Adams Township (part 1 of 5)

Adams Township

This township was erected in March, 1819, and contained all the land east of a line running south from the northwest corner of Section 4, Township 10 north, of Bange 3 east, to the southeast corner of Section 28, Township 9. of Bange 3. It was detached from the east end of Greenville Township and the south end of Wayne. In 1820, Sections 3, 4 and 10, of Township 10, Bange 3, were taken into Biehland Township. In June, 1838, all of Township 8, Bange 3, and Township 8. Bange 4, that was in Adams, was taken into a new township, which was entitled Van Buren.

The second permanent settlement in Darke County was made in Adams Township. In 1808, Abraham Studabaker, with his wife, settled on the bank of Greenville Creek, opposite the present site of Gettysburg, on Section 25, on land now owned by A. Stoltz. From what the writer can gather. Mr. Studabaker was the first white man that became a permanent settler of Adams Township, as we have no account of any before him. and none other till the close of the Indian war of 1812. Very soon after the cessation of hostilities, Maj. George Adams, who had served in the armies of Harmar and WTayne, came to the township, and, studying the needs of the pioneers and his own interest as well, erected a flouringmill on Section 33. where now stands the mill of Stoltz & Coppess. This was the pioneer mill of the count}*, and became known far and wide ; and there are many of the pioneers now living who have a pleasing recollection of the gallant Major and his old-time mill. Their estimation was shown by the perpetuation of his memory in the name of the township in which he made his home.

It is said of Mr. Studabaker that he entered a quarter-section, and put up a cabin built of such poles as he could handle himself, for his nearest white neighbors were on the Stillwater, fourteen miles east, and at Fort Black, now New Madison, seventeen miles to the westward.

He had all his provision to carry on horseback from the Stillwater settlement, as there were no roads at that time. Indians were peaceable, but none the less an occasion of apprehension and distrust.

One morning, two Indians called at the cabin, and finding Mr. Studabaker had gone out to a piece of ground he was preparing for corn, demanded from his wife some bacon which she was preparing for breakfast. She refused to give it up, as it was part of the supplies brought from the Stillwater late the previous evening. One of the Indians seized the meat at one end, while she held fast to the other and cried loudly for help. The other Indian drew his knife and cut off the meat near her hand, and the two made off before her husband had time to come to her assistance.

The great thoroughfare of the Indians between Piqua and the Whitewater towns ran almost before his door, and, although they were not particularly hostile during the first years of his stay, they were troublesome. He brought with him a horse and a cow and, some time after, his stock of animals was increased by the birth of a calf. During the first }*ear, he partially cleared two acres, which he planted in corn. He had just got his little crop harvested, when his horse died of -- milk sickness;' In a short time, the calf was killed by the wolves. Hoping to catch some of these prowling beasts, he constructed a trap, and baited it with the remains of the calf. The cow, unluckily, was so overcome by curiosity as to put her head into the trap, which was sprung, and broke her neck.

For flour and meal, he was obliged to go to Milton, in Miami County. A journey to and from this mill occupied two days, even when the traveling was at its best. An incident will serve to illustrate the unpleasantness of the surroundings. In the winter, which was an unusually severe one, Mr. Studabaker started for the mill on Stillwater, at Milton. He had killed and dressed a hog the day before. He left his little family in the woods, with no neighbors neai-er than Boyd's, in Greenville Township, on one hand, and, on the other, none between him and the Stillwater. In the night, a pack of wolves came around the house, and their howling was not calculated to lull the lonely wife and children to sleep. Suddenly, there came a smothered yell of pain and affright from a single wolf, and, immediately after, a chorus of }Telling, snarling and yelping, as if pandemonium had broken loose. This lasted but a moment, when all became still. The silence lasted till morning. In the morning, Mrs. Studabaker opened the door, and there, within four feet of the threshold, la}* a monster wolf, dead, and his protruding tongue was frozen fast to the ax which had been used to cut up the dead hog. It was supposed that this wolf, attracted to the ax by the bits of flesh and blood which adhered to it, had attempted to lick it, and the ax, being full of frost, caused his tongue to adhere, drawing from him a cry of pain, upon which the others set upon him and killed him. At all events, he was dead, and wolves never came near the house again.

The American panther (Felis concoler), or - painter," as it was called b}' the early settlers, a ferocious and dangerous animal, abounded in this region. Mr. Studabaker killed many of them during his residence here, and, on more than one occasion, came near losing his life in conflict with them. On one occasion, while working near the edge of his clearing, he saw an immense panther on the limb of a tree twenty-five or thirty feet from him. crouched ready for a spring. His rifle was standing by a stump within ten feet from him. but he dared not move or take his eyes from his stealthy enemy. The enraged brute sprang into the air toward him with a thrilling cry. At the same instant, he sprang for his rifle, and, as the panther struck the ground exactly at the spot he had just quitted, he fired. The ball si nick the animal in the front shoulder, passing completely through, and so disabled it that it could not renew the attack, hut it made the most terrific struggle, uttering frightful screeches and yells, until Mr. Studabaker reloaded his rifle, when he took a more careful aim and ended the struggle. This was one of the largest of the species, measuring eight feet from " tip to tip."

Deer apparently shunned that immediate vicinity, although Mr. Studabaker frequently shot them in his clearing. But they were much more numerous in other localities, and the Indians gave as a reason the mysterious " belly-sick." which the whites called " milk sickness."

The Indians never molested Mr. Studabaker with any hostile intent. In 1811, when they became threatening, he built a substantial block-house and moved into it. With the exception of Andrew Rush and the Wilson girls, no murders were committed in the neighborhood during this period. They frequently called on Mr. Studabaker for refreshment, and were never refused. Whatever was set before them they took away with them, even to the dishes. They would eat all they could, and, according to the statement of many old settlers, no system of surface measurement would give any idea of a hungry Indian's capacity, and what they could not by any possibility eat they would stow about their persons and carry away. They were almost daily visitors during these years, but the uniform kindness and hospitalit}' with which they were treated, it is thought, saved the Studabakers from their fury.

Tecumseh Laulewasikaee, his father, Little Turtle. Black Hoof and other noted chiefs were frequent visitors. Tecumseh is described as a young man of grave, dignified, commanding presence, and appeared not only intelligent and courteous, but benevolent and humane. Sometime, while Mr. Studabaker was residing here, Tecumseh and his brother moved from their home near Greenville to escape the demoralizing effects of the whisk}' retailed to their people by Azor Scribner, who had a trading post at Minatown. The Indians of the neighborhood, it seems, would visit Scribner's once a week or oftener, for the purpose of obtaining whisky and ammunition, and on these occasions they often became noisy and boisterous, for it seems whisky had much the same effect on Indians it did on the whites.

On one of these occasions, a party of six Indians, who had been to Greenville and were returning, stopped to rest and regale themselves in Studabaker's clearing. It was a clear, moonlight night, and, as may be supposed, all their movements were noted. They first carefully hid their rifles and other arms, and then solemnly. one after another, drank from a large gourd, fashioned like a bottle, until they had emptied it. They then commenced whooping and yelling in a manner not calculated to be entertaining to the trembling auditors in the block-house not many yards distant. At last they engaged in a dance, which they continued until one after another fell to the ground in a drunken stupor. There they lay until morning, when they arose and commenced a search for their rifles. Two failed to find theirs, and it was evident by their gestures that neither they or the other members of the party were quite sure they had their rifles with them. A few years ago. the rusted remains of two rifles were found under a decayed log near the spot. The stocks were almost entirely gone, the barrels, locks, bands, etc.. though badly rusted, were in tolerable state of preservation. The (lints were in their place, and bullets were found in each of the barrels. It is likely these were the rifles so curiously lost on the occasion of that moonlight frolic sixty years before.

Soon after the breaking-out of hostilities, or even as early as the fall of 1811, nearly all the warriors left their haunts in this region. The noted and Influential chiefs had joined 1 he British at Detroit, or a1 their -post on the Maumee. ( quently, the few pioneers in Darke Count}' were unmolested during the war.

Here, then, the Stuclabaker family lived eight years, almost entirely cut off from communication with the world. There were, perhaps, six or eight families in and about Greenville, and the nearest of these was six miles distant.

David Studabaker, now living in Greenville Township, was born in the blockhouse, in 1814, and was the first white child born in the township.

Maj. Adams had seen hard service and perilous times. In one of the expeditions against the towns on the Maumee, while under Gen. Harmar, he received several bullets in his body and was left for dead on the field, but when the retreat began, his comrades, to save his body from mutilation, carried him with them. At their first halt, they dug a grave and were about to place him therein, when they detected faint signs of life. They gladly deferred the burial and worked zealously through the night, trying to restore their respected comrade to consciousness and life. Morning came, and, although still insensible, he breathed. He was carried the distance of another day's march, and again a grave was dug, as he was expected to die before morning. This was repeated, day after day, till the troops reached Fort Washington, but after lying thus unconscious for weeks, he finally fully recovered and took active part in Wa}'ne's campaigns of 1793-94-95. It was while out scouting in the vicinity of Greenville that he became acquainted with the fine mill-site that he afterward occupied. Adams' mill turned out very coarse meal and very little of that. Wheat was also ground, but customers were obliged to bolt their flour by hand, and it would have satisfied any Grahamite to have used the product of the mill. Still, the mill was a popular resort, all the more so after a little grocery had been established, where whisky and tobacco were retailed. Here was a place at which shooting matches, quoit throwing and an occasional fist fight were common.

In 1816, Armstrong Campbell settled on Section 30, on land cleared by Studabaker, who, the same year, moved to Greenville. William Stewart also came in 1816, and located in the Studabaker opening, on Section 36, where Washington Cromer now lives. After this, the township settled rapidly. Adams was a genial, fun-loving man, widely known and deservedly popular ; a crowd of congenial spirits gathered about him, and the little settlement took the name of " Adams' Mills,'' and when the township was finally organized, it was named in his honor. During the years 1816 and 1817, William Cunningham, Samuel Robinson, Barton Fairchild, Thomas McCune, Josiah Carr, John Meyer, Zadoc Reagan, Zachariah March and Ebenezer Byram, settled at and near New Harrison.

Early in the year 1812, Wilkinson, who was in command of the troops in this department, sent six soldiers to Studabaker's post, where they were stationed for some time, and it seems that they were under the immediate command of Mr. Studabaker. At this time, the block-house served as an inn, post of refuge, and official quarters, as well as the home of the family. On one occasion, five Indians were captured in their war paint, which Studabaker turned over to the officer in command, at Greenville. They subsequently escaped, and took their revenge by killing and scalping two soldiers near Fort Jefferson, named Stoner and Elliott. The war closing, Studabaker took a contract from the Government to feed the Indians until the consummation of the treaty. Upon the organization of Darke as a county in 1817, Mr. Studabaker was elected Commissioner four successive terms. Isaac Hollingsworth and Thomas Warren, were of the early settlers. John Reck settled in 1827. on land that is still owned by his son. It is located on both sides of the creek, on Section 36. Mr. Reck states that the wolves were very troublesome to the settlers. When a boy, he was followed many a time b}* a number of those animals, from near the little cemetery just west of Gettysburg, to near the door of his father's house. There is no account of injury done to persons, although stock not infrequently suffered. John and William Reck, Henry Weaver and Armstrong Campbell, built the first schoolhouse in the township. The house was erected in 1830. and stood upon the present site of the cemetery- near Gettysburg. The carpenter work was done by Michael Reck, then seventeen }'ears old.

Samuel Horner was the first teacher. A subscription school, taught by Jacob Hersher, is said to have been the first in Adams Township. The first church was erected by the Lutherans, on land now owned by Francis Keefauner, in or about 1834. It is still standing. Besides this, there is Catholic Church at Bradford ; a Presbyterian, a Methodist and a Lutheran, at Gettysburg ; and a Dunkard. elsewhere in the township. New Harrison was laid out in 1837. by Samuel Robinson, who was the first Justice of the Peace in the township.

Between the years 1827 and 1831. quite a number of families emigrated from Adams County, Penn.. and settled in the east central part of the township, where they laid out and built up the village of Gettysburg, which took its name from Gettysburg, Penn. The nominal founder of the village was John Hershy. The place was incorporated in 1866. Bradford was laid out in 1865. and duly incorporated in 1871. In 1830, Adams Township contained 529 persons, and. in 1870, 2.201. The topography of Adams Township may be gathered from the following description : It contains thirty-eight sections ; the four southern tiers are six and a half miles in extent from east to west, and the two northern tiers four and a half, making the area thirty-five square miles. The southeastern corner of Richland Township takes the sections that shorten the northern tiers. Stillwater, Bolton's Run. Greenville and Harris Creeks traverse the township. The first named enters near the center of the north line of Section 5. runs south and southeast in its general course about a mile, thence eastward a mile to the boundary of the township, between Sections 4 and 0. Bolton's Run enters at the northwestern corner of the township, runs southeast nearly two miles into Section 1 2. thence south of east one mile, thence in its general course east two and a half miles to the township line. Greenville Creek enters the township less than half a mile from the southeast corner, runs in a northwest course to New Harrison, thence southwest, thence north of east to Gettysburg, and through Stolbyz's addition, thence southeast near the line between the first and second tier of sections to the center of the northern part of Section 30, thence south, then nearly east, to the eastern boundary of said section, a little more than a half-mile from the southeast corner of the township. Two railroads cross Adams Township ; the}- have an equal angle of divergence from Bradford, the C. C. & I. C. and the Pan Handle (old C, P. & I.), the first-named in a direction south of west past Gettysburg, below New Harrison, and thence to the southwest corner of the township ; the second, in a direct line to Horatio, and leaving the township midway between that place and Stelvidio. in Richland Township.

The surface of Adams is rolling, being most uneven in the southwest portion. The southern portion has the darker, stronger soil. The timber, is beech, ash. maple and hickory, principally the first named. The soil is well calculated for the raising of wheat and corn, as is evidenced by the shipment at Gettysburg, the last season, by E. George, of over 200,000 bushels of grain, in addition to which were heavy purchases at the same place by Messrs. Reck & Trump. Fruit is raised in moderation and occasional abundant yields have been gathered.

We learn, with reference to the early growl h of New Harrison, that, in 1 845. there were but a dozen families resident of the place, viz.. Jacob Woods, John Baltenburg, William Robinson, Jeremiah Shody, keeper of a tavern stand. Samuel Robinson. Calvin Horner. Jeremiah Shade (also keeper of an inn). Michael Stahl. Abraham Miller and William Hays. Of their houses, there are ten remaining. Such was the slow growth of the place in the interval from 1837 to 1845. At this later date. William Hays settled in Adams, in the village of New Harrison. In a family of eleven children, seven are living and active in life's duties. The old gentleman still occupies in content the hewed-log house that was standing when he came to the village. The old neighbors are now pretty nearly all gone, the only ones remaining being Abraham Miller and his wife. At the date of Hays' arrival, the wild nature of the country is shown by the statement that deer and turkeys came out into the clearing and even between the houses in daytime. On all sides was the forest, and there was an unbroken stretch of seven miles northward in which there was not a single house as late as 1847. The people of New Harrison and Gettysburg went to Covington and to the " Falls " to mill - eight and nine miles distant. Adams' mill was too small and the quality too poor to obtain favor, save for grinding grists of corn. The first schoolhouse in this neighborhood was located on the farm of William Adams, about a mile west of New Harrison. It was of logs, on the pioneer plan, and is now in use as a dwelling. Samuel Robinson was one of the first teachers in it.

The Methodist Church at New Harrison was built about 1844. by Jacob Woods. It was a frame, was 40x50 feet in size, and stood on land donated by the builder. It was torn down several }rears ago.

A store was first kept in New Harrison by the village proprietor, Samuel Robinson, and then by Jacob Woods. Rev. Sharp, a Christian minister, was the pioneer blacksmith of the place, and was engaged at the forge between the years 1841 and 1844.

Tavern-keeping was first done by Gideon Level, who, in 1845, sold to Jeremiah Shade. Various changes have occurred till the property, now owned by J. F. Winner, is in use as a saloon and drinking resort. J. Miller, blacksmith, Aaron Welbaum, wagon-maker and grocery-keeper, are recently engaged in their business. No physician has been located here since the war. Dr. H. W. Corwin practiced and lived here from 1842 to 1844, and prior to the earlier date, a botanic physician had practiced here, known as Barker - a dealer in " roots and herbs." After Dr. Corwin, came Drs. Williams, Jenks, McElroy, Harbison and Greer. The village answers well its purpose as a convenient locality for accommodation of surrounding population.

We have spoken incidentally of Gettysburg and the origin of its name. Here are located the Premium Flour Mills, with four runs of stone, a capacity of 100 barrels per day and a manufacture of 40,000 bushels of wheat into flour annually, beside supplying a market for 150.000 bushels of grain.

John Hershey built the first house in the village, a tavern, which stood on the present site of Dr. Campbell's residence. Among the pioneer efforts in Gettysburg was the store of James Auld, started in a log house, where Mr. Keefauner now lives. Mr. Auld, in 1840. built a brick store building on the southwest corner of Main and Bridge streets, and moved into it his stock. Later, he occupied a small house directly across Main street, where are now Hershe}' & Dorwin.

Blacksmithing was done by Henry Conn, in 1842. in a frame building ; some six years later, he erected a brick shop on the old site, on the south side of Main and east of Bridge street. Ten years later, he died, and the shop was enlarged, remodeled and changed into a dwelling, now owned by Mrs. Colin.

The first schoolhouse in the village was of brick, and was located on Corwin street. It was built some thirty 3*ears ago, and is now in use as a dwelling. The present schoolhouse was erected in 1866, at a cost of nearly $5,000. Samuel Paulding had the contract for the woodwork. Rev. Jackson was the first teacher therein. His successors have been Dr. Newcomb, William Stone. Simeon Robinson, Mr. Graves, Cyrenius Tyrrell, William McKee, Mr. Schell, J. E. Polley, Edward Lockett, Samuel Brumbaugh, J. E. Laurence and Rev. C. W. Choate. In fourteen years, almost as many different teachers - a lesson on the mutability of teaching. as unstable as the everchanging circuit of the old itinerant preachers. The above record should teach a judicious selection and a permanent employment to realize the full advantages possible to be derived from free schools.

The first Postmaster of Gettysburg was James Auld. The office had been kept at New Harrison, but, in accordance with a petition presented, it was removed to this place and Mr. Auld was appointed. He and Dr. Corwin drove over and brought the effects of the office to the village. One Barrett had the contract to carry the mail from Greenville to Troy. This was before the turnpikes were built. When there was good weather and the roads were tolerable, Barrett drove a twohorse vehicle, at other times he went on horseback. Mr. Auld was also the first Justice of the Peace in Gettysburg. One of the first cases that came before him was of interest to the community. It grew out of a trade in horses, in which one party thought himself badly cheated. Attorneys were engaged from Shelbyville and Piqua, and the inexperienced Justice was confused and bewildered by the amount of rhetoric and argument. He recovered, and by the aid of native good sense was enabled to render an equitable decision. Soon after, a burglar, who had raided a store in Hillsdale, was arrested a short distance east of Gettysburg, brought to the village and tried before the Squire. He was tried, bound over, sent to the penitentiary, served his time, and within a month after his release, had burglarized the residence of the father of Dr. Corwin, in Bellefontaine.

A bridge across Greenville Creek, at this village, was begun in the fall of 1876, by the Cincinnati Bridge Compaivy, and was finished in 1877. Its cost was about $5,000.

The village has a population of about two hundred. A town hall is located on the east side of Bridge street, near Corwin street. It was built about ten years ago.

There are two churches in Gettysburg, the Methodist Episcopal and the Presbyterian. The church edifice of the first-named was built in the spring of 1875. It formerly stood two miles southeast of town on the farm of Ch. Hershey, whence it was removed and remodeled at the time above stated. It was moved by Silas Reck, and located upon land purchased for $200 from Mrs. Jane Harmer. The first minister was Rev. Valentine Staley, followed by Benjamin Powell, R. D. Oldfield, and by the present incumbent, George Matthews. The first Sabbath-school here was superintended by J. Hershey, who, save two terms, has been continuously in service to this time. W. Reck was the first Secretary. The membership is sevent}T-five. The building owned bjT the Presbyterians was built in 1847 or 1 848, and is located at the west end of Corwin street. It is of brick, in size 40x55 feet. Those prominent in building were William Carr, John Meyer, Alexander Horner and Dr. Darwin. The lot was donated by Mr. Horner. The number of members at the present time is about sixty. The first Pastor was Rev. Thomas Elcock, now of Van Wert. Among other Pastors have been Revs. Alexander Gulick, John W. Drake, W. E. Hill, W. H. Moore, Rev. Wyckoff, and the present Pastor, L. E. Jones. The Superintendent of the Sabbath-school is Rev. C. W. Choate. Bradford is an enterprising and thriving village of about eighteen hundred population, about eight hundred of whom reside upon the west side of the creek, in Darke County. The first house built in West Bradford was erected by John S. Moore in 1868. The first grocery was kept b}' Routzong & Moore, and stood in 1869 on the corner of School street and Miami avenue. The pioneer blacksmith was Joseph Lefler. The village has the usual number of shops, stores and like local industries, which go to make up its business interest. A medium-sized Catholic Church stands in the southwestern part of the village. It was built in 1875. The first Pastor was Father Shelhamer. There are two hardware stores and a saw and planing mill. This last is owned by William Stover & Co., who took possession in September, 1878. The building is two stories, 50x75 feet. The capacity of the mill is about six thousand per day of twelve hours. Engine, fifty horse-power. Besides the saw-mill there is machinery adapted to woodworking in general. The mill was established by Reck & Marland in 1870, but has known much improvement and enlargement since. It is located west of Miami avenue and south of the railroad. Within the last year, 300,000 feet of walnut lumber have been shipped and sold from this mill, most of which went to supply New York and other Eastern markets. Prior to the erection of a new schoolhouse, the children attended District No. 2, one mile west of town, at which school J. W. Cable was the first teacher. The first schoolhouse on the west side was constructed in 1876. The contractors were Dennis Dwyer and George Manix. The cost of the structure was about $28,000. It is four stories high, including the basement. Its ground dimensions are 75x56 feet, with two towers additional, 22-feet-square base and 70 feet altitude. The building is finished in fine style, and is an ornament to the town. A hall in the fourth story is well furnished, and will seat 600 persons. There is a good school bell, and heating is done by steam. The school enumeration is 410. The present School Board are Solomon Routzong, D. J. Smith, William Weaver, N. Iddings, Valentine Staley and R, T. Hughes. D. S. Myers has been Superintendent from the first, a fact creditable to all parties. The other teachers have taught the same period. They are M. J. Hunter, Mrs. D. S. Meyers, Miss Minnie Garber, Miss Clara Gulick and Miss Jennie Baumgardner.

The corporation is a unit ; that is, there are not two sets of civil officers, and there is but the one post office, which has been shifted from one side to the other according to caprice and political supremacy. Moore was Postmaster in 1869 ; then W. H. Sowers held the office, which was then removed to the east side, where it has since remained. The first Mayor of Bradford was Peter H. Smith ; Clerk, Ed. Davidson ; Marshal, George Doll. The present officers of Bradford are : J. A. I W. Smith, Mayor ; M. J. Williamson, Clerk ; H. W. Smith, Marshal ; and the members of the Council are D. J. Smith, John Gettz, and Messrs. Beck, Kinney Wl J. M. Fink. For a place of recent growth, West Bradford has shown much womise, and the township of Adams, in its early and later settlement, has evidenced nuch of enterprise and vigor.

If there ever was a time in the history of this nation when stagnation was wke-spread, and indeed almost universal, it was between 1840 and 1848. Darke Comty could not be said to be an exception to the general rule in this regard. No public works whatever, worthy of mention, were begun or carried forward witlin the period named, save and except the building of the second county jail. It is true, a railroad charter was secured, as elsewhere mentioned in its proper plact in this work, but nothing was done in the way of construction until late in the fill of 1848, and the summer of 1849. There was but little progress, comparatively Still the county was moving on its way. Farmers were improving their farms but the recompense for their labor was not sufficient to stimulate ambition. There were no railroads, no turnpikes, and no conveniences to facilitate business that alall compare with what were soon after instituted and enjoyed. The nearest market were Dayton and Piqua, and the best prices that could be obtained for produce frequently amounted to but little more than the labor and expense of hauling the same from the more remote sections of the county. An anecdote illustrate of this is worth recording in this connection. A Dunkard, whose name we shall iot give, but who will be remembered by some of the older readers of these line, took three wagon-loads of wheat to Piqua - it having been noised abroad that that }lace could and would and did pay better prices just then for grain than Dayton oiany other market hereabouts. Arriving there, he found the price had suddenly gme down, like the mercury before a chilling blast, and in his unqualified disgust, heforgot that he was or ever had been a Dunkard, and gave the town a sound beraing, more profane than sanctimonious. He was compelled to sell one load in ordr to pay his teamsters and the other current expenses, but declared that he won! never sell another bushel of anything in that town, and would wait for the railrqd, if it didn't come for five years. Emphasis was added to the assertion by the ict that the other two loads were drawn back to Darke, and by the further fact 1\at he never again took an ounce of anything to sell to the market that had so rovoked him to the use of words specifically disapproved by the

Private enterprises, in sympathy with those of a public character, progressed slowly during this period of national prostration, financially speaking. Within the limits of the corporation, as of the county, no improvements were made of sufficient moment to be made a part of history. There were no changes in the limits of Greenville, except some subdivisions of additions previously laid off. ami the change of outlots to inlots. The merchants and manufacturers of the place kept on the even tenor of their way, without attempting especially great things in their lines.

But -a day of better things" had almost dawned, and. as the following paragraphs abundantly show, the county and its principal town soon moved onward in an unbroken career of progressive achievement.

Greenville, in 1848, contained 2,000 inhabitants. There were three drygoods stores, four groceries, and no saloons. Liquors were sold at some of the groceries, and at the bars of three hotels - the Broadway Hotel, by Charles Hutchins, the Buckeye, by J. L. Winner, and by J. R. King, of the King House. There were three churches - the Methodist, Presbyterian and the New Lights. That part of town that now lies south of Fourth street was almost all covered with a thick undergrowth of timber, and where the court house and jail nov stand, water stood the greater part of the year, and supplied a favorite resort fo: sportsmen in pursuit of the wild duck and the pigeon. The leading doctors weis I. N. Gard, Ayres, Lynch and Koogler, and turnpikes were unknown.

In 1850, Brown & Glines were engaged in tailoring, Schmidt & Knox is druggists, A. La Mott & Co. in the dry-goods and grocery business. Weston & Ulley were in the hardware trade, and William Allen was agent of the Kn>x Insurance Company. Sarah and Ruth Edwards kept a millinery store opposite the M. E. Church, and E. M. Hoffman was in the book trade on Main street, "he business houses were actively and prosperously employed.

In I860, the town had made striking and gratifying progress. Three important railroad lines had been constructed, four turnpike roads had been built, and, diverging from the county seat, connected with as many thriving and prosperous villages. The population had increased ; two good newspapers, the Dmnoerrf and the Journal, were being published,, each with about eight hundred patron, and then, in the midst of this satisfactory growth, war broke in and engossed attention.

Again, this time in 1869, we survey the prospects of the city. Never in its previous history had the town made such rapid advance in the constru<tion of new buildings. In May of this year, there were over sixty buildings in curse of construction or of remodeling. A foundry and machine-shop was erectedand put in operation by Messrs. James McKhan, A. T. Bodle and John Stoltz. o\ Third street. A building and loan association was organized and in full (peration. stimulating and aiding in the building of homes. Messrs. Linderworth a Winget were busy running their planing-mill. The German Reformed congre<ation had bought the Presbyterian Church, on Broadway and Fourth streets. Sreets had been graded, the question of a park was mooted, and. while teacher? institutes indicated interest in education, popular attention was being directed tithe public schools.

The town had become now, if not before, a prominent business commercial center, with rich and wealth-producing surroundings. The principal merchants of this time were La Mott & Farver, also, in the fur trade ; Sumter & Cmpton, F. & J. Waring. Workman & Daily. Hart. Arnold & Co.; G. B. Wilson kep'a book store on the coiner of Main street and the public square, and John Vn Mater was successor to Schmidt & Knox. There were dissolutions of old pntnerships and new combinations. There was selling out and moving in - all the ehnges incident to vital energy, restless activity, dissatisfaction and plucky hopefulnss. while some few, continued year after year in one place, in the same business, and, in time, became known and prosperous. A large, artistic school building attracted the eye, and exerted an attractive influence on the stranger. Along the broad streets were lines of shade-trees. Old structures were demolished, and upon their sites rose new ones. In June, there were in process of erection twenty-three dwellings, and a number more were contracted for the near future. In the line of manufacture, there was the steam planing-mill of Messrs. T. P. Turpen. William Kerr and M. C. Benham ; on the first floor were four machines, a planer, rip and other saws, operated by Messrs. Wallace and Mills. There were turning rooms, cabinet finishing rooms, and on the second floor were seven machines in use for finishing. The buoyancy of hopeful expectation lent courage to business men and professionals and" to citizens, and in both public and private concerns the county seat felt the healthful stimulus of trade and improvement in the count}', and maintained its supremacy unbroken. An event calculated to exert a potent influence on the fortune of Greenville transpired in the spring of 1877. On more than one occasion, citizens of large tracts of closely built cities have been alarmed by claims to the ownership of their lots, and to this Greenville was another instance. Samuel and James Armstrong, of Cincinnati, two brothers, sons of the early proprietor of Greenville, and owners of considerable real estate about the city, put in the market sixteen acres at $15,000. This was laid off in the south-middle part of the town, streets were graded, and already full half the area is occupied by good residences. The Armstrongs still hold over an hundred acres. Railroads and the schools take off a part. In 1859, four acres were condemned by the city and appropriated for school sites, upon which the present imposing and roomy structure stands. The brothers left Greenville in their boyhood and returned about 1850, to assert that lands in the city were held by a defective title, that the right of ownership was in their hands, and they served a notice of ejectment upon persons residing upon the disputed lands. The citizens employed able attorneys, and the litigation continued four or five years, at considerable expenditure of money. The prospects were dark and discouraging, when aid came from an unexpected quarter. The son of a former Sheriff, at Troy, Miami County, while looking over the papers of his father, espied an old receipt with the name of Armstrong attached. This paper was promptly sent to the city's attorne3rs, at Greenville, and proved to be a receipt for the final payment on the disputed territory. This, being adduced as evidence, decided the case and gave the citizens security.

In 1851, Moses Hart, Esq., erected a steam flouring-mill, which was put in motion by the proprietors, Messrs. Turner. The millwright work was done by D. R. DeRush, of Preble County. The mill had a capacity to grind and pack 150 barrels of flour per day. This improvement noted here was at the time spoken of as one of the most important thus far made in the county. At the commencement of business, numbers of citizens were assembled and expressed their gratification at the result. This, in connection with the building of five large, commodious business houses, each of three stories, dwellings in process of construction and churches contracted, marks one of the most favorable crises of the cit}'. The old court house stood in the center of the capacious public square, and as a new house was imperative to meet the demands of a greatly increased official business, and to make a proper representation of Darke County, a dispute arose among citizens generally, and the business men located about the square, concerning the location of the new house. In 1874, it was intended to leave the old walls of the court house standing, and to build a vestibule tower to them, which would make the. building the same as at present, but after the tower was built, excavation having been made for a basement, a wet time set in, during which the rain undermined a corner of the building, it settled, and an ominous crack showed the necessity of pulling it down, which was done, and the present handsome structure was erected, and is known and used as the city hall. It is of two stories, sixty-five feet square, a hall above, and Maj'or's office, engine room and election I'oom below. The

There arc in this new-old town a number of house| which have stood many years, and are, for this reason, noticeable. One of these stands on the north side of the public square, and is in use as a livery stable. It is a brick structure, among the very first erected here. The brick structure of John Hoofnagle. built by Dr. Perrine, many years ago ; the brick house of Dr. Briggs, now occupied by J. K. Knox, his son-in-law; the Wagner House, with timeby additions, stands as one of the first in town, and still in use according to the original purpose, and the - poor house," now occupied by T. P. Barkalow, and situated on the west end of Main street, are examples of structures of the earlier day. Prominent even in the present, they were doubtless imposing in the past, and stand as monuments of an earlier enterprise.

Greenville has many fine residences, of which brief mention is here made of notable examples. The home of Charles Roland, at the west end of Fourth street, is a handsome dwelling, with tasteful grounds. It was built at a cost of $10,000, by E. C. Shay, in 1871. In 1861, William King built on Main street, at a cost of about $5,000, the residence of Michael Miller. In 1876, E. C. Shade erected the building on East Main street, occupied by Daniel Harney. Judge D. L. Meeker is now having built a residence, which, when completed, will be the finest in the county. Among others to attract the attention are the homes of Dr. G. Meesie, West Third street, and of G. W. Studabaker.

The fire department of the city is of recent date, and all the more complete and reliable. Previous to its organization, Greenville was dependent upon voluntary aid of citizens, as occasion required. On December 13, 1855, the Buckeye House took fire in the third story and burned to the ground. The night was favorable to the people, the air was quiet, and a rain had wet adjacent roofs, and these concurring circumstances confined the conflagration to the one building. Fears of a general destruction of property induced the removal of goods from the stores on the east side of Broadway, from the square to Third street. Goods were damaged, but the losses were covered by insurance. The house was owned by John L. Winner, and, as there was no insurance, the loss to him was heavy. The citizens, who had put forth strenuous exertions to restrict the fire to the hotel, congratulated themselves on their success. Meetings were held shortly after this experience, for the purpose of purchasing a hand fire-engine and organizing a company, but the excitement soon died away and nothing was done. A destructive fire early in 1871 again awakened public sentiment to the necessity of having some efficient protection, and led to the ordinance creating the fire department.

The ordinance creating and regulating the Greenville Fire Department was passed by the Council on June 1, 1871. A Silsby steamer, entitled 'Greenville," and two hose carts were purchased at a cost of $7,200. A company was enrolled, of which II. K. McConnell was Chief; P. P. Turpen, First Assistant: Frank E. Moore, Second Assistant; John C. Turpen, Secretary; D. M. Stevenson, Treasurer, and E. J. Hickox, Engineer. Ten months later, the last named resigned to accept the position of Marshal, to which he had been elected, and Mahlon Swartz succeeded as engineer till November, 1878. when Mr. Hickox assumed the position. which he has since held. J. L. Bascom was appointed Assistant Engineer February 1, 1877. The present officers of the Greenville Fire Department are : Chief, J. H. Rice ; First Assistant, A. H. Hyde ; Second Assistant. J. P. Winget ; Secretary. Jonas Halm ; Treasurer, M. Huhn ; Engineers as stated. The department has 1,500 feet of tirst-class hose, and 600 feet of second-class. The enginehouse is in the rear of the City Hall, and is 22x45 feet, with thirteen-foot ceiling, plastered neatly wainscoted in oak and walnut, and numerous pictures hang upon the walls, and adding to the attractiveness of the room. It is claimed for the " Greenville " that the steamer has projected water twenty feet higher than the eagle above the dome of the new court house, or about one hundred and ninety feet perpendicularly, and that water has been thrown by it 275 to 280 feet horizontally, and much confidence is based on her power when needed in extremity. In 1871 and 1874, at well-remembered fires, the department, with their steamer, confined the flames to narrow limits, and prevented what might have been, otherwise, disastrous fires. There are three Fire Wardens. The members of the company receive pay when on duty, filling cisterns, etc., by order of the Council. The salary of the engineer is $50 per month, and of his assistant, $35. The water supply is furnished from five cisterns, as follows : Public square, corner of Ash and East Main streets ; corner of Third and Broadway, corner of Third and Locust, corner of Main and Elm, and on the corner of Elm and Fourth streets. The present Wardens are Daniel Murphy, Alexander Harter and Joseph Saettle. The Greenville Gas Company is another public improvement, contributing greatty to the comfort and convenience of the population, and handsomely rewarding the projectors of the enterprise. The Greenville Gas Company, of Greenville. was incorporated June 11, 1874, by C. Calkins, Charles Roland, John L. Winner and Wesley Gorsuch. The capital stock is $30,000, divided into 600 shares of $50 each. The first annual election of officers, held June 17, resulted in the choice of Hon. William Allen, President ; John Devor, Secretary ; J. T. Meeker, Treasurer, and for Directors - Messrs. Allen, Devor, Moore, Meeker and Cole. In 1877, Elijah Devor superseded H. M. Cole as Director. In 1878, J. A. Ries succeeded Mr. Moore, and Mr. E. Devor became Treasurer, vice Meeker. On January 17. 1880, Hon. AVilliam Allen was President ; John Devor, Secretary ; Elijah Devor. Treasurer. These three gentlemen own the greatest part of the stock. A contract to build works was completed with Messrs. Connelly, Nay lor & Co., of Pittsburgh, Penn., for $27,000. Ground was broken April 1, 1875, and the work was completed b}T August 17 of the same year.

The company has four miles of main pipe, and eighty-nine street lamps in use, at $2.50 per month each, and 180 customers, at $3 per thousand feet, with a reduction for prompt payment. The average of private consumption is 100,000 feet per month. There are six retorts, but only three are required to furnish the above supply. The gasometer measures thirty-eight feet in diameter by twelve feet hi height.

Railroads have done much for Greenville, as the city contributed much to secure their assistance. The old depot was located on part of Lot 21, near to the Christian Church, on Walnut street. It is still standing, but not occupied. The new depot is a fine frame building, situated at the intersection of Walnut, Jackson and Martin streets, on a part of Jackson street vacated for the purpose and donated by the city to the company. It was built bj J. J. Bloomer, of Indianapolis.

The Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis depot, a frame, was built in 1867, at a cost of $4,000. Its dimensions are 72x42 feet. Frank McWhinney was the builder and owner. The old depot, now standing about one hundred rods west, was abandoned on completion of the new structure.

Greenville Lodge, No. L'r?>. F. A. M.. reaches into the past thirty-three years. On July 3, 1847. John C. Potter. Elias Brumager, William Schmidt* David Beers. William M. Wilson. Adam Koogler, Simon B. Carey and John Tomlinson. all Master Masons, met and resolved that an application should be made for a charter to the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Thereupon, a petition to that effect was prepared and signed by the above-named brethren, and subsequently by John Sweetzer, R. D. Oldfield and A. W. Sanford. This application was recommended by Ward Lodge. No. 24, of Piqua, Ohio, and July 24, 1847, a dispensation was issued to the above-named brethren by George Keiffer. D. G. M. of the Grand Lodge, Bro. W. M. Wilson to be first W. M: John Tomlinson, S. W.. and Adam Koogler. J. W. On the 20th of* October, 1847. a charter was duly signed and sealed by the Most Worshipful Master of the Grand Lodge, to the brethren above named, constituting

Grreenvilh Chapter, No. 77. was chartered October 17. 1857. It is one of the best-working and most prosperous chapters in the country. It has eighty-seven members. The following presents, in order of service since the date of the charter, the names of those who have officiated as High Priest : W. M. Wilson, 1857 to first election ; A. P. Gorsuch, December, 1857, to 1861 : E. B. Putnam, 1861 to 1865 ; C. G. Matchett, one year; W. H. Matchett, 1866 to 1870 ; Mr. Gorsuch, one year : C. G. Matchett. one year ; E. J. Kickcox, 1872 to 1873 ; W. 11. Matchett, three years ; C. G. Matchett, 1876 to 1878, and W. H. Matchett. 1878, and yet presiding.

Education in Greenville at an early day received but little attention. There were schools in churches and other localities b}T various persons. Two ordinary brick houses were built about 1839 or 1840. Some desired to unite effort and build one good house, but this was overruled, and two buildings were erected. One stood on the lot numbered 13, granted by the county in lieu of the lot sold by the Commissioners b}' mistake. These lots were sold a few years since. Of the teachers were John Talbert, John Beers, H. P. Williams, persons who. according to method prevailing, taught three-months winter schools. In 1851, the first effort was made to grade the Greenville school by Ebenezer Bishop, who was employed at $400 a year to take general charge of the school. This effort was only partially successful, and the schools were afterward organized in four grades. and for a number of years were successfully conducted under A. T. Bodle. L. S. B. Otwell, F. Matchett (now deceased) and G. H. Martz, all efficient teachers. Mr. Mays, of Troy, Ohio, was afterward employed as Superintendent, the school was graded, and has been conducted as a graded school in charge of a superintendent to date. J. W. Legg, of Van Wert; William T. Wallace, of Columbus * Alexander Miller, deceased ; J. W. Muck, E. J. Macomber, J. S. Wilson and J. T. Martz have respectively superintended the same, and the school has had a constant growth in numbers and efficiency. The Greenville High School was organized in 1868. Henry Guilder, Superintendent of the public schools of North Manchester. Ind., was the first teacher. He is a self-made man, is thorough in his explanations and practical in their application. G. S. Harter, now a teacher in the Dayton High School, had charge of the Greenville High School for four years, and though he had but little experience in teaching when he assumed the responsible position, by perseverance, diligence and strict attention to his schoolroom duties, he soon established himself as a successful teacher.

In August, 1862, being then only sixteen, Mr. Harter enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served through the war. In the battle of the Wilderness, in the spring of 1864, he was taken prisoner by the rebels, and for four months suffered the horrors of Andersonville, and for three months more those of Florence Prison. Upon his liberation on Pecember 7, 1864, he was found reduced to a living skeleton by exposure and starvation, and was sent home to die. Under careful medical treatment he recovered. returned to his regiment, and. in June following, was mustered out of the service. His education was obtained in a two years' course at Heidelberg College. Tiffin, and a five years course at Western Reserve College. Hudson, Ohio, from which latter institution he graduated in the summer of 1875. He is a close student, and is devoted to his profession. E. B. Seitz, now Professor of Mathematics in the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo., had charge of the mathematical department of the Greenville High School for several years, and was a member of the Board of Count}- School Examiners during this "time. He took a mathematical course in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, leaving that institution in the summer of 1870, and has been following the profession of teaching since that time. Mr. Seitz possesses very superior mathematical talent; has a special fondness for this branch of study, and has already taken rank as one of the very finest mathematicians of the State, for we still claim him. He is, moreover, a contributor to the leading mathematical journals of the country, among them the Analyst, the Mathematical Visitor, and the Educational Times, of London, England. He is a close student, a fine reasoner, and perfectly at home in the mathematical and scientific, as well as the astronomical field.

C. H. Frizell, one of the present teachers in the High School, was born in the town of Greenville. His father was Colonel of the Eleventh and Ninety-fourth Regiments Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Our teacher's parents are both dead. He entered the Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Md., but, his health failing, he was compelled to resign his position. His education was principally obtained in the school which he is now teaching, and the facilities there offered enabled him to obtain a thorough knowledge of the sciences and mathematics, as well as a familiar knowledge of the "Latin and German languages. He is thorough and practical in his teaching, mild but firm in his methods of government, and has secured the confidence and esteem of his pupils.

H. L. Frank, also teacher in the high school, was born in Darke County. Having a desire to obtain a good education, he repaired to Otterbein University, at Westerville, Ohio, and completed a six-years classical course, graduating with honors in June, 1876. He has taken a complete course in mathematics and the languages, is a good scientific and classical scholar, and is familiar with the branches he teaches. He was promoted from a lower grade in the Greenville school to his present position, and has sustained himself in both grades.

The Greenville High School was organized in 1868. It now enrolls over one hundred pupils, and is in a prosperous condition. The room is furnished with ninety-eight single seats and desks for pupils, two teachers' desks and an organ which cost $175. It is the largest and best furnished school room in the county. Of the pupils attending, sixty-two studied United States history ; ten physiology ; nine, physical geography ; fifteen, natural philosophy ; twenty, German ; thirtytwo, algebra ; fifteen, geometry ; eight, trigonometry ; seventeen, Latin ; two, Greek ; thirteen, Constitution of the United States ; ten, chemistry ; eleven, geology ; ten, botany ; eight, book-keeping ; ten, surveying ; thirteen, astronomy, and two, meteorology. The school building was completed in 1868. It covers an area of twenty-four and one-half square rods, is three stories high, contains seventeen rooms exclusive of the basement, the laboratory and Superintendent's room. The building contains over seven hundred and twenty-three thousand bricks, and was erected at a cost of $25,000, exclusive of heating apparatus and gas fixtures. The basement contains the coalroom, janitor's workroom and furnace and boiler. The entire building is heated by steam supplied from this boiler, which is twentysix feet in length, four feet in diameter, and contains a capacity of seventy barrels of water. The heating apparatus has not given general satisfaction, because of the want of proper arrangement of the heating surface, and the school board has been at a heavy expense yearly in increasing the heating surface, and making the necessary repairs. Citizens have also objected to the location of the boiler in the basement of the building, deeming it unsafe ; and the intention is to remove it at the close of the present school year. The laboratory contains over $500 worth of philosophical and chemical apparatus, and the Board of Education has placed in the library the Revised American Encyclopedia, and Webster's Unabridged

Pictorial Dictionary, at a cost of $104. The rooms are supplied with the necessary globes, outline maps, charts, cubical blocks, etc., and the school is in a prosperous condition. Within the past year, the board has placed a neat, substantial iron fence around the school lot, at an expense of $1,975, while the lot, containing over four acres of ground, has been set in costh' shade trees, making it thereby both pleasant and attractive to the pupils. At present, there are fourteen grades in the school, with a total enrollment of 000 pupils. Many non-resident students avail themselves of our school facilities, and the tuition paid into the treasury from this source has been over $2.50 per year, exclusive of the amount received from the normal school.

The average cost of running the school one year may be summed up as follows : General expenses, including janitor's salary and his fuel, $1,313 ; coal, for furnace, $460.70 ; salary of seventeen teachers, $7,365 ; total cost of school one year, $9,138.70.

The building and grounds are in charge of Harvey Tucker, the janitor, who is also the engineer. He is a practical workman, diligent and careful in the discharge of his duties, is an ingenious mechanic ; makes the erasers as wrell as the blackboards in the school building, and thus saves the board many items of expense. His salary is $40 per month, with his house rent and wood furnished. The Board of Education has also provided a fund which furnishes books for those pupils whose parents are unable, financially, to get the same, and thus no child is deprived of the advantages of education which the school affords.

The Greenville Board of Education consists of six members. L. E. Chenoweth, the President, is a young attorney of marked ability. His father is a resident of Washington Township, this county ; is one of its pioneer settlers and has been a Justice of the Peace for many years. At the breaking-out of the rebellion in the spring of 1861, Mr. Chenoweth, though attending school at the time, resolved in his own mind that his first duty was to his country, and, with fourteen students of the same school, offered his services to the Government. He enlisted as a private in Company E, Sixt}r-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, by meritorious conduct, was promoted to First Lieutenant, and to Captain of Company I, Sixt3-ninth Regiment, after which promotion he was appointed Assistant Acting Quartermaster of the Second Brigade. First Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps, on the staff of Brig. Gen. George P. Buell. and, at the close of the war. was honorably discharged from the service. He married Miss Effy. second daughter of Noah Arnold. Esq.. a wealthy farmer of the county, who has also been mentioned as one of the first teachers in the county. Mr. Chenoweth acted as agent for a school-furniture company, knows the wants of the schoolroom, for he. also, has followed the profession of teaching, and supplies the same so far as it is practicable.

Daniel Hemic. Clerk of the Board, is a native of Germany, and emigrated to this country in 1857, locating near Hamilton, Ohio. At that time he had little of this world's goods, but he was not ashamed to work, and engaged himself to a fanner at monthly wages. By diligence and economy he had saved $867 in six years. In 1863, he returned to Germany, and stayed there two years, at the end of which time he returned to his employer near Hamilton, engaging to work for him at $26 per month, when other hands were getting only $13. In 1867. he came to Greenville, married Miss Anna Weitbrecht, and went into business in the fall of the same year. By close attention to business, he has accumulated property whii h places him in easy circumstances, and. as a grain merchant, during the past year, has been remarkably successful in applying the changes of the markets to his own advantage. He buys and sells about four hundred car loads of grain annually ; loading S00 bushels of oats to the car : 470 bushels of wheat, and 500 bushels of corn. He is a practical business man. and has a good education in German. He has been Clerk of the School Board five years ; has been Township Treasurer three years, being re-elected to both offices by increased majorities, and . as an officer his acts give general satisfaction.

Jahugh Compton, Treasurer of the Board, was born in Greene County, and is one of the first business men of Greenville. He has been a member of the School Board since 1862, and has a thorough knowledge of the practical workings of the school. Under his official notice, he has seen the school grow from/owr to fourteen grades ; assisted officially in condemning the present school lot. and was active in taking the initiatory steps which resulted in the erection of the present commodious school building. He has always favored those enterprises which inure to the public benefit. He is a practical business man, acts from a sense of duty, and is always found advocating those measures that tend to advance the interests of the school and community. D. S. Heim is one of our practical business men, is systematic in his work, prudent and sound in judgment, and a warm friend of education. He has lived in Darke County since 1839. and has been a resident of Greenville twelve years, ten years of that time being spent in public business. As a member of the School Board, he is careful, prudent and consistent. His acts met with public approval, and he was re-elected by a largely increased majority. W. J. Todd has been a member of the Board of Education for four years, and has been in public business during the greater part of the time he has resided in Greenville. During the late war, he was one of those who heeded the call of his country, and enlisted in the Eighth Ohio Battery, in 1862. He became Quartermaster of this battery, and remained in the service three years and three months. More than one year of this time was spent at Vicksburg, and he was also stationed at Natchez and Yazoo City. Mr. Todd was attentive to his duties while in the service, and was honorably discharged. He is a successful business man, appreciates education, is in favor of furnishing those facilities necessary to conduct the school successfully, and his views relative to educational matters secured his last election by a vote five times as great as his competitor. M. T. Allen is the youngest member of the Board of Education, and was elected by a handsome majority. He was born in Darke County, received a common-school education, but having a desire for a more extended education, he repaired to Otterbein University, at Westerville, Ohio, where he remained as a student for one and a half years ; he then attended a school at Da}rton for one term, after which he taught school for several years, and read law during this time. In 1869, he commenced the practice of law in Winchester, Ind. He finally came to Greenville in the spring of 1872. commenced the practice of law, and has continued in the profession to the present time. Mr. Allen is a man of fine personal appearance, easy address, and fluent in speech. He has a good knowledge of law, is attentive and persistent in protecting the interests of his client, and is a successful practitioner. Having been a teacher himself, he has a practical knowledge of the wants of the schoolroom, and seems to comprehend what is necessary in order that the school may move along harmoniously. He is a practical business man, favors all those enterprises that will result beneficially to the public, and his election was secured by cause of the interest he has manifested in the successful carrying-on of the school here. He acts in complete harmony with the other members of the board, and this cannot but result beneficially.

In addition to the high school mentioned, the Preparatory High School Grade is taught by James H. Woodbury. In this grade, some of the high school branches are begun, and the pupils prepared, by thorough drill and examination, for the higher grade. Mr. Woodbury is a practical teacher, a thorough disciplinarian, and his pupils make that progress in their studies that is commendable to both teacher and pupil. Frank M. White has charge of the "A" Grammar Grade. He has had five years' employment in the school. He labors under a great disadvantage, in having lost both of his arms, and using artificial substitutes ; but his teaching is thorough, his government is mild but firm, and his pupils soon learn to respect and love him. He is also a member of the Count}' Board of School Examiners, having served in that capacity about eight months. Estevan Lawrence is teacher of the vv B " Grammar Grade ; this is his first year's experience us a teacher in the Greenville School. He is a cripple, being injured in one of his limbs, and walks at a great disadvantage, but his pupils respect him ; he is thorough in his explanations, an experienced teacher of vocal music, and a graduate in bookkeeping and commercial arithmetic. In addition to his grade, he has charge of the commercial department of the high school, and pupils receive a thorough drill in this department. James 13. Robinson has charge of the " C " Grammar Grade, and this is his second year's experience as teacher in the Greenville School, and was a student at Otterbein University, Westerville. He also teaches a class in physiology, from the high school, and has taken special pains to illustrate the subject practically by a skeleton and chart. His teachings in this department, as well as in his own proper grade, have been quite successful. He makes his teaching plain, nothing is passed until it is thoroughly understood, and pupils need not, in a higher grade, review the studies passed over here. Mr. Robinson is a practical chemist, having had charge of a drug store for a number of years. He thoroughly understands vocal music, and is a practical business man. Miss Maggie ('. Mead has charge of the " A" Grade, Intermediate Department, and has been a teacher in the school nine successive years. She is a good disciplinarian, thorough and systematic in her teaching ; her pupils are orderly and respectful, and her room is governed with seemingly little effort on her part. She is quiet in the schoolroom, and her pupils imitate her in this respect. Her motto is, " A quiet teacher insures a quiet school." She requires thoroughness on the part of her pupils, and will not recommend promotion to a higher grade without being satisfied that the pupil can sustain himself in that grade. Mrs. Sarah K. Hetzler has charge of the " B " Intermediate Grade, and is teaching her seventh successive year in the school. She is a widow, and supports herself and three children by her own industry. As a teacher, she has given general satisfaction, and her pupils are required to understand a subject well before an advance is made. The " C :' Intermediate Grade is taught by Miss Kate Schmermund, who has been employed for eight successive years. She has sustained herself well in her grade, is a good disciplinarian, and order and system prevail in her room. The study of geography is begun in this grade ; it is taught by topic, and. while the study is new to the pupils, they soon become interested in all their studies. Miss Lizzie McKennan has charge of the " A " Primary Grade, this being her first year. She is a member of the graduating class of 1880, received her education in the Greenville School, is a good scholar, and, as a teacher, has given entire satisfaction. She has not only taught her grade this year, but has also kept along in her studies, reciting in the morning and evening, and thus, by industry and perseverance, has completed the high school course of study with her class. Miss Sarah White has had charge of the " B " Primary Grade for five successive years. This grade is necessarily large, but the best of order prevails in the room. She is prompt and systematic in her methods of instruction, teaching her pupils the necessity and importance of being quiet and orderly in the schoolroom. The pupils in this grade make very commendable progress. Miss Mary E. Allen has charge of the i: C "' Primary Grade. She has been a teacher in the Greenville School for eight successive years. She had charge of the Primary Grade before it was divided. She is kind and attentive to small children, careful in her methods of instruction, requiring her pupils to give the elementary sounds of letters, speak the words correctly, and observe the rules of reading taught to primary pupils. Mrs. Lucinda Ratliff has charge of the " D " Primary Grade. Here the pupils receive their first lessons in schoolroom duties. Writing, lettering, figures, letters and words on the slate and blackboard is required of the pupil ; object lessons are taught, together with the first principles of reading. New pupils are constantly being introduced in this room, and the grade is difficult to teach successfully. Mrs. Ratliff is particularly adapted to this kind of work, and has given general satisfaction as teacher. She has been employed for five successive years, and is doing a good work in her department. Miss Anna Stallman has charge of the German Primary Department, She is a graduate from the Greenville High School, and during the first year of her teaching, she continued her studies and graduated with her class at the close of the }"ear. She teaches the English classes in the German and English department, alternating with the teacher in the charge of the two rooms. She has good executive ability, is mild but firm in her government, and, as teacher, gives general satisfaction. Louis Hoffman is the teacher of the German and English Department, and teaches the classes in German from the high school. He has taught ten years in the Greenville School, and understands vocal music, which he' teaches to his pupils successfully. Mr. Hoffman is versed in several languages, and teaches the German in two grades. Vocal music is taught in all grades daily. This department is in charge of J. A. Porter, formerly employed in the schools of Galion, Ohio. He is also a teacher of instrumental music. In May, 1873, thirteen teachers were employed, and in June, 1878, seventeen. The enrollment for the latter year was 894. Of these, 465 were males and 429 females. The enrollment in the high school was 156. The average monthly enrollment was a total of 684 ; of these, 95 were enrolled in the high school. The average daily attendance was 621 ; of these, 88 were enrolled in the high school. The per cent of attendance was 93 in the high school, and 91 in the other grades. Tuition received from non-residents is an item of revenue to the district. Five commencements have been held since the high school was organized. The names of graduates are as follows :

Class of 1873 - A. C. Lindermuth, George Gunder. E. L. Matchett and Florence Lansdowne (Matchett died August 5, 1877, and Lansdowne November 30, 1874), Amelia Sorber, Allie Smith, Mary E. Roland, Lizzie Mc Alpine, Kate Hicks and Ma}r Lynch. Class of 1875 - Emma Kelin, Victoria Lindermuth and Mollie Mitchell (since died). Class of 1876 - Charles Roland, Allie McNeal, Ida Lynch and Sadie McCune. Class of 1877 - Ella Ault, Flora Meeker, Minnie Garber. A. C. Robeson, Delia Klinger, Clara Roland, Anna Stallmann. C. E. Porterfield. Class of 1878 - Rollin F. Crider, Frank D. Meeker, Sadie Meeker, Henry T. Miller. Dema Martin, Estella Dunlap, and the graduating class of 1880 are Leona Shade, Ada Lindsev. Callie Rettimer. Lizzie McKeman, Amnion Mider. Allie Judy, D. L. Gaskill and J. H. Martz.

The ecclesiastical history of Greenville is really to a great extent that of the county, since from the city have gone forth the elements of outside organization. The Presbyterians seem to have perfected an organization as early as February 14, 1821, when the following-named persons signed a call for the formation of a corporate body : L. Rascom, James Craig, William L. Wilson, John Craig, William McKhann, Jesse McGinnis, John Armstrong, John Devor, Renjamin Murphy. David Fisher. John McFarland, William Clark, John Reers, Robert Hood, James Ruchanan, Heman L. Aiken, Stephen Perrine. William Martin. David Irwin. James Devor, A. Scribner, Eastin Norris, James Stevenson (senior and junior). H. McCune, George I. Isham, Erastus Putnam, John Miller. William Lipe, Thomas Stokeley, Charles Steward, George W. Hight and John Rriggs. Agreeably to legal notice, the above-named met at the house of Linus Rascom on March 10. 1821, and elected Eastin Norris Clerk, and for Trustees Renjamin Murphy, William Martin and Linus Rascom. and they also placed the organization on record as the " Greenville Presbyterian Society." September 9, 1825, a congregation collected at the house of Renjamin Murphy for the purpose of being organized into a church. The Rev. John Ross officiated, and. having concluded religious exercises, he set apart Renjamin Murphy and Linus Rascom as Elders, and Robert Robinson was re-elected as Elder. John Ross commenced preaching in 1825. and remained with the congregation till 1831. In 1833, the society, at a called meeting, detached a portion of their number living in Adams Township to form the Mount Pleasant Church, now the Gettysburg Presbyterian, whose first Pastor was Rev. Isaac Ogden. The society at Greenville did not have regular preaching for some time previous to October. 1841. when Alexander (lulick was installed Pastor.

and divided his time between the two societies named, remaining two years November 31, 1844, Rev. Badeau was engaged, and served four years. May 12. 1849, Rev. John A. Weeks commenced preaching, and was succeeded in 1853 by Rev. R. M. McCullough, who was Pastor but one year. Hew Orlando Clark was secured for the year 1 s 7> 7 . Two years later. D. B. Wycoff served six months. previous to departure for India as a missionary. In .June. 1860. Rev. C. B. II Martin became Pastor, and served a year very acceptably. Next came John W. Drake, from 1862 to August, 1865. II. A. Newell to 1868, an excellent speaker, easy of bearing and portly in person. The society received its greatest stimulus during his pastorate, either before or since. John S. Gourlay, a talented man, preached for a jTear or so. then, on April 7. 1872, J. C. Eastman was invited to occupy the pulpit as a temporary supply, and remained from that time until April.' 1880.

The Second Presbyterian Church was formed June 21, 1843. and continued its existence until the 3^ear 1865, when. February 21, the elders of this and the other church met. and, after a full consultation, passed the following resolution, to be presented to their respective congregations : Resolved, 1 , That we unite with the Old School Presbytery, and take the First Church for a house of worship, the united church to make a call for a Pastor.

Both congregations unanimously acceded to these propositions, and the united societies met February 28, and formally agreed upon the union of their interests. On May 8, 1865, an election of a Board of Trustees was held, and James B. Avery was Chairman and William Kerr. Clerk. The election resulted in the choice of James B. Avery. A. Gaskill, M. Creager, Stephen Baird, Charles Tate and David B. John. April 6. 1877, the membership actual was 182 ; the Sabbath school membership was 166 ; amount contributed for Pastor's salary, parsonage and other objects, was $2,014. A year later, there were 210 members. The statistical report for the year ending April 12, 1880, is in part as follows : Whole membership. 185 ; contributions, $1,416.83 ; number in school. 169.

St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church dates from the year 1832. In that year. Rev. Alva Guion, recently located at Piqua, visited Greenville to address the people on the importance of sustaining a Sunday school, and of establishing a library of religious books for children. This was done, although at this time, there was not an Episcopalian in the village. In the spring of 1833, Rev. Guion, on visit, was pleased to find a convert in the person of Mrs. Eliza A. Briggs. In 1835. an article of association was drawn up and circulated in Greenville, twelve persons subscribed their names to it, and in 1836. nine more were added, and the next spring the number was increased to twenty -five. The following is a copy of the article, and of the names attached. May 20, 1837 : "We, whose names are herewith atlixed, do hereby associate ourselves together under the name of the Parish of St. Paul's Church : John and Eliza A. Briggs, W. B. and Mary A. Beall, Jane E. Ross, Evaline Dorsey, Margaret Kilbourne, Daniel H. and Ann B. Davis. Margaret Baird. Joseph Ross. Thomas F. Kilbourne. Stephen Perrine. \V. M Wilson. Eliza Duncan, Elisha Dawes, Hiram Potter, Francis Waring. William M. Crane. William McKhann. A. L. Northrop, John Wharry, II. Arnold. II. D. Williams and Chloe Herkeiner."

Pursuant to canonical notice, members assembled May 20. 1837, at the dwelling of Dr. John Briggs, to organize a parish, and the following names were elected to the Vestry : John Briggs, W. B. Beall. Thomas V. Kilbourne, Joseph Ross and A. L. Northrop. A building committee was chosen January 13. 1840, which consisted of William M. Wilson. W. B. Beall and Hiram Potter. In due time. Unbuilding was creeted, completed and properly furnished. Cpon its site, on the northwest corner of Third and Walnut streets, on the site of the present new chapel, the pioneer church stood until 1S7!» or 1SSII. a period of forty vears. From 1*40 to 1852, N. Badger, of Troy. .1. J. Okill, J. W. Talford, William Miller and Rev. Wiggins officiated at regular intervals. In 1846, nine persons were confirmed by Rt. Rev. C. P. Mcllvaine. In 1851. Daniel E. Rrown became Rector, and maintained that relation to St. Paul's Parish until 1860. May. 17, 1859, fourteen persons were confirmed. Up to March 23, 1868, confirmations were forty-three, J. N. Lee became Rector, November 17, 1860, and served until November 30. 1862. From this date until 1866, there was no regular minister. Rev. J. H. McElray then served a 3'ear. when there was an interval until January. 1871, when Richard Wainwright was installed Rector, succeeded by George B. Sturgis, who closed connection with the church July, 1874. The present incumbent is Rev. David W. Cox, in charge since 1877. The new church is of recent construction, and as said, occupies the old site of the pioneer structure. The membership is about forty. The Sabbath School Superintendents between 1832 and 1853 were Mrs. E. Briggs and Evaline Dorsey. Later, the school was conducted several years by B. Hubbard, until 1859. Mr. Webb is now in charge. The school attendance is sixty.

The Methodist Episcopal Church began the construction of a house in 1S35, and its location was determined by the following circumstance ; Isaac Jay. a Quaker, identified himself with the Methodists, and himself determined to buy the present church lot, the northwest half of No. 5. in Greenville, and upon it to erect a suitable building. He was induced to make the purchase from impressions made by a dream, in which he saw sheep encompassed by wolves make a successful stand at this site - then a thicket of thorn bushes. He paid $40 for the site, then owned by Hiram and John C. Potter, and received a deed February 22, 1835. In 1836, the meeting-house was completed, under the supervision as building committee, of Mr. Jay, William Oliver, C. Martin, William Folkerth, William W. Jordan, Jacob Chenoweth and Hiram Bell, at a cost of $600. There was a debt of $70, which was discharged by each member of the committee pa3ring $10. A revival, adding thirty-seven to the church, followed the completion of the house. The Methodist Episcopal parsonage of Fourth street was purchased in the fall of 1848 ; Rev. Harmount being its first occupant. In 1852, the frame church was sold to William J. Bireley. for $50. and subscriptions were taken for the purpose of building a brick church, estimated to cost $5,000. The sum of $2,000, only part of which was paid, having been subscribed, work began but was greatly retarded by lack of means. Finally, $1,500 was borrowed, and the woi'k completed. In 1860, Greenville was made a station with one appointment. Isaac Newton, Pastor, drew large congregations, and much interest was shown. James H. Alderman was in charge next; then Jacob Feghtb}', sometimes called the "quiet brother." During his sta}* the organ was first introduced into the church, with strong opposition from aged members. In 1864, Fielding L. Harper began work, but in eonsequence of ill-health, discontinued work, and soon after died. Charles Reynolds was in charge in 1865, followed next year by Henry E. Pilcher. The parsonage was sold for $800, and another on the same street purchased for $2,500. Rev. L. C. Webster preached in 1867-68, and Joseph Avers, whose term of service expired with the latter year, was the Presiding Elder. The new parsonage was exchanged for another on the same street, the Trustees receiving $700 in addition to the same. The Sabbath-school was prosperous ; monthly concerts were held, and 200 children attended. During 1868, 1869 and 1870, Amos Wilson was preacher in charge, and Joseph Wyoks. Presiding Elder. Next came H. S.Bradley, and, in 1871, Rev. A. Berry was appointed to this charge, and remained three years. From the fall of 1874 to that of 1877, Rev. A. J. Fish was Pastor, during whose time the church was dedicated by Rev. A. Marine, now of Fort Wayne. Ind. The church membership reached 161. There was not a death during the year. Rev. 31. L. Albright came in the fall of 1877. and remained two years. The present Pastor, Rev. J. A. Ferguson, is in charge. Since the dedication in 1875, considerable improvements have been made at a cost of $6,900. The bell donated by William Allen, has a weight of 1.525 pounds. The building stands on the east side of Sycamore street. between Third and Fourth streets. The present actual membership is 200.

The Christian Church was organized January 3, 1841, by Elders Elijah Williamson, John B. Robertson, Hallet Barber and Elisha Ashley. At a regular meeting held July 31, various matters were adduced, among which was a resolution to attach the church to the Western (Blutfton) Conference. It seems that in October 15, 1833, Lot No. 2)i was deeded by Solomon Riffle and wife to William Martin. John Swisher. Alexander Craig, David Potter and John N. Parcell, for the use and benefit of the first Christian Church that might be organized in the town of Greenville, for the purpose of erecting thereon a meeting-house. A house was erected and at the time whereof we write the society by right took into possession house and lot. The members increased in seven months from ten to eighty-eight, and the Pastors in order up to August, 1841, were Elders J. B. Robertson, H. Barber, D. Purviance, L. Purviance, E. Ashley, I. Trenton and E. Williamson. The first Christian Church was incorporated January 21, 1842. In 1857, there were sixty-one additions, and August 25, 1859, there were 114 members. John Stephenson and John Van Meter were appointed Deacons August 1. 1846 ; Elder Williamson was chosen Pastor for one year from July 31. 1847. In April following, steps were taken toward the erection of a brick meeting-house. The old house was sold March 7, 1849, for $105. The Episcopalians allowed the society the temporary use of their house till their own could be built. August 10, 1854, Elder Marvin was Pastor, who. having resigned in 1856. Elder H. K. McConnell was invited to the pastorate, and was employed for 1857 and 1858. From this time a decadence set in, and in time but few members remained. On April 6, 1874, it was stated that besides Rev. McConnell. M. Palmer and Elder McWhinney were the only ministers to that date who had preached and labored for the society.

Evangelical Church. - Originally the Greenville appointment belonged to the Miami Circuit. Ohio Conference. At first, there was no regular preaching, but ministers visited this section from Dayton, Cincinnati and other places, and preached in private houses. A small class was formed in 1842. Peter Roth, afterward minister on this circuit, became the leader. Among members of the class were M. Kline, Renssellaer, Leetz and Koenig. The present church, a medium-sized brick structure, with a seating capacity of about three hundred, is located on the southeast corner of Fourth and Ash streets, was the first one built. The work was done in 1858, and the sermon of dedication was preached by Bishop Long, Revs. Platz being Presiding Elder, and B. Rush, circuit preacher. Indebtedness was paid off at this time, and later a comfortable parsonage was erected on the same lot. The following have been Presiding Elders from 1812 until the present: Revs. Censor, Sehaffer, Kopp. Fry. Dreisbach, Platz, Fisher, Myer, Fuchs, Krueger and Baumgartner. The preachers have been Abraham Sehaffer, Philip Por, Eli Kliplinger, Lewis Einsel, Jacob Keiper. John Hoffman. John G. Censor, B. Rush, Peter Roth. John Nikolai. C. Glaus. B. Uphaus, George Holley. Peter Getz, Christian Heiin. A. E. Dreisbach, Ph. Schwartz, Cluuies SchamOj George Nolpert. Edward Evans. E. R. Trover. Reuben Reigel, George Klepper, E. R. Trover. E. T. Hochsletler and F. Lanner. Greenville has not yet 1 teen made a station, but is still an appointment, with preaching once in two weeks. The membership of the circuit is 2 13. and of the town is 28.

German Methodist. - The first preaching in Greenville by a minister of this denomination was by Rev. William Floerke, October 2, 1S52. who remained two years. Services were held in dwellings. Some of the original members of the society were .). \Y. Fischbach, Charles Bittermire. Charles Klarig. Loveroy, EQarig, Fred Steinramp and J. G. Martine. The second minister was J. A. Schmeremund, under whose administration the presenl church was built in 1855, at :i cost of about $900. The parsonage was bought for $350 in 1857. It has been materially enlarged and improved. The lot. the site of church and parsonage, is Located on Ash street, between Main and Water streets. The entire property is valued at $2,501). The Sabbath school wasestahlished in 1850. and has been kept up ever since. There has also been regular preaching. The membership is small. Old members have died, new ones have moved away. The proportion of English-speaking Methodists has increased, and there is little numerical gain. It forms a part of the German Central Conference. Presiding Elders have been William Ahrens, M. Collander, J. A. Kline. Conrad Ghau, Jacob Rothweiler, G. C. Fritche, E. Reimschneider and L. Olinger. The pastors of this congregation have been from the first as follows : William Floerke, J. A. Schmeremund. William Ahrens, Conrad Bier, Charles Helwig, Henry Fuess, Paul Brodbeck, F. Severinghaus, John Leppert, L. Dunker, Jacob Gabler, Adam Weber, John Ficker.

The German Reformed Church. - St. Paul's congregation. The division of the Dallas charge by detaching the congregations of Beamsville and Gett}^sburg, gave rise to the organization of a central congregation on a new charge. In September, 1864, the Rev. T. P. Bucher, of Dayton, preached in Greenville, in the Old School Presbyterian Church, to a large congregation. Revs. W. McCaughey and

A. Wanner preached here subsequently. Sufficient interest seems to have been awakened to provide for the formation of a society, and, September 19, 1864, this was effected. Six members of the German Reformed Church were present at the meeting, and the names of five others were presented. The following names were entered - Philip Hartzell and wife, Mrs. Clem Barthing, S. Creager, Mrs. E. C. Baer and Mrs. Margaret Webb. The meeting was held in the dwelling of Mrs. Barthing. On March 12, 1866, Rev. W. McCaughey was still Pastor. A month or so later, a building committee was appointed, and, in September, the church owned b}7 the Christians was rented for six months from October 14. November 1, 1866. the Committee on Location reported a lot on the corner of Third and Vine streets, owned by John Harper. In the spring of 1869, the church became very dilapidated, and the house of the Old School Presbyterians was purchased for $4,000 cash. The funds were secured by borrowing $3,600 of Mr. Alter, of Cincinnati, but owing to the desire of the Presbyterians to wait for the union of the two schools, action was dela}red. In February, 1870, the property was sold at auction, to Turpen, Benham & Co. The Harper lot was sold, and a purchase made of part of a lot from Dr. T. J. Kindlesberger, for $1,000, on May 30, 1870. Church building was pushed, and, in 1874, the new St. Paul's Reform Church was dedicated. The Pastor, Rev. W. McCaughe}", was assisted by Rev. David Winters, D. D., of Dayton, and others. The entire cost of the building was about $5,400. In speaking of it a local paper said : u The church, a model of neatness and beauty, is pronounced the finest in the county, will comfortably seat about three hundred persons, is well ventilated, and is heated b}r a furnace. The walls and ceiling are beautifully frescoed, the design and finish of the windows really imposing, the pulpit tastefully constructed, the aisles carpeted, and the congregation have the handsomest house of worship in the town." The first communion season in the new church was held February 16, 1873. Rev. McCaughey, who had been with the church since its origin, tendered his resignation and preached his final sermon on the evening of September 6, 1874. The pulpit was for a time supplied by R.

B. Reichard, who, resigning in the fall of 1876, was succeeded by Jesse Steimer, who came in the spring of 1879, and remained till the fall of 1879.

January 1, 1880, Rev. Samuel Mere, D. D., assumed the pastorate, and is the incumbent. The membership is now about seventy-five. The Sabbath school connected with this church was organized in the spring of 1867, and numbers fifty-five.

The United Brethren had a church prior to the war, which was sold at auction, and bought by Prof. Martz, and used as schoolhouse ; then sold to Catholics about 1862, who greatly improved it.

constantly in the foreground of Aery prominent interest, social, financial, educational and religious, while their following is stanch and confident. In this we may learn the influence of energy, wealth and public spirit in developing and making attractive a village or a city. Greenville has fine buildings, private and public. Her interests are in sale hands, and the city offers many inducements to a residence there ; not alone in the sociability of the citizens, but in the influences of public institutions and prevalence of progressive and elevating tendencies.

JOHN BREWER, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Stelvideo. Peter, his father, was born in Pennsylvania in 1777 ; he married Holy Babe Larern, a native of Pennsylvania, born about 1779 ; they emigrated to Ohio in 1804, locating in Hamilton Co., and in 1819 he moved to Darke Co., where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1855 : his wife died in 1843. John, the subject of this sketch, is one of Darke Co.'s old settlers ; born in Pennsylvania on the 7th of October, 1802 ; came with his parents to Darke Co. in 1819 ; his education, which is very meager, he obtained by his own exertions ; he lived with his parents till he was about 24 years of age, when, on the 8th of June, 1826, he celebrated his marriage with Elizabeth Coppess, who is a native of Greene Co., Ohio, born on the 2d of November. 1807 ; after his marriage, he rented a farm on Stillwater, where he remained for two years ; he purchased 80 acres in Adams Township, for which he paid $50. erected a log cabin and moved, and began the task of opening up his farm ; has added 93 acres more, making in all 173 acres, with 125 acres in a good state of cultivation, the whole valued at $11,000 ; he also owns a house and lot in Stelvideo. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer are among the oldest settlers of Adams Township, and have lived to see the mighty forest disappear before the woodman's ax ; and where the old log cabin stood, a large two-story frame house is in its place ; they have passed through the many struggles, dangers and incidents so common to the pioneer of the West, but with an indomitable will, associated with frugality, industry and correct business habits, they have accumulated considerable amount of property ; ten children have been born to them, of whom nine are living, viz.: Alfred, born March 10, 1827 ; Mahala, born Dec. 25, 1828 ; Peter, born Aug. 8, 1831 ; Adam, born Nov. 25, 1833; Daniel, born Oct. 4, 1835 ; Jesner, born Aug.

known as a man of good principle and full of humanity ; he has raised six grandchildren, besides his own family - one for Mahala, two for Alfred, and three for Phoebe.