Springfield Township

Situation, Surface, Etc

Springfield is situated in the northeastern part of Allen County, and is bounded as flows: North by DeKalb County, east by Scipio Township, south by Maumee and Milan Townships, west by Cedar Creek Township. It has an area of 35.26 square miles. It was organized at the September term of the Board of County Commissioners, 1837, and comprised Township 32 north, of Range 14 east; and Township, 32 north, of Range 15 east, was attached thereto. In 1843, the latter township was organized as Scipio, thus reducing the boundaries of Springfield to their present limits.

The soil is watered by Mary Delarme Creek, which flows through the north eastern portion of the township , Black Creek, which has its source on Section 16, and flows southeast, joining the Maumee River; Twelve Mile Creek has its source in Sectiun 17, and ffi>ws south, joining the Maumee in Milan Township. The surface is of an undulating nature, and the natural drainage is fine. The soil is a black loam, with a substratum of sand, and is very productive.

Early Settlement

William Sweet, Isaac Hall and Ezra May settled in Springfield Township in 1836. William Sweet was a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and, at the time of his settlement in this town>hip, was a married man, and had a family to pro¬ vide for in the wilderness. He went to work with all the energy characteristic of the pioneers of that day, and in due time cleared a farm, which he sold several years later. He then took up his abode with his son-in-law, near Bull Rapids, with whom he continued to reside until his decease.

Isaac Hall was born in Beaver County, Penn., in 1804. and at the age of two years removed with his parents to Ohio, and settled in Portage (now Summit) County. Here he was educated in the details of farming, and his course of expe¬ rience developed the physical man ; and when, at the age of thirty-two years, he sought a home in the forests of Allen Couuty, he came prepared lor the hardships which he knew must follow his undertaking. On the 1st day of May, 1836, he placed his family and household goods in a wagon, and started for the West. The roads were good until he reached the valley of the Maumee. Here the traveled road terminated, and from that point to his destination he was compelled to " rough it" - driving up and down ravines whose sides were almost perpendicular, and enduring all the annoyances and discomforts incident to a journey of that nature. He reached the " Maumee Settlement," where he remained during the summer of 1836. He could not then buy land, as the Government office was closed for that season ; but in the following lull he purchased the farm upon which he now resides ; and, taking his family to the new home, began at once the labor °f improvement. He was a prominent man in the settlement, and was chosen to fill various local offices - notably those of Justice of the Peace and County Com¬ missioner. He has witnessed all the changes for the better which have taken place in the township, and has ever been a cordial supporter of public enterprises.

Henry Grubar came in February, 1S27, and joined hands with those who had preceded him in felling the forest and developing agriculture. He settled on the farm now owned by Peter Repp, where he resided twenty three years. He then removed to Hieksville, Ohio, where lie now lives.

In the same year James King came from New York, and rented a tract of land south of the present site of Maysville. He remained about two years, then purchased land on the Maumee, upon which he lived during the remainder of his life.

In January, 1837, Richard Glaze settled on (he farm now owned by Isaac Dresback. He was accompanied by his wife and son Absalom. The latter died about three years later. The parents then returned to Ohio, their native Siate.

Estes Howe, with his wife and child, came from near Oswego, N.Y.,in July, 1837. He was employed by Ezra May, with whom he remained two years, then removed to the farm now owned by Jacob Sappington, in St. Joseph Township. Iy the fall of 1842, he purchased the farm on which lie now resides.

Jeremiah Whaley, a native of New York, visited the township in 1836, and entered a tract of land to whi h he removed in the succeeding year. He remained in the township until 1855, when he sold his farm, and went to reside in the State of Iowa. About a year later, he decided to return to his former home, but died during the journey.

Richard Anderson came in 1839. He is a native of Washington County, Penn. He was married at the age of twenty six years, and, three years later, came to bear his part in the settlement of the township in which he now resides. He purchased forty acres of woodland on Section 33, and reduced it to a fine sold it and purchased property in Tennessee, to which he removed with his family in the spring of 1870. In tire fall of 1871, he traded his farm in that State for property in Maysville, where he now resides.

John D. Reichelderfer settled in the township in September, 1840. He purchased a tract of land, and cleared and improved the same. His industry

William Lucas, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, removed to Fort Wayne in 1831, and was engaged as a lab* rer on the Wabash & Eric Canal. He lived at Fort Wayne until 1842, in which year he-scttled in Springfield Township, having previously purchased a tract of land. This he partially cleared, and, in 1846, removed to Milton Township, but, a few years later, returned to Springfield, where he now resides.

Early Events

Ezra May erected the first grist-mill in 1837-38. He also owned the first blacksmith-shop in the township and employed a man to do the work. The shop was first opened in the winter ot' 1839 - 40.

The Hicksville, or Ridge road was surveyed through the township in the fall of 1839 and, about eighteen months later, a road was surveyed from Spcncervillc, De Kalb County, Ind., to the Maumee lliver.

The first orchards were set out in 1837 by William Sweet, Ezra May and Richard Glaze, on their respective farms. They are all now in healthy condition nnd bear fruit.

Mary E., daughter of Ezra May, died September 2, 1838, and was buried in the tract previously donated by her father for a cemetery. Her9 was the first death in the township.

The first election was held at the house of Isaac Hall on the first Saturday of October, 1837. Isaac Hall was Inspector by appointment, and Ezra May was elected Justice of the Peace.

The first school was taught in 1810 or 1841, in a log cabin on the site now occupied by the Odd Fellows' Hall. Sarah Bracey was the teacher.

In the following summer, a subscription was made up by residents of the township for the purpose of building anotln r schoolhousc. It was a hewed-log structure, and was erected on the farm of William Sweet. In this school, as in its predecessor, a tuition fee was collected from those having children to be edu cated.

The first district school was erected in 1854-55. Of this class, there are now twelve in the township, having a total enrollment of 735 scholars.

The first taverns were kept by William Letcher and Ira Johnson, respect¬ ively, soon after the opening of the Ridge road. John N. Alderman kept a tavern about the same lime, near the present site of Maysville.

The first stock of merchandise was brought to the township in 1847, by Richard McMullen. lie tented a room in Ezra May's house, and sold the goods for parties in Fort Wayne.

Dr. F. K. Cosgrove was the first physician. He located in the township in 1852. and is still actively engaged in the duties of his profusion.

The first post office was established at. the village of Cuba in 1849, and continued to be kept at that place until 1S54, when it was removed to Harlan.

In 1851, a post office was cs'ablished in the northeast part of the township, under the name of Hall's Corners." Isaac Hall was appointed Postmaster, and held the position umil the fall of 18G0, when he resigned in favor of John Murphy, to whose house the office was ilnn removed. Three years later, it was removed io John Shafer's store, on the Ridge road, and, in 1878, to the house of Elias Billman, the present Postmaster.

Methodist Episcopal. - In the winter of 1843-44, the Methodists organized their first class at the schoolhousc on Section 28. There were twelve constituent members, viz., Marcus Brown and wife, Horace Skinner and wife, William Sweet and wife, Richard Anderson and wife, Mrs. M. Johnson, Ahira Paitec, Alpln nso Pattcc and wife. ReV. G. C. Metzg r was the first Pastor, and remained one year. Meetings were held regularly in ihc schoolhousc until 1854, at which time they completed their present house of worship - Harlan Church. It is situated in the eastern part of the town of Maysville. As a church it has been prospered, and its membership has increased from year to year.. The num¬ ber ( f members at present is 110.

In 1S43, a Sunday school was organized in connection under the >upciiutcnilence of Samuel Ilitehcock. The origin ars was eighteen. The school has been maintained ever si, average attendance of one hundred scholars. Ensign Carrinj Superintendent.

Methodist Protestant. - The first class of this denomination was organized at Cuba in the winter of 1851, by llcv. 11. S. Widney. There were fourteen mem¬ bers in the class. They held meetings in the schoolhousc until 1854, at which time they erected at Cuba a frame church, during the pastorate of Rev. David Puttee. It was a frame building 30x41) feet, and cost $51)0.

In 18GG, the building was removed to Maysville, and in it the congregation worshiped until 1878. In that year, they began the Erection of a handsome frame church at Maysville, which was dedicated January 19, 1879, by Rev. McKeevcr. The old building was then sold and is now occupied as a store by Samuel Euingcr.

The new building i9 35x55 feet, and cost S2, 700 exclusive of .the bell, which cost 8207. The present number of members is fifty-eight. Rev. T. E. Lancas¬ ter is the present Pastor.

The Sunday school was organized in 1872, with eighteen schoolars. L. Coomer was the first Superintendent and still occupies that position. There are now seventy scholars enrolled.

In December, 1853, Lewis Reichelderfer and wife laid out a portion of their land into town lots, and gave the name of Harlan io the prospective village. It was situated in the southwest quarter of Section 28.

In May, 1859, Ezra May laid out the town of Maysville. on the northwest quarter of Section 33, immediately ndjoining the town of Harlan, and only separated from it by a section line. The new town became the scene of business operations and the old one soon lost its identity, which is now preserved only in the name of the post office. Both towns are now known as Maysville without distinction.

The principal business men at present arc as follows: Dry goods, groceries, and notions, Samuel Eningcr, Lewis Reichelderfer ; hardware, W. I. Hnyes; drugs, J. II. Omo, F. K. Cosgrove; millinery. Miss Swan ; confectionery, W. G. Hood & Son ; meat market,' Grice & Snider ; furniture dealers and undertakers, Kinsey & Allen, J. D. Stopher; barber, Freeman Abies; harness-makers, W. R. Derby, D. N. Osyor ; hotel, Charles A. Starr; physicians, F. K. Cosgrove, J II. Oino, J. W. Bilderback, C. F. Swift ; attorney, John Eckles; wagon-makers, John Stopher, J. L. Martin ; blacksmiths, J. G. Weaver, Phge& Brown, Russell Copp; hoop factory, Stopher & Zeis; painter, Russell N. George ; saloon, G. W. Wait.

Local Industries

Maysville Flouring- Mill. - This mill was erected by John Hawkins in 1859, and subsequently sold by him to his son and R. Anderson. At a later date, it was sold by them to Timbrook & Ashley, by whom it was operated until 18U6. In that year, it was purchased by Eckles k Mitchell, and operated under that firm name for a period of eighteen months. James and George Eckles then purchased the interest of Mr. Mitchell, and the firm name became Eckles Broihers. In 1877, James and George Eckles retired, leaving their brother, M. P. Eckles. sole proprietor. He associated with him. as partners, John Small and Mrs. Margaret Sturm, since which time the business has been conducted under the firm name of Eckles, Small & Co. The building is 35x40 feet, three stories, with an engine room 20x35 feet. During the present year, it has been refitted and supplied with new machinery. It has three run of buhrs, and a manufacturing capacity of thirty barrels of flour daily.

Saic- Mill. - In 1862, Seymour Coomer and Jacob Bicdchart erected at -Mays¬ ville a building fur the manufacture of shingles. Two years later, Mr. Bickhart purchased the interest of Mr. Coomer, and added the necessary machinery for making it a saw-mill. In 1SG5, Jacob Hollopeter purchased the mill, and shortly after associated with him his brother Matthias. They operated ir until 1SG7, when it was destroyed by tire. Matthias Hollopeter then retired, and it was rebuilt by his brother Jacob, who operated it until his decease, in 1870. In March, 1871, it was purchased by Joseph D. .Stopher and Horace Herrick, who, six months later, associated William B. Daniels with them in the firm.

Mr. Herrick retired in 1877, and Mr. Daniels in 1878. During this time, they addi/1 a band-saw, felly saw, and other machinery. Mr. Stopher conducted the bu'iness alone until August 10, 1879, when he sold the establishment to John Small, the present proprietor.

Maysville Planing- Mills. - Isaac Bickhart first embarked in this enterpiise at Maysville. in the spring of 1S75. II is establishment was a small frame build¬ ing, which, in time, was succeeded by the substantial brick building iu which tin* business is now conducted. He began the erection of this building in June, 1879, and finished it in the latter part of July. It is 2Sx45 feet, two stories and basement; engine-room, 14x26 feet; motive power, sixteen-horse-power engine. The machinery of the old mill is used here, viz.: Flouring-mill. surface planer, rip-saw, molding-machine, band-saw, shaping-machines, turning-lathes, etc. He manufactures flooring, siding, moldings, battens, dressed lumber, etc., giving employment to from four to six men in the mill.

Harlan Lodge , No. 82Jf, A., F. <0 A. M., was instituted in May, 1863, under dispensation, and received its charter May 25, 1SG4, signed by John B. Fravle, Gran cl Master. The first officers were: Peter S. Crisenbury, W. M.; Ira S. Skinner, S. W.; John Townsend, J. W., all having been appointed by the. Grand Lodge. There were seven charter members, viz., Peter S. Crisenbury. Ira S. Skinner, Marvin C. Munger, Rev. David Pattee, Rev. J. S. Sellers, William

Herrick and George Platter. At present, the number of members is thirty. The Lodge meets on Friday evening, on or before the full moon of each month. The financial condition of the Lodge is good. It is free from debt, with a sur¬ plus in the treasury. The officers at present are as follows : La Fayette Coomer, W. M . Crayton Webb, S. W.; W. I. Hayes, J. W.; George W. Wilbur, Treasurer ; John Stopher, Secretary; David N. OsymyS. D.; Lewis Zeis, J. D.; Sylvester Skellcjoger, Tiler. . , . ,

Prospect Lodge, No. SSI , 1. 0. 0. was organized under charter dated June 22. 1869. The following were the charier members: Arthur M. Taylor, J. S. Crites, John Horn, Jefferson Walter and Josiah Roller. The first meeting was held on the evening of November 4, 1869. The first officers were: A. M. Taylor, N. G.; J. S. Crites, V. G.; John Horn, R. S.; Josiah Roller, P. S.; Jefferson Walter. Treasurer. Five candidates were initiated on the first meeting ni'dit, viz. G. W. Walter, J W. Derby, John W. Dresback and David Walter. Immediately after organizing, the Lodge purchased a building, which they repaired and remodeled, and in which they now hold meetings. The present number of members is twenty. The present officers are as follows: H. G. Hood, N. G.; Henry Knouse, V. G.; G. W. Walter, Secretary ; Samuel Eninger, Treasurer ; William Shoup and Simon Richea, Trustees.

Cuba

is a small hamlet situated in the southwest quarter of Section 32. It was laid out in 1855, and, at one time, bade fairly to become the principal town of the township ; but tire founding of Maysvijle reversed its prospects, and it lapsed into comparative insignificance.

one of the leading physicians and surgeons of the northeastern part of this county, was born in New Carlisle, Clark Co., Ohio, March 18, 1827. When quite young, his parents moved to Cincinnati. His father died when he was about twelve years of age. He was then taken to Esses County, N. J., where he was cared for by relatives. Attending school here until 1842, he returned to the West to visit other relatives living at Warsaw, Ind. On his route, he tarried in Fort Wayne a few days, at the tavern then kept by John Lilly.

Fort Wayne, at that time, presented a different appearance from what it docs to-day. Nearly all the business of the town was transacted between Barr and Calhoun streets. On Columbia street, the buildings were nearly all one and two stories in height, built mostly of wood, with occasionally a log cabin - the streets unpaved, and Columbia street one continuous sea of mud. But there was a very large amount of business transacted in Fort Wayne even then, and, under these unfavorable circumstances, the streets were full of teams, at the proper season, loaded with grain, that had come, many of them, long distances. These teams, on their return home, would be loaded with goods sold by the merchants of that city.

At the breaking-out of the Mexican war, Dr. C., still a young man, enlisted in Company I, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Captain Charles Brough. He served as one of the color guards of his regiment during his entire* period of enlistment and never missed a day's duty. After the close of that war, he read medicine in the office of John Tutman, M. D., of De Kalb Cou'nty, in this State. He finally graduated at the Ohio Medical College, and commenced the practice of his profession in Antioch, Ohio, in 1S50 ; soon after removing to Maysville. in this county; where he has since continued to reside.

In the year 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Malinda Phelps, a step sister of Mrs. Laura Suttonfield, Mrs. Eliza Hanna, Mrs. Elvira Dubois and of E. P., L. M. aud Horace Taylor. Their union has been blessed with seven children, four of whom are still living. Their eldest son, Frank K. Cosgrove, Jr., is at this time and has for a number of years been Deputy Sheriff of this county.

At the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, the Doctor gave up his large and lucrative practice, devoting his entire time and a large amount of money to raising troops for the Union army, enlisting men particularly for the Thirtieth and Forty-fourth Regiments of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as well as for a number of other regiments and batteries, and for which he never received any remuneration from either the General Government, the State, the county or from private funds

When the Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers was organized, lie was mustered into the United States Service with it as Captain of Company D, and he went with it to the front. The regiment saw hard service, and gallantly per¬ formed every duty assigned to it. It distinguished itself at Fort Donelson and Shiloh. On the second day of the battle last named, Capt. Cosgrove received a severe wound in the left arm from a minie-ball, but he refused to leave the field until the battle was over. His wound was not dressed until the last shot was fired and the victory won. His wound proved so severe that it prevented his remaining in the field ; and lie was d( tailed for duty at Camp Chase, Ohio, where he remained until September 3, 1S62, then receiving an honorable discharge by the order of the Secretary of War.

Later in 1863, he took a trip across the Continent, visiting tlm Territories j and the Pacific Slope and Central America, after which he returned to his old home and resumed the practice of his profession. The Doctor is a very succcssj ful practitioner; is in the meridian of life, and is highly esteemed by a large circle of neighbors and of life-long friends.

Situation, Soil, Etc

Soipio is situated in the northeast corner of Allen County, and embraces an area of 13.15 square miles. It is the smallest township in the county; and from the fact that it was oiiginally a part of Springfield, its history is. limited. It was set apart as a separate township, by the Hoard of County Commissioners in March, 1S1U.

The soil in the northern part is of black loam, intermixed with sand. In the southern part it loses its .-andy nature, and is almost exclusively loam. It is rich and productive, and is sufficiently undulating to afford fine natural drainage. Mary Delarme Creek is the only stream flowing through the township.

Platt Squier and Jehial Parks were the first white settlers within the present limits of the township. Both purchased their land and located in 1836. Platt Squier was a native of Vermont, but removed with his parents to Ohio, when a child and there remained until the date of which we write. Accus¬ tomed from childhood to manual labor, he was just the man for a leader in the labor of felling a forest and establishing a' settlement. He was a prominent man in the community throughout his life, and, being of a cheerful disposition, gained many friends. He cleared and improved a farm, upon which he resided until his decease. He was the first magistrate of the township, and served iu that capacity for a number of years.

Mr. Squier's associate, Jehial Parks, was a man of great muscular power, and was as well qualified for the work which he undertook as was his friend Squier. Like him, he had been reared on a farm, and inured to labor, and, like him, he battled with the trials which beset him in the wilderness, and came out conqueror. He possessed a thorough knowledge of farming, and, after clearing his land, cultivated it successfully until death elosed his labors. He was esteemed by all, and lived many years in the township, in whose improvement he expended tie best years of his life.

In the following spring (1837), Lucius and Nathan Palmer, natives of New Fork , settled on the farm dow owned by the son of the former. They were industrious men, and readily adapted themselves to their positions, working early and late until their farms were cleared and in a condition to return them a compensation for their labor.

George and Robert Dorsey and Philip Shell came in March. 1838. They were all energetic meu, and worked with a vigor and alacrity which produced a telling effect upon the timber surrounding them. Philip Shell lived to witness the prosperity which, in later years, crowned the labors of the pioneers. He continued to reside in the township until his decease, which occurred at a recent date. v George and Robert Dorsey still reside where they located forty-one years ago, in the northern part of the township.

Among the early settlers were Samuel Wentworth and his brothers, John and Henry. Samuel came in 1838, and, after clearing a farm, made it his home for a number of years. He finally sold out, and removed to one of the Western States, where he died. His brothers, John and Henry, started with him from home, but purchased land on the Maumee River, and did not come to reside in the township until 1840 or 1841.

La Fayette Squier was the first white child born in the township. He was born in 1838. The first death was that of Laura Squier, in April, 1840. Her parents were boiling sugar in the grove near their home, and their daughter was playing near the fire. Her clothing came in contact with the coals, and she was burned to death before assistance could be rendered. She was buried on her father's farm.

The first religious meeting was held at the house of Jehial Parks in 1840. Services were conducted by Benjamin Dorsey, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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; 1,773 words in this source stream.

Springfield Township

Through this township runs a ridge or water-shed, from Fort Wayne extending toward the lakes, and along this in 1839, the Hicksville or ridge road was surveyed, which has come to be an important highway. Three years previous, in 1836, there had been several settlements in the township. William Sweet and family, from New York, had made a home. Isaac Hall, a native of Pennsylvania, who had lived and married in Portage county, Ohio, came up by way of the Maumee settlement, and became a leading man. At his house the first election was held in October, 1837. He was inspector, and Ezra May, who was another of the 1836 settlers, was elected justice. May was quite enterprising, and in 1837-8 built a grist-mill, and the next year established a blacksmith shop. At his home the tirst religious meeting was held in 183S by Rev. True Pattee, and in the same house his daughter, Mary E., passed away - that being the first death among the settlers here. In 1837 there settled Jeremiah Whaley, Henry Gruber, James King, Richard Glaze, Estes Howe and William Ringwalt. In Mr. Gruber's family occurred the first birth, a son named Henr}', born in November, 183S. Nathan Lake and family came to the vicinity of Cuba in 1S3S. Ezra Worden, who came in 1S38, settled in 1841. Richard Anderson came in 1839, and in the following year John D. Reichelderfer, now a patriarch among the people of the township, began his labor of clearing away the forest. Thomas Lucas, who came to Fort Wayne in 1831, removed to this township in 1842. In 1840, and afterward, settlers multiplied rapidly, and a list of them is impossible. Several are hereafter mentioned. Soon after the opening of the ridge road, taverns were kept by William' Letcher and Ira Johnson, and about the same time John N. Alderman opened a tavern near the site of Maysville. The first postotfice was established at the village of Cuba, in the southwest corner of the township, and here a town was laid out by Andrew Metzgar, in June, 1855, but though it promised to succeed, it has not grown to importance. In 185 1 the neighborhood at Hall's Corners was given a postoffice, and it still remains, perpetuating the name of an old settler.

Maysville - The place of Ezra Ma3's was a center of business at an early date, and in a room of his house, Richard McMuUen started a store, in 1847. In Ma}', 1859, ^''- ^I'^ys laid out a small plat of the town which bears his name, south of the Hicksville road, adjoining the plat of Harlan, which had been laid out in December, 1853, between the Hicksville and Spencerville roads, b}' Lewis Reichelderfer. The towns grew mto one, and though the name Maysville has now been attached to both, the postoflice is still known as Harlan. Additions were made by Mr. Mays, W. Squires and Lewis and Charles Reichelderfer. The population is now about 700.

In 1S59, '^^ Maysville flouring-mill was erected b}- John Hawkins, which has been an important industry. It has been successively in the hands of Hawkins & Anderson, Timbrook & Ashley, the Eckles Brothers, Eckles, Small & Sturm, and is now owned by the firm of Ober, Mann & Anderson. The next industry was the saw-mill, established b}-' Seymour Coomer and Jacob Bickart, first as a shingle-mill, in 1862. Interests have since been owned by Jacob and Matthias Hollopeter, Joseph D. Stopher, Horace Herrick, William B. Daniels, and John Small. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1867, and rebuilt by Jacob Hollopeter and now owned and run by Cummins & Reichelderfer. The Mayville planing-mill was founded by Isaac Bickhart, in 1S75, and in 1879, "^ saw-mill was built by him.

Harlan lodge, F. & A. M., was instituted in May, 1863, and chartered May 25, 1864, with the following members: Peter S. Crisenbury, Ira S. Skinner, Marvin C. Munger, Rev. David Pattee, Rev. J. S. Sellers, William Herrick and George Platter. It now has about thirtv members.

Prospect lodge, No. 331, I. O. O. F., was chartered June 22, 1S69, with the following members: Arthur M. Taylor, J. S. Crites, John Horn, Jefferson Walter, and Josiah Roller. The first meeting was held November 4, 1869. A building was purchased by the lodge immediately after the organization, which was used for its meetings until the summer of 1S89, when the lodge purchased the Maysville graded school building, which it now occupies. The membership is about forty-five.

The first newspaper at iNIaysville, was the Harlan Independent^ established bj' D. M. Allen, who published it until being elected county surveyor, he removed to Fort Wayne, when the paper was discontinued. In March, 1889, a paper was established under the same name by James Forsyth, formerly of New York city, who has proven to be an able manager and editor. This favorite weekly is independent in politics, and aggressive in news gathering. It has steadily grown in popularitv and has a circulation of over i ,000 copies, and a steady increase in subscriptions. In 1887, the Maysville Breeze was estabhshed by J. M. Shutt; this was a creditable paper, but the office was destroyed by fire early in July, 1889. Other prominent business men of Maysville, are: Dr}' goods - heirs of Samuel Eminger, Grubb & Co., William Reichelderfer; hardware - Oliver Minnie, Haj's & James; drugs - J. H. Omo; furniture and undertaking - E. C. Carrington; blacksmiths - James Webber, William Page, George Brown, William Oberholtzer; harness - A. B. Umstead. Charles A. Starr is postmaster and proprietor of the Starr hotel.

Nelson B. Hall, for many years from an early date a resident of Springfield township, is a son of Isaac Hall, the notable pioneer who has been referred to. Isaac Hall was born in Erie count}', Penn., in 1804, and while yet a young man, went into the wilds of Ohio. In February, 1833, he was married to Margaret Bardue, and they lived in Ohio upon a small piece of land given him by his father, until 1836, when the}- came to Allen county, and first went to the settlement in Maumee township, but remaining there only two or three months, then came through the trackless forest to Springfield township, and bought 240 acres of wild land. Here he built his log cabin in the woods, but before ' he could bring his family to it, he lost his wife by death, a severe blow to him. But aided by his sister-in-law, he went on with his work in the wilderness, and a year later he was married to Jane Bardue, a sister of his deceased wife, and a good mother to his orphan children. Indians were numerous at that time and often came to Mr. Hall's to trade their beads and baskets, and as was peculiar with them always demanded the provisions for which they traded in basketful lots. Game was abundant, and wolves, bear and deer quite numerous. Mr. Hall was wideh' known and respected as a representative pioneer of the best class. He served as trustee of his township several 3-ears, as justice in Scipio eight years, and as county commissioner one term, i860 to 1S63. With the surroundings just described, Nelson B. Hall was raised. He was born in what is now Summit count}^, Ohio, December 12, 1833. His educa- tion was received in the old log school-house, and at the academy at Fort Wayne and at Newville. Being well educated he began teaching at nineteen years of age, and taught during fifteen years. From his salary he saved enough to buy and partially pay for sixty acres of unimproved land. In 1863 he was married to Jennette Moore, who was born November 3, 1S38, and by this union had three children, one of whom, Ivan, survives. After marriage he resided in Springfield township until 1887, when he retired from farming and made his home at Hicksville, Ohio, where he has a good two-story dwelling and handsome grounds. He still owns 160 acres of good land in Springfield township, well improved. Mr. Hall is an influential and prominent man, and during eight years served as justice of Springfield township. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a class leader.

Christian Gruber, an early settler and leading German farmer of Springfield township, was born in Piqua, Ohio, December 29, 1824, son of Christian and Mary (Ruber) Gruber. The father came to Ohio while a young man and was enlisted a short time afterward in the war of 1812, in which he served until the close. Christian came to Indiana in 1837 with his brother and worked as a laborer nine or ten years, and then bought forty acres which he cleared and converted into a beautiful little farm. In 1S53 he married Mary, daughter of Simon and Catharine (Harner) House. Of their thirteen children, eight are Hving: John, Sarah, Joseph, Milton, Ellen, William, Clara and Anna. Mrs. Gruber was born May 9, 1831. She and husband are members of the old Lutheran church, of which he has been an elder about forty years, and IS deacon and trustee at present. He served about four j-ears as constable but has declined other oflices. When he first came to Allen county there were but three families in his township. With his parents, Mr. Gruber underwent all the trials and discomforts of early days, being deprived of the advantages of schools, but he is nevertheless intelligent and enterprising, and is numbered among the worthy and respected citizens of Allen county.

George P. Lake, of a pioneer family, was born in Vermont, November 24, 1834, son of Nathan and Jerusha (Sheldon) Lake, both natives of Virginia. The}- moved to Vermont when aged eighteen or twentjyears, and there married and remained until 1S35, when they left Vermont in search of health, the husband being consumptive. He came with his family of eight children by boat to Maumee City, and then took wagons and struck the Black Swamp where it required three days to travel seven miles. They settled in LaGrange county, but after eighteen months removed to Allen county and settled where Fort Wayne now stands. During the first 3ears there he cultivated fort}' acres of corn within the present city hmits. In the spring of 1838 he removed with his family to where Cuba now stands, built his wigwam covered with bark and moved with his family upon his entry of 120 acres made in 1837. There the father died in 1853. George P. remained on the old home-