Monroe Township

By L. H. Newton Location And Boundary

Monroe Township is situated in the southeast corner of Allen County, and is bounded as follows : North, by Jackson Township ; east, by the State of Ohio; south, by Adams County ; west, by Madison Township. It has an ar?a of 24.62 square miles.

Natural Features

The land is of an undulating surface, composed of a rich sandy loam. It is watered by the cast branch of Flat Rock Creek, which has its source in the south¬ ern part of the township, flowing north.

The township is'noted for its wealth of choice timber, the sale of which is an item in its commercial prosperity. It was organized as a separate township by the County Commissioners, in March, 1841.

Early Settlement

William and James Black and Joseph Rabbit, were the first white men who entered this township with the view of making a permanent settlement within its limits. They came from Carroll County, Ohio, in the fall of 1839, and settled on Section 32. They came endowed with the courage and fortitude characteristic of our first settlers, to endure the bitter trials incident to the settle¬ ment of a new country, the absence of social privileges, remoteness from markets, and the severe physical exertions which were necessary to make their home in the wilderness habitable or productive of the means of subsistence. Their axes were the only instruments which could be effectually used, and the necessities of their loved ones added a zest to the energy with which they waged their warfare against the giants of the forests - the future to crown their labors with reward. The Messrs. Black and Mr. Rabbit succeeded in developing farms, upon which they resided for several yeais, after which they sold out and moved to Adams County, Ind.

A Mr. Kimsey settled in the northwest part of the township in the fall of 1839, where he "staked " a claim. He cleared a small portion of his land, but died within a few years after his arrival. His claim was not regularly entered, and after his decease the stakes were removed and the land appropriated by others.

1839. They located on Section 32. where both cleared and improved the land which they entered. Mr. Drake remained in the township until his decease. Mr. Urabaugh died in one of the Western States, whither he had removed after selling his farm in this township.

Peter Sclemmer, with his family, settled on Section 21, near the close of the year 1839. There he cleared and improved a farm, which he cultivated until his deeease.

1840, and settled on his present farm on Section 33. He is now on the "shady side of life, and an independent farmer ; but, ta secure this independence, he endured trials under which some men would have despaired. He was married in Shenandoah County, Va , and moved to Champaign County, Ohio, where he worked as a farm laborer for several years, in the mean time saving his earnings with a view of purchasing, amid the cheap lands of the West, a spot which his industry could transform into a home, and which, in the course of years, would well repay the labor expended in its cultivation. In the fall of 1839, he visited Allen County, when he selected and purchased the site of his present home. Two neighbors assisted him to erect his cabin, which in the following spring received its tenants - his wife and four children. The [ndians were the nearest neighbors and his most frequent visitors, and always drove his cattle home for him when they went astray. They were kind and peaceable, and mutual good feeling existed with meat, but it waslong ere he was able to raise from the soil the other neces¬ saries of life. The ground was thickly covered with, an undergrowth known as pea-vines, which prevented the use of the plow. Often this was lifted with the hand and corn planted under it, when the vines were replaced to cover the grain. The process was tedious, but the labor was generally rewarded with a good crop. The inconveniences of the situation were endured with as much cheerfulness as possible; and the acres of timber which fell before his well-plied strokes, justi¬ fied the hopes which sprang up in the heart of this new occupant of the land of a brighter future when the' forest would give place to fertile fields. His hopes were well grounded, and the years of industry spent by him have brought him a rich reward.

The next settlers were Moses Ratledge and his sons, William and Moses. They settled on the farm now owned by the grandson of the former, and, by their energy and fortitude, proved themselves worthy members of the community among whom they cast their lot.

Elijah Reddinghouse came in the same summer (1840), and, after a number of years of toil with the usual good results, he sold his property and removed to one of the Western States.

John Friedline came from Carroll County, Ohio, and located on his present farm, in October, 1840. This tract of 160 acres was entered by him in June, 1838. This he cleared and improved, and, with the proceeds of his farm, pur¬ chased other land amounting to 400 acres. He is now a man upon whom the effect of age is telling, and has been an interested observer of the rapid advance¬ ment made by his township.

His next neighbor was Hugh Anderson, who came from Ohio in January, 1841, and settled on the adjoining tract of land. He was a good farmer and an industrious man, and continued to be identified with the interests of his township until his decease, which occurred a few years ago.

Samuel Clem came- in February, 1841, and settled on Section 28. He was an enterprising man, and, during his life, did much for the advancement of the township. John Stephenson came in the spring of 1841, and settled on Section 4, where he still resides. James Savage and Peter Barnhart settled near the present site of Monroeville, in the same year (1841). Mr. Savage subsequently removed to Fort Wayne, where he died. Mr. Barnhart died at his home in this township.

After 1841, immigration increased rapidly, and a great number of families came to join those of the pioneers already established, and whose names have been mentioned. The work of inaugurating civilization in this township had then been accomplished, and its settlement and improvement were established. Those who came later assisted in the accomplishment of these purposes, and the increased number of " clearings " indicated the determination with which each new settler entered upon the work before him.

Early Events

The first road was located in 1841, beginning at a point on Section 33, and running to the north line of the township, where it intersected the Sugar Ridge road.

The .first marriage was celebrated in 1842, at the house of Asa Dillon, on which occasion his daughter gave her hand to Eli Bauserman. The ceremony was performed by Noah Clem, Justice of the Peace.

The first death was that of Mrs. Peter Schlemmer, who died in 1843. She was buried on the farm of her husband, on Section 21. Several other deceased residents of the township were interred on the same farm in later years, but the land was never actually set apart for cemetery purposes.

The first school was taught in the winter of 1843, in a log building erected for the purpose on the farm of Joseph Rabbit. It was a subscription school, as were all of its successors until 1854. The free-school system was inaugurated in that year, when the first free-school building was erected. There are now ifino district schools in the township, with a total enrollment of 293 scholars.

The first religious meeting was held at the house of John Friedline in 1845, by Rev. Exline, of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Exline was a resident of Van Wert County, Ohio, and, after his first visit, made frequent calls to this neighbor¬ hood, conducting services according to the forms of (his denomination.

The first mill was put in operation by Hugh Anderson in 1844. It was known as a horse-mill, from the fact that its motive power was furnished by horses attached to its machinery. It ground corn and wheat, and, in a small way, relieved the settlers of some incouvenience, as, prior to this time, they were com¬ pelled to take their grain to Wines' mill, on the Maumee, or Rudisill's, on the St. Joseph; these journeys often consuming a. period of six or seven days. The horse-mill was appreciated and well patronized until the erection of Muldoon's mill, on St. Mary's River. This mill was complete in all its appointments, and received a liberal patronage.

The first store was kept by Martin Kemp, at East Liberty, soon after the founding of that village. He had a stock of liquors, and a- few articles of mer¬ chandise; but his store was not a profitable institution, and after a short resi¬ dence, he removed to another locality. After his removal, Judge Reynolds and James Patterson opened, at East Liberty, a stock of general merchandise, and conducted a successful business for several years. They finally sold to Peter Whipky and David Studebaker, by whom the business was conducted until the decline of the village, consequent upon the trade being diverted from this center to Monroeville.

The first post office was established at East Liberty in 1851, three years after the founding of that village. It was subsequently remdved to the house of John Friedline, upon his appointment as Postmaster. Mr. Friedline kept the office at his shop for several years, until failing health caused his resignation. It was then returned to East Liberty, where it was kept until its final abandon¬ ment.

The first election was held at the house of William Ratledge, on the first Monday in April, 1841. Noah Clem and William Black were the opposing can¬ didates for the office of Justice of the Peace. There were but thirteen voters, and one of this number, Peter Schlemmer, was challenged on the ground that he was not a naturalized citizen. There was a tie, and, after some dispute, it was decided to accept his vote, after he had declared the legality of the same. By this means Noah Clem was elected Justice of the Peace.

He.thlehem United Brethren Church. - In 1845, Rev. John Hill, a circuit preacher of this denomination, held services at the barn of Samuel Clem, and at that meeting the first United Brethren Church in this township was organized, with seven constituent members. After organization, Rev. Hill came at irregular intervals to conduct the services and preach to the class thus formed. Rev^Seiberry was the first circuit preacher who was placed in charge of the clas®and for a period of one year he conducted regular services at the homes of its respective members.

Several years later, this denomination joined hands with the Methodists in T.he erection of a log church, in which meetings were held in common until J 873. In that year the United Brethren erected their present house of worship at East Liberty. The building is 34x46 feet, and cost 81,600. It was dedicated by Bishop J. J. Grosbrenner.

A Sunday school is conducted during the summer, but discontinued buring the winter. At the last session there was an attendance of ninety scholars.

Monroeville Methodist Episcopal Church. - In 1847. Rev. John Palmer, with fourteen adherents of this denomination, met at the house of John Barnhart, where the Monroe class was organized. Meetings thereafter were held at the the house of Mr. Barnhart, and other members of the class, until the use of the achoolhouse was secured, when that was adopted as the place of meeting. In 1864, they erected their present house of worship at Monroeville, during the pas¬ torate of Rev. A. C. Curry. The building is a frame structure, 32x48 feet, and was erected at a cost of 81,800. It was dedicated by Rev. John Hill, of Fort Wayne, and now has a membership of eighty-six. Rev. C. H. Brown is the present Pastor.

Shiloh Methodist Episcopal Church. - In the winter of 1877, Rev. C. II. Brown conducted a series of protracted meetings in the United Brethren Church at East Liberty, which resulted in a large accession to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a class was at once organized with forty members, of whom all but ten were new converts.

From the officers of the United Brethren Church, they obtained permission to hold their meeting in that house. In the spring of 1879, they began the erection of a brick church, 32x40 feet, about a half mile north of East Liberty, which is not yet completed.

During the summer, a Sunday school is conducted in connection with the i Church, but discontinued during the wiuter. At the last session (summer of j 1879), the average attendance was seventy-five scholars.

Evangelical Lutheran Church. - The first Lutheran Society was organize in 1864, and two years later Alphcus Swift donated a lot, upon which (in 1866), i they erected their present house of worship. This is a frame building, 35x60 feet, and was erected at a cost of $2,250. In the interval between the date of organization and the erection of the church, they held their meetings in Samuei Pool s hall. Rev. E. W. Erick was the first Pastor, and remained in charge of the congregation until several years after the church was completed. He was succeeded by Rev. M. II. Morrison, who remained two years. The next Pastor was Rev. John Miller, who remained two and one-half years, and was succeeded by Rev. Andrew Burns. Mr. Burns remained one year, and since his retirement the Church has been without a regular Pastor. Preaching has been continued, however, by supplies, at regular intervals. The present number of members is forty-two.

Christian Church. - For several years prior to 1867, services were occasionally conducted by ministers of this denomination, in the upper story of a building owned by Samuel Poole, but there was no organization. The society was first organized by Rev. E. W. Hammou in 1867, and continued to hold meetings at Pool's Hall until 1877. Early in that year, they began the erection of a neat brick church, which was completed toward the close of the same year, at a cost of $3,500, and dedicated by Rev. L. L. Carpenter. Rev. T.'P. Sutton was the Pas¬ tor in charge at the time of its completion, and remaiued one year after its dedica¬ tion. He was succeeded by Rev. John Ellis, who remained one year. The Church now has no Pastor, and preaching is had at irregular intervals only. Meeting are conducted every first day, however, by members of the Church.

Monroeville Lodge, No. 283, I. O. O. F., is now working under charter granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, bearing date May 22, 1867. Grand Officers : W. T. McKean, D. D. G. M. ; G. Carrel, V. G. ; P. J. Wise, Secretary ; W. H. Brooks, G. M. There were five charter members, viz., G. C. Nill, A. F. Brown, E. W. Erick, J. W. Rout, A. A. Baker. The following is a list of Noble Grands from the date of organization to the present time : G. C. Nill, E. W. Erick, James Weiler, A. C. Crawford, Jacob Dague, William W. Mc- Kennon, George Randell, M. B. Knouse, J. F. Meeks, James WeHer, Henry Smith, Morris Strass, J. W. Meeks, David Aliger, Peter Lantz, Hiram Roberts, Adam Steinman, J. F. Meeks, J. R. Parker, M. B. Knouse.

The Lodge is in good working order, and free from debt, with property valued at $767.29. The present number of members is thirty, of whom eight are Past Grands. The present officers are : Valentine Rausch, N. G. ; E. G. Coverdale, V. G. ; Henry Dei werd, R. S. ; J. H. Delavan, P. S. ; D. Bevelheimer, Treasurer; M. Strass, A. Steinman, V. L. Shaffer, Trustees.

Monroeville Lodge. No. 293, A., F. <!> A. M., was organized December 30, 1862, with the following Master Masons as charter members: Jabez Shaffer, James Weiler, Peter Eekley, J. G. .Marriotte, M. E. Argo, J. W. Miller, William B. Rabbit, S. T. Rice, John Shaffer, A. Engle, J. L. Robinson, Jacob Cassady, and J. L. Younker. On the 6ch day of February, 1863, the Lodge received a dispensation, and appointed the following officers : Jabez Shaffer, W. M. ; John

The Lodge has continued to prosper from its inception, and now has a mem¬ bership of sixty-three, with property valued at $500. Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month. The following named gen¬ tlemen have served in the capacity of Worshipful Master: 1864, Jabez Shaffer; 1865, Jabez Shaffer; 1866, M. E. Argo; 1867, M. E. Argo; 1868, M. E. Argo; 1869, M. E. Argo; 1870, M. E. Argo ; 1871, Jacob" Cassady ; 1872, George Webster; 1873, M. E. Argo; 1874, Jacob Sweeney; 1875, Jacob Swee¬ ney; 1876, W. T. Wilson; 1877, M. E. Argo; 1878, Henry Smith.

East Liberty'

In 1848, John Burger laid out the village of East Liberty, on Section 29. It was a prosperous town for several years, but it was remote from the railroad, and could not long hold out against its rival. Monroeville. Business gradually drifted to the latter point, and East Liberty sunk into obscurity. It is now a quiet ham¬ let, and nothing remains to indicate a once prosperous town.

This is perhaps the most enterprising town in the county, with the exception of Fort Wayne. Its original proprietor, John Barnhart, made what may be termed* "a happy hit" when he founded a town so near the center of the town¬ ship, in 1851. For a number of years, it was only a mail station on the Pitts¬ burgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, and seems to have awakened very sud- ! denly to the business activity by which it is now characterized, and which stamps j it as the second important trade center of the county. It was incorporated as a town in July, 1866, in response to a petition presented and signed by a majority , of its citizens.

Among the business houses of the town, two are especially worthy of indi¬ vidual notice, from their extensive stock and the systematic manner in which they arc conducted. The first is the hardware establishment of J. B. Niezer & Co., H connection with which a large trade is carried on in sash, doors and manufac¬ tured lumber. The second is the general merchandise establishment of D. b. Redelsheimcr & Co. The front room of this establishment is filled with a stock of dry goods, drugs, .etc., and the upper story with boots and shoes. Other branches of business yi the town are represented by the following firms: Thomas S. Heller, W. D. Baker, M. Cary & Co., Samuel Pool, dry goods and groceries; C. W. Jlollins, drugs j D. A. Row, Thomas Wilson, boot and shoe manufacturers and dealers; C. W. Rollins, John L. Dunham, bakeries and restaurants; S trass & Smith, furniture dealers and undertakers ; Misses Dague & Donat'd, Miss Smith, milliners; M. Strauss, Postmaster and dealer in books and stationery; M. B. Knouse, watches, clocks, jewelry, etc.; J. T. Pool, attorney at law; J. W. Jones, |£. G. Coverdale, Justices of the Peace ; Drs. W. A. Connolly, C. A. Loiter, E. p. Wilder, Jones, E. Selick, W. D. Rockafellow, physicians; J. H. Delavan, agent Singer sewing' machine ; M. Rundel, agent Howe sewing machine ; A. C. Webster, agent American sewing machine ; Virgil Coomer, harness maker; T. H. Conroy, barber; Id. D. Pool, meat market; Valentine Rausch, tailor; G. L. Bobilya, proprietor of Indiana House, and livery and feed stable ; A. C. Craw¬ ford, proprietor of Pacific House.

Local Industries

Monroeville Flouring- Mill. - This enterprise was inaugurated by C. H. Schick in 1865. The main building is thirty-six feet square, three stories and basement. The mill has three runs of buhrs, with a manufacturing capacity of one hundred barrels,^ flour per day. It is a first-class mill, and enjoys an exten¬ sive trade, both at home and abroad. Mr. Schick was its proprietor for about one year,' at the end of which time he sold it to Alpheus Swift & Bro., by whom it was conducted four years. It was then purchased by J. Dague & Bros., under which firm name it is now operated. Six years later, Daniel Shank, one of the present firm, purchased a half-interest in the establishment, but the firm name was not changed. In addition to the home trade, large quantities of flour from tills mill are sold at Pittsburgh and Baltimore.- The shipment of grain, from September 22 to October 22, 1879, was 8,000 bushels.

Stave And Heading Factories

Rout , Webster tfe Co. - In 1864, John W. llout embarked in the manu¬ facture of oil-barrel staves and heading, and, early in 1865, associated with him George Webster and James Weiler, under the firm name of Rout, Webster & Co. In that year, they erected a building 40x60 feet, in the west part of Mon¬ roeville and south of the railroad, where, in addition to the manufacture of staves, they conducted an extensive trade in dressed lumber. Three years later, J. W. Rout retired from the firm and embarked independently in the same business, in which he continued until 1872. He then removed to Decatur, Ind., and became identified with the Citizens' Bank of that city. After his with¬ drawal. Messrs. Webster & Weiler increased their manufacturing facilities by adding a large cooper-shop, dry-house and other buildings, and, at the same time, established a branch factory at Benton, Paulding Co., Ohio. They continued to operate both factories until the latter pare of 1877, when they closed out and retired from the business.

Hemphill & Ashworth. - In 1864, this firm erected a building at the east end of the side-track, 40x»0 feet, for the manufacture of oil and slack barrel staves, heading, etc., and, in connection with this, established a similar factory at Decatur, Ind. The business was continued under this firm name until the early part of 1866, when Mr. Ashworth died. It was then conducted by the surviv¬ ing member of the firm, Mr. Hemphill, until his decease- in February, 1877. He resided at Allegheny City, Penn., and, for eleven years prior to 1878, the business was managed by M. E. Argo, Esq. During this time, there was a flat¬ tering increase in the business, and the shipment of staves averaged one car load per day. In one year, the firm paid $29,600 for freight alone. The average number of men employed was twenty-five. At the time of Mr. Hemphill's decease, the stock invoiced $48,000. The business was continued by his widow - until June, 1879.

Rallya & Robertson erected a stave factory near the establishment of Webster & Weiler in 1865. This building was 40x60 feet, aud, in connection with the manufacture of staves and heading, they erected a cooper-shop, 40x250 feet, for the manufacture of oil barrels. They conducted an extensive business, shipping an average of two car loads of goods daily to Cleveland, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1874, the firm dissolved and the property was sold.

-4. F. Beugnot & Co. - [n 1875, A. F. Beugnot and Daniel Monahan erected a building at the east end of the side track and north of the railroad, in which they began the manufacture of slack barrel staves and heading. They conducted a large business for three years, at the end of which time they sold to J. B. Worden & Co. The latter firm continued until 1878, in which year they .>old the establishment. to its present proprietors, D. S. Redelsheimer & Co.

The Empire Stave Works. - In 1867, a joint-stock company was formed at at Monroeville, under the name of the Empire Stave Company. P. S. O'Rourke was elected President, and Alexander Williamson, Secretary and Treasurer. After the organization of the company, Jacob Sweeney was appointed Superintendent, and directed and supervised the construction of one of the most complete stave lactories in Indiana. The building is situated in the northwest part of town ; it is 35x80 feet, with an engine-room 36 feet square. It is supplied with two boilers, one eighty-horse-power engine, and a full quota of the machinery neces¬ sary for the manufacture of oil and slack barrel staves, circle-heading, etc. The machinery alone cost $6,000.

In 1875, the building was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of about $5,000. The establishment was then purchased by T. S. Heller & E. D. Dague, by whom it was immediately rebuilt. In twenty-eight days after the conflagration it was again put in operation.

In 1876, Mr. Heller & Dague established at Decatur, Ind., a similar factory , almost as extensive as this. In connection with their business, they established large general merchandise stores at Monroeville and Decatur, in each of which they employed from six to eight clerks; and at Dixon, on the Stat.e line, they established a store at which they purchased the supply of timber for their stave factories - shipping from five to six car-loads per day, from that point.

Pump Factory. - T. A. Long began the manufacture of wooden suction pumps at Monroeville in September, 1877. In November of the same year, he associated with him S. M. Williams, who, six months later, retired from the busi¬ ness, and was succeeded by W. A. Waterman. Since that date, the business has been conducted by Long & Waterman. They manufacture an average of 120 pumps annually, and sell them in the home market.

Carriage and Wagon Works. - Scar & Scherer began the manufacture of wagons and carriages in 1878. Christian Scherer sold his interest to Adam Scar, before the close of that year, and Christian Hotfman succeeded him in the firm, since which time the business has been conducted by Scar & Hoffman.

The painting and wood-work is done in the frame building at the corner of Ohio and South streets, and the blacksmith work at the building on Main street. They employ four men, and manufacture an average of fifty wagons and carriages per anuum.

Andrew J. Clem

Andrew J. Clem was born July 18, 1827, in Shenandoah County, Va. This was also the native county of his father, Samuel Clem, of whom a few words may here be said.

Samuel Clem was one of those sturdy farmers who, in a region not remarka¬ ble for fertility, yet managed to earn' from the soil a fair support for a large family, until the reports from the North induced him to change his base, and* seek a more profitable location, where the exercise of his labor would return a reward more commensurate with his energy. In 1826, he married Miss Susanna Riiienour, which union was blessed with eight children, viz., Andrew J., Sarah A., William, David, Henry, Malinda, Samuel and Adam, all of whom now survive.

In 1834, he removed with his family to Champaign County, Ohio, and there | conducted a farm until 1841, when he entered a tract of land in Monroe Towni ship, Allen Co., Ind., to which he brought hifcfumily in the same year. He was I among the first white invaders of the forests of that township,, and his name is I associated forever with its earliest" history. He was an upright man, and ever j enjoyed the esteem of his neighbors. He was also a man of enterprise, and did I much for the advancement of his township.

His sou, Andrew J., was associated, during his boyhood, with scenes of pioneer life, and like many in the same position, had but meager opportunities

Corner Monroes- Elm

- mg pedagogues, with the customary fluctuating standard of ability Durine tne supremacy of the subscription-sohool system the important question was not " Is the man able to conduct a good school?" but "Can the town raise the necessary funds to maintain a school during the winter?" This class of schools, however was not long in vogue after the founding of the town. The provisions for free schools, made by the Constitution of 1851, were adopted, as soon as practicable, by the Trustees of this township, and more uniformity was opparent in their educational standard Monroeville, which was not yet an incorporated town, had no graded school It had its town-school building, but this was conducted like all the schools throughout the township - all the classes reciting in one room. In 1865, after the incorporation of the town, grades were established, but the building was inadequate for the demand and the various departments of the school were taught in as many difterent localities of the town, wherever a suitable room could be procured.

In the fall of 1871, A. Engle, James Weiler and T. S. Heller, School Trustees purchased a lot at the corner of Monroe and Elm streets, 125 by 260 feet, upon which they erected the present handsome school building. This edifice is *1 by 71 feet two stories, containing four schoolrooms, one waiting-room, one room for the Trustees an office for the Principal.

In 1876, the Township Trustees, in connection with the School Trustees of the i, erected an addition to the building, 25 by 36 feet, to be used as a joint hiffh school - its privileges to be enjoyed by scholars throughout the township as well as those in the town. v'

The first term in the new building began January 8, 1872, and ' olo£a * March 29 of the same year. The following were the teachers for that terra: W. A. Dickey Principal; M. S. Lahew, A Grammar; 0. C. Wolf, B Grammar; Miss Mollie E Knouse, Intermediate; Miss Hattie M. Simpson, Primary.

The seooud term began on the let day of April, 1872, and closed on the 4th day of July following. The teacherB for that term were as follows: IV. A Dicker Prin¬ cipal; M S. Morrison, A Grammar; 0. C. Wolf, B Grammar ; Miss Mollie E. Knouse Intermediate; Miss Hattie M. Simpson, Primary. '

"ex.t ter" Began in October, 1872, and dosed in January, 1873, during which term the various departments of the sohool were conducted by the following teachers:

M ir' I!1Co6J' Bnnmpal ; M. S. Lahew, A Grammar; 0. 0. Wolf, B Grammar- Miss Mollie A. Knouse, Intermediate ; Miss Hattie M. Simpson, Primary. ^^AMhedoseofUiis term the above-named teachers were again engaged to teach

The school year began in the following Octobei-and dosed in June, 1874 - contl,eUtarmf°e J%n°fdn f "me """J113- TWs w"8 permanently adopted as the length of 'h® '""owing are the teachers and Trustees who have beeD identified with tuo sohool from that time to the present :

J. B. Niezer Treasurer. Teachers - 0. Z. Hubbell, Principal and Teacher of A Gram- Mms Maggie Connolly, B Grammar; Mrs. Julia Holler. Intermediate; Miss Addie is. Wright, Primary.

the school, and the care exercised in the employment of good teachers. By tide means the Monroeville School has reached a standard inferior to no similar institution in the oounty. It is well appreciated by the public, and its good effects upon the community are marked. All the sohool furm'ure is of the latest and most approved styles, and. instead of a prison, soholars here find the cheerfulness of a home. The course of instruction is as follows : Primary Department - Alphabet, First Reader. Laneuaee. Primary Geography, Mental Arithmetic, etc. Intermediate Department - Second and Ihird Reader, Orthography, Arithmetic, Geography, Penmanship, Grammar, etc. Grammar Department - Fifth Reader, Higher Arithmetic, Ph ysiology, History, Physical Geography, Philosophy, Latin, etc. The number of scholars now enrolled is S62.

for acquiring tliat for which he longed - an education. No public school then opened its doors to him to gratify a desire so laudable, and only at rare intervals a schoolmaster came to the settlement to teach. When such was (he case, how¬ ever, young Clem was a devoted pupil, and having acquired the rudiments of au education, he eagerly devoured the contents of the few books which he was able to obtain. What he read was instructive, and added little by little to his store of knowledge. In the mean time, he was acquiring a knowledge of the occupation which, subsequently, he chose for his field of action if life, namely, that of farm¬ ing. He saw that for an education he would be compelled to rely upon a course of self-instruction, and all leisure time was employed to that end. - Scientific studies were disregarded, and only those branches best calculated to benefit him in every-day life taken up. Thus he gained a good general and practical fund of information.

Boyhood's years rolled into eternity, and he merged into man's estate. He was confident then of his ability to take up the burden of life and battle the world for himself; yet, for nearly two years after attaining his majority, he continued to give his assistance in the economy and management of the home farm. In June, 1850, he gave his hand in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Bower, a resident of Van Wert County, Ohio, the first love of his life ultimating in a happy union, which death has forborne to sever.

A small piece of land, presented by his father, constituted the home where he entered upon an independent life. But he was not content with a farm of such narrow dimensions, and the industry with which he tilled his little fields, together with the frugal care of his good wife, soon resulted in an accumulation of cash in their treasury. This he invested in other land, and year by year his estate grew, until it reached a total of 240 acres. Prom the products of this estate came the means to provide for and educate the children, who in the mean time had come to bless his home, namely - Lucinda, Jeremiah, Mary E., Almira, Jackson A. and Samuel.

The instructions received in youth now came to his assistance in the manage¬ ment of so large a farm ; and its general appearance testifies as to how well he has profited by those lessons - the well- tilled fields and systematic arrangement of his house and barn, all bespeak the thorough farmer.

Successful in the accumulation of wealth, he has been liberal in bestowing it where it would relieve distress, or advance any project inaugurated for the inter¬ est of the township or county at large. He has never figured in politics, and has never permitted his name to be used as a candidate for a public office. He has few enemies, and many friends ; and his manly qualities and honest dealing have gained for him the respect and confidence of all who know him.

Lewis Ridenour

His father had been a soldier in the war of 1812, yet, cultured in tilling the soil, he finally located himself upon a farm in "Powell's Fort," - a tributary valley to the Shenandoah. Here he reared his own family, training them as he had been trained - to habits of industry and to earnest toil.

When Lewis was a lad of about six years, his father fell from a horse, crushing his left shoulder. This caused permanent disability in the use of his left arm. Situated, too. quite unfavorably, as regarded fertility of soil, convenience to market, etc., labor was expended to a disadvantage. These circumstances, certainly, were not calculated to promote other than a moderate prosperity.

As regards school privileges, but few were afforded the subject of our sketch during boyhood. His attainments and his successes have been secured through self-application, and the severe, but practical school of experience. These, too, have been coupled with native genius, and an indomitable purpose.

Remaining at home, assisting about the labors of the farm, until twenty-oue years of age, he then stepped forth to fight for himself the battle of life. Em¬ barking thus, his capital consisted in two suits of clothes and $9.25, cash Securing employment with a farmer, he continued his service with the same little more than four years. Following his retirement, on October 10, 1848, he wedded Miss Esther Brannaman, daughter of Christian Brannaman, Esq., a wealthy farmer of Rockingham County, his native State. Refusing assistance from her parents on terms proffered, he renewed laboring for others up to the spring of 1851.

He arrived in Allen County during the month of May, 1851. Soon there¬ after, he ourchased (of the land on which he yet lives in Monroe Township) 240 acres, paying for the same §3.25 per acre. Adding to this he now owns in one body (100 acres excepted), 580 acres.

Procrastinate he could not. After his arrival and purchase of land, the next consideration was to erect a dwelling. For one day, a man, with team of oxen to haul logs was hired for §1.12). For the same length of time, another man with an ax to chop was hired for 50 cents. This day sufficed to secure the necessary timber for the dwelling. By the help of neigh¬ bor's, within a circuit of two miles, a second day sufficed to raise and inclose the same, while the third day he and family occupied. Fast time, indeed, making a, home in the woods !

But no sooner was he sheltered within his cabin, than other improvements were begun. On the 8th day of June, 1851, he commenced to clear some ground and prepare it for crops. He succeeded that season in growing a full supply of corn for his own use, and eighteen bushels of potatoes. And, continuously, from that modest beginning, as a man of agriculture he has been successful. His pros¬ perity has been marked ; his advancement rapid. In fact, to behold his home aud present estate is to admire. ^His broad, fertile fields; well-kept fences, splendid herd of cattle, beautiful horses and complete equipage, are all indicative of industry, taste and strength of character, and eminently distinguish him as a model farmer.

Mr. Ridenour's wedded life has been blessed with six children (four of them still living - two sons and two daughters), viz., Anna E. (deceased), Adam P. (married), Margaret (deceased), Ephraim B., Catherine and Sarah. As an index of his reflective mind, religiously, we give the following incident: Being in quest of Sheriff Munson one day in the month of February, 1879, he was invited, for the first time, through the Allen County Jail. Once within, and observing the security of the prison, he conceived this impressive contrast - that while the transgressors in this world were locked in, those of the next world would be locked out. He is yet hearty and vigorous, bidding fair to see many future years in which to enjoy the rewards of a toilsome, well-directed life.

Obituary

Since the above was prepared - and, lo! how adverse to the hope of its clos¬ ing sentence - this once hardy pioneer has been suddenly -called from the theater of time.

On the morning of November 5, 1879. while sitting as a juror on the Swayne murder trial, in the Criminal Court at Fort Wayne, and after but slight complaint of illness, he was seized by a stroke of apoplexy. Soon as admissible, he was removed to his home near Monroeville, this county. Continuing in a deranged state of mind wheu consciousness returned, on November 12 an exam¬ ination was held, which resulted in his being pronounced non compos mentis. Thereupon he was taken to the State Lunatic Asylum at Indianapolis, where, on November 20, 1879, the thread of life was severed. Brought back to bereaved family and friends, in sadness they laid him away to rest.

William D. Baker

was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 10, 1836. His father was a carpenter, and worked at his trade until 1840, when he removed to Allen County, and pur¬ chased a tract of land in Monroe Township, which be went to work to improve and convert into a farm.

William remained at home, working on the farm in the summer, and attend¬ ing school in the winter, during his boyhood. He continued to work on the farm until 1869, when he went to Monroeville, and commenced the grocery and provision business, in partnership with his brother and a Mr. Schell, under the firm name of Schell, Baker & Co.

In 1871. Mr. Baker purchased the interest of Mr. Schell in their business, and he and his brother continued in partnership un£il 1874, when he purchased the interest of his brother, and has since continued it, with success by himself.

Mr. Baker was elected one of the Board of Trustees of the village of Monroeville in 1873. and has held that position to the present time. For the last four years, he has been President of the Board.

He is an active, energetic, pleasant business man, and the position given him by his fellow-citizens and neighbors for so long a period is sufficient proof ot the high esteem in which he is held, as a man and citizen, by those who know him best.

Charles Whittern

is a native of Awling, Gloucestershire, England, where he was borr. Apr.! 4,-~ 1814. His father was a gardener and nurseryman, and Charles was early edu¬ cated to the same, working thus with his father until eighteen years of age ; he then started out for himself, soon procuring a situation. In January, 1835, he was united in marriage with Miss Isabella L. Beauchamp, also of Gloucester¬ shire ; in September, 1848, she departed this life, leaving her husband and seven children - five sons and two daughters, in bereavement. Two of the sons, in the fierce battle of Stone River, were killed, one a member of Company E, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and the other of the Forty-Second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

By careftil economy, he had been enabled to provide the requisite m^ans to secure a passage to this country for himself and little family. He sailed foi York from Liverpool, in the fall of 1839. Unfortunately, the vessel on they sailed was wrecked on the coast of Long Island, but, fortunately (one excepted), all were saved. Fortunately, too, for Mr. W.,he soon secured : tion upon the island and went to work. There he remained until Sept<

1841; then, removing to the vicinity of Cleveland, Ohio, he resumed 1 occupation of gardening. On July 20, 1850, he married a second time, as his bride Miss Malvina Nelson McBride, of Cuyahoga County, Ohio ; si. dron have been the fruits of this marriage. Two sons of this family on! vive to comfort them in their declining years.

Mr. Whittern is the owner of 335 acres of excellent land, most of it in vicinity of Monroeville; it is largely improved aud in a fine state of eultivu*

From early -boyhood, he has been an earnest member of the Episcopal Chi Although of age well advanced, he is still hearty and vigorous, giving prstill, of many years in which to enjoy the blessings and comforts which su»

Manufacturer of Pumps, and Constable. Manufacturer of Drain Tile. Monroev'le Dealer in Hardware and Agricultural Implements. Monroev'le Farmer.

Monroev'le Publisher of the Monroeville Democrat. .Monroev'le Dealer in Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, Cigars and Tobacco. Proprietor of the Moni'oe Mills. Farmer.

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; 172 words in this source stream.

Monroe Township

This extreme southeastern township was occupied by the splendid forests which have given it fame, without any encroachment upon their growth, until the fall of 1839, when William and James Black and Joseph Rabbit coming from Carroll count}', Ohio, began a permanent settlement on section 32. They succeeded in developing farms and lived there for several years. One Kimsey "squatted" upon a claim in the northwest in the same season, but after his death, which followed soon, his stakes were taken up. Other comers in the same }'ear were Lawrence Umbaugh and his son-in-law, Jacob Drake, on section 32, and Peter Schlemmer, on section 21. During the same season Noah Clem, a Virginian, purchased land on section 33, and by the help of his neighbors built a cabin which received his family in the following spring. He was a settler for hfe and a prominent man. In 1840 came Moses Ratledge and his sons William and Moses, Elijah Reddinghouse and John Friedline. The latter, by entry and purchase, accumulated 400 acres. Hugh