Marion Township

Marion Township

chosen and installed ns Pastor. In 1858, fourteen of the members of this con¬ gregation withdrew for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church in Whitley County, thereby weakening the organization to which they formerly belonged.

The present number of members is thirteen. They have no church, and at present are without a Pastor. M. S. Caskill is Clerk, and William Newhouse, Deacon.

Disciples or Christians. - This denomination organized in the west part of the township in 1865, with eleven members. Rev. E. W. Hammond was the first Pastor; Stephen Wilson and Thomas Wilkerson were chosen Elders, and Isaac B. Dawes and William Jobs, Deacons. In 1872, they built a frame church near Beech Schoolhouse, 36x48 feet, at a cost of $1,575, which was dedicated in December of the same year, by Elder Smith, of Huntington, Ind. Rev. Thomas Bernaugh is the present Pastor; J. B. Wilson, Elder, J. A. Wilson and William Jobs, Deacons.

In 1875, a Sunday school was Organized in connection with the Church, with about fifty scholars. Isaac B. Davis was elected Superintendent. The school has not been in session since the fall of 1878.

Evangelical. - In 1850. twenty members of the Evangelical Association organized a society of that denomination m the northeast part of the township. Soon after organizing, they erected a log church on Section 13, in which they have ever since conducted services at intervals of two or three weeks. J. B. Fisher is the present Pastor. The number of members is twenty-one.

The First Mill

In 1849, Henry Link erected a steam saw-mill in the suburbs of Zanesville; and, in 1875, Conrad Knight erected a steam grist-mill in the same vicinity. These were the first mills in the township.

Beech Grove Grange' No. 1^11 P. of II., was organized January 28, 1874, with forty-one charter members. The following were the first officers: William Crabbs, Master; Daniel Do Witt, Lecturer ; John McClave, Secretary. Tim present number of members is thirty, and the present officers are as follows : J. M. Crabbs, Master; William Riddin, Overseer; Daniel De Witt, Lecturer; T. P. Jobs, Secretary. ,

The village of Zanesville is situated on the line dividing Allen and Wells Counties, and has a population of 400 souls. Henry Link was the first merchant in the village. Fie sold goods in 1852. The principal business men of the pres¬ ent are as follows : General merchandise, Waid & Adams; drugs, Schoonover & Feltz ; grist-mill, Conrad Knight; saw-mill, Carroll, Weaver & Wilkerson ; boots and shoes, Jonathan Michaels; blacksmith, William Angevine; physicians, Yuill & Neely.

At a session of the Commissioners of Allen County, in September, 1834, a new township was formed, embracing all of Marion Township, as well as a portion of Adams County ; and the territory thus organized was known as Root Town¬ ship. In August, 1835, Marion Township was organized, and made to include Township 29 north, of Range 13 east. It is bounded on the north by Adams Township, east by Madison Township, west by Pleasant Township, south by Adams County.

Natural Features

The surface of the township is slightly undulating; the soil, a rich, sandy loam, and very productive. St. Mary's River flows from northwest to southeast. Merriam's Creek has its source in the eastern part of the township, and flows in a northwesterly direction, joining St. Mary's River at a point on Section 6. Among the timber which formerly covered the surface was black walnut and white walnut, oak, ash, beech, maple, etc., only a small proportion of which now remains. The market demand for this class of timber has resulted in its disap¬ pearance from the forests of this vicinity, and skillfully tilled farms have taken its place.

Early Settlement

In 1825, a Mr. Douglas rented the farm owned by Hugh Barnett, of Fort Wayne, remaining upon it about one year. At the end of that time the farm was taken and occupied by Elisha Harris, a young man who had been reared by Mr. Barnett. He was a shrewd young man, and was familiarly known as " Yankee Harris." Several years later, he purchased a farm near by, but only resided upon it for a short time. He died at Fort. Wayne.

Philo Whitcomb came to the township in the fall of 1830. He was a native of Greene County, N. Y., where he resided until 1819; then, with his wife, and one child, he emigrated to the West, settling in Dearborn County, Ind. In 1827, in company with two friends, he followed an Indian trail to Allen County, to prospect for a new home, finally deciding to purchase near Monmouth, Adams Co., Ind. He purchased land in that locality, to which he soon after removed his family, and upon which he resided one year. In 1830, he purchased forty acres in Marion Township, and located immediately after. He was ambitious and energetic, and, from time to time, he added to his farm, making it one of the finest in the township. He was prominent in all measures adopted for the improvement of the township, and was looked upon as a leader. He was called upon to fill various local offices, notably that of Justice of the Peace. He died in 1842

Later in the year 1830, Mrs. Mazena Merriam settled with her family on Section 5. She was among the colony who first settled in the northwestern por¬ tion of Adams County, where her husband died. With the assistance of her sons, she cleared and improved her farm on the Piqua road, remaining in the township until her decease.

Jesse Heaton, Sr., came in 1833. He was born in Connecticut in 1790, but moved to New York at an early age, and worked on his father's farm until twentytwo years of age. In 1812, he enlisted in the American Army, and served three months. He was taken ill at Sackett's Harbor, and discharged from the service. In 1818, he emigrated with his wife and family to Dearborn County, Ind., where

I he resided until the date of his removal to this township. He entered land on i Section 27, where he now resides. He is the oldest survivor of the pioneers of this township, and, during his younger days, took a prominent part in its develop¬ ment and improvement.

Henry Snyder entered a tract of land on the west side of St. Mary's River in 1833. He was fond of pursuing the game then so abundant, and the title, " Hunting Henry," conferred upon him by his neighbors, has followed him through life. Notwithstanding his devotion to the sport of hunting, he was in all respects the peer of his neighbors for industry and enterprise, and never permitted pleasure to interfere with his work- He still resides on the land he then entered, and has converted it into a fine, productive farm.

Michael Spittler, a native of Preble County, Ohio, settled on Section 35 in 1833. One uight in June, 1834, while engaged in hunting deer, he contracted a severe cold, which culminated in his death, after which his family returned to Ohio.

Samuel and Moses Beckner came from Ohio late in 1833. The former was a married man, and had a family at the time of his arrival. He made a small clearing on his land, but only remained a short time - returning to Ohio. His brother, Moses, married and finally settled in Wells County, Ind., where he now resides. George Hopple purchased land on St. Mary's River in the fall of 1833, which he sold to Henry Drage, three years later. He then removed to Adams County, Ind., where he cleared and improved a farm, and where he died several years ago.

Aden Brunson came to. Allen County in 1833, and rented a farm in Wayne Township, where he resided until 1836. He then purchased 132 acres in Marion Township, from which he hewed a fine farm. He died in October, 1842, while visitiug friends at Lawrenceville, Ill. The farm is now owned and conducted by his son, Nathan.

Joseph Small came in the fall of 1838. He was a native of Maine, and was reared a farmer; but when a young man, he adopted the life of a sailor, and followed that occupation for a period of fifteen years. In 1817, he removed with his wife and family to Wheeling, W. Va.. thence down the Ohio, to a point twenty miles above Cincinnati, where he remained about two years. From there to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where he conducted a farm and brickyard until the date of his arrival in Allen County. Here he cleared a tract of limber, and con¬ verted it into a farm. He was a man of great industry, and, after a hard battle with pioneer life, accumulated a comfortable fortune. He died in 1868, at the age of eighty-eight years.

After 1836, a number of families settled in various parts of the township. Some remained but a short time, and a complete list of names would add length without adding interest to the history. Prominent among those who. came prior to 1840 were Thomas Thompson, Christopher Lipes, Jared Morton, Henry Drage, Joseph C. Wells, Isaac Herrod, Joseph Hall, Judge Nelson McLain. William Ward and Daniel Whitaker. Judge McLain was prominently identified with the early history of the township, and was repeatedly called upon to serve in an official capacity. From 1863 until the date of his removal to Wabash, Ind., he was almost constantly associated with the public business of the town¬ ship and county.

The First Death. - In the winter of 1827, William McConnaughey, who had been in the employ of parties in Fort Wayne, started on foot for his home in Ohio. Ho had reached a point on the Piqua road, in Marion Township, when ho was overcome by fatigue, or the contents of the flask which was subse¬ quently found in his pocket. On the day following his departure from Fort Wayne, some Indians came to town with the intelligence that a man had been frozen to death during the preceding night. A crowd repaired to the spot, and found the body of McConnaughey stiff' in death. A grave was made on the farm now owned by John Small, and his remains deposited therein.

The first death after 'the settlement of Marion Township was that of Mr. Thompson, father of Thomas Thompson, who died in 1833. Several weeks later, his daughter Martha also died, and, within a short time, was followed by her friend Miss Jane Morriara.

The first marriage was solemnized in April, 18-13, by Samuel Pugg, Esq., the contracting parties being William Cain and Miss Elizabeth Whitcomb.

The next marriage was that of Absalom Roberts and Miss Elizabeth Everman, in 1837 ; and, in 1838, Cyrenus Merriman and Miss Jane Thompson were united for life by a similar ceremony.

The first orchard was planted by Elisha Harris in 1830, and the second by Philo Whitcomb in 1833. Jesse Heaton, Sr., started a nursery on his farm in 1833, from which he supplied the neighbors with young trees.

The first stock. of merchandise was brought to the township in 1832 by Hiram Moorey, who opened his store in a log building, south of the present site of Hessen Cassel. The country was then too sparsely settled to admit of a good trade, and, after about two years, Mr. Moorey removed to another locality.

Miller & King opened a well-selected stock of merchandise in 1839, at the present site of the Nine Mile House, where they enjoyed a prosperous trade.

The first tavern was established in 1837 by John Kara. It was kept in a log building on the Piqua road, and was conducted by him for two or three years. It was then purchased by Miller and King and conducted as a store and tavern, {subsequently the house was purchased by John Trentman, who rented it to John Holmes. The latter gentleman built the Nine Mile House in 1850, to accommo¬ date the increasing custom.

The first post office was established in 1831, and was called Root Post Office. Philo W hitcomb was appointed Postmaster, receiving his commission from Gen. Andrew Jackson. Four years laler, Mr. Whitcomb resigned and was succeeded by Judge Nelson McLain, when the office was removed to the house of the latter. The mail was first carried on horseback bv a Mr. Stoker, who resided in the western part' of Ohio. This method of conveyance was superseded by a staire * coach in 1851. Judge McLain remained in charge of the office for a number of I years, and, upon his resignation, Dr. Hiram Barber was appointed Postmaster ' and removed the office to Middletown, where it is still kept. Jacob Hess is the present Postmaster.

The first religious meetiug was held at the house of Jesse Heaton, Sr., in 1835, by Rev. James Harrison, of the M. E. Church; and Rev. Robert Tisdel. of the Baptist Church, conducted services at the same house, later in the same year!

The first frame house was erected by Philo Whitcomb in 1839, and was 1 then regarded as quite a pretentious edifice. The example set by him was followed by his neighbors, and, within a year, several of the surrounding log houses gave place to frame structures. The old house still stands on the farm of j John Small, a connecting link between the past and present.

The first road was cut out by Gen. Wayne's army, on their way to Fort TT ayne, and in later years it was improved and widened, and made a public highway. The first regularly surveyed road, however, was the Piqua State road It was located in 1830, by Benjamin Lytle, assisted by Hugh and William Bays, and Peter Dalman. The trees were permitted to lie near where they fell, in locating the road, and thus formed a dam which prevented the water from running off. The region was marshy at best, and in wet weather the road was almost impassable. It was traveled by heavy teams, and it was often found necessary to leave the road and hunt a passage through the woods; and, until L oO. the lines laid out for the Piqua road were almost entirely disregarded. In that year a stock company was formed, and the road was graded and covered j w.th plank from Fort Wayne to a point near Wiltshire, Ohio'. Toll-houses were : erected along the road, and a daily line of stage-coaches was put in operation. ! All was prosperous, and the stockholders derived a good return for their invest- I ment. for several years. Finally, however, the road was sold to satisfy a mortgage I and fell into the hands of private parties, who failed to keep it in repair but at | the same time insisted upon collecting toll. The travelers over the road resented j this injustice and one evening the toll-house was tired and burned to the ground. I Alter this the planks were appropriated by citizens along the line, and the plank i road ceased to exist. It .is still one of the important highways leading from Fort \\ ayne, and is extensively traveled.

The first county road nW out in 1810, by citizens of Marion Township, viz.: Jsaac Herrod, Joseph Hall, William Ward, H. Whitaker. John and Robert "I; 11 '^ located on the section line ruuning from Muldoou's mill, through

In 1837, Mrs. Parker taught the first school in the township, in a log cabin, tbe land now occupied by John Small's brickyard. She had enjoyed the advantages of a fine education in her native State, New York, and opened, in the wilderness, a school far superior to the crude institutions by that name which characterized this county in the earlier years of its history. The advanced pupils of her school enjoyed advantages scarcely excelled by the common schools of toi day, and the begiuners received such careful attention from their teacher, that j they could not fail to make rapid progress. Mrs. Parker taught the school during j the winter of that year, and in the following' summer (1838) she was again engaged, by private subscription, to teach a summer school.

In the winter of 1S40, Judge Nelson McLain converted the front room of his house into a schoolroom, and about a dozen scholars came to him for instrue tion. His school, too, was of a superior order, aud was the place where some of the prominent residents of the township to day were first inducted into the mys¬ teries of the three R's - " Headin', Ritiu' and 'Rithmetie." Like its predecessor, this was a subscription school, and the Judge was dependent upon the liberality of his neighbors for whatever of profit might accrue from his efforts in training the young minds under his care. It might well have been called a labor of love& as the emoluments derived from it would not have kept body and soul together! had he been compelled to buy his daily bread. He gained the respect ancf confi denee of his pupils, who advanced rapidly under his instruction, and be had the pleasure of seeing the majority of their number grow to honorable and useful maturity during his residence in the township.

The first schoolhouse was erected in the fall of 1841, near the present site of Middletown. Nelson Parker was employed as teacher, and the school was kept up by private subscription, during the winter season, and continued four consecu¬ tive winters.

In 1845, a kewed-log schoolhouse was erected on the farm of Judge McLain, and was the initiatory step in the system of free schools. For its maintenance, the Trustees appropriated the Congressional funds belonging to the township, and the residents contributed a sufficient amount to make up all deficiencies. W. W. femith was the first teacher employed in the new school, and taught during that winter and the winter succeeding. It was presided over by various teachers from that time until the present State School Law took effect, and schools began to be established under its provisions. The first district school was erectedln 1853, under the supervision of Judge Vaughn, then Trustee of the township; and within a few years thereafter, the township was divided into school districts, in each of which a school building was erected. The period of instruction was lengthened, and the salaries of teachers increased, and only those employed who held a certificate from the County Examiner. There are now nine schoolhouses in the township, having a total of 556 scholars.

Methodist Episcopal. - In May, 1836, eight members of the M. E. Church met at the house of Jesse Heaton, Sr., and under the ministerial offices of Rev. James Harrison, organized Marion class. For ten years, the class continued to meet at Mr. Heaton's house; then, in view of their increasing membership, the meetings were transferred to the schoolhouse at Middletown. In 1852, they erected their present building, at a cost of 8809, at the village of Middletown, then recently laid out. It has been repaired at various times, and still serves the congregation as a house of worship. Only a partial list of its Pastors, from the date of organization, can be obtained. Prominent among the number who served in that relation, were the following : Rev. Stephen B. Ball, Rev. James Robe, Rev. James Boyd, Rev. Jacob Colclazer, Rev. James Black, Rev. Jesse Sparks' Rev. Isaac Dean, Rev. Jesse Forbes. Rev. Mr. Wynings, Rev. Mr. Smith, Rev. Mr. Miller, Rev. A. Curry, Rev. L. B. McKinley, Rev. Mr. Galbraith, Rev. C. Morrison, Rev. Charles Brown, Rev. Mr. Whorton. The Church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Kistler, and has a membership of twenty-five. At an earlier date in its history it had a larger membership, among whom were many who came from quite a distance ; but the subsequent organization of churches more conveniently located, resulted in the withdrawal of the latter. The present membership is composed of people living near the church.

A Sunday school has been maintained in connection with the Church, since 1837. It was organized as a union school, by Jared Wharton, and is still con¬ ducted on that basis. Jacob Hess is the present Superintendent.

Williamsport M. E. Church. - The Williamsport class was organized in 1842, by several former members of the Marion class. The meeting for organi¬ zation was held at the house of John Snyder, and presided over by Rev. Jesse Spaiks. As the number of members began to increase, the mcetipg-place was transferred from Mr. Snyder s to a neighboring schoolhouse. Several years later, the schoolhouse was destroyed by lire, after which Mr. Snyder's house was again adopted as the place for holding meetings, and continued as such until 1864. In that year, they erected their present church at the village of Williamsport. It is a neat frame edifice, 36x40. feet, and cost 81,200. It was dedicated in the fall of 1864, by Rev. Dr. Robinson. Deaths and removals, and the organization of other churches, have resulted in a reduction of its membership, and the twenty-four who now constitute its congregation are all residents of Williamsport and vicinity.

The Sunday school is in a prosperous condition, having an average attend¬ ance of forty scholars. John Fonner is the present Superintendent.

Bethel Church (Baptist). - On the 6th day of February, 1838, six mem¬ bers of the Baptist Church formed an organization, under the leadership of Rev. Robert Tisdel, and held meetings at the house of Christopher Lipes until 1849.

In that year, they erected a small church near the site of their present edifice, at. a cost of 8499. It was dedicated by Rev. J. B. Allen. This structure served as a house of worship for twenty-one years, during which time new members were added to its list, and death claimed many who had been instrumental in its organization and building-up. In 1870, the funds on hand were appropriated for the erection of the present neat house of worship at the village of Williams¬ port. This church, which is 30x40 feet, was built at a cost of 81,200, and dedicated near the close of the year. As a Church, it is prosperous, having now a membership of eighty-one. Rev. J. H. Winans is the present Pastor.

St. Joseph's Church (Catholic). - In 1841, the members of the Catholic Church living near Hessen-Cassel formed an organization to which they gave the name of St. Joseph's Congregation, and immediately erected a frame church on the Piqua road. Rev. Joseph Hamion and Rev. julifts Benoit were the first who conducted services in the church. Later, it was served in a pastoral office by Revs. Rudolf and Munschiua. Rev. Joseph Mayer, the first resident priest, took charge of the Church in 1858, aud remained until 1863. During his pas¬ toral relation with the Church (in 1860), the present handsome edifice was erected, aud the old building removed to the rear of the premises.

Rev. Mayer was succeeded, in 1863, by Rev. Martin Kink, who remained in charge until 1866, and was then succeeded by Rev. Woeste. In 1872,. Father Woeste severed his connection with the congregation, and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Nussbaum, who continued as Pastor until 1877, and was then succeeded by Rev. J. II. Hueser, the present Pastor.

The congregation organized with a membership of twenty-Dine families, a number of whom subsequently withdrew to organize St. Aloysius' congregation, on the Bluffton road. The present membership is sixty families.

St. Paul's Church (Evangelical Lutheran). - In 1845, the members of the Lutheran Church organized and erected a small house of worship on Section 3. It was a hewed-log structure, and was occupied until 1864, at which time it was replaced by the handsome frame edifice in which the congregation now conduct religious services. Rev. Hussman was the first Pastor, and remained in charge from 1845 to 1864. He was succeeded by Rev. H. Fleischmann, who remained until 1871. In that year, the Church was . placed under the pastoral charge of Rev. Bundentahl, who served three years, and was succeeded, in 1$74, by Rev. Charles Zchacke, the present Pastor.

Antioch Church. - The English Lutherans organized at Middletown in 1855, under the ministration of Rev. Spiker. In the following year, they erected a hewed log church, on Sec. 25, where they continued to hold meetings until 1873. In that year, they replaced the old building with a handsome frame edifice, at a cost of §1,950. Rev. Wells officiated at the consecration of the log church in 1856, and, seventeen years later, preached the dedicatory sermon in the new building. The Church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Kane, and is in a prosperous condition.

Olive Branch Lodge , No. A., F & A. AI., was organized under dis¬ pensation, in the fall of 1858, with thirteen charter members, viz.. Dr. L. N. Coverdale, E. G. Coverdale, Henry Eby, Elder Woods, Ezra Maloney, John Herrod, M. N. Granstaff, Judge Vaughn, Joel Vaughn, Dr. James Clark, William Long, James Clark and Jesse Heaton, Jr.; of whom Jesse Heaton is the only one who still belongs to the Lodge - the lemainder, with two or three exceptions, having since died.

The following were the first officers of the Lodge: Noah Granstaff, W. M.; Judge Vaughn, S. W.; William Long, J. W.; E. G. Coverdale, S. D.; Jesse Heaton, Jr., J. D.* Henry Eby, Tiler; Ezra Maloney, Treasurer; Dr. James Clark, Secretary. In May, 1859, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Indiana, by virtue of which the Lodge now works.

The lodge meetings were first held in the office of Dr. James Clark ; but, about six months after organization, they erected a building at Middletown, for Lodge purposes, in which their meetings are now held. It is a frame building, 20x32 feet, two stories, and cost §500.

More than a hundred candidates have, at various times, been Masons within this lodge-room. Many of them lived in surrounding villages, and, in later years, withdrew from the parent Lodge, to organize Lodges nearer home. Some have died ; and the combined circumstances have resulted in the diminution ot the member¬ ship of this Lodge, to thirty-two. It is in a prosperous condition, free from debt, and thoroughly Masonic. The following are the present officers: Jesse Heaton, Jr., W. M.; William Van-IIorn, S. W.; A. J. Emcrick, J. W.; Jacob Fisher, Treasurer ; John Scott, Secretary*; Uriah Todd, S. D.; Horace Carl, J. D.; Jacob Hess, Tiler ; Dr. A. Devilbiss, William Scott, Stewards.

The village of Middletown is one of the monuments of the past, which dot the once great thoroughfares throughout the State of Indiana, one of the remind¬ ers of the days when a line of stage-coaches was the genius at whose magic touch towns sprang into existence, through whose instrumentality those towns were' to grow metropolitan, and, in the minds of their residents, become the very ceuters of the universe. What hopes a projected railway inspires to day, were inspired by a stage line at the period when that cumbrous vehicle was the popular method of overland travel, and scarcely any prediction was thought too extravagant when uttered in the interest of an embryo city, which was so fortunate as to be a point on one of these great highways. How the construction of a railway dispelled these proud hopes, and drained the once prosperous towns of their very lives, is a fact attested by a host of ruined hamlets, not only in this county, but elsewhere. Middletown is an example. In 1850, it was decided to make the Piqua road a plank road, and put in operation a line of stages. In that year, a saw-mill was erected at this point for the purpose of sawing the necessary lumber. Louis Lopsliire, the proprietor of the land upon which the village was laid out, was not slow to improve the opportunity of founding a towu. He fouud a ready sale for all the lots offered to purchasers, and in April, 1851, the little city was duly platted and placed upon the records of Allen County, under the title of Middletown. Iu due time, the plank road was completed, and the stages brought in their loads of passengers ; merchants located here, and their trade was extensive and flattering. William Moody opened a grocery, and Benoni McLain a drygoods store. In 1850, blacksmiths, wagon-makers and other tradesmen' plied their vocations successfully ; and, as the place assumed the appearance of a town, the hopes of its citizens rose, and the price of town-lots rose in proportion. About 1857, a dark cloud threw its shadow over the rising hopes of the citizens - the Fort Wayne, Richmond & Cincinnati Railway was to be constructed, and Middletown was not to be a point on the route. Its death-knell seemed to ring in that mystic word, " railroad its merchants took the alarm, aud removed their goods to other localities ; the stage line lost its customary quota of passen¬ gers, in view of the better facilities offered by the railroad, and, in a brief space, Middletown was only the ghost of its former self. It is now a quiet hamlet, with¬ out even a hotel or store.

was laid out in 1874, on the southwest quarter of Section 29. William Essig was the proprietor of the land upon which it is located, and gave the town its name. It is picturesquely situated, on the bank of St. Mary's River, and is an enterprising little village. The following is a list of its principal business men :

General merchandise, H. T. True, John Brown ; drugs, H. T. True & Son; physicians, Dr. T. H. McCormick, Dr. G. N. Worley; boot and shoe maker, Harry Nill ; wagon-maker, William Lopsliire, blacksmiths, Deel & Miller; painter, W. C. Compton; Postmaster, H. T. True; grist-mill, William Hilde¬ brand; saw-mill, Samuel Kriegh.

Solomon M. Lichtenwalter

was born October 6, 1822, in Stark County, Ohio. His father, Jacob Lichtenwalter, was a native of Adams Countv. Penn., and moved to Stark County, Ohio, with his parents when a boy. His life in that county began at a time when its inhabitants were few in number, and the majority of its territory covered with timber. There were no schools, and the meager education he obtained was acquired in the German tongue. He grew to manhood and married Mary Minnich, also a native of Pennsylvania, then residing with her parents in Stark County, Ohio. The fruits of this union was five sons aod seven daughters, all of whom now survive, save the eldest son and the eldest daughter. Growing up with the county, and seconding all measures for its improvement, he was looked upon as a public-spirited man and a worthy citizen. He cleared and cultivated a large farm, and at his death bequeathed to his children a comfortable estate.

His son, the subject of this memoir, was engaged, during early life, in the routine of duties incident to farming. During the winter, he attended the district school near his home and acquired a good, practical education. From early childhood he had been instructed in all the details necessary to the pursuit ot farming, and realizing his proficiency in that art, he felt a desire to learn one of the mechanical arts, and apprenticed himself to a carpenter with whom he remained two years. He then worked as a journeyman at the trade until 1818. In that year, he decided to locate in Indiana, and in April, 1848, arrived in Allen County. On the 7th day of September following, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of William and Ann M. Essig. She was born September 22, 1832, in Stark County, Ohio, and removed to Allen County. Ind., with her parents, in March, 1848. In the year succeeding the date of his marriage, Mr. Lich ten waiter purchased seventy-two acres of timber-land iu Marion Township, and employed men to clear and prepare it for cultivation, he working at his trade in the mean time. He finally located upon his farm and devoted his attention to the pursuit of the occupation in which he had received his early training. It proved more remunerative than the work of the mechanic; his farm increased in value, and as he began to realize a profit from his labors he extended the bound¬ aries of his farm - purchasing two eighty-acre tracts adjoining. In the cultiva¬ tion of this farm, his - time Tas since been employed, aud his assiduous industry has returned him a rich reward. In addition to his farm in this county, heisthe possessor of a fine tract of land in the State of Kansas.

While he has been successful in the accumulation ot worldly goods, his hand has ever been open to the encouragement and support of public enterprises, and his numerous private charities are best known and appreciated by those upon whom they have been bestowed.

Both himself and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and are regarded by all who know them as worthy Christians, zealous in the cause, and exemplifying their religion in their doily lives.

To crown the happiness Of their wedded life there were eight children, viz.: Mary Catharine, Sarah E., Orren J., Alice M., Curtis ('.. William M., Wallace A. and Albert L., of whom all are now living save the eldest. Mary C.

Harvey K. Turner

was born April 14, 1835, in Willoughby Township, Lake Co., Ohio. His parents, William W. Turner and Wealthy Turner, were natives of Madison County, N. Y., and had emigrated to the place of Harvey's birth at an early day. In April, 1852, he with his father (his mother having died some time previously) came to Allen County and purchased 200 acres ot the laud he now owus and on which he (Harvey) now lives. He had such opportunities for acquiring an education in his boyhood days as the common schools afforded, and they were well improved.

His time was occupied in the labors of the farm, and on the 29th of January, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Essig, of this county. Five children blessed their union, four of whom - one son and three daughters - are still living. On the 12th of Mayv 1867, she departed this life, leaving her husband and children and a large circle of acquaintances to mourn her loss. - On the 15th of September, 1869, Mr. Turner married a second time, being united to Miss Jane Harris, of Putnam County, Ohio.

He has held the offices of Township Assessor and Justice of the Peace for a number of years; and having, as he always has, the entire confidence of all that know him, he was nominated and elected County Commissioner for the Southern District in 1874, and was re-elected, in 1876, to the same position, which he still holds.

He has been connected with the Northern Indiana Agricultural Association since its organization ; was one of the Trustees and Vice President until 1876, when he was elected President of the Association, a position he still holds; and it is owing largely to his untiring efforts that it ranks as high as it does among organizations of like nature. He has added 120 acres to the old homestead, a large portion of which is under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Turner is pro¬ gressive, active, wide awake farmer, alive to everything that will advance not only his own interests, but those of the community at large.

John W. Lipes

was born in Botetourt County, Va., May 23, 1834. His father, David H. Lipes, emigrated with his family from Virginia to Allen County, Ind., in the montli of October, 1850, first settling in Marion Township, and afterward removing to Eel River Township.

Receiving the advantages of the common school only, John W. continued farming with his parents until the summer of 1856, when he paid a visit of one year to his native State. Returning in October, 1857, to Allen County, he gave his hand in wedlock to Miss Lucinda Essig, also of Allen County. Still pursu¬ ing the vocation of his youth, he farmed the old homestead of his father in Marion Township until A. D. 1877. He then purchased the farm on which he now lives, consisting of 155 acres of choice land, under good tillage. Reared a Democrat, he still adheres to that party, although conservative in his political sentiments. In exercising the right of franchise, he seeks to bestow his prefer¬ ence upon the candidate whom he thinks most deserving. Is a man of good morals, an upright, honorable citizen, though not a member of any religious sect. They are the parents of two children - Charles J. and Mary M., and their home is both genial within and pleasant without.

Source changes here: from Valley of the Upper Maumee River, with Historical Account of Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, published 1889; 266 words in this source stream.

Marion Township

The rich land within the present limits of Marion township was reached easily in the earliest days, by coming down the St. Mary's river, or by the Wayne trace, and later the Winchester road was the route of those who came " from Willshire down." The first genuine settler was Philo Whitcomb, who occupied forty acres in 1830. Previous to this time a Mr. Douglas rented land owned by Hugh Barnett, of Fort Wayne, and occupied it during 1825. He was succeeded as a tenant by Elisha Harris, who for his shrewdness was known as " Yankee " Harris. He is remembered as the planter of the first orchard in 1S30. Mr. Whitcomb proved to be an invaluable citizen, energetic and industrious, and was a leader in his day. - He was the first postmaster at Root postoflice, established in 1831, and built the first frame house in 1839. He died in 1842. Heretofore the only road was the trace cut by Gen. Wayne, but in 1830 the Piqua state road was surveyed by Benjamin Lytle, and made in the primitive waj-, the trees being permitted to lie on either side, to dam up the water which fell, and as the region was marshy, the line of the road was mainly used as a guide through the adjacent dryer ground until it was improved in 1850. On this road, in section 5, Mrs. Mezena Merriman settled with her family in 1830, her husband having died at the Adams county settlement. With the help of her sons she succeeded as well as the sturdier pioneers. In 1833