Dinsmore Township (part 5 of 6)

So far as a few settlers constitute the settlement of a township, Turtle Creek was one of the first and oldest settlements within the county. True, its boundaries have been changed and modified since the earl}' dates to which we are about to refer, but it must still be claimed that this is an old township, its very records as an organization dating back to the middle of the year 1820. It is true also that this, like most oilier settlements, advanced slowly, for its growth was tardy until after the year 1818. Let us refer to some of the earlier settlers, and the dates of settlement, without claiming entire accuracy for these dates, whieh are given sometimes entirely from memory by some of the older residents. Not being mntters of record, and many of the parties being either dead or of impaired memory, this list is given with some reserve as the most accurate attainable by even the most painstaking research.

It appears that during or prior to 1812 some five settlers were to be found here. These were John Kennard, who came from Kentucky and settled on the south half of section 31 ; William Carddingley, who entered the northeast quarter of section 18; Cephas Carey, who settled near Hardin; Thomas McClish, on present site of Hardin; and William Bush, near the same site.

In 1815 it appears Richard M. Cannon moved from the present site of Sidney, and located about one mile east of the Hardin site. Richard Lenox and family located on the northeast quarter of section 31. John Lenox and family just south of Hardin site; and Joseph Steiuberger near the same site. In 1816 we have about six settlers, locating as follows: William Davis came from Kentucky, and located on the south- west quarter of section 30. John Stephens on northeast quarter of section 28. Jeremiah White on southwest quarter of same section. Ebenezer D. Stephens on southeast quarter of section 18; and William Grooms on northwest quarter of section 29. In 1817 Basil Burton settled on the quarter of section 28. David Coon on soutli part of section 19; and James Davis on part of southwest quarter of section 18. In 1818 we only find two families moving to the township. These were James Thatcher, the old county pioneer, who located on the northwest quarter of section 18; and Joseph Lyons, who occupied the northeast quarter of the same section. In 1821 it appears Thomas Shaw settled on the northeast quarter of section 30; and Edwin Barker on the northeast quarter of section 7. In 1822 we have record of Joshua Cole, who located on section 0; and James A. Graham on southwest quarter of section 25. From this date until the year 1832 there appears to have been but few accessions from without, and those who came at or since the last-mentioned date are so largely represented- in the biographical department, that it is not deemed advisable to pursue their settlements in this connection. By this course, too, they will be kept out of the page of mingled history and tradition, and appear in that of authenticated history.

The ohlest records now in possession of the clerk is vol. i. of " Records of Turtle Creek Township, continued from a manuscript book," and under date of June, 1820, presents ''a list of taxable property in Turtle Creek Township, returned by Robert Aldrich, lister, for the year 1820." As this list appears elsewhere, we only pause a moment now' to observe that it exhibits many names closely connected with the early history of the county, and names with which the reader is already familiar. Among these may be mentioned Robert Aldrich, Thomas McClish, Abraham' Richard, and James Cannon, Benjamin S. Cox, A. Ewing, John Kennard, Richard and James Lenox, James and Samuel Marshall, James and Rjchard Lenox, John McClure, John Wilson, John Johnston, James Wells, Daniel Y. Dingman, John Blake, Jonathan Beatty, Cephas, Rufus, Ephraim, Elias, and Ezra Carey, William, Zachariah, Aaron, and William W. Cecil, Harvey B. Foote, Hezekiah Hubble, John and David Mellinger, James Marshall, Thos.W. Reickman, John L. Steinberger, James Thatcher, Joseph Thatcher, and Elisha Williams.

The balance of money remaining in the treasnry on the first Monday of March, 1820, agreeably to my last report, was . $59 76? Received of J. Lenox, Esq., April 3, 1820, one fine paid by C.

March 1, 1824. A meeting of the trustees was held at the house of Samuel Marshall, when it wns ordered that an election be held at sai 1 house on the first Monday of April next.

The records at their opening in 1820 show Robert Aldrich, lister; Samuel Marshall, treasurer; James Wells, clerk ; William Davis, constable; William Drake, Nathan Coleman, William Mellinger, and William Davis, road supervisors. The first election records show that on November 10, 1820, James Lenox and Elisha Williams were elected justices of the peace.

On the first Monday in April, 1821, an election was held at the house of Thomas McClish, with the following result : Trustees, Uideon Wright, Cephas Carey, and Richard Lenox. Clerk, James Wells. Treasurer, Samuel Marshall. Overseers of poor, David Coon and Ebepezer D.' Stephens. Fence viewers, John Wilson and Hezekiah Hubble. Listerj Joseph A. Aldrich. Appraiser, William Harrell. Constables, James' Thatcher and John Whitmire. Road supervisors, Thomas McClish Samuel Marshall, William Robinson, Samuel Stewart, Robert McClure' and John Lenox.

Election for 1822 held at the house of Thomas McClish. Officers elect: Trustees, William W. Cecil, Abraham Davenport, and Joseph Steinberger. Clerk, James Wells. Treasurer, Samuel Marshall. Lister and appraiser, James Lenox and Frederick Steinberger. Overseers of poor, James Marshall and James Moore. Fence viewers, James Thatcher and Edwin Barker. Constables, Thomas Dart and Hubble Sprague. Supervisors, David Coon, John Kennard, John Mellinger (second), and William Robinson.

April, 1823. Trustees, William W. Cecil, Cephas Carey, and David Carter. Clerk, James Lenox. Treasurer, Samuel Marshall. Constables J. L. Steinberger and William Mellinger. Appraisers, Joseph Stcinberger and S. Marshall. Overseers, Gideon Wright and John Wilson. Fence viewers, David Coon and James Thatcher. Supervisors, Edwin Barker, Abraham Davenport, Moses Sturgeon, and Hezekiah Hubble.

April, 1824. Trustees, William W. Cecil, John Stewart, James Thatcher. Clerk, John Fergus. Treasurer, Samuel Marshall. Fence viewers, Zachariah Hurley and Edwin Barker. Lister and appraiser, Samuel Marshall and Joseph Steinberger. Constables, Samuel While and John Marshall. Overseers, Joseph Mellinger and Abraham Davenport. Supervisors, James A. Graham, John McClure, James Wells, and James Jackson.

April, 1825. Trustees, William W. Cecil, John Kennard, and Daniel Meeker. Clerk, John Fergus. Treasurer, Abraham Davenport. Constables, James Thatcher and E. Perdue. Lister and appraisers, James A. Graham and Joseph Steinberger. Overseers. Hezekiah Huhblc and Samuel Stewart. Fence viewers, William Bush and Thomas Shaw. Supervisors, Joshua Cole, Aaron Cecil, Jeremiah White, John Marshall, and John Johnston.

April, 1826. Trustees, Richard Lenox, Richard M. Cannon, and Joshua Cole. Clerk, William Davis. Treasurer, James Lenox. Lister ami appraiser, A. McCullough ami William Howell.

April, 183". Trustees, Cephas Carey, William Davis, and Robert Brodriek. Clerk, W. A. Carey. Treasurer, R. M. Cannon. Constables, Charles Mallahan and W. A. Carey.

1842. Trustees, William Davis, John Laughlin, and A. S. McClure. Clerk, William II. Stephens. Treasurer, W. V. Cowan. Assessor, William Davis.

On the farm of William Bell, just south of Hardin, a gravel bank was opened for piking purposes, and the excavation unearthed an Indian cemetery. Skeletons of all sizes were found, assuming all positions, some face upwards, others lying on their faces, while others occupied a sitting posture. A large number were even found in an erect attitude. The skulls of some indicated sizes much above tiie average, if we are to credit the statements of eye-witnesses. The bones were alt perfect and in true relation when found, but soon crumbled on exposure to the air. Besides these remains, two earthenware vessels were found, each having a capacity of about one and a half gallons. They exhibited superior

being perfect in form an«l elaborate in decoration. When found they were of a yellowish color, shaling somewhat, and in each was a large mussel shell. No stone implements were found, neither was any evidence discovered looking for an origin anterior to the Indians, except so far as the crockery was concerned. The site is in every way natural, and gave no evidence of mechanical skill. In all probability it was a common burying place for the Indians at a remote period. The vessels discovered, if according to the descriptions given us, were probably only appropriated by the Indians, like stone utensils, after the mound-builders had vacated this territory. Several relics are now in possession of Dr. Cowan, of Uardin, but we have not had an opportunity to examine them.

to the Bell farm, was made to the extent of about three-fourths of an acre. Here large quantities of human bones were found in a fair state of preservation, at a depth of from two to five feet. The excavation was made to a depth of twenty -one feet. The arrangement of the remains in this place differed from the promiscuous deposit on the Bell farm. Here each skeleton was placed in a stone-lined grave, concave in form, and open at the top. Over each of these graves a small skein of fibre resembling silk was found. Bones of animals also abounded in large numbers, as was also the case in the Bell excavation. A small sprinkling of charcoal was also found in connection with each skeleton. No other evidences of workmanship were noticed, neither flint utensils nor earthenware being discovered. As no careful scientific examination was made in either case, very little information of a satisfactory nature can be presented. We have been compelled to inquire of different eye-witnesses, whose statements conflict in the most serious manner touching the most material matters. With some of these witnesses the remains appeared to be those of giants of almost more than gigantic size. One, a tall man, speaking of a femur , believed it would extend from his knee to his shoulder. Another, himself full faced, asserted that he could have placed his hands to his cheeks, and then have fitted some of the lower jaws over face and hands. Others, again, could only say the bones were all of mammoth size; but this is generally asserted of all Indian bones by those unacquainted with the subject. There may have been large bones discovered, but it is extremely improbable that they all greatly exceeded the average size of human remains, for we have nothing authenticating the existence of a race of "'giants in those days" in this section. Excitement under such discoveries too often arouses imagination, and imagination too frequently stimulates exaggeration. These were not mounds; they were natural elevations; they were not works of defence or sacrificial altars, but mere burying grounds. The human remains were too well preserved, considering their proximity to the surface, the character of the soil, and the climate, to have outlasted the whole period of the red man. The localities bore too natural a contour, art relics were too rare, and promiscuousness too prevalent for these remains to be attributed to the mound builders. They were ancient Indian burying grounds, selected on a gravelly elevation, as was their habit, and just enough art remains were found to evince their ignornnee of art. Every point of evidence we have been able to obtain, points directly to the Indians, ami not toward an anterior race. The mound builders undoubtedly occupied this whole region in the long past, but these remains are not their waymarks.

It is believed the first schobl-house erected in this township stood nearly a mile south of Hardin, and was built about 1&16. This building was of round logs, and was sixteen by twenty-five feet in dimensions. The seats, of course, were puncheons supplied with supports, consisting of straight sticks inserted through an augur hole. Mr. Gibson was the first teacher, and at his school such of our pioneers as It. M. Cannon and William Carey began their education. The second term at this place was taught by Richard Lenox, while Mrs. Eliza Wells taught the two succeeding terms. About the year 1820 a school building was erected on the bank of Turtle Creek in Hardin. It was largely similar to the first building erected. Here Mr. Cahoon became the first teacher, and was followed by Mr. Rpsby. This building was used several years, and was attended by children from a distance of three or four miles. The third building was erected in 1824, on land belonging to R. M. Cannon, in section 19.

These incidents constitute the foundation of the school system of Turtle Creek Township* and show that, away back in the very infancy of the settlement, schools were established contemporaneously with the community, and look back of the location of the old village of Hardin. Since those early beginnings, wonderful strides have been tnken, and revolutions have been fought out in the educational as well as in the political and social worlds, and the schools may be said to have wrought those revolutions, for they gave to man the knowledge which became a power at once exacting and positive. That power has looked on many things with a frown, and if that frown did not have a withering effect, logic was called into requisition, and sometimes even the logic of the sword. Wrong fell smitten by eveiy blow, or fled beyond the pule of schools. As now divided for school purposes, the township consists of ten subdistricts, including the independent district of Hardin, which is number one. The schools are all reported in a very effective working condition.

was organized about 1832, at the residence of Joshua Cole, bv Rev, John Stewart, with Joshua Cole and wife, and a few others ns members of the organization. Their regular place of meeting was at Mr. Cole's house for several years, or until 1836 or 1837, when there was a schoolhouse erected on Mr. Cole's farm, a short distance from where Mr. C.'s house stood. In this, and another school-house erected in the neighborhood, they met and worshipped for many years, or until the erection and completion of their present edifice, which was dedicated June 1, 1865, by Rev. Bates, assisted by Rev. P. A. Drown, then their minister in charge. The building is located on the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of section 5, Turtle Creek Township, near the Turtle Creek Valley Pike. It is a frame structure forty by thirty feet, erected at a cost of about $2000.

After the erection of this building, T. M. Carey, Robert Reed, Broad Cole, J. B. P. Randolph, and John Slaybaugh were appointed as trustees of the church. The trustees at this date, March 25, 1882, are Joseph Campbell, John Laughlin, John McDonald, J. P. Heston, and Alfred Woodruff. Class leaders are Alfred Woodruff, John Laughlin, Noah Rauch, and the leaders of Class No. 3 are Miss Dellie Cannon and Flora Campbell. The stewards are B. Cole, Joseph Campbell, and John Shaw, with B. Cole recording steward of the circuit. The present membership is about one hundred and thirty in good standing. This society belongs to the Hardin circuit, and Rev. D. B Rinehart is their present pastor, who is now on his third year of pastoral labor in the vicinity of Cole's chapel. Some of the ministers on the charge prior to 1839, were Revs. Daniel I>. Davidson, James Smith, Geo. Walker, David Kemper, David Wornick, William Spafford, John Graham, and some others. A full list of the names of the ministers on this charge from 1839 to the present time can be seen by referring to the sketch of the Plum Creek Chapel M. E. Church of Franklin Township.

was organized at the residence of Samuel Harshbarger in 1836, by Elder Joseph Warbington, with nine members, viz., Ezekiel Baldwin and wife, Aaron Baldwin and wife, Eli Baldwin and wife, Samuel Harshbarger and wife, and Mary Hardesty. They held their meetings at the houses of their members alternately for several j'ears, or until the erection of a school-house in that neighborhood, in which they met and held their meetings for a few years, or until some time between the years 1852 and 1857, during which time they erected a frame building, thirty-six by twenty-six feet, on the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section 2, Turtle Creek Township. The land occupied by the building and cemetery was donated to the society by Samuel Harshbarger for church purposes and a burying ground. The church was dedicated by Elder Richardson, assisted by Elders Penrod and Warbington. The building was erected by volunteer labor, the members of the church and citizens of the neighborhood all helping to perform the labor, and to bear the building expenses. This building served the society for many years, or until the erection and completion of their present edifice, which was dedicated Aug. 28, 1881, by Elder E. W. Weeks, assisted by Eiders G. W. Garner and L. J. Gander. The new building is located in sect. 1, Turtle Creek Township, on the Sidney and St. Mary's Pike, a few miles south of the Van Buren Township line. It is a frame structure, forty-six by thirty-six feet, with a twenty-foot story, which was erected at a cost of about $2000 cash ; besides a great amount of the labor, hauling, etc., was donated to the church by the members and some others. Soon after the erection of their first church, Aaron Baldwin, David Baldwin, and A. B. Harshbarger were appointed as trustees of the church. The vacancy caused by the death of David Baldwin, in 1862, was filled by the appointment of William Wood to the position of trustee of the church. A few years later Aaron Baldwin was succeeded by Samuel Unnm, and the trustees at this writing are A. B. Harshbarger, William Wood, and Samuel Unum. Daniel Baldwin and Samuel Harshbarger were appointed as deacons of the church, but since the death of Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Harshbarger is the only deacon in the church. A. B. Harshbarger is the present clerk. The following is a partial list of the names of the elders who have been regular ministers of the Society, viz., Elders Joseph Warbington, Samuel Fusion, Andrew

Daniel Richardson, G. W. Garner, Marshall Candler, James Tingle, Elder Edmon and wife, Mrs. Rhoda Franks, Elders* Fireston, Ladley, Williams, and Butt. Elder L. J. Gander has been with them nearly three years, and is their present pastor.

was organized at the house of William Patten, in Turtle Creek Township, near Hardin, June 28, 1865, by Rev. W. M. Galbreath, J. N. Stewart, and John Neal, members of the committee appointed by the Pres- bytery at its last meeting to organize a church in the neighborhood of Hardin, Shelby County, by the name of "The Turtle Creek Presbyterian Church." At the time of its organization there were quite a number of persons living in the vicinity of Hardin who had been members of the Sidney Presbyterian Church for several years, and on petition of those persons this society was organized, with William Patten, Bennett Thomas, Edwin E. Bell, Hugh T. Patten, Mark Wilson, John Thomas, William M. Bell, Oliver C. Betts, Frank Thomas, Eli D. Thomas, Charles Quinn, Hugh Wilson, Benjamin Mills, James Quinn, Charles C. Cowan, John W. Bell, Horace E. Bell, John W. Graham, Sylvester College, Dr. Wilson V. Cowan, James Sturgeon, James Wright, James G. Marshall, Henry C. Graham, Martha E. Patten, Lucinda Patten, Ellen Quinn, Martha A. Honnell, Martha A. Marshall, Mary A. Wright, Harriet A. Cowan, Ann R. Thomas, Eliza A. Graham, Jane Laughlin, Louisa Hamilton, Sarah A. Caldwell, Elizabeth Mills, Mary E Wilson, Ann C. Thomas, Margaret Thomas, Laura M. Bell, Susan R. Thomas, Harriet E. Ewing, Mary A. Wilson, Melinda Stroutz, Martha Marshall, Josephine H. Bell, Elizabeth A. Graham, Mary J. Cowan, Ellen Burnett, Maggie Russell, Margaret Caldwell, Sarah J. Ewing, Rebecca Zimmer, Margaret Bech, and Mary Hahn, as members of the organization. Wilson V. Cowan, Hugh Wilson, and William M. Bell were elected ruling elders. Wm. Patten, John Thomas, and Mark Wilson were appointed deacons.

Their regular place of meeting was at the residence of Wm. Patten until the completion of the building, which was dedicated in December, 1865, by r Rev. Long, assisted by Rev. W. M. Galbreath. The church building is located in Turtle Creek Township, on the .Newburgh Pike, a short distance north of Hardin Station. It is a brick structure 50 by 40 feet, which was erected at a cost of about $4500. Their regular pastors since the organization of the church have been, Revs. W. M. Galbreath, Samuel C. Kerr, L. Richter, Robert McCaslin, J. L. Lower, A. B. Struthers, and C. E. Tedford, who was called to the pastorate in September, 1880, and is still in charge of the congregation. The present officers of the church are as follows: Wm. M. Bell, H. C. Wilson, J. W. Graham, Sr., and Dr. Charles S. Cowan, ruling elders. William Patten, Bennett Thomas, Mark Wilson, and John Thomas, deacons; and Wm. M. Bell clerk of the session.

This town was named in honor of Col. John Hardin, of Kentucky, who also gave his name to a county in both his adopted State and Ohio. He was born in Virginia in 1753, and when twenty-one years of age was appointed an ensign of militia. Shortly afterward he received a wound in the knee, but while under treatment joined the expedition of Lord Dunmore. Entering the Revolution, he became a lieutenant in the celebrated rifle corps of General Morgan, by whom be was often selected to undertake perilous expeditions. His conduct on these occasions was indicative of courage of the very highest order. On one occasion he was detailed from the Northern Army with orders to approach the enemy, and by some means secure a prisoner, so that some information might be obtained. Accordingly he set out with a small party, and while riding in advance of his men, suddenly gained the top of an abrupt hill to find himself confronted by three British soldiers and one Indian, all under arms. Nothing daunted and without betraying the least hesitation, he levelled his rifle on the party and demanded their surrender. The three soldiers at once threw down their arms, while the Indian only clubbed his musket. The Colonel, thinking assistance might be needed, turned half about to call upon his men, who were approaching without any knowledge of their commander's peril. While thus half turned from the party he had surprised, the Colonel caught a gleam of light, reflected by the barrel of the Indian's gun, and turning suddenly, found it had been reversed. In an instant his own gun was at a level, and although he had not time to lift it to his shoulder he was first to fire, and the Indian fell mortally wounded. In the act of falling he discharged his piece, the ball passing through the Colonel's hair. The three British soldiers were then marched to the American camp by the bold little party of this intrepid leader. For this exploit General Gates extended his thanks to Hardin and his men. After this war Colonel Hardin distinguished himself in several Indian expeditions up to 1786, when he settled in Washington County, Ky. He was with General Harmar in his campaign against the Indian villages of the St. Josephs, and signalized himself in the general action which made that expedition a success so far as its accomplishment of the original object was concerned. After that object was secured, two detachments, one of which was commanded by Colonel Hardin, suffered defeats by meeting overpowering forces of the savages. Still this only occurred after the main object of the expedition had been successfully terminated.

After the defeat of St. Clair, efforts were made to secure a peace by negotiation, and it appears that "on the 3d day of April, 1792," or eight days before the appointment of General Wayne to the chief command of the Western Army, Major Truman, then at the seat of government, was appointed by the President to negotiate a treaty with the Western Indians. The same day he received his instructions from the Secretary of War, with the further order to proceed to Fort Washington and disclose to the commander, Colonel Wilkinson, the object of his mission, with the purpose of having Wilkinson concert with him ns to the proper means to carry his instructions into execution. On the arrival of Major Truman at Fort Washington he found Col. Wilkinson, who had been promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General, was disposed to associate Col. Hardin with the peace mission. Accordingly Major Truman and Col. Hardin, accompanied by a guide and servant, left the fort in June and proceeded toward the Indian towns of the St. Joseph. The first report touching them was that of Colonel Vigo, who arrived at the fort on the 3d of July from Vincennes with information brought to that place by a Wea chief, that four men who had gone from an American fort into the Indian country had been fired upon by a band of Indians; that three of the men fell, killed on the spot ; while the fourth, who carried a flag and had papers in his possession, was taken prisoner, but was murdered on the following day. It was further related that the papers were taken to a white man who could read, and who informed the Indians that one of the papers was a long and good talk from the great chief. On hearing this the Indians expressed sorrow for their hasty action. There could be no doubt these four men were the embassy of Truman and Hardin, and that they had been treacherously and barbarously murdered under the flag of peace.

This is the most plausible account of the many we have investigated, and bearing throughout the stamp of truth, has been adopted in the interest of justice. It appears Colonel Hardin expressed his belief before leaving Fort Washington, while conversing with Captain James Ferguson, that his flag would be violated and his party assassinated, as the Indians knew him well, and had Occasion to fear and hate him. The sequel shows his belief was too well founded, and his life became a sacrifice upon the altar of his country, and in his death that country lost a noble son and gallant defender. He died in 1792 when in his thirtyninth year, assassinated on the spot where the village of Hardin now stands, the village having been named in his honor at the suggestion of Colonel John Johnston, another hero of that troublous period which preceded the settlement of this section. Such were the associations which link this spot to the past - to that past which was largely given up to the conflict between the forces of civilization and savagery, and which called forth so much patriotic heroism. The village may well be proud of the name it bears, even though its present standing does not clothe it with industrial or numerical pride.

Recorder's Office, Miami County ; Troy, Ohio, July 31, 1874. The streets are laid out due north and south and east and west, agreeable to the section lines. The Public Square is parallel to the streets, ten rods long and eight rods wide. The lots, both public and private, are each and every eight rods long and five rods wide. Cross and Front streets arc each three rods wide, and the alleys are each two rods wide.

I certify the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the explanation of the original plat of the village of Hardin, bearing date of October 5, 1816, as recorded in vol. iii., page 83, Miami County Record of Deeds.

The original plat to which the foregoing description applies consisted of thirty-six lots, exclusive of the public square, which embraced two town lots, and one lot each set apart for semiuary anil church uses, and which were left unnumbered. The original proprietors of the site and founders of the town were Thomas McClish, Joseph Steinberger, and James Lenox, all of whom were intimately associated with the material development of the county as well as the growth of the town. As the town was located prior to the organization of Shelby County and its attendant subdivisions, it may be well to observe it is located in the corners of sections 30, 29, 32, and 31 in Turtle Creek Township, being centrally located, measuring east and west, and one mile from the south line of the township. Beyond this it is needless to go, as its boundaries are illy defined in the absence of incorporation.

At the organization of the county in 1819, Hardin became the seat of justice, and here the first Court of Common Pleas and session of the commissioners were held. This dignity was maintained during several consecutive terms, or until 1820, when the seat of justice was established at Sidney, leaving the old town of proud memory to contemplate with a sigh the "what might have been" of its existence and history. Still, robbed as it was of this distinction, and disappointed in its highest hopes, it did not, like Cynthian, submit to adverse circumstances and unfriendly forces without a vigorous resistance. But its better life, for which it hoped, was doomed, and while it struggled on, it struggled without the substance of hope, and without a well-defined purpose, and so suffered, and still endures the fate of hopeless and purposeless undertakings.

The first buildings erected after the town was laid out were a small frame, in which a store was started by Robert Aldrich and Aaron Harkness; a log building in which a hotel was kept by Hczekiah Stout; a log cabin by William Herr, in which he had a cabinet shop; a cabin by Lewis Steinberger, which was partly used as a carpenter shop; and various other cabins used as dwellings. In 1819 a school-house was erected on the bank of Turtle Creek, and in this building one or more sessions of the Court convened. It was only a small log building, eighteen by twenty feet. Robert Brodrick built a blacksmith shop at a very early date, and Daniel Williams became the workman. The first wagon shop was built and operated by Joseph Jackson in 1840, in which business he is still engaged. C. P. Lenox and W. H. Stephenson erected shops at an early day, in which they worked at the shoeraaking trade. The various changes, introductions, and removals which have effected the men and industries of the town cannot lie fully traced. Many came, entered business for a season, and then either changed business or moved away. This is particularly applicable to those merchants and tradesmen who enter a town of this character, while of the hotel keejwrs it may as well be admitted they have departed apparently without a thought of return. At all events they were all absent during our late visit to the town, and no slate was seen telling either of their departure or return. While looking for a hotel, however, we found the town now contains one general supply store, one blacksmith shop, one wagon shop, one boot and shoe shop, and one steam sawmill. It also constitutes an independent school district, with a building within the town. The Methodist denomination has a church within the village, while the professions are represented by two resident physicians and surgeons.

is, without doubt, the oldest M. E. society in Shelby County. It was organized some time prior to the year 1819, but the exact date of the organization cannot be ascertained, as there are no records of the organization in the church books. It was organized at the residence of Cephas Carey, by the Rev. Goddard, with about eighteen members, viz., Cephas Carey and wife, Abraham Davenport and wife, Jeremiah White and wife, William Bush and wife, David Carter and wife, John Stephen and wife, Ebenezer Stephens and wife, Thomas Shaw and wife, James Thatcher and wife. In 1819 Richard M. Cannon and, a few years later, Joshua Cole and wife connected themselves with the church. The society met at the residences of its members alternately for several years, or until some time between the years 1832 and 1834, when they erected a church in the southeast part of Hardin village, on a lot donated by Thomas McClish. It was a brick structure, thirty by forty feet, with an elevenfoot story, and was erected at a cost of about $600, not including the volunteer labor performed by some of the members. In this building they held their meetings for many years, or until the completion of their present edifice, which was dedicated in August, 1865, by the Rev. William S. Paul, assisted by Rev. Philip A. Drown, then their pastor in charge.

This building is located in the north part of Hardin village. It is also a brick structure, forty-six by thirty-four feet, with a sixteen-foot ceiling, and was erected at a cost of about $3000. Their present membership is about sixty. The officers of the church are as follows : Anthony Allen and W. R. Wheatly class leaders; Joseph Jackson, Robert McCollough, Alfred Coon, T. S. Cannon, and Richard A. Lenox, trustees ; and Broad Cole recording steward of the circuit. The first class leader of the society was Jeremiah White, and the second leader was Abraham Davenport.

The following list will show the names of some of the regular pastors in charge since the organization of the society: Revs. George Getts, James B. Finley, William H. Raper, Robert O. Spencer, D. D. Davidson, Janies Smith, David Kemper, Peter Sharp, David Warnock, Samuel Lynch, who came on the circuit in 1840, and remained two years, Revs. Jacob A. Brown, William M. Spafford, Edward Williams, Thomas H. Wilson, William B. Brandeberry, Rev. Hanson, Rev. John S. Calb, Revs. Philip R. Roseberry, Henry Burns, Arthur Elliott, and some others who were on the circuit prior to the erection of their church building in 1865. Rev. Philip A. Drown was the pastor in charge during the erection of said church building. Then Rev. A. Berry was on the circuit one year; Rev. B. L. Rowan one year;' Rev. Caleb Hill one year; Lemuel Herbert one year; David Bulle one year; Jabez S. Blair two years; P. P. Pope two years; J. R. Colgan three years; R. D. Oldfield one year; B. W. Day one year; D. B. Rinehart, who is now on his third year of pastoral labor on the Hardin circuit.

In 1854 William and Hugh Patten erected a sawmill on the bank of Turtle Creek near Hardin. The building was twenty-eight by fifty feet, and the power was a sixteen-horse power engine. After a number of -years it passed into the hands of F. Wilson, who sold it to Henry Wilson. It then passed through different hands until 1868, when it was destroyed by fire. The next year William, John, and Frank Thomas formed a partnership, and rebuilt on the east bank of Turtle Creek, which mill is still operated under the firm name of Thomas Brothers. The building is thirty-five by eighty feet, with a thirty-two-horse power engine. It is also supplied with machinery for cutting spokes and rims. In its several capacities it is being successfully operated by Thomas Brothers, who are also purchasers of all kinds of hard wood timber.

A short time after the completion of the C. C. C. and I. Railway the company established a station one mile south of the old village of Hardin, and gave it the name of Hardin Station. The first business was undertaken by Samuel M. Cowan, who opened a store about 1853. He was soon succeeded by Cowan A Davenport, who conducted the business for some time, dealing in grain at the same time. They were succeeded by Marshall A Burress. Soon afterward they sold out to Fleming Hall, who, in turn, sold to Wilson A Co. in 1860. Seven years later J. G. Marshall became proprietor, while Logan Marshall conducted the grain trade. In 1869 the grain trade passed into the hands of Isaac Betts, and the merchant's stock was handled by M. McVey, who sold to Betts in 1871. The latter then conducted both branches of the business until he sold the buildings and stock to Samuel Wright, who had the business managed by I. R. Wilson. Two years ago Robert Ewing bought both buildings and stock, and is still conducting the grain and mercantile business.

A post-office was established a short time after the building of the railroad, and for the most part the merchants who at different times conducted the one store of the place, acted as post-master as well as station agent. Although a ticket office was once established, it was long since abandoned.

The town was never regularly laid out nor organized, and so has no history as such, and is chiefly important as a shipping point for stock and grain, and as a station for the village of Hardin.

This industry was established at Hardin Station by Ewing A Dinsraore in 1880, the buildings being two stories, twenty-four by fifty-six feet, with a wing one story, twelve by forty-five feet. The machinery is operated by an eighteen-horse power engine. The manufactures consist of spokes and bent wood work of all kinds. In October, 1881, Dinsmore disposed of his interest, and since that date the factory has been operated by Ewing Brothers.

Some time prior to the Revolution of 1776 a lad of fifteen found his way from Ireland to the United States. This lad was James Cannon, who, on reaching this country, became a tanner's apprentice for about two years. He then joined the Continental army and served throughout the great war for independence. During this service he was commissioned as first lieutenant for meritorious conduct, and was part of the time under the immediate command of General Washington. At the close of the war he located in Sherman's Valley, Ligonier County, Pa., where he soon afterward married Miss Mary Long. About the year 1795 they moved to Ohio and settled in Franklin, Warren County, where Mr. Cannon built a tannery, which he operated about four years. In 1799 he moved to a farm which he purchased, near Franklin. Here he remained until 1806, when he moved his family to Shelby County, or rather to land now embraced in this county. This land is now within the limits of Orange Township. He remained here about eight months and then moved to land near the mouth of Loramie Creek, where he lived until late in the year 1808. At this time he moved to land which afterward became the town site of Sidney, his family being possibly the first white settlers who made improvements on the present town plat. The family lived here until late in the jear 1815, when they moved to lands already entered in section 28, Turtle Creek Township, near the present site of the village of Hardin. At this place he lived a number of years. His death occurred in Clinton Township in the year 1828, having survived his wife about three years, her death having occurred while she was visiting one of her sons at Fort Wayne, Ind., in the year 1825. Their children were named, Abraham, Catharine, Margaret, James, Susanna, Richard M., and Daniel.

Richard M. Cannon, the only survivor of the family of James and Mary Cannon, was born in Butler County, O., on the 12th day of October, 1796, and so was a mere child when his parents came and settled within the present limits of Shelby County. He is thus entitled to rank among the very earliest of our pioneers. Assisting his father, he helped to clear land and gather the scanty crops of those first years of settlement, which are always and everywhere distinctively the years of toil. He thus assisted in clearing the land now occupied by the town of Sidney. In the spring of 1813 he entered the American army as a substitute, and served until the close of the campaign of 1814. Since the settlement of the family in Turtle Creek Township in 1815 he ha9 been a resident of this township. On June 3, 1818, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Robert and Pamelia Brodrick, which was probably the first marriage solemnized in this township. Miss Brodrick was born in New Jersey March 11, 1800, and came to Shelby County on the occasion of her parents' removal here in 1816. After marriage Mr. Cannon settled on his father's home farm in section 28, where he lived two years and then moved to a farm a little distance north of Hardin, where he lived until 1823. Ho then purchased land in section 19, to which he moved his family, continued improving the land, and has ever since resided here. Mrs. Cannon laid down the burden and care of a life of seventy years on the 11th of December, 1870. Her death was mourned by an extended circle of acquaintances and friends. Mr. Cannon was remarried February 14, 1872, to Miss Calesta M., daughter of William and Eliza Davi9, of this township. She was born in this township April 1st, 1827. Mr. Cannon early enjoyed the confidence of his neighbors, as attested by his election in 1820 to the office of justice of the peace, which office he retained during the fifteen ensuing years. He also filled the offices of treasurer and trustee of the township. He reared a family of nine children, named Parmelia, William B., Caroline, Charles W., Sanford A., Thomas S., Daniel, Richard W., and Nehemiah F. Of these Parmelia died in 1861, Charles and Nehemiah in the late war, while the other five survive.

Thomas S. Cannon was born in this township October 4, 1832. With the exception of about six months' schooling at Sidney, his education was obtained in the little log schoolhouse which stood on his father's farm. In 1850 he began teaching, in which profession he labored during the winter months of about six years. On the 2d of October, 1856, he married Miss Lavinia Roadarmer, daughter of William and Mary Roadarmer. She was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, December 5, 1835. They settled on the farm now owned by John Campbell in section 21 of this township, where they lived until April, 1863, when Mr. Cannon purchased one-half of his father's home farm in sections 19 and 20, where he has since resided. His family consists of three sons and four daughters. He has filled the office of township clerk a period of nine years.

deceased, was born near Maysville, Ky., October 18, 1797. He was a son of William and Elizabeth Davis. His father died when William Davis, the subject of this sketch, was yet a small boy. When he had attained the age of eighteen years, or in the spring of 1816, he came to Shelby County, Ohio, and located in Turtle Creek Township. He entered a piece of land a short distance west of Hardin, on which ho erected a cabin, and cleared some land during the summer, and in the fall of the same year (1816) he returned to his native State, and brought his mother with four children, viz., James O., Tuble C., Hiram A., and Elizabeth, to their new home in Shelby County. Mr. D. remained on the land with his mother for a number of years, and assisted her in taking care of, and providing for, the younger members of the family. He was a man of unusual strength ; his equal was hardly known in Shelby Count}'. He was considered one of the leading men of the county in his time. He was always found among those who were in favor of anything that was for the benefit of the neighborhood, and for the advancement of education or religion. He was elected to different offices, but never accepted any of them higher than township trustee.

September 11, 1821, he marrieil Mrs. Eliza Roby, nee Safford. Miss Safford was born near Concord, Mass., June 15, 1792, and came to Ohio with her first husband, Mr. Roby, in 1819, and settled three miles south of Hardin, Shelby County. Mr. and Mrs. Davis settled on the home farm in Turtle Creek Township near Hardin, on which they resided many years. They passed the remainder of their days in Shelby County, most of the time in Turtle Creek Township, with the exception of about one year, which time they spent in Iowa and Illinois. He died August 17, 1866, at the residence of his son, Hiram A. Davis. His companion survived him until March 15, 1874, when she died at the residence of Hiram A. Davis. Mr. Davis stood six feet two inches in height, and weighed 220 pounds, and many of the citizens of Turtle Creek and adjoining townships well remember his stately form. He reared a family of six children, viz., Maria, Caroline, Calista M., Emelin A., Hiram A., and Adelma Ann. Maria and Adeltna A. are now dead.

deceased, was born in Hampshire County, Ya., in 1783. He was reared on a farm. He came to Ohio some time prior to the year 1812, and located in Pickaway County. He served several months in the war of 1812. He married Miss Lucy Burton, of Pickaway County. They settled in Pickaway County, remained until 1817, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on the west half of section 19, Turtle Creek Township, on which they passed the remainder of their days.

In 1825 he received his patent, signed by J. Q. Adams, President of the United States, dated at Washington, D. C., April 1, 1825, calling for the southeast quarter of section 19. On March 12, 1829, he received a patent, signed by Andrew Jackson, calling for the east half of the southwest quarter of section 19, same township. These patents are now in possession of his son, Alfred Coon, who owns the home farm. Mr. Coon died in 1849, at the age of sixty-six years. His companion died 1859, at the age of seventy-five years. They reared a family of nine children, viz., David, Catharine, Nancy, Elizabeth, George W., Alfred, Joshua, John W., and Madison. David, Catharine, Nancy, and Elizabeth are now dead. George W. Coon is now residing in Dayton, Ohio. Alfred and John W. live in Turtle Creek Township, Shelby County, Ohio. Joshua is living in Champaign County, Illinois, and Madison is residing in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. George W. Coon served about one year in the Mexican war.

Mr. Coon is the fifth son of David and Lucy Coon. He was born on the farm now owned by Alfred Coon in Turtle Creek Township, Shelby County, December 25, 1822, where he passed his minority days working on the farm for his parents. He received a common school education. December 25, 1845, he married Miss Frances C. Mills, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Mills. Miss Mills was born in Orange, Essex County, N. J., September 23, 1827. She came to Shelby County with her parents in 1836, and settled on a part of section 29, Turtle Creek Township.

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Coon settled on her father's home farm, remained a few years, then moved on his father's home farm, remained until 1854, when he purchased and moved on the west half of section 19, Turtle Creek Township. In 1864 he purchased the east half of section 24, joining his first purchase of land on the west, on which they moved in November, 1870, and have since resided. They have two children - George B. and Gertrude. Mr. Coon has made farming his principal avocation, and now owns a good farm of 160 acres.

was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 4, 1812. He was brought to Shelby County by his parents, John and Nancy Stephens, in 1816, who settled on section 28, Turtle Creek Township, where the subject of this sketch passed his boyhood days. His education was that which could be obtained in the common schools. In 1832 he taught a term of school in a log cabin which stood on R. M. Cannon's farm, section 19, Turtle Creek Township. He has been a resident of this township since 1816, excepting one year, during which time he resided in Williams County, Ohio. February 16, 1845, he married Miss Nancy, daughter of James and Eleanor Greegan, born in Miami County, Ohio, in December, 1818. They settled on the farm in section 21, Turtle Creek Township, on which they have since resided. They reared a family of eight children, viz., John, David, Mary, Oliver, Catharine, Ellen, Maria, and Florence. David died in August, 1876. John Stephens served about six months in the war of 1861.

a son of James A. and Sarah Gralram, was born in Lewis County, Ky., May 27, 1809. In April, 1819, be came to Ohio with his parents, and located in Clarke County. In March, 1820, they moved to Miami County, remained two years, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on land two miles west of Hardin, Turtle Creek Township, in the southwest quarter of section 25, on which they remained about thirteen years. In 1835 they sold their land. They then lived on different farms in Shelby County as tenants until 1843, when James A. Graham purchased land, and moved his family to Orange Township, on which lie passed the remainder of his days. Mrs. Sarah Graham died September 1, 1840, aged fifty-nine years. He died September 8. 1864, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years and nineteen days. He filled the office of justice of the peace one term, and trustee for several years. He reared a family of nine children, viz., Robert R., William M., John W., Thomas B., Eliza, Mary J., Sarah, James A., and Samuel S. Robert R. and Eliza are now dead.

John W. Graham, suhject of this sketch, received a common school education in the old log school house. His boyhood days were spent in clearing land, and working on the farm with his father. He is a cooper by trade, which he worked at during the winter months for several years. But farming has been his principal business, and he now owns two good farms in Turtle Creek Township. He was also engaged in the lumber or timber business for several years in connection with farming. His business, while dealing in timber, was to furnish timber for the wheel works at Dayton, Ohio.

On the 17th day of April, 1832, he married Miss Jane Bill, of Montgomery County, Ohio, born December 5, 1805. Mr. and Mrs. Graham settled in Montgomery County, remained two years, when he moved with' his family to Shelby County, purchased and moved on the farm in section 18, Turtle Creek Township, on which he now resides. His companion died February 19, 1861. He reared a family of four children, Elizabeth A., Henry C., John W., and Sarah J. Sarah J. Graham died May 14, 1862. Mr. Graham served as trustee of Turtle Creek Township about twenty years, and justice of the peace for six years. He was also land appraiser for the year 1859.

deceased, was born near Baltimore, Md., on the 3d day of July, 1789. He was a son of Broad Cole. When yet a small child his father settled in Kentucky, remained until 1798, when he moved to Ohio, and located in Fairfield County, remained a few years, when he then moved to Pickaway County, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. On the 7th day of February, 1811, he married Miss Susannah, daughter of Daniel and Rachel Ranier, then of Pickaway County, but a native of New Jersey, where she was born January 9, 1792. On the 22d day of .August, 1812, he enlisted under the command of Captain Reed, and served about six months in the war of 1812. In about 1819 or 1820 he came to Shelby County, entered the southeast quarter of section 6, Turtle Creek Township, and then returned to his home in Pickaway County. In 1821 he came back to his land, and with the help of two men winch came ^jith him he cleared about nine acres, and again returned to his home in Pickaway County. In March, 1822, he brought his family to Shelby County, and stopped at Ebenezer Stephens, near Hardin, until he could erect a cabin, which he completed, and moved his family some time in April. There were no settlers north of Mr. Cole nearer than eleven miles for some time after he moved. On this farm he remained, making clearing and farming his business until 1845, when he rented his farm, and moved his family to Sidney, where they lived until 1851, when he returned to Turtle Creek Township, and moved his family on the farm in same section, joining his old home farm on the west, on which he passed the remainder of his days. His companion died September 15, 1876. He died October 20, i876. He reared a family of seven children, viz., Cynthia, Nancy, Rachel, Broad, Nathan W., Susannah, and Joshua R. ; all of whom are yet living except Joshua R., who died with cholera August 3, 1854.

Mr. Cole, a son of Joshua Cole, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 11, 1820. He was brought to Shelby County by his parents in 1822. March 1, 1842, he married Miss Rebecca Stanley, then of Shelby County, but a native of Ross County, Ohio, where she was born June 28, 1823, and came to Shelby County in 1835 with her mother, her father being dead. Mr. and Mrs. Cole settled on his father's home farm, remained until 1845, when they moved to Sidney, where he engaged in mercantile business, which he conducted with success for several years. In 1849 they moved back on the home farm in Turtle Creek Township, where they now reside, and has since been giving his attention to farming. He reared a family of seven children - two sons and five daughters. His son, Isaac O. Cole, died in the war of 1861; the other six children are living. He served as trustee of Turtle Creek Township for a number of years.

an old and influential citizen of this township, is so well and favorably known that he scarcely needs an introduction to the readers of this volume to-day; but the work is for the future, when the men of yesterday and to-day will live in recorded history, and there his name must be enrolled. The son of Thomas and Fannie (Stewart) Ewing, he was born in County Donegal, Ireland, on the 17th of March, 1805. While in his childhood his mother died, and he was then taken in charge by his maternal relatives - the Stewarts - with whom he lived until the year 1821, when he came to America with his uncle, Anthony Stewart. On their arrival in the United States they proceeded to Newark, Maryland, where they located, and Robert, then sixteen years of age, entered school for the first time as a pupil. Here he continued his attendance about two or three months each winter during the next five years, which is the full measure of his school life. Still his education must not be measured by the same rule, for he was ever a student at home, where he lived in the midst of books, of which he made constant and close companions. By his perseverance in this direction he acquired more than the ordinary common school education of that day, although, perhaps, never attending school a greater period than a year in his whole life. With this start he went early in 1828 to New London Cross Roads, in Chester County, Pa., where he secured a position as clerk in a store. The same year he cast his first presidential vote for General Jackson, an act of which he is still proud. He continued his clerkship until 1830, when he resigned, and coming to Ohio visited Perry County, where he purchased a farm, and gave his attention to its improvement and cultivation during the next six years with a success hardly to be expected of one of his previous inexperience. In 1836 he sold his farm, and coming to Piqua entered into partnership with Dr. D. Ashton in the drug trade, under the firm name of Ashton & Ewing. About 1842 the firm bought a farm near Lockington, in Washington Township, this county. This farm contained a sawmill and woollen factory on the bank of Loramie Creek, and these mills were operated by the proprietors in connection with their drug trade in Piqua. In 1843 the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Ashton retaining the drug store and Mr. Ewing taking the mill property at Lockington. In 1843 Mr. Ewing began the erection of a flouring mill near his other mills, the country being at that time greatly in need of such an institution. This mill was completed and put in operation some time the next year, and Mr. Ewing at once moved from Piqua to the property which he was then operating. So it was, that for several years his attention was given to the varied interests and demands of the farm, the woollen mills, the flouring and sawmills except for a short period, during which he rented his mills and gave his whole attention to his farm. In 1858 he moved to a farm previously purchased, which was situated in south half of section 21, Turtle Creek Township, but the next year found hin^back at his old Lockington home. In 1862 he again returned to his Turtle Creek farm, which he has constituted his home since that date, and where he now resides. In 1848 he married Miss Harriet E., daughter of William and Jane Mellinger, one of the pioneer families of the county. Miss Harriet was born in Washington Township June 11, 1821, and after eighteen years of married life fell into that dreamless sleep called death, on the 18th of March, 1866. Her loss was deeply mourned by a husband and seven children, besides a large number of devoted friends who knew her but to esteem her. The children were named Sarah J., Margaret F., Laura A., William R., Ella N., Emma E., and Wallace, all of whom are still living except Margaret, whose death occurred September 5, 1876.

Mr. Ewing after something of an eventful life, now well advanced in years, finds himself surrounded by all the comforts of life, which perseverance, industry, and energy can reap. Summed up, his life is a proof of the maxim that " labor overcomes all things," and that the banner of life should bear upon its face the word "pluck," and not " luck," for the former is a hero, the latter a coward. Labor, mental and physical, is the all in all of genius, the all in all of success, and the life before our contemplation knew no such word as fail, for to that life labor was omnipotent.

deceased, was born in Augusta County, November 19, 1802. He was brought to Ohio by his parents, Andrew and Mary McClure, in 1811, who settled on Sugar Creek, Greene County, where young McClure passed his minority days on a farm. He married Miss Jane Hutchinson, then of Greene County, Ohio, but a native of Kentucky, where she was born June 27, 1807. Mr. and Mrs. McClure settled in Greene County on a farm, remained until April, 1834, when the}' came to Shelby County, entered, and settled on a part of section 9, Turtle Creek Township, on which they passed the remainder of their days. He died June 20, 1874. His death was caused by being thrown from a horse on the pike between the Fair Ground and the Infirmary. His companion survived him until October 29, 1876. They reared a family of ten children, viz., John F., Andrew H., Margaret J., Mary A. S., James, William A., Sarah E., Rachel E., Martha A., and George F. George F. is now dead. The other nine children are all married and have families. Mr. McClure made farming his business through life.

fourth son of Andrew S. McClure, was bom in Turtle Creek Township, Shelby County, Ohio, on the 29th day of October, 1836. His minority days were spent on the farm with his parents. He received a common school education. On the 21st day of August, 1860, he married Miss Loretta Carey, daughter of Thomas M. and Cyntba Carey, born in Turtle Creek Township, Shelby County, Ohio, April 19, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. McClure settled in Turtle Creek Township on the farm in section 8, on which they have since resided. Their union has resulted in twelve children, nine of whom are now living, six sons and three daughters. The three that are deceased are Artie B., died August 18, 1869. Laura Ann and Bonnie Ray died November 20, 1881, their deaths being only three hours apart, and they were buried in one grave. Mr. McClure has made farming his vocation, and now owns three good farms, one in Turtle Creek Township, on which he now resides, one in Franklin Township, and one in McLean Township.

was born in Miami County, Ohio, July 17, 1827. He was brought to Shelby County by his parents, John and Elizabeth Campbell, in 1835 or 1836, who settled on section 30, Turtle Creek Tdwnship, where John Campbell died in April, 1843, leaving his wife, with eight small children, viz , Joseph, Susan, Robert, Margaret, Jackson, John, Elizabeth, and Mary A. Susan married Kcnley Cecil, and moved to Miami County, where she died. Elizabeth was drowned in Turtle Creek when at the age of six years. The remaining sir children are still living. In about eighteen months after the death of Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Campbell married Edward Beck, with whom she lived and reared four children, two sons and two daughters. She died October 29, 1858.

Joseph Campbell, subject of this sketch, remained on the farm until he had attained the age of seventeen years, or in 1844, when he began working at the shoemaker trade, which he followed about five years. In 1849 he engaged as a partner in the sawmill business, manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of hard wood lumber, which he conducted eighteen months, and at the end of which time he returned to his trade, which he made his vocation about six years, when he turned his attention to farming, and now owns about 217 acres of good land in Turtle Creek Township.

On the 8th day of April, 1852, he married Miss Julia A. Lenox, daughter of James and Sally Lenox. Miss Lenox was born in Turtle Creek Township, Shelby County, Ohio, April 12, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell settled in Lockport, remained five years. In 1857 they moved on the Mellinger farm in Washington Township, on which they remained about two years as tenants. In 1859 they moved on the Johnston farm in Washington Township, Miami County, remained one year. In 1860 they returned to Shelby County, purchased, and moved on a farm in Cynthian Township, on which they remained five years, or until 1865, when he purchased and moved on the farm in section 18, Turtle Creek Township, where they now reside. They have a family of seven children, John H., Laura R., Clara E., Flora I., Jesse G., Sally L., and Cora J. Mr. Campbell filled the office of trustee of Turtle Creek Township one year, and land appraiser of the township for 1880. He is looked upon as one of Turtle Creek's leadiug and enterprising citizens.

deceased, was born in Virginia October 2, 1788. He was a bricklayer and stone mason by trade, which he followed as his principal business for many years, and then he turned his attention to farming, which he made his business during the remainder of his days. January 9, 1817, he married Miss Ruth Mills, of Virginia, born May 9, 1798. Shortly after their marriage they came to Ohio, and located in Montgomery County, remained about seventeen years, or until 1834, when they moved to Miami County, remained about thirteen years. In 1847 they came to Shelby County, purchased 160 acres of land in the south half of section 4, Turtle Creek Township, on which they passed the remainder of their days. Mr. Hall served in the war of '1812. He died in September, 1862. His companion survived him until February, 1867. They reared a family of ten children, viz., Jonathan P., George H., Amanda M., Martha E., James M., Thomas W., William D., Joseph L., Mary E., and John D., all of whom are yet living except James M. and Joseph L. James M. was killed by lightning in Sidney in July, 1857. Joseph L. died December 24, 1849.

son of James and Ruth Hall, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, July 6, 1827. He came to Shelby County with his parents in 1847, and settled in Turtle Creek Township. He has made farming his principal business, and now owns one-half of his father's home farm in section 4, Turtle Creek Township, where he now resides. October 15, 1857, he married Miss Amanda J., daughter of John and Ella Hutchison. Miss Hutchison was born in Greene County, Ohio, December 5, 1834, and was brought to Shelby County by her parents in 1835, who settled in Turtle Creek Township on section 16. Mr. and Mrs. Hall settled on a farm in Turtle Creek Township, and have since resided in Turtle Creek with the exception of one year, during which time they were residents of Franklin Township. They moved on the farm where they are now living in 1869. They have a family of six children, viz., R. Ella, Mnrtha M., John F., Ida M., Eva J., and Anna E. Mr. Hall filled the office of trustee for Turtle Creek Township two terms.

son of William H.and Druscilla Bushman, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, January 9, 1840. In August, 1864, he came to Shelby County, and on the 9th day of March, 1865, he married Miss Catharine, daughter of Samuel and Jane Elliott, born in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Ohio, September 22, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Bushman settled on the farm in section 33, Turtle Creek Township, on which they have since resided. They have three children, viz., Joseph E., Mary L., and Edna M.

son of Jacob and Louisa Leapley, was born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, August 28, 1841. He received a common school education. His minority days were spent on the farm with his parents. August 23, 1860, he* married Miss Mary, daughter of Samuel J. and Nancy Stone. Miss Stone was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, August 17, 1838, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1841, who located in Clinton Township. Mr. and Mrs. Leapley settled on his father's home farm in Franklin Township, remained five years, or until 1865, when they moved to Iowa, and remained 'until the spring of 1867, when they returned to Shelby County, and have since been residents of the county. They now reside in Turtle Creek Township, on a farm in the south half of section 9. They have five children, three sons and two daughters. He makes farming his avocation.

trade seven years, which he made his business many years, until 1851, when he turned his attention to farming, which he has since made his occupation. June 2, 1833, he sailed from London docks on the ship Armata for America, and landed in New York City after passing nine weeks and three days on the water. He located in Newark, New Jersey, and remained about one year, when he began travelling, and after travelling over parts of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, he located in Clarke County, Ohio, where, on the 27th day of April, 1838, he married Miss Sarah Kingham, then of Clarke County, Ohio, but a native of England, where she was born February 16, 1810, and came to Clarke County, Ohio, with her parents in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert settled in Springfield, Ohio, and remained one year. In 1839 they moved to Harmony, Clarke County, and remained twelve years, until in 1851, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and moved on the farm in section 1, Turtle Creek Township, where they now reside. They reared a family of seven children, William G., Joseph K., John J., Sarah E., Martha S., Thirza C., and Ruth M. William G. served three years in the war of 1861. Joseph K. served one year in the late war.

In Germany, on the 18th day of November, 1817, Mr. Ritter was born. October 18, 1858, he married Miss Elizabeth Stevens, a native of Germany, born March 13, 1832. They settled in Germany and remained one year, until 1859, when they immigrated to America. They sailed from Bremen October 19, and after a six weeks' voyage on the water, they landed in New York City December 1, 1859. From thence they continued their journey southwestward until they reached Kentucky, where they located and remained six years, or until March, 1865, when they came to Shelby County, Ohio, purchased and moved on a farm of eighty acres of land in section 5, Turtle Creek Township, on which they now reside. They have a family of four children, viz., Conrad, Mary, Emma A., and Bessie. Mr. Ritter has made farming his vocation through life, and, by the general appearance of his farm and the improvements thereon, we would consider him one among the leading farmers in the township.

deceased, a son of Martin and Jane Steeele, was born in Greene County, Ohio, December 30, 1838. He came to Shelby County with his parents and settled on the farm in section 9, Turtle Creek Township, June 8, 1865. He married Miss Sarah J. Fee, daughter of John and Jane Fee, born in Turtle Creek Township, Shelby County, Ohio, November 15, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Steele settled on the southeast quarter of section 9, Turtle Creek Township, remained a few months, and then moved on the farm now owned by W. Fee, same township, and remained four years, or until 1869, when they moved on his father's home farm in section 9, Turtle Creek Township, which is now owned by his widow, Mrs. Sarah J. Steele and son, - William S. Steele, - on which Mr. Steele passed the remainder of his days. He died March 16, 1877.

In the County of Mayo, Ireland, Mr. Hunter was born in December, 1800. He was a son of John and Jane Hunter, who were natives of Ireland. He followed dealing in grain for a number of years while in his native country. In February, 1840, he married Mias Mary Gallagher, born in the county of Mayo, Ireland, in 1818, daughter of Edward and Catharine Gallagher. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter remained in their native county about seven years, or until 1847, when they immigrated to America, sailing from Sligo, Ireland, and after a voyage of six weeks they landed in Quebec, Canada, some time in June. From there they continued their journey on the River St. Lawrence, until they reached Kingston, where they located, until some time in 1848, when they came to Ohio, and located in Cleveland. They remained in Cleveland until in 1851, when they moved to Licking County, Ohio, and remained until in April, 1863, when they came to Shelby County, purchased and moved on the farm in fractional section 33, Turtle Creek Township, now owned and occupied by his widow and children, where Mr. Hunter died March 12, 1878. They reared a family of eight children, viz., John M., Catharine, Martin, James, William, Francis, Mary J., and Anna R. All .are yet living except James, William, and Anna R. Francis Hunter was elected clerk of the court of Shelby County in the fall of 1881, which position he is now filling.

was born in Germany on the 10th day of July, 1828. ne attended school until he had attained the age of fourteen years, when he began working at the baker's trade, and after remaining three years as an apprentice, he began travelling and working at his trade as a journeyman in different places. He continued his travelling about ten years. In 1855 he returned to his home. His inclinations led him to the study of medicine, and while travelling he read medicine until 1862 or '3, when he began practising on the homoeopathic theory, and has since followed the practice of medicine in his own family and among his acquaintances. Some places where he has been located he gained for himself a large practice in his prpfession, meeting with good success. Of late years he has not paid much attention to his profession, but given his attention to farming. He has been married twice. His first marriage was in 1854, with Miss Sophia Cloudies, born in Germany, November 30, 1814, by whom he had two children, one of whom is now living, Fredrica W. P. His companion died in May, 1858. July 18, 1859, he married Miss Henrietta Wenke, born in Germany June 5, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt came to America in 1864, and located in Marion County, Ohio, and remained three years, when they came to Shelby County and settled in the vicinity of Port Jefferson. They remained in that vicinity about three years, when they moved north from Port Jefferson about five miles. In this neighborhood they lived until December, 1880, when he purchased and moved on the farm in section 5, Turtle Creek Township, where they now reside. By his second marriage he has eight children, three sons and five daughters.

a son of Joseph and Jane Sharp, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, August 9,1851. His mother died November 17, 1851. He was brought to Shelby County in 1852 by his father, and placed under the care of Amos Fee, with whom he remained until he grew to manhood. He received his education in the common schools of Turtle Creek Township, and the normal school at Sidney. In October, 1871, he began teaching school, whieh he has since made his vocation during the winter months of each year, and the remainder of his time has been given to farming. He now owns a farm of eighty acres in section 4, Turtle Creek Township, on which he now resides. September 30, 1879, he married Miss Lottie L. Cannon, daughter of Thomas S. and Lovenia Cannon, by whom he has one child, a daughter.

eldest son of Joshua and Jane Russell, was born in Clinton Township, Shelby County, Ohio, March 13, 1837. He received a common school education, also attended school at Sidney several months, but the principal part of his education was obtained by application to his books at home. In 1856 he began teaching school, which he made his vocation during the winter months, about six years; and during the summer months of that time he gave his attention to farming. Since 1862 he has given his undivided attention to farming, stock-raising, and dealing, making cattle a specialty. September 26, 1865, he married Miss Laura A. Beck, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Beck, born in Turtle Creek Township, Shelby County, Ohio. March 23, 1848, Mr. and Mrs. Russell settled on the farm, section 28, Turtle Creek Township, on which they have since resided. They have six children, three sons and three daughters. He filled the office of trustee of Turtle Creek Township two years, and land appraiser one year.

Mr. Moore is a son of John and Sarah Moore. He was born in Warren County, Ohio, near Franklin, December 29, 1813. His education consists of what could be obtained in the common schools. Ho was brought up on a farm, and has made farming his business through life. In 1818 he came to Miami County with his parents, where in November, 1835, he married Miss Mary A. Favorite, then of Miami County, but a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where she was born May 14, 1814. Mr. and Mrs. Moore settled in Miami County, until in the fall of 1850, when they came to Shelby County and settled on a farm in Turtle Creek Township, where they have since resided. They reared a family of six children, viz., Margaret, Almedia, Catharine, Sarah, John W., and Jacob F. Margaret and Sarah are now dead. John W. Moore served near four j'ears in the late war. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea. Mrs. Moore died March 5, 1832.

Mr. McCullough was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, April 29, 1816. He is a son of James and Mary McCullough. His boyhood days were spent on a farm. May 3, 1838, he married Miss Jane Hoey, of Columbiana County, born July 30, 1818. They settled in their native county and remained eight years, when they moved to what is now Auglaize County, Ohio, and settled on 120 acres of land, three miles southwest from Wapakoneta, on which he resided over thirty years. In 1877 he came to Shelby County, and purchased a part of section 25, Turtle Creek Township, where he now resides. His companion died January 11, 1857, leaving five children, viz., Susan, Margaret J., Sophia, James, and John M. John M. died December 23, 1880. December 5, 1861, Mr. McCullough married Margaret Downey, daughter of Walter and Mary Downev, born in Morgan County, Ohio, August 26, 1825, and came to Shelby County in 1852 and settled in Franklin Township. By this union he has two children, Martha A. and Clark D.

deceased, was born in Pennsylvania December 20, 1780. His parents died when he was yet a small boy, and he was brought up among strangers. He came to Ohio some time prior to 1811, and located near Dayton, where on the 3d day of January, 1811, he married Miss Mary Cox, daughter of Benjamin and Hester Cox. Miss Cox was born in Kentucky, November 25, 1793. When she was but five years of age, her father was massacred by the Indians. Miss Cox came to Ohio with her mother and stepfather, and settled near where Fort Loramie was located, some time prior to the year 1810.

Mr. and Mrs. Shaw settled near Fort Loramie, where they remained several years. In 1812 he entered the army, in which he served about one year. In 1821 or '2 they moved to Turtle Creek Township, leased a part of section 30, and remained a few years. He then moved on the William Moore farm north of Hardin, and remained until 1826 or '7, when he purchased twenty acres of land in section 19, Turtle Creek Township, on which he made improvements and moved his family. He afterward purchased sixty acres more, adjoining his first purchase. On this land he passed the remainder of his days. He died July 12, 1849. His companion died January 7, 1875. They reared a family of eight children, Marj*, James, Jane, Hester T., Margaret, John T., Elizabeth W., and Benjamin C.

Mr. Wilson is a son of Jesse and Abigail Wilson, who were pioneers - of Washington Township. He was born in Shelby County, two miles south of Hardin, March 2, 1832. He was educated in the common schools of his native township, and in the schools at Sidney. In 1850, he began teaching school, and has since made ' teaching his profession, teaching at least five or six months during the winter season of each year, excepting four winters, during which time he was engaged in the mercantile business at Hardin Station.

In 1860 he began dealing in general merchandise at Hardin Station, also acting as ticket, express, and freight agent for the C. C. C. and I. R. R., and filled the office of postmaster. In 1867 he retired from the mercantile business, and moved to land in the northeast quarte'r of section 30, in Turtle Creek Township. He has since then made other purchases of laud, until he now owns two hundred acres in the same section. February 11, 1858, he married Miss Mary A. Harrison, daughter of Isaac and Isabella Harrison, then a resident of Perry Township, Shelby County, but a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, where she was born November 11, 1838. By this union he has ten children, four sons and six daughters. Mr. Wilson filled the office of clerk for Turtle Creek Township two years.

deceased, a soldier of the war of 1812, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, July 29, 1775. He was a carpenter and cabinet-maker by trade, which he made his principal vocation for many years, or until his settlement in Shelby County, when he turned his attention to clearing land and farming until his death. He married Miss Jane Ross, born in Virginia in February, 1779. They settled in their native State, and remained until the fall of 1811, when they came to Ohio and located in Greene County, remaining nearly twentj'-three years. In March, 1834, they came to Shelby Co., and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by their son Moses Russell, on which they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Jane Russell, wife of Moses Russell, died February 13, 1845. Mr. Russell died March 13, 1851. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Jane, William, Joshua, Elizabeth R., Moses, Margaret L. R., and Mary J. Only three of the children are now living, viz., William, Joshua, and Moses, all residents of Shelby County. William resides in Franklin Township, Joshua in Clinton Township, and Moses lives on the old home farm in Turtle Creek Township.

Mr. Russell is a son of Moses and Jane Russell, deceased. He was born in Greene County, Ohio, May 25, 1812, where he passed his minority days. In 1834, yet a single man, he came to Shelby County with his parents, and settled in Turtle Creek Township dn the farm where he now resides, in section 16. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns two hundred and fifty acres of good land, eighty acres of which is in Turtle Creek, one hundred and thirty acres in Franklin, and forty acres in Clinton Township. He filled the office of township trustee for Turtle Creek Township about four years. In 1843 he married Miss Mary A. Laughlin, daughter of John and Jane Laughlin. Miss Laughlin was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, August 25, 1819, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1839, and settled in Turtle Creek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Russell settled on his father's home farm in section 16, Turtle Creek Township, where they have since resided. They reared a family of six children, viz., John F., Margaret J., Mattie E., Moses R., Elizabeth A., and Mary B.

eon of William and Letitia Griffis, was born in Warren County, Ohio, February 22, 1829. In 1841 he moved with his parents to Jay County, Indiana, and remained six years, when they returned to Warren County, Ohio. In 1861 he came to Shelby County and located in Turtle Creek Township, where he purchased eighty-seven acres of timber land in the northwest quarter of section 7. March 25, 1862, he married Miss Sarah E., daughter of John N. and Mary Slaybaugh, who was born in Miami County, Ohio, October 1, 1845, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Griffis lived on different farms as tenants until October, 1867, when they moved on their own land in Turtle Creek Township, on which they have since resided. He has since that time made other purchases of land, and now owns a farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres. He has a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters.

deceased, was born in Virginia in 1810. He was brought to Montgomery County, Ohio, by his parents when yet a small boy, where he grew to manhood. In 1834, yet a single man, he came to Shelby Count}- and located in Turtle Creek Township, where he purchased eighty acres of land in section 2, on which he made improvements and passed the remainder of his days. In October, 1843, he married Miss Margaret Shaw, daughter of Thomas and Mary Shaw, born near Hardin. Shell)}- County, Ohio, October 28, 1822. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin settled on his land in Turtle Creek Township, where Mr. Baldwin died September 30, 1874. His companion is living on the home farm. They reared a family of eleven children, five sons and six daughters. Two of the sons are now deceased.

Mr. Baker is a son of Martin and Eve Baker. He was born in Clarke County, Ohio, March 4, 1825. He is a carpenter by trade, which, in connection with farming, has been his avocation through life. Januar}- 5, 1854, he married Miss Sarah, daughter of Daniel Baker, born in Clarke County, Ohio, January 31, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Baker settled in Clarke County and remained a few months, when they came to Shelby County, and moved on the land which now comprises his well-improved farm in section 17, Turtle Creek Township, on which he has since resided. His companion died March 26, 1868. On the 31st day of March, 1874, l e married Miss Sibbie Ensey, daughter of Matthias and Margaret Ensey, born in Sidney, January 3, 1841. Mr. Baker filled the office of trustee of Turtle Creek Township two years.

Mr. Campbell is a son of John and Elizabeth Campbell. He was born in Turtle Creek Township, Shelb}- County, December 28, 1836. He received a common school education. He has made farming his vocation, aud now owns a good farm of one hundred and seventy acres, ninety acres in section 21, and eighty acres in section 20, Turtle Creek Township, on which he is now conducting the business of farming with success. November 21, 1865, he married Miss Malinda Strouse, daughter of Adam and Barbara Strouse. Miss Strouse was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, January 30, 1848, and came to Shelby County with her parents in 1852, who settled on the farm now owned by Jacob Zimmer. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell settled on the farm in Turtle Creek Township, where they now reside. They have two children, Sitlie D. and Sherman S.

In Adams County, Pennsylvania, on the 28th da}- of May, 1812, Mr. Slaybaugh was born. He is a son of John and Susannah Slaybaugh. He received a common school education. In 1837 he came to Ohio and located in Clarke County, where on the 29th day of Deceinber, 1839, he married Miss Mary R. Hatton, of Clarke County, bora in 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Slaybaugh settled in Clarke County and remained until 1842, when they moved to Miami County, remaining nine years. In 1851 they came to Shelby County, and settled on a piece of land in McLean Township, on which they lived eight years, or until 1859, when they moved to Turtle Creek Township, and settled on the land in section 12, which now comprises his improved farm. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Thomas C., Levi, Daniel W., Sarah E., Joseph L., Bathilda C., and Mary W, Daniel W. is now deceased. Mr. Slaybaugh died March 24, 1864. On the 17th day of December, 1864, Mrs. Slaybaugh married Mr. Marley, with whom she is now living. Two of his sons, Thomas C. and Levi, served in the war of 1861.

Mr. Markley is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth Markley. He was born in Maryland March 29, 1820. When he had attained the age of eleven years, or in the fall of 1831, he came to Ohio with his parents, located near Wooster, Wavne County, and remained about eighteen mouths, or until in 1833, when they went to Champaign County, where

Jacob Markley passed his minority days on a farm. In April, 1841, he married Miss Catharine Shanley, of Champaign County, born October 8, 1818, daughter of John and Catharine Shanley. By this union he had three children, only one of whom is now living, viz., John Markley, who resides in Turtle Creek Township. Mrs. Markley died October 17, 1844. On the 24th day of October, 1846, he married Miss Lucinda Latimer, then of Champaign County, daughter of Thomas and Leah Latimer. Miss Latimer was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 25, 1827, and came to Champaign County with her parents in 1839. By this union Mr. Markley had one child, viz., Susannah Markley. In April, 1858, he, with his family, came to Shelby County, and settled on a farm in Salem Township, remaining ten years, or until September, 1868, when they came to Turtle Creek Township, and purchased and moved on a farm of sixty-seven acres in section 7, on which they have since resided.

son of Jacob and Catherine Markley, was horn in Champaign County, Ohio, January 27, 1843, and came to Shelby County with his father in 1858. On October 28, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, 66th O. V. 1., and served his country faithfully until December 22, 1864, when he was honorably discharged from the service. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was engaged in the battles of Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, and several other hard contested battles. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Port Republic, June 9, 1862, and served two months in Lynchburg, Virginia, and one month at Bell Island prison. On the 13th day of September, 1862, he was paroled and sent back to the Union lines. In 1868 he came to Turtle Creek Township, where, on the 14th day of September, 1873, he married Miss Bathilda C., daughter of John N. and Mary R. Slaybaugh, born in Shelby County, Ohio, August 15, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. John Markley settled on the farm in section 12, Turtle Creek Township, on which they have since resided. They have a family of two children, daughters.

Mr. Heston is a native of Adams County, Pennsylvania, born January 22, 1826. When he had attained the age of eleven years, or in 1837, he came to Ohio with his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Heston, and located in Northampton, Clarke County, remaining three years, or until 1840, when they moved to Springfield, where Elizabeth Heston, mother of John E. Heston, died in the fall of 1841. Some time during the winter of 1841-'2 he began working at the cooper trade on Mad River, six miles north of Dayton, where he remained about three montfis, when he came to Piqua, Miami County, where he followed the business of coopering for a number of years. In November, 1848, he married Miss Eliza J. Clark, of Piqua, Ohio, born July 24, 1824, daughter of Isaac and Margaret Clark. By this union he has three children, Dora L., Clara A., and Charles E. Mr. Heston remained in Piqua until 1859, when he moved to Shelby County with his family, and purchased the farm in section 32, Turtle Creek Township, on which he has since resided. Since coming to this county Mr. H. has given a part of his time to his trade in connection with farming, until 1881, when he gave up his business of coopering, and has since that time given Jiis entire attention to farming, which he is now conducting with success. He filled the office of justice of the peace three years.

one of the old class of medical practitioners in this county, was born near Urbana, Ohio, January II, 1816. After receiving such education as the public schools afforded, he attended Miami University, and in 1836 began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Hughes, of Oxford, Ohio. After nearly four years' study at Oxford, he attended one course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, and in 1841 went to Careysville, Champaign County, and began the practice of medicine. Later found him located at Hardin, but in 1843 he returned to Cincinnati, and the next year graduated from the Ohio Medical College of that city, lie then returned to Hardin and resumed the practice of his profession, in which he continued until 1856, when he was elected to the Lower House of the General Assembly. In 1861 he joined the Fremont Body-Guards as assistant surgeon, and served until the disorganization of that body. He then enlisted in the 34th Ohio Zouaves as acting assistant surgeon, but about eighteen months later was promoted to the 'position of surgeon of the 1st Ohio Cavalry. A little later he became brigade surgeon, in which capacity he remained until physical disability necessitated his discharge from the service. Upon his return home he resumed his practice as far as his health would permit, to which he devoted the remainder of his life. He was married April 10, 1845, to Miss Mary J. Betts, who was born in Cincinnati November 1, 1829. Alter an active career of many years, he died March 23, 1874, leaving a wife and six children and a whole community to mourn his loss. His surviving children are named John B., Charles S., Harriet A., Marion F., Carrie M., and Lou F., while Carrie M. and Harriet A. are deceased.

son of Dr. Wilson and Mary J. Cowan, was born in Hardin March 3, 1850. He was educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Mount Union College, and the Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. He then read medicine under Drs. Conklin and Toby at Sidney, Anally graduating from the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati in 1880. He then fully entered upon the practice of medicine at Hardin, where he is still engaged in professional labors. On April 15, 1875, he married Miss Anna M., daughter of William and Margaret Thomas, of this county.

On Mad River, Clarke County, Ohio, Mr. Baker was born July 15, 1831. He is a son of Martin and Eve Baker. In 1854 he came to Shelby County, and settled on the west half of section 16, Turtle Creek Township. On the 18th day of October, 1*55, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Rachel Harshbarger, who was born in Turtle Creek Township, Shelby County, June 14, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Baker settled on bis land, and have since been residents of Turtle Creek Township except four years, three years of which time they were living in Clarke County, Ohio, and one year they spent in the west. They moved on the farm where they now reside in 1876, which is located in section 2, north of boundary line. They hatve a family of five children, two sons and three daughters.

Mr. Burrous was horn in Kent County, Delaware, October 16, 1793. When he had attained the age of seventeen years, or in 1810, he came to Ohio with his uncle, and located in Greene County. April 16, 1812, he entered the army, and served six months. In January, 1816, he married Miss Elizabeth Gray, by whom he reared three children, viz., Elizabeth, Matthias, and Jonathan. Mrs. Burrous died in 1836. Se|>- tembor 4, 1838, he married Miss Maria Verner, who was born January 20, 1810, by whom he lias five children, viz., Anthony, Elizabeth, William, Benjamin, and Mary J. Benjamin and William served in the war of 1861.

In October, 1839, Mr. Burrous came to Shelby County, and settled on a part of section 33, Turtle Creek Township, on which he lias since resided, and made farming his vocation until old age and* feeble health compelled him to retire from business.