Claridon Township (part 3 of 6)

Pennsylvania May 17, 1786, and died June 28, 1870. She was born in the name State January 26, 1789, and died in 1865. Solomon P., having acquired a fair education, became an industrious and well-to-do farmer. He married Miss Jane M. Parcels July 4, 1850. and six children were born to them, five living - John W., born September 12, 1852; Andrew O, November 15, 1853; Addie E., February 2, 1856, wife of Thomas L. Miller; Eva L., February 7, 1858, wife of Hiram Hart; and Thomas J., August 16, 1862. Mr. Pittman was a member of the F. & A. M., of the I. O. O. F., and had been Treasurer of the township one term. He died January 20, 1874. John and Ann Pittman were the parents of eleven children, eight surviving - Mary, Andrew, Lydia, John, Rachel, Solomon, Clark and Caro line. Elias, William and Sarah are deceased. Mrs. Pittman is a member of the Universalist Church.

CHRISTIAN POMMERT, boot and shoe merchant, is the son of Fred erick and Elizabeth (Huffman) Porurnert, born in Germany March 9, 1830. His parents di«d when he was but ten years of age. Having learned the shoemaker's trade, he sailed for America in 1851, stopping in Sandusky City, working at his trade. In 1853, he came to Caledonia, and established the first boot and shoe store in the village. He is one of the oldest business men in the place; he has the largest and leading store of the kind in the town; carries a stock of about $3,000, and does an extensive business. He was first married to Elizabeth Gartner, and four children were born to them - Catherine, Elizabeth, George P. and Annie. His wife died in 1861, and he again married, in the following year, Mary L. Haney, and six children have crowned this union, five living - John, Louisa, Ella, Charles W. and Mary A Caroline died in January of 1866. This wife also died, March 12, 1876. His third marriage was to Henrietta Hart, a daughter of George Hart, June 22, 1882. Mr. Pommert has plied his business with energy, and has to-day good town property and a farm of seventy -four acres of valuable land. He has been a member of the Town Council, was a soldier in the German Army (serving six months), is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically speaking is a Democrat.

HENRY RAMER, miller, was born in York County, Penn., December 31, 1827, the son of John and Elizabeth (Sellers) Ramer. John Ramer was born in the same county May 4, 1803, and his wife June 10, 1806. They were the parents of five children, all surviving save Maria, who died in 1883. The living are Henry, Harriet and Leah (twins) and John. The father died February 5, 1832, and the mother January 11, 1882. Mr. Ramer married, April 27, 1848, Sarah A. Patterson, daughter of James Patterson, a resident of Pennsylvania. They have had eight children, four living - Elizabeth, wife of G. W. Lowe; Belle, wife of F. W. Brooke; Winfield S. and Rebecca L. When Mr. Ramer was in his eighteenth year, he commenced to serve an apprenticeship as a miller, at Carroll County, Md., which occupation he has almost constantly followed. He came from Galion, Ohio, to Caledonia August 4, 1875, where he continues to reside. He is an employe of Messrs. Lee & Hipsher. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., to the F. &. A. M., to the Republican party, and, with his wife, to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WINFIELD S. RAMER, teacher, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, May '_!(), 1861, the son of the preceding. Mr. R. acquired a good education, finishing at the Caledonia Schools. He engaged in teaching in his eighteenth year, which occupation he still follows. At present he has charge of the A Grammar Department of the Caledonia Schools. He was married, January 1, 1881, to Mis^ Libbie Smith, whose father died at Fortress Monroe in 1864. The name of their one child is Earle, born July 7, 1882. He is Financial Recorder of the Prudential Order of America.

PROF. LEWIS RANCK, Superintendent of the Caledonia Schools, was burn in Franklin County, Ohio, December 8, 1842, the son of Samuel and Eliza (Fessler) Ranck. They were married, January 16, 1833, in Pennsylvania, their native State, coming to Ohio the same year, and locating one year later in the above county. He first purchased 140 acres of wild land, which he has since improved, and resided upon nearly fifty years. Their union was blessed with the birth of eight children, six living - Charles, Mahala, Enos. Lewis, Hester A. and Jefferson B. Catharine and George B. are deceased. Prof. Ranck obtained only the rudiments of an education upon the farm, but having obtained his majority he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, and completed the classical course in 1872. Since graduating, he has been engaged in teaching school in this State. He was married, August 15, 1871, to Miss Dora Hutches, and the names of their four children are Stella F., Earl E., Etta R. and Nathan H Prof. Ranck assumed charge of the Caledonia Schools September 11, 1882. He is Trustee and the Supreme Conductor of the P. O. of A., and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

E. MELVIN RICE, of the firm of Woodbridge & Rice, .proprietors of a saw mill, is a son of Elias and Priscilla (Brown) Rice, born in Morrow County, Ohio, March 15, 1860. His parents are still residing in the above county. Having received au ordinary education in the common schools, he married, November 28, 1882, Miss Mary A. Smith, a daughter of Charles Smith. Her parents were natives of Germany, but came to America about 1865, stopping at Hartford, Conn., a few years, but settling permanently at Caledonia. Mr. E. M. Rice is an industrious young man. He first engaged in the saw mill business in 1875, with a firm known as Pitus, Wood bridge & Co. They conducted a profitable business for five years, when Mr. Woodbridge died. In 1880, Mrs. Woodbridge and Mr. Rice purchased the entire mill interest, since which time they have been driving a good trade. Mr. R. is a member of the K. of P., of the Democratic party, and. with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE C. RINKER, of the firm of Rinker & Bush, is a native of Konigreich, Wirtenberg, Germany, born February 12, 1828, the son of George D. and Margaret (Krause) Rinker. The father died there in 1855, aged sixty-five years, and the mother continues to reside there, at the advanced age of ninety years. In his fourteenth year, Mr. Rinker went into the cabinet-making business, serving an apprenticeship of three years. In 1853, he sailed for America, working at his trade in New York City, on Franklin street. He then came to Bucyrus, Ohio, where he worked at his trade two years; he then moved to Caledonia and opened a shop. He was the first practical undertaker in the place, and has supplied the entire de mand since his residence. In the spring of 1860, he married Sophia De Rush, daughter of David De Rush. They have had thirteen children - Mary (wife of Fred Bush), Emily, Nellie, Frank, Ada and Ida (twins), John, Clara, Charley, Ella, Lewis, Wesley and Leslie (twins). In 1872. he moved to his farm, one-fourth of a mile west of Caledonia, consisting f 118 acres, having also eighty acres located four miles west of the town. He raises live-stock. In 1880, he built a two-story brick house, at a cost of $2,500. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and, with his family, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. fi

THOMAS W. ROBERTS, hardware merchant, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, June 28, 1818, the son of John and Elizabeth (Olmsted) Roberts, natives of Vermont. They came to the above county in 1817 (a very early day), and were the parents of eight children, three living - Thomas W., Cynthia and Jane; the deceased were Charles S., Mary, Russell B., William F. and Harlow. These parents are both dead, the father dying July 5, 1835. Thomas AY., having obtained a fair education, went South, and spent two years upon the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers as Assistant Engineer. In due time, he was promoted to the position of First Engineer, remaining in that capacity twenty years. He then became owner and Captain of the steamer J. T. Doswell. He also had an interest in several boats for five years. In 1864, he abandoned the river, came to Marion County and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1876, when he moved to Caledonia, buying an interest in a flouring mill for two years. In 1881, he engaged with his son in his present business - the firm being known as T. W. Roberts & Son. He married, August 16, 1851, Anna C. Boardman, and one heir was born to them - Russell W. This wife died October 13, 1853. He again married, August 2, 1855, Priscilla Miles, a daughter of Jonathan and Ruth (Adamson n(§e Johnson) Miles, and ten children crowned this union, seven surviving. Mr. Roberts is a member of the Democratic party, of the F. & A. M. , and, with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

THOMAS- M. SECKEL was born in the City of Philadelphia, Penn., August 21, 1834, the son of John C. and Mary A. (Mears) Seckel, who came to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1836, locating near Winchester. In 1844, they moved to this county, the father dying October 13, 1868, and the mother October 13, 1881. Our subject, having acquired a limited education, made his father's home his place of abode until his marriage, which took place April 9, 1863, to Miss Phoebe Russell, a daughter of Elijah and Sarah (Cook) Russell, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They were joined in marriage, at a very early day, in Marion County, and resided here many years. He was well known, and owned a farm of 290 acres. The father died in 1872, and the mother August 5, 1880, in her seventy-fifth year. Thomas and Phoebe Seckel are the parents of six children - George A., born January 12, 1864; Charlotte E., January 12, 1866j John O, November 4, 1867; Navada E., December 30, 1869; Estella L. July 23, 1872; and Austin M. , January 13, 1874. Our subject resides upon a farm of 120 acres, valued at $60 per acre. He is an industrious citizen and a member of the Democratic party.

WASHINGTON SECKEL was born in Crawford County, Ohio (formerly Marion County), July 13, 1839, the son of John C. and Mary (Mears) Seckel, of German and English ancestry respectively. They were married, in Pennsylvania; came to Crawford County about 1835, and to Marion County in 1843-44, where they resided until death. They were the parents of seven children, three living - Thomas M., Washington and David. The deceased are Catherine, John, Elizabeth and Columbus. The father died October 13. 1868, and the mother October 13, 1880. Mr. W. Seckel, obtaining a liberal education, continued with his father until he was married, which event occurred September 17, 1868, to Sophia Corwin, a daughter of Stephen and Margaret (Crawford) Corwin. He was born in Washington County. Penn., May 11. L813, and she was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, June 25. 1812, and died February 18, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Seckel had a family of seven children, six surviving - Emory E., born September 22, L869; James O., January 22, L871; Mertie A., April 26, 1872; Maggie, No- vember 17, 1875; Santford, July 8. 1877, and Joseph M., October 22, 1880. An infant daughter is dead. Their mother was born November 4, 1846. Mr. S. is the owner of seventy-nine acres of valuable land, worth $75 per acre. He is an industrious farmer, and politically a Democrat.

DAVID SHEWEY, son of Michael and Barabara A. (Parks) Shewey, is a native of Pennsylvania, born January 25, 1801. His parents were of German and "Welsh extraction. He was brought by bis people to Fairfield Count)', Ohio, in 1803, where they remained among the first settlers of that county until 1816, when they went to Richland County, living there some twenty-five years. Mr. Shewey died at Belleville, Ohio, aged seventytwo years, in 1842, and Mrs. S. about ten years before, aged about sixty years. David Shewey and Miss Barbara Stout were married April 18, 1824, and eleven children were born to them. The living are Elizabeth, Michael, Caroline, Jacob, George and Martha. His wife died August 29, 1861. Mr. Shewey is an old pioneer, the owner of sixty- seven acres of good land, and politically he is a Republican.

DAVID SMITH, second son of Samuel and Mary G. (McWilliams) Smith, was born in "Waldo Township January 28, 1845 ; obtaining a good practical education, he wedded, February 20, 1868, Catherine E. Livingston, a daughter of Matthias and Elizabeth (Eshelman) Livingston, descendants of old England, and both now deceased - Mrs. L., about 1853, aged fortyone years, and Mr. L. several years prior. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of five children - Mary E. , born March 25, 1869: Francis M., October 29, 1870; Ella R., September 11, 1872; Samuel D., Januarv 4, 1875; and Harry W. L., March 16, 1878. Mr. Smith has a farm of 106 acres, well drained and fenced. As a citizen, he is respected; as a Democrat, true; as a Granger, constant; and as a Christian, faithful to the Free-Will Baptist Church, to which Mrs. S. also belongs.

JAMES SMITH is a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born July 1, 1832, the son of Joseph and Nancy (Martin) Smith, natives of Virginia, and of German and Scotch extraction respectively. They were married in their native State, coming to Ohio and the above county about 1815, where they both died; the father in 1836, aged about forty years; the mother in 1877, in her seventy-seventh year; five of their seven children survive - Sarah, wife of Benjamin Reed, of Nebraska; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Howser; Joseph, James, and Ann, wife of John Hifle, of Harrison County. Luther and John are dead. Mr. James Smith lived with Jacob Howser, from his tenth year until he wedded, February 10, 1856, Miss Louisa Martin, born March 15, 1838. Their children were Lillie E., born February 11, 1858; Francis D., January 11, 1861, and LoringO, January 15, 1868. Mrs. Smith passed away in April, 1879. Mr. Smith is a respectable citizen, having served the township as Trustee three years. He is a Republican and an active member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

JOHN J. SMITH is the son of William aud Eliza (Miller) Smith, natives of the British Isle, the former born in Yorkshire, 1799, the latter in Lincolnshire in May, 1811; while young, they emigrated to America, and were married in Canada. After residing there about three years. Mr. Smith died, aged thirty- eight years. Some time later. Mrs. Smith came to the States, stopping one year in Huron County, Ohio; thence settling permanently in Claridon Township, residing still with John J. , our subject, now aged seventytwo years. Her other two children are James J., and Alice, wife of Monroe J. Simons, of Fredericktown, Knox County, Ohio. John J. Smith was reared and educated by Josiah Boyce, of Marion, who^e schools he attended.

He served ten months in the late war, enlisting in Company I, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at Nashville, Temi., in August, 1863; April 7, 1864, his wedding with Rebecca Geyer was celebrated. She is the daughter of Andrew and Cassander (Linder) Geyer, of German and Welsh extraction respectively. The fruits of this union are five children, three living - Elenora A., Ada A, and Marion J. W. The deceased were William and Josiah. Mr. Smith owns 110 acres of good land, valued at $05 per acre; commands the respect of his neighbors, and politically is Independent.

SAMUEL SMITH, son of David and Catherine (Willey) Smith, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, February 17, 1821. His father was a native of Connecticut, and of English stock; his mother, a native of Washington County, Penn., but of German extraction. They came to Fairfield County, Ohio, a short time, but pushed into the Northern part of Delaware County about 1818, and became residents of Marion County for about fifty years. His decease occurred September 28, 1870. His wife survived him until October of 1882. Samuel attended the common school, more or less, until his twentv-first year, living with his parents and Henry Willey, mastering in the meantime tbe cabinet-maker's trade, under the guidance of William Manser. He followed this occupation successfully twenty-seven years. October 16, 1842, occurred his union with Miss Mary McWilliams, born August 22, 1821, a daughter of Samuel and Francis (Martin) McWilliams. Two children have been born to them - Noah W. (born August 7, 1843) and David (born January 28, 1845). Mr. Smith's farm comprises 200 acres, which is excellent in quality and worth $100 per acre. He inherited a very limited property, but has a flattering prospect at present. He is a Democrat and a good citizeu. He contributes to the Free- Will Baptist Church and for all charitable purposes.

WILLIAM J. SMITH is a native of Ross County, Ohio, born July 30, 1828, the son of Jefferson and Catherine (Hines) Smith, of German blood, but natives of Virginia and Ohio. They were married in the above county in 1827, and removed in 1834 to what is at present Morrow County. Mr. Smith, born March 5, 1807, died in Tully Township May 2, 1883; Mrs. Smith, born in July, 1811, died March 9, 1869. They were the parents of eleven children - Ellen and Jefferson (deceased); the survivors are William J.. Ann, Harriet, Martha E., Jacob O, John N. , Nancy J., Jeremiah and Mary C. Mr. Smith, the subject of this memoir, educated himself thoroughly in the common schools, and taught ten terms, fanning summers. He continued at home until wedded, August 23, 1849, to Nancy H. McCluer, born May 28, 1828, a daughter of Hugh and Hannah (Pettenger) McCluer, natives of Ohio, and of German and Irish ancestry. Eight children have boen born to them, six surviving - Alfred M., born October 9, 1850; George W\, October 11, 1854; Elmore C, October 2. 1853; Hugh E., May 30, 1861; Jefferson L., August IS. 1863; and William M., September 19, 1869; James P., born August 15, 1852, died May 30, 1854; Hannah C. , born June 3, 1857, died July 7, 1857. Mr. Smith has a farm of 160 acres of desirable land, valued at $75 per acre, which he cultivates with much care. He has resided on this place over thirty years, and rears graded stock. Mr. Smith enlisted in his country's defense September 9, 1864, in Company K, One Hundred and Seventy- fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and fought at Overall's Creek, the Cedars, and in various skirmishes. His honorable discharge dates "Fairfax Seminary, Va., June 26, 1865." Jefferson M. Smith, his brother, enlisted in October, 1861, to serve three years; he was overtaken by sickness, and he died at Stanford, Ky. , February 13, 1862, aged seventeen years. He was a member of Company C, Sixty- fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Another brother, Jacob C., entered the same company and regiment, and participated in many hard-fought battles, including the Atlanta campaign: was discharged after a service of three years, December 14, 1864. John N., a third brother, served the same time in Company C, Eighty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volun teer Infantry. Mr. Smith is a much respected citizen, having been Trustee of the Township six years, and its Assessor one year. He is a Re publican in politics, a temperance man, and a liberal contributor to the churches and to all charitable objects.

JOHN W. THEW. Mr. Thew's father, John H. Thew, was a native of Lincolnshire, England, born in January, 1814. His mother, Jane (Hunt) Thew, was born in the same country January 13, 1826. The former came to the United States in 1824, with his parents, Richard and Ann Thew, and married, July 7. 1842, Miss Margaret Bolton, of English descent. Their only son, William, born March 16, 1844, having enlisted November 6, 1861, in Company B, Sixty- fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died in the hospital at Evansville, Ind., May 23, 1862. Their only daughter, Martha Ann E., born July 3, 1846, survives. Their mother's decease occurred November 14, ]819. Mr. Thew married again November 19, 1850, Miss Jane Hunt, rive of whose children are living - Mary E., born November 7, 1851: John W. (our subject), born in Claridon Township, October 29, 1853: Joseph B., June 25, 1857; Elizabeth J., March 18, 1862, and Jessie P., March 18, 1867. Henry P. was born October 18, 1859, and died August 7, 1864. John H. Thew, the father of John W., after coming to America, made his home with his uncle, William Thew, lately deceased, until he married. He then engaged in farming, purchasing land. He was a prominent Odd Fellow, having passed all tbe chairs, and a class leader for a number of years in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died June 23, 1873, and his wife February 17, 1883. John W. Thew gathered a practical education from the common schools, and when nineteen was left in charge of the farm, which he still retains. He married, November 12, 1876, Ruth A. Roberts, a daughter of T. W. and Priscilla (Miles) Roberts, who died July 16, 1880. March 15, 1883, he was again united in marriage to Miss Mata E. Barga, whose parents were natives of Ohio, and of German ancestry. John W. resided the first three years of his married life, upon Thomas W. Roberts' farm, but, since the death of his former wife, has occupied the old homestead. He is an enterprising and an energetic farmer; he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, is identified with the I. O. O. F. , and with his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

RICHARD THEW, hardware merchant, is a native of this county, born October 22, 1846; the son of William P. and Susan (Davis) Thew, natives of England and Virginia respectively. Having acquired a limited education, he remained upon the old homestead until his twenty-sixth year, when he engaged with the Ashland Machine Company as traveling agent, continuing one year. He then settled permanently in Caledonia, purchasing a half interest in the hardware store of J. F. Apt. They did business under the name of Apt & Thew for two years, when they disposed of their hardware stock and located at Lorain. Ohio, engaging in the lumber and hardware trade (successfully) four years. Mr. Thew then retired from the firm on account of failing health. After remaining inactive a few months, be, with J. V. Hairison. repurchased the old hardware stock previously sold to Camp- bell & Ilice, and continued one year, when Mr. Harrison retired. Mr. TheW has been sole proprietor since 1870, and has built up a prosperous and profitable trade. H<> handles the Buckeye Binder, selling forty in the season of 1882. He is also a partner in the manufacture of the Boughton Buggy Spring, which bids fair to prove a success. Mr. Thew was married, October 14. 1875, to Miss Sarah P. Lawrence, a daughter of Rev. Richard and Sarah (Wilson) Lavvrence, residents of Claridon Township. Her father is a native of Lincolnshire, England, and came to America about thirty-five years ago. Mr. and Mrs. T. have two children, Edna L., born April 3, 1876, and Susan P., born May 5, 1878. Mr. Thew has accumulated a handsome amount of property, having a fine frame residence on Main street, and he is active in all the enterprises of the village. He is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM THEW, for many years a prominent citizen of Claridon Township, was born near Alford, Lincolnshire, England, April 1, 1791. During the contest between England and France, under the Generalship of Napoleon Bonaparte and Lord Wellington, Mr. Thew enlisted in the service of his country, and received a Lieutenant's commission, signed by the King. His old uniform is now in possession of Mr. Henry Thew. He emigrated to the United States in 1822, and after staying one year in New Jersey with a friend, started on foot to look for a home in the wilds of Ohio. While he was journeying over the mountains, he fell sick, and when in that condition, an attempt was made to rob him of what little money he had. This, he often said was the only time he wished himself home again. In the meantime, his friend secured work in the neighborhood, while Mr. Thew was recovering his health. Then they again traveled westward, until they arrived in Marion County, where he entered land, upon which he afterward made his home, and where he died. After entering this land, he returned to New York, walking the whole distance, where by agreement he soon met his brother Richard, with a considerable family from England; the whole company then started West, halting at Plymouth, Richland Co., Ohio, where they bought land and settled down. While living here, he was married to Elizabeth Woodhouse, April 14, 1825, an amiable lady, with whom he lived until her death, which occurred August 3, 18(35. In the fall of 1825, he with his wife moved to their new homo in Marion County, he having previously built a log cabin, which they occupied for a number of years. At this time there was Dot another inclosure between his cabin and Marion. His cabin was frequently a lodging place for the Iudians, with whom he was a great favorite. He was often heard to remark that here in this log cabin the happiest days of his life were spent. For many years after his settlement in Claridon Township, the country for miles around was uninclosed, affording a wide and rich range for cattle; of this he availed himself very successfully, owning many cattle. About 1844, the plains were mostly inclosed. In 1837, Mr. Thew made a visit to England, remaining there fifteen months, and on his return brought back with him his aged mother and a maiden sister, who shared his home until their death. Mr. Thew was a man of high-toned moral character, of fine executive ability, and in the early part of his life filled several positions of public trust. His early religious training was in the Episcopal Church of England, but after settling in this county he, in 1834, united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he remained a faithful member and a valued counselor in its affairs until his death. He was a cheerful and liberal contributor in support of the church. His religious experience was full and rich, his Christian life a noble one. His early associations in the church were with such men as Rev. Uriah Heath, J. G. Bruce, John H. Powers, John Quigley, Henry Whiteman, H. Pilcher, R. Lawrence, and many others, who always found a hearty welcome at his house. Mr. Thew and his wife were not blessed with any children of their own, but they always had a large family, which they took pleasure in caring and providing for - principally nephews and nieces. They were generous to the poor and needy, and they will be preserved in affectionate remembrance by many who were recipients of their generosity, long years after they will have moldered to dust. Mr. Thew died at his home in Claridon Township July 29, 1883. He was very successful in the temporal affairs of life, and left an estate worth $75,000. As a representative honored citizen of Marion County, we give the portrait of Mr. Thew in this work.

WILLIAM P. THEW, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lincolnshire, England, September 1, 1812. His parents, Richard and Ann (Bothamly) Thew. were both natives of England, the former of Salsby, Lincolnshire, and the latter of Boston. Mr. Thew was born May 3, 1789, and Mrs. Thew in 1788. They crossed the ocean with their children in 1824, landing at the port of New York. They first settled in Plymouth Township, Richland Co., Ohio, where Mr. Thew entered 160 acres of land; on this they resided until 1831. They were the parents of ten children, of whom the following are living: William P., Henry, Martha (wife of Obadiah Miller). Parkinson B. (of Marion) and Jessey (residing at Farmer City, 111.) ; the deceased are John H., Joseph, Elizabeth (wife of Robert Douce) and two others, deceased in infancy before immigrating to the United States. These pioneers died only a few years after their immigration; Mrs. Thew died first, her death occurring January 3, 1828; Mr. Thew died in 1832. Mr. Thew, the subject of this notice, was a boy of twelve years when his parents crossed the ocean. He obtained most of his education in his native land; here his advantages were limited. He resided with his father until the latter's death, and in 1834 came to Marion County. He entered the forests of Claridon Township as a pioneer, and purchased a farm, which he increased by subsequent additions until it now contains 262 acres of valuable land; this farm he cleared mostly from its original state, and all its excellent improvements are the fruits of Mr. Thew's unremitting labor. The forests that covered the land of this township in 1831 have since disappeared before the hand of the pioneer settlers, of whom Mr. Thew is one of the remaining few; he has borne his part in the leading enter prises and improvements of the township as well as in the labors and hardships of the pioneer past. A public-spirited man, he contributed liberally of his means to the enterprises that are intended to enrich the community. He is a thorough and successful farmer, and has by his industry, perseverance and economy acquired a reasonable competence. He served his township as Trustee many years, and as Treasurer one year. Politically, he is a Republican, and always takes a deep interest in the success of that party. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been prominently identified for a great many years; he served as Recording Steward twenty-five years, and as Class-leader for a long period; he is one of the principal membei's and supporters of the church, and to all benevolent objects he is a liberal giver. He was married in Claridon Township, October 3, 1839, to Miss Susan Davis, a daughter of Zephaniah and Mary (Irey) Davis. They have had six children, viz., Ann, born June 16, 1840, wife of James L. Bell, of Marion: Emeline, born March 18,

1842, wife of Washington Harris, of Morrow County; Sarah E., born October 10, 1844, wife of Jefferson Harris; Richard, born October 22, 1846, hardware merchant at Caledonia; Ida, born August 16, 1849, wife of James K. P. Weber; and Susan, born January 23, 1852, died September 10, 1852. Mrs. Thew departed this life August 9, 1852. Mr. Thew was again married, January 1, 1854, to Mrs. Charlotte (Cherry) Washburne, and their children are William \Y., born January 18, 1855, and married Zella Taggart August 1. 1883; and Lottie S., born April 29, I860, wife of Joseph A. Fields. As a representative pioneer citizen of Claridon Township, we present the portrait of Mr. Thew in this work.

DAVID ULSH, ninth son of George and Catherine (Bunn) Dish, was born on the old homestead in Claridon Township, February 4, 1845. The common school gave him a fair practical education, and he remained at home till his marriage. This took place December 31, 1879, to Miss Lu Thomas, a daughter of Frank and Caroline Thomas. Their one child died when eighteen months of age. Mr. Ulsh has always been a farmer, and is devoting con siderable attention at present to the rearing of tine stock. He owns 157 acres of desirable land joining the old homestead, worth $80 per acre. He has amassed a little fortune, and is a Democrat politically.

GEORGE TJLSH, son of Christopher and Lydia A. (Barns) Ulsh, was born in Perry County, Perm., May 15, 1797. His parents were natives of the same State, of German and Irish ancestry respectively. He obtained such an education as those very primitive days afforded, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-seven. In the fall of 1824, at Liverpool, Penn., he married Catherine Bunn, a daughter of John and Catherine Bunn, also of German ancestry, and natives of the same State. These people came to Seneca County, Ohio, about 1833, residing there until death. The above union has been blessed with the birth of eleven children, nine of whom are living - Samuel, born August 6, 1825; Levi, February 6, 1827; John, January 6. 1829; Lydia A., June 22, 1830: Catherine. August 29, 1832; Eliza J., March 4, 1836; Harrison, May 1, 1838; Henry, September 12, 1843; and David, February 4, 1845. Joseph was born January 1, 1834, and died in his third year; an infant son died unnamed. Mr. Ulsh removed to Ohio in 1830 settling in Marion County, purchasing 700 acres of land in Claridon Township (260 acres being the old homestead). He paid for the homestead I11.37J per acre, which is worth $90 per acre. This belongs to Henry Ulsh at present, the father having distributed his property among his children. Mr. Ulsh has been a resident in the county over half a century, and is an honored citizen. In his prime, he was extensively engaged in farming, but at present he is making his home with his son, Henry, and daughter, Eliza. He is in his eighty-sixth year, and well preserved in body and mind. His wife was born July 11, 1800, and died June 6, 1878. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in political views a Democrat.

HARRISON ULSH, fourth son of George and Catherine (Bunn) Ulsh, was born at the homestead May 6, 1845. He obtained his education in the common school prior to his nineteenth year. At that age he began life for himself, without other means. October 27, 1865, he was united in marriage to Mary Richey, and one son was born to them - George F. Mrs. Ulsh died March 1, 1867. Mr. Ulsh is the owner of 246 acres of arable land, kept in a high state of cultivation. He makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs and short-horn cattle. He is a prominent farmer, and has acquired by his labor an enviable property. His residence was erected at a cost of $5,000. He sells annually about $800 worth of wheat, $1,100 of cattle, and from

JOHN ULSH, the third son of George and Catherine (Bunn) Ulsh, was born in Perry County, Penn., February 15, 1830. In 1834, he came with his parents to Marion County. He received a limited education, and lived with his parents until he was thirty-three years of age. He has a farm of 487 acres, valued at $100 per acre. It is finely improved and drained, having a three-mile open ditch, and 1,700 rods of tile. He is one of the leading farmers of the county, and owns one of the most valuable farms in his township. He has also 320 acres of tine land in Richardson County, Neb. , valued at $40 per acre. He estimates his'property at $50,000. He is unmarried, and a social and respected citizen.

LEVI ULSH, second son of George and Catherine (Bunn) Ulsh, was born in Perry County, Penn., February 3, 1827. His education was confined to the common school. He came with his parents to Marion County in 1831. iHe was married May 2, 1861, to Miss Cordelia Dilts, a daughter of Peter Dilts; she was mysteriously murdered by an unknown hand, and the facts concerning her death have never been explained. He was again married, September 12, 1871, to Caroline Thomas, nee Pittman, and one son was born to them - Harley J., born February 9, 1874. Mr. Uish has a farm of 1 16 acres, which he cultivates thoroughly, and values at $70 per acre. For the past four winters he has been buying and shipping considerable stock, much to his advantage, but farming is his leading business. He is a member of the Democratic party, and an active, energetic man.

SAMUEL ULSH, eldest son of George and Catherine Ulsh, was born in Perry County, Penn., August 3, 1825. He received a fair, practical education in the common schools of the day, and was married July 2. 1848, to California Likins, a daughter of James and Catherine (Black) Likins. His marriage has been blessed with eight children - Francis C, Mary P., William W., James S., Alice A., Florence F., George L. and Annie I. Mrs. Ulsh was born September 12, 1829, and died November 29, 1871. Mr. Ulsh is a good farmer, having 172^ acres of desirable land, well drained, worth $100 per acre. He devotes his entire attention to agri cultural pursuits and the rearing of blooded stock. Politically speaking, he is a Democrat.

BENJAMIN E. UNDERWOOD, third son of John aud Sarah (Fisher) Underwood, was born in Claridon Township October 19, 1835. He was reared and educated upon the farm. He married in 1860 Isabel Miller, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Linder) Miller, residents of Morrow County, Ohio. Six children have blessed their home, five of whom' are living - Sabine A., Ella, Miller H., Arvilla and Horace W. Daisy died in infancy. Our subject was a soldier in the late war about four months ; he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards, serving his time. He resided in Morrow County, Ohio, about fourteen y«ars; he came to Caledonia in the spring of 1874; for the past five years he has been engaged in the milling business. He owns a comfortable home on High street. He i? a member of the L. of H. of the G. A. R. (officially connected) and of the Republican party. He and wife have been a embers of the M. P. Church nearly thirty vears.

ELIHU F. UNDERWOOD, of the firm of Underwood & Dilts, is a native of Holmes County, Ohio, born March 19, 1829. the son of John and Sarah (Fisher) Underwood, of German ancestry and natives of Pennsylvania and Holmes County respectively. They were united in marriage in the above county about 1828, but moved to Marion County in the autumn of 1829. They lived upon a farm until 1868, when they moved to Caledonia, engaging in the mercantile business with Elihu F. They had ten children, four now living - Elihu F. , Jane A., Benjamin E. and Susannah. John. Elizabeth, Caleb, Sarah A., Jesse and Clarinda are deceased. The father died in 1881, aged seventy-six years, while the mother passed away about twenty-five years earlier, aged forty-six years. Elihu acquired only the rudiments of an education, for he spent most of his youth in Claridon, with his grandfather, who was keeping a hotel. He was the errand and general chore boy: he passed but a year or two upon the farm; when a young man. he became clerk in the employ of Abel Davis, at $8 per month, remaining two years. In 1850, he accepted a similar position at Caledonia, with Briggs & Hipsher, continuing with them two years. He then clerked for Shur & Bailey, of the same place, one year, and later, with the latter two years. November 27, 1854, he married Miss Arvilla A. Wooley, daughter of Charles and Sarah (Debor) Wooley, of English ancestry, and natives of New York. They have two children - Ida M., born October 30, 1858, and married May 13, 1877; and Charles G., born November 10, 1873. Mr. Underwood has been a resident of the county fifty-four years. He is the oldest merchant in the village, having established himself in business in 1859. He first entered partnership with Thomas Search, the latter dying a few days later, when Hezekiah Hunter assumed his interest. The firm did business under the name of Underwood & Hunter three years, when the latter retired. In 1863, another partnership was formed, and they did business under the name of Underwood & Whitaker until 1866, at tbe death of the latter. After oue year, Mr. Underwood admitted Moses Carr, continuing one year. Subsequently his father became associated with him, and the firm of E. F. Underwood & Co remained until the formation of the present firm. This firm has the leading store in the village, carries a stock of $8,000, and does a prosperous business. Mr. Underwood is a prominent citizen; for six successive years, serving as Justice of the Peace, and after an interval of several years was elected three years longer; he was a member of the Town Council one year, and Mayor of the village two years; he was appointed Postmaster during President Lincoln's administration, and has held that position since. He is the only resident charter member of the Caledonia Lodge of the I. O. O. F., and is the Supreme Treasurer of the Prudential Order of America. He is a Republican, and, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JACOB WEBER, second son of Jacob and Elizabeth Weber, was born in Zurich, Switzerland, December 18, 1819, where his parents died. In 1849, he emigrated to America, settling in Marion, where he was engaged in butchering, driving a successful trade, until 1873; in that year he moved with his family to Caledonia, continuing his former vocation. In 1881, he retired from business and is now living a retired, comfortable life. December 25, 1853, he married Mary A. Keest, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Keest. They had three children - Jacob, William and Emma. His wife died in 1866. He again married, May 24, 1870, Mary Oatmiller. Mr. Weber was a soldier of some rank in Switzerland, having some hairbreadth escapes - being shot through the cap at one time, and through the epaulet at another. He enlisted also in the late war, April 19, 1861, Company H, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the following battles: Romany Winchester, Shenandoah Valley, Harrison's Landing, Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Bull

Itun (second battle) and the Wilderness. In all he was engaged in manybattles without being captured or receiving a wound. He was honorably discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, in July of 1864. Mr. Weber has considerable scholarly attainments, having received a practical education in German, French and Italian languages, besides schooling himself in the English branches. He is a member of the Order of the Druids, of the G. A. R. and the Democratic party. He has crossed the ocean live times for the good of hi-; health.

MRS. JEANETTE WEEKS, widow of Samuel C. Weeks, was born in Northumberland, England, October 28, 1836, a daughter of John and Mary Rutherford, who came to America in 1835, settlin » in Cambridge, Washington County, N. Y. , until 1853, when he moved to Morrow County, Ohio. Thev had four children, three living - Jeanette, Elizabeth and John. The' father was born in 1803, and died August 12, 1874. The mother was born October 28, 1806, and died February 9, 1879. Samuel C. Weeks was a native of Maryland. He came to Marion County in 1865, engaging in the drug business about five years. He was a prominent citizen, serving as Chief Magistrate in Delaware County, Ohio, twenty years. He was also an Elder in the Disciple Church for the same length of time. He accumulated a good deal of property, and died July 26, 1869. Their marriage was consummated January 21, 1868. Mrs. Weeks has continued to reside at Caledonia, commanding the respect of all. He has been a consistent member of the U. P. Church for thirty years.

ANDREW M. WILLIAMS, merchant, vClaridon Township, Marion County, Ohio, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., March 8, 1823, the son of Andrew and Mary (Allison) Williams, natives of the same State, but of English and Irish ancestry respectively. In 1831, they removed with their family of eight children to Ohio, stopping in Fairfield County until 1834, when they came to Marion County, where they both died. Mr. Williams died when about sixty three years old. Mrs. W. died in Claridon Township February 1, 1870, having been born July 28, 1785. The common schools of Ohio gave Mr. Williams a practical education. He wedded, March 14, 1844, Miss Susan Owen, a daughter of William and Rena Owen, and born October 14, 1827. Their eleven children are as follows: Sarah J., born November 14, 1844; Ann E., born October 16, 1849; William, born February 17. 1852; George, born August 15, 1854; Perry E., born November 13, 1858; Flora, born September 16, 1865; Susan, born January 5, 1869; Henry J., born August 3, 1847, dying April 10, 1849; Minerva S., born August 16, 1861, dying April 19, 1865; Mary, born February 1, 1856, dying March 27. 1876; and Martha E., born January 22, 1864, dying July 22, 1876. Mr. W. has continued a resident of this county since 1834, farming until 1850. He then moved to Claridon, engaging in the mercantile trade, which he has ever since successfully conducted. His is the only dry goods store in the place, having a stock of about $2,500; he is doing a profitable business. He is a respected citizen, and has been Chief Magistrate and Treasurer of the Township two years each. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church (a Trustee) and a generous supporter of the same, and is an honored member of the F. & A. M.

GEORGE W. WILLIAMS, son of Andrew M. and Susan (Owen) Williams, is a native of Claridon Township, born August 15, 1854. He obtained a good education in the common schools, finishing when aged nineteen years. He continued at home until he was wedded, September 10, 1878, to Miss Mary L. Miller, a daughter of Obadiah and Martha (Thew)

Miller, and two children were theirs - Walter W., born November 16. 1880, and James, born July 8, 1879, dying November 8, 1879. Mrs. Williams was born February 13, 1856. Mr. Williams is an enterprising and respected young man. In the spring of 1882, he was elected Treasurer of the township, and re-elected in 1883. He is owner of a comfortable home in Claridon, and is a stanch Democrat.

WILLIAM WITTRED, son of William and Mary (Miller) Wittred, was born in Norfolk, England, December 15, 1820. He emigrated to the United States with his four children in 1857, locating in Claridon Township The mother of his children is Martha, married in the same country April 4, 1840, a daughter of John and Mary E. (Thew) Bothamly. Three of their children survive - Mary, born April 25, 1811, wife of Henry Key, residents of Richland Township; William P., born April 28, 1845, of Claridon Township, and Martha, born June 14, 1847, wife of James S. Irey, of the same township. Samuel M. entered the civil war October 1, 1862, in Company D, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and six days later his regiment joined Gen. Rosecrans, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and while building fortifications was attacked by typhoid fever, and died April 26, 1863, aged twenty years one month and one day. Mrs. Wittred was born February 6, 1817, and is a member of the United Brethren Clmrch. Mr. W. holds a membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, is a worthy citizen, and affiliates with the Republican party.

WILLIAM P. WITTRED is a native of Norfolk, England, born April 28, 1845. He acquired the rudiments of an education in old England, but completed his common school learning in Claridon Township, when seventeen. He lived with his uncle, Charles Smith, of Marion, two years, and with another uncle, William Thew, two more years. He worked for several years for Jacob Howser, James Lawrence and James L. Douce. October 1, 1876, he married Ida E. Clagett, daughter of James W. and Elizabeth G. (Schooley) Clagett. Their union has been crowned with two children, one living - William, born May 17, 1880. An infant son died May 3, 1878. Mr. Wittred is an industrious and respectable young man, a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday school, as well as his wife. He is a Class-leader.

MRS. LYDIA (KAUFFMAN) ZIEGLER, widow of Gottleib F. Ziegler, was born March 30, 1830, and was wedded to the above May 18, 1858, who was born in Germany January 7, 1820, and emigrated to the United States in 1852, sailing from Havre to the port of New York City. He stopped for a brief period in New Jersey, and came to Marion County about 1856. Before leaving Germany, he secured a good education, and was a German soldier two years. He purchased his farm in Claridon Township when it was covered with forest, but by great labor he cleared and improved the major part of it, willing to his wife and children a comfortable home. The children are Mary A., born March 20, 1859; John W., June 18, 1866; Emma J., October 10, 1868; Jacob F., January 4, 1861, dying October 27, 1880, and Daniel F., February 13, 1863, dying January 11, 1882. Mrs. Ziegler is an estimable woman, and deserves approbation for the manner in which she has reared and educated her orphan children. They are all members of the Lutheran Church, as well as herself.

Source changes here: from The History of Marion County Ohio, by Various, published 1883; 39,709 words in this source stream.

Claridon Township

NDESCRIBABLE thoughts and feelings are awakened in the mind and heart of one, when contemplating the mighty work done by the fearless, hardy and brave army of pioneers, whose untiring efforts have subdued the mighty forests of this county and caused her waste places to smile in the sunlight of Heaven and yield an abundance of grain and fruit, and who have cleared her myriads of hills and valleys, which are annually covered with rich harvests or crowned with green pastures. To the early settlers of Claridon Township who endured the privations incident to establishing homes in a new and unbroken country, and who bravely battled to remove her majestic forests and to make it possible to cultivate her fertile plains are due their full portion of credit and the everlasting gratitude of their posterity.

Organic History

Claridon was taken from the territory of Canaan Township and was one of the first townships organized in Marion County. Although there is no entry on the records of the county defining clearly its exact limits as first created, yet there is no doubt but that it has always included the constitutional requirement of territory - a full surveyed township of six miles square; and although Scott Township has made repeated efforts to obtain its northern tier of sections, they have always proved unavailing, and to-day this township remains as one of the only two townships containing the full constitutional area in Marion County. Just how fierce the struggle was on the part of the people of Claridon Township, to retain their full territory, or just how vigorous and determined the efforts were on the part of the citizens of Scott to obtain the northern tier of sections, we are, at this ate date, unable to chronicle; but a simple record of the proceedings will show that repeated efforts were made, and that they were invariably resisted. The residents on the territory in controversy were divided in their opinions as to the propriety of detaching these six sections from Claridon and attaching them to Scott Township, as will appear from the following entry taken from the record:

Auditor and Commissioners' Office, Marion, Marion County, Ohio, March 7, 1848. This day came Lawrence Van Buskirk and others, being a majority of the householders residing within the boundary of the portion of Claridon Township hereinafter named, and made application, by petition, for an alteration of the boundaries of the townships of Claridon and Scott, as follows, to wit: To attach to the said 'township of Scott one tier of sections from off the north side of said township of Claridon, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Commissioners that legal notice had been given, and that. all things appertaining to said application have been done in due form of law, it is ordered that the said one tier of sections from off the north side of said Claridon Township be and the same is hereby attached to the township of Scott.

John Uncapher

For some reason that does not appear from the record, which possibly was some defect in the proceedings that invalidated them, that, doubtless, was taken advantage of by those opposing the movement - the order was annulled. The following year a petition of similar import, asking that the very same territory be attached to Scott Township, was presented to the Commissioners, and the prayer of the petitioners was granted, and this tier of sections was again set off to Scott, as appears in the following entry:

This day the Commissioners met pursuant to the statute. Present, John Uncapher, Hiram Knowles and Lewis Topliff, Commissioners, and Lawrence Van Buskirk, County Auditor.

This day came Adam Hipsher, James Tight and others, and presented their petition to the County Commissioners in the words and figures following, to wit: ''To the Honorable the Commissioners of the County of Marion and State of Ohio: Gentlemen - We your petitioners would humbly represent that Claridon Township is six miles wide from north to south, and that Scott Township is but four miles wide from north to south, and that we believe it would conduce to'the public benefit if one tier of sections were set off of the north side of Claridon Township and attached to said Scott Township. We, your petitioners, therefore pray your honors to attach one tier of sections from off the north side of said Claridon Township to said Scott Township, thereby making the said townships equal, or nearly so, and we, your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc., etc. January 30, 1849." And said Commissioners being satisfied that said petition is signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed change or alteration, and it having been proven to them that notice of such intended application had been given by advertisement set up in three public places within the bounds of such proposed change or alteration, for the period of thirty days and more previous to this date, and it appearing necessary to said Board of Com- missioners, that so much of the territory of Claridon Township, in said county of Marion, as is included in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4,5 and 6, in Township 5, south of base line, in Range 16 east, be and the same is hereby attached to and made part of Scott Township. Whereupon came Garry Clark, one of the householders residing upon said territory, and gave notice of his intention to appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.

This was accordingly done, and in due time a hearing was had, the Commissioners proceedings were duly reversed, and the territory restored to Claridon Township. - But Claridon was called upon to make another struggle for the retention of this same territory. Scott Township had irretrievably lost two tier of sections from off its northern boundary,that then, as now lay in Crawford County, thus leaving it only twenty-four sections, or two-thirds of a regularly surveyed township, and its people seemed desper ately determined to acquire more territory. So in March, 1851, another effort was made to secure the same territory, as appears from the following entry:

This day the Commissioners of Marior County met pursuant to statute. Present, Thomas Parr and Hiram Knowles, Commissioners, and E. Peters, Auditor of Marion County, Ohio. i i

This day came S. C. Parcel, James Bell and others, and presented their petition to the County Commissioners in the words and figures following: ''To the Commissioners of Marion County: We, the undersigned residents of Claridon Township, pray your honorable body that you will take one tier of sections from off the north side of Claridon Township and attach it to Scott Township, which will make them of equal dimensions; Claridon Township is six miles square, and Scott Township is four by six only. Your humble petitioners. January 31, 1851."

And the said Commissioners being satisfied that the said petition is signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed territory of lind petitioned to be struck off from Claridon Township, and it having been proven to the satisfaction of the said Commissioners, by the affidavit of James Parcell, George Boyles, Jr., and James Osborn, that lawful notice has been given by advertising in three different public places, on said territory proposed to be struck off and attached to said township, of the intention of said petitioners, for the period of thirty days and more previous to the presentation of this petition, and it appearing necessary, just and right to said Board of Commissioners, that the alteration as prayed forin said petition should be made. It is therefore ordered by said Board of Commissioners, that so much of the territory in Claridon Township, in said county of Marion, as is included in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Township 5, south of base line, in Range 16 east, be and the same is hereby attached to and made a part of Scott Township. Whereupon came Garry Clark, James M. Brigs, two of the householders residing upon said territory, and gave notice of their intention to appeal the same to the Court of Common Pleas.

The appeal made, and after a careful view of the proceedings in the Common Pleas Court, that tribunal annulled the proceedings of the County Commissioners and restored the territory to Claridon Township, and no

Of course these entries do not show what part the citizens of both townships outside of those on the territory in controversy did for its possession, but that the struggle was fierce and prolonged and that the citizens of both townships were much interested in the result, and that their influence and possibly some of their time and money were given to maintain their respective rights, there can be no doubt. Scott Township apparently laid no stronger claim to it other than that it woüld equalize the territory of the two townships, and Claridon did not seem disposed to yield quietly and submit passively to the loss of one-sixth of her valuable territory on such a flimsy pretext. Had Scott Township succeeded in securing and retaining this tier of sections, the village of Caledonia, which is now the pride of the township, would have been lost to Claridon, for it is located in Section 1

Physical Features

The surface of the land throughout this territory is generally level, and the southern and eastern portion of the township consists of timbered lands, while the northwestern part includes a portion of the Sandusky Plains. The soil is excellent and unexcelled where thoroughly drained for farm land or for grazing grounds to the hundreds of sheep and cattle kept here by stock-raisers. Much water stood upon the plains and other portions of the lands of this township at an early day, but a system of liberal drainage has relieved the surface of the greater portion of it and made the entire township tillable land that responds readily and generously to the efforts of the skillful husbandman. The Whetstone flows through the eastern portion of the township, and not a few smaller streams and rivulets join it im its onward course.

Two Precincts

In December, 1863, this township was divided by the County Commissioners into two election precincts by a " parallel line running directly through said township east and west, said division line being marked by a township road leading through the center of said township east and west, just south of the residence of the late Jonathan Miles; the portion of the township lying north of said road to form the North or Caledonia Precinct, and that portion lying south of said road the South or Claridon Precinct, of Claridon Township."

Early Settlement

The early settlers of this township for the most part were from England. Few of them are still living, while many others have passed away, leaving their descendants to enjoy the fruits of their early labor. Among the former is Joseph Hornby and wife, who came to this township in 1820 and located near where Claridon now is; also William Thew and his wife, who came direct from England with other families, and all located near each other in the southeastern portion of the township, where they struggled together as a common community to establish permanent and comfortable homes. Success crowned their efforts, and prosperity attended and blessed their industry. Soon much of the gigantic forests were cleared away, and many broad acres of cultivated land appeared. Mr. Thew, who died in August last, outlived that entire number, his wife having died twelve or fifteen years ago, and the others, each one by one, have taken his chamber in the silent halls of death. (See Chapter IL)

The other early English settlers who located here were Vincent Douce and family, Johr Hinds and family, Matthew Fields and family, William Dickson, Mr. Warwick, Robert Boulton, George Bayles, John Hooten, George Welbourn, Mr. Sergeant, John and Michael Welbourn, William Parker, Henry Hatfield, Comfort Olds and family, Hugh Osborne, William Welbourn and others. Joshua B. Bearse, Amos Earl and James Lambert were also early settlers in and about the vicinity of Claridon. These all came between the years 1820 and 1823 and formed what would now be considered a sparse settlement, but which was then looked upon as quite a little colony. And so in truth it was an English settlement of no small pretension, which at once gained the ascendency that has ever since been maintained throughout the township, and to-day the descendants of those English settlers are in the majority there. They were a thrifty, industrious, economical, Christian people, whose work and principles have left their imprint on the present generation, and nowhere in the county can be

As early as 1821, they laid out 2 town near the Whetstone and strove to make it a suitable place for the county seat. Tho site selected was on the place then owned by Joshua S. Bearse, and was surveyed and platted, by Col. James Kilbourne, which plat was duly recorded August 25, 1821. The location was a beautiful one, and at that time the center of the territory then constituting Marion County. The town was laid out in what was then considered magnificent style, covering an area of 102 acres, containing even ai first nearly a 100 regularly laid out building lots, besides abundant territory for extra additions. In the center of the town, a large square was. donated for a site for county buildings and a park, or if not required for that, to be used for buildings for literary purposes. It contained avenues and streets of no narrow dimensions, the former being six rods in width, while the latter assumed a breadth of four poles. This town was given the beautiful and historical name of

It was the first village or town platted within the limits of Marion County, Marion not having been laid out until in the following year. Is it strange that the good people of Claridon, having the largest settlement, perhaps, within the territory at that time, and being located near the cen. ter of the same, with a town of ample area already laid out in splendid style, with suffieient ground donated for county buildings, should expect and hope for the location of the county seat here at the organization of the county, which must needs soon take place? It certainly was no unreasonable expectation, and the hamlet soon began to grow and flourish. Dwellings began to be erected, shops built, and that ever essential structure - the log tavern- - with its quaint appearance, arose and towered above them all..

George Shippy was the genial and accommodating landlord, who then served the publie and dispensed the substantial and wholesome food that was then obtainable to his guests, and, upon the whole, they no doubt fared equally as well as do the traveling publie to-day in the more modern hotels. True then, meals then consisted of one plain course, but, doubtless. with its variety, no plum pudding, vo strawberry short-cake, no highlyseasoned dishes graced the board of the early inn-keepers, yet what to them was far more palatable, the "pone," the venison, the * pumkin pie," were ever at hand, and were served in no sparing quantities. Among the early business men of the place were Mr. Broman, a cabinet-maker and furniture dealer; Mr. Norton, a tanner and vender of leather, both of whom did quite a business in his respective line. Ansel Matoon, from Worthington, was the village blacksmith, of whom it doubtlessly could have been truthfully Hie "You can hear him swing his heavy sledge,

Other business and other trades were also here represented in a limited degree, and soon the village began to attract immigrants, and the prospects for the capital town of the new county grew quite flattering. | e

But there came a frost, a killing frost, and nipped the rising ambition of the little village in the bud, and left it to wither and decay. and even to this day only a comparatively few houses stand as a monument to mark the spot and tell the sad tale of blighted hopes and cherished desires of the early English settlers, at least so far as the securing of the county seat is concerned. For in the spring of 1823 a committee was appointed by authority of the State and sent out to select a suitable site for the county seat. After viewing the different localities and considering well the claims of each, the present site of Marion was decided upon as the most proper point. Marion had just recently been laid out, and at that time presented a less promising appearance than Claridon, but the wisdom of the selection has since been proven, as the division of the territory since made has placed it nearer the center of the county, besides other natural advantages. It is said that the settlement in Big Island Township maintained that the site where the village of Big Island now stands was the most suitable place, and made strenuous efforts to secure the location of the county seat at that place. Even for many years after its location at Marion, and yet after the town of Big Island was laid out in the year 1828, the people at that point long contended for its removal thither.

Claridon felt the blow at once, and the effect of the failure to secure the county seat was svon visible, for owing. to this fact and the unusual sickness and death prevailing there during the autumns of 1822 and 1823, many removals were made and emigration in that direction ceased for a time. But it was only temporary.

Further Settlement

The country about Claridon, especially along the valley of the Olentangy, or the Whetstone, as it is more recently called, was too fertile and productive and possessed too many wild and enchanting beauties to be long neglected by those who were seeking desirable locations for homes, and while the village of Claridon never recovered from the shock mentioned, and while, for a number of years, it received but few aceessions, the country in that vicinity was being settled by a steady flow of immiyrants. Among them were Thomas Boyce and wife, who came in 1828; William Mitchell and family came the following year and located about one mile and a half south of the village. John Underwood and family settled two and a half miles east in 1829. Also Peter Gable and Henry Holverstott, who came in 1830; Joseph Smith, James Lawrence and Charles Owens, who located in 1832; Jefferson Smith, Obadiah Miller, and Matihew Fields, who, with their families, took up their abode here in 1834.

Numerous others came at a later date. and among them were Jacob Howser and family and Dr. J. W. Devore and family, the former from Harrison County, Ohio, and the latter from the neighboring county of Knox. They both located near the village of Claridon and both have been unusually prosperous, and they now number their possessions in lands by the hundreds of acres, and the live stock owned by them is of a superior quality. They are both honorable and influential gentlemen, and have done much to forward the material interest of Olaridon Township. Each has his residence near the village of Claridon, and each is living in a comfortable manner and inhandsomestyle. Dr. Devore,was called upon to represent this county in the halls of legislation at Columbus in the years 1870 to 1872, and did so with much credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents, leaving a record well worthy of high ambition, and one of which his friends may well be proud.

The northern portion of the township received a few settlers at an early date, but the settlements there did not at first increase as rapidly as the one around the village of Claridon. Capt. George Beckley in his reminiscences of the early settlement of the Whetstone Valley, in Marion County, Ohio, written by him and published in 1875, says that when he came to this part of the township with his father and his father's family in 1821, Daniel Wyatt and Thomas Van Horn lived near where Caledonia now stands. In fact, Caledonia is located on a part of the land then owned by them. He also speaks of Jeremiah Colden and Isaiah Mattix as having been employed by his father to erect his cabin, and, doubtless, they, too, were located near the same place.

Nathan Clark, his wife and a four-year-old son, natives of Connecticut, came to this part of the township in the spring of 1820. Mr. Clark also entered a part of the lands on which Caledonia now stands, and located on the bank of the Whetstone, a short distance south of the site of the town, where the family resided until in 1828, when they removed to the farm now occupied by the son, C. N. Clark. In June, 1842, C. N. Clark, Esq., married Miss Sarah Garberson, a daughter of William Garberson, one of the early settlers of this section of the county, and upon the farm just mentioned both families continued to reside until a short time before his death, when the old genleman moved to Caledonia, in which village he peacefully passed the evening of bis life.

William Garberson, one of the old pioneers, who recently passed away, emigrated from Westmoreland, Penn., in 1828 with his wife and one child, and located here near the present site of Caledonia, and here started a tannery, which proved to be a great convenience in supplying the early settlers with leather, and also quite a source of revenue to Mr. Garberson.

George Ulsh, also a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Perry County, came, bringing with him his wife and four children, to Marion in the winter of 1828, and there remained with his uncle, Maj. Ulsh, until the following spring, when he moved out on the farm on which he still re sides. The farm was a portion of what was the " Turnpike Lands," which belonged to the "Columbus & Saudusky Turnpike Company," and which then had just recently been established. Although this was in the year 1829, Mr. Ulsh was the first settler along that road or turnpike within the limits of Claridon Township. Mr. Ulsh's first cabin, intended, for temporary purposes only, was constructed of large poles; in dimensions it was about 12x16 feet, with stick chimneys, mud jambs, paper windows, etc.; but in this the family lived four years, at the end of which time they erected a larger, more substantial, more convenient and more comfortable dwelling, which Mr. Ulsh'had erected near by, and in which the family kept tavern for a period of more than seven years; and received, for those days, consid. erable patronage, as there was considerable travel at that time on the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike running by Mr. Ulsh's place. Mr. Ulsh has since built a neat, substantial brick residence, which he and the remainder of his family now occupy. Benjamin Bell came to this township at an early day and located on Bee Run, and was one of the first settlers; also George Hollman, who then lived on a part of the place since purchased and owned by Mr. Ulsh. Christopher Croft came in about the year 1831, and located where his son, Samuel Croft, now resides.

Dr. Booth was one of the early doctors of this vicinity, and lived where Montgomery Liudsay now resides. Here the Doctor, in common with the practice of that day, freely administered extrac. of white oak and Peruvian bark, and jalap and calomel. Joseph and Philip Strawbridge lived near Dr. Booth's home.

crossing of the railroads, and within a year or two established and kept a public house for the accommodation of the traveling public, and for many years it was known as Slick's tavern, and to this day the place is called "Slick's Station."

William S. Aye was the first white child born within the limits of this township, he having been born January 19, 1821. His father, Jacob Aye, in the year 1820, entered the farm now owned by Mrs. Douce, and during that year he, with his wife, moved on to this place. They lived there but two or three years and then sold the farm to Vincent Douce, and at once entered another place, a little southeast of where Caledonia now stands. From thence, in a few years, they moved to the farm now owned and occupied by William S. Aye, just across the line in Canaan Township, Morrow County. From here, the family moved to Delaware County, where Mr. Aye engaged in running a mill for a short time, but soon returned again to the farm in Morrow County, where Mr. Jacob Aye died in the year 1871.

The early settlers of this township experienced much trouble, for the first few years, in protecting their crops from the ravages of the squirrels, which were so numerous that in a few days they would destroy and take a small crop of corn, such as our pioneer fathers then planted. Mr. Rice, an early pioneer, relates that in the spring of 1822, he planted four or five acres of corn, on a patch of ground he had succeeded in getting cleared, and it grew nicely and had nearly ripened, when the squirrels made a raid on it in droves, and in three days they had destroyed the entire crop, stalks, ears and all. Often, in those early days companies were organized and certain days set for all to assemble and take a grand squirrel hunt, and as a greater incentive and inducement, a prize was generally offered to him who would kill the greatest number of squirrels during such hunts. Mr. Rice, Mr. Olds, Mr. Aye were all excellent " shots " and very often their expeditions against the squirrels resulted in their securing about an equal number of these little animals. Nor was this the only game that then abounded. The original forests teemed with deer, pheasants and wild turkey, while the waters were covered with innumerable flocks of ducks and wild geese.

A number of the Wyandot Indians still lingered here at the commencement of the early settlement of the township. Among them were the noted Tom Lyons, " Standing Stone," " Between the Logs," and others.

The early settlers usually held their elections at some private residence. Two cabins in this township have been mentioned as having been used for this purpose. One was that of Mr. Gaylord, who lived a short distance north of Claridon, and the other was that of Niger Royce, who then lived in the northern part of the towuship, on the mud pike, near where the railroads now cross it.

The early settlers of Claridon Township, soon after location here, established schools and church societies, which fcr a time were held in the various cabins of these pioneers. Of the former, the first was taught by Rebecca Aye in her own house, during the summer of 1822. The wages, of course, were very meager, and for the most part were paid in produce. The foregoing picture is one extreme; the other extreme is that of the present day, when a comfortable schoolhouse is provided in every neighborhood. Some of these rural academies are built and furnished at considerable expense. The Claridon brick schoolhouse in District \No. 6, was built in 1875, at a cost of nearly $4,000. It is two stories high and has two de. partments. S. G. Smith is the Principal.

Claridon Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first religious soeiety in Marion County was of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and was formed at the log cabin of Jacob Aye, near the village of Claridon, in the autumn or winter of 1820. This was prior to the. erection of the county, and even before Claridon, the prospective county seat, was laid out. The society as it was first organized, was composed of seven members, viz., Vi-, nal Steward and wife, Jacob Aye, Jr., Rebecca Aye and Henry Aye. Vinal Steward was a local minister and Class Leader. This society formed a part of Columbus Circuit of the Scioto District, Ohio Conference. Meetings were held at the house of Jacob Aye, Jr., until the spring of 1823, and at the house of William Parker, Sr., until 1832 or 1833, when they erected a hewedlog house thirty feet square one mile northeast of Claridon and gave it the name of "English chapel." In 1855, the Claridon old church house was erected; it is 36x48 feet insize. The church has enjoyed a gradual prosperity since it was founded in the primitive forest, until it has attained a membership of sixty-eight. James Owen and James L. Douce are Stewards, and M. C. Aye, H. C. Garvin, William Haley and W. P. Wittred, Class Leaders. The following pastors have served this church, viz.: Revs. - - - Murray, Har vey Camp, Uriah Heath, Alexander Blaupied, J. G. Bruice, H. E. Pilcher, W. C. Pierce, Peter Sharp, William Boggs, J. M. Longfellow, T. J. Monnett, Stephen Fant, B. Herbert, W. S. Paul, R. D. Ahlfield, D. D. S. Reagh, F. Howison, Jchn Graham, S. Fant, B. F. Bell, M. D. Chileon, N. J. Close, G. E. Scott, T. J. Gard and W. B. Taggart.

In the spring of 1846 or 1847, a series of revival meetings were con: ducted by Rev. William Nap, resulting in about seventy conversions. Many of the accessions to the church became ardent and substantial memers.

: Likins Chapel, Methodist Episcopal. - The society of this church was organized in 1857, at Showers' Schoolhouse, by Rev. T. H. Wilson. Twelve members constituted the society, as follows: Robert T. Clark and wife, James Zook and wife, John Little and wife, Shelby Jump and wife, Ami Cluff, Mrs. Starch, Mrs. Ann Brown and Mrs. Mary Harvey. Robert T. Clark was one of the first officials. The meetings continued to be held in the Shower Schoolhouse till 1871, when the present commodious building was erected. It is 34x40 feet in size, and cost $1,400. The society has a present membership of forty, and with Robert T. Clark and Thomas Cluff as Stewards and R. T. Patton and Ami Cluff, Class Leaders. In the spring of 1869, a series of revivals were conducted by Rev. A. D. Matthews, resulting in the conversion of over forty souls. Rev. G. E. Scott, in 1878, carried on revival meetings, and about forty more were converted and united with the church. Rev. S. Fant also PRU C coe pages

Claridon Free- Will Baptist Church. - TYhe first meeting of this denomination was held December 5, 1870, by Rev. S. D. Bates, in the Morrow Schoolhouse. At the same place, July 2, 1871, Rev. Bates organized a church here, with nineteen members, comprising P. W. Holverstott and wife, L. J. Holverstott and wife, ©. Clendennen and wife, E. Rush and wife, C. L. Haines and wife, Mrs. J. Howser, Mrs. S. A. Curtis, Maria Howser, John Martin and wife and two daughters, and L. Clendennen. The official members were, Deacons, P. W. Holverstott and C. Clendennen; Clerk, L. J. Holverstott. A church building was erected on the mud pike near Clendennen's residence, and dedicated in the fall of that year, 30x45 feet, and costing $1,500; but, from some unknown cause, this building was burned during the summer of 1876, at midnight; no insurance. The people rallied and erected another building, about a mile south of the old 'one, dedicating it February 4, 1877. It is about two miles east of Clari- . don, where the mud pike crosses the Marion & Mount Gilead road.

The membership has numbered as high as fifty or more at one time; at present it is thirty-four. They maintain a good Sunday school and a Woman's Mission Society. Rev. S. D. Bates has been pastor from the commencement to the present time. Deacons, C. Clendennen and P. W. Holverstott; Clerk, J. H. Howser.

Bright's Chapel, Church of the United Brethren in Christ. - Thir church was organized at the log meeting-house on the banks of' the Whetstone, December 13, 1851, by Rev. William Mathers. Nine members constituted the society. Among them were John Fields and wife, Matthew Fields, Sr, Matthew Fields, Jr., and William Mills. In 1860-61, thé church at Claridon was erected, where they have since worshiped. The society has a membership of fifteen, and has in connection with its regular. services a Sabbath school. The following pastors have served, viz., Will. iam Mathers, G. G. Nickey, James Long, J. Jacoby, T. T. Rose, J. F. Siler, and J. F. Cender, the present minister. The present Trustees are Andrew Hinds, William Garvin and E. D. Fields.

The " Underwood Burying-Ground" was laid out about 1835 as a private cemetery. There are now about a hundred graves contained within this inclosure, among them those of Adam Hines, a soldier of 1812, and Jesse Underwood, a soldier in the last war. x

The " Gable Cemetery " is situated on the A. Gable farm, and is also a private burying ground. Here lie the remains of Joseph Wyant, a soldier of the last war. :

The "Thew Graveyard," situated on the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 9, was laid out at a very early day and was used by the people as a public burying-ground. It contains about a half acre and contains the remains of many of the oldest pioneers of Claridon Township.

Present Status

PRESENT STATUS. The following report of the Assessor for 1883 gives some idea of the comparative agricultural standing of Claridon Township: Wheat, acres sown, 2,585; bushels produced, 35,974; number of acres sown for harvest

-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS SINCE 1850. Trustees - 1851--Charles Owen, Charles Clendennen and John Parker. 1852 - William Van Buskirk, Henry Hartmann and C. Clendennen. 1853 - Hannibal Irey, William P. Thew and Charles Clendennen. 1854 - O. Clendennen, William Garberson and John Underwood. 1855 - 56 - C. Clendennen, Jesse W. Mills aud John Underwood. 1857 - L. C. Haines, Peter Gabler and James McKinstry.

Caledonia

The first cabin erected on the present site of Caledonia stood on the west bank of the Whetstone, a short distance east of where the depot now stands. This, however, was before Caledonia was thought of as a town. -In 1830, John Parcel purchased of Daniel Wyatt, the original proprietor from the Government, the land upon which Caledonia was originally laid out, and upon which a portion of it is now built, at a cost of $145 for forty acres. He a' once cleared a few acres of the northern portion of the land, aad a year or two later he opened a kind of a country store at a spot a short distance south of the little run that passes through the southern part of the town as it now stands, and by and by a little hamlet in the woods appeared at that point, and Mr. Parcel was not the only merchant, for William T. Farrington had also established a little store there.

In 1833, William T. Farrington bought twenty-two acres of land from John Parcel, a part of it being'a portion of the forty acres just mentioned and a part of it from the north half of the west half of the northeast quarter, all of it, however, lying on the west side of the Whetstone. This twenty acres extended down near the south line of the original plat of Caledonia. In fact, it is a part of the southern portion of the original plat.

These stores supplied the settlers around here with many of the necessaries of life, and soon a demand was created for greater supplies, and in the early part of the following year, Mr. Farrington and others began to contemplate the propriety of laving out a town. Accordingly, in December, 1834, William T. Farrington, Richard Wilson and Charles H. Weed purchased of John Parcel about five acres additional, paying therefor $100, which purchase is located and described as follows: " Beirg a part of the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 1, Township 5, Range 16, in Marion County, Ohio, commencing at a stake standing in the center of the two roads running north and south and east and west, near the store now owned and occupied by Hunter & Hipsher; thence west thirty-five rods; thence south twenty-four rods; thence east twenty-three rods; thence north ten rods; thence east twelve rods; thence north fourteen rods to the place of beginning." At the same date, Richard Wilson and Greenville Cherry bought about one and a third acres of land from the same owner, John Parcel, at a cost of $300, the boundaries of which strip is given as follows: " Commencing twenty-four rods south of a stake in the center of the street near the store of Mr. Farrington; thence south eighteen rods; thence west twelve rods; thence north eighteen rods; thence east twelve rods, to the place of beginning."

Upon these two lots of land and a small portion of the twenty-two acres formerly purchased of John Parcel by William T. Farrington, the town of Caledonia was laid out by these two men as proprietors, it having been surveyed and platted by Samuel Holmes, April 11, 1834, who was then Surveyor of Marion County; but it was not acknowledged by them until December 30, 1834.

The town in its original survey, contained thirty-three full lots of uniform size, they being 4x9 poles, and ten lots of various sizes, some along the river containing a half acre, while others comprised only one-eighth of an acre. A square of 10x12 poles was left vacant and the three principal streets, Marion, Main and Water, were made sixty-six feet in width. Lots were at once sold and houses erected thereon, and soon many of the different branches of trade were represented; also the professions to a limited extent. Dr. Disbrough was perhaps the first practicing physician of the place, and he was succeeded by Dr. Lee.

Since the town was originally laid out, there have been thirteen new additions made, and the number of town lots altogether now is 129, which in all extend over quite an area.

On the second day of September, 1873, a petition was circulated by J. Blanchard, signed by T. A. Cross and forty-eight other citizens of Caledonia, alleging that the town then contained a population of 500, and praying that it should be incorporated and given all the rights, privileges and immunities of an incorporated village. The prayer of the petition was granted by the Commissioners, and on November 12, 1873, that dignity was duly bestowed upon Caledonia, and the following territory was incorporated within the boundaries of said village: " Beginning at the southeast corner of the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 1, Township Five (5), south of Range Sixteen (16) east; thence on the half section line north to the northwest corner of iands owned by William Hinds, the same being the southwest corner of Ephraim Glatharts' lot; thence east to the old channel of Whetstone Creek; thence in the center of said channel, north to the section line; thence on said line west to the southwest corner of the graveyard; thence on the west line of said graveyard north to the northwest corner thereof; thence along the center of the old road north, 15 degrees east, to the north line of the southwest quarter of the northeast quarer of section, township and range aforesaid; thence west 108 rods to the northwest corner of the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of-said Section No. 1, aforesaid; thence on the west line of said tract and on: the west line of the east half of the southwest quarter of the seetion, township

January 12, 1877, the corporation boundaries were again extended and a small piece of territory between Water street and Whetstone Creek was apnexed to the village, which is included in the following boundaries: "Beginning on the west bank of the Whetstone Creek at the northwest corner of lands owned by the heirs of William Hinds, v&enee eastwardly down said creek on the north line of said William Hinds' lands and iands of J. H. Coulter, excluding his flouring mill, following his east and south lines west to his southeast corner; thence west on the center of the State road to the east line of the present incorporated limits of said village on Water street; thence on said line north to the northwest corner of lands of the heirs of John Hinds aforesaid; thence on the north line of said Jands east to the place of beginning, including all the lands within said bounds except the mill as specified."

The first mill, which was a water-power mill, was built, together with the race, about 1834, by Mr. Parcel. It was only one story high and had two run of buhrs. It ran for some years, the only mill in this section of the country, except a tread-mill in Tully Township. It has long since two stories high and had one pair of wheat buhrs and one of chopping. After running the mill until 1867 or 1868, Mr. Harmon sold it to G. G. Freeman, who put in new works. A year or two afterward, he sold it to Frederick Fisher, by an assignee, who made some repairs and then sold to J. H. Coulter, Roberts, Rinker, McNutt and Coulter. J. H. Coulter now owns the Merchants' Mill.

Eureka Mills. - These were built in 1875, by W. J. Miller. It is a two and a half story structure, with three run of buhrs, costing $9,000. In the fall of 1876, it was purchased by Noah Lee and Silas J. Hipsher, who added another pair of buhrs and nearly all the present machinery. The en. gine is 50-horse power. Three men are employed to run it, and they manufacture both merchants' and custom flour. Capacity of the mills, forty barrels of flour per day.

'Ault & Apts Saw and Planing Mill. - In 1874, G. W. Ault purchased a portable saw mill of Lee & Hipsher, and in 1875 he added a planing mill. At the same time, J. F. Apt and R. Thew became partners, under the stvle of Apt & Thew. In May, 1876, they established their present business. During the year 1882, they added the "Universal Wood- worker," and now the buildings cover an area of 120x35 feet. Recently Mr. Thew passed out of the firm, and the name has since been Ault & Apt. The mill gives employment to twelve men, manufacturing building material of all kinds, and making a specialty of hardwood lumber. They deal also in all kinds of building material, both hardwood and pine, purchasing at wholesale sash, doors, blinds, etc. They enjoy a successful run of trade.

Warehouse And Elevators

In 1855, a warehouse, two stories high, was built by Garry Clark at a cost of $1,500, situated on the south side of the railroad. It was run until 1872, when it was moved further west and another story added by Carpen. ter, Webb & Co., who converted it into an elevator, ran it three years, and sold it to Charles Webb; the latter leased it to Harrison & Irey until 1877, when Underwood, Dilts & Co. leased and ran it until 1880. Then James Carpenter purchased it and conducted the business there until March, 1882, when it was des'royed by fire.

The first merchant in Caledonia was W. S. Farrington, who laid oute the town. Hp died while in business R. & N. House came next and built a store, one and a halt stories high, where the furniture store now is. They were succeeded by Lawrence Van Buskirk, for whom the post office was named; he was Postmaster from December 15, 1832, to April 23, 1842. Van Buskirk was succeeded by Greenville P. Cherry in the same building, who, about 1848, removed his stock to Galion, and three or four years afterward bought a store of Dr. J. M. Briggs, ran it a short time, failed and moved to Indiana, where he now resides.

Previous to 1848, probably in 1846, Parcel & Hipsher started a store at Farrington's old stand; a year afterward Parcel was succeeded in the firm by Dr. Briggs, and the firm of Briggs & Hipsher continued two or three years, when Mr. Hipsher retired. Dr. Briggs in a few months sold out to Greenville P. Cherry.

About 1850, Capt. George Beckley established a store on a part of the ground where Rinker & Bush's furniture store now is, but closed in two years. He was succeeded by S. V. Harkness and he by Search & Dumble, who were burned out in 1858. Shurr & Bailey succeeded Cherry; a year afterward, Shurr retired, Bailey continuing two years alone, when he sold to Trusdell & Osborne, who moved their stock to Mount Gilead.

About 1855, Neal & McKinstry opened a store in Caledonia. Near the same time or shortly afterward, Henry Speaker erected a store building where Marggraf & Hind's store now is, and failed about 1857. Neal sold his interest to his partner, McKinstry, and the latter sold to Ruehrmund & McBride, who ran the store one year. Then Mr. Ruehrmund was alone until 1863, when he was succeeded by Bell & Hunter. H. A. Hipsher was a silent partner in the firm of Bell & Hunter from 1863 to 1871, when the. firm changed to Bell. Hunter & Co.; in 1875 it became Hunter & Hipsher, when Mr. Bell moved to Marion.