Butler Township

Butler Township

The most current statement with regard to the name chosen for this township is that it was in honor of Maj. Butler, who fell in the battle known to history as St. (Mail's defeat; but this is probably true in an indirect way only. The township was principally settled, to begin with, by pioneers from the neighboring county -Butler - and direct reference was had to the old home county rather than to the hero, in the choice of the name which the new township should bear. Butler County j however, was named undoubtedly in honor of the hero above mentioned.

The history of Butler Township will be somewhat meager, owing to the unusual difficulty of collecting data concerning it; but enough has been gleaned from various authentic sources to form an interesting and instructive sketch.

It is somewhat remarkable that the most diligent search of the records in the county offices gives no information concerning the date, etc, of the organization of this township, and conversations with the oldest residents now living afford no definite clew to the myster}'. The general impression among those who are now most likely to have opinions on the subject that approximate accuracy is that it took place in 1819-20. Dr. J. P. Love, now in his seventy-fifth year, and a resident at New Castine since 1833, says that about twenty years after the first settlement of what became Butler Township, the anomaly existed of four school districts that had never been legally or formally constituted, and of several road districts that had not been authoritatively defined ! In 1834, for the first time, these districts were legally bounded and laid out.

Butler Township is situated in the southwestern part of the county, being in the southern tier, and the second from the Indiana line. Harrison intervening. It is six miles square. The general surface is level, but is somewhat broken in the northwestern portion and in the vicinity of New Madison. There wTas a smali tract in the central part, known as Maple swamp, the value of which was depreciated on account of being subject to frequent inundations, but a drain was put through it by order of the County Commissioners, thereby draining this locality and rendering the " swamp " the richest and best of farming land, from the deep alluvium of the surface soil. Originally, the township was heavily timbered with such woods as no weak land can produce, and the fair proportion of timber that is still left standing is stalwart and symmetrical. It has been claimed that since the reclamation of Maple swamp there is less untillable soil in Butler than in any other township of Darke County. This is saying much, probably too much, but the fact remains that its fertility attracted within its limits at an early day men of ability and energy, who have brought it to a high state of cultivation and of public and private improvement. Eleven years ago, it had thirty miles of turnpike (or almost a mile to even* square mile of its area) under contract, at a cost of $60,000 - ample evidence of the truth of the above statement. The land was originally entered in eighty and one hundred and sixt}' acre parcels, principally, but more of the latter than of the former. In some instances, quarter sections have been divided, but in more cases two eighties have been thrown together. Among the large farms of to-day are Joshua Fowble's, 250 acres and upward, one and a half miles northeast of New Castine ; Jacob Wolverton's, about 175 acres, just north of Castine, and Esquire Voris', just south.

The Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railway runs through the northwestern corner of the township. Twin Creek rises near the northern boundary of Butler, runs almost south into Section 22, thence southeasterly to New Castine, and by a circuitous but still southeasterly course leaves the township a short distance west of the center of Section 36. Between Section 22 and the south line of Butler, it sends off several branches to the right and left, at an average distance of threefonrths of a mile apart. Mud Creek also enters near the center of the township line and extends southeast into Section 8. The Middle Branch of Mud Creek enters the township one-fourth of a mile east of the railroad, in the eastern part of Section 5, near the center of which it crosses the railroad and then runs nearly parallel therewith until it leaves the township, at the northwestern corner of Section 18. The first turnpike was built in 1869, a north and south road, running from Greenville to Eaton, through New Castine, called the Greenville & Eaton Pike. The east and west road, crossing the other at right angles at Castine, is popularly known as the « New Garden Road." The name arose from the circumstance of semi-annual meetings held by the Quakers of New Garden, Ind., and the regular pilgrimage thereto of large numbers of Quakers from Union Township, Miami County, this State, over this road.

Job Camp, who came in 1814, is reputed to be the earliest settler in Butler. Francis Harter and his sons, also James Mills, came in 1817 or 1818; Jacob Weingardner in 1819. Abram P. Freeman came only a little later. Charles Harriman came to Butler in 1821 and settled where New Castine now stands. Jonathan Pitman, Joseph Danner and John Ellis also came at a very early date. Ellis was from Kentucky. Job Camp was from Hamilton County, but was raised in New Jersey. Jacob F. Miller was Justice of the Peace as early as 1816. Mark Mills represented the county in 1832 or 1833, and was probably also a Justice of the Peace.

David Harter, one of the oldest settlers, lived in the northwestern part of the township. Esquire Peter Fleck, for a long time a Trustee, lived close to the north line, toward the east. Esquire Baker, somewhat noted as a Democratic politician, lived east of Castine. He was elected to the State Legislature and settled in Greenville in the practice of the law. Politically, Butler Township is largely Democratic - so much so as to have been termed the "South Carolina of Darke County." Religiously, most of the people are either church members or in sympathy with the church. There are five church structures in the township, at which services are held at stated times, and six resident local preachers - men capable and earnest in their calling.

The first schoolhouse was built in 1824, on Section 35, near the present site of New Castine. A second schoolhouse, a log cabin, was located up the road toward the creek. A man by the name of -Bentley now lives on the ground occupied by the old schoolhouse, in the southeast corner of the town° The third schoolhouse in this neighborhood was a frame building, located about half a mile east of Castine. The fourth was a brick structure, put up on the same ground. The last and present schoolhouse is a frame, two stories, also on the same ground. One teacher is employed in the summer and two in the winter. There are nine school districts in Butler Township ; the houses are mostly of wood. Samuel Satterley was the first teacher in Butler. James L. Hunt and P. V. Banta (the latter now of Greenville) were teachers about 1833. The first meetings were held in private houses, and afterward in schoolhouses. The first church was built at New Castine in 1849, by the United Brethren ; Otterbein Chapel, located in the northwestern part of the township, was built about the same time. In 1830, a blacksmith-shop was built by Joseph Danner, on the west side of the southeast quarter of Section 26 ; his land patent, for eighty acres, bears date the same year. In 1833, Dr. J. P. Love bought him out. From 1833 to 1837, coopering was' the most conspicuous mechanical business in the township, but there were also blacksmithshops, while shoemaking had begun to be quite a business outside of household manufacture ; pottery was carried on at Castine and elsewhere, and there was also a hatter's establishment in the place. From that time until 1842, we are credibly informed by an old resident, the little village did more business than ever before or since. These and the still earlier days of which we have spoken formed the log-cabin period. The old-fashioned spinning-wheel was in every home, the flax brake on every farm, and in every third or fourth house the loom did faithful service. Candle-molds went the rounds, and woe to the unlucky borrower who caused a dent therein. Splint-bottom chairs served the twofold purpose of seats and. when turned over, of racks, for the suspension of tallow dips in the formative stage. The distinction between base-burning parlor and cooking stoves had never entered the heads of the foremost families ; indeed, the only arrangement for both heating and culinary purposes was the old-time, wide-mouthed, friendly fireplace, save and except an occasional plain box-stove, made of unadorned plates of iron - and these were scarcer in the community then than pianos are now. Even as late as 1833 the township was a wilderness. Hardships had to be overcome, of course, and difficulties surmounted, but it should not be supposed that there were no compensating advantages. The pioneers not only lived, but lived well. Game, fish, wild fruits, berries, etc., were abundant and cheap. Clothing, though not stylish, was neat and comfortable, and cost little more than the labor necessary to make it. The habits of the people were simple, and their expenses light. Per contra. nearly all modern conveniences were wanting, and modern luxuries unthought of. The usual place for milling was at Frazier's stone mill, six miles down Twin Creek, in Preble County. The market was at Dayton and Cincinnati - thirty -two and sixty-two miles distant. Now the distance is two miles to the nearest shipping point, viz., Manchester, on the Dayton & Western Railroad. In 1830, the population of the township was 512 ; in 1870, 1,524.

New Castine

This is a village of 200 inhabitants, a little over twelve miles south from Greenville and six and a half miles southeast from New Madison. It is located on Sections 35 and 26, at the center of the east and west line between them, and one and a half miles within the eastern boundary of Butler Township. New Castine was laid out in 1832, on land that belonged to John Ellis, Joseph Danner and Frederick Smith. Dr. J. P. Love, who came in 1833, bought out Danner's and part of Smith's, and a man from Pennsylvania, Samuel Brosserman, bought the rest of Smith's interest. The original proprietors had. without legal notice or due course of law, got a surveyor to lay off lots and had commenced selling the same. when Mr. Love, who was somewhat posted in legal matters, informed them that they had no right so to do, and that for every lot they had sold the}- were liable to a fine of $50. A plat was immediately made, and the necessary steps taken to prevent prosecutions. Castine was incorporated in 1842-43, but the charter was allowed to expire through default of the citizens, and the place has now no corporate existence. Dr. J. P. Love occupied the first house built in Castine - on the northeast corner of Main and Main Cross streets. At the same time, another logcabin was put up by William Boswell, but not finished until afterward. Soon after, another was erected by George Hickman. The present "Eagle Hotel " was built by John L. Robinson, located at the southwest corner of the two principal streets. Russell Evans, now deceased, ran a hotel on the east side of Main street. the third lot from the corner. He began in the hotel business in 1843. He had been keeping a " grocery " here and there in rented quarters. His hotel was burned down in the fall of 1879. "The Eagle" was the first and only hotel built as such. It has changed hands man}' times. James Hanway was for a long time a resident of New Castine, but moved to Kansas in 1857. R. M. Pomeroy, now President of the Pacific Railway, sold goods here two years from 1838 to 1840. Pomeroy kept store at New Paris, then at Castine. then at Spartansburg, Ind., then at Cincinnati, and finally went to Boston. Mass. Dr. Love sold the first goods in New Castine and continued in the trade until 1838 ; he began again in 1842 and continued until 1851 ; for six years, he dealt in pork and hauled the cured meat to Cincinnati in wagons. He has only practiced medicine at intervals and upon urgent solicitation of his patrons. The following physicians have practiced in the village and township since 1833, viz..

Drs. Birt, Cooper, David Marsh, Stevens, Palmer, John L. Matchett, T. R. Luff, Isaac Thomas, Humphre}- and Frank Matchett, the two latter being the present resident physicians.

The United Brethren Church was built in 18-49, as before stated. Among the leading promoters of the enterprise were George Byers, Samuel Coblentz and Henry Wehrly. The Dunkard Church was built about eight years ago. Wendell Minnich, a preacher of that denomination, was the first man who worked up an interest in the matter. At first, the meetings were held in a house that was built for a potter's house, located on Lot No. 12. Minnich died some twenty years ago, after which his brother-in-law, George Syler, was preacher till the new house was erected eight years since. The Dunkards bought their lot of Frederick Trump. Among the early preachers in this vicinity was a Presbyterian named Cracken. William McCale preached in George Byers' barn in 1833. The United Brethren held meetings there, and also at Samuel Coblentz. For an account of the schools, see Township History.

EVIN BAKER, deceased ; was born in Rockingham Co.. Va., in 1808 ; died in 1863 ; a resident of this county nearby all his life ; was identified with most of the public improvements of the county ; was elected to the Legislature in 1854, and was the author of the Ohio ditch laws, and at the time of his death had a large law practice. He was President of the Richmond & Covington Railroad, for the location of which through Greenville he had labored long and earnestly.

BENJAMIN BOBENMOYER. retired farmer ; P. O. Arcanum ; a native of Pennsylvania, and a resident of Ohio for the past fifty years, and of Darke Co. nearly one-fourth of a century ; is a brother to Charles Bobenmoyer, whose biography also appears in the Butler Township list. The subject of this sketch was born in Berks Co., Penn., in 1805 ; was brought up on a farm, and received but little education and that in Grerman : was married in 1826 to Sarah Rhinesmith ; they removed from Pennsylvania to Butler Co. Ohio, about the year 1833 ; came to Darke Co. in 1853, and purchased the farm in Sec. 11. Butler Township, where they now reside ; his farm then had an " opening" and a cabin on it, but was mostly woods and very wet and swampy ; since then, he, with the other settlers, have, by means of clearing and ditching, made this to rank with the best lands in Darke Co.; lie now has a pike in every direction from his place, good buildings, and in every way pleasantly situated and prepared to enjoy the remainder of his days, the fruit of his early toils and sacrifices. Mr. and Mrs. Bobenmoyer are substantial, respected people ; are the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom are living, five sons and five daughters - Eliza, now Mrs. William Banois, of Cincinnati ; Mary, now Mrs. Clarke Robinson, of Neave Township ; William, a resident of Middletown. Ohio ; Christena, now Mrs. Fred. Wagner; Frederick, now a resident of Allentown, Penn. ; Sophia, now Mrs. John Bridenstine, of Hamilton. Ohio ; John, now a resident of California ; Nathan, a resident of Port Jefferson ; Kate, now Mrs. A I tram Baker, of Twin Township, and Benjamin, Jr., now married, and residing on and farming the homestead.

CHARLES BOBENMOYER, farmer ; P. 0. Arcanum ; a Pennsylvanian by birth and an old resident of Darke Co. ; is the son of Frederick and Christena Ann Bobenmoyer ; was born in Berks Co., Penn., March 4, 1817 ; when about 14 years of age, his father came to Butler Co., Ohio, where Charles grew to manhood and was married to Caroline Burkholder April 20, 1847 ; she is a daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Meyers) Burkholder, both of whom were natives of Lehigh Co., Penn.; Caroline was one of a family of ten children, all but one of whom grew to manhood or womanhood ; she was born in Lehigh County Dec. 20, 1824 ; her parents emigrated to Butler Co., Ohio, when she was an infant ; Mr. and Mrs. Bobenmoyer began domestic life on his father's farm, in Butler County, and continued there six years ; then purchased and removed to the farm in Sec. 3, Butler Township, l>a ike County, where they now reside, having lived in the same house for more than a quarter of a century, most of the fine improvements and all the gravel roads and public ditches have been made during their residence here. Mr. Bobenmoyer commenced life a renter, and, by persevering labor and economy, saved enough to get a start in Darke County when Butler Township was yet new, and has grown with the growing country, and is now retired from the field of labor. having accumulated sufficient to keep himself and family comfortably and have something left. Mr. and Mrs. Bobenmoyer are worthy members of the German Reformed Church and useful, respected people ; they have never had any children, but have raised two - Charles F. Bell, now a dentist in Arcanum, and Emma J. Harp, who still lives with them.

ASARIAH BRUSS, farmer ; P. 0. Arcanum ; son of John and Mary (Sherman ) Bruss : John was a native of Pennsylvania ; his father, whose name was also John, came to Preble Co., Ohio, in 1819, the son being then 3 years old. and afterward removed to Marion Co., Lid., where his death occurred. Mary is the daughter of John and Susannah Sherman, natives of Maryland ; the father had sold off his loose propert}' to be in readiness to move West, but sickened and died about the time he had intended to start, and the widow came soon after to Preble Co., Ohio ; Mary was born in Maryland in 1815 ; John Bruss, Jr., and Mary Sherman were married in Preble Co., in 1837 ; they first began domestic life in Preble Co.; he worked by the day or job as he could, mostly making shingles and rooting barns, for several years ; then farmed a year or two in Preble Co., and in 1850 came to Darke Co.. and purchased a farm near Matchetts Corners, where Asariah grew to manhood ; in 1872, they traded for and removed to the farm in Sec. 11, where the widow now resides, his decease having occurred Oct. 26, 1878. A sariah was born in Preble Co., Jan. 1 8, 1843, grew to manhood here in Butler Township before the era of good schools, good roads, and easy farming ; he was married Jan. 22, 1807, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Joseph Hittle, and they lived with his parents several years, he having charge of his father's farm ; the same year in which his father traded farms. Asariah purchased 33 acres in the same section, and built a small house just across the road from his father's, where they first began housekeeping by themselves, and are still residing, he here having charge of the old homestead, where his widowed mother now resides. In 1 862, Azariah enlisted in the 94th Ohio V. I., and faithfully served his country three years, enduring the hardships and privations, as well as the dangers of the service, willingly, in defense of the flag of our country ; he passed unharmed through several severe engagements, was taken prisoner while under Sherman, at Goldsboro, N. C, but was only held seven days, then paroled ; the capture of Richmond and surrender of Lee soon followed, and he. with the other remaining brave defenders of their country, was mustered out of service and joyfully returned home, receiving glad and grateful welcome from friends and neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Bruss have six children.

GEORGE BYERS, Sr. (deceased) ; the subject of this sketch was a native of Maryland ; was married to Susan Hetzler ; they came to Darke Co. in 1832, and located in Sec. 36, and are prominently mentioned in connection with the township history ; they raised a family of four children, three of whom are living, viz.. Catherine E.. George H. and Joseph ; Catherine is now the wife of Peter Fowble. of Preble Co. ; George H. resided with his parents until his marriage with Kezia Fowble, daughter of Peter Fowble, of Preble Co., which occurred March 26, 1863 : they first began domestic life at his father's ; about two years later he purchased and removed to his present place, but his mother's decease, which occurred March 26, 1872, made it necessary for him to remove to the old homestead ; about two years later. Joseph married, and he returned to his own place in Sec. 25. where they now reside. They are both members of the United Brethren Church, and respected members of the community ; they have six children - Peter W., Emma C.j John H., Theodore, Bertie W. and Clara E. ; Joseph was the youngest child ; he was married March 11, 1875, to Sarah Ann, daughter of John W. Smith, a resident of Butler Township, and they immediately took charge of the old homestead and the care of his aged father, his brother older removing to his own farm in the adjoining section ; after their father's decease, which occurred Sept. 5, 1875. Joseph bought the other shares, and thus retains the old homestead, around which cling the memories of the struggles, toils and achievements of his parents during their forty years' residence, in which the wilderness and swamp which first covered this township were converted, by toil and perseverance, amid unfavorable circumstances, into one of the most fertile portions of the county ; in this struggle, Mr. and Mrs. Byers bore their full share, and have handed down their legacies to their children, who, it will be seen by this sketch, are carrying forward the work of improvement and beautifying, and making pleasant and profitable, the legacy of

HARRISON COBLENTZ, farmer and Justice of the Peace, Sec. 21 ; P. O. New Madison ; a life resident of Butler Township ; was born June 2, 1840 : remained at home until after his marriage, Sept. 18. 1860 ; he was united in mar- " riage with Caroline Hittle ; she is the daughter of Nicholas Hittle, an early settler of Butler Township ; she is also a life resident of Butler Township ; was born Dec. 25, 1843. After his marriage, Mr. Coblentz built a small frame house on his farm, which then consisted of 80 acres, the gift, in part, of his father, and. in the April following, they began the duties of domestic life upon the farm upon which they now reside. In the }Tear 1875, he remodeled and enlarged his house, making a very neat, commodious home ; he also added to the original 80 acres, as he had means and opportunity, and now has 334 acres in a good state of cultivation ; 229 in the home farm, in Sec. 21. and 105 in Sec. 16. Mr. and Mrs. Coblentz are the parents of four children, viz.: John C, born Oct. 15, 1862; Lizzie, born Dec. 3. 1865; Kate, born April 29, 1871, and Frank L., born Oct. 24, 1873. Mr. Coblentz, though a young man, is ahead}' one of the substantial citizens of Butler Township ; has been Trustee, and is now Justice of the Peace, and an intelligent, agreeable gentleman. Both he, and his amiable wife, are members of the United Brethren Church, and useful members of society.

oldest residents of Butler Township now living; was born in Frederiek Co., Md., Nov. 26, 1812 : when he was a young man. his parents came West and settled in Montgomery Co.. Ohio, where he remained until his marriage with Miss Eva Foutz, which was solemnized March 16. 1834 ; she was the daughter ef Frederick Foutz, a native of North Carolina ; she was horn in Montgomery Co., Ohio. Dec. 22. 1813; after their marriage, they remained in Montgomeiy County about two years, then came to Darke County ; his father had entered a piece of land in Sec. 21 for him. and they put up a cabin on it and lived there about one year, but, feeling that this was too slow a way to get a start, he bought 55 acres in Sec. 2!>. upon which thei'e were about 10 acres cleared, a log cabin, and a young orchard started : they removed to this place in February. 1837, and have since resided here, improving and adding to the original 55 acres, until he had about 600 acres, all of which he has divided out among his children ; Mr. and Mrs. Coblentz, now quite advanced in years, have seen the forest, once the home of the roving savage, cleared by the woodman's ax, the swamps, foul with decaying vegetable matter, drained and renovated, and all made beautiful by the advance of civilization and the improvements and embellishments they helped to make, creating fertile fields and pleasant homes for themselves and the generations to follow ; Mr. Coblentz has been a quiet, industrious citizen ; both he and his devoted wife have been worthy members of the U. B. Church for more than fort}' years ; they are kind neighbors and useful members of society ; they are the parents of nine children - Catherine, Mary, Ezra. William Henry Harrison. Susanna, Elizabeth, John, Rebecca J. and Eliza E. ; Ezra is deceased ; the rest are all married, and are substantial citizens of Darke County ; John is the youngest son, and has the old homestead, and his parents reside with him ; he was married to Mary C. Garrison May 26 1870 ; she is a daughter of Simeon Garrison, and was born in Butler Co., Ohio, March 5, 1852 ; they have two children - Charles H. and William R,

GEORGE EMRICK, retired farmer and blacksmith, Sec. 34 ; P. 0. New Castine ; was born in Germantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio, Nov. 2. 1818 ; he learned the blacksmith's trade while a boy and worked at it for a number of years. He was married to Frances Arnold June 16, 1842 ; they first commenced the duties of domestic life in Montgomery Co., and removed to Darke Co. in 1852, and carried on a shop at Versailles and afterward at Hill Grove, and still later farmed in the vicinity of Hill Grove two or three years, then returned to Montgomery Co. and purchased a farm there upon which they remained until 1863, when he purchased and removed to the farm in Sec. 33, Butler Township, Darke Co.. where Samuel Emrick now resides ; four years later, he purchased and removed to the farm on Sec. 34, where he now resides ; Mr. Emrick now has 159 acres of wellimproved land, with neat, commodious buildings, suggestive of industry and economy, and is a substantial, respected citizen : both he and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church, and useful members of society. They are the parents of fourteen children, eleven of whom are living, viz., Josiah, Silas, Zachariah, Barbara A.. Matilda. Uriah, Benjamin P., Samuel, George W., Solomon and Sarah E. The first seven named are married and all residents of Darke Co. but one, who resides just over the line in Indiana.

SAMUEL EMRICK, retired farmer. See. 31 ; P. O. New Castine ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Jan. 17, 1818, and lived in Preble Co. during his minority ; he is the son of Jacob Emrick. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of t'oonrod Emrick. April 1!). 1845; after their marriage, they remained in Preble Co. until August. 1867, when he purchased and they removed to the farm in See. 33, Butler Township, where they now reside ; the spring following his removal, he was elected Township Treasurer, and has continued to hold that office ever since ; he is now a member of the Board of Directors of the County Infirmary ; his home consists of 180 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings, and. although not an old resident, he is a substantial and respected citizen. Mr. and

Mrs. Emrick are worthy members of the Lutheran Church, of forty years' standing, and useful members of society. They are the parents of eight children, only two -of whom are living, viz.: Matilda, now Mrs. Geo. Bidlow, and Ananias, both residents of Butler Township.

PETER FARST, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. 0. New Castine ; an old resident of Darke County; was born in New York Oct. 7, 1818, and came to Ohio when 28 years of age.* Was married in Pickaway Co., in 1844, to Matilda Stout ; in the year 1850, they removed to Darke Co. and settled on the farm where they now reside, which consists of 200 acres of well-improved land, with good, substantial buildings. Mr. Farst is a quiet, substantial, respected citizen ; has raised a family of seven children, viz.: Catharine (now Mrs. Martin Bowman), John, Amos, Susan (now Mrs. Joseph Elliker, of Neave Township), Lavina (now Mrs. Geo. Schlecty). Geo. W. a resident of Indiana, and Lida.

BENJAMIN FOUTS, farmer ; P. 0. and residence El Dorado, Preble Co. A Buckeye by birth, and an early resident of Butler Township ; was born in Montgomery Co. May 18, 1813 ; he is a son of Jacob Fouts, who was a native of North Carolina, and settled in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1803, entering land upon which he lived all the remainder of his days ; his decease occurred in 1864, he being in his 83d year. Benjamin was married Sept. 21, 1834. to Susannah Coblentz, sister to George Coblentz, whose biography appears in this work ; soon after their marriage, they came to Darke Co.; settled first in Sec. 14, Butler Township, his father having entered the southwest quarter of that section ; here he remained about seven years ; afterward lived near New Madison, and later, a short time, in Preble Co.; he removed to the farm in Sees. 32 and 33, which he now owns, in 1848. Mr. Fouts is one of the pioneers of Butler Township ; came when Butler was a wilderness, in the days of log-rolling and other social enterprises common to new settlements ; he remembers attending rollings twenty-one days in succession one spring; Mr. Fouts has contributed a full share toward the development and improvement of the county, morally as well as physically. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. They had six children - Enos, now married, has a family of five children, and resides on and farms his father's place ; Wilson B., married, and a resident of German Township ; Almira, now Mrs. Philip Coons, of Arcanum ; Julia, deceased, was married, and resided in Twin Township, and left a family of four children ; Jacob K., was a single man of about 24 years age at his decease, and Uriah, also deceased. In 1871, Mr. Fouts removed to Dallas, and Mrs. Fouts' decease occurred there, Aug. 15, 1867 ; he then lived with his married sons, part of the time at Dallas, and part of the time at the farm in Butler Township, until his second marriage, which occurred Dec. 7, 1879, the bride being Sarah Marshall ; since his last marriage, he has resided in El Dorado.

JOHN P. FREDRICK, farmer ; P. 0. Castine ; is the son of Peter Fredrick, who came from Germany to America in 1842 ; there were ten in the family when they crossed the ocean, and it required sixty-three days to make the trip ; they landed in New York City in August, and came on West to Montgomery Co., Ohio, coming by water to Columbus, and then by wagon to Dayton, where they arrived after a three-weeks journey ; the same season, they came to Darke County and settled in Harrison Township, near the lake : the subject of this sketch remained on the farm with his parents until he had attained his majority ; then went to Indiana and worked at the carpenter trade. Was married there Jan. 25, 1852, to Rebecca, daughter of Wm. McFarland, who was an early settler of Butler Township and made the first clearing on the George Coblentz farm ; afterward he removed to Randolph Co., Ind. ; Rebecca was born in Butler Township, Darke County, March 18, 1833, and was about 3 years old when her parents moved to Indiana ; after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick began housekeeping in Randolph County, he working at the carpenter trade there several years ; also dealt in merchandise a short time. In 1861, he enlisted in the 40th O. V. I., and was -elected 1st Lieutenant of Co. F ; after about eighteen months' service he resigned and returned home, and in 1863 purchased a farm, and has followed farming ever since ; in October, 1870, they removed to Darke County, and he purchased a farm in Sec. I where they resided until the spring of 1875, when they removed to their present farm, known as the Aaron De Camp farm, which he had purchased the previous December. Mr. Fredrick is a substantial, respected citizen, a member of the order of F. & A. M., and both he and his amiable wife are respected members of society. They are the parents of five children, two of whom died in infancy, and three are now living - Flora E., now Mrs. C. F. Bell, of Arcanum ; George W. and John E., both at home ; a little orphan niece. Iva Murray, also lives with them.

ROBERT GILFILLAN, farmer and Justiceof the Peace, Sec. 25; P. 0. Castine; a native of Ireland, and was born on Nov. 12, 1833, and came, when a child, with his parents, to the United States ; they settled in Chester Co.. Penn., where Robert grew to manhood ; he learned the tanner trade, and when 17 years of age struck out to see the world and make a start in life for himself ; he first visited Baltimore. then Washington, and while there went to the White House and had the pleasure of shaking hands with President Fillmore ; from there he came West, having to stage it from the mountains to the Ohio River, thence by steamer to Cincinnati ; from there he came to Dayton, and found he had just $5 left ; he then began to look around to find work, which he soon found in a tannery at West Milton. Miami Co.; afterward came to Ithaca, Darke Co., where he remained a little more than a year : went to Preble Co. in the fall of 1852 and remained until 1859 ; he cast his first vote in Preble Co., when Know-Nothingism was at its height. He was married March 1, 1859, to Margaret C. Miller, daughter of Jacob F. Miller, a native of Tennessee, and an early resident of Preble Co. They removed to Darke Co. in the April following their marriage ; first settled on a tract of land south of Castine. which he had purchased in partnership with Lewis Howell. In 1862. Mr. Gilfillan purchased his partner's interest and became sole owner of the quarter section ; in 1867. he sold that tract and purchased 160 acres in Sec. 25. a part of which is his present homestead; he was elected Justice of the Peace in 1862, which office he held until 1867; he resigned, and in 1870 was again elected, and has held the office ever since. Mr. Gilfillan's life is an illustration of what can be accomplished by industry, integrity and economy. He started from Chester Co.. Penn., a lad of 17, without means, and is now a substantial and important citizen. He has a family, three laughters and two sons living, and three daughters are deceased, one of whom, an unusually bright and promising girl, of about 10 years of age, was burned to death in 1874, by the accidental explosion of a can of coal oil.

JOSEPH W. HAMIEL, merchant, Castine ; a Buckeye by birth, and an old resident of Darke Co.; was born in Montgomery Co., Feb. 15, 1828 ; when he was about 5 years of age, his father removed to Darke Co. and rented a farm north of Greenville ; after about two years ' residence, he started on horseback to look up a location for a permanent residence, but never returned, nor was anything learned of him except that a man answering to his description was drowned while attempting to cross the Wabash River in Indiana ; this sad event made it necessary for the family to return to Montgomery Co.. where the subject of this sketch grew up, being bound to an uncle ; the terms made it necessary for his uncle to see that he was educated until competent to cipher in -'the rule ot three," and the contract was scrupulously adhered to in not educating him beyond that point ; in the spring of 1 847, he came to Castine ; first worked by the month for Mr. - Minich, and afterward became a partner in the lumber business ; in 1859. he changed from the lumber to a general merchandising business, and has continued to conduct a general merchandise store here ever since. His marriage with Miss Rachel, daughter of John Bettelon, an early settler of Butler Township, occurred April 3. 1852 ; they have resided in Castine all their married life ; the} have six children - John R., Joseph W., Jr., William H, Elmore E. E., James P. and Kmma Nettie. John R, is now married, and resides in Castine ; Joseph W. is a traveling salesman, with C. W. Darst & Co., wholesale dealers in hats, caps, furs

WILLIAM B. HARTER, farmer ; P. 0. New Madison ; a descendant of Francis Harter, and a life resident of Darke Co. ; is the only child of Silas and Lydia (Michaels) Harter ; Silas was the son of David and brother to Elias Harter, whose biography appears in this work ; his decease occurred Dec. 1, 1861. Lydia Michaels is the daughter of John Michaels, an early settler of Butler Township ; she is now Mrs. James Clarke, of German Township. The subject of this sketch was born in 1846 ; he grew up on the farm upon which he now resides ; at his father's decease, he took charge of the farin ; afterward rented it, and learned the wagon-maker's trade, but returned to the farm in 1867, and has resided here ever since. His father first had 40 acres, and had increased them to 80, before his death, and had a barn partly built ; the son finished the barn, remodeled the house, and has also made other improvements, besides paying over $700 pike tax and has lately purchased an additional 40 acres, with buildings. Mr. Harter. though a young man, is already one of the substantial citizens of Butler Township ; is an economical, industrious, useful citizen. He was married to Eliza J. Zimmerman Nov. 29, 1868 ; she is the daughter of Reuben Zimmerman ; her mother was a Brubacker, and is now Mrs. John Jamison, of Greenville. Mrs. Harter is a member of the United Brethren Church, and an intelligent and agreeable woman. They have three children - George A., Elizabeth Iola and Mary Rosetta.

ELIAS HARTER, blacksmith ; P. 0. New Madison. He is one of the few men who were born here in the early days of Darke Co., that now reside here ; he was born in Butler Township in 1821 ; is the son of David and Sarah (Boone) Harter. David was one of the married sons of Francis Harter, and was among the first settlers of Butler Township. David was a blacksmith, and Elias partially learned the trade, while at home, and after his marriage finished his apprenticeship, and has continued to follow this trade most of his time since. Was a leading and active citizen of New Madison for many years, during which he erected several of the best buildings in town, but the crisis following the close of the war occasioned heavy loss, and he, with others, was bankrupted. When the war was raging and the Government called for more help, he, though above 40, enlisted in the one-hundred-day service, and traveled over a considerable portion of Virginia, where his father and grandfather had lived. The past season he has relaid more plows, perhaps, than any other man in Darke Co., and is still a vigorous, active workman and a respected citizen. He was married in 1844, to Miss Gertrude J., daughter of William Biddle, a native of New Jersey, and an early settler of Butler Township. She was born in New Jersey in 1826, and was 8 years old when her parents came to Darke Co. Mr. and Mrs. Harter are worthy members of the Reformed Church, at New Madison, and useful, respected members of society ; the}7 have raised a large family - five sons and three daughters, viz., George S., John O., William B., Millroy E., Charles S., Sarah K., Allie J. and Gertrude E. George S. volunteered in 1862, when only 16 years of age, and served three years, enduring many hardships and participating in many battles ; was a prisoner in the infamous " Andersonviile," and came home from there in December, 1864, looking more like a corpse than a living being, but recovered, and is now the teacher of the Dayton (Ohio) High School ; Sarah K., now the widow of William Hetzler, deceased, is a teacher in the public school at Greenville ; John O., formerly a teacher at the high schools at Ashtabula and Hudson. Ohio, is now retired, on account of his health, and resides in Summit Co. ; Alice J. is now Mrs. David Wheeler, of Greenville ; Gertrude, now a young lady of unusual intelligence and culture, is also a teacher, and all the above-mentioned are members of the Presbyterian Church, thanks to the holy influences of a pious and intelligent mother. William B. is a medical student, while the two younger are schoolboys.

ELAM HARTER, farmer ; P. O. New Madison ; a life resident of Darke Co., grandson of the pioneer Francis Harter, and son of Solomon Harter, whose biography appears in this work ; his youth was spent on a farm in Harrison Township ; when 20 years of age, he began to work at the earpenter's trade, and has followed that business ever since, with the exception of about three years of army service ; he worked in the vicinity of Terre Haute, and resided there in 1857 and 1858, part of the time in Indiana and part of the time over the line in Illinois j in 1859, he returned to Darke Co., built a house on his father's place near New .Madison, which house he removed after the war, on to the little tract he then purchased and has since resided on ; in 1862, he with others enlisted a company and went into the United States service, being mustered into the 110th Regiment ( ) V. 1. as Co. II, at Piqua, October 3, and in the same month joined the army in West Virginia, and was actively engaged in field service from that time to the surrender -of Lee at Appomattox. We cannot follow them in the long and weary marches, nor mention the almost numberless deeds of endurance and valor in which Mr. Harter alwa}Ts shared, but will mention some of the more noted battles in which he with his regiment took a part - Winchester in 1863, and later the Wilderness, under Grant, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Cedar Creek, and the final siege of Richmond ; during the latter, Capt. Harter was wounded ; he entered the service as Second Sergeant, and, by bravery and persevering endurance, always being with his company, was promoted through the regular order to Captain ; at home he is a Past Grand in the I. 0. 0. F., and an intelligent, respected citizen. He was married in 1853 to Christina Ray, who is also a life-resident of Darke Co., having been born in Rutler Township May 20, 1834, and is an intelligent, sociable lady. They have two children - Junietta, a young lady of unusual intelligence and culture, and a son, Eyevin V.

LYCURGUS HAWKS, fanner; P. O. Castine ; another life resident of Darke Co., is a son of James and Margaret ( Robeson ) Hawes ; James Hawes' parents were pioneers of Kentucky, and were both massacred by the Indians ; James, then a babe, and a sister 2 years old, being hid or overlooked by the blood-thirsty red men, were found by some neighboring settlers and cared for : James was brought up by the famous Col. Patterson, who brought him to Montgomery Co., Ohio, when he was about 9 years of age ; he lived on a farm until about 18, then learned the carding and fulling trade, quite a profitable trade in those days ; having formed the acquaintance of Margaret, daughter of John Robison, while the family resided in Montgomery Co., he used to make atrip occasionally to her lather's house, then in the wilderness of Rutler Township ; Lycurgus remembers hearing his father tell how. on one occasion, he found the father and his six daughters at work chopping on one log, the father taking the butt cut, Margaret, the oldest, next, and so on to the top ; we leave the reader to imagine how slyly Margaret slipped around into the house when she saw her lover's form coming. After their marriage, they settled in the woods, in the north part of Rutler Township, in 1831, their cabin having no floor, window nor door, and their first fire being built on the top of a stump inside the cabin, which had to be burned out to allow a floor to be laid ; an older son, John R.. now resides on the old homestead. The subject of this sketch was born Sept. 16, 1832. and grew up on the farm while the wilderness was being cleared, and consequently had but little opportunity for book education. He was married, June 21, I860, to Hannah H. Rerger, whose parents were from Pennsylvania, and residents of Montgomery Co.; they commenced domestic life on his father's homestead ; in 1864, he leased a farm in Twin Township, where they resided three years ; in 1S72, he purchased and removed to the farm where they now reside. During his life, now past the meridian, Rutler Township has been transformed from a dismal wilderness, with here and there an opening, to a beautiful and fertile district, in which it is a pleasure to travel or reside, and Mr. Hawes has contributed his share toward the improvement ; in 1878 he built a tine two-stxuy frame house of modern design, which with the fine barn and other improvements he has made, makes an inviting and pleasant home.

JOHN R, HAWES, fanner ; P. 0. Arcanum ; a Buckeye by birth and an old resident of Darke Co. ; is a son of James Hawes, who is mentioned among the pioneers of Butler Township ; was born in Montgomery Co. in 1827 ; his parents removed to Darke Co. and settled in Butler Township in 1829. John grew up during the early years of Butler Township, and, while he received such education as was common in those days, was much more proficient in disentangling the knots from trees and extracting roots from mother earth than in unraveling the knotty questions of books or extracting the square and cube roots ; he had acquired a knowledge of the carpenter's trade when 21 years of age, and continued to work at that trade for several years. In 1861, his parents being advanced in years, he took charge of the farm, which he has continued, and now owns, having purchased it after the death of his parents, his father dying in 1862, and his mother in 1866. He has continued to reside on the old homestead ever since. His father entered this land and moved on to it in 1831 ; it was then a complete wilderness, and Mr. Hawes was poor, but he persevered, and had at his death a very good home. The son. John, has further improved it since it came into his possession. The old log house, now used as a hog-pen, still stands, a reminder of the former days. Mr. Hawes also owns 77 acres of land a little east of his homestead, and adjoining the Twin Township line ; this is also under a good state of cultivation. He was married in 1860 to Catherine Eliker, a daughter of Henry Eliker, of Fairfield Co. They have seven children - Fremont, Lafayette, James H., Ida. Emry, Julia A. and Myrtel.

JOHN HEMP, farmer ; P.O. New Madison ; was born in Frederick Co., Md., Feb. 11, 1816 ; and came to Montgomery Co., Ohio, with his parents. Henry and Elizabeth Hemp, in the year 1838. His marriage with Elizabeth Brunner was celebrated Nov. 28, 1839 ; after his marriage, he rented and farmed in Montgomery County about twelve years ; then removed to a farm he had previously purchased in the northwestern quarter of Sec. 21, in Butler Township, where they lived until 1876 ; he built a fine brick house on the farm, in the southeast quarter of Sec. 21, where the}* now reside ; they are the parents of nine children, viz., . Ephraim C, Wesley B., Jane, John, Emma, William H., Ellen, Margaret and Rebecca. Ephraim and Jane are deceased ; the others are all married, except Rebecca, now a young lady of 17. When the rebellion threatened to destroy our country, Ephraim and Wesley answered to the call of their county, and went forth, risking their lives to defend the honor of our flag. Wesley returned after three years of hardship, having successfully passed through man}* battles, one of which was fatal to his brother. Ephraim fell in that memorable seven days' terrible fighting in the Wilderness, when Grant forced the rebels back on Richmond, how or just when no one can tell ; he was known to enter the blood}* strife, but no knowledge of him afterward ; it is supposed he was so burned that he was not recognized, and so buried unknown. Mr. Hemp now has 159 acres in the northeastern quarter of Sec. 21, besides the home farm of 80 acres in the southeastern quarter of the same section, upon which is a fine brick dwelling, with a neat front yard, ornamented with a stone-base iron-frame fence - the result of his energy, industry and economy, aided by his devoted wife and family.

JOSEPH HITTLE, farmer ; P. 0. New Madison ; another of the old residents of Darke Co.; is a son of Nicholas Hittle, who was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Schuylkill Co., and removed to Miami Co. soon after the close of the war of 1812, and removed to Darke Co. in 1837, settling in Sec. 3, Butler Township ; Joseph was born in Miami Co. Feb. 8, 1823 ; his mother's name was Eva (Boyer) Hittle ; her father and also Nicholas Hittle's father were natives of Germany, and both came to America before the Revolutionary war, and were both sold on their arrival here to pay for their passage, a common practice in those days ; just about the time they had completed their term of service, the war began, and Adam Hittle served during the whole period of the Revolution, but Boyer. being crippled, was exempt from military service. The subject of this sketch lived on the farm with his father until his marriage with Christena Kicker, which occurred Sept. 14, 1843 ; she is the daughter of Michael and Catherine (Miller) llicker, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany, and are early settlers of Butler Township ; they settled in Sec. 9, in 1832 ; Christena was born in Germany, in 1825 ; immediately after their marriage they commenced domestic life on a farm in Sec. 10. just across the road from his father's place, which he had previously purchased and has since improved very nicely, and still owns, but now resides on a farm in Sec. 9, where his wife's parents lived, and which he purchased and removed to in 1870 ; he now has 240 acres of well-improved land, with two sets of good buildings, and is a substantial, respected citizen ; he is one of those self-made men. having started with nothing ; by hard, persevering labor, amid the difficulties of early life here, he has constantly increased his possessions, and is now independent, and will soon retire from the field of active farming, but it is hoped the community ma}' have the benefit of his presence for many years to come. Mr. and Mrs. Hittle are both worth}' members of the Lutheran Church, and respected, useful members of society ; they are the parents of nine children, Catherine, born Feb. 27, 1846, (now Mrs. John Johnson) ; Mary Elizabeth, born Jan. 9. 1848 (now Mrs. Ezra Bruss) ; George W., born Dec. 4, 1850 (now married and resides on one of his father's farms) ; Louisa, born Nov. 30, 1852 (now Mrs. James K. Noggle) ; William J., born Feb. 7, 1856 (now married and a resident of Butler Township) ; Jacob, born May 5, 1858 ; Caroline, born Nov. 30, 1860 ; Fredrick F.. born Dec. 10, 1863 ; Charles B., born July 15, 1866 ; the latter four are members of the family household.

FREDRICK K. HOLSAPPLE, retired farmer ; P. O. Castine ; an old resident of Darke Co.; was born in Perry Co., Ind., Nov. 14, 1802. Was married to Sarah Morrison Aug. 23, 1827 ; she is an aunt to Silas Morrison, whose biography appears in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Holsapple removed to Ohio in 1831; settled first in Montgomery Co., near Salem ; came to Darke Co. in 1851 and purchased the southwest quarter of Sec. 14, Butler Township, where they have resided ever since. This neighborhood was then a swampy wilderness, with here and there a small "opening," but no road worthy of the name. Mr. and Mrs. Holsapple were, however, true pioneers, and bravely undertook the task of making a home of this then very uninviting looking place, and right well have they succeeded ; they now have 1 60 acres of rich, fertile land, under a good state of cultivation, with two sets of buildings. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are living, viz,. George and Elizabeth, both married, and both residents of Illinois ; Susan and David, now married, who resides on and has charge of his father's farm.

GEORGE T. HORINE, farmer ; P. O. Castine ; one of the old residents of Butler Township ; his father, Jacob Horine, came to Darke Co. from Maryland, in 1836, and settled in Sec. 27, Butler Township ; he is a descendant of Adam Horine, who came from Germany to the New World in the colonial days, and was the first white person to cross the mountains with his family, into the Middletown Valley, in Maryland ; he purchased land there, at that time, of King George, for 3 cents per acre ; he was the father of Tobias Horine, who was the father of Jacob Horine, the father of George Horine. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents until 23 years of age, receiving but little education. His marriage with Miss Eliza Stout was solemnized March 6, 1853 ; she is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Meckley) Stout, natives of Lehigh Co., Fenn.; Eliza was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Jan. 29, 1836. After his marriage, Mr. Horine farmed his father's place for several years ; in 1866, he purchased the farm upon which they now reside ; during the thirteen years that have followed, very material improvements have been made ; the farm now consists of 220 acres, in Sec. 28, with a neat, commodious brick building, and other improvements to correspond, which makes a very desirable home. Mr. Horine is a substantial, respected citizen ; is a member of the Board of Trustees of the United Brethren Church ; both he and his estimable wife are worthy members

>f the church, and useful members of society; they are the parents of five sons, viz.: Jacob W., born Dec. 30, 1853 ; Franklin E, born Jan. 27, 1859, died Feb. 26, 1859 ; Joseph N., born Dec. 18, 1859 ; William C, born April 11, 1861, and John W., born July 29, 1867 ; the last three are attending school ; Jacob W. is married and resides on his father's farm.

ADAM HORINE, farmer ; P. 0. Castine. The subject of this sketch is the youngest son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Dutro) Horine, who came to Darke Co. in 1836, and settled on the farm upon which Adam now resides ; they were among the earliest settlers of Butler Township, which was then, with the exception of here and there an " opening," a howling wilderness, and a large part of it an almost impenetrable swamp. To clear away the forest and drain and renovate the swamps, required an amount of energy, labor and endurance which the present generation may well be thankful has not been required of them. In the toils and privations of the early settlers, Jacob Horine and his excellent wife partook, doing their full share. They are worth}' members of the United Brethren Church, and helped erect the first church building in Butler Township, thus contributing to the moral as well as physical development of the township. Future generations will never be able to fully appreciate the blessings coming to them through the influence of such characters among the early pioneers, but the present generation may pay their tribute of gratitude by handing down a history of the noble deeds and sacrifices of their ancestors. The farm upon which Adam now lives presents a picture in great contrast to the farm as it was when his parents first came to it. Then there was a small cabin, and about 25 acres chopped off - 18 or 20 of which were partly cleared - and a small orchard started ; the balance was dense forest and swamp, foul with miasma, causing sickness and death. Now there is a neat, substantial and commodious brick house, a large barn and other buildings for storage, etc., a fine orchard, and, in place of the forest and swamp, are fields pregnant with vegetation, and not excelled in Darke Co. for power of production. Adam was born in 1812. and has always lived on this same farm. Was married to Mary E. Hemp Feb 21, 1867 ; she is the daughter of John Hemp, whose biography appears in the Butler Township list ; in August following their marriage, he took charge of the old homestead ; the parents, however, keeping house separately, in part of the house ; in 1870, his father died ; his mother still keeps house, occupying a part of the old home ; she is now in the 73d year of her age ; her mind and health remarkably well preserved. Adam was one of those brave and patriotic men, who answered to the call of their country. He enlisted in 1862, and became a Corporal of Co. H, 110th 0. Y. I., in which he served until the close of the war ; during this time he took part in fourteen separate engagements, among which were the notable Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Wilderness and Cedar Creek, which made Sheridan famous. Mr. and Mrs. Horine are both worthy members of the United Brethren Church, and useful members of society; they have three children - Irvin O., Lola M. and Cora E.

SAMUEL HORINE farmer ; P. O. New Madison. Is another of that pioneer family of Jacob and Elizabeth Horine ; was born in the Middletown Valle}', Md., Oct. 21, 1832, and was about 1 3rears of age when his parents came West ; he grew to manhood here in Butler Township before the days of good schools and graveled roads, and necessarily became experimentally acquainted with many of the hardships and privations of the early settlers. He was married June 19, 1859, to Sarah A. Detro, daughter of Elias Detro, an early resident of Darke Co.; she was born in the Middletown Valley, Md., April 26, 1810. and came with her parents to Darke Co., in the latter part of the same year ; after their marriage, they first lived near what is now Rossville ; in the year 1867. he purchased, and they removed to, the farm where they now reside, where he has built a fine, commodious house and otherwise improved the place ; he now has 80 acres of fine land in a good state of cultivation, the last tax valuation being $5,000. Mr. and

Mrs. Horine are both worthy members of the C. B. Church, and respected, substantial people; they are the parents of six children, all sons, three of whom are living.

LEWIS HOWELL, farmer ; P. 0. Castine ; is an old resident of Butler Township ; was born in .Middlesex Co., X. J., April 4, 1827 : when he was 4 years of aire, his parents removed to Washington Co., Ohio, and in 1840 they removed to Preble Co., where the subject of this sketch resided until 1850. He was married March 7. 1850 to Abigail Miller ; she is a daughter of Jacqb F. and Dicey (Weaver, Price) Miller : Jacob F. was a native of Virginia ; Abigail was born in Preble Co., Ohio, in 1830 : Mr. and Mrs. Howell began domestic life in Preble Co.; in 1850, Mr. Howell and Mr. G-ilfillan, whose biography appears in this work, purchased the farm in the southeast quarter of Butler Township, known as the Mc(iriff place, and the}" removed there and remained about four years, when Mr. Howell disposed of his interest in that tract to Mr. (iiltillan and purchased and removed to the farm in Sec. 22, where then' now reside ; in the twenty-one years past, they have seen and aided in making many improvements, both in the social and physical condition of Butler Township ; they now have 80 acres of land in See. 3, in a good state of cultivation, with good buildings, besides the home farm, which consists of 103 acres in a good state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Howell are respected members of society and substantial citizens and agreeable people ; they have seven children - Milton, Oliver, Lurenna E., Robert. Leroy, Theodore and Oscar ; all are at home except Milton, who is married, and resides near Gettysburg, and Lurenna E., now Mrs. George Trump, whose biograplvy appears in this work.

WILLIAM JOHNSON, farmer ; P. O. New Madison ; a " Buckeye " by birth, and a 12-year resident of Darke County, was born in Butler County in 1816, and lived there till 1807, when he came to Darke County, purchased and settled on the farm in Sec. 4, where he now resides ; he was brought up a farmer, but worked about three years during his youth in a flouring-mill, and had but little opportunity for education. Was married to Sarah Littlejohn Dec. 22. 1844 : she is the daughter of William and Hannah Littlejohn. and was born in Clark County- Ohio, Dec. 17, 1826 ; they first began life on a farm in Union Township. Butler Co. :. he was a renter, and. after raising one crop, hired in a flour-mill, where he remained about three years ; after this he resumed farming, renting from year to year, until the spring of 1867 ; having saved a little means, he came to Darke County, where land was comparatively very cheap, and purchased the southwest quarter of Sec. 4, upon which there were a pretty good brick house and other buildings, which have been sufficient for his purposes and enabled him to apply his proceeds to the back payments ; he now has 160 acres, less the church lot, on the southwest corner of his place, in a good state of cultivation ; thus it will be seen that Mr. Johnson is another of those men who began without means, and by persevering labor and wise management accumulated sufficient to keep him in his declining years and have something left for the coming generation : he has been a quiet, industrious citizen, not seeking public notoriety, but has quietly supported that which seemed right : subscribing to no creed, he has always acted honestly according to the dictates of his conscience. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of eleven children, four of whom died in youth, and seven are still living - John and Lot S.. both married ; the former resides on his father's place, the latter is a resident of Butler County : Harriet M., Sarah X.. Alice. Othilla and Elvira; the latter five are members of the present household.

JOHN KAKX. retired farmer; P.O. Arcanum ; is a native of Ohio, and an old resident of Darke Co., and is the son of Henry and Susan (Good) Kara : Henry was a uative of Pennsylvania, ami came to Ohio when a youth: Susan was a native of Virginia. They were married in Butler Co.. Ohio, and resided there several years ; tiny then came to Butler Township. Darke Co.. in 1852, bringing a number of families with them, all of whom were connected, and among whom was. the subject of this sketch : they all settled in the neighborhood of where John, now lives, which is known as " Beach Grove ; " John bought and removed to the place upon which he now lives in 1853 ; it then contained 80 acres, about 50 of which were under cultivation, and there was a small log house on it ; now Mr. Karn has 240 acres, less the school, church and cemetery lots, which are off one corner, nearly all under improved cultivation, with three good houses and two barns, and he is now preparing to build the fourth house, which will be a neat and commodious frame, designed for his residence ; Mr. Karn brought with him the religious principles which were implanted in his youth, and has been a leading man in sustaining organized Christianity in his neighborhood ; Rev. Voght, who was the first Pastor of Timothy's Reformed Church, was his brother-in-law, and, indeed, Henry Karn and his sons and sons-in-law, constituted the church in the beginning. Mr. Karn has not only been a useful man in the church but also in the community, and, while he and his wife are esteemed members of the church, they are greatly respected by the community. He was married to Susan Bobenmoyer in 1846 ; she is the daughter of Fredrick and Christena Ann Bobenmoyer, and sister to Charles Bobenmoyer, whose biography appears in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Karn are the parents of one child, William Henry, now married and residing with them ; they also raised Mary J., the youngest daughter of Titus and Sarah (Bobenmoyer) Shuler ; the latter is now Mrs. E. A. Clarke.

J. P. LOVE, retired merchant and doctor, Castine ; a native of Virginia, an early settler of Butler Township, and one of the oldest early residents now living ; was born Aug. 20. 1803 ; his parents designed educating him for the practice of medicine, but, after taking a regular course of instruction, he became satisfied he did not want to follow the profession, and consequently did not take degrees, but after he came to the new settlement of Castine, his knowledge of medicine became known, and he was compelled, much against his taste and desire, to practice ; he came to Castine in the spring of 1833, and opened a store, keeping a general stock of merchandise, which he continued until 1838 ; from 1838 to 1841, he devoted his entire attention to the practice of medicine ; from 1841 to 1851, he was again engaged in merchandising ; from 1851 to 1855, he lived a retired life, doing some medical and some legal business for his former customers, which he could not well put off; from 1855 to 1857, he again engaged in merchandising ; since 1857, he has not engaged in any regular business, except to look after his property, which consists of notes, etc., and valuable real estate property in Michigan. The Doctor is one of those enigmas who never married ; has always had a great fondness for books, and has spent much time and not a little money acquiring knowledge, in its broad sense ; has been acquainted with nearly all the prominent men of Darke County, and quite intimate with many of them ; he is still a student for the sake of knowledge, and a very kind-hearted man. R, M. Pomeroy, who was a prominent boot and shoe dealer of Cincinnati and Boston, and later, President of the Central Branch of the Union Pacific R. R., commenced his successful career in a building which he rented of Dr. Love, the Doctor boarding with his family, and assisting him both with advice and use of means ; a firm friendship has always existed between them. The Doctor is widely read, and has a remarkably retentive mind ; he can give the name and history of nearly every man who entered land in the neighborhood of Castine.

DAVID R. McCLURE, farmer ; P. O. El Dorado, Ohio ; an old resident of Darke Co.; was born in Rockbridge Co., Va., Dec. 7, 1827 ; he became an orphan at tha age of 9, by reason of the decease of his father, his mother having died when he was quite young ; when he was about 11 years of age, he came to Fairfield Co., Ohio, with W. K. McCabe, who was a brother-in-law. Mr. McCabe came to Darke Co. in 1844, and David accompanied him, and continued to make their house his home until his marriage with Miss Martha, daughter of Thomas Kyle, whose biography appears in the Harrison Township list ; their marriage was celebrated Nov. 2, 1854, and they immediately began the duties of domestic life where they now reside and have resided ever since, he having purchased 90 acres of his present homestead previous to his marriage ; he then had a small but comfortable frame bouse and about 30 acres cleared ; he now has 170 acres, 120 of which are under cultivation ; in 187"), he built a line frame residence, and had just moved into it when the old house took tire and was burned. .Mr. McClure has been a quiet, industrious man. an active Republican and a useful citizen ; was Lieutenant of Co. B. 150th Regiment (.). X. (J-.; in his youth, he was an associate and sehoolmate of Judge David Meeker and Hon. Win. Allen. Mr. and Mrs. McClure are highly respected and useful members of society : they have had nine children, seven are living - Ann Eliza, born dan. 7, 1856 (now Mrs. Henry Brown. of Preble Co.); Cora B.;born Feb. 24, 1858 (now Mrs. Joseph Coppoek. a resident of Butler Township ; Luella M., born Feb. 10. 1861 ; William A., Oct. 2 1, 1863 ; Frank ti., Nov. 23. 180!) ; Theodore A., Oct. 31, 1871, and Ambrose B., Sept. 7, 1876. The names of the deceased are Mary Alice, born April 24, 1806, died March 14, 1871 ; an infant son, who was born March 22 and died March 24, 1860.

WM. McGRIFF, farmer, Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Castine; a son of John McGriff, who was one of the pioneers of Butler Township. William was born in Butler Township in 1814, and grew to manhood during the pioneer days of Darke Co. ; before he became of age, he bought his time in order to go to school, and, although he had received almost no education during his youth, he soon became sufficiently learned to pass the necessary examination in -- reading, writing and arithmetic." and began teaching, first in summer, and attending school in winter, then taught winters and farmed in summer ; this he continued several }'ears, but when he had accumulated enough to get a good start at farming he turned his attention to that altogether, and has been quite successful. He was married in 1839 to Mary, daughter of Phillip Shank, a pioneer of Twin Township ; after their marriage, they began domestic life in Twin Township after the usual primitive style, with scarcely any furniture or cooking utensils ; the first fall he killed one hog, which he had fattened, partly with corn and partly with acorns he had gathered for that purpose. It would seem impossible for a young couple to start in this way now. and, indeed, they would be the laughing stock of the community ; yet most young couples, in those days started with similar outfits, and many of them, like Mr. McGriff, became the substantial citizens of the county. He became a citizen of Butler Township about 1840, having at that time purchased a tract, partly in Twin and partly in Butler, the building being in Butler ; he has since erected a commodious brick house on the same tract in Twin Township, where he now resides ; he now has three 80-acre tracts and one 20-acre tract in Butler Township and three 80-acre tracts in Twin Township, most of which he has cleared, and all of which he has improved very materially. Thus it will be seen he has been an important factor in the improvement of both Butler and Twin Townships ; he has been an industrious, enterprising, energetic farmer and a good citizen. His wife, who belonged to one of the early and respected families of Twin Township, was a devoted wife, a kind mother and an intelligent, useful woman ; her decease, which occurred Jan. 25, 1879, was a severe affliction, and all the more so on account of there never having been any serious sickness in his family previously, they having raised a family of live sons and two daughters without a single death, and all but the two youngest sons, who are at borne, are married and respected citizens of Darke County.

SAMUEL B. M1NNICH, merchant, P. O. and residence. Castine; one of the firm of Minnich & Handel, dealers in general merchandise, Castine. This is the most important business firm of Butler Township. Tin' subject of this sketch is a native of Pennsylvania, and an old residenl of Darke Co.; was born Dec. 10, L824 ; when about 7 years of age, he came with his parents to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he remained till 1847. when he came to Castine and engaged in the Lumber business ; operated a saw-mill here twelve years. In 1859, he engaged in merchandising in connection with Mr. Bamiel, who had become a partner in die Lumber business in 1850 and they have continued to do business together for thirty vears during this time, they have done a large business in the aggregate, and altogether quite successful. Mr. Minnich received only such education as the common schools of Montgomery Co. afforded during his youth ; lived on a farm until 19 years of age. then learned the trade of millwright, and worked at that until he came to Castine and engaged in the saw-mill and lumber trade ; he started the first merchant mill in Castine, and during the twelve years following the firm distributed many thousands of dollars among the farmers in this vicinity m exchange for their timber, which stimulated improvements and furnished the means. ° Mr. Minnich's marriage with Terressa Sinclair was celebrated in Castine Dec 14 1850 ; she is the daughter of John Sinclair, an early settler of Butler Township her decease occurred Jan. 3, 1860 ; she had two sons - Joseph W., now a teacher, and John W.. now a traveling salesman with Anderson & Maxton boot and shoe dealers. Mr. Minnich's marriage with Miss Evaline. daughter of Thomas Law. a resident of Butler Township, was celebrated Feb. 9, 1862. Mr. Minnich has been Postmaster at Castine continuously since 1861.

SILAS MORRISON, farmer ; P. 0. Arcanum ; a Buckeye by birth, and an old resident of Darke Co. ; he is the son of Nathaniel Morrison, who was a native of Virginia and came to Montgomery Co., Ohio, at an early day ; from there he came to Darke Co. in 1841. and settled on the farm where Silas now resides ; Nathaniel died in 1848. The subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery Co. in 1838. and grew to manhood here, when Butler Township was quite new, and much of the clearing was done during his boyhood, and early manhood days; also all the improvements for which Darke Co. is noted, and of which Butler Township has her full share, have been completed since his majority. In the tall of 1862. Mr. Morrison enlisted in the 110th 0. V. I., and, although wounded and permanently disabled in the battle of Winchester in 1863, where he was taken prisoner, and recaptured by the United States forces seven weeks later, he served until after the close of the war. Mr. Morrison began teaching during the winter, when 17 years of age and continued it for several years before and two years after thenar ; after his marriage, he lived a short time at Ithaca, Twin Township, then removed to his father s homestead, in Sec. 14, Butler Township, and afterward purchased 80 of the 200 acres which then constituted the homestead, with the buildings, which are substantial and commodious ; he has now become one of the old, substantial citizens ; is the present Township Clerk. His marriage with Nancy Ford, was celebrated Sept. 2, 1866 ; she is the daughter of Rev. Mordecai Ford, who was an early settler of Darke Co. Nancy was born in Van Buren Township. July 12, 1838, and is the mother of two children - Jacob W. and Frank M.

JULIA ROSE ; P. O. Arcanum. Widow of the late Samuel D. Rose, and a sister to Charles and Benjamin Bobenmoyer, whose biographies appear in this work ; she was born in Pennsylvania in 18i5, and was about 17 years of age when her parents came to Ohio and settled in Butler Co. She was married in Butler Co. in 1834, to Michael Dubbs ; he was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1809 ; he died in Butler Co. in 1845 ; four children were the fruits of this union - Henry, born Aug. 10, 1835, now a resident of Preble Co.; Mary Ann, born Dec. 25, 1837, now Mrs. Amandus Shuler, of Kansas; David F., born May 12, 1841, now a resident of Butler Township ; Julia Ann. born Jan. 29, 1846, now Mrs. William Heidleberger, of Hamilton, Ohio. Her second marriage was with Samuel D. Rose, and occurred in Butler Co. in 1848 ; he was also a native of Pennsylvania ; was born in 1805 ; in 1857, they came to Darke Co. and settled on the farm in Sec. 12, Butler Township, where the widow now resides ; Mr. Rose was an active, enterprising citizen, possessed considerable business talent, and was engaged during most of his residence here in clerking, or trading on his own responsibility, at the" same time taking general superintendence of his farm ; his decease occurred Jan. 12, 1869 ; as a result of this second marriage, Mrs. Rose became the mother of sis children - Samuel T., born March 15, 1849" now a resident of Neave Township ; Cecelia, born May 2. 1851, died Nov. 6, 1852 ; Emily J., born April 25. 1854, now Mrs. George Foreman, of Monroe Township; Winfield S., born May 8, 1856' now married and resides with his mother and has charm' of the farm ; Josephine' born .May 13, L858, now Mrs. Oscar Moist, of Butler Township; Emma Medora' born June 25, 1862, now a young lady.

CHRISTIAN SCHLECHTY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. New .Madison ; a life resident of Darke Co.; is the grandson of Christian Schleehty, who came from Switzerland to America before the Revolution, and was a hoy at the time the war was going on, and who lived near enough to hear the guns of the battle of Brandy wine ; is the son of Christian Schleehty, who came to Darke Co. and entered land near Fort Jefferson as early as 1817, and about three years later was married to Susan Noggle, a sister to Michael Noggle, whose biography appears in this work. They lived on this land, near Jefferson, until their decease, which occurred, his in I860, being in his (55th year, and hers in 1875, she being in her 75th year. The subject of this sketch was born in Neave Township July 18, 1821 ; remained with his parents during his minority, and continued to have his home there until his marriage with Alainanda Morricle, which occurred in New Madison Nov. 22, 1846. She was a native of Virginia, and was partially reared by an uncle of Mr. Schlechty's ; they began domestic life on the place where they now reside ; he then rented the farm of his father, and about three }'ears later bought it ; the farm then consisted of 80 acres, almost entirely woods. Mr. Schleehty has cleared, ditched and added to it until he now owns 180 acres, 130 of which is under cultivation ; he has also built quite extensive barns for the storage of grain and accommodation of his stock, and a good house, which he now occupies for his residence. Mr. Schleehty. while farming quite largely, makes a business of raising fine stock, of which he shows some excellent specimens of thoroughbreds ; he is a reliable Democrat in politics, and a quiet, substantial citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Schleehty are the parents of six children - Susan, now Mrs. Napoleon Garland and George, both of whom are residents of Butler Township ; Melissa J., now Mrs. Sebastian Veitor, of Neave Township ; Franklin P., a young man, and Ellen and Laura, children.

A. I. SHULER, farmer and stock-raiser, also manufactures carriages, buggies and sleighs ; P. 0. Arcanum. Mr. Shuler was born in Pennsylvania in 1840 ; received a good common-school education, also attended one term at the High School of Middletown, Penn., and afterward took a course at the Commercial College at Hamilton, Ohio, clerking for different merchants in the mean time ; was married to Miss Maggie, daughter of John Bobenmoyer, in 1872, being at that time interested in a carriage manufactory at Boyerstown. Penn ; they went there, but soon after he sold his interest and returned to Butler Co., where her parents lived ; in 1874, they removed to her father's farm, in Sec. 1, Butler Township, and have resided here since ; he having charge of the farm and is also manufacturing buggies, carriages, sleighs, etc.; having a shop on his farm, his expenses are low and enables him to put up first-class work at a very low price ; always keeps a stock on hand, which he sells on easy terms and gives a warrant. Mr. S., although a young man. is already regarded as one of the substantial residents of Butler Township : is a member of the G-erman Reformed Church, and both he and his wife are intelligent, respected members of society : they have three children - William A., Charles (). and Winford B.

TITUS SHULER, retired fanner: 1'. ( ). Arcanum ; a native of Pennsylvania and an old resident of Darke County ; was born in Lehigh County. Penn., in IS]."), and lived there until 2.", years of age ; came to Butler County, Ohio, in 1839. Was married to Sarah Bobenmoyer in 1842 ; she belonged to the Bobenmoyer family whose biographies appear in the Butler Township list ; her decease occurred in 1854 ; she left four children - Amandus. now married and a resident of Union City : Lucy, now .Mis. David Baker; Samuel, now married, resides with his father and has charge of the farm : Mary J., whom Mr. and .Mrs. John Karn raised, is now Mrs. il. A. Clarke. In 1855, Mr. Shuler was married to Deborah Bridenstine. of

Butler County ; immediately after their marriage, they came to Darke County and settled in Butler Township, on the farm in See. 12, where they now reside. Mr. Shuler came before the era of gravel roads and underground ditches, and has done his share toward these improvements, for which Butler Township is justly celebrated - he was once elected Justice, but declined the honor ; he has been a quiet, useful citizen ; both he and his wife are worthy members of the Reformed Church and respected members of the community ; they are the parents of two children- Wilson now a resident of Decatur County, Kan. ; and Franklin, a youth ot 15.

HENRY SHUMAKER, retired farmer ; P. 0. Castine ; a native of Maryland and an old resident of Darke Co.; was born in 1815 and grew up as a farmer k>y - came to Ohio in 1845 ; lived near Germantown one year, then came to Darke Co and lived about two years in the Yankeetown settlement ; settled on his present place in 1848. As we look over the cultivated and fertile fields on this form now it does not seem possible ; but nevertheless, when he came here there were but five acres cleared and a small cabin built ; all else was wilderness and swamp. It seems wonderful that a single generation, yet living, should have accomplished so much, but the evidences of the facts are before our eyes in the shape of fields rich with green verdure, promising an abundant harvest ; long lines of ditches, with their numerous underground branches reaching in every direction tell of the labor by which this very desirable state of things has been brought about. Mr. Shumaker is a self-made man, having began life for himsell in 18&39, with nothing but his energy and strength to rely upon, and has successfully battled with the difficulties of pioneer life, and in making himself, has done his full share toward making Butler Township, as it is to-day, one of the most productive portions of Darke Co. Mr. Shumaker now owns 160 acres, 80 in Sec. Ad and 80 adjoining in Sec. 24, which is farmed by two of his sons jointly, he having retired several years since. He was married in 1839 to Lydia Detro ; she is a sister to Mrs. Horine. the mother of the Horine brothers, whose biographies appear in the Butler Township list, and is an intelligent, kind-hearted woman. The fruits of this union were eleven children, seven of whom grew to maturity, five are married, two are single and reside with their parents.

DANIEL SPITLER, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 33 ; P. 0. El Dorado, 1 reble Co - he is a native of Pennsylvania ; was born in Adams Co. June 14, 1815 ; is the son of Jacob Spitler, who came to Montgomery Co. when Daniel was a little boy. Daniel was married to Hester Barst in 1838, and they commenced the duties of domestic life in Preble Co., near her home, where they remained till 1873 ; he purchased and removed to the farm in Sec. 33, where he now resides ; Mrs. Spitler's decease occurred Nov. 4, 1876 ; they were the parents of ten children, six of whom are living, viz., Margaret (now Mrs. Moses Brackett, of Union City, Ind.) : John (now a resident of Preble Co.; Mary E. (now Mrs. Jessie Foreman, of Arcanum) ; Daniel F., William and Clarence ; the latter three are still at home. Mr. Spitler' was married the second time, March 28, 1878, to Susannah Shaffer, daughter of Jacob Shaffer, of Preble Co.; she has borne him one child - Charles C. ; Mr. Spitler is now past the meridian of life, and has been an industrious, useful citizen ; he commenced in Preble Co., in 1838, a renter ; he has gradually advanced until he purchased the farm he first rented, and afterward sold^ it and purchased the place he now resides upon, which consists of 50 acres in Sec. 32. and 140 acres in Sec. 33, upon which is a neat, commodious frame house and other improvements to correspond, all of which is the result of his energy, economy and

GEORGE TRUMP, farmer ; P. O. Arcanum ; a life resident ol Darke County : is the son of John Trump, who was a son of Frederick Trump ; Fredericks father. Casper Trump, was a native of Germany, and emigrated to America and settled in Maryland at an early day ; Frederick was bom in Maryland, and came to Darke County at an early day and settled near Castine : John was born in Maryland, and married there ; afterward lived in Pennsylvania, and from there to Montgomery

Biographical Sketches

Co., Ohio, and removed to Darke County about the year 1840; lived about one year near Castine. then removed to Twin Township/ The subject of this sketch was born in Twin Township Oct. 27, 1847 ; was brought up on a farm, and received the benefit of a regular attendance at the district school during his youth, and three terms at the Normal School, at Lebanon ; was married to Lurenna Howell June 29, 1876, and together they celebrated the 100th anniversary of American independence by visiting the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia; they also visited his father's birthplace. Mr. Trump began teaching in 1869, and has taught most of the winters since; his wife was a pupil under him; after their marriage, he taught school the first winter, and they kept house in an old loo cabin, a relic of pioneer days, which was the only house then vacant near the schoolhouse ; in the following spring, he rented her father's farm, in Sec 3 Butler- Township, where they now reside ; they first kept house, or rather « stayed " in a shop and wash-house of their neighbor, Charles Bobenmoyer, during the spring and summer, while the present neat and commodious house was building. Mr. Trumi i is a young man, intelligent, energetic and industrious, and has already made a start which proves his ability to become, if life and health are spared one of the substantial citizens ; he is a member of the Lutheran Church, and both he and hi* wile are respected members of society ; they are the parents of two children - ( arrie A. (deceased) and Lewis 0.

BAKER VALENTINE, retired farmer; P. 0. Arcanum. A "Buckeye" by birth ; was born in Butler Co. and grew up in Warren Co.; after he was grown he went to Cincinnati, and, being disappointed in finding employment, made an engagement to boat on the Ohio River ; after about one year's river experience he engaged with his brother Aaron, who then had a grocery in Cincinnati, and remained in that city about nine years ; in 1834, he came to Darke Co. and entered five 80- acre tracts a little north of Arcanum, and commenced clearing, built a cabin and in the year following, having got the cage ready, was married to Miss Matilda daughter of Clarke Baker, a native of Warren Co., and an early settler of Twin township, Darke Co. After his marriage, he concluded his neighbors were too scarce and far between, and sold in part and traded for a quarter of Sec. 13 Butler lownship; afterward bought 80 acres of the southeast quarter of Sec 12 upon which his present residence is located ; Mr. Valentine is emphatically a self-made man. being thrown out upon the world when so young that he has no recollection of his parents ; he had to depend upon the kindness of friends until he was old enough to earn a living, which he commenced doing while a youth ; he started out tor Cincinnati before he was of age, and has battled his way until he has become one of the substantial citizens of Darke Co. and a leading man of his neighborhood^ and is now living a retired life, enjoying, in his later years, the fruits of the sacrifices and toils of his earlier years ; both he and his wife are now quite advanced m years, being the oldest couple Of early settlers now living in their neighborhood but are still in full possession of all their faculties, and remarkably vigorous and active; they have three children living, all of whom are married and reside near them.