Clay Township (part 1 of 2)

Clay Township

June 8. 1825, the original surveyed Township 6, Range 4 east, then in 1 ndolph Township, was set off as a new township, and named Clay. The first ction was held on the 4th of July, at which thirty-three votes were cast.

Phillipsburg, ten lots, was surveyed January 30, 1836, by James Hanks; nprietors, Philip Studybaker, John John, John Thomas and Nehemiah Thomas.

West Baltimore, near the northwest corner of the township, one-half lying i this county and the other half in Preble, was surveyed June 22, 1852, by jfeob Frees. The proprietors of the land in this county were Peter Snyder, Lac Shauff, Rhinehard Bens, William Read and D. K. Boyer and Fritchey.

Brookville was surveyed April 13, 1850, by Jacob Frees, for -Jacob Flory, priotor of the fifteen lots. The town was incorporated September 9, 1874.

County Infirmary

December 6, 1825, the Commissioners advertised for a " site for a poor bhse." In April, 1826, they bought, of James B. Olivers, his farm, the southvst quarter of Section 2, Township 3, Range 5 east, at $10.50 per acre. Gen. Bmund Hunger, Abraham Darst, John Folkerth, -John C. Negley, Abraham ipxell, Hemy Oldfather and John Ehrstine were appointed Directors. Gen. mger was chosen President of the Board. The institution was ready for nates in July. The expenses for the first year were $329.81 \.

IT having by petition been made to appear to the Commissioners of Mod gomery County that it was necessary to erect a new township by setting ( that part of Randolph which was in the original surveyed Township 6, Kan: 4 east, June 8, 1825, it was ordered by them set off and declared to be a ne township, and to be known by the name of Clay. And at the same sessit notice was given to the electors of said township to meet at the house of Jol Rohrer July 4, and elect township officers. In position it is in the extren northwestern corner of the county, and bounded as follows : On the north ) Darke and Miami Counties, on the east by Randolph Township, on the sou by Perry, and on the west by Preble County. The general level of ihe sabd vision is about 1,000 feet above the level of the sea, and about 500 feet abo low water in the Ohio River at Cincinnati. The surface of the country slightly undulating, but no elevations that can properly be termed a hill appeal Much of it was once lower than at present; the low places have been filled i with humas and the debris from rains and frosts washed in from the high points, until they have reached almost the level of the surrounding cour.tr The land thus made is called "black land," and is best adapted for corn ail tobacco. While this process of leveling has been going on, the creeks ail: " babbling brooks'' have by their erosive and transporting effects produced u dulations. by which agencies the surface is being gradually removed, so th in time it will reach the level of the sea. The surface geology of this sectil indicates that the surface rocks are sedimentary, and mostly calcareous, aj that they are new Silurian, and belong to that division called Niagara. The rocks, as sand and mud, were deposited as sediment in the bottom of a de Silurian Sea. The upheavals and depressions since that period have bemany. Numerous and interesting fossils are found in this formation, such characterize it elsewhere. The fauna consist principally of radiates and m< lusks. Very tine specimens of trilobites, ammonites and crinoids of osthocer and pentamerous, together with many other crustacean mollusks, are four During this deposit, however, no vertebrates yet existed. The fauna consist of a few seaweeds, which were of a very inferior organization. Land plat were then only beginning to be unfolded. No coniferous or arboraceous tre existed. The new Silurian rocks are superimposed upon the old Silurian, Cincinnati limestone, but are not exposed anywhere in the township. ri thickness of the Niagara limestone in this township varies, owing to the i equalities of the horizon of the surface rock. Neither wells nor quarries r creeks have penetrated through it, yet from outcroppings elsewhere it thought to be from one hundred to two hundred feet. The limestone of tl township is mostly carbonate of lime, carbonate of magnesia and silica, a: some other chemical ingredients which make it, when disintegrated by " weal ering" and other causes, an excellent mineral manure, which is an inexhau iblo source of wealth to the owners of the soil for all time to come, as a p; of the drift is limestone pebbles and sand. This, when exposed to the air plowing, becomes disintegrated so as to be made in a condition to be used plant food. At various times since the settling of this region, lime has be burned of these stones, but the business has never been carried on persistent it, however, because of its quality, for that is good, but simply because the [inland was .not great, and the owners of the quarries having large farms, and nsequently much work to do. These lime kilns are located in the east side the township. The stone quarried as yet is not the best for building purses. The good building stone lie beneath the level of the quarries, and will time be reached. Along the eastern side of the township, the rocks lie near e surface, and in Section 14, on the Solomon W orman farm, crop out. In us section are quite a number of line springs, and on the farm above named is e that in former years was of sufficient size to furnish power for a saw-mill. Wells dug in Sections 24 and 26, and in adjoining ones, show that the rocks || within a few feet of the surface. In digging wells in these sections for linary purposes, the rocks have to be penetrated to get a sufficient quantity. The water of wells and springs is all " hard." In the center and western I rt of the township, wells dug do not reach the rock. Upon the rocks lies the 1 1 ft. which is the result of glacial ice erosion centuries ago. The drift is comj seel of clay, sand, gravel and bowlders, both foreign and native, the former I dominating in numbers and size. The clay between the red clay and rocks i blue, from the prussiate of iron, and is sometimes known as " bowlder clay," i m its having more bowlders, but not so large as those in the clays next above i The writer has never seen a native bowlder in them, yet this does not dislj>ve their existence. This blue clay is the water-bearing clay, pockets existij in it which are tilled with sand, gravel, granite bowlders and water, and spetimes with the other contents of these reservoirs of water are found pieces " wood and arboraceous leaves. For the supply to be permanent and cool, i mist be got out of these pockets, except that coming from the rocks. The vter obtained for house use in the south, west and north parts of the townsip comes from this formation This clay is very compact and tough, and istly impervious to water. When the pockets are penetrated, the waters urn rise above them, and sometimes come to the surface. In Section 34, ' 3 re the west fork of Wolf Creek runs on the blue clay, are numerous springs, vich, including several wells on the farm of the writer, a litt'e above Brookv|e, flow out at the top. Between the blue and red clays next above it, is an pr-glacial space which contains rolled and smooth limestone pebbles, sand a 1 granite bowlders, parts of trunks of arboraceous and coniferous trees, tog her with leaves and bark. The bowlders are round and smooth, and possess >fef evidences of movement. It is not known that the fossils of the large ideal vertebrated animals are found in this space in this region; but it is that they have been elsewhere. In digging wells, more or less of the Ive fossils are encountered. These accumulations are, therefore, morainal. Ure must have been two glacial epochs as indicated by the geology of this i nship. The red clay next above is made so by the admixture with it of car- ><:ate of iron. Bowlders, large and small, native and foreign, are imbedded : his. The natives are of Niagara limestone of all sizes, with sharp corners, ch indicate that they have been shoved along, and not rolled as the granite -e lders. These granite bowlders, together with much else that is of a mineral u! earthy character that are imbedded in the clay, have been transported from 1 ada in glacial ice. The large surface bowlders scattered over the surface kbtless have been transported in icebergs from Greenland in the existence

II of great size, which are being utilized in the construction of foundations, eir walls, etc. In all parts of the township are found very fine specimens

°fae lithological work of the aborigines, both neolithic and lithic, the work- ^ ship of which surpasses our comprehension. Many of these were evidently utilitarian, while others were ornamental. These pro-historic relics have n excited that attention that their importance demands as ethnological curiositii The surface soil is superimposed upon the red clay, but, however, in plac it has an ash color. To obtain good water and in abundance one must, in di ging wells, always dig through the red clay. On account of the carbonate lime in this clay, the agriculturist should always plow a little deeper th formerly, which fact the farmers are beginning to understand. For ages come, this clay will be a source of wealth to the farmers. It makes good pi tery ware, tiling and splendid brick, there being in it sufficient iron to gi them a rich, red color. In this township are several morainal gravel pits ( the farm of Peter Razor, in Section 21, is an extensive deposit of this kin which has afforded considerable material for road making, but as it is denv from the soft surface rock it is not very durable. The sand and pebbles this pit are limestone plainly stratified, showing that water as well as ice h something to do with its formation. Other inter-glacial deposits of this ki are found, but there is too little of it, and it is too easily changed by use a frosts into yellow clay to amount to much. The alluvial gravel is much bett but very little of it is found in this township, but exists in great quantit. along Twin and Wolf Creeks. This region is drained by the three wesk forks of Wolf Creek, which How from about the center of the township in southeasterly direction, watering that locality; by the head waters of Be Creek in the south; by Twin Creek in the west, and in the north by thebe waters of Ludlow Creek. This township, as is seen from the above, forms a ki of water-shed. The soil is as good as the average of the Miami Yaliev, al is composed of three kinds, namely, red, black and ash-colored. At the ri settlement of the township, all kinds of timber peculiar to the Miami Val were found there - white, red and burr oak, white and yellow poplar, white a red beech, white and red elm, white and blue ash, white and sugar map rough and smooth bark hickory, black walnut, sycamore, wild cherry and mi berry. Some years ago, the timber became diseased and died to an alarm: extent, this being mainly due to the vicissitudes of the climate, caused, in pa by the removal of a large portion of the timber, thereby exposing that si standing to the extreme changes of climate. The process of draining has 1: its influence, too, by withdrawing from the roots of the trees the accustom amount of water. Then, the depredations of the caterpillar were keenly f( As will be remembered, these insects, in the year 1873, made their appearai in our forests in almost countless numbers, and infested the trees fcr th consecutive years. These worms denuded the trees of leaves, which ultima! destroyed many of the finest trees, mostly of oak, hickory and elm. As leaves are to trees what the lungs are to animals, they can no more live with them than can animals without lungs. From this larval condition, these d gusting worms rolled themselves up in a web of their own spinning on leaf whose edges they drew together with the same thread. After remaining t this chrysalis condition for a few days, they were then metamorphosea intci white moth which lived for a brief period only. These worms or insects ca into this region from the North, and slowly disappeared, moving south wa, being three years in passing a certain point. This is the only period in history of the township that our forests have been visited by them. As few healthy trees are now to be found, the woodman sho Id not forget the junction, "Woodman, spare that tree. " Forest culture will soon have to resorted to if the supply is to be kept up. Permit us to proceed further this line and state that within a few years have made their appearance in t vicinity, the currant and gooseberry worm, which is likewise the larval con

This portion of Montgomery County was not settled as early as other lolities, for it was not until the year 1804 that we have any evidence of arrivo- emigrants. This year from Virginia came Joseph Rohrer, with family, d settled a little to the northeast of the center of the township, entering ad in Section 14, which is considered the best in the township. The records ow that prior to 1810, Mr. Rohrer had entered 480 acres of land in Sections and 14, namely: the southwest quarter of Section 13, and the southeast d northeast quarters of Section 14, and also the northwest quarter of Section ', and that the land was in his possession that year. In 1805, from the same ate emigrated John Spitler, who in a few years married a daughter of Mr. )hrer, and settled on Section 14, where both passed the remaining years of 'sir lives. A daughter of Mr. Rohrer rode from her native State on liorse- Ick, when the family came out. About the year 1805. one of Pennsylvania's -is, in the person of Michael Baker, effected a settlement in Section 26, which :tion he entered. In 1810, Nicholas Beesecker owned 100 acres of this id located in the northwestern quarter of that section, and George Emert med the sixty acres of that tract referred to. On this section there was an Mian camp when Mr. Baker arrived. Here, on these lands, the parents -ared life's joys and cares together until silvered had become their hair, and ire claimed by death. From the same State came Jacob Michael, who, in J 10, possessed 400 acres of land in the southern part of Section 25. This lid had been entered as early as the year 1805, by John Bowman, who had titered, in addition to Section 25, forty acres in the southeast corner of Section The latter, in 1810, was owned by Frederick Smith, and 250 acres in the u'thern part of Section 25 by Daniel Razor. The Michael tract is nowin ^session of Jacob, Jr., who was born on it. A little later than 1805, the dthwest and southeast quarters of Section 34 was entered by Daniel Gripe, Pennsylvanian. In 1810, the former quarter section was owned by Daniel i ler. Mr. Gripe lived to a green old age, and before death settled a son and 4-indaw, the latter Joseph Mikesell, on parts of the original tract.

About the year 1805, Andrew Lasure entered and moved on the north- :;tern quarter of Section 33. During the same year, John Pippenger settled i, Section 35, entering the northeast quarter of the same, but soon thereafter ditto John Minich. Daniel Kinder entered a portion of Section 24. He ' migrated to this locality in 1808, and in a short time sold the land to John iwonger and entered a tract in Section 36. This land he improved and lpd thereon until death. Daniel Krider, a son, is now occupying the old prises. All the above entries were located on the three western branches of blf Creek, in consequence of which the land was well drained and the springs, vich were numerous, every farm having one, were never failing; and, again, t,se tracts were nearly all in the southeastern portion of the township. The Cans of these sturdy old pioneers were generally erected close by the numer- 1 springs above mentioned. John Niswonger, prior to the year 1810, en- "id 320 acres in Section 23, as follows: The northwest and southeast quart's. The latter quarter section was owned in 1810 by Samuel Niswonger. ftwonger (John) also entered the northeast quarter of that same section, nking in all 480 acres entered by him. David Miller, 80 acres situated in t northern part of Section 30, which in 1810 was owned by Elijah Wood.

ler also entered 80 acres in the southern part of the same section, which in 1 0 was owned by Robert Wood. A Mr. Replogel entered quite a body of 1 in Sections 27 and 34, which in 1816 was the property of Daniel Gripe. Ins Circle was the original proprietor of the southwest quarter of Section

23, and Daniel Razor of the northwest quarter of Section 13. Among oth pioneers were Abram Wambanch, Christian Somers, Charles Fiet, Camel Riley and -Jacob Horner, all settling in the southwestern part of the tow, ship. In the northern part a number of families by the name of Thomas, wl were connected with the Society of Friends or Quakers, settled early. Em grants kept coming in from various quarters, and settlements were mai throughout the suodivision. The Government land was all disposed of ai taken up prior to 1830.

Our pioneer fathers had much to contend with, and necessarily unde went great privations. They lived far away from the sources of suppl The market for what little they had to sell was distant and the roa thereto mere bridle paths and indicated by blazed trees only. The necessari of life were only obtained by hard labor, and such things as luxuries we unknown to them. Their wants were few and hard to supply. Their niutu dependencies made their social ties strong. They were neighborly and ve: social. Frequent were their visits to each other's cabins. They met often assist one another in the erection of cabins and stables, in log raisings and 1< rollings. They were hospitable to new-comers - the " latch string " of' tl cabin doors was ever out. In illness they were dependent upon their medic resources, which seem to have been efficacious, as their lives were charactenz by great longevity. Instead of being then cursed with too much profession medicine, as are the people of to-day, they by their arts assisted nature, whi is now by too much medication often thwarted. Then each man was his ow physician and priest, and every one was a law to himself. There were no v grants or vagabonds among them. They had no use for court houses or jai Religious sectarian dogmas and political dissensions did not disturb the; Far and near the people would go to visit the sick and dying. Every boi went to funerals in that day, and the sorrow manifested thereat was real at heartfelt. No particular etiquette was then observed. It was not so expe sive to die then as now. Now it is too expensive to live, and costs too much die. They were unostentatiously honest and charitable to a fault. Th wore what they earned, ate what they got, knew no such word as ba and envied no man's goods. The first settlers of this region have all paid th debt from which none are exempt. Of them it might be truthfully sai " Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Many, too, of the first born the township have grown old in it and have been gathered to their fatkej These pioneers have made themselves worthy of the township in wind th resided. They have made their mark. Their work is as "bread cast upon t, waters, to be seen many days hence." From a personal acquaintance ai intercourse with many of these the writer can testify to their merits.

The first schoolhouse of which we have been able to get any know lea was one that stood in the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of Sectu 13, on the present site of the cemetery there. It was built about the ye 1815, and was constructed of unhewn logs. Within, in the way of beam apparatus, was an improvised brick furnace or stove located in the centi Slabs were used as desks and for seats or benches. The first schoolmaster the house and the first teacher of the township was a German, by name Jol: Holsmiller. Not long after the erection of this house, was built another Section 26 on the Michael Baker land, about one mile northeast of the prese village of Brookville. A few years later, another house was built near t. center of Section 34. This was probably about the year 1820. All of the, houses were built on the same plan, which did not differ from the usually ru log schoolhouse of pioneer times, full descriptions of which will be found els where in this work. In these schools were taught no German, nor geograph

)r geometry, but certainly good manners and morality were, and the youth jstructed beneath the old " clapboard roof " became splendid men and women, hose lives were characterized by honesty, industry and economy. Two secons of land were reserved for the support of schools. These have been sold id the proceeds, with the local and State tax, are amply sufficient for theprosion of good schools, with which the township is well supplied, there being ;)W nine substantial brick schoolhouses, three of which are two stories high, id in them are taught graded schools. Two of these, at Brookville and Phil- )sburg, are independent as special districts. The furniture of these houses of the best. There are now in the township 1,000 youth of school age, lich is an average of 111 to each schoolhouse. For the year 1880, $6,458 ere expended for school purposes, or $6.50 to each pupil; that, together with ;e interest of the money expended in the Construction of the houses, makes it t less than $8.50 to each scholar per annum; the maximum wages of teachers $3.25, and the minimum $1.25 per day. The first "meeting house" built in 13 township was erected in the vicinity of the present village of Phillipsburg ! the Society of Friends; however, this was not until, comparatively speaking,

' ate day, in 1828. Prior to this, all denominations worshiped either in the neting-houses of the neighboring townships or in schoolhouses, each other's (bins or barns, and in the summer in the woods. Among the early families riling in the southern part of the township were quite a number of the Gerim Baptist persuasion. There are located here now some thirteen churches, tp greater number of which are situated in the villages. Thus is afforded a iuse of worship for every 235 inhabitants of the subdivision.

There are here quite a number of villages, which follow in their chronological ler: Phillipsburg, situated in the northeastern part of the township, has a popi lion of 232. Ten lots were laid out by James Hanks, a surveyor, January :: 1836, for the proprietors, Philip Studybaker, John John, John Thomas and miah Thomas, and it derived the name of Phillipsbiug from Studybaker. j the year 1828, the Friends' meeting-house, before spoken of, was built here, ' n. Thomas was the first preacher. The denomination of Friends who here v rshiped are now of the events that "have been," the society having long s'ce disappeared. Peter Rhodebauch was a merchant in this vicinity in 1835. 1.8 post office was established in 1846, with Peter Smith as Postmaster. In )16, a schoolhouse was built, and in the same year the Rev. Elijah Willi ams i, as an expounder of the doctrines taught by the Christian denomination,

I ached to the people in a cabinet-maker's shop. Four churches now grace Y village - Christian, United Brethren, Lutheran and Evangelical. The merefnts of to-day are A. H. Baker and J. M. Beason. There is one* saw-mill in l village. One of the two voting precincts of the township is at this point, Hth Aldington, situated near the center of the township on the National fid, was laid out November 19, 1838, by Slingsby L. Barnes, into sixteen i' ', which were platted July 8, 1839. Edward Green opened the first store s,p after the village was laid out. The United Brethren Church located here "I built in 1852, with Rev. Cosharine as the first regular preacher. The vil- 8 is now the center of a large area of tobacco culture, and in it are two uksmith and one wagon-maker's shop, and a saw-mill, built in 1841, now 1 rated by D. A. Baker. It was formerly one of the voting precincts of the 1 nship. The population is 149. Bachman, situated about one and one-half ups west of Aldington on the Dayton & Union Railroad, and on the Na- Ljial road, was laid out by C. Bachman, the proprietor of the land, April 1, I 2, the surveying being done on that date by W. G. George. It has apopu- !Dn of sixty-six. It has a store and warehouse, where is located the post office ; proprietors are the Hammel Brothers. One Dougherty is the " village smitl The village of Dodson was laid out by B. H. Dodson, April 15, 1851, lieu the name. It is fifteen miles northwest of Dayton, and at it is formed t junction of the D. & U. with the D. &. W. R. R. Its inhabitants numb seventy-seven. At this point, in 1874, the Catholics erected a church. T people have the benefit of a post office, telegraph office, a warehouse and ge eral store kept by Messrs. Williamson & Albert.

Brookville, the principal village, located in the southern part of the tow ship, on the Dayton and Western l'oad, was surveyed and platted by Jar Frees April 13, 1850, for Jacob Flory, the proprietor of fifteen lot9. In 188 a dry goods store was kept on the site of the village, by Warren Estabroo for whom it was afterward named. Joseph Mikesell was an earlier marcha on the same site. Additions were made by one Root, and by Noah and Ben min Baker. The village is pleasantly situated on the west branch of W< Creek, and is about 250 feet higher than the city of Dayton. From this v lage diverge in almost every direction good and free turnpikes, which t township in general is well supplied with. The first funeral sermon preach where now is the village was under a forest tree, standing on the present s, of the house of G. Stonebarger. In 1852, the Methodist Chiuch was erectc and the house dedicated by Rev. A. B. Wambaugh. A little later, the Lutln an Church was erected by the Presbyterian congregation, which is now lost sig of. Of the three warehouses now located here, one was built in the year 1852, Benjamin Baker. C. Burlin was the physician of 1853. The post office was < tablished in 1855, with Moses Wagaman as Postmaster. The present incumbent L. S. Smith. This same year, the first regular hotel of the village was built, G.B. Adams. This became an independent school district in 1873, and the f lowing year the village was incorporated (September 9, 1874). James Smi was the first Mayor. James Stewart is now the Village Mayor. The sehoi house is a large two-story brick, with four apartments. The teachers £ Samuel Minich. Laura Duckwall, Silas Fox and Minnie Smith. In 1879, t largest and most commodious church edifice was built by the United Brethnl Rev. Mi'. Miller was the first, and is still their Pastor. Revs. Mr. Grow a! Michael Kaufman officiated respectively in the Lutheran and Methodist Church The physicians are Drs. J. C. Conner, A. Dove, C. Gish, William Mundhenk a Moses Pretzinger. The Village Justice is L. S. Smith, and J. Smith is t telegraph operator and ticket and freight agent. The Brookville hotel is k( by Charles Riley; the " Eureka" by Noah Baker; and the "Eagle" by J. Hidinger. Other business enterprises are as follows: A steam flour iug-mi two saw-mills, a large carriage manufactory, owned and operated by H Gagle; a wagon-maker shop, carried on by John Siebert; drygoods andgroce establishments, carried on by Richard Riley, H. Albert and Samuel Barn two tin shops, by David Ivinsie and Stephen Ellen; one saddler shop and c barber shop, two drug stores, kept by William Sanford and Moses Pretzing and two houses where are kept agricultural implements. Jacob Overhalser a R. Roller are the blacksmiihs. The population now numbers 565. It is c of the voting precincts.

West Baltimore, lying partly in Preble and partly in Montgomery Gout being in the northwestern part of the township, was, surveyed by J acob t re June 22, 1852. The proprietors of that part situated in Montgomery Com were Peter Snyder, Isaac Schauff, Rinehard Bens., William S. Reed and Boy Fritchey & Co. In 1835, on the present site of the village, John Fritz s< dry goods, and in 1839, a United Brethren Clmrcb was erected. The vill< is on the line of a turnpike, running through it east and west, and at the no and of one running south.

Wenger Lawn is a Hag station on the Dayton & Union Railroad, one lie from Bachman. In 1876, a store and warehouse was opened by Solomon iod. The same year, a United Brethren Church was erected. Mr. Good is e Pastor. In 1853, the saw mill now owned and operated by William Long is built by Daniel Lasure.

Clay is prominently a grass township. Figuratively speaking, grass is ring " here. The soil is well adapted to both foreign and native. The latter is esent everywhere and, at times, takes the place of all others. It comes rly in spring and lasts late in autumn, and is more nutritious than any ler. It is best for flesh and milk. 'Tis said, " all flesh is grass." Clover : d timothy make the best hay, and the former is especially good for the recu- . ration of the soil. About 85 per cent of the whole are plow lands, leaving fly i5 per cent as wood and pasture land. This, in the opinion of the a iter, is not right. At least 30 per cent of the whole should be left in pasture r I woodland. The farmers are now understanding the importance of the j ation of crops, and of clover being one of them for manure purposes, in cisequence of which there is being brought about a marked improvement in t> agriculture of this region. Live stock is to a greater extent being incsed in winter than in former years, which not only adds to their comfort but to farmers. It is being understood that for every load of grain, v. straw or tobacco taken off of a farm, a load of manure should be returned. Inure put upon this land is like "bread cast upon the waters to be seen many l/s hence," as there is no washing and an impervious sub-soil which prei'its leaching.

As land is the basis of all human operations, either in the shape of lots, lids or farms, and as population increases, so will the value of lands and lots iirease; consequently there is an increased desire on the part of the people of 1 township to own land. Every foot of it is available for agricultural and u'ticultural purposes. There is no waste land in it. The soil was originally g id, but now the fertility of it is being improved by ditching and tiling, /as once said, "Young man, go West." Lands here are as cheap, consideru the locality and quality, and improvements, as they are anywhere else. Bp few people now move away to buy cheap lands. With two exceptions,

1 roads are on section lines, and the farms square. The expense of fencing therefore at a minimum, costing about $92,160 to fence the township in ty-acre lots, this being $4 to the acre, the interest on the gross amoun lg $5,529, or $3 to the individual of the rural part of the township. When 1 stock law is fully enforced, as it will be in a few years (now 'tis only partly), then the cost of fencing will be less. For faiun boundary fences, hedging s ow being planted extensively.

Formerly, when the country was new, and the surface partially covered vi timber, weeds and water, and agriculture in its infancy, malarious dis- Us were then quite prevalent. Forty years ago, when the writer of this, as i lysician, first became acquainted with the township, malarial disease was n;e or less common every year, and some years more or less of it in every ily. But now, since it is mostly cleared and cleaned of brush and weeds,

| ditched and fairly cultivated, it compares favorably with any other part 'the Miami Valley in this respect. Good housekeeping, as well as good hijbandry, has done much to bring about this state of affairs. The social and ;X1 al condition of the people of this will compare well with those of any other topship in the county. No murder has ever been committed here, and there 18 jut little litigation. Indeed, the morals would be exceedingly good if it w> not for the intoxicating liquors sold.

The village population is 1, 130. This is a gain of 237 during the 1; decade, being a gain of 20 per cent also. In fifty years, at this rate of ga the population of the township will be double what it is now, or 6,120. T1 of the villages will be 2,260.

The population of the rural district is 1,930, being a gain of 282, or per cent since 1870. Thus we see that it takes the rural population f'ourte decades or one hundred and forty years to double itself, while the villa population will be double in fifty years. This is unfortunate, as village 1 is more demoralizing than rural life. The idle and profligate drift into v lages. If these were industrious and economical, they would have no troui to find homes in the country.

There are thirty-six sections in the township and 23,040 acres of land. I ing seven and a half acres to each inhabitant; 18,626 arces of this is plow lai The balance, 4,414 acres, is woodland. Much of this is used for pasture, as it all inclosed.

The population of Brookville, the principal village of the township, is 5( being a gain of 165 in the last decade. Of Phillipsburg it is 232, being a g< of 45 in the last ten years ; of South Arlington it is 149, being a gain 25 since 1870 ; of Dodson it is 77, being a gain of 30 in the last decade ; Bachman it is 66, being a loss of one in the last ten years. At this rate decline, this village will be " wiped out" of existence in 660 years ; of Wen^j Lawn, it is 41, a clear gain in the last ten years.

The lands of the township have just been appraised (for taxable purpos1 at $55 per acre with the buildings, and at $50 per acre without them, maid in the aggregate $1,267,200 with buildings; without buildings; $1,152,01 The buildings are valued at $115,200. This makes $415 to each inhabit for land with buildings.

Total amount of all taxes paid in the township for all purposes is, 1 1880, $20,974, being nearly $7 to each man, woman and child, and bei: nearly 82 per cent of 1 per cent of the whole amount.

There are eleven distinct turnpike roads in the township, making in t ao-a-recrate thirty-five miles, and a little over three miles to the road. Die roads are all " free pikes," no toll roads are in existence in the township, the rate at which "pikes" have been made, it will not be many years till < the principal roads will be "piked." The average cost of these free pikes

Dout $1,500 per mile. Bridging is not expensive, as there are no streams of ]y size in the township. The ditches on either side furnish excellent drainre to the adjacent lands. These turnpikes are paid for by bonds hypothecat- 1 on a tax placed upon adjacent lands, to be paid in installments. These ads add greatly to the comfort of living and to the value of the lands. 'Tis 'ierefore, for the farmers, a judicious investment. Two of these pikes are on wnship lines.

In the township are nine variety stores where are kept dry goods, clothing, oceries and all kinds of ware; seven warehouses or grain depots located on ie two railroads that cross the southwestern corner of the township, namely: re Dayton & Union and Dayton & Western, by which is afforded excellent fatties for shipping the various products and for travel. A great amount of leat, corn, oats, barley, tobacco and hogs are handled annually at these ware- :uses. Five saw-mills, a large carriage manufactory, wagon-maker's shop, ght blacksmiths, a large flouring mill, tile factory, a store where agricultural iplements and machinery are kept, eight physicians and surgeons - one for (- iry 382 inhabitants. Unfortunately for the morals of the people, there are (jht saloons, and four hotels, and two drug stores, making fourteen places ' .ere ardent spirits are dispensed - one for every 218 persons. The laws for tj> protection of the people from the evils of drunkenness are not enforced, i ther will they be until it is made the duty of officers in authority to see that r ty are enforced.

LEYI BAKER, grain, tobacco and stock dealer, Brookville. Michael Baker, his grandfather, was born in Somerset County, Penn. He married Catharine Schmooker of the same State. The result of this union was twelve children, of whom three are living, viz.: Samuel, Elizabeth and Benjamin. They emigrated to Ohio in 1804, and entered a tract of land near Dayton, containing 600 acres. The friendly Indians in the neighborhood advised him to change his location on account of what was called the " milk sick." Mr. Baker thereupon moved to Clay Township, and entered a tract of 1,200 acres. At the time the land was entered, there were about three hundred Indians of the Shawnee tribe camped on the place and remained about two years. During this period the neighboring tribes were commiting many depredations along the border, and nearly all the families became alarmed and moved to Dayton. The friendly Indians prevailed on Mr. Baker to remain and conceal himself, and they would take care of him, but he thought he would rather go to Dayton. In a short time after his arrival, he concluded that he would be much safer on his own place, and therefore returned. When he arrived the friendly Indians were glad to see him, and demonstrated their delight by giving a feast which lasted a couple of days. Mr. Baker passed from this world in 1853. The family lost in him a kind and indulgent parent, and the community a good citizen. Benjamin, the father of our subject, was born in this township the 25th day of March, 1 810. He married Francis Niswonger in 1830 ; as a result of this union, had twelve children, the following of whom are living - Sadie, Malinda, Sarah, Johanna, Mary, Minerva, Noah, Levi, Cyrus C., Sylvester. Mr. Baker was an Old-Line Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party has been a faithful supporter of its interests. He has been a consistent member of the German Baptist Church for the past thirty years. Levi, the subject of this memoir, was born January 9, 1836, and obtained his education, in the common schools, and assisted his father with the farm duties until twenty years of age, when he was united in marriage with Catharine A. Ganger, in 1856. There were born to bless this union, two children, Mary A. and one who died in infancy. He continued tilling the soil for six years, and then engaged in the grain business, which he has followed successfully until the present. As an evidence of the esteem and popularity with which he is held in the community where he lives, he was elected Assessor of his township, which position he filled for a period of thirteen years. Mrs. Baker was summoned out of this world April 5, 1879. He married for his second wife Rebecca Koonts, November 18, 1879, and they have one child, Edith L. Baker.

In 1862, he engaged in the general merchandise business, which he continued until 1870, when he disposed of his store and engaged in the produce and stock business exclusively. He possesses good business qualities, and has been successful in every enterprise that he has been engaged in. Althpugh he has never identified himself with any church, he has led an honest and upright life.

JACOB BAKER, farmer, P. O. Brookville. His father, Jacob Baker, is the son of Michael Baker, whose sketch appears with the biography of Levi Baker. Jacob j obtained a very limited education, and assisted his father in clearing the land of timber.

He was united in marriage with Sarah Michael in 1854. Had fourteen children, of whom nine are living. Jacob, the subject of our sketch, was born in 1836, and reared on the farm. He celebrated his marriage with Sarah Shank in 1 854. They are the parents of three chlidren, viz., Permelia, Almira and Lawrence L. Mr. Baker has followed the occupation of tilling the soil to the present time, with good success. He cast his first vote for "father Abraham," and has since been identified with the Republican party.

NOAH W. BAKER, hotel and liveryman, Brookville. Michael Baker, Jr., was a son of Michael Baker, Sr., who came to this county in 1805, from Lancaster County,

Penn. Michael Baker, Jr., was born about the year 1812 ; after reaching manhood he married Betsey Warner, by whom he had seven children. After her death he married her sister Roseann, and they were the parents of three children, two of whom are still living - Harvey C. and Noah W. ; the subject of this sketch was born November 15, 1848, and was married June 5, 1870, to Sophia Borden, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, October 17, 1853. They are the parents of five children. Mr., Baker has been in the hotel business for twelve years, seven of which he has been in the Eureka House, which he built in 1873. In politics, Mr. Baker is a Republican.

SAMUEL G. BARNES, dry goods and groceries and carriage manufacturing, Brookville, was born in Erie County, N. Y., May 5, 1836. His father was a native of the same State and county, and was united in marriage with Charlotte Rowe about the year 1821, and had nine children, viz.: Jane, Martha M., Eliza, Laura A., Charlotte A., Mary M., James G\, Samuel Gl., Alice M. Mr. Barnes, by occupation was a miller, which he followed up until the time he came to Ohio in 1838. He locatedUn Marion County and died a short time after his arrival, leaving a large family to the care of Mrs. Barnes, who managed to keep them together until 1845, when she broke up housekeeping, and our subject was bound out to a neighboring farmer until he was twentyone. Our subject at this time was nine years of age, and had been to school only one winter, but being of an inquiring disposition and of studious habits, he obtained a fair knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic. In 1847, the farmer with whom our subject was bound, failed, and our subject was thrown on his own resources at the age of eleven years. He followed various pursuits until 1849, when he engaged with Morrhous & Davis, at Xenia, Greene Co., Ohio, to learn carriage-smithing, and continued in their service for a term comprising a period of five^ years, and worked at journey work until 1857, when he took for a wife Rebecca Snyder, and as a result of this union had one son - Charles A. Mr. Barnes continued at journey work until 1859, when he commenced business for himself in Plattsburg,' Clark Co., Ohio. Mrs. Barnes was summoned out of this world in 1861, when he disposed of his business and went at his country's call for volunteers, and enlisted in Company C, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as Corporal, and in a short time was made Color Sergeant, which position he continued in until he was wounded at the battle of South Mountain, Md., and was confined to the hospital for a period of nine months, when He was put in Company F, Twenty -first Veteran Reserve Corps, stationed most of the time at Philadelphia. He received his discharge in 1864, and re-enlisted in the same company until the close of the war. His marriage with his second wife, Eliza Biggart, was celebrated in 1865, eleven months prior to his receiving his discharge from service. He continued following his trade in Philadelphia until 1870, when he came West to Dayton, Ohio, remaining but a short time, and then came to Brookville, where he now resides ; continued working as a journeyman until 1872, when he embarked once more in the carriage manufacturing business for himself, which he continued operating very successfully until 1880, when he disposed of his shop and purchased a stock of dry goods and groceries. He, having a large and extensive circle of acquaintances, was soon able to command a large trade. In 1881, he associated himself with A. F. Roller in the carriage manufacturing business.

JESSE A. BINKLEY, farmer, P. O. Center, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., December 7, 1814 ; he is a son of Samuel Binkley, deceased, of Miami Township. Samuel was born in Lancaster County, Penn., June, 1786. He was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Beam, of Lancaster County, Penn., 1805. She was born June, 1786. By this union there were nine children born to them, eight of whom are now living. The youngest is past fifty years of age. A rather remarkable circumstance is that there was not a death in the family for more than fifty years from the date of their marriage. In the spring of 1837, Samuel and family emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Germantown, Montgomery County. They lived there some nine months, when they moved to Miami Township, where Samuel continued to live until his death, in 1872, in his eighty-sixth year. His widow is still living in Miami Township, in her ninety-sixth year. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Jesse, the subject of this sketch, remained at home with his parents on the farm ; a part of the time was spent in the " Shuey Mill," in Germantown. He had learned milling in Pennsylvania. Jesse was united in mariage November 19, 1846, to Miss Caroline Whisler, who was born November 27, 1823, a daughter of Daniel Whisler, deceased, of Miami Township. This union has been blessed by the birth of twelve children, eleven of whom are now living, viz.: Henry, born June 10, 1848 ; William A., born March 24, 1849 ; Adaline, born October 30, 1850, now the wife of A. Rhodes, of Anderson, Ind.; Newton, born June 18, 1852; Jesse, born April 8, 1853; Caroline W., born December 19,1854, wife of William Worman, of Clay Township; Alice A., born December 6, 1856, wife of John H. Welsh, of Randolph Township; Jacob B., born May 2, 1858; Pharis, born January 2, 1861; Samuel, born June 11, 1862; and Theora, born December 2, 1867. Their daughter Clara was born October 1, 1865, and died January 3, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Binkley and seven of their children are members of the United Brethren Church at Phillipsburg, Ohio. Mr. Binkley has been a Township Trustee for several terms in Clay Township. In 1847, he moved to Clay Township, and settled on the farm where he has since lived. He owns a farm of 160 acres, well improved, with a large dwelling and substantial outbuildings.

LEWIS CAYLOR, farmer, P. 0. Brookville, is the grandson of Peter Caylor, who emigrated from Virginia to Ohio, locating in Jefferson Township. It cannot be ascertained at what time, but it was almost a wilderness, and the Indians were very numerous. He was united in marriage with Sarah Retter. One daughter and five sons were born to bless this union, three of whom are living, viz., Joseph, Benjamin and Elizabeth. The father of our subject was born in Jefferson Township, September 19, 1812. He celebrated his marriage with Elizabeth Miller. Ten children were born to them - John, Susan, Lucinda, Anna, Peter, Lewis, Hannah are living at the present writing. Lewis, the subject of this sketch, was born in Jefferson Township January 26, 1845, and assisted his father with the duties of the farm until 1865, when he married Lidy A. Baker. They were the parents of two children - Altha M. and Herod V. Mr. Claylor's principal occupation has been tilling the soil. He purchased a farm in Van Buren Township, Darke Co., Ohio, in 1867, remaining until 1878, and disposed of his place and purchased the farm where he now resides. As an evidence of the popularity and esteem with which he is held in the community where he lives, he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, which office he has filled to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

JACOB CARMONY, farmer, P. O. West Baltimore, was born in Washington Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, July 10, 1823. He is a son of Jacob Carmony, late of Clay Township, deceased. Jacob was born in Pennsylvania, October 18, 1790. He emigrated to Ohio and settled in Washington Township, Montgomery County, in 1810 or 1811. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Stansell, a daughter of Henry Stansell, deceased, of Washington Township, Montgomery County. She was born June 4, 1796, in Mason County, Ky. By this union there were born to them six children, four of whom are now living - Henry S., of Miami County, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of George Halloway, of Portland, Ind. ; William, of Lawrence County, 111., and Jacob, the subject of this sketch. Jacob, Sr., lived in Washington Township until 1866, when he moved to Clay Township, where he died April 26, 1869. His wife died in Clay Township, January 1, 1872. Jacob. Jr., lived with his parents engaged in farming until he was married, September 16, 1846, to Miss Mary Tice, a daughter of Joseph Tice, of Clay Township, where he died October 4, 1871. She was born in the State of New Jersey, April 24, 1829. By this union there have been born to them nine children, six of whom are now living, viz., William J., born May 16, 1847 , Joseph T., born May 23, 1849 ; Arminte, born August 25, 1854, wife of Joseph Lasure, of Indiana; Clara, born May 24, 1859, wife of William Thompson, of Preble County, Ohio; Sarah E., born February 17, 1861, wife of Lewis Westfall, of Clay Township, and Henry J., born December 15, 1862. William J. was married to Miss Sarah A. Rasor, a daughter of D. Rasor, of Clay Township, September 27, 1868. They have had five children born to them, viz., Clara E., Milton O., Emma L., Henry

W. and Francis J. Mrs. Carmony is a member of the New-School Baptist Church at Gordon, Darke Co. Mr. C. has resided in Montgomery County all his life. He is the owner of a farm of 166 acres in Clay Township, where he lives.

WARREN H. COOK, farmer, P. 0. Clayton, was born in Clay Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 18, 1840. He is a son of the late Harris Cook, a native of Providence, R. I., who emigrated to Ohio in an early day. Warren lived at home with his parents until twelve years of age, when his parents sent him to a select school at West Milton, Miami Co., Ohio (known as the Quaker Seminary), where he attended two terms. When he was only fifteen years old he taught a school in Darke County, Ohio, and the following summer he attended the schools at West Milton. The next winter he taught school in Darke County ; then remained at home for a year, when he attended the Normal School at Troy, Miami Co., Ohio. The subsequent winter he taught the schools at Pattysville, Miami County; the next winter he taught a school north of Georgetown, where he commenced the study of medicine with his brother-in-law, Dr. Bobbs, of Phillipsburg, In the winter of 1861-62, he taught the Phillipsburg schools again. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His regiment served in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Army Corps. He was in active service some fourteen months, when, by order of Secretary Stanton, he was detached from active service and attached to the Adjutant General's office at Washington, D. C. He had charge of the Corresponding Bureau under Col. Taylor until he was discharged. Upon his return home, he attended medical lectures at the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1865-66, on account of rheumatism contracted while in the army, he had to abandon the study of medicine. In the summer of 1866, he attended the Normal School at Dayton, Ohio. In the following winter of 1866-67, he taught the schools at Salem, Montgomery County, and in 1867 - 68, the Brookville schools. From 1869 to 1871, he taught a school four miles northwest of Dayton. April 13, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie N. Turner, a daughter of H. M. Turner, of Montgomery County. By this Union there have been born to them two children, viz., Bertha A., born November 9, 1872, and Malcomb, December 4, 1874. Hattie N., his wife, was born November 16, 1848. In 1875, he moved to Grant County, Ind., where he engaged in the drug business with Dr. Bobbs. This partnership continued one year, when Dr. Bobbs retired, and Mr. Cook continued the business one year, when he sold out and returned to Montgomery County, Ohio, and settled on the farm where he now resides. Mr. Cook is the owner of a farm of 110 acres of land in Clay Township, northwest of Salem three-quarters of a mile.

WILLIAM DILTS, farmer, P. 0. Brookville, was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., May 21, 1815. His father,- William, was born in 1765, and was united in marriage with Catharine Holcomb about 1790. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom eight are living, five daughters and three sons. William, the subject of this memoir, was educated in the common schools and brought up to farm labor. He was apprenticed at the age of seventeen years to learn the carpenter's trade, and served four years, and continued in the employ of his brother until he was united in marriage with Mary Allen in 1837. Followed his trade until the fall of 1837. In the spring of 1838, he packed all his worldly possessions in a wagon and started for the West. He arrived at West Baltimore, this township, after a long and tedious journey of twenty-one days. In 1839, he rented a rude cabin near Brookville, and followed his trade until 1843, when he moved to Liberty Corners, remaining three years and purchased the farm where be now resides. Mrs. Dilts was summoned from earth to the spirit land in 1867. He married, for his second wife, Maria Conrad, in 1869. Mr. Dilts is the father of eight children, five by his first wife, and three by his second. Mr. Dilts has been a worthy and consistent member of the Baptist Church for the past thirty years. Mr. Dilts started in the world with nothing but good health, and, with the assistance of his good and industrious wife, accumulated enough of this world's goods to keep them in their declining years.

WILLIAM G. EWING, farmer, P. 0. West Baltimore, is a son of John Ewing, a pioneer of Washington Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. John Ewing, Sr., the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Kentucky. He emigrated from Kentucky and settled in Washington Township, Montgomery County, in the year 1707. He was one of the first Associate Judges of Montgomery County. John Ewing, the father of William G., was born in Washington Township, Montgomery County, in 1802, where he now lives. He is the oldest person living in the township that was born in it. He was united in marriage in the year 1823, to Miss Elizabeth Ewell, a daughter of Joel Ewell (deceased), of Washington Township, Montgomery County. The Ewell family came to Montgomery County from New Jersey in a very early day and settled in Washington Township. Elizabeth was born in 1804; by the marriage of John and Elizabeth there were born to them fourteen children, four of whom are now living - Jeremiah, born 1825; William G., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, born February, 1827, and Robert, born September 7, 1838. The subject of this sketch was born March 30, 1826. John and Elizabeth are still living in Washington Township; John is in his eightieth year and Elizabeth in her seventy-eighth year. William G. lived at home on the farm until 1849, when he went to California and remained until May, 1854, when he returned. He was united in marriage November 4, 1856, to Miss Malinda Sunderland, a daughter of Aaron Sunderland (deceased), of Washington Township. She was born February 13, 1838; by this union there have been born to them six children, three of whom are now living - Cora M., born October 27, 1863; Lilly M., born January 14, 1866, and William A., born February 7, 1876. Three of their children are dead, viz. : A son who died in infancy April 8, 1859; Otto W. died September 3, 1864; and Laura S. died September 22, 1865. In 1869, Mr. Ewing moved to Clay Township and settled on the farm upon which he has since lived. He owns a farm of 1052 acres. Mrs. Ewing is a member of the New-School Baptist Church at Centerville, Ohio. Mr. Ewing, while residing in Washington Township, was Trustee one term. In Clay Township, he has been a member .of ,j the school board for some time. He served in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty- J! first Regiment Ohio National Guards, under Col. Lowe, of Dayton.

HUGH FERGUSON, farmer, P. O. Bachman, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, March 30, 1831. He is a son of William Ferguson (deceased), late of Dayton, [ Ohio. William was born in Delaware in the year 1787. He was united in marriage in the year 1808, to Miss Jane Watson, of Delaware; by this union there were born to them nine children, four of whom are now living - Christopher B., who lives in Dayton; Robert H., of Darke County, Ohio; Joseph J., who lives in Missouri, and Hugh, j the subject of this sketch. William Ferguson emigrated from Delaware to Ohio and settled in Montgomery County, where he lived until his death. He settled first in Dayton, when there were but few houses at that point. William was a farmer. He died in Dayton October 21, 1874, in his eighty-eighth year. His wife (Jane) was born in Delaware in 1787 ; she died June 20, 1871, in her eighty-third year. Hugh was reared on a farm, and has since continued to follow the choice of his youth. He was united in marriage January 28, 1858, to Miss Fidelia Valentine, a daughter of Jonathan Valentine, of Dayton, Ohio; she was born September 19, 1836; Jonathan Val- J| entitle was a native of New Jersey; he died in Dayton in 1864; by the marriage of Hugh and Fidelia there has been born to them seven children, six of whom are cow dead. They have one daughter living - Lizzie M., born May 11, 1862. Mr. Fergus, j, son has been a resident of Montgomery County since his birth, excepting three years he lived in Greene County, Ohio. In March 14, 1871, he moved to Clay Township, where he has since continued to live. He is the owner of a farm of seventy-two acres. Mr. Ferguson and daughter are members of the United Brethren Church at South Arlington, Ohio. Mrs. Ferguson is a member of the Reformed Church in Greene I County, Ohio.

JACOB FLORY, farmer, P. O. Center, Ohio ; was born in Clay Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio (on the farm now owned by John Sayler), September 7, 1828. He is a son of the late Jacob Flory, Sr., who emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1805 or 1806, and settled in Montgomery County, near Liberty. Jacob, Sr., was united in ; marriage to Miss Mary Overholzer. He settled in Clay Township in 1817-18. At j the time of his death in 1867, he owned the John Sayler farm in Clay Township ; at the time of his death lie was seventy years old ; he had eight children living at the time of his death. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and has since engaged in the calling of his youth. He was married to Miss Frances Peffly, a daughter of Jacob Peffly, of Clay Township, January 20, 1856. By this union there have been born to them seven children, all of whom are now living, viz.: Wilson, born September 3, 1853 ; Lydia Ann, born January 3, 1855 ; Jacob, born April 5, 1856 ; Simon, born October 10, 1857 ; Benjamin, born August 28, 1859 ; Emma, born January 22, 1863 ; and Levi, born October 9, 1866. Mr. Florv and wife are members of the " Brethren in Christ " Church. Mr. Flory is the owner of a farm of eighty acres in Clay Township, where he resides. His farm is well improved with a very cheerful residence, substantial barn and other outbuildings.

GEORGE GANGER, farmer, P. 0. Bachman. The subject of this sketch was born in Perry Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, September 5, 1810. His father, John Ganger, was a native of New Jersey. He was born in the year 1766, and emigrated to Maryland. In 1796, he was married to Miss Barbara Redman, of Maryland. By this union there were born to them eleven children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Joseph, of Shelby County, Ohio ; Samuel, of Elkhart County, Jnd.; John, of Elkhart County, Ind.; George, the subject of this sketch, and Jacob, of Elkhart County, Ind. The youngest child (Jacob) is now in his sixty-eighth year. John Ganger emigrated to Ohio from Maryland, and settled in Perry Township, Montgomery County, about the year 1809. He died in Clay Township in 1853, in his eighty-seventh year. His wife, Barbara, died in 1847 in Perry Township ; she was born in the year 1769. George lived at home with his parents engaged in farming until he was married. He was united in marriage, June 12, 1834, to Miss Elizabeth Reicbard, of Preble County, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph Reichard. He was born in Center County, Penn., in the year 1793. He was married to Miss May Heiney, of Pennsylvania; he emigrated to Ohio in the year 1819, and settled in Montgomery County. By the marriage of George and Elizabeth there have been born to them eight children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Mary Ann, born November 22, 1835, now the wife of John Myers, of Clay Township ; George W., February 20, 1848; William, May 4, 1853; Elizabeth, May 29, 1857, now the wife of Ezra Whip, of Dayton, Ohio; and Levi B., November 1, 1861. In 1843, George Ganger moved with his family to Clay Township, and settled on the farm upon which he now lives. Mrs. Ganger is a member of the United Brethren Church at South Arlington. Mr. Ganger is the owuer of a farm of 1291 acres, near Bachman. Their son William was united in marriage May 12, 1878, to Miss Eliza Eck, a daughter of James Eck, of Clay Township. William is engaged in farming the home place.

CHRISTOPHER GISH, physician and surgeon, Brookville. Mathias Gish was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1789, and was married to Frauces Hammaker in Cumberland County, Penn., about the year 1811, and removed to Franklin County, and from thence to what was then Mifflin County, now Juniata County. While ia Frauklin County, he learned the trade of miller. He removed to Ohio in 1836, and settled in Shelby County, but soon came to Montgomery County, where he lived the rest of his life, dying at the advanced age of eighty-six years. They were the parents of six children, four boys and two girls - John, Abram. Eliza, Mathias, Fannie and Christopher. The subject of our sketch was born in Franklin County, Penn., on March 20, 1815, and came to Ohio in 1834, having left his home two years prior to that time, and joined himself to a millwright, with whom he worked for two years at a compensation of 84 per month, from which he had to clothe himself. This scanty allowance formed in him habits of economy which formed the basis of his present fortune. In his native State he received a common-school education, and an academic education at the Dayton Academy. Read medicine with the late Dr. Bosler, of Dayton, going to the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati in 1S40-41, and also in 1852- 53, when he graduated. Since 1841, he has been constantly in the practice, and has been very prominent in the medical profession in Montgomery County ever since. He married Mary Feit December 27, 1842. She was the daughter of Charles Feit, a native of Prussia, and came to America in 1808. His father was left behind to attend to some business, and died soon after; his mother died during the voyage. Thus, landing at Philadelphia an orphan, he was sold to a Chester County farmer to defray his passage, with whom he stayed until he was twenty-one years of age. Mrs. Gish was born in Chester County July 24, 1819. Dr. Gish has been earnest and devoted in his work for education and the elevation and advancement of humanity. He is a man of broad views, and well-developed knowledge in the affairs of life.

SOLOMON GOOD, minister, Backman, is the son of Jacob Good, who was born in Rockingham County, Va., December 17,1814, and emigrated to Ohio in 1816, with his father, and located in Fairfield County. He was united in marriage with Anna Busy, daughter of Abraham and Anna Busy, in 1840. These worthy individuals labored diligently for the support of an increasing family, nor in the midst of harassing struggles did they neglect the mental improvements of their progeny under the most depressing circumstances. They raised a very exemplary family of nine children. Mary (Bery) Solomon, Daniel Ely (Sarah McKinsey), Elizabeth Balinda are now living. In 1840, Mr. Good journeyed farther out to the frontier, and purchased a farm in Adams Couuty, Ind., and has continued pursuing the occupation of tilling the soil until the present. Solomon was born September 22, 1845, and was educated in the common school, and assisted his father in clearing and cultivating the farm. He married his wife j on February 26, 1867. She was the daughter of the Rev. John Winger, one of the pioneer members of the Brethren in Christ Church, and has done much toward enlightening the people and advancing the interests of that denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Good are the parents of two children, viz., John and David J. Mr. Good continued farming until 1877, when he moved to Ohio and located in this township, where he now resides, and is engaged in the merchandise trade. Believing in the refining and elevating tendencies of religion, he joined the Brethren in Christ Church. In 1875, he felt himself called of the Holy Ghost to preach, and, as he stated, though feeling unworthy and incapable, yet he felt in duty bound to obey the call, and was regularly ordained as minister, and worked actively for the advancement of the cause. Six months later he ; had organized a congregation, and erected a church at Winger Town, in the village where he now resides. For the past three years he has been sowing seed here and there, preaching Christ, seeking after the welfare of the church with a fatherly care, rarely omitting to administer good advice to those with whom he conversed.

ALBERT GRUENIG, bakery and confectionery, Brookville, Ohio, was born in j Rhine, Bavaria, Germany, January 3, 1841 ; his father, Jacob, was born in Rhine, Bavaria, Germany, in the year 1796; he was a miller and baker. The subject of this sketch learned his trade with his father. His father died in 1871, in Germany, iD his seventy-six year. His mother was born in the same place as her husband ; she was born in the year 1813 ; she died in 1845. Albert, the subject of this sketch, had one sister and one brother. His sister, Mary, is dead ; his brother, Phillip, lives in Paris, France. The subject of this sketch came to America and landed at New York City on the 19th day of August, 1865. He first came to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was engaged in baking for a year and a half, when he went to Germantown, Ohio, and followed his trade until 1867, when he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remaiued until the fall of 1868, when he returned to Germantown, where he carried on a bakery until 1872, then he moved to Brookville, Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he now resides.

He was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Jane Wright, of Germantown, on the sixth day of June, 1872. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Isaac H. Reiter, of the German Reformed Church, of Miamisburg, Ohio. They have had four children born to them, three of whom are dead, viz., John Albert, Anna E. and Edward. They have one daughter living, viz., Dora Louisa, who was born November 9, |

1876. Mr. G. has been engaged in business in Brookville since 1872; he is the leading baker in the town and has accumulated considerable town property in Brookville through his own industry.

RICHARD M. HART, farmer, P. 0. West Baltimore, was born in Butler County, Ohio, July 25, 1823. His father, George W. Hart, was born in New Jersey, in the year 1789. He emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Butler County in a very early day. He was united in marriage, in 1817, to Miss Rachel Pierson, of Butler County. Rachel was born in New Jersey in 1793; George W. Hart died in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1840. His wife, Rachel, died in April, 1867. Richard began life at the bottom rung of the ladder, working by the day at any honorable work he could get, assisting his widowed mother to support the family. George W. and family moved from Butler County to Montgomery in 1830, where he worked at the carpenter's trade. In the spring of 1836, they moved to Lockland, Hamilton County, where he died. Robert M. was united in marriage, December 24, 1846, to Miss Harriet McGrew. who was born September 11, 1823, a daughter of James McGrew, of Preble County, Ohio. He was a native of Pennsylvania. By this union there have been born to them four children, all of whom are now living, viz. : Asbury E., born April 23, 1848 ; James L., born October 19, 1851 ; George W., born September 5, 1854, and Hattie M., born December 11, 1866. Asbury E. married to Miss Ella Sullivan, of Arcanum, Darke Co., Ohio. George W. married to Miss Susan Doner, of Randolph Township, Montgomery County. In the year 1840, the subject of this sketch and his mother returned to Montgomery County and settled in Clay Township, where he has since lived, with the exception of one year (1847). Robert lived in Butler County. Mr. Hart and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Gordon Darke County. Mr. Hart has been a member of the School Board in Clay Township for six years. He was a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-first Regiment Ohio National Guards, under Col. J. G. Lowe, of Dayton. He is the owner of a farm of thirty-nine acres in Clay Township, where he resides.

JOHN JOHN, retired farmer, P. O. Center, was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 14, 1812. His father, David John, was born in Botetourt County, Va., March 29, 1788. He and his family emigrated to Ohio in 1809, and settled in Stark County, when it was a vast wilderness. They had but one neighbor anywhere near ; their frequent visitors were bears, wolves, wild cats and Indians. They had to fell trees in order to build their cabin. In 1829, David John and his family moved to Montgomery County, and settled in Clay Township, one mile south of Phillipsburg, where he resided until 1839, when he moved to Wayne County, Ind., and settled near Hagerstown, where he died November 4, 1872, in his eighty-fifth year. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in York County, Penn , September 22, 1792. She was married to David March 26, 1811. Her maiden name was Mishler. She died in Wayne County, Ind., August 21, 1843. David John and wife were baptized in Stark County, Ohio, in 1817, by Daniel Garver, at David Graybills, at the Yearly Meeting of the German Baptist Church, and died in the triumph of that faith. The subject of this sketch lived at home with his parents until he was twenty years old, working by the day for a start in life. In his twenty-first year, he commenced to learn the carpenter trade, and J continued to work at it for ten years. He learned his trade with Philip Studebaker, of Phillipsburg. In 1838, he purchased eighty-five acres of laud in Clay Township, being a part of the farm upon which he now resides ; he has added to it until he has now a farm of 162 acres; near the town of Phillipsburg. He was united in marriage, May 14, 1833, to Miss Nancy Warner, a daughter of Jacob Warner, of Clay Township. This union has been blessed by the birth of ten children, seven of whom are now living, viz. : Elizabeth (now the wife of Aaron Miller, of Clay Township), Lydia, Mary |(now the wife of Escp Smith, of Brookville), Lewis W., Samuel, Hetta Ann (now the wife of William Binkley, who is engaged in farming his father-in-law's farm) and (Susanna. Mr. John and wife were baptized in the German Baptist Church in 1841, at Michael Miller's, by Isaac Karn, in Randolph Township. Mr. John quit farming jeight years ago, and is now taking his ease in his declining days, the result of his industry and economy.

ABRAHAM B. LANDIS, farmer and teacher, P. 0. West Baltimore, was born in Monroe Township, Darke Co., Ohio, July 11, 1845. He is a son of Daniel Landis, of Miami City, Montgomery County. Daniel was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1818. Abraham Landis, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, moved to Montgomery County and settled in Madison Township in 1825. Daniel Landis was united in marriage, in 1841, to Miss Susanna Basore, of Miami County, Ohio. She was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1820; by this union five children were born to them, all of whom are now living. Daniel and Susanna are members of the German Baptist Church. Abraham, the subject of this sketch, attended the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, in 1865. He taught school for seven years in Montgomery, Darke and Miami Counties. Mr. Landis was united in marriage August 18, 1870, to Miss Laura E. Smock, who was born January 12, 1851. She is a daughter of George Smock, of Warren County, Ohio ; he is a native of New Jersey. Catherine, the mother of Laura, was a Schenck, one of the prominent families of Warren County. By this union there have been born to them three children, now living, viz.: Cecilia A., born October 8, 1871 . Lilly M., born February 20, 1872, and Walter V., born September 22, 1874. These children are unusually bright and intelligent. Mr. Landis is a member of the A., F. & A. M., at Ithaca, Darke Co., Ohio. Mr. Landis has been a member of the School Board of Clay Township for five years. Mr. Landis is the owner of a farm of sixtyseven acres of land in Clay Township, where he resides. He has been for eight years dealing quite extensively in buying tobacco.

HENRY MUNDHENK, retired, Brookville, was born in Lancaster County, Penn , April 17, 1816, and is a son of David and Anna Maria Mundhenk, whose history is fully given in Perry Township. Our subject came with his parents to this county, and here grew to manhood, receiving a fair education in the schools of his township. He was married May 22, 1851, to Mary Ann Read, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 18, 1829, and a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Read, natives of New Jersey. Her father was born in 1801, and came to this county about 1826, where he lived many years, and was universally respected. He finally moved to Iowa, where he pur- j chased a large tract of land, with the intention of settling all his children upon it, and there died several years ago. To Henry and Mary Ann Mundhenk have been born i three children, viz.: Josephine, the wife of William Beardsheare, who is President of the Western College, Iowa; Sarah A., deceased; and Charlie L., who is a student at the Western College. Mr. Mundhenk has followed milling nearly all his life, and has been one of the successful men of Perry Township, but is now retired from active busi- j| ness, living in Brookville, on the fruits of his early industry. Politically, he is a Repub' I;1 lican, and he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. They are modest, unassuming people, and benevolent, kind neighbors, who are ever ready to assist the f poor and needy, as well as to give their means in helping along every worthy enterprise, jj Intelligent, well read, and courteous, they are respected by all who know them.

SAMUEL NISWONGER, farmer, P. O. Baltimore, is one of the stanch, energetic men of Montgomery County. His father, Samuel, was born in Virginia in 1788, and was united in marriage with Ellen Dillon. Ten children were born to bless this J union, eight of whom are living at the time of writing, viz.: James, Levi, John I)., Elizabeth, Catharine, Sarah, Prudia and Samuel. He came to Ohio, and located near the present site of Salem, in this township, and entered 160 acres, all in timber. Mr. Niswonger was a worthy member of the River Brethren faith, and was summoned out j of this world in 1869. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools J and brought up to farm labor. He was united in marriage with Rachel Studebaker, and j. five children have been born to bless this union, of whom two are living, viz.: Andrew [ and Rachel. Mrs. Niswonger passed from this world in 1857. Mr. Niswonger's principal occupation has been farming; he cultivated his father's farm until 1855, when hell purchased the farm where he now resides, containing eighty acres. He married bis jj second wife, Lydia Cupp, in 1862.

MRS. SUSANNA NISWONGER, farmer, P.O. Clayton. The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Darke County, Ohio, February 6, 1842, a daughter of Jacob Hinsey. She was married to George Niswonger November 17, 1870. He departed this life July 6, 1879. He was a son of John Niswonger, deceased, of Clay Township.

Mrs. Niswonger is the owner of seventeen acres, where she resides, in Clay Township. She has a beautiful home, surrounded with everything to make her life cheerful and pleasant.

JESSE P. 0 LINGER, dry goods and groceries, Brookville. John Olinger, grandfather of our subject, was born in Bucks County, Penn. ; his grandmother, Mary, was horn in the same State ; four children were born to bless this union. Judge George Olinger, the youngest, was born in Bedford County, Penn., the 18th day of February, 1793, and reared on the farm, and was possessed of an active, physical constitution. He .never wholly forsook his first honorable calling. His early advantages, especially in educational matters, were limited, but by being of an inquiring disposition he sought for and gathered a mass of information which could only be acquired by profound reading and continued reflection. October 21 , 1813, he was joined in the holy banns of matrimony to Margaret Hardman, of Kentucky; ten children was the result of this union, viz. : Israel H., Catharine, Jesse P., Susan, Margaret, Sarah, Mary, Mariah, Agnes, Eliza A.; all are living, excepting Susan, Catharine, Margaret and Mary. Mrs. Olinger was a member of the German Baptist Church ; she died May 14, 1863, leaving a large family to mourn her loss. Judge Olinger was one of the early pioneers of this county and occupied a prominent position in its history. In the year 1827, he was elected Justice of the Peace for his township, and continued in office for twelve years, when he declined further honors in that direction. About the year 1835, Mr. Olinger was elected an Associate Judge of the Common Pleas Court, a position of honor which he held with credit to himself for a term of about six years. In the year 1829, Judge (dinger was elected one of the Commissioners of the county, and continued in that office for six or seven years, and so popular was his administration of the affairs of the county that his friends desired him to keep on running ; he declined, however, and attempted to retire to private life. But it was insisted that he must do something in a public capacity, and he was put into the position of Land Appraiser for a number of years. Judge Olinger was a gentleman of the " old school," but belonged to that progressive class of old men that recognized the fact that the world moves. In politics, he was always a firm and consistent supporter of the Democratic party. James Monroe was the first President for whom he voted. The Judge, although not iu favor of total abstinence , was, however, an advocate for moderation and temperance in all things. The common-school interest found in him a faithful friend. His life was spent mainly in a continued round of mental and physical activity, and he passed quietly out of this world in 1875, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The family lost in him a kind parent and the community a good citizen. Jesse, our subject, was educated in the common schools and was brought up to the honorable occupation of tilling the soil, which he continued following until 1861. He married Mary A. Stoufl'er in 1848; by this union there were bom to them four children, viz.: Elizabeth, deceased, George Id.,

David H. and Charles W. Mrs. Olinger died in 1859. In 1861, he disposed of his farm and moved to Brookville, and purchased a stock of drugs and groceries, which he has managed successfully until the present. As an evidence of the popularity and esteem with which he was held in the community where he lives he was elected to the office of Justiee of the Peace in 1855, which position he filled to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He married his second wife, Amy C. Dilts, in 1868. They are both worthy members of the Lutheran Church, and have taken an active interest in the cause of religion.

MRS. RICKEY ORTMAN, farmer, P. 0. Center, Ohio, the subject of this sketch, is the widow of Henry Ortrnan, of Clay Township. She was born in Deapols, Germany, December, 17, 1825, and was united in marriage with Henry Ortrnan, in 1846, in" Germany. In 1848, they emigrated to America, and settled in Miarnisburg, Montgomery County, Ohio. In April, 1861, Henry Ortrnan moved to Clay Township, and settled on the farm where he died, November 19, 1875. There were born to Henry and Rickey twelve children, eight of whom are now living, viz., Bernhart, born August, 1847 ; Mary, born March 31, 1857 ; John, born January 25, 1859 ; Elizabeth, born October 3, 1860 ; Frederick, born March 25, 1862 ; Minnie, born

Biographical Sketches

November 24, 1865; Henry, born September 2, 1865, and Rickey, May 9, 1867. j The following children have died, Frederick, Lucinda, and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Ortman and sis of her children are now living on the old homestead. They own 130 acres of land in Clay Township, well improved with a fine dwelling, substantial barn and other buildings. Mrs. Ortman and family are members of the Lutheran Church at jj Phillipsburg, Ohio.

FREDERICK PANSING, farmer, P. 0. Center, is a native of Hanover, Germany, born October 25, 1839. His father, John F. Pansing, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1797. He was married in 1826 to Miss Caroline Ratga. They emigrated to America, and landed at New Orleans, La., December 1, 1847j and from there came to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there to Miamisburg, Montgomery Co., Ohio, where they lived until 1860, when they purchased the farm upon which they now reside, in Clay Township. There have been born to John F. and Caroline, six children, three of whom are now living, viz., Sophia, now the widow of F. Nidert, of Harrison Township, j Rickey, wife of George Machenhmer, of Miamisburg, Ohio, and Frederick, the ( subject of this sketch. John F. is still living with his son Frederick, in his eightyfifth year, and Caroline, in her seventy-seventh year. Frederick was united in marriage, December 24, 1863, to Miss Susanna Spitler, a daughter of John Spitler, of Union Township, Miami Co., Ohio, she was born April 17, 1845. By this union there have | been born to them ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz.: Emma, born September 10, 1864; Matilda, born May 6, 1266; William, born February 10, 1868; Nora, born March 19, 1870; Caroline, born May 22, 1872; Ellen, born August 30, 1873 ; Effa, born November 29, 1877 ; Halley, born December 21, 1880. Mr. Pan- j sing is a member of the Lutheran Church at Phillipsburg, Ohio, Mrs. Pansing is a member of the United Brethren Church at the same point. Mr. Pansing has been elected Infirmary Director two terms in Montgomery County. He has been elected Township Trustee for seven years, and has been a member of the School Board for six years, in Clay Township. This shows the estimation in which Mr. Pansing is regarded by the citizens of the county and his neighbors in the township. Mr. Pausing is the owner of a farm of eighty-six and a half acres in Clay Township.

NATIIANlAL PEGRAM, boots and shoes, Brookville, was born June 4, 1843, in Warren County, N. C. He was born a slave, and has, consequently, been deprived of all educational advantages. During the rebellion, he was pressed into the service of the Confederate army as a servant to his master, who was wounded in the engagement at Lynchburg, and Pegram was taken prisoner by the Union forces and conveyed to Tar- j, ville, where he entered the service of Lieut. Burns, of the Union army. In this J capacity, he continued for nine months, when he started for his former home. While jj en route, he was recaptured near Wytheville, Va., and held for an account of himself. He escaped in the night, and by concealing himself in the day-time succeeded in reach- J ing his destination, after a long and tedious journey of six weeks. His mistress allowed him the privilege of engaging in the boot and shoe trade in his own behalf, he j paying her $50 per month in confederate money to indemnify her for the loss of his labor. He continued this business successfully until 1867, at which time he disposed of his stock in trade and shipped as cook and steward on a wrecking vessel from Wilmington, N. C. Not liking this occupation, he availed himself of an early opportunity which presented itself of escaping by stowing himself in the hold of a tug which was unloading provisions alongside of his ship. Arriving at Wilmington, he was, confronted by the shipper, of whom he demanded his pay, which was refused He at once commenced legal proceedings, attached the tug, and thereby obtained satisfaction in the sum of $500. In 1869, he commenced driving team for Adams Express Company, j and at one time received a present of $25 and two suits of clothes for honesty in handling a $30,000 money package. In 1870, he repaired to Baltimore, Md., where he engaged in shoemaking. Eighteen months thereafter, he went to Washington, t D. C., where he remained four years in the employ of the Government as watchman in the Treasurer's Office and Interior Department. In 1880, he went to Cincinnati, then to Key West, Ky., then to Dayton, Ohio, then to Brookville, where he now resides.

He married Sarah Gardner, by whom he had five children. Of these, four - Nathaniel, Louisa, Eugene and Mary A. - are now living. In 1865, he was deprived by death of his better half. In 1875, he took to wife Elizabeth Allen, by whom he had one child, which died in its infancy. In religious belief, Mr. P. is an earnest and consistent Methodist, and takes every opportunity of enlightening his people in the truths of that Gospel to which he is so devoted.

HENRY RASOR, farmer, P. 0. Clayton. John Rasor was born in Dauphin County, Penn., August 25, 1791, and came to Ohio in 1807, and settled in this county. He married Miss Hannah Michaels in 1820. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are still living - Peter, John, David, Daniel, Samuel, Noah, Catherine, Mary and Henry. The subject of this sketch was born March 21, 1827, on the same place he now owns. He married Miss Malinda Baker, daughter of Benjamin Baker, of Clay Township. They are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living - Levi, Sadie, Cicero, Noah, John II., Martha, Hannah F. and Samuel E. Mr. Rasor received his education in the common schools of Clay Township. In politics, Mr. Rasor is a Democrat. He and his wife have been members of the Brethren in Christ Church for twenty-three years.

MICHAEL N. REED, farmer, P. 0. Dodson, was born in Madison Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, December 18, 1829. He is a son of Peter Reed, of Madison Township, deceased. Peter was born in Pennsylvania, February 26. 1788. The father of Peter, Conrad Reed, was a native of Germany; he emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania in a very early day. He was married in Pennsylvania. He then wended his way westward, and settled in Clermont County, Ohio, in the year 1816. He was the father of ten children; only one is supposed to be living, viz.: Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Bailey, of Illinois. Peter, the father of Michael N., emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Madison Township, Montgomery County, in the year 1816. Peter was united in marriage, March 28, 1S22, to Miss Wilhelmina Neipman, a daughter of Engle Neipman ; he was born in Germany in 1757 ; he emigrated to Pennsylvania in the year 1793; he died in Pennsylvania, July 11. 1814. Wilhelmina was born July 31, 1793. By the marriage of Peter and Wilhelmina there were born to them five children, viz.: Abraham (now dead), John, of Dayton, Ohio ; Henry, of Clay Township ; Michael N.; Benjamin, who lives in Missouri, and Peter, of Madison Township. Peter continued to live in Madison Township from the year 1816 until his death, May 11, 1874; he was in his eighty-second year at the time of his death. His wife, Wilhelmina, died November 18, 1875, in her eighty-third year. Michael N. made his home with his parents, most of the time engaged in farming, until his marriage. He was united in marriage, March 4, 1852, to Miss Mary Wagoner, a daughter of John Wagoner, of Randolph Township, Montgomery County ; she was born May 19,1828; her father was a native of Pennsylvania. By their marriage there were born to them two children, one of whom is now living, viz.: Daniel W., born June 3, 1853, a carpenter by trade. He was united in marriage, August 18, 1874. to Miss Emma Somer, a daughter of Joseph Somer, of Clay Township. Emma was born April 15, 1858 ; they had one child born them, Melvin S., born February 21, 1877. Emma died August 27, 1879. The daughter of Michael N. and Mary, Emily Frances, who died April 16, 1866, was born August 9, 1856. Mr. R. and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, at Brookville. Mr. R. settled in Clay Township February, 1870, and owns a farm of forty-five acres of good land.

WILLIAM R. SANFORD, druggist, Brookville, was born in LTnion County, Ind., December 20, 1855. William R. is a son of Charles C. Sanford, deceased. Charles C. was born on Nantucket Island, Mass., in the year 1796, and was a cooper by trade ; in 1814, he went on the sea as a sailor, and continued to follow the sea until 1836, when he emigrated to Indiana, and settled in Union County. In 1843 or 1844, he was united in marriage to Miss Minerva P. Howe, of Indiana. By this union there were born to them four children, three of whom are now living, viz.: Ann L., wife of William E. Pentecost, of Union County, Ind.; Lueretia, wife of Joseph H. Pentecost, of Union County, Ind.; and William R. Their son, Albert, died in 1855,

Charles C. and wife died in Union County, Ind.; in 1861, William R. entered a drug store as a clerk when he was twenty-one years old, in Brighton, 111., and from there he went to Fidelity, 111., and clerked there for sometime in a drug store; in