Antrim Township (part 3 of 6)

JOSEPH SEIGER was born in Baden, September 22, 1839, and is a son of John and Magdalene Seiger, also natives of Baden. He emigrated with his parents in 1848, and located near Little Sandusky. His father died May 11, 1870; his mother, September 18, 1871, the former in his sixty-sixth year, the latter in her fifty-ninth. Mr. Seiger resided with his parents, conducting the farm, till thirty years of age. He then engaged at fencemaking for C. R. Fowler, working chiefly at that business for eight years. He then farmed rented land one year, and in 1878 purchased ninety acres of land where he now resides. Mr. Seiger was married January 14, 1875, to Catharine Maley, who was born in this county December 9, 1853. They have three children, viz., Iva E., born February 14, 1877; Delia M., March 29, 1879; and Myrtie P., November 29, 1883. ' In politics, Mr. Seiger is a Democrat. He is a hardworking, honest farmer, and well respected in his neighborhood.

JAMES A. STEWART, of the firms of Stewart & Hall and Stewart & Wallace, was born in Allegheny County, Penn. , February 29, 1844. His parents, George and Rosanna (Rinehart) Stewart, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania, were married in Allegheny County in 1841, residing there until 1860, when they came to this county, where his father established a shingle factory, which he conducted till his death, which occurred March 22, 1869. His father came with his parents from Guilford. County Down, Ireland, in 1806. James A. is one of nine children, five of whom are living - Mrs. Mary S. Wallace, of Steubenville; James A., Mrs. Carrie B. Welty, of Charleston, W. Va. ; Mrs. Millie S. Seaton, of Harvard, Neb.; Mrs. Ella M. Seaton, of Pullman, 111. The deceased were William A., Maria. Annie and George W., who died in infancy. Our subject removed to Ohio with his parents in 1860. In 1862, he entered the army in Company F, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Kirby, of Upper Sandusky, enlisting for three years. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Knob Gap, Stone River, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga. being wounded at the latter place, carrying the ball yet, which was lodged in his right shoulder. After three months in the hospital, he joined his company at Bridgeport, Ala. , December 24, 1863, and subsequently took part in the battles of Rocky Face Ridge and Resaca; but, owing to his disability, was sent to the hospital, and was afterward appointed clerk at department headquarters, serving in this capacity until the close of the war, receiving his discharge at Camp Cleveland, June 26, 1865. Returning home, he resumed work in the shingle factory, where he remained as partner with his father until his death in 1869, and in 1870, formed a partnership with W. H. Wallace, under the firm name of Steward & Wallace, in the manufacture of staves, heading, etc., rebuilding the factory in 1874, which is still running and doing an extensive business. In 1876, established a hub factory at Charleston, W. Va., with firm of Stewart, Wallace & Welty. In 1878, he bought the hardware stock of M. R. Hall, removing to Nevada, where he has since resided. In 1882, the present partnership of Stewart & Hall was formed, they purchasing W. H. Wallace's interest in the hardware store. Mr. Stewart was married, October 20, 1870. to Mary L. Hall, daughter of Edward and Ann (Fielding) Hall, and six children have been born to them - Mary F., born July 29, 1871; George E., May 12, 1873; Annie M., April

9, 1875; Gertrude A., December 16, 1876; William A.. October 27, 1878; Stanley G., May 22, 1882. The deceased are Annie M., who died May 2, 1875, and William A., December 29, 1880. Mr. Stewart has served in several of the city and township offices, is a Republican and member of Leith Post, No. 127, G. A. R. He was the first Post Commander, serving two terms, and was a member of the National Encampment at Baltimore, in June, 1882, having been elected as one of the State delegates.

ROBERT M. STEWART, M. D., was born in Seneca County, Ohio, May 28, 1839. He is the youngest son of Archibald and Martha (Johnson) Stewart, both natives of Lycoming County, Penn., and of Scolch-Iri&h and English parentage. Six of ten children are yet living - Mary, Nancy, Sophia, James W., Charles J. and Robert M. Their father was born June 2, 1797; their mother in 1795. Archibald Stewart settled in Seneca County about 1820, and still resides there; his wife has been deceased since December 24, 1854. Robert M., our subject, grew up on the farm with his parents and attended the district schools, subsequently taking an academic course at Republic. He then engaged in teaching and farming alternately till he enlisted in the service, February 23, 1862. He became a member of Company G, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged in the battles of Moorefield, Strasburg, Rappahannock, Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg; then joining the Army of the Cumberland, and participating in the actions at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, front of Atlanta, and after the Atlanta campaign with Sherman to the sea; in this latter movement being chiefly engaged with five other comrades, as scout, and among the first to enter Savannah. Mr. Stewart was discharged at Hardeeville, S. C. , January 24, 1865, and returned home to take up the study of medicine with Dr. B. A. Wright, of Maumee, Ohio. He attended the Cincinnati Medical College in 1865-66, and in 1870 graduated at that institution. He soon after began the practice of his profession at Mexico, this county, under the physio-medical theory, being among the first to practice the same in the county. In October, 1866, he located in Nevada, where he has since been engaged, meeting with merited success. He was engaged in the drug business from 1875 to 1878, with the firm of R. M. Stewart & Co., but subsequently disposed of his interest and erected a brick block containing six business I'ooms in Kansas City. Mr. Stewart was married, September 10, 1867, to Miss Susan A. Funk, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Nichols) Funk, and seven children have been born to them - Mattie E., Margaret M., Archie J., Annie V., Hattie G., Charley J. and Alwilda, the latter deceased. Mr. Stewart and wife are members of the Advent Church; he is surgeon of the G. A. R., Leith Post, No. 127, and a Republican.

PATRICK TIVENS was born in Ireland, March 25, 1839, and is a son of Hugh and Bridget (Con Ion) Tivens, also natives of Ireland. There are six children in the family yet living - Patrick, Charles, Hugh, James, Winnifred and Bridget. Their father is still living but their mother died in 1882. Patrick, the subject of this sketch, came to America in 1857, and stopped a few months in New York State, then came to Sandusky City, from which place, about four months later, he came to this county. He was engaged at farm labor for Mr. F. Fowler, one year, and for S. P. Fowler, sixteen years, after which he rented land two years, purchasing his present farm of 100 acres in 1877, paying $60 per acre. He was married, March 30, 1872, to Susanna Maloy, who was born in this county. May 29, 1852. Her parents, John C. and Anna M. (Dinkle) Maley, were natives of Germany.

Five children have been born to them - Patrick E.. December 18, 1872; Winnifred, October 6, 1874; Emily N., September 2, 1877; Hugh, March 29, 1879; Charles, October 23, 1882. In politics Mr. Tivens is Democratic, in religion Catholic. He has a good farm valued at |75 per acre, and is a good citizen.

DANIEL TRAXLER is a native of Cumberland County, Peun.. born April 2, 1818. He is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Cramer) Traxler, also natives of Ciunberland County, where they were married. In 1824, they came to Ohio, and located in Summit County, moving to Crawford County in 1841, residing there until their deaths. The children of the family were Mary, Elizabeth, Catharine, George, Daniel, Henry, Peter, John and Susan - Daniel, Peter and John now the only ones living. The father died in 1848, the mother in 1845. Daniel Traxler, our subject, lived with his parents till about twenty years of age; he then rented land in Stark County, Ohio, and farmed until 1861, when he moved to Wayne County and purchased 104 acres, on which he resided till 1879, when he came to this county and purchased his present farm of 136| acres, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Traxler was married, January 3, 1839, to Josephine Phillips, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born June 12, 1818, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Smith) Phillips, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents were married in her native county, and resided there until 1828, when they removed to Wayne County, in where her mother died in 1839, her father in 1851. Their children were George, Lewis, Catharine and Josephine - the two sons now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Traxler' s children are Rose A., born December 12, 1839; Elizabeth L., August 5, 1842; William E., April 18, 1845; Flora A., October 18, 1848; Joseph O., June 6, 1849; Mary (same date); Franklin P., October 17, 1851; Ottomon D., February 12, 1855; John H., August 18, 1858; Charles L., March 20, 1861. All these attained maturity, and all are now deceased but the two latter, John H. and Charles L. , being one and all of good habits and character. Mr. and Mrs. Traxler are members of the Reformed Church, and are well respected in their community.

DANIEL C. TRAXLER, freight, ticket and express agent, Nevada, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, September 4, 1847, son of Peter and Catharine Traxler (see sketch of Eden Township). In 1852, he came with his parents to this county, where he has since resided. He obtained the rudiments of an education in the district schools, supplementing this by one term in the Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio, closing his studies at the Upper Sandusky High School. He afterward engaged in teaching during the winter seasons, working on the farm during summers in this locality till 1869, when he emigrated to Missouri, and thence to Texas, making the trip between the latter points (about 600 miles) on foot. He engaged in teaching in the above-named States, also spent some time in herding and branding cattle in Texas, passing tifty-two days and nights in the saddle. After three years, Mr. Traxler returned home, and took up his abode with his father, engaging a few years in farming, subsequently spending one year with Stewart & AVallace in the stave and heading business. In 1879, he located in Nevada, accepting a clerkship of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company, of which he was made ticket, freight and express agent in June, 1882, Mr. Traxler was married, October 22, 1874, to Miss Mary E. Kroft, a native of Stark County, born June 3, 1853, daughter of John and Rebecca (Prouse) Kroft, of English and German ancestry respectively. The children by this marriage are Gertrude A. C, born July

7, 1875; Guendoline M., March 5, 1877; Garrold J. P., September 30, 1878; Herman P., May 12, 1880; and Harry N. J., November 18, 1883. In politics, Mr. Traxler is a Republican. He served as Assessor two terms, and is now a member of the Union School Board. He is associated with the F. & A. M., and, with his wife, is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

HENRY TRISH was born in York County, Penn., March 22, 1833. His parents, Louis and Elizabeth Trish, were natives of Germany, the former born November 11, 1801, the latter August 3, 1804. They were married in Germany, and emigrated to America in 1832, stopping two years in Pennsylvania, then removing to Bucyrus. Ohio, where the father was engaged nineteen years in the manufacture of wagons and buggies. In 1853, he came to this county and purchased fifty acres of land, to which he added till he owned 234 acres. He died July 4, 1859; his wife surviving till February 16, 1882. The family consisted of ten children, namely, Margaret, Louis, Henry, Elizabeth, Mary, Frederick, John, Barbara, Lydia and Anna. Louis and Lydia are deceased. Mr. Trish, our subject, resided with his parents till his twenty-third year, and then went to Indiana, where he was engaged five years at the wagon trade in the respective towns of Goshen and Warsaw. Returning home, he entered into a partnership with his brother Frederick, with whom he was engaged in farming till 1882, when the partnership was dissolved. He has been very successful financially, now owning 348 acres of the undivided estate. He does quite an extensive farming and stock-raising business, and is a straightforward, energetic citizen of good character. Mr. Trish is still living the quiet life of a bachelor, his two sisters taking care of his household.

JOSEPH TURNEY, M. D., was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 22, 1825. His parents were Joseph and Margaret (Weber) Turney, his father having been born in Westmoreland County, Penn. , April 12, 1792; his mother in the same vicinity in 1793. His maternal grandfather, John W. W^eber, was a prominent minister in the German Reformed Church. Joseph Turney, Sr., was married in 1812, and moved to Ohio in the year 1819, settling on the banks of Allen Creek, Franklin County. He soon after removed to Delaware, where he resided twelve years, engaged in the tin and copper business; he then moved into the country near the village of Ostrander, where he died at the residence of his son, Benjamin Turney, January 29, 1872, in his eightieth year; his wife, Margaret, died October 27, 1860. They were the parents of eleven children, the youngest of whom died in his twenty- eighth year, the first death in the family. Dr. Turney obtained the nidiments of an education in the school districts of the village of Delaware, Ohio, finishing his education at the Woodstock Seminary. He began the study of medicine in Marion, under the instruction of Dr. John Norton, in 1848, entering the Starling Medical College at Columbus, in 1849, graduating February 22, 1851; he began the practice of his profession, and after several removals located in Nevada in 1864, since which time he has been there permanently established; he has built up a lucrative practice, and been highly successful in his profession. He owns a comfortable home in Nevada, and eighty acres in Crawford County. In 1862, Dr. Turney spent some time in the late war, as surgeon in the field hospital, and in 1864, again was employed in the same capacity; he was married March 28, 1852, to Louisa Welch, daughter of Benjamin S. and Rebecca (Drake) Welsh, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. Three children have blessed this union - Florence, born January 24, 1853; Eugene W. , January

13, 1857; Tully C, May 21, 1860; the mother was" born August 4, 1832. Dr. Turney is a member of the Ohio Medical Association, and a Republican in political faith.

WILLIAM WELCH was born in Huron County, Ohio, April 25, 1818; he is a son of John and Sarah (McMillen) Welch, natives of Beaver County, Penn.. the father born about 1792, the mother a few years later; his parents left Beaver County about 1816, and located in Huron County, moving to Seneca County in 1820, being the fourth white family of the early settlers. They resided there twenty- three years, and then moved to this county; he served as County Assessor two years; was Justice of the Peace nine years, and twice elected to the Legislature; he located near Nevada about 1843, and subsequently served as Justice of the Peace two or three terms, and as Commissioner nine years. He died in 1860. William Welch, our subject, resided with his parents till twenty-three years old; he came to this county in 1848, and purchased fifty-five acres at the land sales, residing on this farm seven years; he then sold out and purchased 108 acres in Nevada, where he lived twenty-three years, owning at the same time his present home of sixty acres; he was twice engaged in the livery business, and for fifteen years dealt more or less in live stock, doiug some shipping. He laid out thirty-nine lots to the town of Nevada. Mr.Welch was married, November 4, 1841, to Margaret A. Smith, a native of Montgomery County, Penn., born January 1, 1818, daughter of George W. and Margaret (Hart) Smith; her father, a native of New Jersey, a soldier in the war of 1812, and dying at the advanced age of ninety-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have had six children, namely: Jasper M., born November 3, 1842; Miranda J., May 22, 1844; James A., August 14, 1846; Amanda A., July 15, 1848; William Mc, June 13, 1851; Ransom H., August 17, 1853. Miranda J., died December

14, 1869; Ransom H., December 11, 1863; William Mc, October 17, 1883. Mr. Welch is a Democrat " dyed in the wool;" he served as Trustee several terms, and is, with Mrs. Welch, a member of the Lutheran Church.

JAMES A. WELCH was born in Eden Township, August 14, 1846. He is a son of William and Margaret (Smith) Welch, and was reai'ed and educated principally in Antrim Township; he resided with his parents on the farm till his marriage to Sarah Keller, May 13, 1869. Mrs. Welch is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, daughter of Henry and Maria (Geib) Keller, and was born July 13, 1847. The children born to them areLeona, March 1, 1870; Cuba L., December 3, 1871; Bartie M., July 9,1874; and Leefe E., August 14, 1876. Bartie M. died September 27, 1876. After his marriage, Mr. Welch devoted his attention to the various avocations of farming, teaming and threshing (introducing the first steam thresher iu Antrim and Eden Townships), residing in Nevada till 1879, when he moved to his farm of fifty-three acres, purchased in 1875. To this he has since added 20 acres, the whole being well improved, and valued at $100 per acre. He is the owner of the livery stable building, which he erected in Nevada in 1882, conducting the business two years, and keeps on his farm eight cows, from which he supplies the village with milk.

HENRY M. WELSH, one of the prominent farmers of this county, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, May 2, 1840. He is a son of E. R. and Sarah A. (McClain) Welsh, his father having come to this county about 1820, doing an extensive business in stock dealing in this and Crawford County. He also dealt to some extent in real estate and controlled a large amount of property up to the date of his death, in 1880. Henry M. Welsh, the subject of this sketch, was engaged on the farm with his father till he attaiaed his majority, soon after which he enlisted in the Eleventh Ohio Battery and entered the United States service. He participated in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, and luka, but was chiefly employed on the march or post duty. He was wounded in the battle of luka, Miss., by a musket ball, which fractured his lower jaw, resulting in the loss of half of the osseous structure of that member. He was discharged in November, 1862, returned home and has since engaged in farming and stock dealing. In 1861, he obtained 450 acres from his father's estate, and has increased that number by subsequent purchases till he now owns 1,436 acres, valued at $60 to $75 per acre. He does an extensive farming business, usually sowing 300 to 500 acres of wheat and planting 200 to 400 acres of corn. Besides his large farming and stock-raising interests in this county Mr. Welsh is also interested in an extensive cattle ranch in Wyoming Territory. Mr. Welsh has always conducted his business independently, and may fairly be considered one of the most successful operators in the county. He was married November 24, 1863, to Miss Emily Hoover, who was born in Crawford County, Ohio, her parents being early settlers in that locality. She is a daughter of William and Phoebe (Swisher) Hoover, her father being one of the leading farmers and stock-dealers of Crawford County. By this marriage three children were born, namely: Edmond T., Sanford C. and Myrtie E., aged seventeen, fifteen and fourteen respectively. Mr. Welsh is known throughout the county as a thorough business man, and is highly esteemed as a citizen.

MANINGTON WELSH was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 4, 1816. He is a son of Zachariah and Hannah (Stein) Welsh, who were probably born in Virginia. His parents resided there in Washington's time, being neighbors to one of his brothers; they subsequently moved to Fair field County, where they lived many years, moving to this county in 1821 and locating near what is now the village of Wyandot. At the date of their settlement, there were but two white families in the township, the Kirbys and the Garnetts. His father entered 160 acres, on which he resided till his death in 1842, the mother following in 1864. Mr. Welsh resided with his parents till twenty years of age, and when twenty-one purchased forty acres in Ci'awford County. In ^he fall of 1853, after the purchase and sale of several tracts, Mr. Welsh obtained 120 acres of his present farm, to which he made additions till he owned 288 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He has always dealt largely in sheep and cattle, and has also done an extensive farming business, having been one of the leading business men in the county. He was married in May, 1839, to Mary Snyder, and two children were born to them - W^illiam H. and Mary J., the latter deceased. His first wife having departed this life Mr. Welsh was married in May, 1849, to Nancy Comstock, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, July 4, 1824. Her parents, Gideon and Lucy (White) Comstock, wei'e natives of New York and Virginia respectively, and spent most of their lives in Pickawav County. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Welsh had eight children, namely: Winfield S., June 15, 1851; Charles W., April 27, 1853: Rebecca A., July 20, 1861; Alice P., May 15, 1856; Frank S., June 17, 1859; Kate, October 20, 1861; Alice P. Mr. Welsh is perhaps the oldest resident of the township, if not the county, having been identified with its interests sixty -three years and done much for its development. He was formerly a Whig, later a Republican, and now a Democr.at, being one of the most honored citizens of his community, and, as a pioneer, one of its most distinofuished members.

EDEGxiR K. WILLIAMS is a native of Adams Coanty, and was born March 18, 1862, His parents were Dr. A. N. end Martha M. (Rothrock) Williams, the former a native of Highland County, Ohio, born June 18, 1827; the latter of Pennsylvania, born March 8, 1834. Their ancestors were natives of Holland and Germany; Edegar and Marella were their only children, the latter born August 15, 1854, died October 16, 1859. Dr. Williams was reared and educated in Highland County. He graduated at the Columbus Medical College, and spent thirty years in the practice of his profession in Pike and Adams Counties. In September, 1882, he came with his son, E. R. , to Nevada, and purchased a stock of drugs of R. M. Stewart & Co., conducting the business till his death, September 6, 1883. Mrs. Williams' death occurred October 20, 1874. Our subject was reared in Adams County; obtained a fair education in the country schools, finishing his studies in the Lebanon Normal School in 1879. After a two years' clerkship in Wheat Ridge and Springfield, Ohio, in the wholesale grocery store of W. T. Robb, of the latter place, he came with his father to Nevada, and at the latter's death became the possessor of his entire property. He is an energetic, young business man, has a fair patronage, and the general esteem of the citizens of his community.

JOHN WOESSNER was born in Wittenberg, Germany, September 27, 1827, and is a son of John and Catharine Woessner, also natives of Germany. He emigrated to America in 1856-57, landing in New York He soon after went to New Jersey, and one year later came to this county, through the influence of " Stuff" Halterman, who employed German laborers from the East, and paid their railroad fare to Marion County, where he resided. He labored as a farm hand several years and, in 1864, being a " home guard," was called into service, and participated in the battle of Monocacy Junction, doing guard duty during the rest of his four months' service, losing health by exposure. In 1855, he purchased a small farm, where he still resides. Mr. Woessner was married, January 1, 1858, to Jane Hughey, who was born in this county August 27, 1835. Her parents, William and Eliza (Louis) Hughey, were natives of Ohio and New York respectively, and were early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Woessner are the parents of six children, namely, Eliza J., born October 20, 1858; John, May 2, 1861 ; Robert L., October 14, 1866; Peter S., September 10, 1875; Charles E. and Clyda E. Eliza is now wife of O. H. Jacobs, and has four children. Their marriage occurred October 24, 1878.

DAVID B. WOLF, proprietor of dry goods store, Nevada, was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 15, 1833. He is a son of John and Margaret (Baughman) Wolf, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, his father having been an early settler in Richland County, where he died, his wife's death having occurred several years previous to his own. Their children were Susanna, David B., Abraham E., Minerva M. and Margaret, all living; the deceased are Rachel, Rebecca, Adam, Amanda and Solomon S. David B., our subject, obtained a fair education in the district schools, and farmed with parents till twenty-one years of age. He subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, which he pursued almost continually till 1872. In the meantime, he spent nearly two years in the wilds of Montana and other western points. In 1872, in partnership with H. H. Welsh, he established a store of general merchandise, and has since engaged in that business, purchasing Mr. Welsh's interest five years later. Mr. Wolf has been a resident of Nevada since 1855, and has built up an extensive and profitable trade. He was married, September 27, 1859, to Almira B. Souder, daughter of

William and Nancy (Stevens) Souder, then residents of Crawford County, both now deceased. Five children have resulted from this union - William A., born July 18, 1860; Myrta L., February 2, 1862; Anna M., March 21, 1878. The deceased are Otho C, born May 16, 1872, died August 20, 1873; Paul, born March 7, 1876, died April 4, 1876. Their mother was born in Crawford County, Ohio, November 6, 1836. Mr. Wolf owns some valuable town property and eleven acres of land within the village corporation; he also carries a stock of goods estimated at about $5,000. He is a Democrat in politics; has served in the Town Countil seven years; has been a member of the School Board six years, and is also a member of the F. & A. M., having served as Worshipful Master in that society two years.

WILLIAM B. WOOLSEY, Postmaster, Nevada, Ohio, was born Manjh 10, 1847. He is a native of this township, and is a son of Walter and Harriet (Fraser) Woolsey, natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. They were joined in marriage at Little Sandusky in 1832. Their children were nine, four now living - Almira, wife of A. J. Peters; Martha, wife of James Reynolds; William B., and Henrietta F., wife of E. R. Irmer. The father came to this county in 1831, his death occvirring October 6, 1851. Alexander Fraser was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving till the surrender of Hull at Detroit. He was taken prisoner, but was released, and made his way home on foot to Pickaway County, Ohio, in company with a comrade. In the course of their journey they narrowly escaped death by the hand of an Indian, who found them " napping," and snapped his gun at one of them. Mr. Fraser, awakening, killed the Indian on the spot. Mr. F. was one of the lu'st settlers of Wyandot County, locating at Little Sandusky in 1831. Harriet Woolsey died May 20, 1883. She had remarried in 1855 to Benjamin Kerns, two children, Scott and Joseph, being born. In 1865, she was again left a widow, and died as above stated. William B. Woolsey was reared on the old homestead, and obtained a fair education. At the death of his step-father he took charge of the farm, where he resided several years. In 1874, he located in Nevada, and engaged in the grain and wool trade under the firm name of Hunt, Elliot & Co., in which business he continued four years. In 1881, he received the appointment of Postmaster, since serving in that capacity. He was married October 23, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Smith, daughter of John H. and Sarah (Wirick) Smith, one son, Franklin H., born September 12, 1874. Mr. Woolsey served as Treasurer of Antrim Township three terms, as Corporation Treasurer four years, and was elected Mayor of Nevada in 1883. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and I. O. O. F., and a Republican in politics. Jerome Woolsey, an elder brother, was a member of the Eleventh Ohio Battery, and died of typhoid fever, being buried on the banks of the Tallahassee River, Fla.

JOHN R. YOUNG was born in this county December 13, 1851. He is a son of Tobias and Elizabeth (Klinger) Young, and was the only child. The former was born in Crawford County, Ohio, in October, 1824, and the latter in the same county May 15, 1825, They were married December 2, 1849, and April 11, 1850, erected a log cabin in Ci'awford County, into which they moved without a door or window. Wild animals were numerous. Mr. Young died March 10, 1853. His widow subsequently married Stephen Crawford, and had one son, William H. His father purchased eighty acres of land in 1846; his mother subsequently marrying Stephen Crawford, with whom she is still living. Mr. Young resided with his mother till twenty-four years of age, but preferring the out-door sports to the tedious tasks of the schoolroom, he obtained but a limited education. He inherited eighty acres from his father's estate, where he has resided most of his life and is still located. He was married March 9, 1876. to Eachel E. Mollenkopf, a native of Lucas County, Ohio, and daughter of Philip and Dora (Hinely) Mollenkopf. Her parents were born in Germany, were married there, and emigrated to America about 1855, locating three years in Lucas County. They then moved to Crawford County, where they still reside. Their children now living are Dora, Philip, John, Rachel, Lewis, Mai-y and Jacob. Mr. and Mrs. Young have three children - Lewis T., born March 4, 1878; Clara J., December 21, 1879; and Huldah, July 28, 1882. In politics, Mr. Young is a Democrat. SAMUEL ZULAUF is a native of this county, and was born December 7, 1849. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Christman) Zulauf, natives of Switzerland and Bavaria respectively. His parents were married in this country, and removed to this county from Wayne County about 1843-44. They first purchased eighty acres of land, on which they resided for several years. They subsequently added forty acres more to their possessions, but have now abandoned the farm, and reside in Upper Sandusky, enjoying the frnits of their toil. Samuel Zulauf resided with his parents till twenty-one years of age. He then worked by the month one year, rented land, and engaged in farming five years, purchasing forty acres in 1876. In 1882, he added eighty acres to this tract, and since has obtained sixty acres as a gift to his wife from her father. His farm is well improved, and valued at $75 per acre. Mr. Zulauf was married April 1, 1875, to Barbara Ritterspach, a native of this county, born June 25, 1849 (see sketch of Henry Ritterspoch). They have four children - Charles R., born January 21, 1876; Mollie G., November 27, 1877; John H., March 6, 1879; Harry S., December 10, 1881. Mr. Zulauf deals somewhat in stock, and is an energetic and enterprising young farmer. He is a Democrat, and is serving his second term as Township Trustee.

Chapter Iii

CHAPTER III. CKAWFORD TOWNSHIPINTRODUCTORY - The Township a Hundred Years Ago - The Crawford Monument - The Story of Matthew Brayton, the Lost Child - Early Settlers - Extracts from William Brown's Diary - Inhabitants of the Township in 1845 - Original Improvements, Etc. - ^t. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church - Officers Since 1866 - History of Carey Village - Its Mercantile and Banking Interests - Mills, Manufactories, Etc. - Hotels - Religious - Education, Etc. - Secret Societies - biographical sketches.

"XTO portion of Wyandot County is richer in historic interest or more JlN replete with historic incident than the above-named township. The name of Crawford is here synonymous for all that is barbarous and cruel in Indian customs and warfare; for here it was that the lamented Colonel suffered death by burning at the stake amid the hideous jeers of his savage tortui-ers, and from the wilds of this locality the unfortunate child, Matthew Brayton, was carried captive into barbarism, from which it is not abso- Itely certain he ever returned.

Crawford Township was organized in the county of Crawford in 1825, and became a part of this county in 1845. It is one of the northern tier of townships of Wyandot, bounded on the north by Seneca County, on the east by Tymochtee Township, on the south by Salem, on the west by Kidge. The soil of this locality is very fertile, and supports a prosperous farming community, Tymochtee Creek cuts the southeast corner of the township, and the other portions are drained by numerous natural and artificial drains, which renders the production of the ordinary grains and vegetables quite successful.

a hundred years ago. The territory comprised in this township was one of the most famous of the early Indian sporting grounds, being the seat of an extensive village of the Delaware Indians, who, under the command of Capt. Pipe, the notorious Delaware chief, executed Col. William Crawford in 1782. The exact spot on which the burning took place is not now positively known, though a monument has been erected to the unfortunate hero near the place where the horrible death is supposed to have been inflicted This monument was erected August 30, 1877, on a high bank south of Tymochtee Creek, near the east line of the southwest quarter of Section 26, on lands now owned by Alfred K. Davis. It was obtained as a result of the efforts of the Wyandot Pioneer Association, and in the presence of near 8,000 citizens was dedicated to the memory of him whose name is inscribed upon its surface. On the occasion referred to, Col. M. H. Kirby was chosen as President and Curtis Berry, Jr., Secretary. Prayer was offered by Rev. R. C. Colmery and Rev. John Sherrard, of Bucyrus, grandson of John Sherrard, who was under the command of Col. Crawford at the time of his defeat in 1782, delivered the opening address, followed by other speeches by the old pionears. A collection was taken to defray the expense of the mon- ument, a basket dinner was partaken of by the myriads present, after which followed an able address by Gen. William H. Gibson, whose brilliant oratory did great credit to the subject and the occasion. The dedicatory remarks were made by the Secretary, Hon. Curtis Berry, Jr., who originated the idea of erecting the monument, Mr. John Gormley suggesting its form and altitude.

This shaft is made of Berea sandstone, and is eight and one-half feet in height. It is supported by a base six inches larger in diameter than the main shaft, and bears the following inscription:

Many of the old pioneers of the county were present to share the honors of the day, and recount the scenes and hardships of their early days and efforts in the wilds of Wyandot, among them being Hon. George W. Leith, Daniel Funk, James and Rhoda Miller, Mary Karr, Frances Brackley, Solomon Spoon, Adam High, Jacob Stryker, Jacob Corf man, George James, John Ribley, Hamilton Morrison, and many others whose ages ranged from seventy to ninety years.

At the time of Crawford's battle with the Indians, the Delawares, under Capt. Pipe, had a large town a few miles to the northwest of the scene of the engagement, the vicinity of the present village of Crawfordsville. In anticipation of defeat the old men, women and children of the tribe were concealed at the mouth of Tymochtee Creek, and runners communicated with them every hour at the camp, giving information as to the progress of the battle, the intention being to flee to the " Black Swamp," a large expanse of land, lying east of the Maumee River, in case of defeat. A colored man, by the name of Samuel Wells, was with these Indian families at the time referred to, and is said to have been the servant of Simon Girty, the semisavage, who played so conspicuous a part in the Crawford horror. This negro slave lived to the advanced age of one hundred and ten years, and, as late as 1857, was a township charge in Eden Township, this county.

Matthew Brayton

Since the aggressive and progressive Caucasian set foot upon the shores of America the instances of the capture of their children by barbarous tribes along the borders of civilization have been numbered by the score. Page after page and volume after volume have been written to picture the thrilling incidents which captives have experienced at the hands of their captors, or witnessed while in their custody, and to portray the agony of grief into which devoted parents have been plunged by the loss of sons or daughters by these human hyenas of the forest. Of all these instances, whether in song or story, none are perhaps fraught with deeper or sadder interest than the capture of Matthew Bray ton, who was stolen from his home in this township in 1825. Additional interest is derived from these facts, that neighbors and fi-iends who witnessed or experienced the first deep bursts of anguish from stricken hearts at the loss of so dear a treasure are still among us, and though sixty years have gone by since the helpless and innocent

The circumstances of the capture of Matthew Brayton are related iu substance as follows: On the 20th of September, 1825, William Brayton, with his younger brother, Matthew, then nearly seven years old,* started in search of some stray cattle. They proceeded two or three miles in the direction of the place where William Brayton now lives, but finding no trace of the missing cattle, and meeting a neighbor. Hart, who was on the same errand, Matthew Brayton, unable to endure a more extensive search, was sent to the house of a Mr. Baker, about sixty rods distant, where he was to remain until the return of his brother and Mr. Hart, who were to continue the search for the stray cattle. The two men set out on their cattle hunting expedition, and left little Matthew to find his way to Mr. Baker's house by the narrow and ill-defined pathway. At the close of the day, William Brayton called at Mr. Baker's residence, but found to his astonishment that Matthew had not been seen by any of the family. He then turned his steps homeward, thinking that Matthew had changed his mind and gone home, but on arriving there found still no tidings of the missing boy. The alarm and apprehension that filled the breast of the mother on being informed of what had happened can scarcely be conceived. A thousand fearful thoughts flitted in rapid succession through her mind, but no time was lost in useless grieving, for the men and women who braved the dangers of frontier life were quick to think and prompt to act. A little party turned out at once to search for the missing boy, and restore him, if possible, to the anxious household. From the spot where the brothers had parted the path to Mr. Baker's cabin was narrowly searched and marks of the child's feet were clearly discernible. At no great distance from the place mentioned the path was intersected by a track made by some logs which recently had been drawn from the woods and at this point the traces showed that Matthew had stopped in doubt; they also showed that he had finally taken the log track in mistake for the regular path. Up that track his little footsteps were traced for some distance, but after awhile they became fainter, and at last disappeared altogether. On the margin of the track the woods were searched in vain for traces of his wandering feet. The Indian trail which led from Upper Sandusky to Springville, and thence to the Black Swamp to Perrysburg, crossed here, and it was possible that he had taken that trail; but his footprints, if he had really followed that path, were obliterated by those of passing Indians.

The party returned in sorrow from their unsuccessful search, and met the anxious mother with heavy hearts. To her the night was one of sleepless agony. To what sufi"ering or dreadful fate her child might be subjected, it was impossible to conjecture, for the dark night was fraught with dangers to him and terror to her. It was the year in which Elijah Brayton, the father of Matthew, was engaged in erecting a mill on the Tymochtee, and his absence at this time on a journey to Chillicothe to procure millstones aggravated the troubles and distress of the hour on the part of Mrs. Brayton and her son William, then a lad of sixteen, who were left in charge of the home aifairs.

Morning broke at last and never was daylight more eagerly welcomed. With the first appearance of light, messengers were sent in all directions for assistance, and soon the woods were astir with searching parties. The Indian villages were examined, but the Wyandors professed entire ignorance as to the movements of the missing boy. and joined with much zeal in the search. The relations between the Braytons and the Wyandots had been of the most friendly character, and there seemed to be no possible reason for interfering with the peace of that family. They stated, however, that a party of Canadian Indians had passed up the trail, on the day that the boy had disappeared, but could not say whether he had been carried off by them or not. Another night came and the sorrowful mother again met the dejected hunters at her door, receiving no consolation. At daybreak the parties again set out to search new tracts of country, but all without avail. The settlers for many miles ai'ound turned out and joined in the exciting and sorrowful hunt. Days lengthened into weeks and it became evident that further search was useless, as every foot of territory for miles around had been examined and no trace of the lost child had been discovered. He could have scarcely wandered off and perished by starvation, or wild beasts, as in either case some trace of his identity would have been left. The only inference was that he had been carried into hopeless slavery, or met a horrible death, at the hands of the party of Canadian Indians. Pursuit was now considered useless, and the search was reluctantly abandoned.

In the meantime, the father had returned from his journey, and the sad bereavement fell with crushing weight upon his heart. For the sake of his wife and remaining children - William. Harriet, Lucy, Mary and Peter - he bore up nobly, but his distress was most bitter, and every straw of hope that floated within his reach was grasped with eagerness. From time to time, vague rumors came that the boy had been seen in different places, and the faintest hope of success in finding him sufficed to send off the bereaved father or some trusty messenger to follow up the clew. But all efforts were unavailing. The last information that seemed the least probable was received in 1829, from a man who had been traveling among the tribes of Illinois, and who asserted that he had seen among the Indians of that country, whose age and appearance generally cori'esponded with that of the missing Matthew Brayton. Without an hour's delay, Mr, Brayton dispatched a letter to Gen. Cass, then Indian Commissioner, but the reply crushed out the last remnant of hope ; the letter bade the anxious father to renounce all hope based upon such a rumor, as there was no such white child among the Indians of Illinois. On what authority the General based his assertion cannot be said, but it is more than probable he was mistaken.

The weary years passed on, but brought no comfort to the stricken household. As all impressions gradually fade away with the lapse of years, so faded the memory of the lost child from the minds of men. But deep in the hearts of the bereaved parents remained the image of their unfortunate son, and the thrilling scenes and emotions connected with the search of him recurred again and again to them, long after they had been forgotten by others. The eldest brother, William, could not forget him ; for the silent or spoken reproaches from his mother for sending so young a boy alone on such a path sank deep into his heart ; and even yet, though sixty years have passed, the "lost Matthew" is mentioned by him with deep and tearful emotion. And could the mother who bore him forget the missing lamb of the fold ? The paling cheek, the wasting form, the decaying strength told how deep the love, how bitter the anguish of the mother for her lost son. If she were but sure of his fate - if but one fragment of his clothing, but a particle of his flesh or blood remained to assure her that her child had perished by the merciless jaws of the wild beasts, or the still more merciless savages, it would at least have given rest to her weary heart; but this uncertain apprehension, this torturing mystery, was too great to bear and live. So the years dragged slowly by, and each succeeding anniversary of her son's loss drove the sharp pangs of grief deeper into her heart Sixteen years of agony and tears, and the grave hid her sorrows from the world ! In her last moments, her lost son had a place in her memory. She died of a broken heart.

Thirty- four years elapsed, when the news reached the Bray ton family that an Indian captive had been in the city of Cleveland, and in other parts of Ohio, endeavoring to obtain some information regarding his parentage, as he was just from the Copperhead tribe, whose leading chiefs had consented to his conditional return to the white settlements. They had told him that when a child he had been stolen from the whites by a band of Canadian Indians, who had thus revenged themselves on the whites for some real or fancied wrongs ; that he had passed through the hands of several tribes, and had at last been sold by the Sioux to the Snakes, with whom he remained till their union with the Copperheads. He had further learned through M. Macgwager, a chief of a small band of Pottawotomies who had settled down to civilized life in Branch County, Mich. , that he had been taken from the region south of Lake Erie (his ' captors having crossed the Sandusky River) and sold by the Canadians to the Pottawotomies, Mr. Macgwager having been present at the transfer.

The story of this captive, whose Indian name in Coppei-head language was Ohwa-owah-kish-me-wah,* but whose real name he did not himself know, was printed in the Cleveland Herald, and extensively copied. Letters were received by the editors of that paper from people in different sections of the country-, who had lost children many years ago. A weekly paper containing a copy of the story was sent to the Brayton family, and an investigation was at once begun. William Brayton immediately proceeded to Cleveland, and from that point to Northern Pennsylvania, and thence across the State line into New York, where he learned the "captive" was staying at the home of Mr. Smith.

Previous to setting out, he had been charged by his father to examine two marks by which his brother's identity might probably be established. One of these was a scar on the head, caused by a razor cut made by the father in lancing a boil, the other, a scar on the great toe of the right foot, resulting from the cut of an ax. Taking a physician with him as a witness of the interview, Mr. Brayton visited the residence of Mr. Smith, where the object of his search was found sitting by the evening fire. The marks of identity referred to above were searched for and found, just as the father had represented them; the stranger was declared to be the long lost Matthew Brayton, and they were soon on their way toward home. At every station on the road, ci'owds gathered to get a glimpse of the restored captive, and at Carey hundreds were assembled - many old men who had searched for the lost boy, aged mothers who had held him in their arms, and young men and maidens by the score who had heard the story narrated by their parents at their firesides. But these were disappointed, for Mr. Brayton had stopped at Adrian Station and gone directly to his home, where were gathered the other members of the family - the father in his seventy-third year, the brothers and the sisters. AVhen he entered with his charge, the excitement was intense, and the feelings that prevailed cannot be described. To portray the emotion which the union of family ties so

But this season of I'ejoicing was of short dui'ation. The angel of peace had descended only to plume her wings for an eternal flight, and though thirty-four years of tearful anxiety had passed over the heads of the hapless family, the end was not yet. A short time sufficed to convince them that he whom they had taken into their hearts as their lost brother was not Matthew Brayton. He was at length restored to his real parents in Michigan, and remained with them until the late war broke out, when he enlisted in the cavalry service. He died at Nashville, Tenn.*

Early Settlers

Again we are confronted with a mass of conflicting evidence as to who are the rightful claimants to the honor of being the first settlers of Crawford Township. According to our best authority, Asa Lake and Nehemiah Earls located here as early as 1819. They were men of families, and settled in what is now Section 26, then Government land, though afterward entered and settled upon by Daniel Hodges, who was also one of the earliest residents of the township. As early as 1830, he built a brick house, the first of the kind in the township. He located in Crawfordsville in 1821.

Hon. John Carey, generally known as " Judge " Carey, and whose biography appears elsewhere in this work, came to this township and located with his family in 1823 or 1824. He was boi'n in Virginia in 1792.

Christopher Baker came to this locality in 1822, and located on Section 11. In reaching his land, he came via Harrison's army trail through Del aware, Marion and Upper Sandusky to the Tymochtee, and then cut a path from Lish's Ferry. The Wyandot trail, running from Big Springs to the twelve-mile reservation, passed near Mr. Baker's cabin. His son, John Baker, one of the old residents of the township, was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 14, 1815.

Curtis Berry, Jr., was born in this township April 19, 1831. He came with his parents, Curtis and Sally (Cavitt) Berry, to this county from Ross County in 1827, and located with them in this township in 1829. His father was born in 1782, and was reared in Virginia. He came to Ross County about 1804-6. His mother was of Irish descent, her father, Francis Cavitt, coming from Ireland. The parents were married in 1812, while living in Ross County. On coming to this county, Mr. Berry purchased eighty acres of land, but at his death owned a whole section. He died December 29, 1855; his wife September 4, the same year. They had ten children, three now living. The mother of Curtis Berry, Sr., was a resident of Philadelphia, and an intimate acquaintance of Col. Crawford. In playful kindness, she tied his necktie for him the morning he departed on his fatal expedition against the Indians of Ohio.

George James moved to this township with his parents, John and Elizabeth James, in 1822. He was born in Beaver County, Penn., Mai'ch 9, 1807. His parents moved to Pike County in 1810, and from that point to this county. They entered eighty acres in this township, and reared ten children.

McD. M. Carey, son of Hon. John Carey, settled in this township with hid parents in 1823-24, and has ever since been a resident. He was born in Franklin County, Obio, in 1820, and is now one of the representative farmers of the township,

Smith Kentliekl was one of the early and prominent farmers of this township, having located here prior to 1825 He died in 1854. His son, David L. Kentfield, was born in this township March 9, 1825. He was a very prominent and successful farmer also, owning near 500 acres at the time of his death, which occurred April 2, 1884.

Hiram J. Starr, an extensive stock and grain dealer of this township, located here in 1830. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, June 24, 1816. He began business by clerking in a store at Crawfordsville, and afterward engaged with William Buell, the first merchant of Carey, as an equal partner in the stock business. He was married in 1851 to Ellen G. Carey, widow of N. B. Carey, and daughter of "William and Eliza (Kooken) Brown, previously mentioned in this chapter. Mrs. Starr was born October 12, 1824, the first white child born in this township.* Mr. Starr is still a resident of this township.

William Brayton, who came to this county in 1821, and located with his parents in Tymochtee Township, settled in Crawford in 1834. He is one of the most substantial of its farmei's, having owned as high as 700 acres of land. He was born in Vermont, May 11, 1810, and was married to Margaret Carr May 5, 1839. They had eleven children. Mrs. Brayton died January 22, 1869. His father, Elijah Brayton, was one of the first millers in the county, beginning operations by erecting a saw and grist mill in Tymochtee Township in 1823. He and John Carey also owned and operated a saw mill and carding machine, which was located on Carey's land.

William Brown was one of the few tii'st white settlers of Crawford Township. He was born in Maryland September 12, 1796. His wife, Eliza Kooken, was born in Berks County, Penn., February 14, 1804, and they were married July 3, 1822. From an old diaryf begun by Mr. Brown in 1822, we obtain some interesting facts given in entries as follows:

" July 20, 1823. left Columbus, Ohio, for my land, with the intention of building a cabin, digging a well, etc. On my arrival, my heart for the first time failed me. The day was dark and rainy. We had spent more than half of it driving from Tymochtee out, the road being nothing but mire and water. The ground where we halted was clothed with a heavygrowth of timber, so much so that we could scarcely see the sun at noon, and to add to our misfortune, we could not work without being stung by nettles, neither could we remain at ease for the hungry mosquitoes. These diflSculties I could have borne with fortitude had I been there on a visit for a few days only, but when I I'eflected that they could be removed only by years of hard labor, I was ready to conclude that I had acted the idiot in purchasing the land, and the lunatic in attempting to settle it."

" The next day I set Orra Harris, the young man who carae with me, to digging a well. I took Mr. Carey's horse to Squire Hodges, and he soon discovered that all was not right with me. He therefore immediately set about to aid me to obviate my difficulties by telling me a long flattering story, the purport of which was that he had not the least doubt that should I set in and continue with determined perseverance, my undertaking would be crowned with complete success, that I would not only make a good living, but that, in a few years, 1 would become independent.

" This story, although I knew it was much exaggerated, gave me considerable relief. I returned to our encampment about dusk and was greeted with the joyful news that Orra had got water! The next morning the clouds dispersed and the sun once more visited our lonesome woods.

" Squire Hodges' flattering advice, getting water so conveniently, and the appearance of fair weather, in a great measure dissipated my dreadful forebodings, and I began work quite cheerfully. We remained six weeks, built a cabin, laid the lower floor, put up the chimney to the mantel-piece, laid the back wall and hearth and returned home. " * * *

" October 7, loaded up my goods and chattels and with my family 'set sail ' for my intended home. After a prosperous journey of four and onehalf days we landed at our lonesome abode October 12, 1824."

Here the entries of the old diary, now yellow with age, close, so far as they pertain to the settlement of the family in this township. The "fine daughter " which Mr. Brown refers to with so much paternal pride is now the wife of Hiram J. Starr, and, as stated above, was said to be the first white child born in this township. It will be observed that Mr. Carey and Squire Hodges were residents of this locality when Mr. Brown first settled here. It will also be seen that the first settlers in this now beautiful and prosperous region began with "dreadful forebodings" for the future. This was indeed "the forest primeval." The croaking of the frisky frog, the piping treble notes of the sanguinary mosquitoe, ever with an eye to business, the humming bee and the singing bird were all here in their primitive chorus; but they brought little cheer to the struggling settler with his limited fields of grain and his unlimited harvest of fever and ague, Mr. Brown entered 160 acres of land. His unceasing toil at last brought him to the grave; he died in 1866, and ten years later his faithful companion joined him in the realm beyond.

Besides those already mentioned as early settlers of this township, we have also the names of many others who located here at various dates prior to 1845. Among them are the following: Jesse, "William, Thomas and Benjamin Gale; Samuel, James and William Ritchey; Nathan Kimball; Ichabod, Myron and Rufus Merriman; Mr. Hamlin, Thomas Wallace, John Nixon, John Gormley, John James, William James, George James, Smith Kentfield, A. Knowlton, Andrew Crawford, Abraham Loy, William Hackney, Asa Brayton, Warwick, Thomas and John R. Miller, Sheldon Beebe, James Miller and sons, Christopher and John Baker, Curtis Berry, Sr., Joseph and William Hart, Harvey Chidson, Hamilton Karr, Sr. and Jr., Charles M. Kari', H. J. Starr; Gershom, Elijah, John and Josephus Dowman: Conrad Hare and sons, A. B. Ranger and sons, Asa Bixby and sons, Lemuel Guerney and sons, Kinsey Ogg and sons, W^illiam Hunter and sons, Reuben Savidge and sons, William McKinzie and sons, Jacob Kemmerly and sons, Benjamin Copley and Mr. Hamlin, James Burk and sons, Isaac Burk, Sr., Daniel Brown, Ezra Gilbert, Henry Davis, Adam Nye and sons, Thomas and Samuel Hart, D. Shane, Jesse Wilson and Robert Hedges.

The following is a list of persons born in the township and now over fifty years of age: Mrs. Ellen Starr; Mary, George, Daniel A. and Rebecca

In the twenty-five years that intervened between the time of the first settler's location and 1845, the increase of settlers was rapid. The names of those who were assessed for the payment of taxes in Crawford Township in that year were as follows:

Original Improvements, Etc

It has been said that "the groves were God's first temples," and the first settlers of the township were the possessors of habitations no less magnificent. In many instances land was purchased or entered and settled upon when nothing but the leafy canopy of the forest trees served the eager and determined home-seekers as a shelter from the wrath of the elements. Young wives, taken from homes of luxury, have here united the work of their hands with that of the husbands of their hearts, and with the courage of the Carthaginian maidens, who gave their tresses to their brother warriors for bow-strings, that their homes might be saved from the destruction of the Roman soldiers, have braved both storm and exposure while the first cabins were being erected.

As has already been stated, Asa Lake was first to locate in this township, and in ]819, he erected the first abode that graced the primeval solitudes of this locality. It was a double log cabin, about 18x20 feet, and was located on Section 26. About two years later, Daniel Hodges founded a home near the village of Crawfordsville, and in 1823 John Carey built a hewed- log house on the south bank of the Tymochtee, nearly opposite the old Delaware village of Capt. Pipe. William Brown erected his cabin in the same year, but probably after Mr. Carey had built his. However, this is uncertain, as we arrive at this conclusion by the fact that Carey was already in the vicinity at the time of Brown's arrival.

The first regular thoroughfare constructed in the township extended from Tymochtee to Carey's mill. It passed through Sections 25 and 26, and in Tymochtee extended through Sections 16 and 20. The early settlers went to Delaware for supplies usually, though as early as 1823, John Carey and Elijah Bray ton erected a saw and grist mill, on lands owned by Mr. Carey, in what is now Tymochtee Township. A carding machine was also operated in connection with this mill. At present the township can boast of five mills - one saw mill at Crawford, two saw mills at Carey and two grist mills at the latter place. The first store of this territory was kept at Crawfordsville, by William M. Buell, who was also the first merchant of Carey. There is but one mercantile establishment now conducted outside of the villages, and that is the property of McD. M. Carey.

The first settlers of Crawford Township were not blind to the necessities of education, and, as early as 1828, ei'ected a schoolhouse on what is now the southeast quarter of Section 26. Among the first teachers were William Hackney and Adeline Potterfield. Others were James Heron, John A. Morrison, Jane Coddington. Mrs. Maynard, Laura Starr, Erastus Ranger, Clem Allen, J. Newman, Miss Eliza Ingram, S. Johnson, Dr. Kirkham, Hiram J. Starr, Jesse Wilson, Eliza Lewis, Emma Carey and McD. M. Carey. As the population of the township increased, other districts were formed and school rooms were erected. There are now eleven subdistricts in the township, and all are provided with well-equipped buildings.

The first religeous society organized in Crawford Township was begun in 1828, under the supervision of Rev. Thomas Thompson, who was then a missionary among the Wyandot Indians, of Upper Sandusky. Arza Brown was the first regular circuit preacher in this section of the country. The first church building of the township was erected by the United Brethren society at Carey in 1845.

Religious

St. JosepWs Roman Catholic Church of Crawfordsville, a small but thriving congregation, dates its origin with the year 1849. Rev. Xaver Obermuller, at present director of a community of Sisters in La Crosse, Wis., was the first to visit the few scattered families located here. He succeeded in uniting them, and the result was the erection of a log church 26x20 feet. Here the sacrifice of mass was offered up for the first time by Father Obermuller, and, what is worthy of mention, upon a brick altar, which was expressly designed and built by Christian Brooks, one of the members.

The original members of the congregation, eight in all, were John Shoemaker, John Best, Christian Brooks, Mathew Haut, Anthon Eberle, Andrew Fetter, John Stump and Peter Pauly. Increasing by degrees in number and adding daily more and more to their worldly substance, they were soon dissatisfied with their log church and its location. Something more noble and befitting was deemed necessary. Thereupon an acre of land was donated by Peter Pauly for the purpose, and under the supervision of Rev. Nicolaus Gales, a Sanguinist Father, a second church, 50x25 feet, was built in the year 1859, at a cost of $1,000. Mr. Draper likewise donated two acres and a half for cemetery purposes. In time this cosy little church was entirely too small for the congregation, the more so, since many from Carey and Kirby would attend divine services. It was first proposed to build an addition, but the greater part, in fact all, were in favor of a new church. Subscriptions were raised and work begun in August, 1883, under the present pastor, Rev. John G. Mizer, according to the plan of architect J. Kokinga. The structure, a frame building, is built in the Roman styles, and has the form of a cross. It has a frontage of forty feet and a depth of eighty-five feet. The towor is built apart from the building proper, and has a height of 128 feet. When finished the church will cost nearly $6,000.

The congregation of St. Joseph's is composed of well-to-do farmers, mostly all Germans, and at present numbers about thirty-eight families. It is now visited twice a month on Sundays. A parochial school has been maintained since 1878.

The first missions or so-called revivals were held in a private dwelling by the Fathers of the Precious Blood in 1850. The second was conducted by the Redemptorists in the year 1863.

The ofiicial record of Crawford Township from its earliest organization is not to be obtained. Its first elections were held in Tymochtee, as it then comprised the territory now divided between the three townships - Craw- ford, Tymochtee and Sycamore. As this township is now organized, the first election was held at the residence of Sheldon Beebe, who lived on the southwest quarter of Section 15. The list of officials, Trustees, Clerks and Treas urers, from 1867 to 1883 is of interest and is given below; also the vote cast for theoflice of Justice of the Peace in 1846:

The votes for Justice of the Peace at the election held in this township October 13, 1846, stood as follows: Abraham Myers, 125; Andrew Nye, 55; Abraham Peace, 1 vote.

Carey Village

The above-named town derived its title from Judge John Carey, who, at its founding, was President of the Indiana, Bloom ington & Western Railroad, upon which it is situated, and, as a consequence, was deeply interested in the success of the embroyo metropolis of the township - we may almost say of the county.

Carey was laid out by R. M. Shuler and W. M. Buell in 1843, these gentlemen owning the land upon which it is situated. The town is pleasantly located in the northwestern part of the county, ten miles from Upper Sandusky, and now has the advantage of three lines of railroad - the Findlay Branch, the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati line, and the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo Railway.

It will be seen that the town of Carey was laid out two years previous to the organization of Wyandot County, and this fact, after all that has been said in regard to the general development of the county in previous chapters, is sufficient evidence to most readers, no doubt, that the territory of the vicinity in which Carey is located was exceedingly wild and uncultivated at the period of its history above referred to.

In the same year in which the town was founrled. John Honck made the initial step in the way of architecture by erecting a frame building on Findlay (or Main) street, where he engaged in hotel keeping, the lirst business of the kind, or of any kind, done in the town. The old building is still standing, in a fair state of preservation, and is still used for hotel purposes, with W. K. Humbert as its present proprietor. It is a quaint, old structure, but has been remodeled, repaired and renewed in appearance by a fresh coating of paint, and is probably good for another forty years of usefulness. The erection of this building was followed in quick succession by those of Aaron Welsh, Peter Kenan, Mr. Cody, Michael Grussell, D. Straw, Curtis Berry, Shumaker, McDowell and others, the exact dates of their erection being unknown. Several of these original domiciles are still standing, though most of them in a repaired condition.

The pioneer merchant of Carey Avas W. M. Baell, who erected a frame store room one story high, 22x80 feet in size, in 1843, and began business in the sale of general merchandise, with a stock valued at $10,000. McD. M. Carey was employed as clerk by Mr. Buell, and claims the honor of making the first sale over the counter of this establishment. The old building now stands about two doors from the corner of Findlay and Vance streets, and is used as a butcher shop. R. W. Reed, McD. M. Carey and H. J. Starr established the next business house in Carey, the firm being known as Reed, Carey & Co. Their stock consisted of general merchandise, valued at $6,- 000 to $S,000. The third business house which sprang up in the then promising village was established by Jones Park; the fourth by McDowell & Baker, and the fifth by John E. James, all dealing in general merchandise.

In the fall of 1845, David Sti'aw established a small groceiy store in Carey with a capital of less than $50. He has continued in business in the town ever since, and is now one of the three wealthiest men of the county. He was born in Pitt Township March 28, 1826, and is therefore now in his fifty-ninth year. His business has increased to wonderful propni'tions, the result of his extraordinary enei'gy and tact. It is a matter deserving of special notice that Mr. Straw is now the only business man in Carey who began operations in the town as early as 1845. Hiram J. Starr is, however, an extensive stock and grain dealer of Crawford Township, and operates in and about Carey. McD. M. Carey owns a large farm in the township, and is one of its most influential citizens.

Since her humble beginning with one hotel in 1843, and her three or four mercantile establishments up to 1845, the village of Carey has made rapid strides in the field of progress. She is now a stroog rival of Upper Sandusky, and the prospects for her future success are decidedly favorable. In order that the reader may comprehend the full scope of her business interests and industries, a special mention is made below of the various branches now represented within her limits.

Meechantile And Banking Interests

One of the leading dry goods stores of Carey is that now controlled by the firm of William Campbell & Son. The firm was established in May, 1877, the stock being purchased of the Colton Brothers, who succeeded D. Straw, who erected and now owns the building in which the business is conducted. It is one of the oldest business houses in the town, and also one of the most extensive. The firm carries an average stock of about $18,000, doing an annual business of $45,000. The building is 22x110 feet in size.

and located on the corner of Findlay and Vance streets. Mr. Campbell is also extensively engaged in pork packing at Kenton, Ohio, operates a stave factory and has an interest in the paper mills of the latter place.

H. B. Kurtz, located near the southwest corner of Findlay and Vance streets, carries a stock of dry goods, groceries, carpets, boots, shoes, etc., valued at $14,000, and does a thriving business. He established his trade in 1877, he being sole proprietor, which he still continues to be. In connection with his store, Mr. Kurtz does quite an extensive private banking business. The building in which he is located is 22x80 feet, with a storage room of forty- six feet, and was erected by Mr. Shumaker in 1874.

T. Woodworth, a hardware merchant, began business in June, 1874, and continued as sole proprietor till 1881, in March of which year he admitted J. A. Smith as a partner. Three years later Mr. Woodworth purchased Mr. Smith's interests, and has since conducted the business independently. He occupies a two-stoiy brick building, 26x110 feet, situated on the corner of Findlay and Vance streets, and carries a stock of hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements, valued at $5,000 to $7,000.

R. Gregg is located opposite the post office, south side of Findlay street, and conducts a grocery store, having been in the business since 1868, in different parts of the town. Mr. Gregg was appointed Postmaster of Carey in 1869, and retained that position until 1881. He erected his present brick building, 18x50 feet, in 1876. carries a stock valued at about $1,000.

George S. Myers began operations in the drug business in Carey in 1872, and continued the same till 1877. He then engaged in the fruit business till 1884. when he purchased an entire new stock and re-established himself in the drug trade. He occupies the Frederick Building opposite the post office, and is doing a good business. C. Pflueger occupies a portion of the same building, and keeps a full stock of jewelry, clocks, watches, etc., doing all kinds of repairing in his line. His stock is valued at $1,000.

Peter Will & Co., fiu'niture dealers and undertakers, are located on Findlay street next door to Myers' drug store. The business was begun in 1882, by the firm of Wickiser & Will. One year later, the former member of the firm disposed of his interest to J. S. Hawks, since which time the firm has been known as Peter Will & Co. The building which thoy occupy was built, 1882, by D. S. Nye, and is a brick structure, two stories, 18x60 feet. The firm carries a stock of goods valued at $5,000. E. E. Nye conducts a tonsorial parlor in the same block, next door, having purchased his outfit of E. C. Montague in July, 1883. P. J. Weber conducts a saloon in the same block, having purchased his outfit and stock of T. W. O'Marra in January, 1883.

G. G. Kennard is a saddle and harness- maker. He purchased his stock of Ed Campbell, and took charge of the business April 1, 1884. He carries a stock of harness, saddles, trunks, valises, etc., valued at $1,500. He is also located in the Nye Block, which was built in 1882, the old buildings having been destroyed by fire October 28, 1881.

Taylor & Campbell, hardware merchants, occupy the Frederick Building, on Findlay street, south side. The business was begun in April, 1883, by Frederick & Taylor, but the former member soon after disposed of his interest to Mr. Campbell. They carry a full stock of hardware and tinware, and some of the lighter agricultural implements.

E. M. Gear began the gi'ocery business in Carey in January, 1884, having purchased the stock of D. S. Nye, who had conducted the same trade in the same location since 1859, occupying a frame building. The present brick building was erected by Mr. Nye in 1860. Mr. Gear does a casli business principally, and has a good trade. He deals extensively in hides, pelts and fiu-. His stock is valued at $1,800 to $2,000.

R. C. Kinney conducts a boot and shoe store on the south side of Findlay street. He purchased the stock of J. B. Conrad in October, 1883, the latter gentleman having conducted the business for six years previous. The building which Mr. Kinney occupies was erected prior to i860, by W. A. Nye. It is a two-story brick 20x60. Mr. Kinney carries a stock valued at $5,000.

G. W. Chesebrough established himself in the gi'ocery, provision and queensware trade in Carey in 1875. He occupies a building erected by D. Straw, and purchased by the former in 1877. Mr. Chesebrough now has the oldest grocery establishment in the town. His stock is valued at $2,000.

W. Carothers keeps a fine stock of drugs, books, stationary, etc., on Findlay street, near the corner of Vance and Findlay. He began business in 1876, purchasing his stock of George Myers. The building which he occupies is owned, and was built by Dr. Brayton, at a cost of $3,000. Mr. Carother's stock is valued at $5,000.

D. Bechtell, the butcher, near southwest corner of Vance and Findlay streets, began operations in his line in 1877. He occupies the old Dame building, which was the first store room erected in Carey.

On Vance street, S. Orwig keeps a small stock of harness, saddles, whips, robes, blankets, trunks, valises, making custom work a specialty. J. Dodd, located above this shop, manufactures the best brands of cigars, his annual sales amounting to $i3,000 per year, and N. Steinmetz manufactures boots and shoes, also carrying a stock of ready-made goods. He erected his store room in 1876, at a cost of $500.

E. S. Shellhouse is the proprietor of the only feed store and nursery in Carey. He deals in all kinds of tropical and other fruits by wholesale, and ships more melons than any other dealer in Northern Ohio. Has been engaged here in the produce business since 1863, with the exception of three years.

William Simonis, a grocer, keeps an establishment on the north side of Findlay street, nearly opposite the Gault House. The business was begun by Peter Simonis, in 1879, his son William, the present proprietor, taking charge in 1882. He occupies the Fetten building, and carries a stock valued at $1,000. In connection with his grocery business, Mr. Simonis also conducts a news stand.

J. W. Berndon, Postmaster, keeps a stock of confectionery, tobaccos, cigars and stationery, having opened up the trade in 1881. The building which he occupies was built by Lewis Jacobs in 1871. C. W. D. Zuck keeps a stock of jewelry, clocks and watches, in the same building. He succeeded I. N. Keller, whose goods he purchased in 1873.

A. E. Gibbs conducts a grocery and provision store, having purchased his original stock of A. J. Frederick in 1881. He is located in the Odd Fellows building, and carries a full line of goods, $3,000 in value.

Mrs. R. C. Pennington, proprietress of the millinery establishment of Carey, located on the north side of Findlay street. The original firm was known as Webb & Simonis, and dates from 1870. In 1878, Mrs. Pennington purchased the stock, and has since conducted the business.

Amos Bixby, located on north side of Findlay street, in Gibbs building, keeps a large stock of clothing, gent's furnishing goods, hats, caps, boots, shoes, etc., and also does a merchant tailoring business. He began business in 1868.

T. J. Kennard established himself in the grocery business here in 1880, having purchased his stock of J. L. Herndon. He is located in the Gibbs building, and does a business with a stock of about $4,500.

Wickiser & Weber occupy Straw's building, north side of Findlay street, with a line selected stock of hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements. The present firm was established in 1883, their stock being purchased of A. Frederick.

D. Harpster is one of the leading druggists of Carey. He began the business here in 1866, having been in the dry goods ti-ade four years previous. In 1874, he erected his two-story brick building, 20x80 feet. Mr. Harpster carries a stock of drugs, books, stationery, wall paper, etc., and has a full share of the public patronage. In 1877, he added a stock of general jewelry.

J. R. Siddall & Co. do business in the grocery and provision trade. The firm was established in February, 1884, the respective members being J. R, Siddall and C. L. Sheldon. They carry a stock valued at |1,500.

J. L. Wensinger began the diy goods trade here in 1876, with J. Wensinger, lander the firm name of J. & J. Wensinger. In 1881, J. L. Wensinger purchased his partner's interest, and has since continued the business as sole proprietor.

Miss L. A. Raider keeps a stock of millinery and fancy goods. The business was established by Misses Shuman and Raider, the former member retiring six years later. Shop located on corner of Findlay and Vance streets, upstairs; stock, $500.

J. F. Zimmerman, photographer, opened his gallery here in 1871. He subsequently worked three years in Crestline, and resumed business here in 1877. He erected his business building in 1882. Does all kinds of work in his line, and also takes orders for the finest work in India ink and crayon portraits.

J. A. Hackeuberger. cigar dealer and manufactiirer, is located on the south side of Findlay street, above Chesebrough's grocery establishment. He employs five to seven operators, who produce annually from 200,000 to 300,000 cigars. Sales chiefly confined to Ohio.

George P. Diemer, butcher, is located on the north side of Findlay street, near Vance, the business having been begun in 1878 by J. K. Hackeuberger and George P. Diemer. The former sold his interest in May, 1879, to F. B. McCowen, the firm being known as Diemer & McCowen till January, 1880, when Mr. Diemer became sole proprietor.

W^illiam Wyborn conducts a shoe shop on Findlay street opposite the Gault House, doing only custom work. Montague Brothers have a neat barbering establishment next door, their outfit having been purchased of H. Fagin in 1884. S. Myers does a general, blacksmithing business on Vance street near the foundry, having established himself here in January, 1883.

J. Z. Sutphen began the clothing business here in 1867, in partnership with M. D. Grossell. Seven years later, he purchased Mr. Grossell's interest, and has since conducted the establishment himself.

The People's Bank was established in 1866 by D. Straw, H. B. Gage, O. Poesnal and Charles Poesnal with $50,000 capital. In 1869, D. Straw purchased the stock of the other members of the firm and became sole proprietor. In 1876, on the maturity of his son, H. Straw, he gave him an in- terest amounting to $10,000 and aclmitted him as a partner. The bank has the entire confidence of the people and is doing an excellent business. Its present capital is 170,000.

Mills, Manufactories And Elevators

The Old Carey Mills. - J. C. Shuler now operates the old mill which was erected by Enos and William Wonder in 1844. Except the "Indian Mill " near Upper Sandusky, it is the oldest in the county. It was formerly owned by Henry W^alborn who operated it for a period of sixteen years. Mr. Shuler assumed control of the institution in 1882, but now has it rented to other parties. The mill has three run of buhrs with a capacity of fifteen barrels per day, and is valued at $6,000.

The Carey Mills were established in 1845, the building having been erected for a warehouse by Buell & Welsh in 1845. It is therefore one of the oldest structures in the town and has undergone many changes. In 1867, it was converted into a flouring mill by a stock company, known as the Carey Milling Company, and named the "Carey Mills." This firm failed in 1870, and the mill was sold to one Cunningham, of Tifiin, and afterward passed into the possession of D. Straw. It subsequently passed through the hands of several other parties, and is now owned by E. C. Orean, of West Liberty, Ky., and Allen Smalley. of Upper Sandusky.

Henry Waters' Planing Mill and Sash Factory. - This institution, the leading industry of Carey, was erected about 1868, by Hiram Young, who was accidently killed in the saw mill department in 1881. Mr. Waters then purchased the machinery and has since had charge of the establishment to which he has added much both in capacity and patronage. The building is 40x120 feet in size, two story, though not yet wholly comj)leted. The mill is located on North street near the railroad, and, including the stock of lumber, is valued at about $20,000. It employs eight workmen and does an extensive business in the dressing of lumber and manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, store fronts, fencing and molding.

Manecke (S- Co.^s Planing Mill and Sash Factory. - The firm and business of Manecke & Co., was established in 1877. In 1882, the institution was entirely destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in 1882-83. The main room is a frame building 40x50; the brick engine room is 20x40, and the storage shed is 20x74 feet in size. The value of the whole concern is placed at $t8,000. The firm employs eight workmen when the mill is in full operation.

Van Buren & Ryder'' s Foundry and Machine Shops. - This enterprise was established in 18 - by James Carothers and a nephew of the same name. The latter sold his interest to the former, who again disposed of the property to T. Gould and Samuel Keeler, both of whom entered the service soon after and resold their interest to James Carothers, Jr. About 1862, Mr. S. C. Van Buren purchased a half interest in the concern, and the firm of Van Buren & Carothers conducted the establishment till March, 1874, when Mr. Carothers disposed of his interest to Samuel Bitler. In 1882, Mr. Rider purchased Bitler" s interest, and the present firm was established. The mill was formerly operated for manufacturing drag sawing machines, but is now principally engaged in making the automatic lathe for handles. All kinds of repairing and general job work is also done, and an occasional engine is constructed. In 1879, the firm erected a brick building, two story, 26x60, with a molding room 26x40 feet in size. The enterprise is one of the most important of the village, and highly worthy of a generous patronage. The value of the stock and buildings is placed at $10,000.

The Wyandot Chief Hand Hay Rake Works. - One of the most important enterprises ever founded in Carey was that of the " Wyandot Chief Hand Hay Rake Works," which was established by Col. Y. Bickham in 1881. The main building of the concern was 50x75 feet, with two wings, 25x100 and 26x72 feet respectively, a brick engine room, 17x34, and a dry room, 16x65 feet. The total cost was about $16,000. The motive power was supplied by an 85-horse-power boiler, and a 50-horse-power engine. Two saw mills were kept in operation. The firm was chiefly engaged in the manufacture of hand rakes and cradle fingers, though other bent work was also manufactured. Tbirty-two workman were employed, the capacity of the factory being 22,000 dozen rakes per annum, 250 dozen cradle fingers per day, or 300 set of buggy bows per day. October 3, 1883, this immense establishment was totally destroyed by fire, there being little or no doubt in the minds of most people familiar with the circumstances of the destruction that the work was that of some fiendish and cowardly incendiary.

Samuel Lytle's Wagon and Carriage Shops are located on the corner of Findlay and Patterson streets. He established his business in 1858-59, and in the following year erected his brick shop building, two stories high, 25x36 feet in dimensions. He manufactures wagons, carriages, buggies, etc., and does a general repairing and blacksmi thing business, employing three workmen.

Roll & Galbroner^s Wagon and Carriage Works are located on Vance street, between Findlay and North streets. The original proprietor was C. H. Crum, who founded the business in 1850. The firm of Roll & Galbroner was established in 1865. They do a fair business, their line being the manufacture of farm wagons, carriages and buggies. General blacksmithing and repairing are also important branches of their trade.

Charles Stiefs Tile Factory is one of the most extensive in this quarter of the State. It was begun in 1859, then being only a brick kiln. The tile machinery was added in 1877. Mr. Stief operates about eighteen workmen, and does an extensive business. During the year 1883, he consumed 1,200 cords of wood in bui'ning the product of his kilns.

D. Straiv^s Elevator was built in 1846, by Reed, Carey & Starr. About 1847, this latter company failed, and the property, which was sold at Sheriff's sale in 1850, was purchased by D. Straw, who has since kept it in repair and use. It is one of the old-time buildings of the town, and has a receiving capacity of 4,000 bushels per day, and a storage capacity of 50,000 bushels.

The hotels of Carey are as ancient as the town itself. Whether these buildings have been preserved on accovint of the di*eamy memories which have chistered around them since the earliest days of their struggling existence, or whether they are retained through some distorted notion of economy, it is not within the province of the writer to say. Certain it is, however, the old building now known as the Commercial Hotel was the first domicile erected in the town. John Houck was its builder and first proprietor. He was succeeded by Hi Plummer, and since that worthy ceased to dispense the luxuries of the board to his varied guests, the hospitable landlords who have followed in the train are named in their order as follows: Silas Dow, John Elder, D. S. Nye, C. Thurman, William Ramsbottom, G. Carr, Mr. McGalner, J. C. Gear, M. M. Walton, S. Shellhouse, C. Shellhouse, William Wilsey, John Hackenberger, John Lance, S. Watson, P. Anders, J. W. DeAVitt, and the present gentlemanly and accommodating proprietor, W. K. Humbert. Under its present efficient management, the old pioneer hostlery is renewing ber youth, keeping loftily apace with the spirit of the times, her ancient apartments ever aglow with cheerfulness and comfort.

The Gault Hotise was erected in 1847-48, about three years after the building of the old Commercial, by John Houck and a Mr. Case, who were its first proprietors. Those who have succeeded in the management of the hotel are Thomas Plummer, Bowsher & Fondron, William Chambers, Rosewell Perry, David McElvain, A. and D. Joys, N. McClure, F. J. Warallo, F. J. Cox, Dr. Rhodes, and Thomas O'Marra, the present pi'oprietor. This house is conveniently located on Findlay street, near the railroad, and affords first-class accommodations for the traveling public.

Chrisfs Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized November 22, 1858, in the Evangelical Church of this place. Of the eleven original members but one is now living. Rev. Haner acted as chairman at the organization, and the first officers of the new organization were IVIichael Grossell, Elder; Gideon Nigh, Deacon. After the organization of the church, it was taken into pastoral relation with the Vanlue Society and served with preaching by Rev. Haner. The society conducted its meetings in the Evangelical Church building till April, 1859, when it accepted the privilege of worshiping in the United Brethren Church building. Here it continued to hold its meetings till its own house was completed, which was in August, 1860.

In March, 1861, the celebrated Kneisly-Brown controversy occui'red. The questions discussed were: 1. Do the Scriptures teach the final holiness and happiness of all mankind? Rev. C. R. Brown (Universalist) affirms; Rev. Kneisly denies. 2. Do the Scriptures teach the endless punishment of a part of the human race? Kneisly affirms; Brown denies. This discussion lasted four days, and according to the language of the church records "resulted satisfactorily to the friends of truth as held by the orthodox churches, but resulted in dissatisfaction to the pastor." The pastors who have served in this charge up to date are as follows: Rev. Haner, from date of organization to March 22, 1863; Rev. Funk, to November 27, 1864; Rev. Haner again, to April 28, 1867; Rev. J. W. Henderson, to 1869; Rev. S. J. Delo, three months; Rev. D. S. Truckenmiller, to April 20, 1873; Rev. J. M. Dustman, to the present time.

From the pastor's tenth anniversary sermon preached February 1, 1884, we gather the following statistics of the church during the ten years of his pastorate. Total membership February 1, 1884, 195; received during present pastorate, ]55; total losses from various causes, 95; present membership, 100; marriages solomnized, 112; funerals attended, 154. The Women's Home and Foreign Mission Society was organized in 1878, and to September 1, 1883, had contributed to their favorite objects, besides to other objects, $225.20. The Children's Foreign Missionary Society was organized in August, 1878, and to September 1, 1883, had contributed $63.95. The following amounts Lave been contributed to the various purposes mentioned below during the past ten years: Home mission, $164.69; foreign mission, $247.20; church building, $141.44; beneficiary education, $25.25; college endowment, $304. 14; synodical treasury, $38.70; general synodical treasury, $20.66; American Bible Society, $74.42; general benevolence, $55.50; local objects, $1,200; parsonage bought and paid, $1,250; Sabbath school expenses, $750. Total (not including parson's salary), $4,272.

The Tabor Church of the Evangelical Association of North America held its first meetings at the residence of William Wonder in this vicinity, and was there organized in 1851 by Rev. John Cuff, the original members being about fifteen in number. In 1856. the society erected a brick church building, 40x60, at a cost of $2,400, and this building was repaired in 1878 and again in 1883, first at a cost of $500 aud next at a cost of $3,300. The present membership is sixty -five. The Trustees are J. A. Wonder, Peter Will, J. Kneasal, J. Soberly and William Thompson. The church has had several revivals of considerable importance, the most successful one probably conducted by Rev. Reinhold in 1853. The society keeps a very successful Sabbath school in operation with an attendance of about eighty members.