Dinsmore Township (part 2 of 6)

Henry Fey was born in Germany, October 11, 1839. He came to America with his parents in 1847. On the 1st of June, 1865, he married Miss Adeline Bohlender, then of Dayton, Ohio, but a native of Germany, where she was born November 25, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Fey settled on the home farm with his father, where they have since resided. They have three children, Anna M., Elizabeth, and Sophia.

was born in Greene County, Ohio, January 23, 1824. He is a son of Jacob and Catharine Wiford, who came to Shelby County in 1833, entered, and settled on one hundred and sixty acres of land in the south half of section 9, Dinsmore Township, on which Jacob Wiford died October 12, 1880.

George E. Wiford, subject of this sketch, came to Shelby County with his parents in 1833, and has since been a resident of Dinsmore Township. On the 21st of January, 1847, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of Samuel and Mary Blakeley, born April 8, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Wiford settled on a part of his father's home form, where they have since resided. They have nine children now living, viz., Anthony J., Martha J., Samuel J., Sarah C., Elizabeth M., Ilarry II., Nancy M., George A., and Harriet A. Mr. Wiford has made forming his business.

son of James H. and Anna E. Linton, was born in Logan County, Ohio, July 12, 1851. When at the age of fourteen years, he began working in a saw-mill at Belle Centre, Logan County, for W m. H. Young, with whom he remained several years, and has since been engaged in the manufacturing of, and dealing in all kinds of hard wood lumber,, which business he has made a success. In 1874, he, in company with L. Davis, came to Shelby County and erected the steam saw-mill known as the Linton mills, which he has since been operating. The mill is located in Dinsmore Township, two miles south of Botkins. November 4, 1872, he married Miss Catharine, daughter of Michael and Mary O'Donnell, then of Franklin County, Ohio, but a native of New York State, where she was born October 25, 1856. By this union he has two children, viz., Ida M. and Emma E.

Mr. Metz was born in France November 2, 1824. He is a son of Jacob and Catharine Metz. He emigrated to America in 1840 with his father's family, and located in Stark County, Ohio, where he remained until in the fall of 1848, when lie came to Shelby County, entered the west half of the northwest quarter of section 13, and a few weeks later he pur- chased the east half of the northeast quarter of section 14, Dinsmore Township, on which he made improvements, and has since resided. He has made farming his business through life, and now owns a good farm of 240 acres of land in one body ; also, other farms not joining his homo farm. On the 12th of April, 1852, he married Miss Cathurine, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth Elsass, then of Auglaize County, Ohio, but a native of France, where she was born September 29, 1832, and came to America with her parents in 1834. They have a family of nine children, viz., Jacob, Mary C., Christian, George, Philip, Caroline, William, Michael, and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Metz are members of the Lutheran Church.

was born in Clarke County, Ohio, November 3, 1819. He is a son of Zebe S. and Sarah Davis. In the autumn of 1847 he went to Anderson, Indiana, where, on the 1st of November, 1847, he married Miss Matilda A., daughter of Ichabod and Sarah Davis. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Davis came to Shelby County and located in Jackson Township, remained a few weeks, then moved to Clarke County, Ohio, where they remained uutil May, 1856, when they moved to Illinois and located in McLain County, where his companion died March 25, 1857, leaving him with three small children, viz., Franklin R., Horace W., and Ira W., without the maternal care. Shortly after the death of his companion he returned with his children to Ohio, and located in Champaign County, where he remained for several months, or until some time in 1858, when he again came to Shelby County, and settled on his land in section 13, Dinsmore Township, which he had purchased some years prior. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the company known as the Benton cadets, and served about four months, or until the disorganization of the company, when he returned to his home in Shelby County. In 1862 he married Miss Magdalena Heintz, then of Shelby County, but a native of France. They have a family of ten children, seven sons and three daughters. He has made farming his principal business, and now owns a good farm in Dinsmore Township, which he is conducting with success. He was also engaged in the manufacture of tile in connection with farming about eight or nine years.

deceased, son of Michael Kraft, was born in Germany October 1, 1802. He emigrated to America in 1832, and located in Medina County, Ohio, where on the 1st of January, 1833, he married Miss Catharine, daughter of Jacob and Christina Frank. Miss Frank was born in Germany, December 17, 1809, and came to America with her parents in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Kraft settled in Medina County, remained until 1835, when they moved to Crawford County, Ohio, remained five years, or until in 1835, when they moved to Crawford County, Ohio, remained five years, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on the banks of the Miami River, about half way between Sidney and Pori Jefferson. Here they remained one year, when they came to Dinsmore Township, purchased and moved on forty acres of land in the northeast quarter of section 27, remained until in December, 1853, when he sold his land in section 27, purchased, made improvements, and moved on the northeast quarter of section 19, same township, on which he passed the remainder of his days. He died September 12, 1878. His widow is living on the home farm with her son, Wm. R. Kraft. They reared a family of ten children, viz., Rachel, John, Caroline, Mary, Jacob, Catharine, Christopher, Elizabeth E., Sarah J., and William R., two of whom are now dead, Christopher and Mary. Christopher died in Kentucky, while serving in the war of 1861. John Kraft served near three years in the war of 1861.

son of John J. and Catharine Kraft, was born on the farm where he now resides, in section 19, Dinsmore Township, this county, July 2, 1854. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns a farm of eighty acres of land, a part of which is the home farm, on which he is now living. On the 12tli of September, 1875, he married Miss Hannah E., daughter of John and Lydia Kleinhans, who was born in Dinsmore Township, July 25, 1854, by whom he has three children, John H., Minnie F., and George L.

Mr. Wenger is a son of George and Mary M. Wenger. He was born in Germany, January 18, 1829. He immigrated to America in May, 1849, and located in Franklin County, Ohio, where, in August, 1855, he married Miss Caroline Burch, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, born in November, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Wenger moved to Darke County, Ohio, in 1856, where they remained until in April, 1865, when they came to Shelby County, purchased, and moved on the farm in section 18, Dinsmore Township, on which he has since resided. His companion died October 6, 1874, leaving him with four small children, viz., Louisa C., Mary S., Caroline C., and John F. On the 28th of May, 1876, he mar- 30 ' ried Miss Mary Clinehens, who was born in Richmond, Indiana, February 23, 1840, and came to Shelby County with her parents, George and Eve Clinehens, in 1842. Mr. Wenger has made farming his vocation, and now owns a farm of four hundred acres in section 18, Dinsmore Township.

was born in Greene County, Ohio, February' 13, 1828. He is a son of George and Hester Wical. He has made farming his principal avocation, and now owns a farm of one hundred and eighty acres of land in Dinsmore Township, on which he is now residing. In March, 1853, he married Miss Elizabeth J., daughter of John and Elizabeth Wade. Miss Wade was born in Darke County, Ohio, January 28, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Wical remained in Greene County until in the autumn of 1854, when they moved to Mercer County, Ohio, where they lived until in April, 1861, when they came to Shelby' County, purchased a farm in Dinsmore Township, on which they are now residing. They have a family' of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. On the 1st of October, 1862, Mr. Wical enlisted in Company F, 20th O. V. I. He was actively engaged in the battles of Raymond, Mississippi; Jackson, Mississippi ; Champion Hills, Mississippi; Black River; the siege of Vicksburg; and a number of other minor engagements. He was honorably discharged June 27, 1865.

son of William W. and Catharine Ellis, was born in Dinsmore Township, this county, November 5, 1834. On the 3lst of May, 1857, he married Miss Harriet C. Munford, daughter of John and Jane Munford. Miss Munford was born in Adams County, Ky., July 4, 1837, and came to Dinsmore Township with her parents in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis settled on his father's home farm in section 28, Dinsmore Township, on which they lived until in 1873, when they moved on a farm in Franklin Township, one mile south of Annn, remaining on this farm until April 1, 1879, when they returned to Dinsmore Township, and moved on the farm in section 21 on which they have since resided. They have three children, viz., Fletcher, Harry, and Hattie. Mr. Ellis has made farming his principal vocation. His father, William W. Ellis, came to Dinsmore Township with wife and two children in 1834, and settled on a part of the northeast quarter of section 28, on which he lived until in 1874, when he moved on a farm in section 21, same township, now occupied by his son, W. H. Ellis, remained until in the spring of 1879, when he moved out of the township and now resides in Port Jefferson, Shelby County'.

was born in Baden, Germany, on the 27th of October, 1817. He immigrated to America in 1835 or '36, and after visiting New York City, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and St. Louis, he continued to journey until he reached New Orleans, where he located for a few years. In 1843 he entered the Texan army, under the command of General Houston, and served one year, when he was discharged from the service and returned to his home in New Orleans; remained until in 1846, when he entered the Mexican war in the United States Army, and served about two aud one half years in a company of mounted riflemen, and was discharged at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, some time during the latter part of 1848. On the 12th of April, 1849, he married Miss Mary Manger, of St. Louis, Mo., and located in Texas. In the latter part of 1849 he enlisted in the 2d Dragoons, under the command of. Colonel Hardy, and served five years, or until in 1854, when he was discharged from the service. He then enlisted in a company known as the Texan Rangers, and served one year, or uutil in 1856, when he again received an honorable discharge. Soon after leaving the Rangers he enlisted in the 5th United States Cavalry, and served eight years, or until in 1864, when he was discharged on account of general disability. He remained out of the army but a few months, or until in the fall of 1864, when he re-enlisted as a veteran in the 17th O. V. I., and served until after the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged from the service of the United States. He now holds in his possession a certificate of merit for honors acquired and bravery manifested in the battle of Belen Gate, Mexico, on the 13th of Sept ember, 1847, under the command of W. F. Sanderson, signed by James K.Polk, President of the United States. In 1861, or at the breaking out of the late war, he received a furlough from his regiment, moved his family from Texas to Ohio, and located them in Botkins, Shelby County, where they have since resided. At the close of his army life in 1865, which was near twenty years of duration, he returned to his family in Botkins, where he has since been engaged in the hotel keeping and the saloon business. At this writing he is conducting the saloon business. He has a family of six children, viz., Philip W., William, Joseph, Laura, Sarah and Mary (twins).

son of Philip and Mary Sheets, was born in Texas December 16, 185ft. He came to Shelby County with his parents in 1861, and looated in Botkins. He received a common-school education; also attended the

Miami Commercial College, at Dayton, Ohio. In 1870 he engaged aa a clerk in the dry goods store of II. Smith & Co., of Botkins. In 1871 he purchased a half interest in the store. The firm name then became Smith and Sheets, and remained as such one year, when he sold his share of the store to a Mr. Bushey, and moved to Berne, Adams County, Ind., where he engaged in the mercantile business, which lie conducted about eight years. In 1879 he sold his stock of goods at Berne, and returned to his old home in Botkins, where he has since been conducting the business of dealing in general merchandise with success, keeping his storeroom filled to overflowing with everything in his line. He also owns the warehouse known as the People's Elevator, where he is conducting the business of dealing in all kinds of grain and seeds, in connection with his dry goods trade. In 1871 he married Miss Susie Thurman, of Auglaize County, Ohio, by whom he had two children, viz., Philip and Elmer. His companion died June 10, 1876. In 1879 he married Miss Catharine Thurman, of Auglaize County, Ohio.

was born in Greene Count}*, Ohio, January 29, 1825. He is a son of Reuben and Sarah Brackney. In 1840 he moved with his parents to Auglaize County, Ohio, and located on a farm two miles east of St. Johns. March 14, 1847, he married Miss Mercy Munch, daughter of John and Mary M. Munch, who was born in Greene County, Ohio, November 9, 1822, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1832, and settled in Dinsmore Township, near where Anna is now located. Mr. and Mrs. Brackney settled on a farm near St.Johns and remained about two years. In March, 1849, they came to Shelby County and settled on a part of section 16, Dinsmore Township, remaining until in the autumn of 1854, when they moved on a farm in section 15, same township. In 1869 he' purchased a farm of 78 acres in the northwest quarter of section 26, Dinsmore Township, on which he moved his family and has since resided. He reared a family of five children, Mary A., Sarah, Nancy J., John, and Catharine. He has made farming his principal avocation through life. His father, Reuben Brackney, served about six months in the war of 1812, and received a land warrant from the Government in 1848, calling for one hundred and sixty acres of land. He was born in Virginia, December 7, 17«7. He married Miss Sarah Ary in 1813. He entered the army in March, 1814, and served until the close of the war. In 1816 he, with his family, came to Okioand located in Greene County, remaining until in 1839, when they moved to the then south part of Alleu, but now Auglaize County. His companion died November 9, 1847. lie died February 20, 1867. He was often heard to say that he hoped to live to see the Rebellion closed. His wish was granted.

was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., July 1, 1846. He is a son of Robert and Ellen Hasting. When he had attained the age of fourteen years he moved to Ohio, and located in Cincinnati, where he made his home with his uncle, who resided in that place. On the 15th of January, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, 2d U. S. Artillery, and served his country faithfully until the expiration of his term of enlistment, which ended January 15, 1865, when he was honorably discharged from the service of the United States, at Washington, I). C. He was actively engaged in the following named battles: the siege of Yorktown, Va., from April 19 to May 4, 1802; Golden Farm, Va., June 27, 1862; Turkey Bend, Va., June 30; Malvin Hill, Va., July 1 ; Bull Run, Va., August 29 and 30; Chantilley, September 1; South Mountain, Md., September 14; A ntietam, Md., September 16 and 17; Fredcricksburgh, Va., December 11, 12, 13, and 14; siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, from June 20 to July 4, 1863; siege of Jackson, Mississippi, from July 4 to the 20th; Campell Station, lenn., November 16; Fort Sanders, at Knoxville, Tenn., November 29, 1863; battle of the Wilderness, in 1864; and several other minor engagements. In March, 1865, he came to Shelby County and located in Port Jefferson, remaining about one year, when he came to Dinsmore Township, and settled on a farm in section 11, on which he remained until in October, 1874, when he sold his farm and moved to Botkins, where he resided until in 1880, when he purchased and moved on the farm in section 5, one-fourth of a mile west of Botkins, where he is now living. He has made farming, stockdeaiing, buying notes, and dealing in real estate his avocation, and has accumulated lor himself and family a goodly portion of this world's goods. On the 27th of April, 1872, he married Miss Florence, daughter of Isaac, and Nancy Gallimore. By this union he has five children, viz., Oscar W., Albert A, W alter W., Orvil O., and Arthur S.

was born in Germany August 16, 1839. He immigrated to America with his parents, John P. and Anna M. Schmitt in 1855, who located in Auglaize County, Ohio, anil remained three years, or until in 1858, when they moved to Shelby County and settled in Van Buren Township, where John P. Schmitt died in 1864. Simon Schmitt, subject of this sketch, is a carpenter by trade, which he made his vocation until in the fall of 1881, when he purchased and moved on the farm in section 3, Dinsmore Township, and has since been giving his attention to farming. On the 8th of April, 1869, he married Mrs., Margaret McFarland, nee Suber, by whom he has four children, two sons and two daughters. His wife departed this life December 16, 1880.

deceased, was born in Virginia November 12, 1794. When yet a small boy his parents came to Ohio and located in Clinton County, where young Gallimore grew to manhood. He married Miss Elizabeth Bragg, then of Clinton County, but a native of East Tennessee, where she was born August 19, 1807, and came to Ohio with her parents when yet a small girl. Mr. and Mrs. Gallimore came to Shelby County in 1846, and settled on a part of the southwest quarter of section 10, Dinsmore Township, on which he passed the remainder of his days. He died March 21, 1878. His companion is living on the home farm, at the advanced age of seventy-four years. He reared a family of nine children, viz., Mark, Isaac A., Rosline, Samuel II., Elisha S., Emily A., John, Elias M., and Margaret, four of whom are now deceased, viz., Isaac A., Rosline, Elisha S., and John. Isaac A. died in the war of 1861, while fighting in defence of hi* country. He died at his post in battle as color bearer, with the old flag in his hands.

was born in Greene County, Ohio, January 5, 1824. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Gallimore. On the 18th of April, 1844, he married Miss Margaret J. Wilson, of Greene County, Ohio, born September 22, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Gallimore came to Shelby County in the autumn of 1844, and located in Dinsmore Township. They lived on several different farms until 1854, when he purchased and settled on the farm in section 11, Dinsmore Township, on which he has since resided, and followed farming. His wife died September 20, 1861, leaving a husband and eight children, four sons and four daughters, to mourn the loss of a wife and mother. One of the sons, Lewis C. Gallimore, enlisted in Company G, 6th Regiment of the Veteran Reserve Volunteers. He was wounded in battle, from the effects of which he died April 13, 1870. The other seven children are yet living. On the 1st of January, 1862, Mr. Gallimore married Mrs. Rachel Ogan, nee Clutch, then of Sidney, but a native of Warren County, Ohio, where she was born August 31, 1816. By this union he has one child, viz., Edwin. In August, 1862, Mr. Gallimore enlisted in Company H, 99th O. V. I., and served about eighteen months, or until April, 1864, when he was discharged from the service on account of disability.

was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, October 12, 1829. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Gibson, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and moved to Ohio in 1837, and settled on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 12, Van Buren Township, on which Mrs. Gibson died in 1848. Mr. Gibson remained on the farm until 1860, when he moved to Allen County, Indiana, where he departed this life May 30, 1881. He served in the war of 1812. He reared a family of seven children, viz., Joseph, Martin, John, Mary, Elias, Sarah E., and William, all of whom are yet living except Joseph, who died in 1857.

Elias Gibson, subject of this sketch, came to Shelby County with his parents in 1837, and settled in Van Buren Township. On the 29th of April, 1850, he married Miss Anna M., daughter of David and Sarah Howell, of Shelby County, born in Perry Township January 2, 1831. By this union he has a family of seven children, six sons and one daughter. In 1866 Mr. Gibson purchased and moved on the farm in section 6, Dinsmore Township, on which he is now residing, and conducting the business of farming with success.

It is proper and fitting at this point to speak of one of the founders of Anna - a man who has at all times looked and labored towards the growth of the village, and the improvement of the entire township. This man is Lewis Kah, a type of that German Protestant stock which seeks the elevation of the people through the channels of education and art. It is a stock which once entertaining an opinion, dares stand by that conviction single handed, irrespective of mercenary considerations. Mr. Kah was born in Liehtenau, a village of Baden, September 29, 1819. In the spring of 1845 he came to the United States, and. being a musician, readily secured a position with the band of a travelling show. He was thus engaged during the summer, or show season, of seven years, while the winter seasons were passed in teaching cornet bands in different sections of Ohio. In this way he instructed about twenty-five bands in Eastern Ohio alone. During this period, or in 1849, he came to Dinsmore Township, and purchased a piece of land, which he looked upon as a promising investment, as land was then looking upward in value in this section at that time. He did not locate here at this time, but continued his profession of music until 1862, when he entered the 20th Ohio Regiment as a musician. He remained in this capacity about two years, when he withdrew from the army, and in 1865 settled on' his farm in

Dinsmore Township. The next year, in company with Therkield Brothers, he erected the first building in the newly laid out town of Anna. This building was a store-room, in which the proprietors conducted the drygoods trade about one year.

Mr. Kah then formed a partnership with Messrs. Elliott & Finkenbein, under the firm style of Kah <fc Elliott, for the purpose of conducting the drygoods and grain business. For this enterprise buildings were erected, as the town was yet new. Late in 1 8(56 William Flesher erected and opened a hotel in Anna, known still as the Anna Hotel, which was purchased by Mr. Kah in 1867. He then, and from time to time afterward, remodelled the building, and managed the hotel business from the year the building was purchased until August, 1882, when he leased the property to Clemens* Stuve. The house has ever enjoyed the reputation of being one of the very best village hotels in Western Ohio. Mr. Kah continued in business with Mr. Elliott until 1875, when he sold his interest and withdrew from the firm. In 1873 he had entered into partnership with John Winter, under the style of Kah & Winter; the purpose of the firm being the erection of a factory which should comprise a saw and planing mill. In 1876 Winters withdrew, and left the whole concern in the hands of Kah. He then changed the nature of the enterprise, which became a saw-mill and steam flour mill; this being the first and only flouring mill in the village. The mill is still owned by Mr. Kah, and operated by his son-in-law, Albert Markland.

Such are some of the interests with which Mr. Kah has been identified. More than this, it must be added that he was largely instrumental in securing the location of the D. & M. Railroad station at Anna. In this interest he collected $98, and contributed $55 toward the erection of the little station. Again, he was chiefly instrumental in securing the location of the German Lutheran church at this village, as he, in a few days, collected the sum of $2500 for building purposes. The village and township owe him a debt of gratitude for his labors iu behalf of the community. Since his location here he has contributed in every possible way to the advancement of the best interests of the town. As a musician he has freely taught the youth of the eoramunitj', for he is a staunch believer in education and art. Since the Columbus convention of 1854, which organized a new state party in Ohio, Mr. Kah has been an ardent Republican. To-day he still believes it the party of popular liberty, civil rights, and living principles. In religious affairs he is devoted to the doctrines and teachings of the Lutheran denomination. Of his family relations it may be said he was married November 18, 1846, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Ludwig, who was a native of Germany. Their children were named Caroline, who became Mrs. Fletcher, now of Dinsmore Township ; Louisa, now Mrs. George Fogt, of Dinsmore Township; Sarah, who married Win. Stark, but is now dead; Julia, now Mrs. Albert Markland, of Anna; Mary, now Mrs. Moses Ailes, of Botkins; and Lena, who is still with her parents. Since Mr. Kah leased his hotel he has lived in a somewhat retired way in the village of Anna, his farm, hotel, and mills being all managed by responsible parties.

This is the northwest township in the county. It is hounded on the north by Auglaize County, on the east by Dinsmore and Franklin, on the south by Turtle Creek and McLean, and on the west by McLean Township and Auglaize County. The township contains thirty-six full sections. At its first organization it was much larger than at the present time, which is shown by the Commissioners' record under date of December 1, 1834, at which time the township was granted an organization. We give the record in full.

"At a meeting of the Board of Commissioners held at Sidney, December 1, 1834, a petition, signed bj' sundry persons to the number of seventeen, praying for the setting off of a new township of the following bounds, viz. : Commencing at the old Indian boundary line at the southeast corner of McLean Township, thence east with said line to a point so as to take one tier of sections off of the west side of range 6, thence north to the Allen County line, thence west to the northeast corner of McLean Township, thence south to the place of beginning. The Board being satisfied that legal notice of the presentation of said petition had been given, and that said petition was signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundary of said proposed new township, and believing it necessary to erect said new township, they therefore order that said new township, as described and bounded as aforesaid, be set off and known by the name of Van Buren, and the Board do further order and direct that notice be given (by the advertisement according to law ) to the electors of said township to meet at the house of Moses E. Baker, in said township, on the 1st day of January, 1835, for the purpose of electing township officers for the township."

Van Buren is favorably situated for drainage. It is located on the watershed, and has a drainage both north and south. Loramie Creek enters the township nearly central on the east side, and runs in a southwesterly direction, leaving the township near the southwest corner, where it enters the Loramie Reservoir, a portion of the reservoir being in this township. Beside the Loramie, there nre several small streams on the north side of the dividing ridge which flow in a northwesterly direction, and are the principal source of the St. Mary's River, whose waters enter Lake Erie.

The surface is level and unbroken. The Loramie, its principal stream, is sluggish in its flow along the watershed, which is caused partly by the reservoir damming the water and causing a less rapid flow of the stream. The fertility of the soil is perhaps equal to that of any other part of the county when put under a proper state of cultivation with ample drainage. Near the centre of the township (close to Kettlerville), are some three or four hundred acres of peat or vegetable mould, which, when dry, is as inflammable as charcoal. A more full account of this will be found in the geology of the county.

Mr. Kettler, a few years ago, sowed twelve acres of this peat land in rye, from which he cut the following harvest 33 bushels per acre. The rye being very ripe when harvested, much of it was shelled and scattered over the ground. This scattered seed took root without any cultivation, and made good pasture for his cattle during the fall. The following spring he let it grow, and the next harvest he cut 12 bushels per acre of second crop with one sowing.

The first settlement made within the present limits of this township was probably made in the year 1832. There were several families who located here that year, but who it was that first made their advent we cannot definitely ascertain. A man by the name of Cory is known to have been here; he settled on land owned by Judge Marshall near Molike; he only remained on this farm one year, when he bought a forty-acre lot, where .VlcCartyville now is located. Andrew- McCullum and Mnlholland also were here the same year.

About the same time there were several colored families moved into the neighborhood; among them were Moses Redman, George Goins, Humphry Clinton, and Blake Reynolds. The most of the colored families were located in that part of the township that has since been attached to Dinsmore Township. It is also probable that Elias Spray was here as early as 1832.

The following year (1833) there were quite a number of families located in different parts of the township, as follows: Moses E. Baker, Richard Elliott, Mrs. Philip J. Maurer, Adam Paul, Adam Braun, John McCullough, Jackson Traverse, Morris Jackson, Andrew Sanders, Robert Reed, and Henry Van Brarigan. In 1834 Victor Scbnelle, Christian

The first birth of a white child was Charles Maurer, born in the fall of 1833. The first marriage was Allen Lupton and Sarah Rush; married by Moses E. Baker, Esq. The first hewed log house was built at Rumley, by Col. Evans, for a store and dwelling. The first brick house was erected by Joel Goins about 1841. He also made the first brick. The first frame house was built by Adam Paul. The first grist mill was a horse mill, owned by Spray & Goins at Rumley.' The first saw-mill was owned by R. Elliott. The first school-house was on the land of George Speaker.

There are six churches in the township: One Methodist Episcopal, two German Lutheran, one Evangelical, one Catholic, and one colored church.

There are three small villages, viz., Kettlerville, McCartyville, and Rumley. In an early day there were two other small villages (Pulaski and Molike), but they have long since passed away, and are now ouly known by name.

was laid out and platted by Christopher Kettler in 1873. The original plat consisted of seven lots. Since that time Christopher and William Kettler have added to the village forty-five lots. The first store in the village was kept by C. F. Quillhorst. The village at the present time contains nine dwellings, two stores and groceries by Buetler & Quillhorst, one blacksmith shop, one shoe shop, one steam saw-mill, one church (German Lutheran), one town house, one grange hall, and one physician, W. Turner, M.D.

of Kettlerville was organized in the spring of 1882. The following summer they built a neat frame church, sixty by thirty-four feet, at a cost of

$3500. The society at its organization consisted of thirty-five members. The pastor is the Rev. A. Merkley. The trustees are Charles Stein, Louis Schwabroe, and William Egbert.

was organized in 1875, and continued its organization about four years, when it ceased to work until the winter of 1883, when it was reorganized under its original number and charter. The present officers are Henry Wenker, master; John Banning, overseer; Jacob Geib, steward; Julius Kettler, assistant steward; William Robins, lecturer; William Wenker, chaplain; Charles Stein, gate-keeper; William Kettler, secretary ; William Baker, treasurer.

This town is laid out in the east half of southeast quarter of section 23, town. 7 south, range 5 east, and was surveyed May 19, 1837, for Amos Evans, the proprietor. Explanatory notes: Lots are four by eight rods; Main and Market, Higli and Cross streets are each four rods wide; Water Street three rods wide; East and West Lanes each two rods wide; alleys each one rod wide.

Pulaski was surveyed June 22, 1837, and was situated in the east half of the northeast quarter of section 23, town. 7 south, range 5 east. It was laid out for Joseph Cummins and J. S. Updegraff, proprietors. Main Street occupied the Hardin and Wapakoneta State road, and was four rods wide. Chestnut, Walnut, Spruce, and Pine streets were each three rods wide. Water and Greenwood streets were each two rods wide. Alleys for the most part were one rod wide.

The following are the names of those holding office in the township from 1841 to the present time, with the exception of a few years, the record of which has been lost: - was born in Germany in the year 1828. He came with his parents to this county in 1833. They first stopped for a short time at Hamilton, Ohio. While located here, his father, Philip J. Maurer, purchased about 1000 acres of land in one body, being partly in this and Auglaize counties. He then brought his family to New Bremen, and left them there while he and his sons erected a cabin on his land. This was the year of the " Cholera epidemic" in New Bremen, which proved fatal to the lives of a number of the citizens of that new village. Mr. Maurer fell a victim to this disease before he moved on to his land. He died November, 1833. The widow, with the family, moved on to the land that same fall. They were among the very first settlers in the township.

The subject of this sketch was only five years of age at this time. He never had the advantage of an English education, only receiving about five months of English schooling in his life. In 1852 he married Miss Doretta Young, who was born in Germany in 1826, and came to the United States in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Maurer have raised a family of eight children, whose names are as follows: Charles, Elizabeth, Adam, Jacob, Doretta, August, Carolina, and Lewis. Mr. Maurer inherited 137 acres of his father's farm. To this he has added until he now has 360 acres of well improved land, with good buildings, and is one of the leading farmers in the township. He has filled the office of Township Treasurer nineteen years in succession.

was born in Butler County, Ohio, in the year 1804. We can learn nothing of his early life, or that of his ancestors, except that his father was Ephraim Baker, but when or where he was born we do not know. Moses was reared on a farm, and received the common-school education of his day. In 1828 he married Miss Lucretia Jeffras, a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Reynolds) Jeffras, of Butler County, Ohio. In 1833 he came to Shelby County and entered land in this township, and the same year brought his family. They lived one year on rented land, then moved into his own cabin. They were among the very first settlers in the township, only two or three families having preceded them. He was one of the organizers of the township, the first election being held at his house. He was the first justice of the peace in the township, which office he held until the time of his death in 1848. Esquire Baker was always a leading spirit in his township. After his death his widow remained on the farm until her family were grown up. She is now living in the village of Anna. They reared a family of six children, viz., William M., Thomas J., Nancy A., Clark J., Mary, and Sarah Jane. Clark J., one of the sons, was in the war of the Rebellion, and died in the service.

was born in Prussia in 1828. In 1845 he came to the United States and located in New Bremen. Two years later he sent for his parents, who came over. His first employment was laboring on a farm, at five dollars per month, which he followed some three years. He then clerked in a store four years, at the end of which time he bought a stock of goods for himself and sold goods about thirteen years. In connection with his store he bought and packed pork ; also bought and shipped grain. In 1851 he married Minnie Donnerberg. By this marriage there were three children, viz., Julius, Sophia, and Matilda. In 1865 he sold his store iu New Bremen, and bought 400 acres of wild land in Van Buren Township, where Kettlerville is now located. This land he has improved and made one of the fine farms of the township. Having acquired a competence, he has retired from active life, and is enjoying the fruits of his past hard labor.

Julius Ketti.ee, a son of the above, was born in New Bremen in 1852. In 1874 he married Mary YVuebbenhorst, a daughter of Henry and Minnie Wuebbenhorst, of Auglaize County. They reside on the homestead of his father at Kettlerville. They have had born to them three children, Clara M., Mahala E. M., and Amelia 8.

was born in Cincinnati in 1829, and came to this county in 1843 with his father, who settled in section 36. In 1854 Alfred married Christina Smeltzer, who was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, in 1837, and came herewith her parents, Adam and Margaret Smeltzer, in 1853. They have reared six children, named Margaret J., George W., Emily A., Thomas G., Lenora, Paul, and Reuben L.

a farmer residing near Kettlerville, was born in Ireland in 1823. In 1861 he came to this township and located in section 2, where he lived three years, then moved to McLean Township, but nine years later returned to Van Buren, where he now owns 130 acres of land in sections 12 and 13. In 1853 lie married Ellen, daughter of Patrick and Ellen Hoys, of Bellevue, Ohio. She was born in Ireland in 1827. They have reared two children, named Alice J. Hickey, residing in Newark, Ohio, and Thomas Donelly, of this county.

a farmer and carpenter, came here with his father, and settled in section 24 in 1837. He was born in Gallia County, Ohio, in 1828. After coming to this township he changed locations several times, at length settling in section 22, where he now resides. In 1854 he was married, and has reared three children, named Maria A., Martha J., and Nancy M. Samuel Collins, father of the above, died here in 1858, aged seventy-four years.

a fanner, with post-office at New Bremen, was born in Hanover in 1836, and came to this county with his parents, Herman H. and Caroline Grotiiaus, in 1844. In 1855 he married Caroline, daughter of Henry and Miana Baker, who was born in Auglaize County in 1839. Their children are named Henry E., Caroline, Frederick, John, and Christian.

a native of Hanover, was born in the year 1808, and came to this county in 1838, when he settled in section 18 of this township. In 1851 he was married in this county, and has reared a family of eight children, named Miana, Anna, Eliza, William, Mary, Henry, John, and Rosena.

was born in Virginia in 1811, and came to this county with his father's family in 1833. His father, Moses, lived here the remainder of his life, and was one of the oldest pioneers. He died in 1871 at the age of eightyfour years. Our subject was married in 1861, his wife being a native of Virginia, where she was born in 1821.

a native of Prussia, was born in the year 1829, and came with his parents to this county in 1845. He was married in 1856 to Caroline Woebling, who had come with her parents to this county from Germany in 1840. Their children are named Jasper H., Mary, Anna, Eliza, Louisa, William, Theodore, and Emma. Mr. S. has served as trustee and clerk of township.

was born in this county in 1850, and has since lived here, and been engaged in farming. His parents, Henry C. and Miana Becker, were old pioneers, having come here in 1837, while the country was yet new. They were thus witnesses to the primitive condition of the county.

was born in Cincinnati in 1832, and came to this county with his parents the next year. He has served as assessor, trustee, justice of the peace, and county commissioner. In 1853 lie married Sarah F. Wakeman, who was born in New Jersey in 1836. They reared a family of nine children, four of whom are dead.

a native of Cincinnati, was born in 1830, and came with his parents, John W. and Sarah S. Jones, to this county in 1845. He now occupies the old home farm, his father having died in 1862. In 1852 he was married, and has since lived on the old place, which contains 140 acres of land.

a son of Christian and Dorotha Boesel, was born in Auglaize County in 1839. In 1854 he married Miss Miana Wicrwill, of New Knoxville, Ohio, and moved to Shelby County. She was a native of Germany, and was born in 1838. Their children are, Edward J., born 1865; Josephine D., born 1867; Ida C., born 1869; Clementina W., born 1872.

a native of Germany, came to this county in 1861, and settled on sections 6 and 7, where lie purchased 120 acres of land, which he still owns, as also a ninety acre farm in section 21. In 1853 he married Barbara Iliel, who was also a native of Germany. Their children are Jacob, Adam, Lena, Charles, Phillip, Lizzie, Meanna, August, Emma, Flora.

a native of Germany, came to Cincinnati about 1849, where he lived about two years. He then moved to New Knoxville, where he lived about six years, and moved to New Bremen, where, after about thirteen years, lie went to Piqua. Here he spent five years, and came to section 23 of this township. He was married in 1857 at New Bremen. Their children are named Frederick W., Henry H., William H., August, Sophia, Anna, and Callie.

a native of Germany, was born in 1841, and came to this county in 1858 with his parents, John F. and Mary E. Eversman. In 1862 he married Elizabeth Wierwill, who was born in Germany in 1842, her parents having settled in the county in 1861. Their children are named Henry, Annie, Benjamin, Louis, and Elizabeth.

a native of North Carolina, was born in 1811. In 1856 he settled in this county, and oj r persistent effort and industry reclaimed a farm from its native wildness. In 1841 he married Eliza E. Conner, who was born in North Carolina in the year 1806. Their only child is Martha A.

was born in 1837, and is a native of this county, and has been a farmer all his life. He has served two terms as township trustee. In 1865 he married Lydia Swebert, who was born in Preble County in 1841. They have two children, named Frank P. and Oda J*.

was born in Auglaize County in 1852, and settled in this county in 1875. The same year he married Anna Feeman, who was born in Shelby County in 1856. They have two children, Rosena M. and William F.

a native of Miami County, Ohio, was born in 1844, and came to this county in 1870. Since that time he has been engaged in farming. In 1867 he married Miss Lavina Shidler, who was born in Miami County in 1850. Their children are named Edward A., Laura B., Samuel, and Simeon B.

a farmer of this township, was brought to this county by his parents in 1843. He was born in Germany in 1840. In 1867 he married Elizabeth Maler, who was born in 1848, but whose parents came to the county in 1850. Their children are named Henry C., Eliza C., William F., Polly D., Christian 1L, Lafayette H., and Edelie C.

a farmer near McCarty ville, was bom in Germany in 1852, and settled in this township in 1874. He was married at New Bremen in 1874 to M iss Hannah Cook, who was born in Auglaize County in 1856. They have two children, named William H. and Henrietta C.

was born in Hanover in 1829, and was brought to this county in 1834. He was married in this county in 1854, and has raised seven children, viz., John H., William H., deceased, Minnie M., Ann M., Louis H., Alvina M., and August E. He held the office of township trustee during two terms.

a native of Ireland, was horn in 1848. When about two years of age he was brought to the United States by his parents, they first locating at Sidney. In 1853 they moved to section 26 of this township. Of their four children, our subject and a brother, James, are still living. Their father died in 1862, while their mother still lives with her two sous. William and James are both farmers near McCartyville.

was born in New Jersey in 1811, and settled in this county in 1850. In 1830 he married Elizabeth Johnson, of New Jersey, and has reared two children, named Mary E. and Elizabeth. Mr. V. first settled on section 25 on woodland, where he built the first frame house in the section. His home became the place of meeting of the first religious societies in the neighborhood.

a native of Scotland, was born in 1822, and came to this county in 1854. After coming to America he first located at Cincinnati, remaining there from 1849 until his removal here. His first settlement here was upon a forty-acre lot in section 36, but since that time his farm has increased to 232 acres, of which 100 acres are under cultivation. In 1848 he married Miss Jane Graham, who was born in Scotland in the year 1817. Their family consists of four children, named William, Robert, Jeannetta, and Isabella. Mr. Smart has been engaged in farming all his life. His post-office is Botkins Station.

was born in Ireland in 1820, and settled in this county in 1857. He was married in New Hampshire in 1846. When he came here be located in a forty-acre lot in section 26, but afterwards purchased another farm of forty acres. His only son, John, now occupies the old homestead, and Mr. F. makes his home with him. His son's family consists of wife and two children, named Mary C. and John, one child, Joseph M., being dead.

was born in London, England, in 1820, and came here in 1837. He was married in this county to Miss Catharine Hunt, and has reared four children, named Laura, Thomas, Elizabeth, and Emma.

was born in Germany in 1809, and came to this county in 1833. He was married at New Bremen in 1835. On coming to this township lie settled on a farm of seventy-eight acres, where he still resides, after clearing and improving it as one of the best farms in the township. He has raised a family of ten children.

was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1833, and settled in this county when twenty years of age, locating in 1855 in section 17. He married Frederica Baker in 1862, she being born in this county in 1841. Their children are named Eliza, Henry, Christian, Caroline, Rose Amanda, Frederica, and A meal.

a native of Ireland, was born in County Cork, and settled in Shelby County in 1847. He is a farmer by occupation. Post-office address, McCartyville.

This township lies on the west side of the county, being bounded north by Auglaize County and Van Buren Township; east by Van Buren and Turtle Creek townships; south by Cyntbian Township; and west by Auglaize County.

The township is watered by Loramie Creek, which flows from Dinsmore Township, and then seeks a southeastern outlet, and by Mill Creek and Second Run. The Loramie reservoir, covering an area of about six thousand acres, is located largely in this township, about one thousand acres being in Van Buren. This reservoir is formed by r the damming of Loramie Creek, and constitutes one of the water supplies of the Miami and Erie Canal. This canal also traverses the township from north to south, and affords shipping facilities in the absence of railroads. These streams afford ample outlet for drainage, and enable the reclamation of nil lands without the limits of the reservoir. The value of these advantages cannot be overestimated in a section which is generally level, and largely dependent upon artificial drainage.

township, and being petitioned for that purpose, they proceeded to erect a new township of the following bounds, to wit: Beginning at the county line between Darke and Shelby counties, where the old Indian boundary line - made at the Greenville Treaty Conference in 1795 - intersects said county line, and running thence with said Indian boundary line in an easterly direction to the southeast corner of section 8, in town. 8 south, range 5 east; thence north with the section line to the county line between Shelby' and Allen (Auglaize) counties; thence west with said line to northwest corner of Shelby County; thence south and west with the west boundary line of Shelby County to the place of beginning; and the Board orders, That said township be known and designated by the name of McLean. It is further ordered and directed, That notice be given, by advertisement according to law, to the electors of said township, to meet at the house of Hezekiah Hubble on the first Monday of April next, for the purpose of electing officers for said township.

At the State election in 1850, ninety-three votes were cast, Reuben Wood, Democratic candidate for Governor, receiving seventy-nine votes, and William Johnston, Whig candidate, receiving fourteen votes.

At the election held in 1851 for the adoption or rejection of the new constitution, and for or against a license for the sale of intoxicating liquors, the vote stood : for the new Constitution, 120 ; against the new Constitution, 3. For license, 118; against license, 5.

District No. 1 : Beginning at the northwest corner of section 5, town. 8 south, range 4 east; thence east to northeast corner of section 3, town. 8 south, range 4 east; thence south to the sontheast corner of section 10, town. 8 south, range 4 east ; thence west along the section line to the southwest corner of fractional section 3, town. 8 south, range 4 east ; thence north to place of beginning.

District No. 2: Beginning northwest corner of section 3, town. 11, range 4 east ; thence east along the boundary line to the northeast corner of northwest quarter, section 1, town. 11, range 4 east; thence south, dividing sections 1 and 2 in the middle, to the southeast corner of southwest quarter, section 12, town. 11, range 4 east; thence south to the southwest corner of section 10, town. 11, range 4 east ; thence north to place of beginning.

District No. 3: Beginning at the northwest corner of section 2, town. 8 south, range 4 east; thence east to the northeast comer of northwest quarter, section 12, town. 8 south, range 4 east; thence south, dividing sections 12 and 1, town. 8 south, range 4 east, through the middle ; thence south, dividing sections 5 and 8, to the southeast corner of southwest quarter of section 8, town. 10 south, range 5 east; thence to the southwest corner of southeast quarter, section 12, town. 11, range 4east; thence north, dividing said sections 12 and 1 in the middle, and to the northwest corner of quarter-section 1, town. 11, range 4 east; thence west along the boundary line to the southwest corner of fractional section 15, town. 8 south, range 4 east; thence north to the northwest corner of fractional section 15 ; thence east to the southwest corner of section 10, town. 8 south, range 4 east; thence north to place of beginning.

District No. 4 : Beginning at the northwest corner of northeast quarter section 1, town. 8 south, range 4 east; thence east to the northeast corner of section 5, town. 8 south, range 5 east ; thence south to the southeast comer of section 8, town. 8 south, range 5 east ; thence east to the corner northeast of section 2, town. 10, range 5 east; thence south to the southeast corner, section 11, town. 10, range 5 east ; thence west to the southwest corner of southeast quarter section 8 in town 10, range 5 cast; thence north, dividing sections 8, 5, 12, and 1 in the middle; to place of beginning.

District No. 5 : Beginning at the northwest corner of section 9, town. 7, range 5 east; thence east to the northeast corner of section 20, town. 7 south, range 5 east ; thence south to the southeast corner of section 32, town. 7 south, range 5 east; thence west to the southwest corner of section 31, town. 7 south, range 5 east; thence to place of beginning.

District No. 6 : Beginning at the northwest corner of section 31, town. 6 south, range 5 east ; thence east to the northeast corner of section 32, town. 6 south, range 5 east ; thence south to the southeast corner of section 17, town. 6 south, range 5 east; thence west to the southwest corner of section 18, town. 7 south, range 5 east; thence north to the place of beginning.

Berlin was surveyed Dec. 2, 1837, by Jonathan Counts, for Wm. Prillaman, proprietor. All its lots are four by eight rods except fractional ones. Main Street is eleven rods wide, and runs north 25° east; Walnut, Water, and Elm streets run at right angles, which is south 65° east, and are each four rods wide; High Street runs south 89° east and is four rods wide. The alleys are each one rod wide. The graveyard contains .51 of an acre. The Miami Canal and the Piqua and St. Marys State road pass through Main Street.

The plat and description were certified to by the surveyor Dec. 2, 1837. The town was laid out on Loramie Creek and had very irregular boundaries. The original plat contained forty-three in-lots and fifteen out-lots, and was bounded south by the old Indian Boundary or Greenville Treaty line.

Be it know* that on the 5th day of December, 1837, before the undersigned, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county, personally appeared William Prillaman, above named, and acknowledged the foregoing to be a true and correct plat or map of the town of Berlin aforesaid, to the end that it maj' be recorded as such.

The town is located on the Miami and Erie Canal, in McLean Township. It is an active little village of some five hundred inhabitants, and enjoys the distinction of a location within less than a mile of the site of old Fort Loramie or Pickawillanj r , which carries the memory back to the struggles which preceded the old French and Indian war of 1756. Near by the village flows Loramie Creek, the " West Branch of the Big Miami" of some older publications. The fort itself, instead of being at the mouth of this stream, as generally stated in other works, was less than one mile from the site of Berlin, while the mouth of the "West Branch," or Loramie, is below Lockington, south of the county line. Several relics have been discovered in this locality, and among these was a silver cross, evidently belonging to the French chevaliers of that early and warlike period. This relic is preserved by the Priest at Berlin, at whose house it may be seen at any time. The town population, like that of the township in general, is composed of Germans, or direct descendants of this nationality. A marked characteristic of the people is the industry observable on every hand. This German element came here into the woods, and by hard, incessant toil, cleared away the primeval forest, wringing farms from the wilderness, and building a town on the ruins of a forest. In common with the people of the township, the inhabitants are almost uniformly Catholics in religion, and Democrats in politics. There were peculiarities which brought about these results, among which we mention one fact on the authority of Rev. Bigot. After settlement here, the Germans strove to prevent the settlement of Americans in their midst, and by different methods very nearly succeeded. Still a few straggling Americans settled on lands within the township, but each soon found it desirable to leave, and so was bought out as early as he would sell, and was generally succeeded by a German. This, at least, was the plan of the German settlers themselves, and keeping the plan in view, they have preserved the characteristics of nationality, religion, and politics up to the present time. From the town, a daily mail is carried by stage to and from Sidney, while communication is had with Minster, on the L. E. and W. Ry. and different towns on the Narrowgauge road in Mercer and Darke counties. Berlin has no railroad nearer than Minster, about three miles north, this being the southern terminus of the St. Marys and Minster branch of the Lake Erie and Western Railroad. Throughout the town and township the German characteristics are preserved to such an extent that a stranger would question his senses as to the possibility of a community, no larger than this, maintaining the integrity of all German habits, customs, and manqers. They have cleared excellent farms, erected substantial buildings, and in their own way and according to their own ideas, pursue the enjoyments of life. Perhaps their church comes first, and the building is almost fit for the abode of personal gods. Next come social customs, and fronting these is lager beer, without which it appears life would be a burden, and liberty a misnomer. Following this comes politics, in which field some one man will be found to hold an electoral dictatorship, and on election day Democratic ballots will be found "thick as autumnal leaves in Vnlambrosa." There are, in short, characteristics here which the next generation will not entirely outgrow nor outrun.

The business of the town at this time is represented by the following persons and pursuits, with the year in which such business was opened.

John H. Willman, 1855, drygoods and groceries. Henry Teckelenbuge, 1877, harness shop. Michael Moormann, 1876, drjgoods and groceries. J. D. Indcrriden, 1872, hardware, stoves, and tinware. J. H. Rottinghaus, 1869, grocery and restaurant. Bushman & Rottinghaus, 1873, stave factory and cooper shop. J. H. Menke, 1877, general store, post-office, and notary public. Jacob Ullemann, 1878, boots and shoes. Joseph Quartman, 1880, blacksmith. John A. Lowmann, 1867, harness and saddler shop. Joseph Riger, 1857, boots and shoes. Herman Bushman, 1865, plow and blacksmith shop. Joseph Vondrell, 1869, proprietor Vondrell House. H. W. Hopkins, M.D., 1882. Vincent Schmitt, 1875, merchant tailor. Mrs. Mary Chesler, 1868, millinery and dress goods. Jacob Schuler, 1878, restaurant and saloon. Valentine Gair, 1864, carpenter and contractor. Moormann & Kerne, 1861, flouring mill. Joseph Quartman, 1856, general blacksmith. Henry Borchers, boat j'ard and dry dock. J. Henry Quartman, 1870, grocery and restaurant. Rev. William Bigot, Pastor St. Michael's Church. Menke Bros. (J. H. and H. B.), hardware, tinware, and stoves, established 1882. Hamer & Vocke, drugs and medicines, established 1882.

On Sunday, October 2, 1881, the new St. Michael's Church of Berlin was solemnly consecrated by the Right Reverend Coadjutor Bishop W. H. Elders, of Cincinnati, Ohio. This fact is very significant when it is remembered there are only three or four consecrated edifices in the whole archdiocese, for the most worthily built churches are usually only dedicated or sanctified. To be consecrated, it is necessary: 1st. That there be a well-defined congregation, not only able to build, but also to support the edifice, and this also includes the idea of regular clergy at all times and under all circumstances. 2d. That the high altar be at the same time consecrated, and that the church be well and substantially built. 3d. That the building must be under a distinct roof, constructed of substantial materials, and be free from debt.

These qualities all belong to this church, as beauty of design, strength of structure, and richness of ornament all unite to make an impression of admiration. The congregation of over two hundred families consist largely of farmers, whose means are largely at the disposal of the church, thus guaranteeing the maintenance of the beautiful structure to which they have so generously contributed. The building is 150 by 65 feet, is clear of debt, and represents a cost of over $40,000. The congregation lies in the northwest part of Shelby County, and is bordered on the north by the Minster congregation; on the west by the St. Joseph's, Egypt, and Woodland; on the south b} r Newport and Russia; and on the east by St. Patrick's and Sidney. The parish is long but narrow, being about fifteen miles from east to west, while it is scarcely three miles from north to south. About eighty families live in the village of Berlin, seventy east of the village, and fifty-five on the western side of the parish.

date an old book contains the minute: "This congregation took its beginning in the year of salvation one thousand eight hundred and thirtyeight, on the fourth of June." At that date forty families registered here at one time. Some German families were already here for several years, but the chief growth was experienced during the construction of the canal, when many families came here from Cincinnati and other cities. About this time a log church was erected, and occasionally a priest came from Minster, read mass, baptized children, solemnized marriages, and interred the dead. The priest of the society of "The Precious Blood" labored at Minster, and to that place the Catholics of this community frequently went to attend regular services. Under these circumstances they were not discouraged, but proved their tenacity to the mother church by their ardent adherence thereto. It was a period of rudeness, but earnestness was not wanting, and in the midst of all happiness sat in smiles. Their dwellings were log huts, but they hid few skeletons away; their church was a log building, but hypocritical fashion was a stranger within its walls. How the old folks love to converse of those early " better" days. Here one tells of his pride in a new two-story log house in which he slept one night, to awake in the morning and find the building sadly out of the perpendicular, through the influence of one night's stiff breeze. They all have their story to tell, those old settlers, and while one tells of his building, another speaks of clearing, and still another of his exploits with the gun. Then the grandmothers tell of their struggles to protect their poultry and vegetables, as well as of the dangers against which the children had to be guarded. Markets were distant, but as wants were few the people still enjoyed life, and the productions of the land satisfied most every need.

Thus matters largely stood until 1840, when the parish embraced over one hundred families. Along the years they ran, until the log hut of the farmer was giving place to brick dwellings, and so, in 1849, a brick church, sixty by thirty feet, was constructed, and hung with a seven hundred-pound bell. But this season, 1849-50, proved trying to the new community, for it was the season of the cholera in its most dreaded type. Twenty-eight persons fell its victims in the space of two months, while some two hundred died from the same disease in the larger and neighboring community of Minster. But the plague ran its course, and again the people resumed neglected undertakings.

The church was dedicated, and the services of Rev. Augustus Berger, of the Grand Duchy of Baden, were secured by the congregation. Under his care the new priest's house was built. He was succeeded in 1857 by Rev. Henry Muckerheide, of Oldenberg, who labored here until 1863 with great zeal and ability. He was succeeded by Rev. M. Anton Meyer, of Canton Basel, Switzerland, who, with characteristic energy, had an addition of twenty feet added to the church, and in a few years later carried the construction of a school-house to completion. On account of failing health he retired in 1873, after ten years of active labor in this field. In 1873 the institution of the " Fathers of the Holy Spirit " was abrogated in Germany, and Archbishop Purcell wrote to the Reverend General-chief of the society to procure some priests for this country. Accordingly, on January 1, 1874, four priests and twelve lay-brothers of the society left Paris with the intention of coming to the United Stales. Among these priests was the present pastor of Berlin, Rev. William Bigot. He was born in Upper Elsase (Alsace) diocese of Strasburg, and was ordained a priest May 22, 1864, in the seminary chapel of the Motherhouse-of-the-Holy-Ghost. Soon after ordination he was sent to Kaiserwerth, near Dusseldorf, as superior, to take the superintendency of the Archbishopric Hermit-house, and perform the services of the church connected with the cloister. From 1864 to 1870 he was allowed to- serve near the grave of Suitbertus, the apostle of the Saxons and Frieses. Then came the Franeo-Prussian war, and the Right Rev. Bishop Hefele, of Rottenburg, demanded priests to minister in French and German to the wounded and the prisoners. The lot fell upon Father Bigot to leave the cloister at Marienthal, near Au, at the Sieg, Rhenish Prussia, to assume the pastorate over 1 2,000 captured aud wounded soldiers at Stuttgart, Ludwigsberg, Asperg, and Grund, in Wurtemberg. The royal government aided him in every possible way, so that he found his eleven months' sojourn among the soldiers rather pleasurable, although attended by arduous labors and many privations and exposures. After this service he was entrusted with the conduct of the cloister of Marienthal, archdiocese of Cologne. Under the French Government he was authorized: 1st, to collect certificates of death of such French soldiers as died in captivity, in response to which he filled and forwarded to the ministry a volume of 18,400 such certificates; 2d, to erect suitable monuments in all graveyards of French captives, and to cause anniversaries to be founded at the chief stations. This request of the Government was accompanied by a bill of exchange for eighty thousand francs. With this, in one hundred and sixty German burying-grounds, monuments and tombstones were erected, and about twenty anniversaries established. For these services the French Government conferred upon Father Bigot the Cross of Chivalry, of the Legion of Honor, and the Cross of Merit; also the sum of one thousand francs and a recommendation to take a journey of recreation after the arduous labors were performed.

to him: " In Berlin you will find enough work to do ; a large parish, and there you must build a church." In the mean time old debts amounting to $700 had to be paid, the priest's house to be repaired, and the holy to be renewed. All this was readily done, but the congregation did not yet feel disposed to undertake the construction of a new church. Three bells were first procured at a cost of about $1000, and weighed respectively 1600, 1200, and 700 pounds. Still, as the congregation did not think these bells loud enough, the priest invested his year's salary in a 3800 pound bell. But a new tower was needed for this bell, and a new church for the tower. The year 1879 was prosperous, and the plan of building met with great favor. It was resolved to build, and further, that over and above the manual labor which the members could perform, the building should not cost more than $30,000. This sum was further to be raised by two collections, in 1879 and 1881. The collection throughout the parish lasted about nine days, and resulted in obtaining $16,000. This, added to the $4000 fund of the church, gave a starting point with $20,000. The collection for the year 1881 brought $8,000, which, added to a pew-rent surplus fund of $2000, raised the aggregate to $30,000, before the completion of the church. Aside from this, individual gifts were received, such as a stained glass window, or a figure. One family contributed $800 for the Saint Mary's Altar, while many others gave in a quiet manner something above the regular subscription. Messrs.Cudell' & Richardson, architects, of Cleveland, were secured to furnish plans, and the edifice as it stands is their only necessary recommendation. Henry Quartman, of Berlin, assumed the task of burning one million bricks, to be delivered at the building site at $4 per thousand. A basement ten feet high, 150 feet long, and 65 feet wide was first constructed. "Messrs. Sutherland & Co., of Sidney, used 900 perches of stone in the foundation walls. By the 12th of October, 1879, the foundation was completed, and on that date the Most Reverend Archbishop laid the cornerstone with imposing ceremonies. For the year 1880 Mr. John Deman, of Defiance, Ohio, assumed the entire brickwork; Messrs. John Bier & Co., of Cleveland, did 6000 feet of stonework ; Mr. Anton Goehr, of Minster, constructed the roof framework ; Messrs. Auld & Conchcr did the slatework, and Mr. John lnderrieden, of Berlin, assumed the tin and galvanized ironwork. A tower 200 feet high adorns the building, and in this are hung the four magnificent bells already mentioned. During 1881 Mr. Sarflat, of Toledo, furnished the entire material for the arches of the three naves and the spires. In June and July the plastering was done bj' .Messrs. Hays & Co., of Sidney. The decoration was nest furnished by Fr. X. Hefele and his corps of artists from Cincinnati. Messrs. Booth & Riesler, of Buffalo, New York, furnished the seventeen magnificent windows of stained glass, twelve of which show designs worthy of a master hand. Mr. Schroeder, of Cincinnati, furnished the altars, pulpit, and communion table. Messrs. Ricker & Krifi, of Delplios, furnished the pews; Schwartz & Gair the floors; and Mr. Schaefer, of Wisconsin, the organ. The whole building is a magnificent specimen of Gothic architecture, and reflects great credit upon all who in any manner contributed to the design or execution.

The Consecration Ceremonies. - Sunday, the 2d day of October, 1881, will remain a memorable da)' for St. Michael's congregation in Berlin, for on that day their new and beautiful house of God was solemnly consecrated by the Right Rev. Bishop Win. H. Elders. On Saturday afternoon the highly venerable consecrator, coming from Sidney, Ohio, was met at the boundary of the jiarish by the young men belonging to the congregation, about forty in number, mounted on horses, and was by them received nnd escorted to Berlin. As the procession came in view the bells of the new church were merrily ringing, and cannon shots resounded. The inhabitants of Berlin had also, in honor of their distinguished guest, festively decorated their houses, anil upon the streets triumphal arches were erected. Soon after the arrival of the Right Rev. Bishop the relies destined for the high altar in the new church were transferred and carried over in solemn procession, in which all Berlin participated, to the old church, and there set to view during the night for reverence and adoration by the faithful. The church was not vacated the entire night by the devout, until early on Sunday morning at four o'clock the holy masses began, which were celebrated by the priests that were present. At six o'clock A. M. in the presence of the entire congregation and a large number of persons from the neighboring congregations, the imposing and solemn ceremonies of the consecration began and continued until after ten o'clock. Four priests were present. After the consecration the Right Rev. Bishop celebrated a pontifical high mass. The Rev. Moeller, D.D., acted as Master of Ceremonies, and tlie Rev. General-vicar P. Otto Jair, O. S. F., as assistant; as honorary deacons, the Revs. Messrs. Provincial P. Henry Drees, C. P. P. S., and P. Andrew Kunkler, C. P. P. S., of Minster, O. ; as deacon, the Rev. P. Johannes Von deu Brock, C. P. P. S., of Egypt; as sub-deacon, the Rev. P. Mathias Kent, C. P. P. S., of Minster. Besides these there were present in the sanctuary the Rev. Messrs. Nicholaus Niekols of Osborn, P. Albert Voag, C. P. P. 8., of Minster; Ilonoratus Bourion, of Bellefontaine; Alcide Bourion, of Frcnehtown; J. Kayser, of Milford; Francis J. Roth, of Russia; O. F. Steinlage, of Piqua; Dominic Shuuk, of St. Patrick, and Wm. Bigot, Pastor of the St. Michael's congregation. After the pontifical high mass Rev. N. Niekols ascended the pulpit and preached the festal sermon in the German language. He demonstrated in eloquent words to the attentive and devout congregation, how man as the temple of God must be constituted ; that peculiar qualifications must distinguish him just as a building dedicated to the Lord distinguishes itself distinctly from a common dwelling-house. After Father Niekols had concluded the Right Rev. Bishop held an address to the congregation. He gave them deserved praise for their self-sacrifice 'and magnanimity which enabled them to erect such a magnificent temple of God and to so embellish and endow the same, that soon after its completion it could not only be dedicated, but also consecrated. He exhorted them also in the future to stand together so unanimously anil generously as to serve 'as an example and type for other congregations.

In the afternoon at three o'clock solemn vespers were held, after which the General-vicar, P. Otto Jair, O S. F., preached. He exhorted the congregation that they should henceforth frequently and regularly visit their beautiful house of God, upon which they could look with pride; then God would likewise look complaisantly upon the temple erected to him ; otherwise God would have no pleasure in the same even if it were built of pure gold and silver. During the pontifical high mass the Miennerchor of Piqua, Ohio, sang, and during vespers, the church choir of the congregation. At the close of vespers the Te Deum was struck up, and with it the festivities closed.

The St. Michael's church is a really magnificent structure; proudly it towers aloft with its tall slender steeple, as one of the most beautiful churches of the archdiocese. It is built in the Italian Gothic style. Four slender pillars alternately divide the interior, which is decorated extraordinarily rich, into three naves. Magnificent is the glass painting of the windows. Upon the main window in the sanctuary Christ and the archangel Gabriel are represented. Both the side windows contain respectively St. Augustine and St. Boniface. Of the fourteen other windows, five are in fresco painting, while upon the remaining are represented St. John the Baptist, the most blessed Virgin Mary, St. Anna, St. Elizabeth, St. Catharina, St. Henricus, St. Anthony, St. Lawrence, and the child Jesus. The three altars built by Mr. Schroeder, of Cincinnati, are real masterpieces, namely: the high altar whose table is supported by six small pillars. The fields between the pillars are filled up with emblems, of which the middle one contains the book with seven seals with the lamb. The tabernacle has richly ornamented folding doors; above these is a niche for the ostentation of the Most Holy Sacrament, beside which two worshipping angels are standing under canopies. The altar-picture is the crucifixion-group in a niche under a canopy which terminates in turrets with buttresses and finials richly provided with carved ornaments. The side fields contain the statues of both apostle-ehicfs, likewise under canopies with richly articulated tower and pyramid. Beside the altar there are placed on both sides pedestals for worshipping angels. Both of the side altars (St. Mary's and St. Joseph's altars) arc wrought correspondingly with the high altar, and contain in the chief niche respectively St. Mary's and St. Joseph's statue. The St. Mary's altar contains in the side niches the statues of St. Rosa and St. Theresa; the altar table, decorated in the Gothic style, contains the statue " St. Mary." The St. Joseph's altar contains in the side niches the statues St. Francis Xavier and St Alois ; the altar table the signature " St. Joseph." Pulpit and communion table are held in like style and are splendid works. Likewise is the organ built by Mr. Schaefer of Schleisingerviile, Wis., in its outward appearance corresponding with the building style of the church, held in rich Gothic: the work praises its master.

If one, therefore, condenses the whole, it must be said that the St. Michael's church in Berlin numbers among the most beautiful churches in all America. And what is the main point, it is free of debts and could be consecrated immediately after its completion, a prerogative which only about three churches in the archdiocese of Cincinnati can share with it.* was born in Cincinnati January 11, 1838, and in 1853 entered as an apprentice at the machinist trade at the shops of Ilarkness & Sons. In 1858 he married Miss Bernidina Schulze, and has reared six children, three boys and three girls. In June, 1861, he left Cincinnati with $17, and came to Berlin, where he began work in a sawmill, earning $15 per month. On the 23d of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 118th O. V. I., under Capt. Thomas L. Young, and was discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, July 9, 1865, having served until the close of the war. Returning to Berlin he again worked in a sawmill until 1867, and then carried the hod for thirteen years, while his wife attended to the little store they had already started. In 1866 he was elected justice of the peace, but declined to serve. In 1869 he was elected assessor, which office he held until 1876. He also served as constable from 1870 to 1873, when he was elected to the school board, and at once made president of that body, which position he still retains. In 1877 he was appointed post- master at Loramie (Berlin), which position he also holds at this writing. In 1880 he was appointed census enumerator of McLean Township, and has been township collector of taxes for sixteen years. He is now engaged in the mercantile trade, having a well-stocked general supply store. He is also a notary public, and is one of the leading men of the township.

a resident of the town of Berlin during the past quarter of a century, was born in the village of Stodlin, county Elwangen, kingdom of VViirttemberg, on the 31st day of October, 1832. In June, 1852, he came to the United States, and located for a short time at Lancaster, New York, where he worked at the shoemaker trade. From Lancaster lie moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked at his trade about two years, and then went to Greenville. He only remained here a short time, however, for, in 1857, he moved to the village of Berlin, where he has since been engaged at his old trade, in connection with which he has kept saloon. He is now one of the leading, influential citizens of the township. In 1857 he married Margaret Wyse, who was born in Amsterdam, Holland, but came to this country with her parents in 1853. They were married in Dayton, anil the result of the union was twelve children, named Louisa, August, Catharine, Caroline, Mary, Joseph (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Maggie, Cecelia, John (deceased), Joseph, and William. Mrs. Rieger died May 3, 1872, and about a year later Mr. Rieger married Mary r ehwarz, who was born in Piqua, Ohio, and was the daughter of John Schwarz, an old resident of that town. Six children were the fruits of this marriage, viz., Anna, ltosine, Joseph (deceased), Francis, Peter, and Jacob (deceased).

was the son of Henry and Elizabeth Arling, who settled in Auglaize County in 1834. He was born February 15, 1841, and brought up to fanning a'nd stock raising. He married Elizabeth Linge March, 1863, by whom he had two children, Elisha and Bernard. September 9, 1879, he again was married to Mary Fisher, daughter of John and Christena Fisher, who was born October, 1855, by whom he has one child, John.

son of Bernard and Mary A. Arkenburgh, who settled in this county in 1831, was born March, 1822, in Germany, and is a farmer and stockraiser. On February 17, 1852, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Hiram and Catharine Surmann, who was born January 18, 1824. Their children are named Joseph F., John B., Ferdinand N., Mary C., Herman H., Caroline E., and Frank B. He has filled the office of supervisor, and furnished a volunteer, but was not drafted. His father-in-law, Hiram Surinam, was the first settler on sections 10, 11, and 12. His house stands almost upon the site of the ancient Fort Loramie, or the site of the first English settlement in this State.

son of John H. and Mary E. Berning, was born in Germany February 13, 1826, and raised a farmer. On April 18, 1850, he married Benedaeia, daughter of Henry Gerkison; she was born in 1830. Their children are Elizabeth, Mary, John Henry, Anthony Herman, Josephine, Altoney, Arinia, Frederick, and Agnes. He has filled the offices of supervisor and school director. His father was the first settler on section 30, and cut the first road through the section.

brother of John D., was born in 1831, and is a farmer. In 1856 he married Mary G., daughter of Bernard and E. Doudging, who was born in 1835. Their children are Deinia, John, Richard, Antouey, Bernard, Agnes, Mary, and Elizabeth.

son of John D. and Margaret Bovendicke, who settled on section 30 February 1, 1855. He married his wife, Benedenia, May 20, 1846, and she was born in 1823. Their children are Bernard, Mary A., Henry, John, and Mary. He has held the office of supervisor.

son of Herman and Maria H. Brand, was born January 20, 1850, and raised a farmer and stock-raiser. January, 1873, he married Maria, daughter of Joseph and Maria Olbers, who was born in October, 1854. He was pike director two years. Their children are Antony, Henry, Herman H., and Herman.

son of Herman H. and Mary A. Broring, was born May 6, 1846, and was raised a farmer. On the 19th day' of May, 1875, he married Annie Margaret Eilermann, daughter of George H. and Mary Eilermann. She was boru March 9, 1853. Their children are Agnes, Ilenry, and Frank.

son of John H. and Catharine Borchers, was born August 7, 1832, and was raised a farmer. April 19, 1866, he married Catharine, daughter of Henry and Mary E. Zimmerman, who was born May 4, 1847. Their children are Catharine, Elizabeth, Mary, Henry, Bernard, and Climana. He has filled the offices of school director and supervisor.

son of Andrew and Elizabeth Beancer, was born in 1840, and was raised as a farmer. In 1869 he married Huldia, daughter of August Wehinger and Frances his wife; she was born in 1843. Their children are Charles, Frances, John, Andrew, and Henry.

son of Anton}' and Elizabeth Borhorst, was born March 10, 1840. and was raised a farmer, and married Elizabeth Strucamp, daughter of Garret U. Strucamp and Margaret his wife. Their children are Diana, Catharine, Teracey, Joseph, Mary, and Henry. Stepchildren are Frank and John.

son of Herman H. Bramlga and Catherine his wife, was born July 6, 1849. He was raised a farmer and stock-raiser. His parents came to the county in 1832. June 6, 1875, he married Mary, daughter of Christian and Catherine Berger, who settled here in 1*33. She was born November, 1855. Their children are John B. and Herman H. He has filled the office of school director and supervisor.

was born August 24, 1826. His parents were Isaac and Rachel Beaver, who settled in Shelby County in 1832. He is a blacksmith, and runs a sawmill. He married Lydia, daughter of John G. and Mary Ann Shaffer, settlers here in 1832. She was born February 11, 1827. Their children are Isaac Newton, John George, Catharine, Sophie, Nancy, Elvira, Francis Marion, Charles Daniel Martin, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Martha Jane. His ancestors, Christopher Beaver and Engle Bowyer, were Revolutionary officers in 1776. Isaac Beaver, his father, served in the war of 1812 at Norfolk, Bladensbnrg, Baltimore, and Washington. He himself was in Company I, 138th O. N. G., Capt. James Huston, Col. S. S. Fisher, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Brigadier General Wetzel, &c.

son of Joseph and Nettie Brons, settled here in 1837. He was born in 1837, and was a farmer. In 1859 he married his wife, Angel Brons. She was born in 1846. Their children are Joseph, Elizabeth, John, Bernard, Herman, Henry, and William. He filled the office of supervisor. Henry Brons served three years, and then became a veteran, and died in the service. John Brons, his father, was the first settler on section 2.

son of Josiah and Sarah McGraw Clowson, was born March 30, 1825. He was a stock-raiser and farmer. He married Nancy, daughter of Oliver Jones. Their children are Jeremiah, Laura, Mary, Jesse, Jane, Barnard, Levi, Anna Elizabeth, and John. He has filled the office of supervisor. His grandfather served in the war of 1812.

son of Frank and "Margaret Doncing, was born December 12, 1831, in Hanover, Germany, and is a farmer and stock-raiser. In 1861 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Ilenry and. Jane Gear. His wife was born in 1841. Their children are Henry, Bernard, Frank, and Mary. He has filled the offices of supervisor and school director.

son of Tobias and Mary Drees, was born October 6, 1842, and was raised a farmer. On May 24, 1869, he married Josephine, daughter of Henry Appleman and Catherine his wife, who settled in this county in 1837. She was born April 3, 1851. Their children are Henry, Mary A., John, and Frederick. He has filled the offices of supervisor, school director, and clerk. He enlisted in 1862 in the 118th Regiment, Company C, Ohio Volunteers, and was discharged at Cleveland, July 20, 1865.

son of Frank and Catharine Friemerring, was born December 8, 1831, and raised a farmer. October 13, 1854, he married Mary', daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Powels, who was born in 1835. Their children are Frederick, Bernard, Joseph, Henry, and Elizabeth. He has filled the offices of school director and supervisor. Bernard Powels and Jerry Powels enlisted in the 58th Regiment (Company A) Ohio Volunteers.

son of E. & M. Circher, was born in 1838 Slid raised a farmer. In 1868 lie married Mary, daughter of Anthony and Margaret Schuler. She was born in 1839 and settled in this county in 1841. Their children are Frank, Anthony, Jacob llhinehart Martin, and Bernard.

son of H. H. and Catharine Dressman, was born June 14, 1856, and was raised as a clerk. He has served ns constable. His father was born July 4, 1812, and was one of the first settlers of the town of Berlin. His mother was born July 31, 1818.

son of Richard and Mary Fortman, was born February 22, 1841, and raised a farmer and stoek-raiser. In 1864 he married his wife, Elizabeth. They have three children, Henry, Elizabeth, and Lena. Mrs. Fortman died September, 1874. He has filled the oflioo of school director.

son of Peter and Bridget Farley, was born in Ireland in 1832, and raised a farmer. In 1860 he married Mary A., daughter of Jeremiah and Catharine Cone. She was born in 1851. Their children are Peter F., James, Mary K., and Patrick. He has filled the office of school director. He enlisted in 1863 in the 135th 0. Y. I., and was discharged September 2, 1864. He owns 80 acres of land in section 2.

son of Christian A. and Mary Fisher, was born in Prussia February, 1821, and was raised a farmer and stock-raiser. In 1853 he married Christens, daughter of Henry Hulswftide. She was born in 1829. Their children are Mary E., Ferdinand, Bernard, Andrew, Henry, and Herman, He served in the German army three years. - son of Garret H. and Mary C. L. Gudorf, was born April 10, 1837, settled here in 1849, and raised a farmer. June 1, 1865, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Bernard and Mary Vonderheige, who settled here in 1835. She was born October 15, 1847. He has filled the office of supervisor and school director.

son of Charles and Agnes Gausepohl, was born Feb. 16, 1843, and raised a farmer and stock-raiser. June 15, 1867, he married Aunie, daughter of Frank and Catharine Bargraan, who settled in Auglaize County in 1833. She was born Nov. 20, 1847. He has filled the office of school director. Their children are Mary, Caroline, John, Frank, Henry, Julia, and Catharine.

son of Henry H. anit Mary A. Gudenkauf, was born April 27, 1827, and raised a farmer. They settled in this county in 1833. On Feb. 22, 1851, he married Mary' Catharine, daughter of Anthony and Mary E. Borhorst. She was born Nov. 15, 1833. Their children are Mary, Minnie, Denia, Catharine, Lucretia, Caroline, Clemence, Anthony, Mary, and Henry. He has filled the offices of supervisor, trustee, and school director. His father was one of the first settlers on section 4, in 1833.

son of Ferdinand Gaier, was born January 6, 1841, and raised a farmer. June 25, 1866, he married Louisa, daughter of August Wise. She was born in 1839. They had two children, Margaret and Mary. He married his second wife in 187 1, and has the following children : Charles, Louisa, Joseph, and Francis.

son of George and Josie Gaier, was born October 9, 1811, and raised a farmer and stock-raiser. In 1845 he married Miss Siggel, daughter of George and Catharine Siggel, who was born Feb. 17, 1823. Their children are, Gatrot, Jacob, Caroline, Valentine, Charles, Magdaliue, Catharine, Elizabeth, Ferdinand, George, Joseph, and Herman. In 1845 he emigrated to America, and purchased eighty-five acres of land in Shelby County, Ohio.

son of Dedrick and Margaret Hilgefort, was born October 26, 1837, and raised a farmer and settled here in 1848. July 3, 1859, he married Mary', daughter of Henry and Catharine Poppelmann, who settled here in 1838. She was born in 1843. Their children are Mary, Joseph, Catharine, Josephine, Frederick, Bernard, Frank H., and Francis D. He has filled the offiec of supervisor.

brother of Philip Farley, was born in 1823 and raised a farmer. In 1863 he married Catharine, daughter of Joseph Riley. She was born in 1831.

son of Frederick and Rachel Henka, was born Oct. 12, 1834, and raised a farmer. April 30, 1857, he married Annie, daughter of August and Margaret Wise. She was born Feb. 23, 1839. Their children are, Henry, Frederick, Annie, Magdaline, Mary, John, Joseph, and Michael. He has been supervisor and trustee.

son of Francis J. and Clarissa Holscher, was born March 19, 1849, and raised a farmer and stock-raiser. His parents settled here in 1835. In 1877 he married Mary M., daughter of John and Elizabeth Bernard, who was born March 14, 1858. They have two sons, John B. and John H. He has filled the offices of supervisor and school director.

son of Richard and Mary Hinners, was born in 1837. He was raised a farmer. On May 5, 1806, he married Mary A., daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Duenigen. She was born Nov 14, 1840. Their children are, Henry, John, Margaret, Herman, William, and Frank. He has filled the office of school director.

son of Charles and Margaret Hoying, was born July, 1833. His parents settled here in 1834. He was raised a fanner. In October, 1857, he married Belledania, daughter of Frank and Mary C. Wener, who was born in 1831. Their children are, Charles, Henry, Anthony, Catharine, Joseph, Frederick, Clemance, Herman, and Maggie. He has filled the offices of school director and supervisor. He was the first settler on section 5.