Butler Township

Butler Township

Butler Township was formed October 7, 1817, from the parts of Wayne (and Randolph Townships lying between the Miami River and Stillwater. The first election was held June 12, 1818, at the house of Sylvanus Swallow; sixty - Isix votes were cast, and William Kennedy was elected Justice of the' Peace.

The township paid $123. 87-^ in taxes that year. Chambersburg was platted by William Kennedy and Robert Hosier, proprietors, January 26, 1830; "twenty-four lots, besides the schoolhouse."

In February, 1818, the town of Miamisburg was platted by Peter and John Treon, Jacob Kercher and Emanuel Grebhart, and within a few days, the following announcement was made:

Public Vendue

Situated on the left bank of the Great Miami River, on a beautiful and fertile plane, free from inundation by the river, and through which the State road from Dayton to Ginj cinuati, and the county road from Centerville to Germantown pass, completely situated for its future inhabitants.

The plan itself shows order and convenience ; in the whole it is divided into squares, each lot containing the fifth part of an acre, adjoining on alleys sixteen feet wide; and also public grounds gratis in the center.

It is contemplated to convey the water from the river to the center of the town. Further description would be unnecessary, as the elegant situation and plat will entice the purchaser; and reasonable credit will be given, with approved security. Terms made known on day of sale, and good titles will be given to purchasers.

History Of Montgomery Countv

a era border. The villages of Yandalia, Little York and Chambersburg are rjin'n its domain; also the stations Tadmor and Johnson's, on the railroad a< tioned.

Early Settlement

At about the beginning of the century, Martin Davenport and David Hooe Sr., came from North Carolina to the Stillwater region, prospecting for ii , and, on examining that in the vicinity of the present village of Union, i andolph Township, were suited. Davenport died before reaching his home. Line summer of 1801, several families from the same vicinity of North Caroincluding David Hoover and family and David Mast and family, with fcl L-s, left their native State for this region, and stopped south of Dayton, and k 3 spent the winter, moving in the early spring to the land selected. While ii settlement was made in what has since become Randolph Township, the lament just over the river was made about the same time, and so closely >i ected with it that it is necessary to mention it in order to properly introu the pioneers of Butler Township. Hoover was so delighted with the ap- : nice of the country that, on his return, vivid descriptions of it were given e entire neighborhood, which excited them to a desire for a home in the John Quillan, theD a young man. accompanied these first familes to the A water region, driving thither the team of David Mast, and, soon after their r al, was united in marriage to Obedience, a daughter of Mr. Mast, and set- <<on the opposite side of the river (in Butler Township) to those families, lf/ing the northeast quarter of Section 11. Quillan spent his life in this c ity, living to a ripe old age, dying during the late civil war. He became ather of quite a number of children, who assisted in converting the wilder- *sof that period to the cultivated fields of the present. Mi'. Quillan served e war of 1812. His son William is said to have been the first child bom is township. It is held by some that Thomas Newman came with these to whom be was related, having married a Hoover, and, with his n.y, settled along the east side of Stillwater. We failed to verify this, but, -conversation with Aunt Mollie Sheets, who was a Hoover, and came with e advanced families, that Newman came very soon afterward, if not with l. The families of George Sinks and Henry Yount, hailing from the same uborhood in North Carolina, immigrated to the Stillwater settlement that i year (1802), locating, the former in Section 2, Township 5, Range 5, h e he entered 320 acres of land; and the latter in Section 25, same town- : i and range, entering the full section. He also entered one-half of Section 'ownship 3, Range 6, land adjoining the other tract. Mr. Yount had been 11 ed in North Cai'olina, to Mary Waymire, and had grown children on aig. George Yount entered Section 3, Township 5, Range 5, lying partly 1 hler and partly in Randolph Townships; also a quarter of Section 1, r iship 5, Range 5. The sons and daughters of Henry Yount were John, 1(pw, Daniel and Sarah. In November, 1805, the families of Daniel Wayi and Philip Plummer, coming from Guilford County, N. C., moved on the fif Yount land in Section 25. Yount vacating and going down into Warren 1 ty, on Clear Creek, where he remained two years and returned, and dur- Qs absence Waymire farmed his land, there being two fields of about eightacres cleared. Plummer only remained until spring, and then went furhortli, entering the northwest quarter of Section 13. After raising two ') on the Yount land. AVaymire moved on the section to the north (24), and >i there to the Plummer land, which he purchased. These early families "'-'rail related, and were neighbors in the State of North Carolina. The parwitsjif Daniel Waymire were from Germany, and while crossing the ocean. Hij° the year 1735, the mother died, and her remains were given to the mighty deep. Tlie father's sisters were sold for their passage, and never afterwar heard of. The father settled in North Cai'olina, and again married, and lroi the two unions have since descended over three thousand persons. Fatht Waymire died in 1800, and his children all came to Ohio. Daniel marrie Sophia Plummer, and to them were born Davis, Mary, Solomon, Daniel, Join Catharine, Elizabeth, Henry, Sarah, Rebecca, Rosana and Isabelle, several c whom are now residing in the township. Davis, the oldest, was born in tl year 1802, is hale and hearty, and has resided in the township longer than an one in it, and for a period of nearly forty years served the people as a Jusfch of the Peace, and was their Clerk for thirty years. The father, Daniel W;n mire, died July 3, 1825, and was buried in the old Lutheran Graveyard o "Independence Day;'' the mother, too, was buried there. The Plummt family was large, none of whom are now residing in this locality. The chi dren, as nearly as we could learn, were Sophia, John, Catharine, Sarah, Bets Susan, Delilah and Philemon. Turning your attention to the eastern pari, c the township, where, in Sections 13 and 14, Township 3, Range 6, in the ye? 1806, Richard Sunderland and William Compton settled, having together ei tered 707 acres of land. Sunderland, in company with two brothers, had, pric to the year 1804, entered 160 acres each in Section 20, Washington Townshij where he had been twice burned out. Thence he went to the land above d< scribed. The Sunderlands were from Pennsylvania. The wife of Richard w t Nancy Martin, a native of the Keystone State; their children were William an Elizabeth, twins; the latter married Isaac Miller, the father of the Millers no residing in the eastern part of the subdivision; William Sunderland married daughter of James Miller, and to them were born six children. The parent! Richard and Nancy Sunderland, died, and were buried on the farm, in the yea! 1863 and 1846 respectively. Their remains have since been removed to th cemetery in Miami County. William Compton was from North Carolina. Hi family was quite lai'ge, wife's name was Martha. They belonged to the societj of Friends, or Quakers. Both were interred on the homestead. Mr. Compton! share of the above described entry was 303 acres, lying in the southern part d the sections named. Abijah Jones and family, from North Carolina, settled i] the southern part of the township in 1805. He was a minister of the Friend? society, and his name is the first recorded as such on the books of the old uRai dolph meeting," an account of which will be given under the topic of chuichei Mr. Jones died in 1852, in his eighty-hfth year. Sylvanus Swallow and wife Elizabeth (Barnard), and family, emigrated from North Carolina in the sprin of 1807, and settled in the northeast quarter of Section 29, on land entered b him. Mr. Swallow was a native of Delaware, where he was born February 2c 1776, and his wife of North Carolina, born June 4, 1782. On reaching th above tract of land, Mi'. Swallow pitched his tent, in which the family reside for several months. Their children were James O., John A., Sampson B| Cynthia, Belinda, Catharine and Priscilla. This was a family of Friends, an the remains of the parents were interred at the Friends' meeting-house grave yard. Some time prior to this, the father, John Swallow, came to this locahtj and entered 160 acres in Section 19. The Barnards, consisting of mother an] son, accompanied the family of Sylvanus Swallow and settled in Section A The son was a single man, Samuel by name, and late in life married Rebecc. Compton. Benjamin Hutchins, Sr., of English descent, with a numerous fain ily, settled in Section 29, there entering 160 acres of land, he having com from Rockford County, N. C. Isaac Hutchins, a son of Benjamin, marriei Rebecca Jones, eldest daughter of the old patriarch, Abijah. Their son, Dan iel K. Hutchins, was a minister of the Friends' Society, and served thepeopl of this vicinity many years. Joseph Pearson and wife, Margaret Carnmacl; migrated from South Carolina in 1808, and, after stopping for awhile on land ,waed by George Yount, on the west side of Stillwater, crossed that stream and atered one-half of Section 1, Township 5, Range 5. They raised a large iniily of children, two of whom are the wives of Davis and Henry Waymire. r. Pearson, as likewise did other of the above-named families, left the South ainlyon account of slavery. He did not want to raise his children under its ifluences. Father Pearson died January 17, 1840, and the mother July 17, 154. Prior to the year 1809, the following-named had settled between the fo rivers, but at what date they came we cannot establish, but it is evident .at they were here before the beginning of the second decade of the century : >hn Curtis, Joseph Beeson, Daniel and Stephen Jones, John Holderman, the itbles, Henry Crowel, Henry Woodhouse, James Insco, James Reed, William allohan, Joseph Evans, John Mooney, Benjamin Kiser, Jacob Stokes, John ryback, David Fox. William Miller, Jacob Rhodelhamer, John Sloan and ichael Engle. Mr. Curtis was from North Carolina, and entered one-quarter

Section 1, Township 5, Range 5. He died at the close of the late war, at e advanced age of eighty-five years. Beeson was from the same neighbored in North Carolina that the Swallows came from, and settled in the vicinof where Chambersburg now is. His wife was Mary Barnett. Daniel and

Action 32, Township 3, Range 6. Holderman was a Pennsylvanian, and mired 477 acres in Section 11, Township 3, Range 6, and, before he was marid, lived with Richard Sunderland. His wife was Elizabeth Blickenstaff. he Cobles were from North Carolina. The father was Nicholas Coble, and Id the following sons and daughters: Anthony, Nicholas, Emanuel, Margaret fji Hannah, some of whom were married prior to their settling here. They vre also from North Carolina. Anthony entered 160 acres in Section 18, iwnship 3, Range 6, and a quarter of Section 1, Township 5, Range 5. (owel was from Virginia, and had there married Elizabeth, daughter of Josili Cress, and to them were born sons and daughters seven, namely: John,

-\ry, Jacob, David, Polly, Abraham and Henry. He entered a quarter of Sect a 12, Township 5, Range 5. Woodhouse was from the South. His entry ys a tract of 160 acres in Section 33, Township 3, Range 6. Insco was from

0 of the Carolinas, and entered a quarter of Section 1, Township 5, Range '> James Reed, whose wife was Mary McMahon, emigrated from North Carols, settling in Section 3, Township 2, Range 6, where he entered 160 acres of Ld. Both were buried in the Reed Graveyard. In 1817, the Gallohans, v lliam and his brother Ned, lived on the farm now occupied by the Grays, fans was from one of the Southern States, and entered several hundred acres

1 24, Township 3, Range 6. Fox was from New Jersey. William Miller svled in Section 35, on the Great Miami. Rhodelhamer entered 160 acres in 3 tion 24, Township 5, Range 5, and 160 acres in Section 34, Township 3, tfrge 6. John Sloan was a native of Pennsylvania, from where he emigrated u settled on the southwest quarter of Section 28, Township 3, Range 6, which w entered by him. His wife was Elizabeth Rummage, and their children we Martha, Jane, Mary, John, Elizabeth, William and Sarah. The father 11 mother died in 1833 and 1832 respectively. Michael Engle settled in Seci 13, Township 5, Range 5, where he entered 160 acres of land. In 1810, Jy Johnson, a widow, with four children, John, Jesse, David and Mary, came fri North Carolina and located in the northeastern part of the township. V'.e time prior to this, two daughters had settled in Miami County. William N 'man entered the northeast quarter of Section 13, Township 3, Range 6, prior to 1811. This same year, the Thomas Newman above spoken of owm the old John Quillan tract in Section 11. Jacob Staley owned forty-three acn of land in the township as early as the year 1811. William Anderson, a nath of Pennsylvania, settled here that year. His wife was a native of Warn County, Ohio, born in 1798. She died January 28, 1881. Mr. Anderson di< November 23, 1867. Not later than the war of 1812, Abraham Cox, the M Knights, John and Alexander, John Williams. William Kennedy, Robe Hosier, William Mason and William Snodgrass, had settled here. Kennec came from Pennsylvania in the year 1812, and entered the northeast quarter Section 28. He served for a number of years as County Surveyor. Hosii was from Virginia. His father, Abram, entered land at an early day in t] vicinity of the present village of Beavertown, where Robert was married Nancy Compton. Robert's family was quite large, several of whom now rash in the vicinity of the old homestead. Kennedy and Hosier, as will be se< further along, laid out Chambersburg. Isaac Hosier, a brother, entered 1( acres in Section 27, Township 3, Range 6, adjoining the tract entered byRo ert. In 1797, Smith Gregg, a native of Pennsylvania, immigrated to the pre ent site of Shakertown, in Van Buren Township, settling on Beaver Cree where he remained until 1814, when he removed his family to what is no Butler Township, having entered 160 acres of land in Section 32, Townsh 3, Range 6. Mr. Gregg served in the war of 1812. His wife was Sarah Bar sey, who, too, was a native of the Keystone State, and their children we.; James, Martha, Margaret, John, William, D. H., Andrew, Smith, Julia, Eliz beth and Sarah. William is residing near the Friends' Meeting-House. Job Fm-nas emigrated from the State of South Carolina in 1818, with his fathe who settled in Miami County. He was born April 12, 1796, and died July 1 1874. His wife was Sarah Evans. In 1835, Mr. Furnas was the Whig canc date for the Legislature, and was defeated by one vote. However, afterwar he was elected to the Legislature, and served one term; also served as Conn Commissioner. Samuel Wells, a native of Maryland, emigrated from Alb marie County, Va. , in 1817, and located in Miami County, and in several yea removed into what is now Butler Township, of which he has ever since been resident. His wife was Mary Johnson, a daughter of the Widow Johnson b fore mentioned. They were married September 18, 1822, and, should tb live until the coming September (1882), will have been sharing together lift joys and cares for a period of sixty years.

The following- named persons were the original proprietors of the land o posite their names, which had been taken up or entered prior to 1818: Prj dence McMunn, 160 acres in Section 18, Township 5, Range 6; Thomas Ja 160 acres in Section 2, Township 5, Range 5; Conklin Miller, 160 acres Section 34, Township 3, Range 6; John Miller, 162 acres in Section 32, Tory ship 3, Range 6; Adam Coffin, 342 acres in Section 28, Township 3, Range Robert Scott, 160 acres in Section 14, Township 5, Range 5; John Cox, 1( acres in Section 19, Township 3, Range 6; William Lowe, 160 acres m Sc tion 19, Township 3, Range 6; Joseph McKinney, 158 acres in Section Township 3, Range 6; Joseph Cooper, 162 acres in Section 32, Township Range 6; James Lowrey, 160 acres in Section 23, Township 3, Range 6; Dav Sidwell, 160 acres in Section 24, Township 5, Range 5; Joseph Miller, 1 acres in Section 19, Township 3, Range 6; J. Woods, 160 acres in Section - Township 3, Range 6; Samuel Dinwoody, 160 acres in Section 10, Townsh 3, Range 6; Jesse Johnson, 160 acres in Section 3, Township 3, Range 6; J siah Lamb, 160 acres in Section 12, Township 5, Range 5; Edward Thom; 160 acres in Section 12, Township 5, Range 5.

Justices Of The Peace

The Stillwater and Miami settlements, like all others dating back to the belling of the century, had many difficulties to overcome before much progress d be attained in the way of education. Lessons in the rudimentary >i iches were at first given in the cabins of the pioneers, and, in some instances Tidoned cabins were used as places of holding school. In the western >; . of what is now Butler Township - that part next to the Stillwater known

- 'ownship 5, Range 5 - there stood at an early day a house in the northeast- -t quarter of Section 12, in which school was kept by Edward Easton. Anti' of the early schoolliouses of this vicinity was built in the northeastern

'ter of Section 24. John Hutchins, William Milikin and Jim Wright vp the teachers. Davis Waymire, whose name is frequently mentioned in oiection with the sketch of the township, received instruction under their airship. This was the first school he remembers of attending, and these vols the first that he had any knowledge of. He was born in the year 1802, ii became a resident of that vicinity in the year 1806. We leave the reader pi the dates of these schools. Along the Miami, in the eastern part of the 'ship, on the Jacob Stokes farm, there was a school in session in the year ' , taught by a Mr. Brown. His given name cannot now be recalled by the 'loft who were once his pupils. Mrs. Samuel Wells, one of Butler Town- 11 s pioneers, who came in the year 1810 as " Mary Johnson," was an attend - u it this school, and well remembers the fact that on one occasion a problem i ithmetic was too much for Master Brown, and was finally solved by Billy ulerland, who retired himself to an old stump just in the rear of the schoolpa, where the task was accomplished. Mary Johnson, as it was then, board- Lhile attending that school, with Uncle Billy Snodgrass, the distance from neihome to the school being too great to walk. In the southern part of the

- 'V ship, school was taught in the Friends' Meeting-House, which was erected ''h a now stands their brick church, about the year 1809 or 1810. The first who pedagogued there of whom we have any account was a Mr. Bratton, v> was succeeded by the following named, and in the order given: Christopl

W e have given above the several schools of what is now the territory un< consideration as nearly as the facts could be arrived at for the period embr ing the first decade of the century. To undertake to give anything like an curate account of the numerous schools of this region from that period to present would be almost impossible, as the records kept, until of late ye; were meager indeed. Therefore, we close what further is to be said under t head with the schools of to-day. There are now in the township ten sch districts, besides the Yandalia District, which is independent. District No. in which are the schools of the village of Chambersburg, has two schooltiou - one brick, having two rooms, and the other a frame, the latter being for colored youth of the township. In each of the other districts there is 'a o story brick building. The average cost of the houses is about $1,200 ea The average number of months in which school is held during the year iseig the number of scholars enrolled (January, 1882), about 500; daily average tendance. 78 per cent. The appropriation for school purposes for the y 1881 was $4,200 - 1. e. , for the ten districts, the independent district be supplied by the corporation of Vandalia and immediate neighborhood.

Churches And Graveyards

The pioneers gave early attention to religious matters. The Friends | Quakers of the settlement not too remote from the Stillwater region worship prior to the year 1809, on the west side of the river, where had been organiz two years before, a meeting known as " Rocky Springs. " The Friends atte ing services there requested a meeting among themselves, which was granj by West Branch Quarterly Meeting of Miami County, and a meeting was here in 1809. and a rude log meeting-house erected the same year or the y following (1810), and stood a little west of the present brick church, on grov deeded to them by Sylvanus Swallow for church and graveyard purposesall, about four acres. The small one-story brick now standing near the cer of Section 29 was built in 1824 or 1825, and is quite antique in appearai having an entrance on either end and on one side, and its windows be "square." Some of the names of those composing the second meeting we Abijah Jones, Benjamin Hutchins and his sons Isaac and Benjamin, Jr., JobnC tis, James Hutchins, Sylvanus Swallow, Joseph Beeson, Christopher Furnas, E phen Macy, Stephen Jones, Isaac Cooper, Henry Yount and Samuel Barnaid. r. reader will notice that many of these were a part of the early fathers, who were first residents. Subsequently, others moved in, and the meeting was increai and became large, but of late years it has been weak, and is now languish! Many of the members coming as they did, from North Carolina, it recer the name of Randolph Meeting, from one of that name there. The first corded minister was Abijah Jones; next came Prudence (Cooper) Teague, i is still living, and now resides in Grant County, Ind. ; Isaac Jay, son of D. Jay, follows; other names are Daniel H. Hutchins and Smith Gregg connection with this church, we will say a word or two relative to the gri yard, inasmuch as they are almost one. The ground, as has been seen, deeded for both, and it is reasonable to infer that burying began there as s as deaths occurred. Assuming this to be the case, it is certainly the ole burying- ground in the township. We know interments were made in it p to 1814, when William Gregg came to that vicinity. It is said that the 1 wife of Benjamin Hutchins, Sr., was the first person buried there. The mains of many of the pioneers rest by that little brick church on the hill, jath whose roof they had so often raised their voices in praises to Him, the iver of every good gift, and who ever doeth all things well, and the appear - ice of whose crumbling walls reminds us that they, too, are mutable, and to e coming generations will be lost. Probably the nest earliest church organation effected in the township was that of the Lutheran denomination. Of is there are no records that we, after diligent search, could learn of, and of e few yet surviving who were in that vicinity in the early years of the society, me can remember much about it. From Davis Waymire we learn that, as rlyas 1816, there stood at the old burying-ground in the southeastern corner Section IB, Township 5, Range 5, a hewed log church known as the Lueran Church, but how long prior to this the society worshiping there was ganized, or by whom, he cannot state. The ground upon which this meetg-house was constructed, and the graveyard thereabout, was deeded by Eman- 1 Coble. Among the early ministers who preached for these people were ;jws. Mow, Henecker and Spence, and of the early members were Nicholas nble and wife, Jacob Staley and family, Jacob Frybarger, John Cotner and ibther and the Crowel family. Services were held in the log meeting-house until ] t far from 1830, when it was replaced by a frame church building, and this, 1842, by a one-story brick, under the pastorate of Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller. In is summer of 1873, this was torn down, and the material taken to what is I own as Spankertown, about one mile and a quarter southeast, and there re-

I ilt that same summer. The church at the graveyard was called Stillwater htheran Evangelical Church. The new building at Spankertown, a oneiry brick, having a spire and bell, the latter weighing 600 pounds, and was :?t at the Johnson Foundry, in Dayton, erected at a cost of 13,000, is known i Si Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and was dedicated November 30, 73, by Elder D. Summers, assisted by Rev. Dr. Ort, of Wittenberg College, -ice which the charge has been served by the following pastors: D. Summs, E. D. Smith. W. M. Smith and A. M. Barrett, the present incumbent, .e membership now is about sixty.

July 30, 1816, was organized a religious society, by Elders George Shideler and John Plummer, known as the Lower Stillwater Church of Christ, -nathan Newman and William Pearson were chosen first Deacons, and Fredck Hoover, Clerk. The original members were: George Sinks and wife, bah; Samuel Martindale and wife, Elizabeth; John Quillan. Richard Cox, Imnuel Coble and wife, Rachel, Fanny Cox, Mahala Newman, William Skint-, Anna Gallohan, Mary Millin, Anthony Coble, Nancy Pearson, Catharine Gss, Margaret Reed, Elizabeth Millin, and Mary and Sophia Waymire.

' vices were held at the residences of the different members and in the old school - Mise formerly standing on the site of the one now at Polk Church. The cabin tne of old Daniel Waymire, now the Henry Waymire homestead, was the £j>at preaching-place for this society, and, in later years, at Emanuel Coble's. !e church was re-organized by Elder Caleb Worley July 6, 1839, and in the samer of 1844, a one-story brick building was erected on the west half of Ction 13, Township 5, Range 5, and, while in state of building, was called iik Church, which name it still bears. This was owing to the fact that the r ne was then before the national convention held at Baltimore, as a candidate i President of the United States. On receipt of the news of his nomination, fee-berry bushes or branches were waved from the scaffolding and walls, and 8 pended therefrom in great profusion; hence the name. In this connection, 1 mit us to state a fact that will bear repetition in this and in all coming hisf- es, namely: The convention by which Air. Polk was nominated was held sent to W ashington by the magnetic telegraph. It was the lirst dispatch e so transmitted, and the event marks an era in the history of civilization. C acre of ground, upon which the church was built, was deeded in 1848 to j Trustees for church and public burying-ground, by Anthony Coble. In 18 the building was enlarged and remodeled, and it is now a model church, was dedicated on the second Sabbath of November of that year; sermon Elder William Gross, who is yet serving the charge. The membership is n in the neighborhood of sixty. The following is a list of pastors since 18' Elders Elisha Ashley, Peter Banta, Elijah Williamson, Alexander McCla Richard Brandon, Asbury Watkins, William Pearson, Albert Long, Hir, Simonton, Thomas Wells and William Gross.

Sugar Grove Christian Church, located in the center of Section 1, To\ ship 5, Range 5, was organized August 24, 1850, by Elder William Furnas, the one-story frame church building now standing there, built in 18' The original members were William Pearson and wife, Nancy, Henrietta H; Elizabeth Campbell, Dortha Wolverton, Joshua Hall, Mary Stucksberg Cynthia Macy, Jane Hall, Nancy Stoner, Amy Pearson and John Davis. 1 pastors of this congregation have been William Furnas, J. G. Reeder a William Jay. In 1878, the year of the building of the church at Frederl in Miami County, this society went thither, where they now worship. 1 ground upon which the frame church stood, including that of the gravey? (one-half acre in all), was deeded to the church by John Furnas. The maining religious history of the township will be given in the respect villages.

In addition to the burying- grounds about the several churches spoken ii above, and those following given under the head of villages, are those in S tions 3 and 11 of Township 3, Range 6. The former, known as the Rc I Graveyard from its situation on the Reed land, is quite ancient, and in it sk a number of the first settlers. The wife of James Reed, having selected i spot where she was desirous of interment, was the first buried there, and i'r this fact it became a place for burials. The latter is for the same reason sty' the Holderman Graveyard, John Holderman having given about a quarter an acre, to which was added by purchase another quarter, and the yard rej larly laid out into lots. On the 18th of April, 1879, a cemetery associati was formed, and a purchase of seven acres of ground, lying in Section 13, < joining the graveyard at Polk Church, made of Solomon Coble for $700. T following officers were elected: President, O. P. Waymire; Directors, Isa

John and O. P. Waymire, John Ludy, Robert Martindale and Charles >Ja< son; Secretary, Henry Waymire; and Treasurer, Isaac Waymire. The grou is rolling, and has natural beauty, and is also beautifully located. It is re< larly laid out into lots, and has wide avenues leading through its various par Already steps have been taken in the direction of adding to and increasi its natural beauty by the planting of trees and shrubbery, and in it have be placed several fine and substantial monuments. It is styled Maple Grc Cemetery.

Mills,. Distilleries, Etc

Butler Township seems to have had its full quota of mills, distilleries a woolen factories, for along Stillwater and the branch forming the dividing h between Township 5, Range 5, and Township 3, Range 6, and emptying ii the river below Little York, are numerous evidences of such enterprises, early as the year 1807 or 1808, Abijali O'Neal and Joseph Cooper built a sa mill on the river in the vicinity of the grist-mill at Little York. Several yeij thereafter, Andrew Waymire, having purchased O'Neal's interest in the sa mill, and, later, that of Cooper, built a grist-mill on the site of the prese.

liver Heck mill. Waymire operated it for some years, and it passed into the ands of Daniel and Andrew Yount and Benjamin Iddings, who erected and aerated, in connection therewith, a distillery, and at about the same time, obert Russell built a still-house near by, which, years later, was converted by eorge Huffman into a tannery. The Younts and Iddings replaced the old -ist-mill by a new one, the work being done by Felty Waymire. The sawill was then abandoned. The mill passed through various hands, and finally 11 into the possession of Oliver Heck, who is now the miller at the old Way ire mill at Little York'. John Heikes also built and carried on a distillery ere. Daniel Yount built an early saw-mill on the branch named, which was him operated for a number of years, then carried on by Richard Sandham, 10 built there a large woolen factory. On this branch, south of the abovemed mill, Andrew Yount erected a grist-mill, which was converted into a >okn factory by John Wenger. Sandham also built, above the Sandham ; itory, a grist-mill, which is still in operation. Prior to this, a saw-mill had lien built on the same site by Andrew Waymire. Still further north, on the me branch, John Mast erected a saw-mill, now the Coover mill. Above the iter was built a saw-mill by Joseph Staley, which became the property of hnry Waymire. William Long was carrying on a saw-mill and corn-cracker in t.i western part of the township, on Stillwater'. On the other side of the trnship were also numerous mills. David Pox operated a saw-mill near the rjuth of Poplar Creek. Eli Compton built a saw-mill in the southeast quarter

0 Section 22. Such mills were also built by John Mills, James O. Swallow, al the Sunderlands, Richard and James. Copper stills were operated by John IjMerman, James Miller & Son, David Fox, Samuel Maxwell, and many ojers, as such stills were numerous and in almost constant use.

The village of Little York, situated in the southwestern part of the town rip, was laid out by Andrew Waymire October 13, 1817, and is by far the >.pst village of the subdivision. The plat shows that the original number of kj was forty-eight. Davis and John Waymire were present at the sale of the k(. The village sprang i into existence from the fact of the presence of the at that point. A house or two had been erected by Andrew Waymire for 1 miller previous to the laying out of the lots. The first merchants of the pipe were Christopher Coon and a Mr. Sloan. Among the early inn-keepers ye Meredith Hutchins and Abraham Fry. Henry Huntsinger was then the dlge blacksmith. As to when the post office was established, and who was

1 first Postmaster, we have been unable to learn. We failed to find a record It, and all knowledge of the fact seems to have been lost to the yet remaining 'fleers of that vicinity. It was not, however, until several years after the ang out of the village. The present Postmaster is Perry Rankin, who keeps, c onnection with the office, a general store. A grist-mill is there in opera- ", owned by Oliver Heck. Gartner & Brussman are dealers in agricultural ulements; George Fair is the grocer, Charles Dresdo the shoemaker, and

Chamber sburg. - Is situated in the southern part of the township, and was a; out by Robert Hosier and William Kennedy, January 26, 1830. The 'bon & Troy pike passes through it from north to south. The object of Q'3 men was to secure a post office and other conveniences, such as stores, a ktsmith, etc., as a village would afford. It was so named after a town of C'iame name in Pennsylvania. Early inn-keepers of the "burg " were Peter 1 and John McDargh, the latter holding forth where the post office now is, a Fox on the present site of the hotel kept by William Harlow, who has also a grocery. The first merchants of the village were Peter Fox and Ben j an Wilhelm, and the blacksmith was William Martin. Other interests are n carried on by William Compton, a grocer; Washington Barnhart and Isai Broomscotch, both " smiths," giving attention to repairing in their line. 1 Christian Church located here is a one-story brick, and was erected in the su mer of 1849. The organization was effected in November of the same year, Elder Peter Banta. The following-named ministers have since served 1 charge: Elders C. Morse, Peter McCullough, David Johnson, Hiram Simc ton, Warren Weeks and William Gross. This church, though at present wi( out a pastor, and with a membership of only about thirty, was once in a v< flourishing condition, having upward of one hundred and fifty enrolled. T church was built by subscription, and was to be a neighborhood place of w ship, its doors to be open to the various denominations. The post office v established at this village in 1834, with John McDargh as Postmaster. Sii then, so numerous have been the Postmasters that it would be almost impos ble to give them by name in proper order, since there has been no record them kept in the county. The present incumbent is Henry Westerman, v has been in office the greater part of the time since 1862. His predecessor \ William Jackson, who served many years.

Vandalia. - This, the largest village of the three, is located in the east* part of the township. It is regularly laid out, and its streets are at right i gles. There is considerable of the spirit of enterprise manifested by the habitants, as is evidenced in the several manufactories, imposing church bui ings, new dwellings, etc. The village dates back to August 1, 1838, wlj thirty-three lots were laid out by Benjamin Wilhelm, who was the first nr chant of the village, and subsequently became its first Postmaster and May In the fall of 1838, Jonathan Skinner, a blacksmith, erected one of the f houses, which stood on the present site of the residence of William Murp Here Skinner carried on his trade, and was the first in that line, Abram Ej hart, of the same pursuit, coming next in order. William Baggot and one K were early tavern-keepers. Vandalia was visited by the cholera during year of 1849, and probably suffered as much by that scourge in proportion the number of inhabitants as did any place in the Enited States, as the foil* ing figures will doubtless show. The village then had a population of ab two hundred inhabitants, some fifty of whom took flight for safety and of remaining one hundred and fifty, fifty fell victims to the disease, leavmg per cent that withstood the calamity. The act incorporating the village ' passed February 7, 1848, and the first election for corporation officers \ held March 22, 1848, when Benjamin Wilhelm, the chief "figure-head the village, became its Mayor. His re-election occuri'ed on the same day < month in the following year', and again at such date in 1850. Other May as far as could be obtained from records, elected as the dates following tl names show, have been: Ezra T. Leggett, March 22, 1851; re-elected Ma

22, 1852. In August, 1852, Mr. Leggett resigned, and on the 11th of t month, William Huffman was appointed to fill the vacancy. Otho E. Eu, was elected April 4, 1853, and on the 2d of April, 1855, William Huffman again chosen. Mr. Huffman was again elected in the spring of 1856, and re-elected the following April; I. C. Felter, April 5, 1858, and April 4, .18 I. R. Bittinger, April 1, 1861; J. T. Roll, April 7, 1862; J. N. North A| 15, 1863; William Jennings, April 12,1869; John Kunkle, in April. 1871 1872; James O. Swallow, April, 1873, who died in office, and was succeeded William H. Murphy; Mr. Murphy was re-elected in 1874 and 1875; Rich Krewson, in 1877; Daniel Foreman, in 1878; and William H. Murphy,1 present incumbent, in 1879.

It was not for several years after the laying out of the village that the people iiereof had the benefit of a post office. We are unable to give the exact year, it can, from reliable source, state that Benjamin Wilhelm, the first Postmasr, was serving in such capacity in the year 1845. Mr. Wilhelm's successor as William Baggott, and in regular order came the following-named: Willm Satcamp, J. W. Murphy, Dr. A. Curtis, J. W. Murphy, and the present inumbent, Mrs. Rebecca Weidman, who took possession October 1, 1865. There e three churches here, which are given below in their chronological order.

two of these, no record can be found, hence a brief sketch only can be wen, and that alone from the memory of some of the old members. About the ar 1839 or 1840, the United Brethren society erected a one-story brick church, on :ound deeded to them by Benjamin Wilhelm. This church, at completion, ms dedicated by the Rev. William Collins. The society was organized some jars prior to the building of the church, and meetings held at the house and irnof Christopher Shupp, also at other private residences, but at that one gen more frequently. Some of the early families of this society were the upps, Wilhelms, Covers and Beards, and among early ministers that served f>m were Joseph Hoffman and William Collins. During the years 1834, 135, 1836 and 1837, extensive camp meetings of the United Brethren denomi ition were held in this vicinity. The church building was rebuilt in 1868. Ins a very neat one-story brick structure, with spire and bell; cost about $4, - (pi The charge is in a very flourishing condition; membership, about two i ndred; pastor, Rev. Swaim.

The German Evangelical Church society was organized in 1844 or 1845, ail among the first members were the families of Henry Klauer. Henry Erber, Uderick Shaeffer and M. Kronemiller, and the first pastors were Revs. Peter Getz, G. Wolpert and John Honecker. Preaching was done at the residences u the members until the building of the present one-story brick church, in H3. It was dedicated in the spring of 1854; sermon by Rev. A. Shaeffer. fb. Jacob Miller is the present pastor; membership, about twelve.

Lutheran Church, erected in 1864, is a one-story brick, with cupola and 'of. The society formerly was a part of the membership of the old Lutheran birch before mentioned, and, in 1858, withdrew for convenience, and effected '' organization under the pastorate of Rev. Jacob Shower, and, up to the erecit of the building at Yandalia, worshiped occasionally in the United Brethren Arch there. The following families were among those constituting the or - g ization : Ryders, Kunkles, Stoffers, Tobias, Ratcliffs, Randals and Alspachs. Us. A. S. Sink, Solomon Wiles, D. W. Smith, J. J. Welch, Sanders, D. 1 uers, Ritz, E. D. Smith, W. M. Smith and A. M. Barrett, the present in- Gibent, have served the charge. Present membership, about fifty. The Itch was dedicated in October, 1864, by Rev. T. T. Titus, of Springfield tions, at the expiration of which time he began work on his own account at Newmarket. He emigrated to Ohio in the spring of 1823 and settled in Licking County, where he remained twelve years, when he removed to Clark County. His last move was to where he now resides. These various moves were necessary on account of his occupation, contractor on the "National Gravel Road." He bought the farm where he now resides in 1838. He married Miss Hannah, fourth daughter of Tunis Quick, May 20, 1823. Six children have been born to them, three of whom are living. Mrs. Baggott departed this life January 17, 1865; the remains are buried in the cemetery near the Lutheran Church in this township. Mr. Baggott has been a member of St. John's Commandery, F. & A. M., for forty-two years. He has never sought any office whatever, but has lived a quiet, retired life, and the writer takes pleasure in spreading this sketch on the page of history for the benefit of his family and his numerous friends.

A. M. BARRETT, minister, Yandalia, was born in Indiana County, Penn., June 30, 1853 ; remained at home with his parents until the year 1867, when he entered school at Glade Run Academy, Armstrong County, from which institution he graduated in the fall of 1875, and the same year removed to Springfield, Ohio, and entered Wittenberg College, where he remained until the summer of 1878, graduating with high honors. In September of the same year, he entered the " Theological Seminary " and completed his studies in the year 1880. Last July, he received and accepted a call from Vandalia pastorage, Evangelical Lutheran Church, under the control of the General Synod. Although Mr. Barrett is a late comer in this vicinity, his calling places him in a position to do much good. He is a courteous gentleman, and we predict for him a life of usefulness.

MICHAEL BENNERT, teacher, Vandalia, is one of the veteran educators of this county, born in Baden, Germany, March 21, 1846. The family emigrated to this country, landing at New Orleans, in the year 1855. His father, David Bennert, died on the journey, fifty miles south of Louisville, Ky. ; his remains are buried at the foot of "Blue River Island." The family first settled at Liberty, where they remained one year, and then removed to where we now find them and engaged in farming, which occupation he followed up to the year 1859. He received his education at Southwestern Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio. He enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October, 1861, then under command of Col. G. Moodie, and served until his term of enlistment expired, when he returned to Vandalia and commenced teaching. He married Elizabeth, youngest daughter of John Taylor, November 4, 1869. Five children have been born to them - Louis A., Wilber D. and Dawes T., the youngest being twin daughters, Flora and Lora. Mr. Bennert is a member of Vandalia Lodge, No. 657, I. 0. 0. F. ; has been a member of the United Brethren Church for fifteen years.

G. H. BRENNER, farmer, P. 0. Vandalia, born in Montgomery County, December 24, 1833, where he has lived all his life. From the above it will be seen that the subject of this sketch is one of the pioneers of this county. He remained with his parents until he arrived at his majority, at the expiration of which time he bought the farm where he now resides. The home consists of seventy acres, situated on the National Road, a half mile west of Vandalia. In the year 1875, he built a fine residence, and the place is valued at about $12,000. He has held the offices of Township Trustee and Treasurer of the Vandalia Town Hall ; is also a member of the School Board. He married the eldest daughter of Louis Mills, September 24, 1857 ; five children have been born to them - Charles 0., Emma J., Laura G., Birdie B. and George G. ; the latterwas born June 19, 1858. He married Sarah E. McDonald, of Arcanum, December 24, 1877. One child is the result of this union - -William L. Mrs. Brenner has been a consistent member of the Lutheran Church for nine years. The friends of this family are numerous, and they are spoken of by their neighbors as people who are an ornament to the circles in which they move.

ANDREW BRENTLINGER, firmer, P. 0. Chambersburg, born in Pickaway County, October 4, 1818, and remained at home with his parents until nineteen years of age. His first purchase was eighty acres in Allen County, in 1840 ; this he held for speculation until 1850. He first settled in this township in 1844. The farm where he now resides he purchased in 1862. The place consists of 160 acres under good cultivation ; a fine two-story brick residence and other permanent improvements adorn the farm, valued at about $13,000. He married Miss Ruth Watt, March 18, 1844 ; two children were born to them - Cordelia J. and Mary E., the former now Mrs, John Beeson and the latter Mrs. Andrew Eiesman, located at Mexico, Mo. Ruth departed this life December 27, 1846; the remains lie in the Frybaek Cemetery.

children have been the result of this union, eight of whom are living - Martha A., died August 9, 1848; John, died January 16, 1856; Thomas J., Caroline, William, Alice N. and Eliza A. Alice married W. S. Sunderland, who died July 18, 1878, and is buried in Tippecanoe Cemetery; two children were born to them, one of whom is living - Walter E. Mary 6. died June- 5, 1879, and is buried beside her father. Mr. B. has

JOHN Q. A. COOVER, farmer, P. O. Spanker. Among the enterprising young men of this county is John Q. A. Coover, born February 13, 1847. His father, John M., was born in Pennsylvania, February 13, 1808, and came with his father to Ohio in 1829 and located in this county. He was deprived of the advantages of obtaining more than an ordinary education and was brought up to farm labor. His father was summoned away by death, which threw all the responsibilities of the farm and the support of a large family upon him and his brother, and they managed the farm until 1840, when he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of James and Mary Duncan ; they purchased it and cultivated it in partnership successfully until his decease in 1876. He was elected Representative of this county in 1860-61. Mr. Coover was a self-made man, having begun life for himself in 1840, with nothing but his energy and strength to rely upon, successfully battled with the difficulties of pioneer life, and did his full share toward making Butler Township, as it is to-day, one of the most productive portions of Montgomery County. He was the father of three children, viz. : Benjamin F. (deceased), Martha E. and John Q. A. The subject of this sketch obtained his primary education in the common schools, attended Wittenberg College three years, and assisted his father during vacation. He celebrated his marriage with Sella C., daughter of John and Elizabeth Beard, June 18, 1874, and rented of his father until his decease, when he inherited his father's interest in the farm and remained in partnership with his uncle until 1878, when he purchased his interest and has cultivated it successfully until the present time. Mr. Coover's business qualities are good, and he is calculated to make a successful farmer, as he is long-headed and enter prising. Two children were born to them, viz. : Winferd F. Y. and Leila. He has

W ALTER CROOK, grain merchant, Postmaster, ticket and express agent, Tadmor, was born in this county, Feb. 29, 1824 ; remained with his parents on the farm until he had attained his majority ; then removed to Miami County, near West Charleston, Ohio, settling on a farm of eighty acres ; remained three years, at the expiration of which time he purchased a farm near Vandalia. At the outbreak of the war, he enlisted in the Seventy- fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then under command of Col. G. Moodie. Served two months as a private soldier, when for meritorious conduct he was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned to the command of Company F, with which he served with honor and distinction until his term of enlistment expired. He then returned to this county, and in the year 1869 bought the warehouse, which interest he still controls. Has conducted the business of the railroad and post office for eleven years, to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Crook owns a fine residence near the station ; has held the office of Township Treasurer for twelve years ; has been a member of St. John's Cornmandery, Masonic fraternity, for twenty-two years. Was married to Miss Martha Jane Bates, of Montgomery County, in the year 1847. Mr. Crook is a man of fine business qualifications and a respected citizen.

August 11, 1847; removed to this county with his father in the fall of 1855 ; remained at home with his parents until twenty-seven years of age ; he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for eleven years. He married Miss Nancy Palmer, November 29, 1874 ; two children have been born to them - Minnie M. and Lulu A. Mrs. Curtis contracted pulmonary consumption sixteen years ago and gradually grew worse until the 15th of August, 1880, when death came to her relief. Her remains lie in Poplar Grove Cemetery. Mr. Curtis owns a nice residence, consisting of five acres, on which he erected a fine two-story frame house, valued at $1,800.

JACOB DEARDORF, farmer, P. 0. Chambersburg, is one of the early pioneers and prominent farmers of Butler Township, born March 23, 1815. His father, Benjamin, was born in Adams County, Penn., and moved to York County at an early date, (where our subject was born). He was united in marriage with Hannah Harbolt. They were the parents of eight children, viz. : Elizabeth, George, Rachel, Jacob, John, Abram, Benjamin, Samuel. Jacob received his education, which was an ordinary one for those days, in the common schools, they being very few and several miles apart ; thus the opportunity of obtaining a good education was limited. In 1826, he went to work for his uncle, where he remained for two years, then returned to his father, remaining only a short time, when he engaged with a neighboring farmer for 8J cents per day for one year. During this time his mother was summoned away by death, loved and respected by her many friends. Jacob returned home to learn the carpenter's trade with his father, working in the summer and going to school in the winter, as there was not much building during the winter months. He finished his trade and worked with his father until 1834, when he was encouraged to come West by the tide of emigration that was flowing westward at that time. On his arrival in Ohio, he located in Tuscarawas County, where he remained only a short time and went to Warren County. Not finding his business in a very prospering condition, came to Montgomery County and settled in this township and followed his business of contracting and building, meeting with good success. He celebrated his marriage with Rhoda, daughter of Robert and Nancy Hosier, December 5, 1839. and moved to Pickaway in the spring of 1840, where he carried on his business with marked success, contracting and building and dealing in real estate very extensively until 1856, when he became tired of the active business life that he was pursuing, purchased a farm of ninety-five acres that was nearly all under a good state of cultivation, and retired to a quiet life on the farm, where he enjoys all the comforts of a happy home. They are the parents of eight children, viz. : Wilson P., Mary A., Nancy, Benjamin F., John G., William E., Laura F. and Robert O. Mr. and Mrs. Deardorf have been members of the Christian Church for the past ten years, and their children are colaborers with them in the cause of religion. He possesses good business qualities, is usually successful and enterprising and a man that is respected by a wide circle of friends and all who are brought in contact with him.

JOSEPH H. DeBRAY, physician and surgeon. Little York, born in Miami Co., April 28, 1841, received his preliminary education at Pleasant Hill, in the public schools, and finished his studies at the Friends' Academy in Miami County ; commenced the study of medicine under the instructions of William Patty, M. D., where he remained three years; commenced the practice of medicine in the year 1867, at Pleasant Hill, but after a short time he removed to Dayton, and established himself in the drug business at No. 115 East Third street, which calling he prosecuted one year, at the expiration of which time he abandoned the store and resumed his practice. Two years ago he located where we now find him, he has a good practice which, by close application to his profession, is gradually increasing. He has been a member of the Brethren Church for fifteen years. He married Miss Carrie, third daughter of Richard Shepherd, August 14, 1865; four children have been born to them, three of whom are living - Rutherford B., Dora A. and the youngest, an infant, unnamed at this writing. The eldest died in infancy, and lies in Woodland Cemetery. The Doctor has never sought any office, but has devoted himself to his profession, is a courteous gentleman who commands the respect of all good citizens.

Biographical Sketches

STEPHEN DODSON, farmer, P. 0. Vandalia, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, May 20, 1840, but his mother dying when he was only six years old, he went to live with Jonathan Harpster, of Allen County, Ohio, who reared and educated him. In 1860, he removed to Montgomery County, where he was married to Sarah A. Wells, the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Johnson) Wells, October 18, 1863, of which union has been born one son - Harry, who died in infancy. Mr. Dodson has been a member of the United Brethren Church for twenty years, and is well known and respected in Butler Township. He and wife are living on her parents' old homestead, ministering to the wants of the venerable couple in their last days.

REV. EPHRAIM EBY, minister, Little York, was born in Lancaster County. Penn., May 27, 1833 ; remained at home until twenty-two years of age, during which time he learned the business of milling. He removed to Ohio in the spring of 1858, and settled where we now find him. He entered the ministry of the Brethren fa Christ May 17, 1869. He married Miss Elizabeth, fifth daughter of Rev. John Winger, April 5, 1860; three children have been born them - Annie W., John Wesley and George W. The former is now Mrs. Silas Myers, located on the home farm. Christian Eby, the father of the subject of this was born in Pennsylvania, in February, 1800, and died June 28, 1870. The remains are buried in Strickler Cemetery, Lancaster County, Penn.

C. W. EBY, farmer, P. O. Vandalia, born in Lancaster County, Penn., April 18, 1841 ; he received his education at the State Normal School, Millersville, Penn., finishing his education in the summer of 1861. He remained at home with his father until he arrived at his majority, when he removed to Ohio, locating near Little York, April, 1862, at which place he taught his first school, 1862-63. During the next five years, he taught in Vandalia. Districts No. 8 and 9. His first purchase was ten acres of land, at a cost of 8950. By industry and economy, acre after acre has been added, until now the home consists of seventy acres, all in a fine state of cultivation, with good substantial buildings; total valuation about $8,000. In the meantime, he has been largely interested in educational matters, teaching in District No. 2, eight years. Has been Township Superintendent of Schools four years, and has been a member of the United Brethren Church for twenty-two years. He married Miss Fanny, youngest daughter of Rev. John Winger, of Little York, March 17, 1864. Three children have been born to them - Almira, Clara M. and Anna Mary. Mr. Eby never sought any office whatever, but has lived a quiet, retired life, and is a man respected by a wide circle of friends.

HENRY EIDEMILLER, farmer, P. O. Vandalia ; born in Maryland February 28, 1837. He removed with his parents to this State in the year 1837, and settled in Montgomery County, where he remained until the time of his father's death, which occurred August 29, 1877. His remains are buried in Maple Hill Cemetery, near Tippecanoe, Ohio. Henry remained at home with his father until he reached his twentyfourth year. His first purchase was the farm on which he now lives, 110 acres, orig1- nal cost, $4,017.50, now valued at $12,000. The farm is situated on the Miami and Montgomery gravel road, two miles north of Vandalia, and is the dividing line between the two counties; a large and commodious dwelling and barn adorn the place, and the evidence is not lacking to establish the fact that Montgomery County farmers are up with the times. He married Miss Mary B., eldest daughter of James Madison, of Miami County, December 12, 1860. Five children are the result of this union ( four of whom are living. His wife departed this life November 5, 1873. He was again married to Miss Lizzie Huffman March 4, 1874; three children have been born to them. Mr. Eidemiller is a prominent citizen, and a man who commands the respect of all with whom he comes in contact. ,

JOHN EWING, farmer, P. O. Spanker, was born in Ohio October 29, 1823. His father, William, was born in Kentucky October 27, 1789; came to Ohio with his parents in 1797, and settled in Montgomery County, Washington Township. He received his education in the common schools, and was brought up to farm labor He was united in marriage with Jane Magarva in 1819. They were the parents of five children - Elizabeth, James, Nancy, John, and one dying in infancy. When he arrived at the age of twenty-one, he inherited his father's farm, containing 160 acres, and has since added, by economy and persevering labor, 400 acres, making in all, 560. The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the district schools, and assisted his father on the farm until he celebrated his marriage with Julia, daughter of John S. and Susan Hole, in 1851, when he rented of his father for the following seven years, and proved very successful. In 1859, he purchased a farm in Washington Township, containing 144 acres, where he remained until 1865, when he sold it and purchased the place where he now resides, containing 120 acres, which is nearly all under cultivation. He has a large and commodious farm house, and many other improvements to correspond, which could only have been obtained by hard labor, perseverance and industry, with the assistance of his noble wife. He has never been an aspirant for office, but has been elected Township Trustee, which shows the popularity and confidence he holds in his township. He and wife are worthy members of the Christian Church and their children are co-workers with them in the cause of religion. They are the parents of three children - Mary M., Eva and Olive. Mr. Ewing is an industrious and enterprising man, and is held in high esteem in his community.

REV. S. S. HOLDEN, minister, P. O. West Milton, Miami County, Ohio. Among the many men of Ohio who have devoted their lives to the ministry, our subject occupies a leading place. He was born in Harrison County, W. Va., September 6, 1832, and remained with his father until he attained his twenty-third year, removing with his parents to Champaign County, Ohio, in 1835, thence to Kalida, Putnam County, where he received his education. Receiving his theological training from his father, he, in 1854, entered the ministry of the United Brethren Church, and in 1856 joined the Auglaize Conference, preaching in different portions of Ohio and Indiana for thirteen years. In 1869, he was called to the Miami Conference, his first work being on the Beavertown Circuit, ninety members being received during the first three years. He next went to Germantown, fifty-eight members being received there, and after filling various other pulpits he was finally called to Beavertown Circuit, where we now find him. During his twenty-three years of ministerial services, he has been instrumental in building nine churches, one of them being called " Holden Chapel" in honor of the founder, and it is one of the finest church buildings in the county, costing $5,000, its graceful spire standing as a monument to his untiring energy. To illustrate his efficiency as a man of deeds we refer to a few of the many things accomplished by him during his labors in the Lord's vineyard. During his two years work at Springboro, on the Utica Mission Circuit, although he found no church organization there, one was soon effected; " Centennial Chapel," built at a cost of $5,000, and seventy-six members received. He has collected for missionary and other purposes $25,727.40, and has received into the church 1,610 members ; he has never missed an appointment on account of ill health, and in an early day he rode on a circuit in Jay, Blackford and Wells Counties, Ind., 150 miles every three weeks, filling seventeen appointments ; surely his has been a grand work. He was married September 30, 1856, to Sarah A. Buxton, second daughter of Singleton Buxton, of Mercer County, Ohio, of which union five children have been born, three of whom are living - Pierson B., William S. and Ella. To every appearance, Mr. Holden is only in the prime of life, and imbued as he is with a spirit of Christian energy, and a love of doing good, his work is sure to be crowned with the diadem of success in this life and the eternal crown of happiness in the next.

ISOM JOHNSON, farmer, P.O. Vandalia, was born, raised and received his education in Montgomery County. Born December 25, 1827, and remained at home on the farm with his parents until seventeen years of age. He then engaged with John Shoup to learn the carpenter trade, which occupation he followed for twelve years. His first purchase in real estate was 160 acres of land in Shelby County; selling this to advantage, he then bought the place where he now resides, 133 acres, all in a fine state of cultivation. The improvements are of the very best. The farm is located one mile north, and one half mile east of Vandalia. In addition to this, he owns 182 acres, the total valuation being about $40,000. When he first commenced business for himself a two-year-old coit was his sole preperty. Here is an example of energy and economy well worthy of imitation by the rising generation of the county. He married Miss Massey, fourth daughter of Isaac Miller, June 5, 1853 ; three children are the result of this union - John H., William A. and Amanda E., the latter now Mrs. William Shoup, all are living near the old homes. Mr. Johnson is looked up to as a man of sound judgment and good business qualifications, is a courteous gentleman and a good citizen.

JOSEPH D. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Yandalia., was born in Butler Township March 30, 1830, and has lived here all his life; remained at home with his father until he attained his majority ; then entered into a contract to work a farm on the shares with his brothers, John, Alexander, Morton and Isom. At the expiration of one year, he bought the farm where he now resides. Owns fifty-nine acres, all under good cultivation, on which stands a good, comfortable house, the whole valued at $5,000. On every hand one can see the evidences of thrift, prosperity and comfort. He was married to M iss Mary Ann Retten, of Bethel Township, Miami County, September 3, 1854. One child was born to them, who died in infancy. Has been a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church for twenty-one years. Has held the office of Supervisor two years, and that of School Director six years, both of which he has filled to the satisfaction of all concerned.

ALEXANDER V. JORDAN, general country store, Yandalia; is one of the leading merchants of that village ; was born at Edenton, Clermont County, Ohio, May 21, 1839, and remained at home with his father until twenty-eight years of age, receiving his education in the public schools. His first purchase was forty-seven acres of land at a cost of $1,700 ; at the expiration of two years, selling to good advantage, he removed to where we now find him, and engaged in the mercantile trade in March, 1868, associating himself with R. L. Coffman; the store invoiced $2,400. This partnership continued for twelve years, when Mr. Coffman retired, leaving the subject of this sketch sole proprietor. Enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-third Ohio National Guard for one hundred days, and served until the expiration of his term of enlistment ; participated in the battles of North River and Green Spring Run, Va., the federal forces losing in killed and wounded twenty per cent of the entire command. His youngest brother, Charles, was captui'ed in the first mentioned engagement, and after passing through all the horrors of Andersonville, he died of starvation Oct. 16, 1864, aged twenty years. Mr. Jordan has held the offices of City Treasurer six years, City Clerk two years, and Treasurer of the school fund three years ; has been a consistent member of the United Brethren Church for eleven years. He married Laura A., second daughter of David Coffman, of West Alexandria, Ohio, December 24, 1867, four children have been born to them, three of whom are living - Charles, Louie M. and Carrie E. We regard Mr. Jordan as a man of good business qualifications, and a courteous gentleman, who commands the respect of his friends and neighbors.

JOHN R. LIMBERT, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, one of the early pioneers of this county, was born December 5, 1811, in Perry County, Penn. His father, Henry, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., about 1786, and was united in marriage with Catharine, daughter of Adam Wagoner; were the parents of thirteen children - John R., Barbara (deceased), Lewis, Henry (deceased), Mary, George, Levi, Adam, Susanna, Elizabeth, Sarah, Peter (deceased), Catharine (deceased). The subject of this memoir received a fair education in the common schools, and learned the wagonmaker's trade with John Garlig, where he served two years, and worked as journeyman four years, when he engaged in business for himself and pursued it successfully for eleven years, when he purchased a saw-mill and ran it in connection with his business for seven years, and then exchanged it for the farm he now resides on, of fifty-one acres, in 1843. It is under a good state of cultivation and well improved. He celebrated his marriage with Regana, daughter of George and Elizabeth Slenker, May 24, 1836, and bad one child who died in infancy. Mrs. Limbert departed this life September 2, 1880. She was a good and noble woman, esteemed by her many friends, and all with whom she associated. Mr. Limbert has never been an aspirant for office, but has been Justice of the Peace and Trustee of the township, thus showing the prominence and confidence he holds in the community in which he lives. He is now sixty-nine years of age, and the most active part of his life is spent. He has left a record and history of success and confidence that future generations would do well to imitate.

MICHAEL C. MILLER, farmer, P. 0. Yandalia, was born at Linglestown, Dauphin County, Penn., March 28, 1829, and removed with his father to Montgomery County, in 1834. In 1847, the family again removed to Preble County, Ohio. He remained on the farm with his parents until 1858, then rented a farm near Germantown ; here he remained five years, and during this time by industry and economy he saved 82,000. With this capital he purchased a farm of eighty-six acres, near New Madison, Darke County. Here he remained another five years. Having an opportunity to sell to good advantage, he disposed of all his possessions and removed to where we now find him. He owns twenty acres in a high state of cultivation, and a fine two-story frame residence graces the grounds. Although Mr. Miller is not an old resident of the county a he is one of its prosperous men. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Hetzler, of Germantown, Ohio, January 14, 1858. He has been a consistent member of the United Brethren Church for eighteen years.

REY. JOHN C. MILLER, minister, Yandalia, born in Union Deposit, Dauphin County, Penn., August 15, 1831. Removed with his father to Montgomery County, November, 1833. After a lapse of fourteen years the family again removed to Preble County, Ohio. Mr. Miller had only the advantages of a common school education, but by hard study, at the age of twenty-nine years, he received an appointment in the ministerial service of the United Brethren Church, to which profession he still adheres, and is now laboring on the Salem Circuit, filling four different appointments, viz.: Salem, Phillipsburg, Brookville and South Arlington. He owns a comfortable residence within the corporate limits of Yandalia. He married Miss Helen Coffman, of Enterprise, Preble County, August 17, 1854. Nine children are the result of his union, seven of whom are living. Lawrence C., the eldest son, is now undergoing a classical course at Otterbein University, preparatory to entering the ministry. Ulysses G., thirteen years of age, is deaf, having lost his hearing by brain fever when only one year old. He is now being educated at the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, at Columbus, Ohio.

JOSEPH MILLER, farmer, P. 0. Tadmor, born April 11, 1844. Remained at home with his parents until twenty-two years of age. His first move was to Miami County, where he rented land and remained one year, and this one year is the total time that he has lived outside of the county where he was born. In 1868, he removed to where we now find him. His first purchase was thirty acres, at a cost of $1,200, which he still owns. He started with literally nothing and to-day, through his own exertions and that of his good wife, he is worth about $4,000. He married Matilda, second daughter of S. S. Wells, February 16, 1868. Two children have been born to them - Laura M. and Harvey C. - both promising children. The biography of both his father and grandfather will be found in this volume, in connection with the life sketch of Isaac Miller.

ISAAC MILLER, farmer, P. O. Tadmor. The man of whom we now write traces his lineage back to the pioneer stock of the State. His father emigrated to Ohio in an early day and settled in this county on 165 acres of Government land, on which he remained until his death, the date of which is unfortunately lost. His remains are buried in the city of Dayton, near where the courthouse now stands. The subject of this sketch was born on the farm where he now resides, March 7, 1828, and has spent his entire life here. It becomes our duty to chronicle a very remarkable fact, that the father and son lived on the same farm for near three-quarters of a century. He borrowed the money to make his first purchase, thirty acres for $840, and through his own exertions is to-day in fair circumstances. He enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 21, 1861, then under command of Col. Granville Moodie, and served until the close of the war. Was engaged in the battle of Stone River and many others. For meritorious services was promoted from the ranks to a First Lieutenant and assigned to the command of Company G, and was honorably discharged July

17. 1865. He married Miss Martha, second daughter of Henry Westerman, January 29, 1851. Three children have been born to them, two of whom are living - Ellen and Lizzie. Henry died June 22, 1867, and lies in Sunderland's Cemetery. The first mentioned is now Mrs. Jacob Ryder, of Preble County, the latter Mrs. John C. Miller, of Harrisburg. He has been a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church for sixteen years, is a gentleman and a good citizen.

JOHN P. NINE, Principal of the Yandalia School, Yandalia, born in Miami County, April 12, 1847; remained at home with his parents until the year 1865 ; received his education at Northwestern University, Evanston, 111., commenced teaching in Union Township in 1865, which occupation he followed until June, 1868, when he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, under the direction of Elder Bennett on Feesburg Circuit. At the expiration of one year the Quarterly Conference granted him a leave of absence, for the purpose of taking a theological course. In 1875, he was admitted into the Cincinnati Conference, and labored one year at Sears street and Ebenezer Churches, Dayton. The following year, he received an appointment to Germantown and Winchester Circuit, but failing health forced him to abandon the calling of his choice. He next engaged to teach in District No. 1, this township; after filling this position three years, he was next chosen Principal of the High School at Vandalia. He married Emma A., youngest daughter of David North, of Yandalia, December 24, 1871 ; four children have been born to them, two of whom are living. Is a member of Vandalia Lodge 657, I. 0. 0. F.

M. V. PATTON, physician and surgeon, Vandalia, was born in the city of Springfield August 31, 1843 ; lost his father when only four years of age, and was taken by Henry Bates, of Wayne Township, to raise and educate. He entered school at Dayton in the year 1861. After completing his studies he removed to Vandalia and com- : menced the study of medicine under the instructions of J. D. Kemp, M. D., and finished his medical education under J. J. Mcllhenny, of Dayton. Commenced the practice of * medicine at Harrisburg, Ohio, 1875, where he remained three years, at the expiration I of which time he established himself where we now find him. He married Annie E., youngest daughter of Jacob Richmond of Daytcn, April 28, 1870 ; one child is the result of this union - Gertrude C. The Doctor has a large and increasing practice, and j! is recognized as a good physician.

JAMES PATTY, retired farmer, P. 0. Little York, is one of the old pioneers and prominent farmers of this township ; he was born March 9, 1812. His father, ( Charles, was a native of South Carolina, born about the year 1788, in what was then j| called the Columbia District. He was united in marriage with Phoebe, daughter of : Enoch and Phoebe Pierson. They came to Ohio and located in Miami County in 1807, and were the parents of nine children, viz. : Mary, Rebecca, Enoch, John, Mark, Will- 1 iam, Phoebe, Ann and James. The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the common schools, and assisted with the farm duties until he married Mary, daughter of James and Margaret Beck, in 1833. He moved to Shelby County in 1835, and remained there until 1839, after which he moved to this township and settled on the j: place where he now resides. It contained 160 acres, but he has since added thirty- J eight acres, situated near the banks of the Stillwater River, making in all 198 acres, of i which 150 are under a good state of cultivation. They are the parents of ten children, viz. : Charles, Nancy, Phoebe, John, George, Martha, Anna, Margaret', Mark and Mary, four of whom are dead.

PERRY N. RANKIN, merchant and Postmaster, Little York, was born near Johnsville, March 14, 1856. He remained at home on the farm until twenty-two years j of age, and received his education in the public schools. His first venture in life was in the above-named business at Frederick, Miami County, where he remained eight1 months, at the expiration of which time he removed this store to where we now find | him; was appointed Postmaster last April ; amount of stock carried $2,000, his falljj purchase will amount to $2,000, and the spring purchase to $1,000. He commenced in mercantile life with $500 ; his yearly sales aggregate about $8,000. He married Miss Anna N., eldest daughter of Frederick Smith, January 1, 1879 ; one child has been born to them - Stella. Mr. Rankin is jet a young man, and his business places him in a position to become one of the leading business men of Montgomery County.

DAVID RYDER, retired farmer, P. 0. Vandalia, was born November 2, 1812. His father, Jacob Ryder, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was united in marriage with Mary Wortce ; she departed this life in 1819. They were the parents of nine children; five of whom are living, viz.: Catharine, Elizabeth, John, Susanna and

David. The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the common schools, and was brought up to farm labor. He came to Ohio with his father, locating in this county, Jefferson Township, in 1828. He married Catharine, daughter of John and Mary Keener, in 1834 ; rented his father's farm the following year, after which he purchased his present place, containing 133 acres, nearly all under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Ryder commenced in life a poor boy, but by hard labor, together with temperate and correct business habits, he has accumulated considerable property, in which he has been nobly assisted by his good and industrious wife, and they are now reaping the reward of their labor. They have been members of the New-School Lutheran Church for upwards of forty years, having a large circle of friends and are highly esteemed by all who know them, being hospitable and kind to all. Mr. Ryder has been School Director for several years. They are the parents of nine children ; of whom seven are living, viz. : Mary, Michael, David, Jacob, John, Henry and Emaline, while two, Nancy and Anna, are dead.

RICHARD SUNDERLAND, farmer, P. 0. Vandalia. The man of whom we write comes of the pioneer stock of this county born in Butler Township, June 28, 1818; he has lived within one-half mile of his birth-place all his life. Educational advantages in his boyhood days were very meager. The schoolhouse in which he received his education was built of round poles, the windows consisted of holes ten inches wide and six to eight feet long, covered with oiled paper, the desks and seats were composed of slabs, and the floor was rough hewn slabs, laid loose on the ground. School was kept not to exceed four months in the year, and was supported by subscription, no school fund then being in existence. Mr. Sunderland remained on the farm where he was born until he became of age, then rented eighty acres on which he remained until 1866, when he bought thirty acres at a cost of 81,000, and has kept adding thereto year after year, until, at this date, we find him possessed of 300 acres, all under good state of cultivation. In 1879, he erected a large and commodious brick dwelling at a cost of $3,000. He was married to Miss Elanor Reed, March 25, 1839 ; three children were born to them, two of whom are still living, the oldest daughter, now being Mrs. Elwood Purnace, of Story County, Iowa. Mrs. Sunderland departed this life in 1855, when he was again married to Miss Nancy Wells, of Montgomery County, March 13, 1856 ; eight children bless this union ; six are living, the two oldest being twin girls. Mr. Sunderland is still vigorous and apparently only in his prime. Has held the office of Township Trustee fifteen years ; has been a consistent member of the United Brethren Church for twenty years, and is now serving a ten years' term as Land Appraiser. His judgment and business qualifications are very good, and as a man and neighbor he ranks with any in his township.

JAMES SUNDERLAND, farmer, P. O. Vandalia. Among the many enterterprising farmers of this county the name of James Sunderland occupies a prominent place. He is descended from pioneer stock of the county and traces his lineage back to the days of "ye olden time." Was born on the farm where we now find him, August 31, 1823, and it is a remarkable fact that Mr. S. has spent his entire life on this farm. At the age of twenty-one years he began life by working this (his father's) farm on the shares, which he continued to follow until the year 1866. By industry and economy he was by this time enabled to purchase thirty acres, for which he paid $1,000. Fortune smiled upon him, and as year after year passed by, acre after acre was added to the first purchase, until now 518 acres constitute the homestead. In 1877, Mr. Sunderland erected a fine residence, which is in keeping with the rapid advancement of the county. This is one of the model farms of the county, and is valued at $26,000. His educational advantages were the same as those of his brother Richard, whose biography will be found in this volume. This gentleman, we look upon as a very fair sample of the self-made men of our times. He was married to Miss Mary Wells, April 18, 1844; eight children have been born to them, two of whom are still living, Matilda J. and Della A. ; both are married and live on the home farm. Mr. Sunderland has never sought any office whatever, but has lived a quiet, retired life, 'and the historian deems it but just to spread his sketch upon the pages of history as one of the worthy men of Montgomery County.

PETER TENNEY deceased, a native of New Jersey, born September 12, 1808 ; he emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 1811, and settled in this county; his mother died the same year the family arrived in Ohio, and Peter was taken to be educated by a widow lady, Mrs. Lowery. With this lady he remained fifteen years, when he returned to his father, who, in the meantime, had removed to Clark County ; he remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age. He married Miss Nanev, third daughter of George Drummond, May 27, 1830. Twelve children have been bora to them, eleven of whom are living. Elizabeth, the eldest daughter, died February 9, 1870 ; the remains lie in what is now known as the Fenner Cemetery. Mr. Tenny was one of the pioneers of this county, and was well known all over Northern and Central Ohio. He departed this life June 9, 1880. His remains are buried in Maple Grove Cemetery. His widow still lives on the farm two and a half miles north of Yandalia, on the Springfield and Union gravel road. She is very vigorous for one of her age, j and to judge from appearances only in the prime of life. She was born near Fairfield, Clark County, August 9, 1810, and has been a consistent member of the Christian Church for eighteen years. By request of Mrs. Tenney, we locate all the children as follows: George Tenney, Peabody, Kansas, grain and coal dealer; John C. Tenney, Sheridan, Neb., farmer; Franklin Tenney, Sheridan, Neb., agricultural implement dealer ; Mrs. Sarah Saunders, Casstown, Ohio ; Mrs. Margaret Addleman, Athens, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Townsley, Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. Rosanna O'Neil, Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. Nancy Ketcham, Springfield, Ohio ; Mrs. Calista Oaks, Butler Township ; William Tenney, Milton, Ohio ; Mrs. Esther Kerr, Tippecanoe City, Ohio. Twenty-six grandchildren are living, and the aggregate age of this family is over 800 years.

HARRISON WAYMIRE, farmer, P. O. Yandalia. Daniel Way mire, the great grandfather of our subject, was born in North Carolina; came to Ohio and settled in the southern part of this township at an early date. He was united in marriage with Sophia, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Plummer about 1796. They were the parents of thirteen children ; those living are Davis, Daniel, John, Catharine, Elizabeth, Henry, Sarah, Rosanna, Isabel. Davis, the grandfather, was born February 8, 1802. He was brought up to farm labor, and assisted his father until his marriage with Mary, i daughter of Joseph and Margaret Pierson in 1831, and moved to the place where he now resides, which he had bought two years before his marriage. He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in 1832, which position he filled with credit and houor for over forty years. They are the parents of three children - John C., George C. and Austin. He was the owner at one time of over 400 acres of land, and as his lj children arrived at their majority he gave them each a farm, reserving 103 acres to keep himself comfortably in his declining years. John C., the father of our subject, was born November 9, 1832 ; married Mary, daughter of John S. and Margaret Anderson, jj June 1, 1850. John C. united with the Christian Church in 1855, and was an earnest laborer and consistent Christian, as well as a kind and indulgent father and husband until his decease in 1875, which threw all the responsibilities of the farm on Harrison.

He received a common school education, and assisted with the farm labor until his father's death. He celebrated his marriage March 11, 1875, with Bell, daughter of Henry and Mary Kline. They are the parents of two children - Alta May and Lena j Grace. He has 103 acres, nearly all in a high state of cultivation and handsomely S improved. Mr. Way mire is a good financier, long headed, and a man of untiring 'j industry, religiously honest, conscientious and just. He has as large and commodious ' a farm house as any one in the township.

Waymire was a native of North Carolina, and was born in 1776. On his arrival in Ohio, he located with his father in this township. He celebrated his marriage with Sophia, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Plummer, in 1796. They were the parents of thirteen children ; the living ones are Davis, born February 8, 1802 ; Daniel, April 26, 1806; John, August 31, 1808; Catharine, March 5, 1811; Elizabeth, July 14, 1812; Henry, July 6, 1816; Sarah, June 8, 1818; Rosanna, October 19, 1821; Isabell, May 27, 1824. Henry received an ordinary education, for those days, as the number of schoolhouses was limited and far between, going to school in the winter and assisting with the farm duties in the summer. His father died in 1825, and on his arrival at the age of twenty-one, became owner of the homestead, which contained 160 acres, since which he has added, by hard labor and industry, 181 acres on Section 13, sixty-five on Section 18, fourteen on Section 7, 103 on Section 12, nearly all of which are under a good state of cultivation. He has been elected to the township offices for thirty-five years, and is also Notary Public. He was married to Malinda, daughter of Sylvaniis and Elizabeth Swallow, in 1837. They were the parents of three children, viz. : Mary A., Davis and Augustus. In 1840, his wife passed into the dark valley of death, beloved by all who knew her. His children being young and needing a mother's care, he sought the hand of Hannah, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Pierson, and was married in the fall of 1840. They have had by this union two children, viz. : Eli R. and Oliver P. Mr. Waymire is one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of the county, and his family are noted for generous hospitality.

DANIEL W. WAYMIRE, farmer, P. O- Iamton, was born in Butler Township, August 21, 1839. His father, John, was born in this township in 1808, and was united in marriage with Margaret Coble, of this county. They were the parents of four children, viz. : Isaac C., Sarah, Hamilton and Daniel W. The subject of this memoir obtained his education in the district schools, and was brought up to farm labor. He lived with his parents until 1860, after which time he farmed his father's place on shares until his marriage with Amanda, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Miller, in 1863. He has been identified with the township offices. They are members of the Christian Church, and have been earnest laborers and consistant Christians. They are the parents of three children, viz. : Welby L., Eva A. and Carrie O.

CHRISTOPHER C. WEISENBORN, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, was born in Prussia, December 17, 1820. He emigrated to America and settled in Dayton, Ohio, in 1844, where he remained but a short time, when he rented 106 acres in Butler Township and cultivated it until 1852, when it was purchased by him. Christopher obtained his education in the schools of Prussia, which was a very ordinary one. He has since added to his farm, by hard