickersham. He was born in 1S18. in Wayne County, Ind.; came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1832; married Elizabeth Criviston in 1839; has had nine children, seven living, two married. Ho is a farmer, owning 190 acres of land; is a Disciple ami a Republican. Mr. W. is, an intelligent, estimable Citizen, a thrifty and prosperous farmer and an upright and honorable man.

MINUS W. BERKHKIM, farmei',' P. 0.. Union City, born November 4, 18.51, in Jay County, Ind. He received a common school educivtion, and was married, September 15, 1872, to Malissa Simmons, a native of Miami County, Ohio, who was born October 22, 18o2. Four children blessed this union- Benjamin F., born August 11, I87d; Mary A., April 2o, 1875; Clara M., October 28, 1877; and Charles L., May 24, 1880. Mr. Berkheim is a member of the Caristiau Church, and of the Masonic order. He owns a good farm of 109 acres, and is Demoeralic in politics. His father, Isaac Berkheim, is a native of Frederick County, Va., born .June 26, 1808; came to Ohio in 1828, anil from thence to Jay County, in 18.33 ; he married Margaret Conoway, who was born April '2o, 1813, deceased October 1, 1880. Benjamin Simmons, the father of Mrs. Berkheim, was a native of Miami County, Ohio, born October 30. 1827 ; came here twenty-six years ago ; deceased, October, 1871 ; he marrie.l Jane Lindley, a nivtive of Miami County, Ohio, born August 11, 1823. Mr. Berkheim is a social, companionable gentleman, and one whom people love to meet.

Eli Bvrum

Eli Byrum was bora in North Carolina in 1816, and died in Randolph Counly, Ind., in Febuary, 1877. His father, William Byrum, was a farmer and blacksmith, and a man of fine intellect. He was a prominent and leading citizen of his county, and was three times elected as its Representative in the Legislature of North Carolina. In 1838 or 1839, he came North, locating in Preble County, Ohio, and about a year later came tu Rindolph County, Ind. Eli. the of Ilia removal to Randolph County, purchased eighty acres adjoining iiis father's farm, in partnership with his brother Robert. His land was covered by a heavy growth of timber, and he devoted his time to clearing it and reducing it to a fine state of cultivation. At the age of twenty-nine years - in l.St.5 - he was united in marriage with Rachel Newton, daughter of Henry and Mary Xewlon, who resided at that lime near Richmond, Ind. In November, 184H, his wife died, leaving a daughter, who died a few months later. On the 2.5th of July, 1818, he married Miss Lucinda Fields, daughter of Lansford and Nancy Fields, who came from Tennessee to Randolph tjounty, Ind., in 1832. By this second union Mr. Byrum and wife were the parents of thirteen children, nine of whom are now living, viz., Eli W., Fletcher N., Koberl L., Lourinda, Enoch E., Drusilla, Emma J., Noah H., and Norman E. Mr. Byrum was one of the self-made men of this locality. He entered upon his career as a farmer, with a capital of only about §50, and with a tract of wild, unimproved land from which to develop a farm. Yet this small amou-' proved the foundation of an ample fortune, which accumulated year by year under his tireless energy and excellent management. He cleared two farms during his life ; first the one near Lisbon, upon which he first located in this county, and afcbtward the one upon which he died. Gradually he enlarged the boundaries of .his farm, by sundry purchases, until he possessed 340 acres, free from debt, and the larger portion of it under a line state of cultivation. Upon the last-named farm his widow and children still reside. Mr. Byrum was reared in the Democratic school of politics, and for many years was an adherent of that parly. Latterly, however, he cast aside party lies, and exercised the privilege of an independent voter. But he was never a politician, and never held an elective office. He confined his attention to the pursuit of farming, and managed his affairs with an ability that returned him very satisfactory results, and placed him among the wealthy farmers of the township. In all his transactions, he was governed by a high sense of honor, and among all who knew him he was recognized as a man of irreproachable integrity, and a good citizen in the best

JOSEPH BROWN, farmer, P. 0. Union City. This industrious citizen was born August 2. 1821, in the State of Maryland. He immigrated to Miami County, Ohio, in 1823, and from thence settled in this county in October, 1844. Mr. Brown was united in marriage, November 25, 1847, to Nanoy A. Harshman, a native of this Stjite, who was born July 11, 1829. The following children blessed this union : William S., born October 8,1848; Mary A., September 28, 1861 ; Daniel W., April 26, 1857 ; Tillie C, November 6, 1859; Abraham November 3, 1864 ; Isaac E., January 12, 1865 : Francis M., Febuary 27, 1870, and Albert, August 19, 1872. His father, Joseph Brown, was a native of Germany, and was born ai)out the year 1798 ; came to the Stale of Maryland, and was married there to Margaret Lower. Abraham Horshuer, the father of Mrs. Brown, was a native of Preble County, Ohio; born in 1787, and was married to Hanna Garner, of his native counly. He came to this county in 1831 ; deceased, September 13, 1866, his wife having died October 2, 1840. William S., the son of the subject of this sketch, was married, December 1, 1872, to Evaline Simmons; they have two children - Phebe L. and Dora. Mary A. was married to Ira Porter, May 1, 1868 ; they have two children-

HENRY DEBOLT, farmer, P, 0. Union City. This worthy citizen was born February 28, 1817, in Butler County, Ohio ; he went to Preble Counly in 1839, and finally settled in this county in 1846. He was educated in the common schools of his naiive State, and was m-arried April 14, 1840, to Ann Mikesell, who was a native of Preble County, Ohio, born December 20, 1823. This union was blessed by the birth of ten children, of which number seven are living - George M., born February 22, 1845; Oscar F., January 14, 1846, deceased .May 21, 18-52; Emraaretia, August 16, 1848, deceased August 27, 1849; Irene E., April 2, 1851; Annetti J., January 28, 1852; Ciss C, September 22, 1853, deceased MarchlO, 1875; Martha C, May 17, 18-55; John B., October 27, 1856, deceased December 6, 18-56; Kate, July 20, 185S; Charles, March 15, 1860, and Henrie A., January 27. 1863. .Mr. Debolt has served as Justice of the Peace of Jackson Township for over seventeen years, and was Justice of the same townsliip for four consecutive years. He and his worthy esteemed. He is a Democrat of the old school, and enjoys the confidence of his friends. His father, John Deboll, was a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born about 1797 ; came to this county in 1838, deceased 1852, in June. His wife was originally Rachel Clawson, born in 1800, deceased December 30, 1862. These people had many noble traits of character.

Ezekiel C. Clough

EZEKIEL C. CLOUGH. Ezekiel C. Clough was born June 12, 1802, at Warren, in the Stale of New Hampshire. In 1818, his father started with his family to locale in the West, but while passing through the State cf New York, one of his daughters was taken suddenly ill, and it was found necessary to remain there until she could recover. They remained in that State during the winter, the ehildren attending school while their sister recovered her healtJi. In the following spring, they resumed their journey, reaching Cincinnati, Ohio, in April, 1819, The family resources, which, at best, were never opulent, were much depleted by the long journey, and it became necessary for the several members of tl ' " employment in a brick yard, and learned the brick-maker's trade, year after their arrival in the West, the father died, and the mainlenanoe of the family was assumed by the subject of this sketch, who did his part nobly, until all were old enough to take care of themselves. At a later date, he purchased the establishment of his employer, and manufactured brick on his own account, until 1826. In that year, he removed to Jay County, Ind., where he enleied 640 acres of land. In the following year he was married, at Cincinnati, to Mary A. Huddart, and brought his wife to the wilderness, in the midst of which he had selected a place for a home. He began the task of clearing this large tract of land and preparing it for cultivation - an undertaking in which he sucoeeiled nobly. By subsequent purchases he enlarged the boundaries of his farm, improving and beautifying each new tract, until he owned probably the largest and best cultivated tract of land in Jay County. He was alw.-iys try, economy, and prudent management, are due the financial results that have mnde him a wealthy man. He has been economical, but he has never permilted this principle to beget a sordid or parsimonious niiture. On the contrary, he has always been known for his ch.arily and benevolence, and instead of seeking to hoard or augment a fortune already ample, he has found boundless pleasure in disbursing liberal sums in channels from which his fellow-men would reap benefits. His private charities are numerous - done in private, and known only to those who were the grateful recipients. In his public charities he has desired the same privacy, yet enough has transpired to mark him a public-spirited man of the most uuseliish order, and to show that in all the years of his prosperity he has been the devoted friend of public improvement, public education, and the cause of religion. The first Baptist Church ut North Salem was erected almost entirely at his expense, and the new house of worship was built upon land donated by him, and constructed and furnished largely from his liberal contributions. To the erection of Ridgeville College, he contributed a munificent amount, which, in deference to his modesty, was never made known. To the same inslituiion he donated 220 acres of excellent farming land, worth at least §15,000, and holds three life-scholarships that cost him $900. He is one of the Trustees of this college, and has acted in that capacity ever since the organization of the board.

His has been a long and bu.sy life, and he has not lived in vain. He has slnmped his identifiy upon many of the most important institulions and public improvements in Randolph County, and has proved himself a blessing to Ihe community, lie has retired from active business, and now resides in the north part of Randolph County. He has transferred his large landed estate to his children, reserving only the proceeds of his farms during his life. Ho was identified with both Randolph and Jay Counties in their pioneer period, and has a vivid recollection of Ihe events of early days. In Ihe intervening years, he has been an interested witness of the progress and improvement of the locality with which he was identified in its earliest days of civilization, while every enterprise of a public nature has received his encouragement and support. Until 1874, he was permitted lo enjoy the companionship of his devoted wife, who accompanied him to the wilderness in the prime of a happy young life, adding her efforts to his in transforming the forest into a home. Ou the 17th of August, 1874, she died, leaving a void in the hearts of her family never to be filled. They were the parents of seven children - William, Ihe eldest, enlisted in Company F, of the Sixty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Port Gibson, while fighting in defense of the Union and for the maintenance of our national integrity ; Nancy married Mr. Lewis, and is now deceased; Ezekiel resides in Jackson Township, Randolph County; Hannah, Lotlic and George W. are living, and John is deceased.

schooh of his native State, and was miirried, April 8, 1831, to Nancy Coabbtick, born December 9, 1811, in Butler County, Ohio. This union was blessed with the birth of nine children, of which number fi-vc are living - Margaret, born April 30, 1833; Benjamin. November 25, 18.!6; Rachel, October 16, 1838; Ann, October 6, 1842, and Mary, July 29, 1849. Mr. D. had one son in the war for the Union, .John Q., who enlisted in the Fifth Indiana Cavalry. He was captured and imprisoned at Andersonville and other Southern prisons; he died from the effects of the terrible ordeal through which he passed while in those horrible pens. His father, John Devor, was a naiive of Pennsylvania; he settled in Ohio at an early dale, and deceased July 25, 1828, in the eeventieth year of his age. He was a man of noble impulse, and much of his character ind a place within the mind of his son. Mr. Devor is still active, and is

JOHN GITTINGER, farmer, P. 0. Ui in Maryland; he was educated in the rui twenty-six years of age came to Ohio, lie was married in Randolph County, Ind., September 28, 1848, to Dorothy Helm, who was born September 1, 1830. These parentis were blessed with the birth of the following children : Jane, born December Hi, 1849; Mary, October 14, 18-51, deceased September 15, 1872; Ruth, March 26, 1854; Jacob and Samuel (twins). September 8, 18-5G, deceased September 28, same year; John J., December 9, 1857 ; Willard, November 25, 1869; I^sther, April 10, 1862; Jonas, February 22, .1865; Daniel, July 21, 1867 ; Ann, October HI, 1870, and Olive, Mav 20, 1876. Mr. G. is a member of the Presbyterian Church, F. k A. M., No. 66, Winchester, and of Jackson Grange. His father, Jacob Gittinger, was a native of Baltimore County, Md., born March 25, 1785: he was an officer in the war of 1812; came to this county in the fall of 1838, deceased February 14, 1865; his wife's maiden name was Mary Deal, born September 6, 1792, in the same county and State aforesaid. She died February 10, 18«1, in this county. Mr. Giltinger owns a well cultivated farm of 310 acres of valuable land, and is considered to be one of the best citizens of his neighborhood. Since the above was written, Mr. Oittinger has deceased. He died the 21st of .Vugust, 1882, quite suddenly. A few minutes before he pnssed away, he was engaged in sociable conversation with his family,

JACOB GITTINGKR, farmer, 1>. 0. Union City, w:is born September 19, 1817, in Carroll County, Md. He came to Darke County, Ohio, at eighteen years of age, and settle<l here in the fall of 1844. He was married in the early part of 1844, to Margaret Adkins, who was a native of Butler County, Ohio, born December 25, 1823. Two children blessed this union - William H., born May 26, 1845; he is an architect of considerable ability. The other child is a daughter, Lilly C, b-irn Febru.ary 19, 1851. Mr. G. is a self-made man, and has been intimately connecteil with the progress and development of the county. He and his wife are worthy members of the German Reformed Church, lie owns a valuable farm of 100 acres of land, and is a Democrat in politics. His father and mother, Jacob and Mary Gittinger, are noticed elsewhere in this work. Suffice it to say that they were of the best families of their native State. The father of Mrs. GiUinger, was George Atkins, a naiive of Delaware, born in the year l§pO, came to Butler i;!ounty, Ohio, in 1807, and finally settled in Darke County, Ohio, where he deceased February, 1878; his wife, Jane Wilson, a native of Butler County, and a few years his junior, died April, 1823,

IIKXRV IIANDSCHV, Jn. Henry Handschy, 6r.. the father of this senlleman, was born in 1784, in the canton of Basel, Switzerland, and within fifteen miles of the city of Strasbourg, France. He emigrated to the United Slates with a younger brother in 1803, landing at Philadelphia, and removing thence to Lancaster County, Penn. In 1814, he removed to Franklin County, Penn., and while there he joincil a volunteer infantry corap.any organized for the defense of Baltimore, and arrived just in time to see tlio British fleet sail out of the harbor. From Franklin County, Penn,, he removed to Ix)udoun County, Va. In 1817, he removed to Ohio, and purchased a farm of 160 acres in Perry Township, Muskingum County. Subsequently, he removed to Fairfield County, in the same State, and there mar. ried At.ary Ann Weaver, in May, 1S19. After a residence of two years in Fairfield County, he returned to his farm in Muskingum County, where he died on the 9th of November, 1861. In personal appearance ho was a fine looking man - above the medium height, an entertaining conversationalist, and gifted with a remarkable memory. He was a fine debater, and well posted in the current topics of the day. Although he served as Justice of the Peace for a number of years, he never sought office, and never felt political ambition. In politics he was a Jcffcr.sonian Democrat, and always maintained the principles enunciated by that great statesman. In religion he discarded all creeds and denominations, relying upon the Bible as the great founation-head, the source of all truth and righteousness. From this book he drew his conclusions, and in its promises he centered his faith and trust. He read it through many limes, and always held it in the highest reverence. His wife survived him about ten years. She was born in April, 1794, in Westmoreland County, Penn., and removed with her parents to near New Baltimore, Fairfield ("o., Ohio, where she married Mr. Handschy. Her parents were also from Switzerland. Tn the cotnmunily where she resided for so many years, she was .always looked upon as a " Mother in Israel." She was kind, compassionate and tender, and possessed the affectionate regard of all who know her. She died March 3, 1870. Henry Handschy, Jr., son of Henry and Mary Handschy, was born April VO, 1620, in Muskingum County, Ohio. He was educated in the schools of his native Stale, and came to Indiana in May, 1840. On the 27th of October, 1841, he was united in marriage with Sarah Walker, and located upon a farm in Jockaon Township, where he has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, having improved his firm and enlarged its boundaries by subsequent purchases, until it now embraces 320 acres. Mr. Handschy has always entertained advanced ideas in the science of farming, and there are no farmers in the county who may he called his superiors as mode! agricuUurists, and but few who are his equal,'-. Foreseeing the great benefits to be derived from a proper system of artificial drainage, he became one of the first movers in the matter of inaugurating this improvement in Jackson Township, and is known to be the first man in Randolph County who secured a petition for an open ditch - the object being to effect drainage from his farm to the Mississinewa set an example which has been extensively followed by his neighbors, while the value and availability of their lands have been largely enhanced liy this action. Aside from farming, Mr. Handschy has devoted a great deal of attention to milling pursuits, feeling a commendable pride in this profession, at which, in former years, he wus known to excel. By his long association with mechanoial appliances, he has been able to invent many useful additions for the saving of labor, and to secure speed in the performance of work. His principal invention is an automatic flood-gate, for which he secured a patent on the 12th of September, 1882. This gate is designed for the use of mills operated by water-power, and is recognized as a valuable invention. During a residence of more than forty years in this county, Mr. Handschy has identified himself with many important publio improvements, and has always manifested a willingness to encourage such improvements by liljeral contributions and by personal cooperation. By honest toil and industry he has amassed a comfortable store of worldly wealth, and by his upright and honorable life, he has won and ever retained the confidence and good will of his fellow-men. Politically his sympathies are with the Democratic party, with which party he actJi and votes. He has been identified with the Masonic fraternity for more than thirty years, having been initiated info the lodge at Dcerfield, in this county, about the year 1851. He is a member of the Disciples Church, and is recognized as one of the best citizens of the community in which he resides. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Smith, was born September 16, 1819, and married Mr. Walker, who died after a few years of wedded happiness. The fruita of this union were three children, the eldest of whom - Sophia R. - is deceased, while Emily M. and Ellis W. still survive. Mrs. Handschy is an excellent lady, and by her kindness and charity has gained the affectionate regard of all who know her. Seven children are the fruits of her second marriage, viz. : Lydia A., Frederick, David, Joseph, Mary A., Loretta C. and Manda J,, four of whom - Lydia, Frederick, David and Joseph are deceased.

LEANDER HARSHMAN, farmer, P. 0. Union City, born .lune 2, 1842, in Prebic County, Ohio, educated in this county, married August 28, 1866, to Mary E. Corl, who was bom March 17, 1843, in this county. The following children were born to these parents: Anna B., November 15, 1869 ; Sarah E., October 25, 1869 (deceased March 2, 1870, burned to death by fire catching clothes); Clara J., December 29, 1871 ; Mary M , August 21, 1875 ; Delia M,, February 10, 1877, and William E., September 26, 1873. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church. Isaac Harshman is a native of Warren County, Ohio, born .lune 22, 1820, settled in this county in March. 1850; he married Nancy A. Robisson, January 28, 1841, she was a naiive of Butler County, Ohio, born July 12, 1817, deceased August 15, 1862. The following son,s and daughters were born to them - Leander, June 2, 1842 ; Charhille E., September 3, 1843 ; Henry B., February 14, 1866 ; Martha J., May 17, 1845 ; Martin V.. April 25, 1847; John M. G., March 11, 1849 ; Eliza D., July 18, 1851 ; Alice A., December 17, 1853 ; James H., January 30, 1866, and Ida, September 12, 1858. The grandfather of these children was Elijah Harshman, a native of Virginia; he participated in the war of 1812, deceased January, 1857, in Preble County, Ohio; his wife was Nancy Wolf, born 1776 in Bourbon t^ounty. Ky. Jacob Corl, the father of Mrs. Harshman, is a native of Pennsylvania, born August 16, 1805 ; he was married, January 31, 1825, to Elizabeth Stuff, a naiive of Pennsylvania, born April 7, 1806. These old people are still living at this date, and are very active.

STEPHEN HINDSLEV was born in North Carolina August 20, 1818. Mr. Hiudsley. after making several changes, finally selected Jackson Township as a desirable place to locate, and made his final settlement February 10, 1848. He married Miss Ann M. McConnell March 7, 1841, a native of Piqua, Ohio, born June 10, 1820. Ten children bles-ed this union, of which number nine are living. Sarah was born January 19, I84'; she became the wife of Westley Johnson; Joseph G. was born April 28, 1843, he married -Mary C. Musselman ; Malinda, horn August 23, 1844, married Absalom Mangos : Rufus G., born February 21, 1847, married Malinda A. Noffsinger; John W., born July 26, 1849, married Martha J. Johnson; Mary E., born December 8, 1851, deceased September 16, 1853; George M., born March 23, 1854. married Caroline E. Warren ; Melissa J., born September 10, 1S56, married E W. McFurland ; Annetta, born October 23, 1858, deceased July 15, 1882, and Jame.s W,, born August 14, 1860, married Rachel F. Byron. Mr. Hindsley and his daughters are worthy members of the Disciple Church. Mr. Hindsley is a social gentleman, and a Democrat of the old school. His father, John Hindsley, was a native of Maryland, born January 17, 1767. . He united in matrimony with Miss Hannah Stone March 8, 1807 ; she was born March 8, 1788, in North Carolina. In the year 1823, Mr. John Hindsley and family settled in Granger County, Tenn.; thence in Darke County, Ohio. He deceased August 16, 1847, and his estimable wife September 6, 1866.

SlJUIKE HINKLE was born July 10, 1853, in Jackson Township, Randolph County. He was educated in the common schools of this county ; he is the owner of a fine farm and a pleasant home ; he is a great lover of music, and is naturally a musician. He was married, April 11,1875, to Henrietta Simmons, also a native of Randolph County, born December 25, 1863. They have three children - Dillie M., born January 25, 1875 ; Arrillus B,, June 10. 1877. and RoUa R., born May 17, 1881. Mr. Hinkle'a father, Henry Hinkle, is a native of Butler County, Ohio, born May 26, 1809. He came to this county about the year 1840; his wife, Eliza A. Hinkle, is a native of Onion County, Ind., bprn December 1, 1811. They are both living. James Simmons, the father of Mrs. Hinkle, was born in Wayne County, Ind., June 10, 1809, deceased March 23, 1872. He was a man of sterling qualities; he was a kind and indulgent parent and social companion. He married an estimable lady by ihe name of Avoline Hawkins, of Jay County, who deceased June 30, 1861. Mr. Hinkle and wife are an intelligent and social couple.

ISAAC HOOVER, farmer, P. O. Castle. This industrious citizen was born July 4, 1S29, in Clark County, Ohio. He attendeJ the district common schools of his nalive Slate ; he settled in this county in 1840, and was married, February 1.3, 1856, to Elizabeth Sutton, who was born October 12, 183!>. Nine children were bom to these parents - Martha J., born November 11,18511; Joseph, burn February 13, 1862; Michael H., born November 1, 186.'! ; Cornelius, born December 2, 1865 ; Luella, born March 5, 1871 ; Lilly IM., born May 11, 1873: Peter, born August 26, 1876, and Florence, born May 15, 1878, and James I., born July 4, 1881. His father, George Hoover, was a native of Virginia, born in the year 17!)5, settled in Ohio in 1832, deceased 1851. He was married to Catharine Simmons, born in Virginia in 1796, immigrated with her husband to this county, deceased November, 1880. Jlr. Hoover and wife are worthy members of the Christian Church. He owns a good farm of 171 acres of valuable land ; is Republican in politics, and considered to be one of the

JACOB S. HOWARD, farmer, P. 0. Uriion City. This worthy citizen was born February 16, 1823, in Warren County, Ohio. He was united -n marriage, August 31, 1843, to Margaret Winier, who was a native of Stark County, Ohio, ai)d born March 18, 1824. .\tr. Howard was educated in Montgomery County, Ohio, and has engaged successfully in farmyig from boyhood. He and his worthy wife are members of the German Baptist Church. He owns fifty acres of good land, and is considered one of the best citizena. His father, George Howard, was originally from -Maryland, where he was born April 18, 1706, immigrated to Warren County, Ohio, in 1809 ; from thence to Montgomery County, where he deceased April 27, 1876. His wife was originally Elizabeth Anderson, born near Pittsburgh, Penn., December 25, 1799; still living at this date. These people were married in Ohio June, 1822. Jlr. Wimer, the father of Mrs. Howard, was a native of Pennsylvania, born September 21, 1795; came to Ohio, and, alter making f;*^yeral changes, deceased in Preble ("ounly, Ohio, November 13, 1864. His wife was Catharine Studebaker, born in Pennsylvania December 27, 1802. She was married to Mr. Howard November 18, 1819, deceased at the residence of her daughter, in Jackson Township, December 28, 1809. The following are the sons and daughters of these worthy parents : John Wimer, born July 15, 1820, deceased June 7, 1830 ; .Mary, De"cember 16, 1821 ; Elizabeth, June 22, 1826 ; Daniel, July 4, 1828; Henry, July 1, 1832, died in infancy ; Sarah, June 27, 1835 ; Samuel, December 7, 1837 ; Susannah, July 20, 1840, and J.acob, April 21, 1844.

WESLEY JOHNSON, farmer, P. 0. Union City, born June 25, 1834, in .Tackson Township, attended the common schools of his neighborhood, and was united in marriage April 29, 1858, to Sarah A. Hindsley, a native of Darke County. Ohio, born January 19, 1842. Seven children were born to these parents - Malinda, October 15, 1859; Tillie V., .May 14, 1861, deceased October 20, 1880 ; Thomas W.. April 20, 1863 ; William L. and Joseph G., twins, December 15, 1865 ; Bertha A., September 11, 1869, and Malissa A., February 6, 1872. Mr. Johnson owns a good farm of 147 acres of land ; he served in Company G, Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, participating in the principal engagements of the war. He was wounded at Vicksburg in the right hand. Jacob Johnson, his father, is a native of Frederick County, Md., born November 19, 1792 ; came to Dayton, Ohio, in 1824, and from thence to this county in 1832. He married Alagdaline Vattenbaker in September, 1816, who was born in June, 1794, in Maryland. He participated in the war of 1812, and was noted for his bravery. The subject of this sketch owns a good farm of 147 acres of land, and is a great lover of schools and good books.

JAMES V. KING, physician, Caslle. This esteemed citizen is a native of Brown County, Ohio, born July 5, 1823. He attended the common schools, Ripley College, of his native Sute, and settled in this county October, 1846. The Doctor was married, April 17, 1851, to Mary J. Devor, who was a native of Darke County, Ohio, born October, 1834. This union was blessed by the blrlh of eight children - Florence, July 22, 1852; William, August 1, 1855; Benjamin, .June 24,1857; Mary L.September 9,18-59; Eveline, September 16, 1864 ; Thomas, April 6, 1867 ; Harry, January 6, 1870, and Gertrude, August 16, 1873. Dr. King studied medicine under the eminent physician. Dr. Buckner, of Ohio, and has practiced continuously since 1845. He located in this county in 1846, and has filled the office of Township Trustee, besides superintending his farm of 140 acres. His father, William King, was a native of Adams County, Penn.. born August 2, 1792. He was married to Miss Bonde, of Kentucky, in 1816, and deceased in Brown County, Ohio, December, 1859. He was in the war of 1812, and much of his patriotism and energy lias descended to his son, the Doctor. The Doctor is considered to be a skillful physician, his practice amounts to $1,500 annually, and he is courteous and attentive to business. Dr. King's maternal grandfather was a Captain in the Revolutionary war, and the Doctor says he has often looked upon the old sword of Capt. Bonde, when a boy, with no little interest.

NORMAN McFARLAND, physician. New Pittsburg. This esteemed gentleman is a native of Darke County, Ohio, born June 10, 1842. He was principally educated at Anlioch and Ridgeville Colleges. He was married, September 12, 1870, to Sarah Sanders, who was born at Mount Pleasant, Jay County, Ind., January 13, 1847. They have one child, Mary J., born November 12, 1875. After reading medicine under Drs. Simmons, Bailey and Anderson, he graduated in the Indiana Medical College, of Indianapolis, in the class of 1869, and subsequently attended the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Doctor has followed his profession successfully with an annual income of $1,500. He is a member of Union City Lodge, No. 152, I. 0. 0. F. He served in Company C, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, participating in all the principal engagements of that organization. His father Lewis JIcFarland, was born March 6, 1812, and resides at present near Union City. He married Charity Marquis, a native of Ohio, and born March 12, 1818. Jacob Sanders, the father of Mrs. McFarland, is a native of Philadelphia, Penn., born May 21, 1810, deceased at Ridgeville, Ind., August 10, 1863; he married Ruth Penock, February .3, 1833. She was born in Pennsylvania, November 7, 1816, cember 20, 1855, to Catharine Ely, who was born AprTri2, 1838. Two' children blessed the first marriage - Jacob J., born December 21, 1869, deceased February 20, 1864, and Sarah B., April 8, 1865, deceased August 13, 1865. Mr. M. lost his beloved wife by death, August 8, 1805. He was married the second time, October 15, 1868, to Caroline L. Castle, who was born July 14, 1834 ; two children were born to these parents - Oliver M., August 11, 1809, deceased January 3, 1873, and Isaac N., September 12, 1873. This soil is a bright, intelligent lad of much promise. Mr. Mangos has held the office of Township Assessor and he and his worthy wife are members of the Disciple Church. He has followed farming and is one of those stanch Democrats from principle. The sketch of his parents is given in another part of this work. The father of Mrs. Mangas, Isaac Castle, is a native of Vermont and bom December 14, 1809; her mother is a Methodist Minister ; was born March 9, 1813. The subject of this sketch is a law-biding citizen, and is held in high regard by his neighbors. Mr. Mangn^ has a pleasant home on the Salem and Union City Turnpike, about five miles north of Union City.

CASPER .MANGAS, farmer, P. 0. Castle. This worthy citizen is a native of Pennsylvania, born August 12, 1831. He came with his parents to Richland County, Ohio, and from thence to this county. He received his education in his adopted county, and was married May 10, 1857, to Mary J. Perry, who was born March 22, 1837, in Montgomery County, Ohio. Ten children were born to these parents - Mary J., born November 2, 1868; Emanuel E., September 21, 1800; George A., January 31, 1862; William H., September 23, 1863, died 1864; John L., November 5, 1864; Margaret E., September 5, 1806 ; Jacob L., August 3, 1868; James P., May 10, 1870, and Charles N., August 25, 1875. Mr. M. and wife are worthy members of the Disciple Church, and are much interested in its behalf. He is nn industrious farmer, and stands well in the community in which he lives. In politics, he is a Democrat, and is not only a farmer but a carpenter.

JOHN B. LVONS, Jackson, was bom in Perry County, Ohio, November 29, 1849 ; he came with his parents to Jay County, Ind., in 1850. He was educated in the common schools of these days; was married April 23, 1874, to Rosa Snyder, who was a native of Darke County, Ohio, and born February 23, 1853. They have two children - Cora A., born January 20, 1875y and Albert L., August 3, 1877. Mrs. Lyons, is an estimable lady and sociable companion. She is a member of the Christian Church. Elijah Lyons, father of John B., was born September 24, 1824, in Columbiana County, Ohio. He moved to Jay County, Ind., in 1830, and January 12, 1821, married Mary Baily, a native of Pennsylvania. The father of Mrs. J. B. Lyons, was Pierson Snyder, a native of New Jersey, born April 20, 1820. After making several changes, he deceased in St. Clair, Mo., being killed March 14, 1863, by some deserters from the rebel Gen. Price's army. Helena Barkalow, the mother of Mrs. Lyons, was born in Warren County, Ohio, December 26, 1819. She married Mr. Snyder October 2, 1851, and deceased in Jay County, April C, 1806. Mr. Lyons is a Democrat in politics. He (^ a social gentleman and well respected by his neighbors.

JOHN MANGAS, farmer, P. 0. Union City. This industrious citizen WM born February 25, 1834, in Richland County, (Jhio ; he came with his parents to this county in 1837, and was schooled among the scenes of those pioneer days. He was married February 4, 1858, to Hannah Stewart, who was bora in Wayne County, Ind., May 16, 1841. One child blessed this union - Clark, born November 27, 1858; married Susan Stapesbury, December 11,1879. Mr. M. owns a well-cultivated farm of 110 acres of land, and he and wife are zealous members of the Disciple Church. The father and mother of Mr Mangas are noticed elsewhere in this work. Isaac M. Stewart was the father of Mrs. Mangas, born June 16, 1818, a native of Ohio, decease<l in Kansas ; his wife was originally Cynthia Lambert, a native of Darke County, Ohio, born August 10, 1820, deceased December 13, 1861. His parents were married March 15, 1838 They had nine children - Clark, born September 23, 1839; Hannah, already mentioned ; Betsy, June 5, 1843, deceased February 5, 1866 ; Polly Ann, November 17, 1844; Sarah M., June 12, 1847; Amanda J., March 18, 1850; Jonathan, November 12, 18-53; Abigail A., January 17, 1857, and Lydia A., August 20, 1859. The subject of this sketch is Democratic in politics and is noted for his generous disposition.

ELI MANGAS, farmer, P. 0. Union City, born May 12, 1839, in Jackson Township, this county. He attended the rural schools of his native township, and was married September 20, 1861, to Jemima Smith, who was born August 26, 1844 ; nine children blessed this union ; John W., born April 22, 1802; Hannah, November 21, 1863, deceased August 16, 1864; Mary E., January 14, 1865, deceased August 19, 1865 : William O., Jui.j 3, 1806 ; Kufus S., October 23, 1808; Lewis J., April 1, 1873, deceased the 27th of same month : Cora B., October 31, 1875 ; Dora M., May 80, 1877, and Carrie A., March 24, 1879, Mr. M.aud wife are worthy members of ihe Disciple Church; he is Democratic in politics and owns the old homestead on which he was reared. He has one of the best bams in the county, and gives much attention to raising fine stock. A sketch of his father and mother are given elsewhere in this work. His wife's father is Abraham Smith, who married Mary Terrell. Mr. Mangas is Superintendent of the Sabbath School of his neighbor- "--"nndis respected by all friends. Abraham Smith was born September , 808, in York County, Penn. Mary Smith, his wife, was also' a native of Pennsylvania, born February 19, 1816 ; they settled in Randolph County in

ABSALOM MANGAS, farmer, P. 0. Union City. This industrious farmer was born January 31, 1844, on the old homestead in Jackson Township, this county. He was married the first time November 10, 1806, (o Margaret C. Thompson, who wag born in Marion County, Ohio, April 20, 1847. One child was horn to these parents - Edward C, September 25. 1807, deceased December 30, 18(58. Mr. M. lost his estimable wife by death and was married the .second time, Febraary 18, 18ti9, to Malindai Hindsley, who la a uative of Darke County, Ohio, born August 23, 1844. Fire children blessed this union, of which number three are living - Marsliall 0., NoYember 27, 1869; rharlie B., August 4. 1871 ; William 0., April 0, 1873, deceased December 28, 1874; Marry L., .May 2, 1876, and Clarence 0., January 8, 1881, deceased March 13, 1881. The parents of Mr. Mangas are noticed elsewhere in this work. The father of Mrs. Mangas is Stephen Hindsley, born in North ('arolina, August 22, 1818. He went with his parents, at three years of age, to Tennessee, from thence to Darke County, Ohio, and finally settled in this, Jackson Township ; he was married to Annie .M. McConnell, who waa born June 10, 1820. Tne subject of this sketch and his wife are worthy members of the Disciple Church ; he is an eiithusia.'stic Democrat and a good citizen.

SARAH A. NOFFSINGER, farmer, P. 0. Union City, born July 5, 1822, in Wayne Counly, Ind. ; she was married July 9, 1840, to Eli XoiFsinger, who was born April G, 1806, in Montgomery County, Ohio. The following children blessed this union : Enos, born August 18, 1841 ; Aaron, June 8, 1843 ; Jesse P., November 21, 1845; Andrew, January 21, 1847; Minerva, April 0, 1849, deceased April 8, 1851 ; ,Saloma, December 18, 1851 ; John, March 7, 1856 ; Sarah, June 23, 1858; James, February 7, 1861; William P., February 22, 1863. and Leonard V., May 17, 1805. Mrs. Noffsinger is a faithful member of the German Baptist Church ; owns a good farm of 160 acres of land, and is a lady of whom her neighbors are proud. Mr. Kli Noffsinger died October 8, 1872; was a member of the German Baptist Church. Enos married I'olly A. Stewart; Aaron, Mollie Sipple; .lease P., Nancy C. Shinaberg; Andrew, first wife, Hetlie N. Stover, second wife, Catherine Bowman ; Saloma married George M. Lauler; John married Ann M. Bricker ; Sarah A., married Silas A. Krcider.

ELI NOFFSINGER, farmer, P. O. linion City, born March 28, 1835, in Montgomery County, Ohio ; oame here in 1848 ; nfler making several changes, finally settled here in 1870. He was educated in the common schools of bis native State, and was married September 3, 1867, to Martha NofTsin^er, born December 31, 1838. The following children blessed this union: Elizabeth, born July 7, 1858, deceased November 26, 1864; Henry, December 22, 1859; Ma, October 18, 1861; Noah, February 13, 1864; Joseph, March 9, 1860; Kdwurd, March 17, 1868; Clara J., January 1, 1872. and Dora, July 4,1874. He and his worthy wife are members of the German Baptist Church. His father was Eli Noffsinger, born July 4, 1794, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, deceased in Illinois, 1801 ; his wife was originally .Mary Pres^el, a native of Virginia. Mr. Noffsinger is an industrious, conscientious gentleman.

.lOHN POOR.MAN, farmer, P. O. Union City, born June 15, 1815, in Bed- Cord County, Penn. lie came to Richland County, Ohio, at one year of age, :ii>d from thence to this county in 1838. He was married, the first lime, on September 6, 1837, to Lucy A. Brooks, born June 2, 1818, in Vork County, Pcnn. The following children blessed this union : Henry, born October 5, IK39, deceased J.anuary 6, 18611 ; Mary A., born September 22, 1841, deceased April 6, 1848; George W., born July 13, 1842, served in Company E, Eightyfourth Indiana Infantry ; Margaret J., born October 13, 1846; Emeretta .M., boin July 29, 1849 ; J. n N., born Jlay 24, 1801 ; INlartha E., born August 17, 1855, and James W., born April 22, 1861. Mr. Poorman lost his wife by death .September 2, 1875. He was married the second time, January 7, 1877, to Mrs. .Mary Anderson, who was born Janu.ary 16, 1821, in Stark Couniy, Ohio. His filher, Peter Poorman, was a native of Pennsylvania; located in Richland County, Ohio; died July 9, 1S30, his wife was originally Elizabeth Shaffer, a native ofthe same Stale, died in 1850. Mr. Poorman and wife are oonsi-stent members of the church, he of the Christian and she of the German Baptist, lie is a Democrat in politics ; owns a good farm of eighty acres of land, and is gonemlly esteemed.

I'ETIUl POORMAN, Township Trustee, Union City. This worthy citizen is a native of Richland County, Ohio, born July 22, 1838. He came to this County with his parents ivt Six weeks of age, and attended school in I lie rural districts of this township. Ho was married, August 6, 18-58, to Mary Warren, who was born in Wayne Counly, Ind., September 6, 1833. The following children blfssed this union : Elizabeth A., born January 10, 1860, deceased August 9, 1809 ; Eli N., born October 3, 1862, deceased August 20, 1868 ; Minerva E., born .January 24, 1865, deceased August 21, 1868; Cora A., bom M.arch 24, 1870; James W., born May 5, 1872; Etiie B., born JI»y 6, 1875, and Nilda L., born June 10, 1878. The father and mother of the subject of Ihis sketch noticed irlsewhere in this work. Mr. Poorman has filled successfully ihe oHice of Township Assessor for six terms, and the people appreciating the honesty and integrity of this citizen, elected him Township Trustee in the spriiiir of 1880. He and his worthy wife are members of the New- Light Church.

HKNRV UICKERT, farmer, P. 0. Jackson. This gentleman is one of Ihe worthy farmers of his township ; was born in .Monlgonicry Counly, Ohio, April 111, 1848. Mr. Rickert, when a youth, had limited opporluniiies to attend school, and therefore his knowledge is derived principally from close observation and practical experience. On the 14lh of August, 1873, he married Miss Wimer, a daughter of John Wimer, whose biography may be found on the I'HKes of thi.s volume. Miss Wimer is also a native of Montgomery County, Oliio, horn January 7, 18.52. Mr. Wimer and wife have three chiblren living - Henry A., born August I, 1875 ; yVmos W., September 2(1, 1878, and JIarlin A.. August 23, I8H1. Mr Rickert is a Democrat. He and his esliraal.le wife :irc members of the German Baptist Church.

George Rickert

GEORGE RICKERT. George Rickert was born February 15, 1840, in Montgomery County, Ohio. He is (he son of John and Elizabeth Rickert, who were bom in Germany, Ihe I'onnor in August, 1801, and the latter in March, 1811. They were Ihe parents of eight children, named rcspeclivcly. Mary A., John, George, Jacob, Leonard, .Samuel, Henry and Elizihelh, all of whom are now living except Mary A., Jacob, Leonard and Samuel. George, the subject of this skelch, came to Ranmly, Ind., farm. By the training of his early life, he became familiar with the details of farming, and as he grew to manhood adopted that pursuit, which he has ever since continued with marked success. On the 29th of March, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Stuck, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in March, 1848. The fruits of this union are three children, named respectively, William A., Mary E. and John E.

Like many of our substantial farmers and best citizens, Mr. Rickert ig a self-made man, having earned his success by honest toil, steadily and gradually, without any sudden stroke of good fortune. He has a fine farm of eighty acres on the New Pittsburg pike, under splendid improvement, and with a handsome residence and substantial barn and outbuildings. He is a enterprising, industrious man, and, by honest toil, has accumulated a comfortable estate. He is honest and upright in his dealings with his fellow-men, and has gained the confidence and regard of all who know him, being recognized as one of the best citizens of his township. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, and in politics, is a Democrat.

His wife is the daughter of John Stuck, who was born in Pennsylvania in August, 1823, ond is now a minister of the Gospel in Darke County, Ohio. She is an estimable lady, and possess the affectionate regard of the community in in which she resides.

Joseph Shreev

Joseph Sbreev was born in Carroll County, Md., October 13, 1810, and died in Randolph County, Ind., August 13, 1879. In his youth lie learned the miller's trade, and throughout his life, was engaged at that pursuit with marked success. When twenty-two years of age, he left home, and located on the Whitewater River, in Wayne Counly, Ind., where he operated a flouring-mill for William Mitchell. About ten years Inter, he removed to Dolluf s Mill, on Whitewater, where he remained about a year. Removing then to his farm, east of Union '^^ity, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for twelve years. At the end of that lime, he located in Union (^ity, where, in partnership with Spencer Hill, he erected a flouring-mill, which has since been remodeled, and is now known as Pierce's Warehouse. In September, 1864, he removed to Jackson Township, Randolph t'ounty, and purcoased a mill on the Mississinewa River. He remodeled this establishment, furnishing it throughout with new and improved machinery, and making it a first-class mill, operating it successfully until his decease.

He was twice married, first, on July 7, 1842, to Cynthia Ann Edwards, in Wayne County. Ind. By this union they were the parents of three children, only one of whom, Enos E-, now survives. His wife died on the 30th day of March, 18.50, and on the 18t(i of March, 1852, he was united in marriage with Emily Gibbs, a native of Darke Counly, Ohio, and daughter of David and Mary Gibbs. This second union was blessed by eight children, viz., David G.. Andrew M., Senith E., Brvanl J., Jacob W., Rebecca A., Edward Ellsworth and Wesley Preston. Of this number all are now living save Wesley P.

' Air. Shreev began life as a poor boy. without any capital bnt honesty and industry, and a strong determination to succeed. And these qualities proved Ihe key to success, and enabled him, with good management, to accumulate a comfortable estate. He was a hard worker, and all that he acquired in the way of worldly wealth was Ihe result of honest toiL In politics, he was a Republican, but with him, politics was a secondary consideration. His work demanded and received all of his attention, and he never consented to occupy an elective office, nor did he ever feeV a desire for political recognition. He became an Odd Fellow at AVeslroinster, Md., and retained his membership in that lodge until his death. In his business transactions, and in all his dealings Willi his fellow-mon, he wa» scrupulously honest, and by his integrity, won the confidence and respect of all who knew him. Although not a pioneer, he was one of the most liberal of citizens, and took a hearty interest in Ihe improvement of the county, contributing liberally to all enterprises of a public nature, and was especially the friend of public education and religion. He was a man of strong character, and in hisdeath the community lost one of its best citizens. His wife survives him , and still controls the mill properly. The mill is operated by her .sons, who are gentlemen of fine business ability, and thoroughly familiar with the work in which they are engaged.

W. K.SIMMONS. The subject of this sketch is one of.tlie substantial citizens Of Randolph County, lie is a native pf this county; born August 31, 1841. His education was acquired in the district schools. Having served his majority at home. Mr. Simmons, on June 3, 1«65, married Malinda A. Sell, May 11, 1845. They have three children - Dora, born March 29. W68 ; Edar, September 15, 1869, and Esta, November 11, 1871. ' The abovernamed children are bright and intelligent, and are a great sourceof happiness for their parents. Mr. Simmons and wife are worthy members of the German Baptist Church, of which he has been a minister for twelve years. His father. Aaron Simmons luis been identified with this county since the year 1842 ; and has always been known as an honorable and respectable citizen. He is a native of Miami Counly, Ohio, born February 1, 1810. In the year 1840, he married Rebecca .Marquis, she was born in Ohio, in 1819, February 2. Aaron Simmons and wife live on the Salem and Union Pike, two and one-half miles northwest of Union City. On the fnrm of W. K. Simmons is a flowing well, which has a capacity of about twelve gallons per minute. It has been dug seven years and has unceasingly continued in its wonderful supply of water.

NOAH S. SMITH, farmer, P. 0. Union City. This industrious citizen was born December 21, 1854, in this connty. He attended the district schools, and was married, December 24, 1874, to Martha J. Sell, who was born in Jackson Township, Ihis county, October 3, 1853. Two children blessed this union - Troy, bom July 1, 1870, and Lafayette, October 7, 1878, deceased July 13, 1879. Henry Smith, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Pennsylvania, born May 27. 1810, came to this county in 1837, deceased September 29, 1880 ; his wife, formerly Elizabeth Noffsinger, was a native of

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana : with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, by Smith, John L., Writer on Local History, published 1914; 316 words in this source stream.

Jackson Township

In the meantime, settlement had been very rapid along the Mississinewa. Ward township,, especially in and about l^eerfield, was becoming,' one of the most populated parts of the county. This influence spread east. until there was a sufficient number of people who desired a new township to be organized. This the commissioners did on the 4th day of November,

1833, when it was "Ordered that the following bounds be Known hereafter by the name of Jackson Township to wit Beginning at the State line at the Section line between Sections 25 and 36 in Town 17 Range one west thence west to the old boundary thence to and with the Section line between Sections 8 & 17 of Town 19 Range 15 East to the Range line between Ranges 14 & 15 thence North with said Range line to the north line of the County thence East to the State line thence to the beginning And that all Elections in said Township be held at the house of Thomas Pettens Ordered that an Election be held in Jackson Township on the first Saturday in December next for the purpose of Electing two Justices of the peace in said

Organization

Thus, it will be seen that the southern end of Jackson township is located upon the first section line south of the point on the Indian boundary line, reached in the first organization of the count} . This is why we think they came south to this line, rather than north to the line between Sections 2-/ and 22, as indicated in the record of 1818.

New Pittsburg, Reform, W. A. Rickert, Union City, 36, no; Lisbon, Church of Christ, O. L. Hindsley, Union City, 35, 100; Prospect, United Brethren, Mrs. Allie Spitler, Salamonia, i, 40; Pleasant Hill, Christian, Mrs. Minnie Lindley, Union City, 35, 105 : Church of the Brethren, Baptist, Earl McFarland, Union Ci'ty, 35, 80.