Dinsmore Township (part 4 of 6)

William Bailey, a grandson of Thomas Bailey, the story of whose checkered life has just been told, was bora in Virginia in the year 1785. When about twenty years of age he married Sarah Reison, a lady of Virginia, and shortly afterward came to Ohio and settled in Warren County. Here their son, Francis Bailey, was born in the year 1815. His youth was passed with his parents at his native place until he attained his majority, or in 1836, when he married Rachel Northrup, of Clinton County, and came to Montgomery County the same year, where he located and learned the milling trade. He continued at this occupation until

1844, when he came to this county and located on a farm in Washington Township. Here he gave his attention to farming until 1863, when he purchased a stock of dry goods and groceries at Loekington, and conducted a general store during the following three years. From 1866-69 he was employed in buying grain at Loekington for D. K. Gillespie, proprietor of the warehouse. About the latter date he became a stockholder in a company organized to construct and operate a paper mill at Lockington, but the project failed, and Mr. Bailey sold his interest at a heavy sacrifice. He next bought a sawmill, but soon disposed of it to his sons and retired from active work. He is now mayor of Loekington, and has in the past held the offices of township trustee, treasurer, and finally, that of land appraiser in 1880. In 1858 his first wife died, leaving eight children to mourn the loss of a mother. In 1862 Mr. Bailey married his second wife, Rosanna Boyer, the results qf the marriage being one child, which died in infancy.

a farmer, and one of the trustees of Washington Township, was born in Montgomery County, O., in 1839. He has devoted his life to farming, except three years that he was part owner of the Loekington Lumber Mills. In 1863 he married Cynthiann Valentine, a daughter of David Valentine. She was born in Shelby County in 1842. They have a family of four children, viz., Laura E., Anna M., Carrie M., and Lida. They reside on section 16, where he commenced when his land was nearly all in the woods. Beside this he has another farm of eighty acres of improved land.

a son of Francis Bailey, was born in Montgomery County, 0., in 1840; lie is a resident of Loekington, and is engaged in the manufacture of lumber and handles. In 1868 he was married to Miss Eleanor J. Jackson (a descendant of Edward Jackson, one of the pioneers of Shelby County). She was born in 1841.

The Lenox family traces back in a direct line to Scotland, although the date of immigration of the American branch of the family cannot be clearly ascertained. Still that immigration was at least prior to the Revolutionary period, for it is known that John Lenox served in the continental army throughout the war for independence. He came, then, during the colonial period, and passing through the Revolutionary war, married Rachel York and settled in Virginia at the dawn of the national period. Alter his death, which occurred in Virginia, his widow and family came to Ohio in search of a new home. This was in the year 1796, or seven years prior to the admission of Ohio as a State. The family on coming to the Northwest Territory, settled near that old territorial town, Marietta, which had witnessed the solemn inauguration of the first court held in "the territory northwest of the Ohio River." Here the Lenox family remained until 1811, when they sought the valley of the Great Miami and settled within the present limits of Turtle Creek Township, this date being eight years prior to the organization of Shelby County. Of this family James Lenox became one of the leading spirits in the new community, and one of the principal citizens of the new county. He was born in Virginia on tflie 14th of February, 1793, aud was one of the children who, with his widowed mother, came to the county in 181 1. He was thus here just in tjme, although yet young, to breathe the spirit of war, for the air was then filled with that war germ which developed the second war for independence. His father had served in the first, and he entered the second, serving throughout the campaigns of 1813 and 14 in the operations in Ohio, Michigan, and Canada. Returning at the close of that war, he resumed the vocations of peace, and assisted in the development of that community which was yet to erect itself into a new cohnty. On the 12th of February, 1818, he married Sally, daughter of John and Anna (Webb) Wilson. The Wilson family had come from Virginia to Ohio at an early date, even settling in this county's limits as early as 1807. Before coming here they had settled for a time in Warren County, and it was at this place their daughter Sally was horn, Jan. 1, 1803. After his marriage Mr. Lenox settled in Turtle Creek Township, on land which the family had entered in 1811. Here he lived until 1845, when he moved to Washington Township, having purchased the old John Wilson farm, which had been entered by- Wilson in 1807.

From a date prior to the organization of Shelby County Mr. Lenox held a commission as justice of the peace, an office he retained for many terms in succession. At the erection of the county he became the first treasurer, having been appointed to this office by the Board of Commissioners on the 7th of June, 1819. He also held the various township offices, including the appraisership. He is said to have been a man of reserved manners and domestic tastes, who was greatly devoted to literature, and as such a man is still highly revered by those who knew him best. Having exceeded his " threescore years and ten," he laid down the burdens of life December 9, 1865, having closely approached his seventy-third year. Though greatly enfeebled by age, and wearied by the burdens of a toiling life, Mrs. Lenox still survives at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. The family consisted of twelve children, viz.: Emeline M . born May 19, 1819; died, 1822. Napoleon B., born June 9, 1821 ; died Nov. 28, 1862. Anna VV , born Aug. 4, 1823; died Oct. 5, 1823. John VV., born Sept. 21, 1824; died Sept. 12, 1851. William F., born May 25, 1827 ; died Oct. 17, 1865. Hamilton C., born Nov. 5, 1829; lives on homestead. Jesse W., born Jan. 22, 1832; died Aug. 26, 1864. Julia A., born April 12, 1834; resides in county. Abraham, born Aug. 5, 1837; died March 12, 1863. Hiram, born July- 24, 1839; resides in Illinois. Laura L., born Dec. 28, 1841 ; resides at old home. Virgil C., born April 5, 1844; resides in Illinois. Of these, four sons were in the war of the Rebellion, one of whom died from the effects of a wound ; one from disease while in service; one after the war, from disease contracted in the service; while one only of the four survives, viz., Virgil C., who resides in Illinois. Hamilton C. now, together with his sister, Laura L., resides on the old homestead.

The ancestry of this pioneer of Shelby County is lost in the person of his father, Jeremiah, who was a resident of Virginia prior to the period of the Revolution. It is certain he was of Irish descent, if not a native of Ireland. His son John was born in Grayson County, Va., in the year 1774, during that agitation and unrest which was nerving the infant colonies for the supreme moment which came but two years later, and saw defiance flaunted in the face of the mother country. There is nothing of moment connected with his youth, and so he is found to have remained at his father's home until about 1799, when he married Anna Webb, who was a native of Georgia, a lady of much refinement, and a descendant of the royal family of England. When but a child she had been entrusted to carry several military despatches of great importance during the closing scenes of the Revolution. In this capacity she won many expressions of gratitude and admiration for her sagacity and daring. In 1801 Mr. Wilson, with his wife and one child, came to Warren County, Ohio, then a part of the Northwest Territory. Here he remained until March, 1807, when, with his family, consisting of his wife and three children, he came to the newer community of the north Miami, and settled within the present limits of Washington Township. Here he entered 160 acres of land in section 7, and erecting a cabin, went bravely to work to carve a farm from the almost unbounded wilderness. It could scarcely have been a cheerful task, for, aside from the arduousness of the labor incident to his situation, he found himself practically isolated from society, for he had overstepped the boundary of civilization. Still he went about his task with that determination which always wins, and directing his whole energies to the development of his home farm, he was soon enabled to reach out and acquire other lands, until, at his death, ho he was able to give a farm of 160 acres to each of his children. At the organization of the county he became an active public spirit, and we find him a member of the first board of County Commissioners, which met in regular session at Hardin, June 7, 1819. During the succeeding years he devoted his time to farming and the acquisition of farm lands, and was at all times considered one of the most energetic and public spirited citizens of the count} - . His death occurred June 7, 1841, and was caused by the blow of a falling limb of a tree. Ilis wife survived him until 1847, when she passed from life, and was laid by his side in the old cemetery at Hardin. Their children, three in number, were named Jesse, who was born Nov. 12, 1800 ; Sally, born January 1, 1803 ; and Hiram, born November 5, 1804.

This son of John and Anna ( Webb) Wilson was born in Grayson County, Va., November 12, 1800, and was but a few months old when his parents caine to the Northwest Territory. At their removal to this county he was but seven years of age; his whole memory and all his associations cling aud cluster about the county upon whose sunrise he looked in his own youth, and the development and growth of which he has witnessed with ever-increasing interest. During his boyhood he helped his father on the old Turtle Creek farm. When he was about thirteen years old his father concluded to move his wife and children to a place of safety about two miles south of I'iqua, as Indian troubles had arisen, and the Garrett and Diibone murders had been committed. Accordingly Mr. Wilson took his family, and was about to leave his wife and children at the house of a man named Stnller, but Mrs. Wilson, wilh womanly devotion and heroism, refused to remain in safety while her husband was exposed to danger, and so she accompanied him back to the frontier home. Jesse, however, was left at Stallers, but soon became restless, and expressed a determination to return home. Everything which could be done, was done to dissuade him, but all to no purpose, for on the third day he stole away and pursued the route to his home, which lie. reached in safely, to the glad surprise of his parents. Mr. Wilson and his few neighbors had constructed a block-house on the Wilson farm, but fortunately for the infant settlement, it was never needed for protection against the Indians. Mr. Wilson was known as a very athletic and muscular man, although not above the average in size and weight.

During the days of the old Ohio militia and the gala-day " musters " he became colonel of a regiment in which his brother Hiram was major. On November 18, 1819, he married Abigail Brodrick, of Wapakoneta, the service being performed by James Lenox, J. P., of Turtle Creek Township.

After attaining a ripe old age, Mr. Wilson passed from life July 19, 1881, carrying with him the respect and confidence of a whole community. His wife had preceded him to the grave, her death having occurred August 23, 1851, when she was mourned by a large family and an extended circle of friends.

They reared a family of thirteen children, whose names, dates of birth, and place of residence or date of death are as follows: Alfred D., born Sept 26, 1820; resides at Columbus, Kansas. John B., born August 5, 1822; died June 15,1845. Anna, born Oct. 1, 1824; died Nov. 24,1880. Albert, born Sept. 14, 1826; resides at Sidney. Robert, born Sept. 26, 1828 ; resides in Clinton Township. Hiram, born Sept. 21, 1830; resides in Boone County, Iowa. Mark, born March 2, 1832; resides in- Turtle Creek Township; Meliala, born December 7, 1833; died July 19, 1849. Henry 0., born Sept. 26, 1835; resides in Washington Township. Theodore G ,born July 14, 1838 ; resides at Jonesboro', Indiana. Nehennah F., born Nov. 11, 1840; resides in Washington Township. Cassius C\, born Feb. 16, 1843; resides in Champaign County, Illinois. Maria L., born Sept. 14, 1848; died August 9, 1851.

This son of Jesse and grandson of John Wilson was born in this county in the year 1835, and is still a resident of Washington Township, where he is a leading farmer and stock-raiser. In 1860 he married Margaret J., daughter of John and Rebecca (Shaw) Wright, who was born in this county in 1838. Their family consists of nine children, whose names and dates of birth appear as follows: Mary A., born 1860; Jesse C.,,1863; Hannah A., 1865; Sallie F., 1866; Emma A., 1868; Anna M., 1870; John C., 1873; Stella M., 1876; Ralph W., 1880.

Years prior to the Revolutionary war four brothers by the name of Mellinger came from Germany to America and settled in Lancaster or Westmoreland County, Pa. Some of the descendants of these four brothers afterward went to Kentucky. The names of three of them were Joseph, John, and David. The date of their immigration to Kentucky is not knowm, but we find them there as early as 1795. In 1806 these three brothers and two sisters found their way through the forests of Ohio to the present limits of Washington Township ; here they entered two half sections of land on Loramie Creek. Lockington is now located on part of this land. The date of the settlement of the Mellingers in Shelby County is in some doubt: by some it is claimed that they came as early as 1806 ; by others, not until 1809. From the best information we can gather we are of the opinion that they came in 1806. It is well known that they were among the very first settlers in the county.

To attempt to give a history of the early settlement of these pioneers is impossible, for there are none now living who know anything of them except as tradition has handed it down from one generation to another. It is known that there were but few white settlers in this part of the State. All their trading was done in Cincinnati. There was not a road, mill, school, or church within many miles of them. Of these three brothers and two sisters, we can write only of the three brothers. Joseph Mellinger, the eldest of the three, was born in Pennsylvania in 1772. When or whom he married we cannot learn. He was one of the prime movers in the organization of Shelby County, and was one of the first board of commissioners of the county. Of his family we know nothing except of one son, Benj. F., who was born in 1821, and in 1841 married Eliza Yanvactor, with whom he raised a family of three children, Joseph L., Louisa F., and Sarah. Benjamin F. and his wife both died in 1849. Joseph Mellinger (sen.) died in 1840.

John, the second brother, was born in Pennsylvania about 1774, married in Kentucky about 1795, died in Shelby County - date of death not known. He was the father of Wm. Mellinger, Esq., who was born in Kentucky in 1797. He was the oldest of the family, and was raised in the woods without any advantages of schools, for it will be remembered there were no schools in his boyhood days. Yet Esq. Mellinger did not suffer himself to remain without an education, which he acquired by his he married Jane Huey. By this union they had eleven children, who grew up to their majority. Esq. Mellinger was a prominent and useful man in his county. He served as commissioner of the count}' for six years, and was justice of the peace of his township for more than twenty years. He died in 1869, esteemed and respected by all. His wife died in 1871.

Wm. Mellinger, Jr., a son of the above, was born in 1833, and lived with his parents during his minority. In 1855 he married Margaret Campbell, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Brown) Campbell, who settled in this county in 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Mellinger have a family of five children, whose names are as follows: Ida A., Olive J., Frank B., Carrie B., and

Allen B. Mellinger, another son of Wm. Mellinuer, Esq., was born in 1841. In 1861 he married Mary Rouse, a daughter of Furnam and Margaret (Silders) Rouse. They have five children, viz., Viva, Jesse, George, Grace, and Walter.

Of David, the third pioneer brother, we only know that he raised a family of ten children, all of whom have died or moved away, and only one of his descendants is left in the county, viz., Elizabeth A. Burnett.

was born in Shelby County Sept. 19, 1815, near where the town of Sidney is now located. He is the youngest of the family of Daniel and Catharine (Bush) Vandemark. He was raised in the wilds of Shelby County, but received a fair common school education. He was an apt scholar, particularly in mathematics. He remained at home on the farm during the lifetime of his parents, and took charge of the farm until the death of his father in 1840. In 1844 he married Susan Boyer, a daughter of Jacob Boyer. She was born in Miami County in 1821. After their marriage he took his wife to the home of his mother and lived with her until her death, which occurred in 1848. After the death of his mother he became the owner of the homestead : this was in Orange Township. In 1855 he traded this place for the one on which he now lives. This farm contained over 400 acres. Since .that time he has added to his possessions until he has at the present time over 900 acres, all within three and a half miles of Sidney. Beside this Mr. V. has at least ten thousand dollars' worth of town property. Mr. Vandemark's farm is one of the best grain and stock farms in the county. He sold from his farms the last year $4500 worth of stock, 2500 bushels of wheat, and over 7000 bushels of corn, beside other grains, all the product of the farm. They have raised a family of five children, viz.. Arvesta, Daniel, Cly, Jacob N., and Harry. Of these five, only Arvesta, Daniel, and Jacob N. are living. Mr. Vandemark has retired from labor on the farm, having a competence for himself and family. Jacob N., the youngest son, who was born in 1853, has charge of the home place, and resides with his parents.

The Alexanders are from Scotland. They were Protestants, and were driven to Ireland, where they remained until 1736, when John Alexander came to America, and settled in Chester County, Pa. Others of the same family soon followed. From here they soon scattered to Western Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. It is claimed of them that they became the basis of the Presbyterian Church in America. A whole volume could be written of this noted family, but space will not permit. We will trace a brief genealogy of the direct ancestors of the Shelby County Alexanders.

James, a son of John Alexander, was born in Ireland in 1726. Came with his father to Chester County, Pa., in 1736. From there they removed to Cumberland County, where lie married Rosey Reed. In 1755 he removed to Mifflin County, and located on the Kishacoqtiillas. Here he erected his cabin in the dense forest, near one of the Logan Springs. His nearest neighbor was Logan, the chief of the Mingo tribe. Here was his habitation and home, and where he lived long on friendly terms with his neighbor Alexander. His wigwam was long preserved by Alexander after Logan had left the valley. The tourist who would visit the celebrated Logan Spring will find it at the head of Spring Run, where some of the Alexanders still live. This mountainous country was infested with rattlesnakes. Mr. Alexander had taken with him to his new home an Irishman. One day he sent his son, together with this son of the Emerald Isle, to a meadow to cut some grass. While mowing, the Irishman uncovered a blowing viper. His snakeship, enraged at the intrusion, spread his neck, and hissed loud as a goose. Terrified at the sound and sight, the Irishman leaped back. With scythe raised aloft, he exclaimed, "Bab! bab! here is the devil all coiled up like a screw! Be dad if he stirs, 1 'll sind his head off him." James Alexander died here at the age of sixty-six years, leaving a very large posterity.

John, the second son of James, was born in Mifflin County, Pa., in 1769. In 1791 he married Ann Taylor. After marriage he located on part of his father's land, near the celebrated Logan Springs, and built ins house near where stood the wigwam of Logan. The great oak, on which Logan cut the effigy of an Indian with tomahawk in hand, stood near the barn of John Alexander. This tree and wigwam were long preserved until the tree died, when it was cut down. This homestead of John Alexander, now occupied by his nephew, is still regarded with great interest for its Important historical associations. At this place was the first meeting of Logan with Judge William Brown, recorded in the Historical Collections of Pennsylvania. John Alexander raised a family of six sons and four daughters. He died in 1820.

James T., a son of John (last spoken of), was born in Mifflin County, Pa., in 1807. In 1832 he married Mary Sterrett, who was born in Juniata County, Pa., in 1814. In 1837 they emigrated' to Shelby i County, Ohio, and located in this township on land entered by one o the McClures. They had four children, but only one lived to grow up. Mr. Alexander and two of his children died in 1839, one having died in 1837. After the death of her husband in 1839, Mrs. Alexander returned to Pennsylvania with her only son, John J., and remained theri until 1854, when she and her son returned to Shelby County to their former home. John J., after the return of himself and mother, commenced the improvement of the farm, and has since erected upon it good substantial buildings, and has added to the farm until he has now 325 acres of well improved land. Mr. A. was born in 1833. He remained single until 1874, when he married Mary A. Lenox, the widow of Ahraham Lenox. She was a daughter of Michael and Mary Weymer. Mrs. Alexander was born in Shelby County in 1839. Mr. A. is one of the prosperous farmers of his township, and has ever had the esteem of his neighbors. He has filled the more important offices of his township.

The Weymers (formerly written Weinmar) came from Wittenburg, Germnny, to America in 1764. They located in New York, and remained there during the Revolutionary War. George Weymer was a son of this first settler in the country. He was born in New York in 1767. He married Mary Strock, and raised a family of five children. Of this family only two came to Shelby County. Michael G. Weymer was born in New York in 1811. In 1836 he married Mary Barnes, and in 1838 came to Shelby County. His father, George Weymer, came with him, and died here in 1851. Mr. W. raised a family of six children, viz., James, Mary A., Peter, Harriet, Caroline, and John. He died in 1877. His widow still survives him, and is living with her son John.

James Weymer, the eldest of these six children, was born in New Jersey in 1838, and was brought by his parents the same year to this township, where he has lived since that time. In 1869 he married Jennie Johnston. By this union they have three children, viz., Horace, Anna D., and Warren.

Prior to 1766 Robert Dinsmoore came to America from North Ireland. He was a young man of liberal education, and was from a family of wellto-do farmers, they having a leasehold of forty acres of land for lifetime. Upon his arrival in the Colonies he landed in Baltimore, and first made his home in Maryland. Here, in 1766, he married Jane Gault. He engaged in the .business of tanning for several years. After the close of the Revolutionary War he sold his possessions in Maryland, took his pay in continental money 7 , then removed to Pennsylvania, but before making a purchase of property his continental script became worthless, and he was left penniless. He remained in Pennsylvania a few years, then removed to Kentucky, where he died, but the date of his death is not known.

Matthew Dinsmoore, a son of the above, was born in Maryland April 13, 1773. Was taken by his parents to Pennsylvania, and from there to Kentucky. It was here, in the year 1801, that he married Margaret Johnston. He purchased a piece of land, on which he settled and had made payment, but on account of imperfect title he lost his land. He then, in the year 180»7, moved to Ohio, and took a lease on some land. The country was new and wild. Misfortunes came upon him. He was taken sick, and for tiie space of several years was unable to do much labor. His children being young were of but little help. His wife had to principally support the family. This was in Greene County, Ohio. Afler regaining his health he worked at his trade, ttiat of a stone and brick mason. A few years later he moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, and from there to Miami County, where he died January 11, 1848.

Robert Dinsmoore was born in Kentucky in the year 1 802. He was the eldest son of Matthew Dinsmoore, and was his main dependence for the support of his father's family in their early struggle through their pioneer life in Greene and Montgomery counties. He learned the stone mason trade witli his father. It was while working at his trade in Montgomery County, in the year 1832, that he married Elizabeth M. Kephart. In 1842 he moved to Shelby County, and settled in Washington Township. They raised a family of eleven children, seven of whom are now living, viz., Matthew G., John K., William H., Robert J., Catharine, Sarah E., and Nettie A. He bought 160 acres of land when he first came to the county. He lived to clear this farm, and died August 19, 1875. Mr. Dinsmoore in 1846 was elected justice of the peace of his township, which office he filled for a number of years. He was a man of fair liberal education, and followed the profession of a teacher foy many years. He also had the gift of a poet, and used to spend idle time with the im^ses. Mrs. Dinsmoore since the death of her husband has remained on the homestead with two of her sons.

The Ewings are of Scotch descent. Their ancestors were driven from Scotland to Ireland on account of religious persecution. From there they came to the American colonies about 1716. They landed at Philadelphia when there was but one shingle roof in the city. The first who came over was Alexander Ewing, the great grandfather of Samuel Ewing. He first located in Chester County', Penn., where James Ewing, the grandfather, was born and died. James Ewing, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Chester County in 1759. At the age of seventeen years he entered the Colonial army. About 1785 he married Mary Blackburn. By this union there were six children, viz , Samuel, born 1788; James, 1791; John, 1793; Mary, 1796; Robert, 1798 ; Jane, 1803; and Martha, 1805. They came to Ohio in 1804 and located in Jefferson County. Here he died in 1815. The widow and part of the family moved to Wayne County, Ohio, about 1830. Samuel was the eldest of the family. He was born in 1788. In 1818 he married Margaret Ewing, a distant relative. In 1832 he moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where he remained until 1835, when he moved to Shelby County, Ohio, nnd settled in Washington Township, where he now resides in his ninety-fourth year, he being perhaps the oldest man in the county. They raised a family of ten children, viz., James, John, Jane, Mary, Samuel, Robert, William, Martha, Margaret A., and Isabel. In January, 1861, Mr. Ewing's wile died at the age of sixty years. Mr. Ewing cast his first vote for President for James Madison, and has voted at every Presidential election since that time. During the days of the Whig parly he was a Whig. Since that time he has voted the Republican ticket. Mr. Ewing has been a member of the U. P. Church for over fifty years.

was born in Montgomery 7 County, Ohio, in 1821. In 1847 he married Elizabeth A. Mellinger. They raised two children, Ida M.and Willis C. Mr. Burnett died in 1877. David Mellinger, the grandfather of Mrs. Burnett, was one of the three brothers who came to Shelby County in 1806. He raised a family of ten children. Of the descendants of these ten children there is not one left in the county except Mrs. Burnett. She is a daughter of David M. Mellinger. He was born in ls02 and died in lh50. His father died in 1848.

This is one of the oldest and most prominent families of Shelby County, as already indicated by the county records. Judge Samuel Marshall was born in Ireland in 1775, but came with his father to the United States in 1784 and settled in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Here Judge Marshall married Margaret Cracraft, and shortly afterward moved to Butler County, Ohio, where he resided until 1808, when he came and located on land now owned by William Marshall, in Washington Township, this county. Here he became one of the most prominent men of his day, and served as one of the first associate judges of the county, a position he held during a number of y'ears. He was one of the first contractors for the old Piqua and Fort Defiance mail route, and the route from Piqua to Bellefontaine. His sons Hugh and C. C. Marshall carried the mail over these routes at a very early day. Judge Marshall also served as county commissioner, and in all official capacities, as in the private walks of life, he was greatly respected during his active and influential career. His death occurred February 7 12, 1838, and he bore with him to the grave the deep and abiding esteem born of that confidence reposed by a whole community. His widow survived him until A ugust, 1854, when she laid aside the cares of a useful life to be mourned by a host of devoted friends.

William Marshall, a son of Judge Marshall, was born in this county January 30, 1819, his age thus corresponding exactly with that of the county. As a boy he commenced life by purchasing furs through the country 7 , in which business he was engaged for several years. Later along he took a contract for the grading of two miles of the C. C. C. and L, or old B. and I. Railroad bed. All this time, in fact nearly all his life, he has been engaged in the live stock trade, and has probably done more horseback riding in this occupation than any other man in the county 7 . He is now the owner of the old home farms of his father and father-in-law, these being two of the earliest settled farms in the township. In 1841 he married Margaret Leighty, who was born in Shelby County 7 October, 1818, with whom he raised a family of five children, four of whom are living, viz., Orlando S., Martha, Samuel C., and Allen L. Mrs. Marshall died February, 1850. In November, 1852, he married Martha A., daughter of Moses and Ann {nee McCullough) Sturgeon. This family had come to Shelby County in 1816, and it was here that Martha was born in 1820. Her parents were born in Pennsy lvania in 1776, and coming to this county reared a family of ten children, of whom four are still living. Mr. Sturgeon died here in 1849, while his wife survived him until 1850.

After his marriage Mr. Marshall continued engaged in farming and stock-dealing, to which his life has been almost wholly devoted. One of his sons, Vincent, moved to Illinois, where he became an extensive stockdealer, occupying a prominent and respected position up to the date of his death, which occurred in that State in 1873. His loss was lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends. The only child of William Marshall by 7 his last wife is one daughter, Margaret, born in 1854. George died September, 1877.

was born in Ashland County. Ohio, in 1853. In 1874 he came to Shelby County, where, in the year 1878, he married Maggie Marshall, a daughter of William and Martha (Sturgeon) Marshall. 'I hey have had born to them two children, viz., George W. and John. They are located on the old Sturgeon farm near Lockington.

John Betts, the father of Isaac, was born in Pennsylvania in 1797; when two years of age he was brought by his parents to Cincinnati, where he lived to grow up to manhood. In 1824 he married Phebe Kelly. Mr. B. was a brickmaker by trade, but for a number of years engaged in the grocery trade. They continued to reside in Cincinnati until 1837, when they removed to Shelby County and located in Washington Township. They raised a family of fourteen children, only five of whom are now living. Mr. Betts died in 1870: his wife died in 1872. The father of John Betts at the time of his settlement at Cincinnati, bought quite a tract of land where the city now stands. This land was held for many years, and some of it is still in the hands of some of his sons. When Mr. Betts came to Shelby County he owned a large amount of real estate in Cincinnati, but owing to his having to pay security debts, he was obliged to sacrifice much of it; but at the time of his death he was the owner of about $100,000 worth of property, principally in Cincinnati. Isaac, the son of John Betts, was born in Shelby County in 1842, and has had his home in the county since that date. In 18G2 he married Aurelia R. Wilson, a daughter of Hiram J. and Elizabeth (Vandemark) Wilson. By this union they have six children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Edna A., born 1865; Charlie E., born 1870; Isaac S., born 1872; Anna A., born 1874; Joseph A., born 1877 ; and James It., born 1880. Mr. Betts is now the owner of the homestead of his father, his farms consisting of 429 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Betts is one of the prominent fanners of his township; he is devoting his entire time to agriculture and stock-raising. As a citizen he is esteemed, having for a number of years been justice of the peace and trustee of his township.

The Wrights are of Irish origin. We first find them in Juniata County, Pa. It was here that James Wright was born in the year 1800. In 1829 he married Mary A. Jacobs. Their family' consisted of eleven children, seven of whom grew up to maturity, viz., George, Nancy, Sarah L., Thomas N., Samuel H., Jane M., and Albert W. They remained in Pennsylvania until 1853, when they came to Shelby County, where he died in 1871 : his wife died the same year. There are only two of the family left, Samuel II. and Sarah. Samuel H. was born in 1841 : he was twelve years of age when brought to this county. After arriving at manhood he learned the carpenter trade, followed it a few years, since which time he followed farming. In 1873 he married Virginia Carper. They have no children. They reside on the old home of Frederick Carper, the father of Mrs. Wright.

Frederick Carper was born in Pulaski County', Ya., in 1788. In 1808 he married Sarah Scyles. In 1831 he brought his wife and ten children to Shelby County. Here he entered eighty acres of land, and cut the first timber and built himself a cabin. They were among the first settlers in this part of the township. He lived to clear his farm and make all the improvements that are on it at the present time. He died in 1869: his wife died in 1847. There. were two children born after they came to the township. Of this family of twelve children there arc only four now living.

was born in Shelby County in 1838. He was reared on a farm. During the rebellion he enlisted in the 45th O. V. I. and served almost three years. He was engaged in twenty -seven battles. In 1866 he married Miss Mary' Wright, a daughter of William Wright, who was a son of Gideon Wright, one of the pioneers of Shelby County', who entered 160 acres of land in Washington Township in the year 1817 and settled on it with his family the same year. The family' consisted of seven children. William Wright, one of .the seven, was born in the State of Vermont in 1801, consequently was sixteen years of age at the time of their settlement in the county. In 1829 he married Caroline Broderick. There were by this marriage twelve children. Of this number there are but four living in the county: Aloma, the wife of Robert Fulton; Charles, of Sidney; Mary C., wife of Joseph Stewart; and Louisa, wife of James McDaniel. Wm. Wright died in 1863: his wife died in 1847. Gideon Wright died in 1863: his wife died in 1844. Gideon Wright was born in 1776: he was married to Abigail Bloomer.

Robert Patterson was born in Ireland in 1781 : married Jane Brown. In 1818 they emigrated to the United States, and immediately located within the present limits of this township, where he entered 160 acres of land. Their family' at this time consisted of three children. Mr. P. lived on this place until the time of his death in 1847: his wife died in 1862. Of this family there is but one left, viz., Margaret, the widow of Freeborn Thompson. She was born in Ireland in 1814. In 1832 she married Freeborn Thompson, who died in 1837. By' this union they had two children, Robert P. and Elizabeth E. After the death of her husband Mrs. Thompson returned to the home of her father and has lived there a widow since that time. Her daughter, Elizabeth E., was born in 1835, and married George J. Legg in 1852. There were born to them five children, only two now living, viz , Nora B. and Georgians. Mr. Legg died in 1859. His widow now resides with her mother, Mrs. Thompson, where she has lived since the death of her husband.

This family can be traced to Virginia, where, about the middle of the last century, Thomas Botkin was born. He married Elizabeth Devincks. They raised a family of eight children. James Botkin, one of the above, was born in Virginia in 178 ', and married Mary McCray about 1808. In 1812 he entered the army and served his term of enlistment. There were born to him by this marriage thirteen children. His wife died in 1844. He afterward married Rebecca Elliott. By this marriage there were eleven children - making in all twenty-four children by both marriages. In 1847 Mr. Botkin moved to Shelby County', but remained but one year, then moved to Illinois; was there four or five years, then returned to Shelby County, where he died in 1855. Sarah A. Wise was the twelfth child by the first marriage of James Botkin. She lived with her father until the time of her marriage. In 1853 she returned to Shelby County, where she. has resided since that time. Her family consists of four children, viz., Celina, Mary Frances, Anna, and Tracy J.

In 1769 two brothers, Thomas and John Buxton, came to the United States from England and settled in Montgomery County, Md. Sir Thomas Folwell Buxton, M. P., who died in 1848, noted for his antagonism to slavery, and his life-long efforts in Parliament to abolish it from English colonies, was a blood-relation of theirs and descended from the same original stock.

Upon the arrival of the brothers in America, John, the younger, purchased a large tract of land and became a planter, being at one time among the largest slave owners in Maryland. He married a Miss Stafford, of Maryland, about the year 178D, and by her had three children, Brock, Elizabeth, and John. Near the latter part of his life he set his slaves free, and moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he died at the age of eighty y'ears >

At the age of eighteen years Brock Buxton, his son, married a Miss Ketro, of Maryland, and in 1809 emigrated to Ohio, settling in Montgomery County. The result of their union was nine children, four boys and five girls. The only survivor of these nine, all of whom lived to a good old age, is Singleton B. Buxton, the father of Jasper S., of this county. He still lives in Mercer County, this State, where he settled forty-four years ago. In 1830 he married Elizabeth Cox, of Butler County, Ohio. By this marriage there were seven children, all of whom are still living, except Isaac N., who was killed by the bursting of a steam chest in the Lockington paper mill in 1873.

Jasper S. Buxton, a resident for eighteen years of Washington Township, is the oldest of the seven children. He was. born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1835, and in 1856 married Miss Abigail 11. Wilkinson, of Mercer County, Ohio, and is the father of a family' of six children, all living, viz., Lucinda, Albert J., Elizabeth, Frank, Jennie G.,and Daisy M.

Daniel Rasor, the grandfather of the above, was born in Pennsylvania about 1740. He married and raised a family of eight children, and came to Ohio at the beginning of the present century and located in Montgomery County, ten miles north of Dayton, where he died about 1820. Daniel Rasor, a son of the above, was born in Pennsylvania in 1786, and came to Ohio with his parents, where in 1810 he married Elizabeth Weybright. They raised a family of ten children, eight of whom are still living. He died in- 1860. His wife died in 1832. Of this family four came to Shelby County, viz., Daniel, Abram, Jacob, and Susannah.

Daniel Rasor, the subject of this sketch, was born in Montgomery' County in 1811, he being the eldestof his father's family. He lived with his parents until 25 years of age. He worked at milling, in a distillery and woollen mills up to the time of his marriage. In 1832 he was married to Sarah Anderson; In 1836 they moved to Shelby County and located in Orange Township on the banks of the Miami River, where Joseph Fergus now lives, where he built a saw mill which he ran some nineteen years, then sold and bought a farm in Washington Township, which he lived on some seven years, then sold his farm and removed to Lockington in 1862, where he built a saw-mill on the canal, which he ran until 1873. This mill he sold to the Summit Paper Company, and bought the site of the Lockington Flouring Mills, of which he, together with his son Daniel, are the present owners and proprietors.

was born in Orange Township in 1844. In 1866 lie married Sarah E. Bryan. They have by this union three children, viz., John C., Jason, and Fred C. He is in company with his father in the Lockingtcn Flouring Mills.

was born in Montgomery County in 1819. He is the sixth of the family of Daniel Rasor. He lived with his father until he had passed his eighteenth year. About a year and a half prior to this time his brother Daniel had located in Shelby Count}' and had built a saw-mill, and desired to have his brother come and work for him. Jacob being anxious to go with his brother, his father gave him permission to go on condition that he would pay him enough to hire another man in his place. Jacob came to Shelby County and lived with and worked for his brother some sixteen years. His health then failed and he retired from labor for about five years. In 1860, he, together with his brother Daniel, bought the site of the Lockington Saw-mills, anil erected a mill which they ran until 1873; then they sold it to the paper company. They then bought the site of the Lockington Flour Mills, upon which they built the present mills. In 1875 he sold his interest in these mills to his brother and his son, and has since that time given his attention to farming. .

In 1863 Mr. Rasor married Rebecca Zigler, with whom he is living at the present time. They have acquired a competence, and are living a retired life in the enjoyment of a pleasant home. Mr. R. has for many years been a member of the U. B. Church, and was one of the founders of that church at Lockington. Mr. and Mrs. Rasor have never had any children of their own, but have raised a nephew and niece, Andrew and Emma J. Hurley.

George Althoff, the father of the above, came from Hanover, Germany, to the United Slates in 1834. A short time previous to his emigration, he married Anna M. Kramer. Immediately upon their arrival in this country they came to Auglaize County, then Mercer, and settled near New Bremen, where he entered a small piece of land, upon which they settled and made a home. At the time of his arrival he had no means. He labored on the canal to get means to support his family and pay for his little home. They lived here to raise a family of ten children, six of whom are still living. Mr. Althoff lived to see his family grow up. lie died in lo76 at the age of seventy-four years. His widow still survives him at the age of seventy years, and reskles on the homestead they first entered.

John C. Althoff, a son of the above, was born in Auglaize County in 1840. He lived at home with his parents until fifteen years of age, when he went to clerk in a store. He continued as clerk until 1859, when he married Miss Anna M. Sollman, of the same county. He immediately, in company with his brother-in-law, started a small store in New Bremen. They continued in trade in Bremen until 1865, when they removed to Lockington, Shelby County. In 1868 he bought out the interest of his partner, and has carried on the business successfully since that time.

They have had born' to them four children, only two of them now living, viz, George M., born 1862, and Mary M., born 1866. Mr. Althoff has been treasurer of his township for the past twelve years, and is also postmaster of Lockington, Ohio. The parents of Mrs. Althoff came from Germany about the same time, and located at the same place with that of the Althoffs, where they lived the balance of their days.

was born in Ireland in 1782. While a boy he was apprenticed to a wheelwright, at which he served his full time of indenture. Some time after the close of his apprenticeship he sailed for the United States, and lauded in Philadelphia about 1803, and located in Uniontown, Pa., where he remained about four years. Before leaving Ireland he had paid his addresses to a young lass in his native isle, and had promised to return as soon as he was able, and take her with him to the "new world," as they called it. After spending about four years in the United States, he bethought himself of his lass across the sea, and the promise he had made to her, and determined to return to the green isle again to redeem his promise. Instead of going direct from Philadelphia, he made his way to Pittsburg. There he took passage on a flat-boat that was going to New Orleans, and worked to pay his passage. At New Orleans he set sail for Ireland. This was in the year 1807. When he arrived in Ireland he found that the maiden he had left behind was still true, and waiting for him. In the same year (1807 ) he was married to Miss Ann Armstrong. They remained in Ireland until 1822, when he started with his wife and five children for the United States, but not having means enough to pay their passage through, they landed at St. Johns, New

Brunswick. Here they remained until 1831, when they set sail for New York; from there they came by river, canal, and lake to Newark, Ohio; from whence they came by wagon to Piqua, landing there July, 1831. Here they found some friends - Col. John Johnston - who had preceded them from Ireland many years. It was through the influence of Col. Johnston that they were induced to enter land, and locate in Shelby County, which they did in the fall of 1831. When Mr. Johnston landed in Piqua he had but $60 in the world. Col. Johnston loaned him $50. With this he entered eighty acres of land in Loramie Township, on which he settled with his wife and three children in the green woods. This farm they greatly improved, then sold, and removed to Mercer County in 1837, where they remained until 1864, when he again returned to Shelby County, where he died in 1869, his wife having died in 1856.

was born in Ireland in the year 1816. Came with his father, Stephen Johnston, to Shelby Count}' in 1831, consequently was fifteen years of age at the time he made his advent into this county. Hero he was given an axe, and assisted his father and brothers in clearing their farm. Esq. Johnston never had the advantages of education that many boys even of his day had, he never having had more than two months' schooling in his life, and that was when he was nineteen years of age. In 1836 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Peck, and in 1837 removed to Mercer County, and settled on 108 acres of wild land that his father gave him. He remained on this land, and improved it until 1850, when he removed to Montezuma, where he and his brother Christopher built a steam sawmill, which he took charge of until the fall of 1859, when he again returned to his farm. During his time in Montezuma he had added to his farm two hundred acres. This land he sold in 1863, and returned to Shelby County, and bought part of the Judge Cecil farm; also bought the homestead of his wife's father, John Peck, where his wife was born in 1816. This farm he afterward traded to D. K. Gillespie for the Lockington mills and the land attached to them, lie owned the mills but a short time when he sold, reserving fourteen acres attached, upon which he has erected fine and substantial buildings, making for himself and family a comfortable home, all made by his own industry and economy and that of his wife and family. They have raised a family of eight children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Sarah A., 1839 ; Samuel P., 1841; Barbary, 1844; Jane, 1847; Mary, 1849; Stephen T., 1853; Martha, 1857 ; and Emma P., 1860. Esq. Johnston has ever had the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, which is evidenced by his having filled the office of justice of the peace for twelve years. He is now living a retired life in the enjoyment of a competency, which it is to be hoped he may live long to enjoy.

is the youngest of the family of Stephen Johnston. He was born in New Brunswick in 1825, and was brought by his parents to Shelby County at the time given in the sketch of his father. He was but twelve years of age at the time of their settlement in Mercer County. His older brothers having arrived at the age of majority, and having gone to themselves, he was the main dependence of his father in clearing and improving their farm. This he did faithfully, and remained with his father until he married, and after his marriage his parents made their home with him until the time of their death. In 1845 he married Miss Rachel Snyder. By this union they had four children, viz., Mary J., born 1846; Samuel S., born 1849; Sarah A., born 1851; and Harriet, born 1853. In 1856 his wife died, and ifi 1857 he was married to Clemency Wright. By this marriage there were eleven children, eight of whom are stiil living, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Joshua W., 1858; Joseph A., 1859; John C , i860; Ella M., 1865; Eliza and Cassie, 1867 ; Stephen A., 1870; and Laura B., 1874. in 1»76 his second wife died, and in 1877 he married Mary A. Buxton, with whom he is living at the present time. In 1864 Mr. Johnston sold his farm in Mercer and bought 160 acres of the Judge Cecil farm in Washington Township, where he now resides, and upon which he has erected very fine and substantial buildings. This farm is one of the model farms of Shelby County, and Mr. Johnston is one of the model farmers of Washington Towuship.

was born in Shelby County in 1838. Married Miss Emma J. Van Vactor (a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Stevenson) Van Vactor) in 1867. They have had born to them tvvo children, viz., Willie E., born 1869; and Pearl, born 1876. Robert S. Johnston, the father of the above, came from Ireland to the United States in an early day; the exact date we cannot learn. He was one of the early settlers of Loramie Township. In 1830 he married Mary Crosier. He died in 1844. His wife died in 1858.

emigrated to Shelby County and located in Washington Township, on land that had been entered by John McClintock. His first purchase was sixty acres; a year or two afterward he added to this twenty acres more; then a few years later he purchased sixty acres more of Z. Hurley. Shortly afterward he bought a half section in Mercer County; then in about 1842 he purchased one hundred acres more of the McClintock farm, on which he made his home llie remainder of his days. When Mr. McKee first came to the county he had only $300 ; the balance of his property he made by' hard work and economy. Mr. M. raised a family of three children, viz., James, Martha, and Elizabeth. His wife died in 1835. In 1837 he again married, this time to Cattiarine Eaton. By his second marriage he had five children, onty- one now living, viz., .feme, the wife of Robert Thompson. Mrs. M. died in 1847. Mr. McKee died in 1848, esteemed and respected by all.

the eldest of the family of John McKee, was born in Washington Township in 1828. At the time of the death of his father he was but twentyyears of age. The responsibility of raising and educating the younger children fell upon him, together with the management of the farm. These children he has seen grow up to become men and women, since which ! time all have died except two of his sisters. He has kept the old homestead, and still resides upon it with his sister Elizabeth. Of the family of John McKee there are now left only three; only one - a grandson - beside James, who bears the name of McKee, to continue it to posterity.

James Lawrence, the father of the above, was born in Maryland, came to Ohio at the close of the last or beginning of the present century, and settled in Butler County. Here in 1807 he married Elizabeth Legg. By this union there were seven children. He died in 1823. Mrs. Lawrence died in 1874, at the age of eighty-three years.

John Lawrence, a son of the above, was born in Cincinnati in 1819, caine with his mother to Shelby County in 1830, and located in Washington Township, where he has passed the most of his life. In 1847 lie was married to Sarah Blackwood, of Shelby County, by whom he had two children, only one now living, viz., Joseph C. Mr. L.'s wife died in 1854. In 1856 he married Elizabeth Burris. By this union they have three children, Sarah B., Margaret E., and Mary K.

was horn in Ireland in 1787. In 1791 he was brought by his parents to the United States and located in Pennsylvania. Here in 1810 he married Ellen Briggs. By this union they had four children, viz., Freeborn,* James, John, and Wesley. In 1820 his wife died, and in 1822 he was I married to Elizabeth Jetfrics, a daughter of Richard and Nancy (Davis) ]

United States and located in Chester County, Pa. In 1825 Mr. Thompson and family, together with his father, John Thompson, emigrated to Shelby County and located in Washington Township, where he bought eighty acres of land of one of the Mellingcrs ; also entered eighty acres more, and located with his family in the woods, and raised a family of five children by his second marriage, viz., Huldah, Eleonor, Davis J., Thomas, and Arza B. Of these five, Huldah married William Gearhart (she died in 1875); Eleonor married Samuel Tabler; Davis J. now resides on part of the home place; Thomas resides in Dakota; Arza B. : died in the arm} 7 . Mr. Thompson died in 1851 ; his wife died in 1880. !

was born in Washington Tow nship in 1829, was raised on the farm, and educated in the common schools of his day. At the age of nineteen years he commenced teaching school at $12.50 per month, and continued the profession of a pedagogue for thirty-one consecutive years. In 1852 he married Sarah K. Diltz. They have had a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living, viz., Warren B., Anna M-, Elizabeth E., David B., John M., Maggie, James L., William M., and Thomas S.

The ancestors of the Tablers are of German extraction: Jacob Tabler, the father of the above, came from Maryland to Miami County, Ohio, early in the present century, and located close to the Shelby County line, lie was married to Julia A. Hoffman. The issue from this marriage I was thirteen children. Samuel II., one of these thirteen, was born in Miami County in 1827. He was raised on a farm, and lived at home 1 with his parents until 1849, when he was married to Miss Eleonor Thompson, a daughter of James Thompson. In 1851 they moved to Washington Township, where he bought eighty acres of land, partly improved. They remained on this land a few years, then sold, and bought part of the homestead of James Thompson. Mr. Tabler continued to reside on this place until the time of his death, which occurred in 1867. They raised a family of four sons: Alonzo L., born 1850; James H., born 1*52; Thomas F., born 1854; nnd Arza F., born 1858. Two of Mrs.

Tabler's sons are now on the farm with their mother. Thomas F. follows the profession of teaching; Arza F. is at present a student, preparing for a profession ; Jacob Tabler died in 1867, bis wife in 1868; Alonzo L. Tabler was born in Shelby County in 1850; married Mary B Lyon in the year 1875. They have two children, Orvil A., born 1878, and Vernon L., born 1881.

a son of John and Elizabeth Booher, was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1800. They emigrated to Ohio in 1805, and located in Montgomery County, four miles north of Dayton, where he lived to grow up to manhood without any advantages of schools. In 1824 he married Mary Beardshear, and raised a family of five children, viz., Maria, George B., Elizabeth, Mary, and Catharine. His wife died in 1834. In 1835 he married Elizabeth Combs. By this marriage there were six children. Mr. Booher lived to accumulate a fine property, he owning at the time of his deatli about 1000 acres of land in Montgomery County, being one of the wealthiest farmers of the county. He died in 1877.

was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1829. When five j-ears of age his mother died. He lived with his father until he grew up to his majority. His advantages of education were limited, being confined to a few months during the winter seasons in their common schools. In 1852 he was married to Miss Naomi Pol ham ns, a daughter of John and Abigail (Ladew) Polhamus. In 1854 they came to Shelby County, and located in Washington Township, where he made a purchase of one hundred and twenty acres of land. A few years later he bought eighty acres more, then afterward purchased one hundred and thirteen acres, all of well improved land. Upon his farm he has erected good substantia) buildings. They have raised a family of ten children, whose names are as follows: Emma F.. Anna L. E., Samuel J., George E., Laura A., Mary K., William F., Charles E., Arthur B., and Eva F.

We go to Long Island to find the first of this family in the United States. It was here that John Polhamus, Sr., was born about 1761, and lived for a time, then went to New Jersey and married Hannah Howard, and raised a family of three sons and three daughters. John Polhamus, Jr., was the eldest son of this family. He was born in New Jersey in 1800. He lived here to marry Abigail Ladew, a daughter of Stephen and Naomi Ladew, in 1824. Stephen Ladew died in the war of 1812 of yellow fever. In 1835 Mr. Polhamus came with his family to Ohio, and settled in Montgomery County. They raised ( a family of five children, viz., Ann Eliza, Stephen L., Sarah J., Naomi, and John F. Of this famity there were three who came to Shelby County, Stephen L.. Naomi, the wife of George B. Booher, and John F., who was killed in the Rebellion. John Polhamus died in 1341. His wife died in 1849. This couple had been Methodists from childhood, he being a loader in the church for many years.

was born in New Jersey in 1828. When seven 3 'oars of age he was brought to Montgomery County, Ohio, where in 1852 he married Mary L. Booher, and the following y'ear settled in this township. He lived here until 1864, when he died, leaving five children, viz., David G., born 1854; George S., born 1855 ; Alonzo F., born 1859; Lizzie K., born 1861; and John S., born 1864; the last of whom died in 1881. Mrs. Polhamus, after the death of her husband, kept her family together until they grew up. For the first few years she rented her place until her boys were old enough to farm, since which time she has controlled her farm herself. To her credit be it said that she has done what but few women would do; she has continued to improve her farm and educate her children, and has made for them a comfortable home.

We trace the ancestors of the Pickerings to Ireland for their nativity. The first to come to the United States was Jacob Pickering, the greatgrandfather of the subject of this sketch. He came about the middle of the last century. His time was sold after his arrival here to pay his passage. Some time after his freedom he went to Virginia. It was here that his son Jacob was born in Rockingham County in the year 1783, and in the year 1809 married Hannah Miller. They came to Ohio in 1814, and located in Fairfield County, where he died in 1860. James C., his son, was born in Virginia in 1812, was brought to'Ohio in 1824, and married Catherine Smith in 1835. B 3 ' this union there were nine children, all still living. Mr. P. still resides on his homestead in Fairfield Count 3 r . Jacob H., his eldest child, was born in 1836, and was raised on the farm. In 1 >63 he married Sarah J. Boyle, and come to Washington Township in 1866, and settled on land entered by Michael Boyle, his wife's father, in 1846. They have by their marriage one child, John E., born in 1864. .

was born in Delaware in the year 1808, and came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1829. Here about 1836 he married Mabel Smith, the widow of Ascum Smith, whose maiden name was Hayes. By this union there were children, of which Mrs. Pickering is the eldest. In 1846 he came to Shelby County and entered eighty acres of land in Washington Township, and moved upon it the same year, erected a cabin in the green woods, and commenced to make a home. He remained here about thirteen years, then returned to Fairfield County to lake care of his parents. He remained with them until their death. In 1866 his wife died. Shortly after her deatli he returned to Shelby County, where he resides at the present time, making his home with his children.

was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1800. ne is a son of Robert Hardesty, one of the early settlers of Shell)}' County. His parents came to Ohio in 1803, and located in Monroe County, where they lived five years, then removed to Hamilton County, where they remained until 1813, when they came to the present limits of Shelby County, and settled on the bank of Loramie Creek, in Loramie Township. Mr. Hardesty says at the time of their settlement there were but three families who had preceded them in that part of the county; they were James Thatcher, Robert McClure, and Zebediah Richardson. John Wilson was their next nearest neighbor; he was some four miles distant. Mr. Hardesty lived here to grow up to manhood. He was present at the first court held in the county, it was held in a block-house in Hardin. He also was present at the treaty made with the Indians at St. Marys in 1818. and was well acquainted with Chhrley Murray and his Indian wife, and with Judge Armstrong. He had charge for a time, in the year 1819, of the Government stores at St. Marys. In 1819, Mr. Hardesty married Catherine Saunders, who had come to the county in 1819. He lived here to raise a family of nine children. His wife died in 1866. Mr. Hardesty is still living. Although enfeebled with age, he is still in the enjoyment of good health, having spent almost threescore and ten years in the same neighborhood, with but short intermission.

a brother of Joseph Hardesty, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1808, and came with his father's family to this county in 1813, where in 1828 he married Margaret Saunders. They raised a family of three children, Jane, Martha, and Nancy. Jane married Samuel Harshbergcr, of Turtle Creek; Martha married David Bowlsby, and Nancy married James Bryant, of Miami County. Mr. Hardesty died in 1873. His wife died in 1881, aged seventy-four years.

was born in 1830. In 1860 he married Martha Hardesty, a daughter of Samuel Hardesty. They had one daughter, Margaret, born 1861. In 1862 Mr. Bowlsby enlisted in the 50th 0. V. I., and died of disease at Jacksonborough, Tennessee, January 19, 1863.

a son of William and Sarah Hardesty Walters, was born in Shelby County in 1857. When but a child he was left an orphan, and was raised by his mother's people until he became a man grown. In 1881 he married Nettie Lenox, a daughter of Richard and Sarah Lenox.

was born in Shelby County in the year 1832. He is a son of Richard W. Valentine, of Orange Township. He was married to Nancy A. Hardesty, a daughter of Joseph Hardesty, in the year 1858. Mrs. Valentine was born in 1836. They have raised a family of six children, viz., James It., Dora B., Cora A. E., William N., Annaliza, ami Clarinda A. They reside on section 28 of Washington Township.

was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1832. He is a son of Brewer and Rachel Rockwell Burt. When three years of age he was brought by his parents to Shelby County. The}' settled in Clinton Township, where they remained three years, then removed to Lockington in 1838. Here young Burt grew up to manhood. At the age of nineteen years he went to learn the carpenter trade, and has followed it to the present time. The past sixteen years he has been working for the State of Ohio on the Miami and Erie Canal, repairing locks and bridges. In 1861 he was married to Margaret Snavely, with whom he lived till 1864, when she died. At the close of the same year he married Nancy A. Livingston, with whom he has raised a family of six children, viz., John F., Mary A., Anna, Lillie, Florence, and Edwin Mr. Burt is now the oldest resident of Lockington, having lived here siuee 1838.

was born in Shelby on the farm on which he now lives in the year 1824. He, together with ids brothers, cleared the home farm, their father having died when they were young. When twenty years of age Francis went to learn the carpenter trade with his brother Joseph, since which time he has worked at his trade the most of his life. In 1855 he married Emily Monroe They have by this marriage five children, as follows : Laura J., Sarah A., Ella. Samuel S., and John W. Mrs. Fergus was born in Virginia in 1834. Her parents were Henson and Eliza (Campbell) Monroe, who settled in Shelby County in 1834.

a son of James and Elizabeth Cain, was born in Virginia in 1816. His father was born in Maryland in the year 1781. Soon afterward the family moved to Montgomery County, Va., where in the year 1862 he married Elizabeth Carper, a daughter of John Carper. She was born February 21, 1785. They raised a family of fourteen children, all to grow up to majority, and all came to Shelby County in 1831, except one son, who preceded them one year, and one daughter, who followed them the next year. Jacob was fourteen years of age at the time of their location here. All the education he ever received was prior to this time in a cabin school-house without a floor, without any of the advantages of the present day. His constant companion was his axe, and his home was in the woods. He commenced with empty hands, working for eighteen to twenty-five cents per day, and cleared land for $4.50 per acre. He has cleared three farms for himself besides what he has cleared for others. He has seen and experienced pioneer life in all its phases, and well knows what it is to endure the hardships of life in the woods. In 1842 he was married to Phebe VVymer. By this marriage there were thirteen children, ten of whom are still living. His wife died in 1866. He married for his second wife, Mrs. Stacey, whose maiden name was Gump. This union was not congenial, and they separated. Mr. Cain afterward obtained a divorce, and in 1878 married Margaret E. Van Sky, a widow whose maiden name was Bozarth.

was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1779. He was married to Isabella Thompson. About the year 1832 they immigrated to New York city, where they lived about eight years. The family at this time consisted of four children, viz., Frank, John', Mary, ami Ellen. Of this number Frank and Mary are residents of this township. John and Ellen both died here. In 1844 Mary married Joseph Holiday in New York city. They lived there to have born to them six children, three of them now living. In 1861 Mr. Holiday died, and his widow came the same year to Shelby County, and has since that time made her home with her brother Frank. In 1840 Frank, the eldest of the family, came to Shelby County and bought eighty acres of land, nearly all in the timber. He then returned to New York and brought his parents. They lived on this place to improve it, then traded it for one hundred and sixty acres, where he now lives.

It will be remembered that the Grahams came from Ireland, where they knew nothing of the use of the axe, then lived in the city of New York for eight years, never having seen a rail fence, much less having made rails or cleared land. It need not be wondered at that they made very awkward work at their commencement in the woods. Frank relates that one day, shortly after their arrival here, he told his father that if he would cut and split a few rails, enough to make a pen, he would go and buy a few pigs, for an Irishman's home is never complete without pins. Accordingly the old gentleman started with his axe, and attacked the first nice-looking tree he came to. This proved to be a white elm, which is proverbial for not being very easy to chop or split, but he worked with a will until the return of Frank several hours afterward, when he n^ked his father how he was getting along. He said very well; he had got four mighty nice rails made, but he thought the bloody things were hard to split. So they thought they would try another tree, and see if that would do any better. They next tried a nice-looking little beech, but this proved as obstinate as the first. They then concluded to go and get the opinion of a neighbor as to what kind of timber he used to make rails. The neighbor told them to take ash or hickory, but they said they did not know one kind of timber from another. So their neighbor went with them and showed them the kinds that wonld split easily. They then went to work and soon had their pen built. Perseverance ami practice soon gave them the use of the axe, and it was not long before they understood woodcraft as well as their neighbors.

The Pecks arc of German descent. John Peck, the father of John J.. was born in Virginia about 1793. When but a child he was left an orphan, and lived among strangers. When quite a young man he came to Miami County, where he worked and made his home with Col. John Johnston. It was while here that he entered the army ami served under General Harrison in the war of 1812. After his return from the army lie again made his home with Colonel Johnston, and remained there until the time of his marriage. Colonel Johnston had taken an orphan girl to raise by the name of Barbary French, who was born in Pennsylvania about 1791. It was at the Colonel's that these two orphans met and were married about 1815. young Peck, prior to his marriage, had saved of his wages some money ; with this he came to the present limits of Washington Township, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, and brought his wife to it the same year he was married. Here they lived to raise a family of six children, viz., Elizabeth, the wife of Esquire J. Johnston, Mary, the wife of Christopher Johnston, John J., Julia, Samuel, anil Catherine. Mr. Peck died in 1853. Ilis wife died in 1877 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Johnston. She had become blind a number of years prior to her death.

John Johnston Peck was born in Shelby County In 1821. He was named in honor of Colonel John Johnston, with whom his father and mother had lived for years. Mr. Peck lived to manhood at the home of his father. In the year 1856 he married Miss Martha Gillespie, a daughter of William and Mary Gillespie. Mrs. Peck was born in Warren County, Ohm, in 1823. They have had born to them two children, viz., Mary M., born 1858, and Emma A., born 1860. Beside these two Mrs. Peck took to raise a niece, Mattie B. Gillespie, whose mother died when she was but eighteen mouths old. This adopted daughter is as one of the family. Mr. Peck became the owner of part of the homestead after the death of his father, which he owned for a number of years, then sold and bought part of the Gillespie place, where he has lived since that time.

was born in Shelby County in 1843. In April, 1861, when the first call for volunteers was made by President Lincoln, George, although but a boy of eighteen years of age, was among the first to otter himself. He enlisted in the 20th 0. V. I. and served his time of enlistment, and was discharged. In 1864 he again enlisted and served his full time. In 1863 he commenced the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. J. C. Kidder< of Sidney, and graduated at the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati in 1867. and commenced the practice of medicine in Mercer County, Ohio, but soon removed to the State of Illinois, where he continued the practice of his profession until 1875, when failing health compelled him to quit the practice of medicine. In 1868 he married Miss Fanny Campbell, of Sangamon County, Illinois. By this union they had three children, hut in December, 1881, these children were all taken with diphtheria in a most malignant form, and all died within one week. In 1875, the time the Doctor quit the practice of medicine, he returned to Shelby County and located on a piece of wild land he owned. On this he built a comfortable frame house and commenced its improvement, and now has it nearly all cleared and uuderdrained, and is making lor himself and wife a very pleasant and comfortable home.

was born in North Ireland in the year 1800. In 1821 he married Margaret Johnson. The following year they set sail for St. John's, New Brunswick, where they stayed a short time, then crossed the Hay of Fnndy to Nova Scotia, where they remained until 1834, when they emigrated to Medina County, Ohio. They remained at this place until 1838, then moved to Shelby County' and located below Sidney, where he superintended work on the canal feeder for a time, then took a sub-contract on the canal, which he completed in the fall of I84L The same * fall he bought eighty acres of land in Washington Township and moved upon it. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell raised a family' of nine children, seven of whom are still living, viz., John, Sarah, Mary, Robert, James, Samuel, and Margaret. Of this number Sarah, Mary, and James are in the county.

John, the eldest of the family, went to California in 1850. He worked in the mines a couple of years and was then elected to the Slate Legislature. After filling his term in the Legislature he read law, was elected Judge for the county, and is now on the Bench of Supreme Court as Judge of the State of California. James, who is now on the home place, was born in Nova Scotia in 1834, has remained on the homestead all his life, and is now its proprietor.

Thomas Caldwell died in 1847. Mrs. Caldwell; after the death of her husband, kept her family together and raised them up to man and womanhood. She still survives and is hale and hearty at the age of eighty years.

came from Virginia to Ohio in 1798, and located in Ross County. His family consisted of eight children. Abraham Davenport, a son of the above, was born in Virginia in 1790, and was brought by his parents to Ross County in 1798. He lived here to marry Penelope Griffith in the year 1809, and remained in Ross County until 1817, when he moved with his wife and four children to the wilds of Shelby County, and located within the present limits of Washington Township, where* he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, lie lived on this farm to raise a family of nine children, whose names are as follows: John, Anthony S., Nancy, Robert, Celina, Ira. Elizabeth, Benjamin L , and Abraham S. Mr. Davenport died in 1837. His wife died in 1855. Of this family there are but four living, but not one in the county. Anthony S., the second son, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1813. In 1836 he married Nancy Coon. After his marriage he settled in Turtle Creek Township, where he remained some three years. His father having died in the mean time, he returned to the old home. Mr. Davenport by this marriage raised a family' of six children, viz., Elizabeth, Martha M., John W., David S., Francis, and Findley. His wife died in 1847. The following year, 1848, he married Betsey M. McClintoek. By this union there were five children, only one now living, viz., Charles P., born 1851. Mr. Davenport died in 1880, having lived on the one place sixty-three years. Mr. Davenport, after the death of his father, bought the farm from the rest of the heirs, and owned it up to the time of his death. The original patent is the only deed evqr given for the farm. The widow still lives on the place, which is farmed by two of the sons. Mr. Davenport had been a member of the M. E. Church from boyhood to the time of his death. The McClintocks, the ancestors of Mrs. Davenport, are from Ireland. They came to America in 1763, and located in Pennsylvania. From there they went to Kentucky. It was here that Win. McClintoek was born in 1786. In 1813 he married Sarah McCiintoek. In 1824 he moved to Shelby County. They raised a family of twelve children. Mr. McClintoek died in 1851. His wife died in 1857- Of this family there is now left in the county but one - Mrs. Davenport.

William Elhrington, the father of the above, was born in England about the year 1785. About 1809 he ran away from England to escape the army and came to the United States. Shortly afterward he bought land and located where Dayton '( Montgomery County, O.) now stands. Here in 1823 he married Betsy Black, with whom lie raised a family of seven children. He came to Shelby County in 1832 and located in Franklin Township. He remained there until 1853, when he removed to Sidney, where he died in 1872. John, his son, was born in Montgomery County in 1831, and lived at home with his parents until manhood. His first business for himself was to chop cord wood. This he followed for several years, then worked as a hand in a saw-inill ; finally bought the mill, and owned it up to 1864, when he sold it; since which time he has spent his life on a farm. In 1860 he married Mary Evans, a daughter of Isaac Evans, one of the pioneers of Shelby County. Their family of children are eight in number, with names as follows: Albert W., George, John, Harry, Minnie, William, Meda C., and Cora M.

The Campbells are of Irish descent. They came to America during the seventeenth century and settled in Virginia. It was here in Loudon County that Wm. Campbell was born, about 1707. Here he lived, and died about 1810, at the age of one hundred and three years. Andrew Campbell, his son, was born in 1768, and lived there to marry Jane Carr. They raised a family of eight children. Eliza, the eldest of these, was born in Virginia in 1804, and married Henson Monroe in 1819. They had born to them sixteen children, fifteen of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Their names are as follows: Nancy, James, Mary, Henson S., Eliza, William, Sarah, Emily, Jonathan, Virginia, Lydia, Amanda, John, Caioline, and Josephine. Mr. Monroe settled in Shelby County in 1834, where lie died in 1853. His widow still survives and resides on the old homestead they first bought. Of this large family of children there are still ten living.

was born in Warren County in the year 1835. When three years of age he was brought by his parents to Washington Township. He is a son of Wm. Gillespie, who is spoken of elsewhere in this work. Hamilton grew to manhood in this township. At the age of eighteen years he commenced teaching school, which he followed four years, then engaged in the mercantile trade in Lockington, but remained in tfie business only one year; then engaged in buying and shipping grain at Lockington with his brother D. K., which he followed until 1862. In August, 1862, he received an order from Gov. Tod to recruit a company of volunteers, which he did, recruiting one hundred and one men all from his own county, and principally from his own neighborhood. This company were all first-class men, sons of farmers, and all respectable men of standing in the county, and when mustered into the service made as fine an a[>- pearance as any company in the regiment. At the time his company was completed, Capt. Gillespie was ottered five hundred dollars each bytwo other parties from other counties for the appointment of the first and second lieutenants' position, which he promptly refused, and let his company elect their own officers. He took his company to Camp Dennison in Sept. 1862, and was assigned to the 50th O. V. I. A history of this regiment will be found elsewhere in this work. Capt. Gillespie had the command of this company until July 1863, when he was promoted to major of the regiment, and again promoted to Lieut.-Colonel in.

August, 1864, and had command of the regiment until the time of its consolidation with the 99th 0. V. I. in 1865. After the consolidation of the two regiments Col. Gillespie was mustered out of the service and came home a couple of months before the close of the war. He then again engaged in buying grain, at which he has continued the most of the time since that date. In 1865 he was married to Miss Mary M. McKnight. They have had born to them six children, viz., George H., Robert W., John H. B., Hamilton S., Roy E., and David K.

The Wagners came from Germany to the American colonies in the beginning of the eighteenth century, and settled near Reading, Pa. It was here that Henry Wagner, Sen., was born in 1 790- When a young man lie went to Harrisburg to work at the carpenter trade. Here, in Dauphin County, about 1812, he married Elizabeth Diek. They raised a family of eight children. Henry, the subject of this sketch, was the 'second son; he was born near Harrisburg in the year 1819, and was raised on a farm which adjoined the city of Harrisburg. When a young man he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until 1847, when he married Isamiah Hoeker. The following year (1848) they moved to Shelby County and located in Washington Township, where he bought seventy-five acres of land: he afterwards bought twenty-five acres more; then "eighty-four acres; then one hundred acres - making in all two hundred and eighty-four acres. This land he has put under cultivation, and has built upon his home place a fine brick house and large bank barn. They have raised a family of six children, whose names and date of birth are as follows : Levi, born 1847; Heni - }', Horn 1850; George, born 1852; William, born 1854 ; Napoleon, born 1857 ; and John, born 1862.

Tlie Hookers, the ancestors of Mrs. Wagner, are of German extraction. Their first settlement in the United States was in Lancaster County, Pa. It was here that Adam Hoeker was born and grew up to manhood, and learned the tanning trade. He married Mary Hershy and immediately moved to Harrisburg. They were among the first settlers of Harrisburg. He started the first tannery' in that place. He followed this business for a number of years. It was here that George Hoeker was born in 1794. He was partly raised in the city, when his father sold his tannery and moved to the country, some nine miles from the city. Here, in 1819, he married Magdalena Landis and raised a family of two children. Mrs. Wagner was the eldest; she was horn in Dauphin County in 1821. Mr. Hoeker died in 1873: his wife died in 1824. About 1833 ho married Catharine Cocklin, who died in 1881.

The Seotts are of Scotch descent. David Scott was born in New Jersey in 1798. When but five years of age his mother died, and he was soon afterward bound out and lost all trace of his father until he (David) was about fifty years of age. Thus nearly all trace of his ancestors was lost. lie served his indenture, and in 1826 came to Ohio and located in Warren Couniy. Here in 1827 he married Alice Rouse, and in the year 1833 immigrated to Shelby County and located in Orange Township, remained there oneyear, then removed to Washington, where he remained until 1864, since which time he has made his home in Piqua. Mr. and Mrs. Scott raised a family of six children. Mrs. Scott died in 1860, and in 1864 Mr. Scott married Mary MeCandless.

John Scott, the youngest of the above family of children, was born in 1839. In 1862 he was married to Ellen Higgens. By this union they had three children. David W., Samuel II., and Ellen M. Mrs. Scott died in 1866, and in 1868 Mr. S. married for his second wife Jane Stewart, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Ullery Stewart. By this marriage they have one child, Clara M. Mr. Scott is a resident of the old homestead of his lather in section 21.

Turtle Creek occupies a position in the second tier of townships from the west. It is bounded on the nortli by Van Buren and Franklin townships, on the east by Franklin and Clinton, on the south by Washington and McLean, and on the west by Cynthian and McLean townships.

All that part of the township which lies south of the Greenville Treaty Line, containing twenty-four full and four fractional sections, is drained by Turtle Creek and its many branches, which extend nearly all over that part of the township. There are also a number of ditches, which have been cut by the citizens for the purpose of draining their farms, making the land more productive and better adapted to agricultural pursuits. That part of the township north of the treaty line, which contains four full and four fractional sections, is drained by the White Feather Creek, or ditch, as it is sometimes called, and its branches; also a number of smaller ditches, which carry the water into the creek, or large ditch.

The surface is somewhat broken along Turtle Creek and its branches, especially the southern half of the township. The remainder is level, or nearly so.

The soil of Turtle Creek is composed principally of a black loam, which is generally fertile, and under careful agricultural improvement is very productive. In the southern part of the township the soil is of a gravelly nature, and large beds of gravel are found near the surface.

The township contains about twelve miles of pike. The one running nortli from Hardin station, on the old Wapakoneta road, six miles, or until within about one-fourth of a mile of the treaty line, is known as the Newburgh or Turtle Creek Valley Pike. The Sidney and Hardin Pike extends ncross the township from east to west, passing through Hardin village, four miles of which is in Turtle Creek Township, and the Russel Pike, which leads from the St. Marys Pike in Clinton to the Turtle Creek Valley Pike in Turtle Creek Township, intersecting the latter one mile north of Hardin village, ten miles of which is in Turtle Creek Township.

The C. C. C. and I. R. R. forms the southern boundary of the township, being located on the line between Washington and Turtle Creek townships. The station on the railroad is located one mile south of Hardin village, and is known as Hardin station.

There are five churches within the present limits of the township: One Presbyterian, two Methodist Episcopal, one Christian, and one Roman Catholic. A brief sketch of each will be found in subsequent pages.

First road was the Hardin and Wapakoneta Road, which was laid out about 1816, and partially cut out by William Davis a few years later. The next road was the one leading from Hardin to Sidney, which was laid out about 1817.

First marriage. - The first marriage in the township was solemnized June 3, 1818, by Cephas Carey, Esq., the contracting parties being Richard M. Cannon and Miss Mary Brodrick.