Bethel Township (part 1 of 2)

Bethel Township

Collins, Martin 42m P Gump, Margaret A7f Ruth 38f V John 23m Caroline 18f V Daniel 19m Lucinda 16f fe) David 17m Sabie 14f fe) Elizabeth 14f Sarah Of fe) Henry 6m Catherine Bi fe) Lavina 18f Morrison, Anna 56f Pp Egenbroad, Daniel 49m Priscilla 35f fe) Rachael 42f Robert 28m O Horatio 2im Henry 15m fe) Henry 19m Wm. H. 7m fe) Daniel 18m Edward 3m fe) Priscilla 16f Clump, Mathias 20m G Isaac 13m Watkins, Catherine H.20f O Lewis 10m Madison 4m Polaker, Wm. 28m Oo Daniel 87m Catherine 32a @) Venote, Debra 20f O Edwards, Barbara 62f Martha J. 30 Ff Woodard, Ann S. 46f V Wm. W. 17m 1@) Studebaker, 60m John R. 14m Oo Barbara 65f Joseph 16m Hart, Nathaniel 29m P Weavers, Barbara 10/12m Belinda 35 if M Matilda E. TOF P Groft, Isaac 29m Susan OG P Catherine 28f John B. 6m P Maria Ot Hugh F. 6m P Daniel 5/12m James L. 4m P Granville 3/12m .@) Senseman, Charles 33m Eve PASE Reynolds, Mary 74f M John 10m Eleanor A. Srouty M Mary A Sf Abraham L. 30m M Wm. 3m Granville H.L.M. 25m M Cornelius 1m Belinda J. 1 7G M Critz, Jacob 33m Long, Samuel 26m V Riddick, Thomas 14m Ire Senseman, Wm. 65m Catherine 67 f Gump, Jeremiah 22m 0 Justina Ae Sarah hae P Wm. 18m Daniel 53m M Catherine 15f cont. Bethel Twp.

Arn, Mathias 37m Austeina 40f Klump, Austeina 15f Mathias 16m Absolum 17m Michael i2m Rosanna 10f Arn, Julia 8 Ff Jacob 7m Elizabeth 4f Louisa 3 Ff Caroline 3 [flea Benth, Rosanna 7n Rols, Sarah 67f Ross, Daniel 13m Ross, John 36m Eliza PAS hE Ann M. Oi Harrison 6m Robert 4m Sarah E. ei Mary asta Long, David 36m Martha 20f Putterbaugh, John 56m Mary Shee Baker, Mary Jane 9f Fergus, Mary E. Sin Wm. P. 3m Putterbaugh, James 32m Ann 28Ff John 8m Sarah ah Hannah 3 f Wm. 4/12m Kaughy, Wm. 23m Howe, Daniel 45m Susan 45f Evaline 17f John C. 9m Ann E. ay

Fidelia Pal 68S Preston 7m Philomelia 5 f Linus 4/12m Kincaid, Lewis 43m Rebecca 43f Margaret 14f Thomas 13m Samuel 11m Mary A. UL James W. 7m Line, Lyman 28m Julia 211. Fl Zabéet) Ve

Keziah 24f Simon A. 6m Julia A. er Lindley, Charity 67f Martha oT Cofield, Mary A. 18f Shaffer, John 40m Nancy 40f Peter 18m David 16m Isaac 14m Mary er Henry 8m Martha Tt Reed, Mary att Shaffer, Simon 76m Catherine 61 f Shaffer, George 49m Sarah 5a tf; George 23m Spangler, John W.27m Mary A. Zon Soloman 2m Daniels, Robert A.9m Forrest, Reed 30m Powell, Jacob 45m Margaret 44f Margaret 18f Mary 14f Eliza jl Nicholas 7m Cornelia 6 f Louisa 4f Geeseman, Wm. 65m Margaret SOT Daniel 17m Isaac 14m Nancy dn Reprogle, Sarah 18f ae Jacob 56m p Roselle, Mary Ann 34f pie 47f Pp Joseph 27m Elizabeth 18f P Sarah Ann Sf Frances 16f P Anna 14f P Mann, David 44m Mary 12f P Margaret 37 f Susannah 10f Pp Elizabeth 18f Barbara 8f P Rachael 17f Esther 4f 0) Jacob 14m Joseph 13m Slagle, Sarah 58f Vv David 10m Adam 37m O John W. 7m Nancy Ann 36f fe) Martha 4f Henry 23m =O Charles S. 3m David 21m Oo Sarah M. AG Susannah 18f O Black, Adam 23m Davis, Zachariah 40m Pp Julia A. PS Ag Elmira 28f 0 John WwW. 8/12m Anna 10f .@) Sarah 8f 0 Anderson, George 56m Jacob 6m Oo Elizabeth 16f Mary E. 4f 0 Martha 1f 0 Geesseman, Wm. 33m Joseph 19m O Melinda 21f Rebecca J. Lot Oo Larew, Mahlon 36m Falder, Wm. 41m M Bridget 40f Cecelia be M John 15m Sirenas 13m Oo Marietta 14f Elizabeth 10f Oo Augustus 12m Hermes, Mary 60 Ff Black, Elizabeth 56f V Peter 26m James 25m O Voorhes, Elizabeth 21f John 18m O Seward, Daniel 31m Myers, Margaret 22f Oo Brown, John 3im Arnold, James 52m Ky Catherine 29f Marinda 47f P Luther T. 6m Simon 2im .@) Thomas S. 3m Philip 19m O Harver, George 29m Catherine 16f oO Mary 14f Oo Treadway, Ruth Ann 27f John 10m 0 James J. 6m Wm. W. 4m Roselle, Joseph 68m NJ Anna 63 f NJ cont.

Miller, Wm. E. 1Im Wyatt, Ann 61 f Blessinger, George 30m Mary 29f George D. 5m Margaret 4f Benjamin F. 8/12m Geeseman, Caroline 20f Longley, Alankin 36m Elizabeth 37f Wm. 10m John 7m Sarah C. 6 f Leonard 3m Williams, Sarah A. 61f Blake, John 39m Nancy 34f John Allen 15m Mary Melissa SF Barringer, Jacob L. 32m Susan 29f Elizabeth AS Ih Oscar 4m John 2m Heffner, Edward 31m Lydia ait John 3m Michael 8/12m Keifer, Barbara SOT Heffner, Michael 50m Elizabeth ASF Michael 19m John 14m Thomas 10m George W. 8m Elizabeth 6 f Ezra 4m Daniel 3m Jane ef Ann M. 18f Bethel Twp.

Lame

Susannah eal OF Pp Melissa J. 6f 0 Jacobs, Cyrus 46m Rudolph 4m .@) Mary 40f Bolinger, Sarah 20f OG .wase ~ - ?* - =--= 19m Samuel 22m oO John 17m Thompson, Thomas 15m O Levi 15m Lewis 12m Rudy, Joseph 6im M Mary OF Barbara 52 f M Maria chu Joseph M. 24m 1@) Minerva re

Emanuel 14m oO Mahala 125 Oo Karn, John 46m Pence, Joseph B. 2m O Catherine 44f Samuel 20m Rudy, Soloman 34m M Sarah 'ey G Nancy 2a f 10) John 11m Catherine Va Arnold, John 50m Ky Lydia 6f

Seihman, John 78m G Elizabeth 62f G Young, Daniel 46m Elizabeth AOf Studebaker, Samuel30m 0O David 23m Nancy 26f Oo Louisa USF Benjamin 6m 0 Susannah 15f Elizabeth 5f O Mary C. val f

Ooo0Osz0C00C0C0Cosbszesese Oozes Ovosoooo

Henry 14m Susan 14f Anna Sf Stafford, Philip 24m Singhman, Jacob 45m Catherine 35f John 16m Mariam 10f Filburn, John 25m Lydia 23f Peter 4m Elizabeth 3f Ullery, John 60m Susan 58f Samuel 22m Catherine 19f John 16m Rinear, John 19m Davis, Stephen 46m Sarah A. 46of Wm. 24m Jeremiah 20m Stephen 17m Joseph 15m Sarah A. gees Hannah cake George 9m John 6m Frye, Jonathon 35m Rachael 39Ff Isaac 14m Elias 12m Wm. 8m Lydia A. 6f Joseph 4m Latterett, David 38m Joanna eer Ossian 3m

Godman, Cornelia 13Ff Morrison, Eliza E. 6f Morris, Ira L. 27m Deanna 22f Harriet C. 2f Meek, John 45m Meek, Bazel 73m Dianna 69f Dimmitt, James J. 50m Catherine 48f Mary Ann 23f Andrew 21m Wm. 19m Angeline 15f Isaac 13m Fletcher 11m Esther Of Raper 7m Thomas 4m Burroughs, Wm. 58m Sarah 54 f Joseph 30m Susan 20f Albina a Ha LA Stafford, James 47m Mary 45f Margaret 22f Sophia 14f Matilda faa 5 Caroline 8f

Source changes here: from The History of Miami County, Ohio, by W. H. Beers & Co, published 1880; 7,179 words in this source stream.

Bethel Township

fell fe611 *" Piqua> none perhaps have been^nlfe. fh0""116?!* men who8e homes than w« mTyoum - heifei n,*f "T^hly identified with the Robert Young, who removed to Pinna «+ native of Warren Co., a son of Col ential citizen during the early days of ifafhi6?1^ daJf' was a leading and influaschoo^boy with cSl. Sch^ka^ Ben wfefSt thiTsketelX existence from the date of its opening to^nfeSP?.-11 name' has """otained an ^Qua National Bank - Mr Yrmrwr i present time, now being known as t.h« born m Perry Co in ifti i \ &Ycer' ^}<lua* Mr. Zolhnger, a native of Ohio «« Miss Susan Whitmore w hr! 18 ^,out^ was 8Pent on a farm. He married in 18% and Green streets, ^here they carrvVfnl!^^ at,the ^^beast corner of Main ness; Mr. Zollinger has now^been MaiJhfi a,toc^' and are doing a succeesfel busijears, and is one of the most the bnsine8s of Piqua thirty-two

Bethel Town8Hip

Agenbrood ; she is a native of "/«>" of Daniel and Rachel (Williams) Sept- 9, 1801, and WM^h/f0^1 t"d h.e of Frederick Co., Md. ; he was boro -topped for one year at Jnrife**?8 St^te m the "JP® J®" bJ bia Parents ; they about the same lenoth f.^mcinlnatbi and came to Dayton, where they remained

Biographical Sketches

Township, of this county ; L. W. worked on the farm till the time of his majority, when he commenced the fruit-tree business ; he also engaged in teaching a portion of each year ; in 1870, he quit the tree business and followed teaching altogether, till 1877, when he bought the old fi&rm of his father in Bethel Township, where he lives, teaching during the winter ; his education was obtained principally in the common school. His marriage with Hannah Puterbaugh was celebrated March 5, 1871 ; she was bom May 6, 1848 ; the fruits of this union are two children - Albert A., bom Aug. 23, 1873, and Guy E., Jane 27, 1878.

N. H. ALBAUGH, nurseryman ; P. 0. Tadmor, Montgomery Co. ; senior member of the firm of N. H. Albaugh A Son, proprietors of the Hill Home Nurseries ; bom in Union Township, Miami Co., May 22, 1834 ; is a son of Samuel and Anna (Rodkey) Albaugh, who came herein 1828, and entered 80 acres of land in the above named township ; this he cleared and improved, building a log cabin, in which our subject was bora and partially raised ; he received a good education, mainly by the aid of his father ; in the fall of 1851, he commenced teaching, which continued to be his occupation till 1854, with the exception of one summer, when he edited a daily paper in Dayton, entitled the Dayton Daily City Item ; he bought his present home of 30 acres in Sec. 31, and continued to teach during the winter for several years ; m 1858, he engaged in the nursery business, which has gradually increased till he has between 80 and 100 acres planted, and fills orders to the amount of about $100,000 annually at retail ; in 1870, he established a branch nursery at Carmi, * Burlington, Kan., this spring ; since June, 1875, the firm has been styled N. H. Albaugh & Son ; their office is connected by telephone with Dayton ; e now owns 160 acres of land in this township, and 200 acres in other States ; Mr. Albaugh is a live man, awake to the interests of every branch of industry, and that ms sterling worth is appreciated by the people, is shown by what follows ; he has been a member of the Board of Education for seventeen years, and President of the ara more than half the time ; has been School Examiner for ten years, and Jus- ®f£Ior re*06 f°r nine years ; he is also President of the American Association r* Nurserymen, etc. ; was in the 100-day service, Orderly Sergeant in Co.

her£ in i«ik Anna (Lmdsley) Allen ; they were natives of New Jersey, but settled acres n«r n* °° l^.801*®8 in the above-named township, for which they traded 50 well i m 9ur 8ubject now owns 51 acres of the old farm, which is three to* fiv® h ' l88^ budt a tile-factory, which gives employment for from thim? overlaooo8 fr°m 8Pring tili late in the fall ; his sales amount to sometion with the' t;i annum > he is an energetic man, running his form in connechj8 mind i8 engaged in his own individual affi»irs,and 1862 he marrieH ' butbe been Constable and Township Trustee. Jan. 22, the fruits of this TnlZa ^ McFadden, of Montgomery Co., Ohio, bom Dec. 5, 1834; OrvilleL Oct9 uSS^ T children-EdwardE., tom Feb. 12, 1863;

Bethel n°' ^T?er ; R °- New Carlisle, Clark Co. ; was born in was a native of VinriniJ^^'' ^bio» ®ept- 12, 1839; his father, James Armstrong, b© stopped for awhiteon to 0hj° at * very early day, traveling in wagons ; a brickmason by ^04" ^ V Ught-h" fatter-in-law's farm; he was house for Philip^Saylor, whose daughte^^h8!,*0 4hl8- <?Unty' buUt a brick death, he owned 1,300 iZErf - at *- «"« of his bought the form and improved ^ ^0 ^°°'' be"ow resides i in 1842, he tivation, and one of thp hoof til ^ ?e. ^ a verY desirable farm, under good eul- Elizabeth J° T' ^ be *««

DANIET RinnrPO "d " universally respected, the Delaware River niarwii Tippecanoe Cily ; was born in Pennsylvania, on Vitginia Xere he ^m^ni r adelphla' ** 10' 1799' In 1820, he removed to near Sreenville interiHng to s"d the" emiErated to Ohio. He stopped where he f«d , '1^?^" ahort time in Troy; he then went to Piqua, live; he finally reXd "Zto 8 fam'ly in tiU he couId fl"d a place to name to Bethel Town at.' P a® no.r^J °[ Ei.qua, and stayed about one year; then "ill ; this and tLTm ^A^1?0^ 4116 "il!on H°"*Y Creek, known L Staley's he run the mill for about twenZfl*8 °n wblcb !tidfod> he bought four years later ; times. Owing to ill tZkh? J?'®/* y^' and dld a flourishing trade for those h»s not been in hls he the idling business, and his mill upon which he hatf mn/t,. f°r ^veral years. He now owns about 310 acres of land, but, being past M ?°nsiderable improvement, and which he still oversees,

Bethel Townahir* iS-K 2°*' Ohio > ^is lather then bopght 80 acres of land in this life Jimp o Y°» w^ere spent the remainder of his days, departing the home place ; in connection with his fanning, he trades in notes, and loans money; forty-two years elapsed before there was a marriage or a death in his father's family, when, on the 15th of June, 1873, William H. Bare was united in marriage with Almira Thompson, who was born in Miami Co., Ohio, Dec. 16, 1836 ; she is a daughter of Mark and Rebecca Thompson, natives of New Jersey, who came to this State in 1831. .

JOHN BLACK, saw-mill; P. O. Brandt; born in Bethel Township, Miami Co., March 31, 1832 ; is a son of Adam and Elizabeth Black ; he worked on the farm till 21 years old, when he came to Brandt, and, with A. Uptegraft, built a sawmill, which he ran for about seven years; he then traded his interest in the mill for land in Shelby Co., but rented the mill and continued the business ; for three or four winters he carried on coopering also ; from the time he commenced in Brandt, in 1853, to the present time, with the exception of about one year, he has worked on a mill, owning different mills, and the same mill at different times ; the firm at present is Black & Hower ; besides their custom-work, they handle about 100,000 feet of lumber annually ; in the spring of 1860, he purchased eight acres of land south of town, and located on it in the fall of the same year ; he considerable improvement on his lot, and, at intervals, made additions to it, till he has, in one body, 42 acres ; besides his half-interest in the mill, he has also five to in Brandt He has been a member of the Board of Education for twelve consecutive years, Assessor one year, and, at the last spring election, was elected to his fifth term as Township Treasurer. On the 24th of May, 1855, he married Busan Swanger ; she was born in Pennsylvania May 12, 1836, and brought to tnis State while young ; her father died soon after their arrival here, and she was adopted in the family of Lewis Gearhart, where she grew to womanhood ; Jo and Susan Black are the parents of two children - Luvina. born April 5, 18 , and Charles R., bom Jan. 5, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Black and daughter are wortny members of the M. E. Church.

JOHN W. BLACK, teacher, Brandt ; is a son of Adam and Julia Aim® ac , and a grandson of Adam and Elizabeth Black ; she was a native of Virginia, out came with her parents to this county very early, her father having served in Revolutionary war. Adam Black, the grandfather of our subject, was a native o North Carolina, and came to Bethel Township, at a very early date ; he, in paf^ nership with his father and brother, bought 160 acres of land of Thomas t ora, who had entered it some time previous ; this they afterward divided, the fa ® taking 60 acres, and the sons each 50 acres. They were carpenters, and did some at millwnghting in connection with the improvement of their homes. A Black, the father of out subject, now owns the 50 acres formerly owned by father. He was bom on this place Jan. 23, 1828, and, with the exception of aDo three years, has made it his home. In 1849, Sept 20, he was united in marriage with Julia Ann McEffee, who was born in Maryland July 4, 1831, and emigrated to Ohio m about 1839. Adam and Julia Ann Black are the parents of seven cbil- John Wesley, bom Jan. 7, 1850 ; Albert, bom Jan. 14, 1863; Emma E., 12' ; Amanda> bora July 28, 1856 ; Adam, bom Dec. 31, 1857 » the same county and State in 179B - h*» mo 'La q 88 ®rownJ was also born in sylvania ; in 1838, they ZZ to Bethel To^ln"T M°Af?> a ""'ive of Penn- 27, 1854 ; his wife having survived him « n8*1*Pi where his death occurred Dec.

markets; also, at the sanm^timp6^1181^1^^ ^ncil?nati.' Boston and Eastern tinues, Dayton being his market engaged in burning lime, which he yet oon- Brown * d minufttu^ .Vi " aUo.th® 8?nior "ember of the firm of Join, being partners with their bmthcrfn th J°h" _McCo""a"ghey), the two older sons Enginea brother in the manufacture and sale of Iron Monitor Wind two winters? fori S?0"1 ani { ^ a"ended the Academy at New Carlisle years has ahm fcfiSS Z n£T 5® ha* be" enSa«ed " teaching, and for ten the spring of 1870 Mdh«trM^«U8meS8; he was elected Township Clerk in of 188offt>rhis fnnrtht^ h d *5® office ever 8mce i was also elected in the spring tendent of the sdiools t Jus?fe °J the Peace i has been Assistant Superinyears : in 1876 he w«. *? *ne townsiuP f°r two years, and Superintendent four June 10 he mirripd n ^ D£m£eratic oandidate for County Treasurer. In 1869, Co., Sept. 22 iSu^k S'.6antz> who was bom In Bethel Township, Miami living - -Mand v w i ^t-18 union they have had four children, three of whom are JOHN M rV^a 1 "d Glendora.

West Virginia An'ff Iftiiaoa c<uTiaSe ""1 JT8*®" maker' Brandt; was bom in "ear Carilste «£?g' 1V?28' and ^"e to Ohio about 1839 ; he located in Clark Co., learning hie trade ; he worked as apprentice and journeyman until, in 1850, ne moved to Elizabeth Township, Miami Co., near McKendrie Chapel, and commenced business for himself ; two and a half years afterward he bought property in Brandt and started a shop, this has been his home ever since'; although left an orphan at the age of 9, he managed to support himself, and at the same time, get a common-school education ; he has served as Magistrate in Bethel Township nearly fifteen years ; was Postmaster from Lincoln's first administration to February, 1879, when he resigned ; served one term as Township Clerk and several terms aB irustee. In 1849, Dec. 31, he married Louisa Giesseman, a native of this township, born Sept 30, 1832 ; the fruits of this union were two children - Gordon T., ^m^2^1850' md Winfield S., June 16, 1854, and died Feb. 5, 1856.

WILLIAM DINSMORE, farmer ; P. 0. Brandt ; bom Sept 25, 1842; is a son or J. J. Dinsmore, of whom mention is made in the sketch of R. G. Dinsmore; his alwa?8 he^n that of a farmer ; in 1871, he and his brother, J. A., Dought 162 acres of land in Sec. 13, where he has since resided ; he also served in e late war. On the 1st of June, 1871, he married Sallie A. Brenner, of * °?m 1850, a daughter of Jacob S. and Sarah Ann Brenner;

. T, DINSMORE, farmer ; P. 0. Tadmor, Montgomery Co., Ohio ; boro m Bethel Township Dec. 20, 1837 ; is a son of J. J. and Maria (McConnaughy) JJinsmore ; he was bom in Fleming Co., Ky., Dec. 1, 1805 ; at a very early day he rought to the territory now comprising Greene Co., not more than ten miles ?? 18 P^ent residence ; in 1817, he removed to Montgomery Co., and, in 1819, wn lownship, Miami Co. ; his home has been in the county ever since that wine at present residing in Bethel Township ; his father was the first Justice ot Onr °Du °i the first Trustees of Brown Township after its organization, four vooia J*.8? bred a farmer, and has followed that business all his life, except n wnicn were spent in the service of his country in the war of secession, discharo-p hi sent home, where he remained a short time ; besides his honorable tion in tha 8<5ST of a wound in the arm, that testifies to his participaresides Oh- £8^0, be bought 80 acres of land in Sec. 19, where he now spiriUs handin H^ "f V " 7el1 as his father before him, and, in fact, the same George Murrav i daughter ; the fruits of this union are two children - were among the verv 1 *beir J^8, living in different places in the county ; they were obliged to « " £J?ett?ers' and commenced right in the woods, when they assassination of Preaidpn+gT^°r 'i 5,088 Dunham died in 1865, the night after the and reached the ase of qJ^11100^ at the age of 78 ; his wife survived till 1870, Jersey Feb. 18 1815 u ^eaj?' The subject of this sketch was bom in New hardships of pioneer lifo ' brought up on the farm, was accustomed to all tee the light of a large brush-hao11^ to think it recreation to pick brush at night by school until old enough to n*J\?re ' be never enjoyed the privilege of attending the age of 20, he learned th« Ih* °7n tuition, and then only for a short time ; at «amea the shoemaker's trade, which he followed fifteen years, and

Delaware, Ohio, had he not volunteered to Z* °??Pkted a "Uegiate course at won ; he first enlisted for three ye^^uf hltoT hW " the war of seoeswas discharged at the time of ?ne ot Fremont's body guard he

Miami Co., Dec. 4, 1819 is a son of TB^a^pTfA Bethel Township, natives of Rockbridge Co Va h °f Jamea land 1 Rachel (Mars) Fergus : they were 160 acres of land ^ wWchTl ^ ^ l town8hiP in 1807 ^d boS fam he bad improved, but followed cleared. The remainder of the nuhtia in the war of 1812 but w«B *^mng bimself. He was commander of the the County Commissioners in th^ ?ever (?aIled to active service, and was one of helped to lay ou^ the ^n 4 .^78 Wh!D they were the tai colleTrs He short time previous to WalwFl d W<"1 lto representative for three terms A at his daughterisTn ^wIT* *° W?f Chari<*ton. He^asTkeo m occsrred Dec. 27, 1855P^Te^ nf T? never able to be taken home. His death JMt was raised a fanner Md foXw4 ti^Tsl m°^a"d 12 da?8 Onr sub- 29 years. He then bought pmSIn^n^ } h® arrived at the sge of ^two years, at which Leliettf T* fflged in the grain trade freently sold 54 acres to his son hnisHn fm°n wh,°h he now resides. He has unproved and in a good stat/nf'^ **!? OWn® 90 acres in Sec. 26, which is well Black, a native of SSI'S8 bSSS^lSM ^ "l he "arriedsJZ three children - James Pnrwin k« **,1823. The of this marriage are Franklin, March 8, 186R ^ ^ N°V' 28, 1845 ; Samuel &, Oct 27, 1848^John

Of life was spent The subWt of ^ b°Ufe on their son s farm, where the remainder Previous to his parents' f ^ located here in 1848> five Jears

°f f°ar acres, with a imoH ^ .°^,nary < crop this year, and also an apple orchard Vicinity, has on it afinfT^- vanet^ of fruit 5 &}* farm, like many others of this all the improvements mJ?"*? > uP°n ^e whole, it is a very desirable farm ; besides made, he has, at intervals, purchased land until he owned the south half of Sec. 9 ; but has recently sold 5 acres to his son David leaving him 315 acres in one body, and in a high state of cultivation. In 1845, Oct. 23, he married Lydia Heck, who was bom Nov.- 10, 1827 ; by this union they had nine children, four of whom preceded her to their eternal home ; after many years of affliction, and having been an intense sufferer for several months prior to her death, she departed this life April 28, 1880, a consistent member of the German Baptist Church, with which she had been identified for about thirty-six years.

P- B. FISHER, blacksmith ; Tadmor, Montgomery Co. ; bom in Clermont Oo., Ohio, Aug. 30, 1840 ; is a son of Alexander and Mary (Brown) Fisher ; he was also a native of Clermont Co. ; at an early age he learned the blacksmith trade and followed it all his life ; in 1858, he located in Bethel Township, Miami Co., where his widow and son still reside ; she was bom in Shenandoah Co., Va., April 9, 1809, and came to Ohio with her parents, who located in Preble Co., Ohio, near Eaton, where she lived at the time of her marriage ; they were the parents of seven children, three of whom are still living - David B., living in Eaton ; Preston B. and Elizabeth J., now Mrs. Warner, residing at North Manchester, Ind. ; Alexander Fisher departed this life April 19, 1875. The subject of this sketch learned blacksmithing with his father ; he spent nearly three years in the war of secession and lost his right foot and leg to the knee, having been wounded between the ankle and knee, in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864 ; this of course put an end to his service, and he was honorably discharged ; although crippled, he still swings the hammer, by which means and the help of his pension, he supports his feeble mother and himself ; he owns a lot of two acres in Sec. 25, of Bethel Township, and thus far has lived a life of celibacy.

B-OBERT M. FREEMAN, farmer ; P. O. Tadmor, Montgomery Co. ; bom Aug. 29, 1803 ; is a son of John Freeman, who came to Miami Co. in the spring of 1806, and settled in Monroe Township ; he and his father, Samuel Freeman, entered a very large tract of land, a part of which they improved. From the proceeds of 8old the7 erected » mill, the second one built in the county; this mm had but one buhr, and of course all kinds of grain were ground on it. Several years elapsed before they did any bolting, and when they commenced using a bolt, e whose grist was grinding was obliged to turn the bolt. They suffered -oases by fire, one resulting in the destruction of their grist-mill, and two of ^!!L!aW'D?ulon tbe 8ame race- % perseverance and industry, however, they v « j?? misfortunes, and finally built a four-story mill, with three ran of u dldLa flourishing trade. Our subject was the oldest of thirteen children, ana was brought up on the farm and in the saw-mill ; at the age of 25, he commenced ; ?n the spring of 1834, he settled on the farm given his Hi« rr»Qi*i*fr f b?5; ^Jv*d Puterbaugh ; this farm he has cleared up and improvedof^hi^£age mthMzry Puterbaugh was celebrated March 27, 1827 ; the fruits chiMren - David, Isaac, George, John, Daniel, Hannah (de- 1869 - merva, Henrietta and PrisciUa. Mrs. Freeman died May 10, and a'diuicriif1 * n-' N°v- 28, he married Mrs. Ann Winans, a native of England, Mm ***7 * H7att> a v«*y early settler of this county. Mr. and

Bethel Townsh^EM^A^nai^er7man 5 p* 0 New Carlisle, Clark Co. ; bom m 2?' Ohio> May 4> !832 ; is a son of R. M. Freeman^ whose ag^f22 and ?? work- He worked on the farm till he arrived at the aorttem part on WiU^°rCaltbmia' and there 8Pent about thirteen months intte Dec. 1 to^mid^7MCre!kVone of tributaries of Feather River. From for twenty days thev w^^Wjh'ithVPOW w" twenty-two feet deep on the level, and tunnel, did they su^eed to^th^ from.eve^7thing' and then only by twelve feet above thp to Vlew the "beautifhl snow, and walk miles south, and the rem ? utbe mines on the Stanislaus River, about 250 ana the remainder of the time in a farming region still fhrther south ; of land m this State and in W^ on Mav 5 1 S1' *e °wns 536 acres ford, who was bom in BethelTownshiD Miami a h Sophia s- Stafter of James S. Stafford an oM ooh-w^ Co., Aug. 1, 1837 ; she is a daughtownship, having been Snuiro «- f bere' and one of the prominent men of the

Michael and Eli^^to H^ff?or helTh0WnSh^' in 1827 ' with his pirento Brandt, and erected thaif?® " £ Purchased 20 acres of woodland adjoining he cleared up his landZ r bewed l°8 house, but moved into it without a floor ; being broken down hd h^Lf°r a "umber of years worked at the carpenter trade ;

1836 ; he was the flrof *l8r? WOrk' be engaged in the mercantile business about he sold his land Lj ^,mef°hant of the place and also kept a kind of inn ; in 1842,

-n Brandt, and t lma 1 tract south of town ; having purchased a lot that of Andrew br!cjt h°U8e, he moved his store and consolidated it with time of his deatK Mrr ' , be h°ught, and continued in the business to the widow is still l;,,i H® Jd®Parte5i this life Nov. 22, 1868, in his 70th year. His mng and is quite active for a lady of 69 years. They were the parents of seventeen children ; of these sixteen grew to the age of maturity. The subject of this sketch, the oldest of the children, has been a farmer for the greater part of his life, and now owns 126£ acres in Sec. 15, in Bethel Township, Miami Co., Ohio, besides his property in Brandt, where he resides. He has held the office of Township Trustee and Assessor. In September of 1846, he married Lydia Keifer, by whom he had three children - John F. (who accidentally shot himself Oct 8, 1872), William M. and George K. Mrs. Heffaer died May 18, 1853, at the age of 25 years, leaving her husband with the care of three small children. On the 20th of March, 1867, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Catharine Helmer. One child, Jacob E., is the fruit of this marriage.

L. W. J A COBS, farmer ; P. 0. Tippecanoe City ; is a son of Cyrus and Mary Jacobs, and a grandson of Mark Jacobs, who was one of the very early settlers of Miami Co., and entered 160 acres of land in Bethel Township. This farm has ever been owned by the Jacobs family, and is now left by will to Mary Jacobs, the widow of Cyrus Jacobs. He was a native of this State, bom Sept 11, 1804, and departed this life April 3, 1877. She is a native of Virginia, bom in June of 1809, but the exact day is not known. The subject of this sketch was bom in Bethel Township, Miami Co., July 12, 1838, and brought up on the farm. He served four years in the war of the rebellion, first enlisted for two years, and then for three if8' resides on one of his mother's farms and carries on farming, although he is not able to do much of the work himself, as his health was impaired m the army. In 1870, Dec. 22, he married Clarissa E. Uptegraft, a native of this townslnp bom May 10, 1847. She is a daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth vplack) Uptegraft He was bom in Greene Co. April 28, 1819, and she in Bethel Township, Miami Co. Her death occurred March 12, 1880. L. W. and Clanssa . Jafobs are the parents of two children - Charlie R., bom Nov. 6, 1872, and William Augustus, Oct 20, 1874.

etnel Township, Miami Co., on the old farm where he resides ; he is a son of tyms and Mary Jacobs, spoken of in the biography of L. W. Jacobs ; his occupabeen in tilling the soil, and he is an enterprising young farm®*- T _ UI?e!n,1879, he married Elizabeth Wigand, who was bom in Elizabeth

Sj?®? Ip» ^lami Co, May 27, 1853 ; she is the daughter of Lewis and Elizabefo Ca?? from Germany in 1835, and located in Dayton ; they moved to hi« ^th TOWI?®blP in ab°ut 1842, where he died in 1876, at the age of 72 years ; h'8 on the old farm.

the folio wine- virT' about f°ur miles distant ; to his farther embarrassment, m got his brother drafted, but was in the service only a short time till he besides clearing Institute, while he returned to battle with the oaks and elms, siderable toward ;Lh.ls farm, he purchased another quarter-section, and did conwhom eleven grew to Wer® th?, of occupation has alwavs hpL 6 f111 on Tvhich he was bom, July 3, 18*> j of the prominent men Jr*Ln Vlin& *be soil he is an enterprising farmer and one tion for nearly twentv t2,wnsbip ; has been a member of the Board of Educapraiser at the Dresenf ^?wnsbip Trustee several terms, and is Land Apnized April 1 1852 «hf Hls marriage with Elizabeth Keplinger was solem- home at the age of 17 toleam th» to!?**16 '"'JB'apbyof J- C.McConnaughey. Deleft of three yemf® "d.currier <**!«, Irving an apprenticeship he located on a farm in thm towMto ?"d deaUnS " leather; in 1855^ to Xenia, and again e^^ in^ ?' ^ 1865, when he went this county, Xffi £±^7 Y^®*11 1876> whe" he moved back to began the leather^ a^"*^®"fernf;n« i « August of 1878, he again but resides on the ten ind ov^^fT* fly-nets in Dayton, Ohio,

Miami Co Aug 19 ^ ^ Tippecanoe City ; bom in Elizabeth Township he was bore if vS {J 17$° (Gearhart) Mitchell; TheysettledintheaSv«-nftm2??8, **5 cai?? to Ohio Wlth his parents in 1811. a few years of his death who h wnsh<P, which was his place of residence to within in November of 1874 ha'vine'bemthl^H? ^f1®1 Tow"?hip; he departed this life ceded him to their et^inL^ the father of seven children ; three of these prethe living ones) Ltan v T n«w" MMdp°ne fol,owed since ! J C. (the oldest of ing in Cincinnati Mr8' Ges8eman> lining in Kansas, and James, livand still follows' that bvai^ZJ°T' of this sketch was bred a farmer, some land in the West - he h? . ' ®,Ya8 "cy®8 °f land in this township, besides of this pTaL' JO an^T M * daughter of James S. Stafford, who was also a native Marvin M. (deceased! J^ar??r®t Mitchell are the parents of nine children - Homer W. fi Renhen wnff goods merchant of Lima, Ohio), Roger J., ter Elizabeth with re"emb®red as such ; he would frequently take his daughto give instruction in k through the wilderness, as far as twenty miles, family, boro in TWh fm®10' ®zra -Moms was also the oldest child of his father's Morris, a^faVe ^!w°Wn8h,p'JMlami Co- Au«- 29, 1804 ; a son of David H. the very first ;?r8e^ and Ploneer of the Western country ; he was one of under Gen H*rmo meii t^at traver8e<^ the Miami Valley, which he did as a soldier lution - Dreviftn^fJf'icSm a *ranter i "1 his youth, he was a soldier of the Revoeetablishincr tho Q J8^ ^.ttled amid the forests of this vicinity and assisted in was enabled 8e®"ons of this, and probably other townships ; by this means he and imnrovAd - ma^e choice of half of Sec. 23, which he entered hmd on thA a/*!.*!!1 1 "e donated to the Methodist Episcopal Church 1 acre of buildim? th» fi corner of said half-section, and did the principal part toward

April 1«4Q u " wh°m he lived happily for more than forty years. On the 3d of a blissful immrf ^Parte<l fchis life, in the 74th year of his age, in ftill assurance of manv virtn ^eav/nS a large family to inherit his name and remember his are now living. His death occurred Jane 12. 1856. Our subject, in his youth, received very little education, but he is a lover of books, and by his own efforts has obtained a good knowledge of business. He has been Assessor two years, Township Clerk eight or ten years, and has positively refhsed other offices since. In 1858, he married Elizabeth Wiggin ; she died Jan. 2, 1859, aged 21 years 4 months and 11 days. His marriage with Maria E. Oarst was celebrated May 7, 1867 ; she was born in Clark Co. May 25, 1840. The fruits of this union are four children - Manr M., Charles E., Nellie F. and Frank, deceased.

JOHN ROSS, farmer ; P. 0. West Charleston. He was bom in Bethel Township July 22, 1814, and is a son of John and Sarah Ross ; they were natives of Pennsylvania, but removed to Kentucky, and from there came to Ohio and settled in Warren Co., where the town of Franklin now stands ; his father, Robert Ross, laid out the town ; in 1811, John Ross came to Bethel Township, Miami Co., and purchased 320 acres in two separate tracts, and located on the one where his sou now resides ; although they were not the earliest settlers, they were the first to make any improvements worthy of mention ; he was one of the parties called out to pursue the Indians, at the time of the Dilbone and Gerard massacre ; their cabin served as a retreat for the women and children of the neighborhood, while the men were gone ; this farm continued to be their home to the end of their lives ; he died in 1849, at the age of 72, and she in 1872, at the age of 90 ; it is also the birthplace of our subject ; this was one of the most heavily timbered countries to be found anywhere, and also thickly set with underbrush, which made it all the more difficult to clear ; however, by the hard knocks and unceasing energy of the pioneers, it has been stripped of its forests and made a desirable locality ; of this work, 7°88 Ras done a good share ; he owns 140 acres of the quarter-section inhabited by his father, which he has under good cultivation, and also well improved , besides this, he has 160 acres in another section of this township, and is doing a thriving business as a farmer ; he has a harvest of about 100 acres of wheat, also some rye and barley, besides the spring crop. In the early part of March, 1845, emamed Eliza DeLong, also a native of this township, and the daughter o

Elizabeth DeLong, who came here in an early day from Virginia, the fruits of this marriage are twelve children, viz., Ann M., Harrison C., Robert, L'' Sen>min Franklin, Sarah E., Mary Alethia, George W., Eliza, Thomas in iSo1' Fannie and Charles ; Harrison C. entered the service of his county Aug.

** 1790> and sRe in 1788 ; they resided in different counties of that livAd tkl « I®98, when they moved to Ohio, and rented a log cabin, in which they and RAn6, fi^8t ^mmer » be had also rented a farm in Greene Co., which his son form Z 5 in the fall> Re moved to Greene Co., also, and boughtthe Co and but remained only a few months, when he returned to Miami femilTnfS^ the.farm .of 234 acres, on which he had first settled. Of their Bashom nlghtn°r -mne children> four are still living - Henrietta, now Mrs. Michael deT near ?" Coyin&>?> Miami Co.; Charles ; Catharine, now Mrs. William Snyman de^rhS8^8^' Jnd:; and William, in West Charleston. Catharine Senseof twentv dftvahlSTKfe 22, 1864' and Rer husband May 12, in the short space 16 1817^ . ^be subject of this sketch was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Ju I

Hen^r Shroyer departed this life Math is 'l878 - hiTtid-' b?n June 26- 1877- entire care of her children and the i^ which h *k ?i*w haa s,nc« bad the managed very successfully whlch> b7 the aid of her eldest son, is ff °f 59 yUm, an^he to 1860^ «n6r the,r "ve8 1 . hedied 1" 1855 at thf bom in Rockingham Co. Va Julv^io i The subject of this sketch was country, was the feed-box fastened 18A7 1 b,s cradle, while on the way to this while crossing the C^to at WwJ° 'r' bmd P8rt of the wagon ; in this he slept Part of the work to do on the farm8 olde8t son, he had the principal

8. L. ST0CK8TU? , the Gorman Baptist Chureh. fb'P, Miami Co.OhtoAn^oV Now 'CarUsle, Clark Co. ; bora in Bethel Towns'll- He was one of 'th» f ' 27, 18.17 ' 1S,the 80,1 of Tbom88 and Catharine Stock- Maiyland but when nntL *7 of tbl8 county ; his native State was was a speculatortostov^Tk118 hk .removed to Tennessee with his fether, who left Tennessee at thn V^mas, being consoientionsly opposed to the slave traffic, flve or stohTteinPinT °«16' 8nd 08m® to Ohio- At ttostoe, there were only consisted of one cabin P18**,. and a very few between that and Dayton, which then °arried on quite a trlin^ bjr tb® of Acres kept a store, and twelve miles, there was not a house, and no road but an Indian trail. He £ a s with old man Hain, an acquaintance of his from North Carolina, located in what is now Bethel Township, Clark Co. ; his wealth then consisted in a horse, saddle, saddle-bags, a few chisels, two gimlets and a broad-ax ; he never served an apprenticeship at any trade, but was handy with tools and did a considerable amount of work in wood, and at shoemaking ; he made the first coffins used in this part of the country. In those days, it would have been thought sinftil to make any charge for services of that kind, so that he has made many coffins without charge ; his chief business was farming, and after his arrival in this State he took a lease for twelve years of Leonard Hain, whose daughter Catharine he married about 1801 ; in 1806, he left his lease and bought 80 acres in Bethel Township, Miami Co., and once more commenced in the woods. In addition to clearing up his farm, he bought 120 acres more. He was a strict Methodist, and aided almost any church of that faith within his reach. Eight of his children grew to maturity - Elias, Bachel, Sarah, Susan, John N., Stephen L., Irvin J. and Catharine. Our subject has always followed farming ; in connection with his farm work, he has made several usefhl inventions, as he felt a need for the several articles invented. His first was a grain drill, the distributing principle of which is now used in the Superior Drill, built at Springfield, and others. His other patents were for a clover harvester, for heading clover in the field ; a riding attachment for breaking-plows, and a meat cutter. His livelihood has been gained principally by the sale of these patents. On the 18th of February, 1847, he married Mary J. Lucas, a native of Clark Lo., born June 4, 1826 ; by this union they have had nine children - James A., Lathm-ine O., Chalmers T., Nannie C., Insco H. (deceased), Maggie M., Summerfield S., Minnie J. and Etta B. - v }

- 8 SULLIVAN, farmer ; P. O. Tadmor, Montgomery Co., Ohio; bom Clark Co., Ohio, Feb. 11, 1814 ; was a son of James and Jane (McAlister) Suluvan He was one of the lineal descendants of the Sullivans who settled Sullivan s s and, N. C., whence it derives its name. It was on account of his antipathy to avery that he left the land of his nativity and emigrated to Clark Co., Ohio. i ® ?f traveliug was quite in contrast with that of the present day. They k .kx! at the e.xPiration of his lease, he bought 160 acres, which he npvAr T«o.r* Ut b^_8°me mishap lost all. Being, perhaps, past the prime of life, he "if?1* retrieve his situation, and left his children to accumulate numhor ^ Tor themselves. He was a minister of the Christian Church for a but rAAAiT7^ear8' J?Ur 8ubJect was accustomed to the hardships of frontier life, attending ***1 °^inai7 education, such as he could obtain in those days by home & ^GW ?"ontb8 m the winter season ; when, in his 17th year, he left that he had Tint c earin& by which he saved 27 cents per day ; he soon found therefore dAoidJd8? ®°ient muscular power to make a living by hard labor, and in arithmetic and to educate himself ; having gone as far as the single rule of three in those dav« ho m(K^e8 and tenses of verbs in grammar, the requisite of a teacher article of ajrreeme^ft^ to teActl a term of three months ; he entered into an nate Saturd^nd C^e?ce at 8 °'clock in the morning, teach every altering for six vears ^°r the term and boarded himself ; he followed teach- the Peace for twelvo °®c®1 some kind for a number of years ; was J ustice of he is not an office saoiJ^k^ l8 .^Preaentative of Miami Co. at the present time ; the people. In irqo xt' , bein& a man of real worth, his office is a gift fr°m Crook, the great Ind:®«°«' il he married Maria Crook, a sister of Gen. George Thomas, James Theodnro^ii61*' . ^mts of this union are eleven children - - Alice and Lizzie ThA Aid' ?*artlla' J°hn, Oliver, George, Florence (deceased), " eldest son is a graduate of West Point. Although com-

7h0 came from Vl^Sato this^tate *to Charlfst?n 1 ia a son of Peter tamed only two houses, and Friend Tmm » m daJ ; Dayton then coneisted of one house : hi "m S I°W,' called West Charleston « Wcinily he entered a very large (^^1^^^ « ® P^nt town- "*> *" this at the death of his wife dimnLi ;+ 01 la?. * one ^me he owned 600 acre* hnf

Bethel Township Miami Pn vhn u ^ ear^J day ; he entered a farm in Sec. 29 occurred Jan 14 'lftift - h2° ' .There he, 8Pent the remainder of his life - his death toe oid pla£ thejidow Tyburn, stiU makesUr^me on is the only one lm7nT^ W > of Sandusky City, high state of cultivation - in^° C,"flnna? ! his farm was well improved and in a for about ten yealZ i ' " " ""^n with the oversight and management of it strong and Venango CoT PenT^ l" ^ 0,1 ^business, as an oil prodmser, in Annul the war of therebellion - Berv^d' 88 Captain and then Lieutenant Colonel

'hen returned to M*£j hjr!uhl8 mother died thirteen years later ; his fether this life in 18r>fi ?fy , ,and there passed the remainder of his days, departing business, workiL hr^h! ' haI!ng.b??" brought up on the farm, continued at that In 1826, Jnn fo^y "(mth at different places for about two years in Indiana, exact date of hi^ "® "l|a^ned Elizabeth Shroyer, also a native of Maryland, but the of her marruum t* ft18 not hnown ; she was a resident of Miami Co. at the time "-ise. in tUe course of about a year they moved to Montgomery Co.J they lived on rented farms till 1834, when they returned to Miami Co., and he worked for about two years at what he could get to do ; a part of the time by the month, on a farm, at $7 per month ; in 1836, he bought 80 acres of land in the woods, in Sec. 15, Bethel Township, and went to work to convert the dense forest into a home ; by excessive hard labor, however, he has succeeded in getting a very comfortable place to live. He has been a cripple for nearly thirty years, which was caused by the bursting of a ligament, allowing the joint-water of the knee to escape ; notwithstanding his lameness, and the many hardships he has undergone, he is a very lively man for his age. And his wife, also, who is only six or seven years younger than himself, is as active as many a woman at 60. They are the parents of six children - David D., Louisa, Susanna, Mary C., Benjamin F. and 8arah, deceased.

Source changes here: from The History of Miami County, Ohio : Containing a History of the County; Its Cities, Towns, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Miami County; Constitution of the United States; Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc, by W.H. Beers & Co, Publisher, published 1880; 17,893 words in this source stream.

Bethel Township

At the close of the eighteenth century, and prior to the }7ear 1807, this township formed a part of the extensive territory then known as Elizabeth, which is accurately located in the history of Elizabeth Township. At the first meeting of the Commissioners, the county was divided into five townships, of which Bethel was the first, and bounded as follows : Beginning at the southeast corner of the county, thence west with the county line to the Great Miami River, thence up the said river to the line between the ninth and tenth ranges, thence east with a line to the county line, thence south with the county line to the place of beginning. This has remained unchanged.

The land is quite rolling, all portions of the township being dotted by numerous hills. The soil, assisted by numberless streams, which owe their existence to the many springs, is rich, deep and productive, equaling any other section of country in the State. These advantages, together with the picturesque aspect, presumably induced the permanent settlement of the early pioneer. The land was not exempt from the almost impenetrable forests, and the first years of the settlers were devoted almost exclusively to "clearing." That this process was tedious will be admitted, when we state, upon the authority of an old resident, that, up to 1820, not more than ten acres were cultivated by any one settler in the township. But as time rolled on, it wrought its changes, and, at this writing, wood is becoming a scarcity, and many citizens are using coal for fuel.

Early Settlements

The introduction of slavery to American soil dates back to 1620, at which time a Dutch ship brought to Jamestown twenty Africans, who were sold to the colonists. Year after year, this inhuman traffic became more general, and, in 1784, slavery existed in all of the Southern States. Even at this early date, a violent opposition to this system was manifested, but the oppressors were in a majority, and prospered without interruption. Many of those who condemned it severely, but were powerless to prevent it, sought new homes in the Northwest. Among these was Thomas Stockstill, a Tennessean, whose father was a wealthy slaveholder. Though enjoying a life of luxury and ease, Thomas formed a violent dislike to his sire's mode of accumulating wealth, and finally resolved to quit the parental roof forever. He was but sixteen years of age, and unused to the trials and privations destined to attend him in a new country ; but the noble lad never wavered. The daily scenes of inhuman treatment to which the slaves were subjected could be endured no longer. He bade farewell to his native soil, mounted an old plug of a horse, and traveled in the direction of Fort Washington, now known as Cincinnati. His entire outfit consisted of the clothes he wore, one broadax, three chisels and two or three thumb gimlets. With these tools he supported himself, performing odd jobs of carpentering on the road. Somewhere in Kentucky he roofed a barn, using wooden pins for nails - there were no nails in those days - drilling the holes with a thumb gimlet. This kept him busy for some time, and when the work was finished, he continued his journey with more celerity, his financial condition having been somewhat improved. On his arrival at Fort Washington, the owner of one of the six cabins that constituted the fort offered to trade the same for his horse. Stockstill, being ignorant of the glorious future in store for the site of the Queen City' of the West, rejected the offer. He remained here for a short time, and, finally, after encountering many difficulties, found a haven of rest in the cabin of a man named Hain, who lived in the extreme, southwest corner of what is now known as Clarke Count}'. This was in 1796. In the following year, he married Hain's daughter, Catherine, and settled on the land nowr owned by his son, J. L. Stockstill, in the northeast corner of this township. This was the first settlement made in the township, and one of the first in the county.

David H. Morris, Sr., wras born in New Jersey, and participated in the Revolutionary war. He afterward went to Cincinnati, where lie was detailed assistant surveyor. While traveling through this county, he was favorably impressed by the apparent fertility of the soil, and subsequently located in Section 23, in this township. The land is yet in the possession of his grandsons.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Robert and John H. Crawford came from Pennsylvania and settled here. These men held important positions in the young days of this county. They are prominently mentioned in the general history of the county.

Samuel Morrison, a relative of the Crawfords, came from Pennsylvania at an early day. Mordecai Mendenhall, another old pioneer, settled on Section 24, and lived there for nearly half a century. John Ross settled here in 1810 ; his son, we believe, still occupies the " home farm." Daniel Agenbrood, was born in

Maryland, whence he came to Dayton, and, upon leaving there, came to Bethel, and settled on the southwest corner of Section 28. Here he built a log cabin, which has since been weather-boarded, and is yet standing. James Fergus came from Virginia. He represented Miami in the Legislature, and was universally esteemed.

David Puterbaugh came to Ohio in 1809, settled here in 1813. His wife is still living at the advanced age of eighty-four years, and apparently enjoying good health.

John Clayton, a son of the Emerald Isle, crossed the waters of the Atlantic in the closing days of the eighteenth century. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and at its close purchased a farm upon which he quietly passed his days.

William Ellis squatted on Section 22, but soon changed his home for one west of the river. He was a Kentuckian by birth, and, like Thomas Stockstill, left his native soil because her authorities permitted the barter and sale of human lives. He went to Loramie's in 1835 and there died.

David, John and Abraham Studebaker immigrated to Bethel Township from Maryland. They invested largely in land, and their descendants are at the present time in possession of some of the finest farms in the county.

John Newcomb, with his brother Daniel, came from Scotland. After stopping at various places, they arrived here in 1814, and purchased what is now known as West Charleston.

Pioneer Hardships

The early pioneers of this township were not excepted from the privations surrounding the settlement of a new country. As a greater portion of Bethel is rolling, and traversed by streams of refreshing waters, the inhabitants were in a salubrious condition. The northeastern corner, however, is low and marshy. At that time no system of drainage existed ; water stood at one place during the entire year, and its foul stench produced much sickness. People were attacked by the fever and ague, scarlet and typhoid fevers and similar diseases. The occasional physician examined the patient, introduced the lance, forbade the use of cold water, prescribed pounds of calomel, shook his head and departed. Besult - many of the patients died, some of them for the want of a cooling drink of water. The pioneer was discouraged ; those who survived in the fall knew not whether they should live through the coming summer and made no preparations on their lands. Thomas Stockstill, a carpenter by occupation, devoted much time to making rough coffins and burying the dead, and, with that charity and good nature which was a characteristic part of his nature, refused all compensation from the poor and need}7. In after years, a complete system of drainage was introduced, the angel of death departed, and marshes and swamps gave way to fields of golden grain.

The wild beasts of the forests, and the wolves particularly, waged a continual warfare against the few domestic animals owned by the settlers. These beasts came to their very doors ; at one time, wolves carried off a hog belonging to Stockstill, which produced a marked advance in the price of pork - in that family. The corn crop was destroyed by the squirrels, who visited the fields in great numbers.

During the Indian hostilities, our forefathers were subjected to daily peril. Many of them participated in the war of 1812 ; some of them were compelled to leave home and remain on active duty for six months, thus leaving their families unprotected. At this time, a poor man with wife and several children, asked leave to build a cabin on the tract owned by Stockstill, who, being ever ready to assist those less fortunate than himself, readily granted the request, and enjoined the petitioner to cultivate the land and earn a living. This man (name unknown) also took up arms against the Indians. The cabins of both families were in sight of each other, and both families were unprotected. On a certain afternoon, it was reported that the red men would arrive in the settlement that evening and attack the cabins. This produced great fear among the almost helpless women. As night began to approach, Mrs. Stockstill barricaded the cabin door as best she could, put the children to sleep, and, ax in hand, stationed herself behind the door, fully determined to sell her life dearly. Some time during the evening, she heard the cry of murder proceeding from the direction of the neighboring cabin. The cry was repeated several times, and then all was hushed to sleepy silence. The poor woman concluded that her neighbor had been murdered by the savages, and expected to hear them approach her cabin at each moment. The moments flew by, but no one came ; wearily and anxiously she passed through the long hours of the night, but no Indians appeared. At last, the morning began to dawn. Looking out cautiously, she discovered that no one wras in sight, and concluded that her cabin had been overlooked by the redskins. Further investigation disclosed the fact that the neighboring cabin remained untouched, A woman was seen before it performing the usual household work. The cry of murder during the night, impressed upon Mrs. Stockstill the supposition that her neighbor had been killed, and she could not account for the presence of the mysterious stranger who seemed to be " making herself at home." Curiosity conquered prudence. She hurried to the cabin, and, to her great joy, discovered in the woman, her friend and neighbor, who, with her children was alive and well. Upon inquiry, she ascertained that the large dog belonging to the family, had jumped over an inclosure near the cabin, which was seen by the lady, who imagined that it was the form of an Indian ; hence the cry of murder.

Among the defenseless residents of the humble cabin, the common mode of warfare was as follows : When Indians were approaching, the doors were securely fastened, but were often broken open by the savages. Upon entering, the}7 were met by the ax in the hands of the wife, who was supported by a huge cudgel in the hands of her husband. Thus were they kept at bay. Again, should they make an attempt to come down the chimney, the fireplace was filled with feathers, which were lighted. The smoke stupefied the descending Indian, and, upon falling to the ground, he was instantly dispatched.

lime of Indian hostility, a white girl named Hacker was attacked by them and seriously wounded. She was relieved of her scalp and left for dead. She recovered, and in due time a second crop of beautiful hair grew upon her head. She afterward married and raised a family." With the passing of time, peace returned, the Indian removing toward the Great West. The descendants of Thomas Stockstill and David H. Morris still point to portions of their farms wThere at one time were pitched the tents of the red men.

Game

All kinds of game abounded in the forests. The hunters killed large numbers of squirrels, turkeys, pheasants, etc. Wolves, bears and panthers were frequently encountered. It is related that David H. Morris, Sr., killed three panthers in one morning. This sturdy old pioneer was very fond of hunting. He required his boys to practice shooting daily ; when their record was poor, a general boxing of the ears was the result. Ammunition, though in active demand, was expensive and difficult to obtain. To obviate all embarrassment, it became customary for every pioneer to manufacture his own powder. In after years, when this indispensable article could be obtained at a nominal figure, the old custom was abolished.

Early Mills, Etc

The first mill was erected by one Teller, and called an ox mill. i. e., power was furnished by a large wheel, about thirty feet in circumference, which was trod by oxen. Mordecai Mendenhall erected a mill in early times - the exact date could not be ascertained.

In 1815, a mill was built on the mouth of Honey Creek by David Staley. This mill enjoyed an extensive trade ; people from all directions flocking to the mill night and day. It was operated by the Stale}"s until 1831, when it fell into the hands of Daniel Babb, who operated it for many years. This gentleman established a store in its immediate vicinity for the accommodation of those who had their grain ground at his mill. In addition to this, he erected cooper and blacksmith shops. The various inhabitants formed quite a settlement, which was called Babbtown, in honor of its founder. On account of old age, Mr. Babb was compelled to cease running the mill in 1873, and since that time it has been idle. The location being a good one, however, the day ma}v not be far distant when active work will be resumed. The shops and store have long been closed, and the former greatness of Babbtown exists in memory only. Simultaneous^ with the erection of the "Staley Mill" was constructed the Crawford Mill, which was rebuilt, in 1838, by one Cable. Coreys mill, on Honey Creek, was built prior to 1811. David Smith built upon the site of this old mill in 1835. A man named Earhart had a saw-mill on Honey Creek, in 1832, and a few years after, John Brier erected a saw and homiity mill on the same stream. The first steam saw-mill was put up, in 1840, in the village of Brandt. At present it is owned by Albert Black. In 1862, another mill of this character was put up, below Charleston, and is now in a flourishing condition.

Many distilleries prevailed in pioneer times, and many families did their own stilling as well as their own tanning. Henry Atkins established the first custom distillery in 1808, although Jacob Budy manufactured liquor from corn, in a small establishment on Spring Branch, as early as 1806. James Stafford put up the first steam distillery on Lake Branch, in 1830. The site is now owned by Gustave Allen. At present there is not a "whisky shop" in the township. James Ferguson was one of the first tanners. He kept a small shop, built "in the bush," north of the present site of Charleston. He was also a shoemaker.

That our forefathers were a pious, churcH-going people will never be forgotten by this and the coming generations. For six days they labored diligently from early morn till late at night, but on the Sabbath Day, the Divine command, " Bemember the Sabbath day to keep it holy," was never violated. At the close of the eighteenth century, when the settlers in this township were few and far between, no opportunities for holding the general church services of the present day were afforded. Instead, was the family service of reading the Scriptures and commenting thereon, interspersed with song and prayer. A few years later, these services were held alternately at the different cabins of the pioneer. In 1807, the first society was formed by the Methodists, at the house of Bafe Stafford, on Indian Creek. Bev. Joseph Tatman was the officiating minister. Thomas Stockstill was one of the first Class Leaders and Stewards of this organization. In 1810 or 1 81 1 , the society built a frame structure, which was called Palmer's Chapel, and served its purpose until 1830, when the brick building still standing was erected. By this time the membership had increased with the population of the county, and the building was crowded with eager listeners, who came from far and near, to hear Bev. William H. Baper preach the dedicatory sermon. The year 1820 marked the putting up of the first stove in the old church. Meetings are held here each alternate Sabbath. Palmer's Chapel is embraced in the Brandt Circuit, of which Bev. N. H. Prince is the Pastor. This church is situated on the extreme northeastern corner of the township

Pisgali Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first building erected by this society was a log, built on the ground presented by David H. Morris, Sr., who also assisted in its construction. This was in 1825. William H. Baper, James Finley and David Dyke were among the early ministers of this church. In 1850, the present brick was erected on the site of the old building. The society is not in a very flourishing condition just now. Services every alternate Sabbath, by Bev. Prince, of the Brandt Circuit. A Sabbath school is held every summer.

Harrisons Methodist Episcopal Chapel {Brandt). - The organization of this church was effected in 1839. In 1854, the present building was erected, mainly through the untiring efforts of Rev. Harrison, from whom it derived its name. It was dedicated by Rev. Granville Moody. Services are conducted by Rev. Prince*, on the evenings of each alternate Sabbath. Prior to the completion of the present building, a Sunday school was organized by John Boswell, who probably was the first Superintendent. At that time, the membership was about seventy-five ; now it has decreased to fifty. Meet every alternate Sabbath. Albert Black, Superintendent.

The Lutheran Church of Brandt - Was organized in 1862, with twenty members. Meetings were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and conducted by Rev. Myers. In 1869, a beautiful frame structure, 34x54, was built, and dedicated February 27, 1870, by Rev. George Ort. The number of members at that time was seventy -five, which has increased to 150. Rev. J. C. Zimmerman, Pastor. The Sunday school was re-organized in May, 1870, with fifty members. Perry French was elected Superintendent. The school has prospered satisfactorily, and the attendance has always been on the increase. Meet alternately with the Methodist Episcopal School. William Dinsmore, Superintendent.

German Baptist Church. - In the first years of this century, Elder Jacob Miller crossed the waters of the Atlantic, and, coming to Ohio, settled on the west bank of the Great Miami River, about four miles southwest of Dayton. Later on came settlers from Penns}dvania and Virginia, and took possession of various Sections in Miami, Montgomery, Clarke and Greene Counties. From these pioneers have sprung the many German Baptist Associations which predominate in the counties just mentioned. The first members of this denomination settled in this and the surrounding townships in 1808. The present gchurch was erected in 1854, on the 0. Y. Yount farm, now occupied b}' Abram Neer. The organization branched off from the the Donnell's Creek Church (six miles east of New Carlisle), the present district comprising Bethel Township, of this county ; Wa}rne Township, Montgomery County, and portions of Clarke and Greene Counties. The church consisted of about a hundred members and the following ministers : Henry Rubsame, Adam Steinbarger and David Shellabarger. There are now about 120 members, Joseph Arnold and Henr}r Gumpis, ministers - the former since 1856.

Li God's first temples - the primitive forests - was organized the first German Reformed Society, by Rev. David Winters. We are indebted to N. H. Albaugh, Esq., for the following history of this church.

The Bethel Reformed Church , situated about two miles east of Tadmor, and near the Montgomery County line, on the old Troy & Dayton pike, is among the oldest in the count}\ The church cemetery may also be mentioned as one of the oldest in the county.

The cemetery was bought in 1812. Samuel Dye was the first person buried therein. The oldest tombstone now to be found, is dated 1818. The first church building, a one-story brick structure, was built in 1826. Rev. David Winters was the first regular minister of the organization. He preached statedly under the spreading forest trees near by, until the first building was erected, and continued serving the congregation for many years.

In 1834, by means of a very liberal donation, left at his death by a Mr Palmer, living in the northeastern part of Bethel Township, the first building was reconstructed, and made into a two-story structure, with the upper story used as a gallery to the lower stoiy. This remained in that condition until 1856, when it was torn down, and the present building erected nearer the highway. After Rev D. Winters, followed Rev. John Pence, and in 1844. Rev. Thomas H. Winters ; in 1845, Rev. H. Shaull was called to fill the pulpit. He was succeeded in 1846, by Rev. Jesse Steiner, who filled the place with great satisfaction until 1851, when he was succeeded by Rev. A. G. Dole, who remained but one year, and was followed by Rev. H. Bains, in 1852. George W. Williard, D. 1)., was appointed in 1860, who was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Shumaker, in 1866 ; by Rev. J. H. Thompson, in

1869, and by Rev. J. M. Lefevre, in 1870. The latter gentleman served very acceptably for ten years, and was followed in April, 1880, by the present Pastor, Rev. J. T. Hale.

This being the first church in all the surrounding country, it has always had a good membership. By 1840, it enrolled a hundred or more members of firstclass and leading citizens of the township and surrounding country, and has kept up its membership to about the same number, and from prominent members of the community. The churchyard adjoining is probably the best kept up of any country cemetery in the county.

The many incidents, as well as the man}^ difficulties that surrounded the establishment of early schools, are mentioned at some length in the history of the county, and a repetition is unnecessary. We will, therefore, locate at once the early schools of this township : On the Rudy farm, Section - , was erected the first schoolhouse, in 1802. In 1804, a rude log house was erected on Section 23 ; the first school was taught by one Keelan. Many of the early teachers received a monthly salary of $5 in addition to their board. These schools were conducted on the subscription plan. In 1830, the township was divided into six school districts. At present there are nine districts, each one containing a substantial brick schoolhouse ; four of these are graded, and contain two rooins each. Several years ago, the question of establishing a central high school for this township was violently agitated by the supporters and enemies of the system. The Trustees finally appointed a day on which the people could vote their sentiments as regarded this question. It was hoped that the measure could be carried ; but, on the contrary, the friends of the system met with overwhelming defeat. Educationally, Bethel stands without a peer among the rural townships of the county. Over seventyfive teachers have received their education within her boundaries. From an independent standpoint, a central high school seems to be a public necessity, and we believe that the day of its establishment is not far distant. Under a recent law, townships are empowered to employ acting managers, now called superintendents, who have a general supervision of all the schools. This township has taken advantage of the provisions of this act. In 1866, N. H. Albaugh was appointed Superintendent; in 1874, Hiram Brown was appointed to assist him. In 1876, Hiram Brown was appointed Superintendent and S. R. Fergus Assistant, who are the present incumbents. To the gentlemen just mentioned, and to Mr. Samuel Dinsmore, who has been a member of the School Board of his district for twenty years, are due the thanks of the people for the excellent condition of the Bethel Township schools.

Some years ago, at a fire at West Charleston, were destroyed the early records of the township ; consequently, we are unable to publish the list of township officials prior to 1858. Following is a complete list since that time :

Politically, the township is Democratic b}" a good majority on State and national questions. At the township elections, the best men of either party are elected.

Poplar Grove Grange, No. 137, the onl}r secret organization in the township, was organized September, 1873. B. P. Bond was appointed Master; N. H. Albaugh, Secretar}r. In December of the same year, N. H. Albaugh was elected Master ; S. R. Fergus, Secretary. In the }ear 1875, the Grange erected an ample two-story building, 26x52. The hall and ante-chambers are well carpeted, the walls adorned with pictures ; an excellent organ furnishes the music. This society is probably the most prosperous in the county. We append the present officers : N. II. Albaugh, Master ; B. P. Bond, Overseer ; R, G. Diusmore, Lecturer ; E. I. Bond, Steward ; George Gessaman, Chaplain ; J. A. Diusmore, Assistant Steward ; D. P. Grim, Treasurer ; 1. A. Shaffer, Secretary ; J. L. Wolf, Gate Keeper.

Incidents, Etc

The first matrimonial alliances were contracted in 1800. On this occasion, Mary Sailor and her sister Rachel were joined in holy wedlock to Joseph Stafford and David Morris, Jr., respectively. The village newspaper was then an institution utterly unknown, and therefore we are unable to give any accurate account of the affair, nor are we able to tell how the brides were dressed. We will venture the assertion, however, that silks, satins, laces and that indispensable article, the i£ Bloom of Youth," were not iti the make-up.

The first orchard was planted by Jacob Price. It is not now remembered who was the first person born in the township. J. L. Stockstill, who resides in the northeastern corner of the township, is perhaps the oldest man now living who was born here.

On Tuesday, March 18, 1879, a deplorable accident occurred in this township. Jesse Albaugh, son of N. H. Albaugh, was hauling a load of fruit-trees from the Albaugh nurseries to Tadmor. While going down the hill, the rub-lock of the wagon was broken, and the horses became unmanageable. Young Albaugh was thrown to the ground and dragged some distance. When assistance arrived, life had fled, his neck having been broken.

This village, of about 250 inhabitants, is situated on the National road, in the eastern part of the township. It was laid out in August, 1839. John Dinsmore erected the first tavern, whose landlord was Thomas Forbes. The next tavern wras kept by David Hepner. The present brick building was built by John and David Arnold and sold to Thomas Dover. The Yoorhis brothers were the original proprietors )of the town. Thomas Wilmington (father-in-law of ex-Clerk J. W. Cruikshanks) and Benjamin King, plow manufacturers, were the first inhabitants. It is stated that, after their business was fairly established, they manufactured 1,500 plows per annum. The first store was kept by Michael Heffner in the property now owned by Jacob Siegman ; the stock of goods was small and unpretentious. The first store of any importance was kept by a man named Bacon, in 1844-45. Brandt owes its existence to the construction of the National road, from Baltimore to Springfield. When this road was first surveyed, there were but few other roads in the township. Travel on this became very general, and Brandt became a favorite resting-place for the weary traveler. Shortly after the completion of the road, however, pikes were being built through all parts of the township, and the number of travelers on the National, were correspondingly less ; and, since the introduction of the "iron-horse," Brandt has lost most of its former greatness.

In 1868, the school-building was erected, a substantial two-story brick edifice. The total cost exceeded $3,000, not including the ground. The educational facilities are ample. The youth of the village require but their own industry to obtain a first-class education. The primary department is in charge of Miss Amanda Swallow ; Mr. John W. Black is Principal of the intermediate grade. Spiritual instruction and consolation are offered by the Methodist Episcopal and Lutheran Churches, under the respective ministrations of Bevs. N. H. Prince, and J. C. Zimmerman. The industrial and business interests of the little village are well represented as the following will attest :

Hotel, Mrs. Schmidt; dry -goods, groceries, etc., Mrs. Schmidt, Jacob Hawn, B. F. Blessinger ; blacksmithing, Boyd Gowdy, Joseph Bechtold, Martin Gantz ; wagon-making, John Bodiker, J. M. C. Dean ; basket-making, John W. Stremmel ; saw-mill, Black & Hower ; grower of small fruit and flowers, J. D. Tredway ; physician, C. H. Humphreys; shoemaker, John Motz ; Brandt nurseries, D. and H. Brown. The latter gentlemen enjoy an excellent patronage, employing from fifteen to twenty men at certain seasons of the year. Hiram Brown is lawyer, Justice of the Peace, Township Clerk, Township Superintendent of the Schools and Census Enumerator, and, although comparatively a young man, has the energy and ability to discharge his duties in a satisfactory manner.

West Charleston

This is the oldest town in the township and one of the oldest in the county. It was laid out by Charles Friend, who settled there in 1807, and called Friendtown after its owner. Some years later the land was purchased by John Newcomb, the first merchant of the village ; his goods were kept in a log-cabin, near the beautiful springs whose refreshing waters supply the entire neighborhood. The town has been built on both sides of the North Miami pike - extending from Troy to Dayton. This road was cut out by Mad Anthony Wayne and his men, w'hen on their way to Cincinnati. A number of pioneers from the surrounding country joined the army while they were engaged in cutting out the road at this point.

also early tavern-keepers. There was a constant stream of travel, and hotel-keeping was very profitablefor a number of years. As late as 1840, three hotels were required to supply the demands of the traveling public. To-day another state of affairs exists. The building of the canal and railroads has let the ambitious town relapse into a provincial hamlet. For unknown reasons, the name of the town was changed from Friendtown to West Charleston, now taking the Christian name of its founder. About half a century ago, the first frame wTas built by Caspar Young - at present it is in the possession of John Baker. Kneisley erected one of the first houses and engaged in blacksmithing. Dr. E. L. Crane, now of Tippecanoe, was one of the first physicians.

Formerly, the people enjoyed a daily mail by stage. Jerry Self, Calvin Adams and Lewis Russell deserve mention as being among the first " engineers " of this ancient traveling conveyance. Now mail is received three times a week from Tippecanoe. The following have held the position of Postmaster since 1839 : Samuel Higginson, Andrew Hogland, Jacob Waltz and Joseph Benham, wrho took charge of the office in 1858 and has continued to this day.

A short distance from West Charleston are located the " Charleston Falls, ,r which for beauty of scenery outrival all similar works of nature in the count}'. The water is furnished by the numerous springs in this locality. Hundreds of people visit these waters every summer and enjoy the cooling breeze and picturesque scenery.

The schoolhouse was built in 1865, and consisted of one room. In 1871, another story was added and the rooms graded. Here the young idea is " taught how to shoot " during nine months of the year. This spring, there were about sixty- five scholars under the general supervision of William Senseman, a veteran pedagogue of this locality. One church, mentioned in the township history, is sufficient to provide for the spiritual wants of the inhabitants. The total population is estimated at 150. The following is a showing of the business interests :

General store, Joseph Benham ; blacksmiths, Solomon F underburg, Martin P. Cushwa ; boots and shoes, Michael Gottschall ; physician, C. C. Cline ; strawberries and fruits, Hazael Weldy.

Conclusion

We now arrive at the conclusion of the history of Bethel Township. But what a change ! Fourscore of years of its existence have passed away. Could we see the condition of the country eighty years ago, this grand change would be more fully realized. Where once was a continued forest, interpersed here and there w ith the humble cabins of the few settlers, scarcely a landmark remains. The trees have long ago been extirpated ; in their stead have appeared thousands of acres of golden grain. Cabins have been torn down to make way for handsome edifices of brick, surrounded by beautiful lawns and beds of delicious flowrers. whose growth is assisted by water, pumped by a monstrous automatical wind-engine. The apple seeds planted by our fathers have grown into extensive fruit-farms, which are being increased year after year. The blazed road has made way for graveled pike, upon which the heaviest loads are drawn with comparative ease. Verily, this is an age of progression. And the old pioneer, where is he? Under the cool sod he reposes, silent in death. A rough sand-stone marks his resting-place. Many of his children yet remain ; but their hair is white as the driven snow, their step is unsteady, and ere long, they, too, will fall into everlasting slumber.

dren of Mr. and Mrs. Croner are Minnie, Caroline, Charles E., Amelia, Lewis G. (deceased), Henrietta, William H., Anna M., Clara A., John 0. and Alma J.

JOSEPH G. YOUNG, deceased ; among the prominent men whose homes have been in Piqua, none perhaps have been more thoroughly identified with the local interests than was Mr. Young ; he was a native of Warren Co., a son of Col. Robert Young, who removed to Piqua at an early date, and was a leading and influential citizen during the early days of its history. The subject of this sketch was a schoolboy with Col. Schenck and Ben Wade, but, unlike them, turned his attention entirely to business, and his house was a home to all celebrities when visiting Piqua ; in fact, his house was the place of entertainment for worthy strangers of all classes, and the citizens of Piqua knew no more welcome place for social enjoyment. Mr. Young's first business venture of public importance was the establishment of a bank here, which he accomplished in 1847, Wm. Scott being President and Mr. Young, Cashier ; that bank, though changed in name, has maintained an existence from the date of its opening to the present time, now being known as the Piqua National Bank ; Mr. Young was also a leader in establishing the Piqua Gas Works, of which compan}T he remained a member until his decease, in 1875, which occurred at the works, and was a very sudden and unexpected misfortune ; his energy and enterprise as a business man, and his genial sociability, made his loss generally felt. Mrs. Young is a daughter of John W. and Delilah (Cullun) Langdon ; her parents were pioneers of Cincinnati, and reared a large family, of which Mrs. Young is the only surviving member ; she was born in Cincinnati ; married Mr. Young when but 16 }Tears of age, and, previous to his decease, enjoyed life remarkably well ; she has her home at the family residence, corner of Main and Green streets, but much of her time is spent visiting friends in the different cities.

JOHN ZOLLINGER, grocer, Piqua. Mr. Zollinger, a native of Ohio, was born in Perry Co. in 1811 ; his youth was spent on a farm. He married, in 1836, Miss Susan Whitmore, who was also a native and resident of the same vicinity in Perry Co. Mr. Zollinger continued farming about one year after his marriage, then removed to Licking Co., with a view of conducting a tannery ; not finding that business agreeable to him, he sold his interest and engaged in the grocery trade ; he came to Piqua in 1848, and the grocery house of John Zollinger has been a leading and reliable house ever since ; he has had in the meantime several partners ; Samuel Zollinger, his oldest son, is now a partner, the style of the firm being J. Zollinger & Son ; they are located at the southeast corner of Main and Green streets, where they carry a full stock, and are doing a successful business ; Mr. Zollinger has now been identified with the business of Piqua thirty -two years, and is one of the most substantial and respected of its citizens ; his residence is a fine property, located at the northwest corner of Ash and Broadway streets ; he has a family of four children - two sons and two daughters ; Samuel, a partner, and William, an assistant, in the store ; Mary, now Mrs. Dr. Noup, of Dallas, Darke Co., and Matilda.

L. W. AGEN BROOD, farmer ; P. 0. West Charleston ; born in Bethel Township, Miami Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1842 ; is a son of Daniel and Rachel (Williams) Agenbrood ; she is a native of Ohio, and he of Frederick Co., Md. ; he was born Sept. 9, 1801, and was brought to this State in the same year by his parents ; they stopped for one year at Cincinnati, and came to Dayton, where they remained about the same length of time, when they bought 170 acres of land in Bethel Township, Miami Co., on which they located ; he followed farming and for many years kept a country hotel ; his son, Daniel, bought 83£ acres in Sec. 15, of the abovenamed township, where he resided for a number of years, but now lives in Monroe

Biographical Sketches

Township, of this county ; L. W. worked on the farm till the time of his majority, when he commenced the fruit-tree business ; he also engaged in teaching a portion of each year ; in 1870, he quit the tree business and followed teaching altogether, till 1877, when he bought the old farm of his father in Bethel Township, where he lives, teaching during the winter ; his education was obtained principal^ in the common school. His marriage with Hannah Puterbaugh was celebrated March 5, 1871 ; she was born May 6, 1848 ; the fruits of this union are two children - Albert

N. H. ALBAUGH, nurseryman ; P. 0. Tadmor, Montgomery Co. ; senior member of the firm of N. H. Albaugh & Son, proprietors of the Hill Home Nurseries ; born in Union Township, Miami Co., May 22, 1834 ; is a son of Samuel and Anna (Rodkey) Albaugh, who came herein 1828, and entered 80 acres of land in the above named township ; this he cleared and improved, building a log cabin, in which our subject was born and partially raised ; he received a good education, mainly by the aid of his father ; in the fall of 1851, he commenced teaching, which continued to be his occupation till 1854, with the exception of one summer, when he edited a daily paper in Dayton, entitled the Dayton Daily City Item ; he bought his present home of 30 acres in Sec. 31, and continued to teach during the winter for several years ; in 1858, he engaged in the nursery business, which has gradually increased till he has between 80 and 100 acres planted, and fills orders to the amount of about $100,000 annually at retail ; in 1870, tie established a branch nursery at Carmi, 111., and one at Burlington, Kan., this spring ; since June, 1875, the firm has been styled N. H. Albaugh & Son ; their office is connected by telephone with Dayton ; he now owns 160 acres of land in this township, and 200 acres in other States ; Mr. Albaugh is a live man, awake to the interests of every branch of industry, and that his sterling worth is appreciated by the people, is shown by what follows ; he has been a member of the Board of Education for seventeen years, and President of the board more than half the time ; has been School Examiner for ten years, and Justice of the Peace for nine years ; he is also President of the American Association of Florists, Nurserymen, etc. ; was in the 100-day service, Orderly Sergeant in Co.

MARQUIS L. ALLEN, farmer and tile-manufacturer ; P. 0. Tadmor, Montgomery Co. ; born in Bethel Township, Miami Co., May 29, 1829 ; is a son of Stephen and Anna (Lindsley) Allen ; they were natives of New Jersey, but settled here in 1815, on 160 acres in the above-named township, for which they traded 50 acres near Cincinnati. Our subject now owns 51 acres of the old farm, which is well improved ; in 1869, he built a tile-factory, which gives employment for from three to five hands from early spring till late in the fall ; his sales amount to something over $3,000 per annum ; he is an energetic man, running his farm in connection with the tile works ; his mind is engaged in his own individual affairs, and aspires to no office, but he has been Constable and Township Trustee. Jan. 22, 1862, he married Eliza J. McFadden, of Montgomery Co., Ohio, born Dec. 5, 1834 ; the fruits of this marriage are three children - Edward E., born Feb. 12, 1863; Orville L., Oct. 9, 1866 ; Herbert C., Oct. 10, 1872.

JAMES ARMSTRONG, farmer ; P. 0. New Carlisle, Clark Co. ; was born in Bethel Township, Miami Co., Ohio, Sept. 12, 1839 ; his father, James Armstrong, was a native of Virginia, but came to Ohio at a very early day, traveling in wagons ; he stopped for awhile on Mad River and worked on a farm ; in those days, when men had but a small patch of cleared land, they were unable to provide provender for their horses and cattle, and, early in the spring, they would cut elm and linn saplings for the cattle to browse ; while working at this place, he tended 28 acres of corn, without any grain to feed, after the breaking was done ; by some means, he managed to get 80 acres of land in Lost Creek Township, which was subse- quently disposed of, and he purchased 360 acres in Elizabeth Township, northeast of Miami City, and, in about three years, 151 acres more, southwest of Miami City ; some time afterward, he bought his father-in-law's farm ; he was a brickmason by trade, and, shortly after coming to this county, built a brick house for Philip Saylor, whose daughter, Hannah, he married ; at the time of his death, he owned 1,300 acres of land. Philip Saylor was one of the very early settlers ; before the war of 1812, he had erected a two-story hewed-log house, in which he kept a tavern ; it also served as a retreat for the women and children of the neighborhood in times of trouble ; in this house our subject was born ; his occupation has always been tilling the soil, and he now owns 174 acres of good land, on which he has erected good buildings and is doing a thriving business. Feb. 7, 1856, he married Frances Edmonds, a native of Maryland, born July 20, 1838 ; the fruits of this marriage are eight children - Jennie, William Martin, Noah B., Ida May, Aurie E., Esom E., Albertus C. and Horace L. (deceased).

JOSEPH ARNOLD, farmer and minister ; P. 0. Dayton ; born in Virginia Oct. 27, 1818 ; is a son of Daniel and Catharine Arnold, who came to Ohio in 1830, and settled in Montgomery Co., purchasing 160 acres of land, on which they completed the improvements and spent the remainder of their days. She died in 1852, in the 59th year of her age, and he in 1864, at the age of 73. The subject of this sketch has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in 1840 located in Sec. 18, of Wayne Township, Montgomery Co., where he now resides ; in 1842, he bought the farm and improved it. He has a very desirable farm, under good cultivation, and one of the best houses in the township. In 1840, May 19, he married Elizabeth Frantz, of Clark Co., born Jan. 30, 1821 ; they have never been blessed with children of their own, but have cared for three orphans, two of whom are still with them. Since 1856, Mr. Arnold has been a minister in the German Baptist Church, officiating in Montgomery and Miami Cos. He has recently been ordained Elder, and has charge of the Grove District in Miami Co. He is an earnest worker in the cause of religion and is universally respected.